Not much to talk about really. Been riding, working, riding, sleeping, working, not necessarily in that order or priority. Seems like an endless merry-go-round.
The last few weeks I haven't raced due to either prior commitments, poor weather or lack of enthusiasm. But I have been getting out with the Club on the Sunday Waterfall ride. These rides are now just plain fast, what was once a very quick ride (back in Centennial by 9:15am) is now very much the norm. The last 3 weeks we have been back in the Park sipping coffee by this time. And, I've been doing work on the front of the bunch each week, and doing turns in the paceline back to Sutherland. Needless to say I'm getting stronger and faster each week. While not at the top of my form, I can see it from here, and know what needs to be done to get there.
Last weekend BTi and I did a Saturday roll out to Kurnell. It was good to get out for a slightly more casual and social ride for a change. Before setting out, I put the Zipp wheels onto my bike to give them a good roll out. BTi is still suffering with his neck, but this doesn't seem to deter him from riding, even though he obviously suffers by the end of the ride. Naturally, breakfast was compulsory at the First Drop. Riding home after brekky, GK drove past, and gave us a bit of a serve via text message - secret miles he claimed! Of course, I left my camera at home for the day, so sorry no pics.
This coming Saturday (04 April 09) is the first of the Club Championship rounds for the year - the dreaded Heffron 1 lap - 2km of all out effort (I can almost hear Hamster saying "Only 2 more back breaking kilometres to go" in that dodgy French accent). Gradings for the year will be based on this, so lets see how I go. I'm hoping to go close or better my personal best of 3:08, and that should put me into B Grade again. I've got some form on the board, and the Zipps are primed, so now it is just up to me to put in and "have a go" on the day. I've come up with the following cunning plan - "Go hard, and then go harder". Will update next week with the result.
I've also started to put together a plan for Open Races this year. My first target will likely be the Cootamundra Haycarters in early May. A group from the Club is going down at Easter for a sneak view/recon of the course, and then for the race a few weeks later, so it could be a couple of good weekends if I can get onboard.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Race 2, 2009
Race Report
Location: Heffron Park - Club Racing (Cat 4)
Grade: C Grade
Race Distance: 28.5km (14 laps)
My Average Speed: 35.7km/hr (48:00 mins)
Placing: 6th - bunch sprint
Conditions: Windy, NE, tailwind down the main finishing straight, but block headwind on the back of the course, although not as bad as previous weeks. Temperature about 27C. Sunny.
After a few weeks off due to weather (see previous blog) I was a little nervous at the start. I settled into the back of the bunch early to get the rhythm of the race.
After 3 or 4 laps a few riders were starting to feel the pinch so I moved up into the middle of the bunch so I didn't get tailed off. I gradually moved into the top 6 riders at the front of the bunch after a minor split happened on lap 6, and I wanted to make sure I was in the break if it happened and stayed away. Unfortunately, after bridging across and doing the hard work, it all came back together again about half a lap later. On laps 7 and 8 I did one big turn on the front of the bunch, for 2 full laps, stretching the field out. When the next rider attacked on lap 9, the bunch started falling apart, but I was in the lead group of 10 or so riders.
With 4 laps remaining, the attacks came thick and fast when we had the tailwind, but I didn't feel in any danger at that time. On lap 12, a young rider and myself were on the front driving the bunch, but unfortunately we couldn't get away. Coming up to the bell, the usual attacks occurred, but they were easily covered by the time we hit the headwind on the back half of the course - it was going to come down to a bunch sprint.
This week I felt far more comfortable in the bunch than my first race. I felt I paced myself well, moved through the bunch when I had to, read the race, and cornered better than the first week which was really pleasing. It feels like everything is coming back together and now my confidence is up for next week. Maybe I'll even have a go at creating a breakaway.
Location: Heffron Park - Club Racing (Cat 4)
Grade: C Grade
Race Distance: 28.5km (14 laps)
My Average Speed: 35.7km/hr (48:00 mins)
Placing: 6th - bunch sprint
Conditions: Windy, NE, tailwind down the main finishing straight, but block headwind on the back of the course, although not as bad as previous weeks. Temperature about 27C. Sunny.
After a few weeks off due to weather (see previous blog) I was a little nervous at the start. I settled into the back of the bunch early to get the rhythm of the race.
After 3 or 4 laps a few riders were starting to feel the pinch so I moved up into the middle of the bunch so I didn't get tailed off. I gradually moved into the top 6 riders at the front of the bunch after a minor split happened on lap 6, and I wanted to make sure I was in the break if it happened and stayed away. Unfortunately, after bridging across and doing the hard work, it all came back together again about half a lap later. On laps 7 and 8 I did one big turn on the front of the bunch, for 2 full laps, stretching the field out. When the next rider attacked on lap 9, the bunch started falling apart, but I was in the lead group of 10 or so riders.
With 4 laps remaining, the attacks came thick and fast when we had the tailwind, but I didn't feel in any danger at that time. On lap 12, a young rider and myself were on the front driving the bunch, but unfortunately we couldn't get away. Coming up to the bell, the usual attacks occurred, but they were easily covered by the time we hit the headwind on the back half of the course - it was going to come down to a bunch sprint.
Exiting out of the netball courts, I found myself a little boxed in, and when the jump came, I lost about 4 bike lengths. Still, I managed to get free at the top of the straight and gave it my all chasing the leaders, even though the race was already lost. The good thing was that I was slowly catching them so my speed is slowly coming back (max speed 55km/hr). At the line I'd finished 6th and about 30-50 metres behind the winner.
This week I felt far more comfortable in the bunch than my first race. I felt I paced myself well, moved through the bunch when I had to, read the race, and cornered better than the first week which was really pleasing. It feels like everything is coming back together and now my confidence is up for next week. Maybe I'll even have a go at creating a breakaway.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sydney Weather - make up your mind....
Well, its been a few weeks since my last confession - I mean blog. So what has happened. Well, lots really, and not much at all. Confused - me too!
It started out to be a good month. I've been training pretty hard, and got in the miles as needed. After my first race, I was really keen to get back into it. But lately the weather has had more of a say in that.
7th February 2009
Sydney absolutely scorches. At about 2:30pm I checked the weather, and its 38C outside - yep on a calibrated thermometer. Not wishing to push my luck, I decide to give racing a miss for the week.
14th February 2009
Rained, rained, and plenty of it. Racing is cancelled due to the track being flooded in some places.
21st February 2009
Rained in the morning, and then as if right on cue, 2:30pm down she came again. I waited a little longer, bike already in car ready to go for a 4pm start. BTi called and said he wasn't going to spectate, and it just got harder. In the end I didn't head to Heffron, but heard the following morning on the Club Waterfall Ride racing was again cancelled.
So. I'm looking forward to some more settled weather, and some decent days so I can get my butt back into racing. Yes, I'm frustrated.
Club Rides
Lately I've been heading to Waterfall with the Club bunch, and let me tell you, the pace has been on from the start. A few weeks ago, they changed the roll-off from the front of the bunch. Instead of the front two riders rolling off (one left, one right) to the back of the bunch, everyone now rotates as if in a massive team time trial, rolling from front right, to front left, to second wheel left etc, etc, after doing a 5-10 minute stint on the front.
Yesterday, the bunch was sitting comfortably on about 40km/hr heading out around the Bay. I dropped my chain at the top of Taren Point Road on the way out. I was forced to chase (my fault) and just got back on the bunch at the highway after Sutherland. I then got cut off from the bunch at the highway when another rider baulked at the crossing after the lights, and a stream of traffic meant the bunch got away again, this time I didn't get back on until I reached the Service Station back at Sutherland. Coming home, was quick, with an occassional slight tailwind, but we were back in the Park at 9:10am, and I'd averaged over 34km/hr for the day.
All good training, and the weather looks promising for next Saturday! Well, so far.
It started out to be a good month. I've been training pretty hard, and got in the miles as needed. After my first race, I was really keen to get back into it. But lately the weather has had more of a say in that.
7th February 2009
Sydney absolutely scorches. At about 2:30pm I checked the weather, and its 38C outside - yep on a calibrated thermometer. Not wishing to push my luck, I decide to give racing a miss for the week.
14th February 2009
Rained, rained, and plenty of it. Racing is cancelled due to the track being flooded in some places.
21st February 2009
Rained in the morning, and then as if right on cue, 2:30pm down she came again. I waited a little longer, bike already in car ready to go for a 4pm start. BTi called and said he wasn't going to spectate, and it just got harder. In the end I didn't head to Heffron, but heard the following morning on the Club Waterfall Ride racing was again cancelled.
So. I'm looking forward to some more settled weather, and some decent days so I can get my butt back into racing. Yes, I'm frustrated.
Club Rides
Lately I've been heading to Waterfall with the Club bunch, and let me tell you, the pace has been on from the start. A few weeks ago, they changed the roll-off from the front of the bunch. Instead of the front two riders rolling off (one left, one right) to the back of the bunch, everyone now rotates as if in a massive team time trial, rolling from front right, to front left, to second wheel left etc, etc, after doing a 5-10 minute stint on the front.
Yesterday, the bunch was sitting comfortably on about 40km/hr heading out around the Bay. I dropped my chain at the top of Taren Point Road on the way out. I was forced to chase (my fault) and just got back on the bunch at the highway after Sutherland. I then got cut off from the bunch at the highway when another rider baulked at the crossing after the lights, and a stream of traffic meant the bunch got away again, this time I didn't get back on until I reached the Service Station back at Sutherland. Coming home, was quick, with an occassional slight tailwind, but we were back in the Park at 9:10am, and I'd averaged over 34km/hr for the day.
All good training, and the weather looks promising for next Saturday! Well, so far.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Back into Racing - Race 1, 2009
Well, after missing regular Saturday racing at Heffron Park since July 2005, I was back on the weekend. A little nervous to be back, but hoping for a good ride. I was given a start in C Grade - back where I left off.
As per usual at Heffron, it was windy, blowing a solid Nor'Easter, which meant a great tailwind down the main finishing straight, but also a block headwind on the back of the course.
Race Distance 28.5km, my Average Speed 34.3km/hr
(not bad given A Grade was under 38km/hr, B Grade just over 35km/hr)
I felt like I had a good race, and paced myself well. I cornered really well after the first 2 laps, which was really pleasing. I had to chase a few times when the bunch split up, but was okay to bridge across. Unfortunately, I mentally switched off with 2 to go and missed the bunch jumping on the B Grade breakaway that had just passed by - illegally of course. The pace was then a little too high for me to get across into the wind on my own. That was the only disappointing part. Still finished in the top half of the original starters, and about 45 seconds after the winner.
Good news was BTi was in my corner offering support. Not sure why he yelled out "attack Greggie, you've got 'em" after only 4 laps of 14, but I'm sure it was a tactical measure to put everyone else off. Thanks BTi. Good to see you are on the mend - as slow as it is.
BTi telling the Commissaires I've been doing heaps of miles and shouldn't be in C Grade
I hope it isn't as windy next week, to test my legs out even more. And maybe the Zipps....
As per usual at Heffron, it was windy, blowing a solid Nor'Easter, which meant a great tailwind down the main finishing straight, but also a block headwind on the back of the course.
Race Distance 28.5km, my Average Speed 34.3km/hr
(not bad given A Grade was under 38km/hr, B Grade just over 35km/hr)
I felt like I had a good race, and paced myself well. I cornered really well after the first 2 laps, which was really pleasing. I had to chase a few times when the bunch split up, but was okay to bridge across. Unfortunately, I mentally switched off with 2 to go and missed the bunch jumping on the B Grade breakaway that had just passed by - illegally of course. The pace was then a little too high for me to get across into the wind on my own. That was the only disappointing part. Still finished in the top half of the original starters, and about 45 seconds after the winner.
Good news was BTi was in my corner offering support. Not sure why he yelled out "attack Greggie, you've got 'em" after only 4 laps of 14, but I'm sure it was a tactical measure to put everyone else off. Thanks BTi. Good to see you are on the mend - as slow as it is.
BTi telling the Commissaires I've been doing heaps of miles and shouldn't be in C GradeI hope it isn't as windy next week, to test my legs out even more. And maybe the Zipps....
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Jindabyne Training Camp
After a few weeks off the bike due to business trips and the like, I headed off for the annual Randwick Botany CC training camp in Jindabyne. The 3 day camp includes rides up to Dead Horse Gap (and up the other side for those that are keen to do what is arguably Australias toughest climb), Charlottes Pass, and the Dalgety loop, and there is the warm-up ride for those that arrive early.
Having enough of work and the hectic travel schedule, I headed down a day early and prepared for the days ahead. Driving through Cooma in the late afternoon, I was confronted with an awesome thunderstorm. And the winds had picked up considerably over the last 100km or so. Arriving in Jindabyne, the storm had quickly passed, thanks to the wild winds.
Day 0. Warm-up Ride: 1:50 ride, 45km, 600m climbing
Waking up early, I was hoping the winds from the previous night would have abated, but unfortunately this was not the case. Winds up to 60km/hr and gusts much higher than that (up to 90km/hr were recorded at the local weather station) were the order of the day.
Finally, people started arriving at about 11:30am, much later than the expected time. By the time a group had assembled, it was a late start, about 1pm, as we started up the road towards Perisher Valley. As the winds grew stronger, we turned around and Rennix Walk, about 6km short of Perisher. Decending was tricky as gusts blew everyone over the road. It wasn't consistent from any direction, making it even worse. Still, a good first ride after 3 weeks to get the legs warmed up for the weekend.
Day 1. Dead Horse Gap: 3:15 ride, 82km, 1400m climbing
With almost everyone now assembled at the base camp in Jindy, todays ride was to take us up to Dead Horse Gap, and for those inclined, take on what is arguably Australias Toughest Climb. The winds were still blowing, and sometimes felt stronger than the previous day, maybe due to being a bit more exposed on this route.
The assembled masses.
On the way out, we were somewhat protected from the winds until we came to the summit of Crackenback, where we were almost blown off our bikes. Climbing was hard because you are going 13-16km/hr and gusts almost stopped you dead or blew you over.
Here the bunch waits for stragglers at the top of Crackenback
Finally at the top of Dead Horse Gap (about 8km beyond Thredbo), the winds were pretty horrendous, so I, along with a few others such as Chris White, gave the decent and climb of Dead Horse Gap a miss for this year. I was disappointed, but also realised that 3 weeks off the bike, and the prevailing conditions would probably mean the next couple of days would be a real struggle if I had done it.
Decending was a real headache and quite challenging when you are being blown all over the road. On the return run, some of the big gusts confirmed I made the right decision, but I was still able to crack 80km/hr on some of the smoother decent sections. When those that did take on the extra climb returned, all but a few indicated they wished they had taken the early return option.
Day 2. Charlottes Pass: 3:15 ride, 82km, 1700m climbing
Finally, the winds have dropped, and it turns out to be a picture perfect day with clear blue skies, so I wasn't as nervous on the bike, and my legs felt much better. I dropped my bunch on the way out about 25km from Charlottes Pass, solo attack of course. About 5km from the top and just after I passed solo through Perisher Valley, 3 riders bridged across to me, and we finished about 5 minutes ahead of the next riders and about 10 minutes on the main bunch.
Decending today was a lot of fun - the long sweeping decents made it pretty easy going. I was chasing most of the way after I had to stop at Perisher Valley to get a wasp out of my helmet - little bugger wouldn't come out and was crawling around. At least it didn't sting me, unlike the one on Marie Blanc in 2006.
Day 3. Dalgety Loop: 3:15 ride, 83km, 1200m climbing
Another special day. Very little wind, sun shining, and today would be a much flatter day, with generally rolling hills.
The main decent was probably the steepest drop I have ever ridden - and that includes the Forclaz. Unfortunately, Bucko and Knuckles set up a rolling road block so I couldn't get around them, but I'm not sure I wanted too anyway. I don't remember it being that steep the last time I was down here, but I would hate to go the opposite direction. The rolling hills on the ride were not as hard as the previous days, but taxing on the legs nonetheless as there were so many of them.
So, another training camp over, and about 290km in the legs, things are starting to come back together after a few weeks off the bike.
Having enough of work and the hectic travel schedule, I headed down a day early and prepared for the days ahead. Driving through Cooma in the late afternoon, I was confronted with an awesome thunderstorm. And the winds had picked up considerably over the last 100km or so. Arriving in Jindabyne, the storm had quickly passed, thanks to the wild winds.
Day 0. Warm-up Ride: 1:50 ride, 45km, 600m climbing
Waking up early, I was hoping the winds from the previous night would have abated, but unfortunately this was not the case. Winds up to 60km/hr and gusts much higher than that (up to 90km/hr were recorded at the local weather station) were the order of the day.
Finally, people started arriving at about 11:30am, much later than the expected time. By the time a group had assembled, it was a late start, about 1pm, as we started up the road towards Perisher Valley. As the winds grew stronger, we turned around and Rennix Walk, about 6km short of Perisher. Decending was tricky as gusts blew everyone over the road. It wasn't consistent from any direction, making it even worse. Still, a good first ride after 3 weeks to get the legs warmed up for the weekend.
Day 1. Dead Horse Gap: 3:15 ride, 82km, 1400m climbing
With almost everyone now assembled at the base camp in Jindy, todays ride was to take us up to Dead Horse Gap, and for those inclined, take on what is arguably Australias Toughest Climb. The winds were still blowing, and sometimes felt stronger than the previous day, maybe due to being a bit more exposed on this route.
The assembled masses.On the way out, we were somewhat protected from the winds until we came to the summit of Crackenback, where we were almost blown off our bikes. Climbing was hard because you are going 13-16km/hr and gusts almost stopped you dead or blew you over.
Here the bunch waits for stragglers at the top of CrackenbackFinally at the top of Dead Horse Gap (about 8km beyond Thredbo), the winds were pretty horrendous, so I, along with a few others such as Chris White, gave the decent and climb of Dead Horse Gap a miss for this year. I was disappointed, but also realised that 3 weeks off the bike, and the prevailing conditions would probably mean the next couple of days would be a real struggle if I had done it.
Decending was a real headache and quite challenging when you are being blown all over the road. On the return run, some of the big gusts confirmed I made the right decision, but I was still able to crack 80km/hr on some of the smoother decent sections. When those that did take on the extra climb returned, all but a few indicated they wished they had taken the early return option.
Day 2. Charlottes Pass: 3:15 ride, 82km, 1700m climbing
Finally, the winds have dropped, and it turns out to be a picture perfect day with clear blue skies, so I wasn't as nervous on the bike, and my legs felt much better. I dropped my bunch on the way out about 25km from Charlottes Pass, solo attack of course. About 5km from the top and just after I passed solo through Perisher Valley, 3 riders bridged across to me, and we finished about 5 minutes ahead of the next riders and about 10 minutes on the main bunch.
Decending today was a lot of fun - the long sweeping decents made it pretty easy going. I was chasing most of the way after I had to stop at Perisher Valley to get a wasp out of my helmet - little bugger wouldn't come out and was crawling around. At least it didn't sting me, unlike the one on Marie Blanc in 2006.
Day 3. Dalgety Loop: 3:15 ride, 83km, 1200m climbing
Another special day. Very little wind, sun shining, and today would be a much flatter day, with generally rolling hills.
The main decent was probably the steepest drop I have ever ridden - and that includes the Forclaz. Unfortunately, Bucko and Knuckles set up a rolling road block so I couldn't get around them, but I'm not sure I wanted too anyway. I don't remember it being that steep the last time I was down here, but I would hate to go the opposite direction. The rolling hills on the ride were not as hard as the previous days, but taxing on the legs nonetheless as there were so many of them.
So, another training camp over, and about 290km in the legs, things are starting to come back together after a few weeks off the bike.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Canada! In January?
After a good break over Christmas and New Year, and plenty of not-so-secret miles, I returned to work to discover I was to be sent off to visit a supplier in Canada. In the middle of our summer, meaning the middle of their winter.... And training and ALL social activities would be temporarily suspended. Bugger!
View from my hotel window
Picturesque Lake Ontario - the serenity!
The days leading up to my departure were 35C, 38C and 41C respectively out at the Office. Flying out on the Thursday, Sydney was a respectable 25C again, but I wasn't looking forward to the minus 20C (-20C) I was going to be greeted with just east 160km of Toronto. Hamster, enjoy your winter, mate, you can keep it! Although it was fantastic to experience just a few days of it.
View from my hotel windowWorkwise, it was a very successful trip, and one made even the more worthwhile with the hospitality of the suppliers staff, which was truly fantastic. In fact, I'm hoping I get the opportunity to go back one day soon, perhaps when the weather is a little bit warmer.
Picturesque Lake Ontario - the serenity!Returning home, I was greeted by +30C temperatures, which I'm still trying to aclimatise too. I'll get there.
The day after arriving home, I was off to the Upper Hunter Valley for a mates wedding. Great weekend, great wedding. Good luck, Sean & Brigid.
Now, where did I leave off...??
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Jamberoo Classic
Sunday 4th January 2009 saw the 6th Annual running of the Johnny Warren Jamberoo Classic ride, a charity ride for the Sydney Cancer Foundation. Starting at Sutherland, the ride is broken into 3 stages:
Stage 1: Sutherland to Otford
Stage 2: Otford to Wollongong
Stage 3: Wollongong to Jamberoo
Click for a larger image
Stage 1 (28.9km, 59:53 secs, Ave Speed 29.0km/hr)
Fair going. A bit of cyclist traffic to navigate along to Waterfall and into the Park until clear air meant some faster turns, particularly on the climb out of the Royal National Park. Was the first time I've been involved in a paceline on a climb - interesting experience. Regrouping at Otford Cafe was a good chance to refuel and take on extra fluids.
Stage 2 (30.3km, 55:58 secs, Ave Speed 32.5km/hr)
Taking the drop from Otford was great as always - quick, and very few riders around to slow us down. I got away with two other Randwick Botany riders and I held the front pretty much all the way to Wollongong (yes, I was on the front and driving - unusual but true). I actually eased up a little at one point to stop dropping riders from our small select group of about 12 riders. Stopping at Wollongong to regroup, the sun was now out in full force, and a tailwind was starting to pick up.
Willy recovers in the shade ready for the final stage
You can tell I'm having a good day - I'm smiling!
Stage 3 (37.2km, 1:06:09 secs, Ave Speed 33.7km/hr)
This was awesome! I got away with the front bunch just behind the safety car. In amongst these guys were some A Grade riders who really drove the pace. The course was fairly flat, but unfortunately, there were lots of traffic lights heading south, but the general speed was between 40-45km/hr when we were rolling. And I even got to do a turn on the front. This was tops, and the bunch kept getting smaller and smaller. From Albion Park, the course turned inland via "Swamp Road". Unfortunately, the safety car led my bunch the wrong way and we missed the turn-off. As we backtracked about 200m, I lost the stronger riders and had to make my own way, stranded between the lead bunch and the next group - no-mans-land. I expected this to be a shocker, but instead I was powering along this gently undulating valley road picking up riders that had dropped off the lead bunch. The tailwind had really kicked in by now and sitting on 40km/hr was comfortable all the way into Jamberoo.
Finish Line - the Jamberoo Pub - no ananas here unfortunately.
The only unfortunate part of the whole day was BTi having to pull out on the morning of the ride due to ongoing issues after his crash. The intention was always to get the train back to Sutherland. This was a bit of shambles, and I ended up getting a courtesy bus back to Albion Park Rail and having to wait for about 90 minutes for a train, and then stand for 2 hours with my bike due to the train being full.
All in all, this was a great ride. Sometimes it was a bit hard to find directions, but the weather and tailwind certainly made for a good day on the bike. I'll do it again, but I'll make sure I have definite arrangements at the finish.
Smarty
Stage 1: Sutherland to Otford
Stage 2: Otford to Wollongong
Stage 3: Wollongong to Jamberoo
Click for a larger imageStage 1 (28.9km, 59:53 secs, Ave Speed 29.0km/hr)
Fair going. A bit of cyclist traffic to navigate along to Waterfall and into the Park until clear air meant some faster turns, particularly on the climb out of the Royal National Park. Was the first time I've been involved in a paceline on a climb - interesting experience. Regrouping at Otford Cafe was a good chance to refuel and take on extra fluids.
Stage 2 (30.3km, 55:58 secs, Ave Speed 32.5km/hr)
Taking the drop from Otford was great as always - quick, and very few riders around to slow us down. I got away with two other Randwick Botany riders and I held the front pretty much all the way to Wollongong (yes, I was on the front and driving - unusual but true). I actually eased up a little at one point to stop dropping riders from our small select group of about 12 riders. Stopping at Wollongong to regroup, the sun was now out in full force, and a tailwind was starting to pick up.
Willy recovers in the shade ready for the final stage
You can tell I'm having a good day - I'm smiling!
Stage 3 (37.2km, 1:06:09 secs, Ave Speed 33.7km/hr)
This was awesome! I got away with the front bunch just behind the safety car. In amongst these guys were some A Grade riders who really drove the pace. The course was fairly flat, but unfortunately, there were lots of traffic lights heading south, but the general speed was between 40-45km/hr when we were rolling. And I even got to do a turn on the front. This was tops, and the bunch kept getting smaller and smaller. From Albion Park, the course turned inland via "Swamp Road". Unfortunately, the safety car led my bunch the wrong way and we missed the turn-off. As we backtracked about 200m, I lost the stronger riders and had to make my own way, stranded between the lead bunch and the next group - no-mans-land. I expected this to be a shocker, but instead I was powering along this gently undulating valley road picking up riders that had dropped off the lead bunch. The tailwind had really kicked in by now and sitting on 40km/hr was comfortable all the way into Jamberoo.
Finish Line - the Jamberoo Pub - no ananas here unfortunately.
The only unfortunate part of the whole day was BTi having to pull out on the morning of the ride due to ongoing issues after his crash. The intention was always to get the train back to Sutherland. This was a bit of shambles, and I ended up getting a courtesy bus back to Albion Park Rail and having to wait for about 90 minutes for a train, and then stand for 2 hours with my bike due to the train being full.
All in all, this was a great ride. Sometimes it was a bit hard to find directions, but the weather and tailwind certainly made for a good day on the bike. I'll do it again, but I'll make sure I have definite arrangements at the finish.
Smarty
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