Non Fixie Imperial Century day trip 21st August

Road cycling & upcoming rides
Eleri
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Postby Eleri » 02 Jul 2011, 18:20

Non Fixie Imperial Century day trip - Fixies/SS banned
Sunday 21st August 2011

This is part of the Adventure Ride Series.
Ride Leaders: Mike & Eleri

Start time 6.00 am from Marrickville

Bike equipment. It’s mandatory that your bike have gears, fixies and single speeds are banned!

Route – ~160km Marrickville, RNP waterfall in to Wollongong, Jamberoo, round Lake Illawarra and back to Wollongong, train to Sydney.

Who should go on this ride? This will be an ideal ride for newbie Fixie Century riders who will experience a 160km ride over some of the same terrain a month before that big ride and have the opportunity to imagine doing it fixed whilst still getting in some endurance training. And it will be a good long ride for anyone else.

Pace: To complete this ride you should be doing the Waterfall ride with the C 28s and be prepared to challenge yourself. This ride will aim to make sure that everyone is safe and completes the ride but we will have the safety of the whole bunch front of mind. There are bail-out options via the train along the way for anyone who is finding the ride too tough or too long.

How long will this take? Plan for most of the day. There is a train back every hour

Dodgy weather
In case of bad weather, I'll post a cancellation on this thread at 5am on the day
Last edited by Eleri on 16 Jul 2011, 12:32, edited 1 time in total.

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 02 Jul 2011, 21:08

We are working on a route and the draft is looking at;
MM -> Waterfall -> Wollongong -> Robinson (late lunch) -> Mittagong (160k) -> train return

Those who climb faster can spend more time at lunch

Note: There is a 12k hill - Macquaire pass

Options for fast riders;
1. Do Macquarie pass
2. Continue on to Campbelltown to make it 226k
3. Continue to Marrickville to make it

Approximate map => Here

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 07 Jul 2011, 19:25

ooh. Forgot to say I'm coming.

Eleri
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Postby Eleri » 07 Jul 2011, 20:06

ooh. Forgot to say I'm coming.
Excellent. Adam is coming and I think JoSwans (who I have decided to rename Jo the Builder).

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JoTheBuilder
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Postby JoTheBuilder » 07 Jul 2011, 20:13

Haha... I like that. Jo the Builder it is!

I am in!

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 07 Jul 2011, 20:47

And what is it that Jo builds?

Eleri
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Postby Eleri » 07 Jul 2011, 20:51

Really big things

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 07 Jul 2011, 22:39

Cool!

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JoTheBuilder
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Postby JoTheBuilder » 08 Jul 2011, 13:35

Really Big Things...

Image

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Stuart
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Postby Stuart » 08 Jul 2011, 13:44

I'm going to come but will probably bail out at the 'gong. I just can't see myself being interested in doing 160k's in a day.

andrewb
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Postby andrewb » 08 Jul 2011, 15:43

ooh. Forgot to say I'm coming.
me too.

Richard
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Postby Richard » 08 Jul 2011, 15:47

Eleri

Looks good

Will check with the "keeper of the calendar" tonight to confirm.

Mike did you mean Robertson? Only downside of riding up Macquarie Pass later in the day are all the motorcycle racer boys.

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 08 Jul 2011, 16:09

Richard, the plan at this point is to leave super early and have little or no break until we reach Robinson. Hopefully most of the boy racers will still be in bed

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Stuart
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Postby Stuart » 08 Jul 2011, 17:19

Richard, the plan at this point is to leave super early and have little or no break until we reach Robinson. Hopefully most of the boy racers will still be in bed
Assuming you mean Robertson - that's about 130k's with little or no break??!! I'm def bailing at the 'gong!

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 08 Jul 2011, 18:15

That far... mmm... that will mean a break before

michele
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Postby michele » 08 Jul 2011, 20:08

Weather permitting...can't set out in rain! I'll come. Eleri feel free to remind me as I seem to forget the good rides are on!!!

Eleri
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Postby Eleri » 08 Jul 2011, 23:24

That far... mmm... that will mean a break before
Yes, I agree! That's too far without a break. Mike and I will have a proper review of the route maybe next weekend.

Eleri
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Postby Eleri » 16 Jul 2011, 12:17

OK - Mike and I worked out a new route last night that has several advantages over the last one:

- It's pretty close to 160km
- It doesn't make people climb Macquarie pass late in the ride and compete with motorcyclists or do a difficult climb on an empty stomach
- It has a number of options for easily bailing out of the route.

6am start - yes we are starting early
RNP - we'll go Waterfall in, Stanwell Tops out
5 min break at Stanwell Tops for a photo and a quick snack
Breakfast at Thirroul
Lunch at Jamberoo
Return Wollongong via back roads and ride up the coastal side of Lake Illawarra
Train back to Sydenham from Wollongong.

We've also discussed safety and how we will manage this ride and I'll make some changes to reflect that in the first post. It won't be a "no-drop" ride any more because there are a number of bail-out options (ie the train) we'll make sure that those who might want a shorter ride make it to the train station (Albion Park Rail / Wollongong or numerous stations in between Stanwell Park and Wollongong)

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Nozzle
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Postby Nozzle » 18 Jul 2011, 21:54

I'm in for sure....

Noel

Anthony K
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Postby Anthony K » 29 Jul 2011, 10:38

Mike, Put me down as a probable. It's the day after I get back from the snow so injuries permitting I am in.

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 29 Jul 2011, 10:44

Cool, if you think your likely to be coming, then copy the following list into your post and add your name

Eleri
Mike
Camilla
Stuart (to Wollongong)
andrewb
JoSwans
Richard
michele
Noel
Anthony K

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 29 Jul 2011, 14:21

Missed some, now added. If I've missed you, please add yourself.

Also, could you please indicate your normal waterfall bunch

Eleri - C28
Mike - Fasties
Camilla
Stuart (to Wollongong)
andrewb
JoSwans
Richard
michele
Noel
Anthony K
Adam - C28
Olivier
Gloria

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Nozzle
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Postby Nozzle » 29 Jul 2011, 20:05

Eleri - C28
Mike - Fasties
Camilla
Stuart (to Wollongong)
andrewb
JoSwans
Richard
michele
Noel - C28
Anthony K
Adam - C28
Olivier
Gloria

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 30 Jul 2011, 10:16

I took my OCR out for a spin this morning, first time I've ridden it this year. It needs a bit of maintenance....

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Stuart
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Postby Stuart » 30 Jul 2011, 12:28

1. Eleri - C28
2. Mike - Fasties
3. Camilla
4. Stuart - C25 (to Wollongong, or maybe beyond).
5. AndrewB - C25
6. JoSwans - C25
7. Richard
8. Michele P
9. Noel - C28
10. Anthony K
11. Adam - C28
12. Olivier
13. Gloria

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Nozzle
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Postby Nozzle » 04 Aug 2011, 22:24

1. Eleri - C28
2. Mike - Fasties
3. Camilla
4. Stuart - C25 (to Wollongong, or maybe beyond).
5. AndrewB - C25
6. JoSwans - C25
7. Richard
8. Michele P
9. Anthony K
10. Adam - C28

-Noel. Got work on that weekend :(

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Mark H
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Postby Mark H » 05 Aug 2011, 06:37

Hi Eleri, weather permitting count me in too please

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Stuart
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Postby Stuart » 05 Aug 2011, 07:42

Hi Eleri, weather permitting count me in too please
Couldn't add yourself to the list then Mark? :shock:

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 09 Aug 2011, 22:14

Let me help

1. Eleri - C28
2. Mike - C25
3. Camilla
4. Stuart - C25 (to Wollongong, or maybe beyond).
5. AndrewB - C25
6. JoSwans - C25
7. Richard
8. Michele P
9. Anthony K
10. Adam - C28
11. Mark H - Middies

Note: I have downgraded my ability, but will still be on this ride

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Stuart
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Postby Stuart » 16 Aug 2011, 21:53

:lol: at Mike - C25 indeed.

Looks bad re the weather for Sunday. I'll be a non-starter if it's raining.

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 16 Aug 2011, 22:02

I'm on the improve, so I'll upgrade myself to C28

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 17 Aug 2011, 08:38

lol mike
i recon you might be a C26.2. don't get too keen and cause you'r self more pain

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Postby andrewb » 17 Aug 2011, 10:29

lol mike
i recon you might be a C26.2.
Nah, I went to his spin class last night - he seemed to be moving freely, even if not at top form. I'd put him at about C26.7-C27.2, depending of course on barrier draw and the track condition on the day.

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 17 Aug 2011, 10:48

LOL

You might need to recalc those odds as my FD isn't working, so I'll be doing the entire ride in the small ring

Eleri
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Postby Eleri » 17 Aug 2011, 12:58

I'm regrading myself as quite good (mostly)

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Simon Llewellyn
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Postby Simon Llewellyn » 17 Aug 2011, 13:05

I'm confused. Does the bunch you grade yourself actually have any impact on how far you ride or is it planned to break up into more than one bunch defining the grades? Or is this discussion for the fun of defining Mike's level of fitness?

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 17 Aug 2011, 13:46

There will only be one bunch, though there will be sections where riders can ride at their own pace.

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JoTheBuilder
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Postby JoTheBuilder » 17 Aug 2011, 13:47

Given the weather forecast, it might end up being none of the above...!

andrewb
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Postby andrewb » 17 Aug 2011, 14:41

Or is this discussion for the fun of defining Mike's level of fitness?
pretty much :)


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Anthony K
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Postby Anthony K » 18 Aug 2011, 21:08

Alas I have to bail out of this. Gutted I am !!!

1. Eleri - C28
2. Mike - C25
3. Camilla
4. Stuart - C25 (to Wollongong, or maybe beyond).
5. AndrewB - C25
6. JoSwans - C25
7. Richard
8. Michele P
9.
10. Adam - C28
11. Mark H - Middies

Eleri
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Postby Eleri » 20 Aug 2011, 07:13

Alas I have to bail out of this. Gutted I am !!!
:cry:

Weather still uncertain for tomorrow but prognosis looking slightly less dismal for Sydney and Wollongong. We'll make the call at 5am Sunday morning and post here either way.

If we do go, it will be cool but we'll still need to hydrate. I'm taking:
- 2 water bottles (bidons), 1 with water 1 with sports drink
- a small collection of muesli bars and fruit straps an a gel
- money for morning tea, lunch and stuff
- my camera (Stuart see - I do listen to you)
- 2 spare tubes, patch kit and mini-tools, pump
- rain jacket

Don't forget - start is at 6AM and will be at the new meeting place, Marrickville Road Cafe.

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JoTheBuilder
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Postby JoTheBuilder » 20 Aug 2011, 10:34

Thanks Eleri, see you all then...

Money also for the potential train ticket.

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Stuart
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Postby Stuart » 20 Aug 2011, 13:31

We have a small problem - trackwork on the south coast line this weekend with buses replacing trains between Nowra and Wollongong.
Bulky items
Space is sometimes limited aboard train replacement bus services. Be aware that bicycles, surfboards, luggage trolleys and other large items are carried at the driver's discretion - you may have to wait for a bus with space available.

http://www.cityrail.info/service_update ... outh_coast

I'll be bailing at the 'gong as planned :)

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Postby michele » 20 Aug 2011, 13:37

Hi Non Fixie Imperialists. Time poor tomorrow so won't be joining. Enjoy the epic

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Postby skyer » 20 Aug 2011, 16:08

I came and rode a fortnight ago with you guys... thought i'd come for the imperial tomorrow too --- so count me in (C25+?)
Skye

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 20 Aug 2011, 16:48

See you tomorrow Skye.

The track repairs aren't of concern to us.

Past Wollongong on the way out, there is only one significant hill.

I'll have some carrying capacity, so you want to take an extra jacket but can't carry it, then I can.
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Eleri
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Postby Eleri » 21 Aug 2011, 05:00

Weather looks OK. See you at 6am

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geoffs
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Postby geoffs » 21 Aug 2011, 05:13

Cu there @6
I'll be bailing at the gong with stuart

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 21 Aug 2011, 16:14

Mission accomplished, we are on the train. Eta to arrive at German club 5.10pm come and join us for beer and strudel. And to celebrate Jo's win.

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Eleri
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Postby Eleri » 21 Aug 2011, 19:23

We had a great ride now nicely finished off with a beer at the Concordia Club. Sadly the band was not playing :( but a nice lady was delighted to see that I had pockets in the back of my shirt and how handy is that?!!

Our ride started at the cafe at 6am and we found a few extras were tagging along for part of the way - 12 in all. Some people we expected didn't appear (Hales, Richard) but we set of shortly after 6 and caught up with Mark L and Amy at the end of Bestic Street into the expected southeasterly head wind. This seemed scary to me as Mark and Amy appeared to be on the front of our bunch. Fortunately Geoff got a mechanical and we got dropped immediately.

At Waterfall we set good bye to Pete T who headed back to Marrickville and we got ready for the descent into the park with a few RNP first timers and a wet road, we took it gently. At Stanwell Tops we regrouped. When I arrived (after a wait for a flat to be fixed) and despite a cold wind we discovered Adam had already eaten an icecream. As you would. At that point, Pat and Will turned back to Marrickville.

Breakfast at Austinmer and Mark and Amy were patiently waiting for us in the cafe. Given we had no real cafe plan, it was excellent that we met up for a really good breakfast. We went through to Wollongong where Mike flatted. Stuart, Geoff and Jo the Builder headed off to the train and 6 of us continued on determined to do the full ride. By then there was Mike, me, Camilla, Adam, Andrew and Skye.

Still no rain and pretty much ideal conditions as we headed off to Jamberoo and suddenly there were cows everywhere and Camilla had to take a picture because that's what you do when you see cows. We headed up the climb to Jamberoo and found ourselves at the pub. It was a pretty rowdy affair near where we were seated in the garden, right near what looked like Johnny Warren's grave or memorial in the garden. 2 football clubs, one a fine example of how to run a family event and the other out on a mission to get terribly drunk and create havoc. The bad boys, from Bowral, were just nasty and got chucked out so the let the hose loose into the dining area. Nice.

Our coldest part of the day was sitting in this beer garden I think. Soon we were on our way and back through more bucolic countryside until we crossed the highway and found ourselves first in Stepford Wives country before traversing the best of industrial Australia in Port Kembla and back to Wollongong just in time to run onto the train (literally). Mike amused us with some stretching, we ate interesting new energy things that Skye had. Wolli Creek and off to the Concordia Club.

Top marks to Adam and Andrew, neither of whom had done the distance before and who rode strongly all day.

There are pix to come ... I hope.

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JoTheBuilder
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Postby JoTheBuilder » 21 Aug 2011, 22:11

Just before I bailed at the Gong... But a great day out! Thanks for organising Eleri and Mike!

I felt I deserved an afternoon nap but I ended up sleeping for 4 hours...!

Image

andrewb
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Postby andrewb » 21 Aug 2011, 22:15

Thanks & congratulations to all today's Imperial Century-ists for a fabulous day in great company. And to those who joined us for some of the way.

Big respect for the expert navigation & bunch wrangling by Eleri & Mike.

and to top it off the barman at the Concordia club could recommend exactly what beer to have after riding a century.

I had a great day (but I need a lie down now).
Andrew

Richard
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Postby Richard » 22 Aug 2011, 11:59

Eleri

Completely forgot. Turned up for Waterfall yesterday and Michelle said "Aren't you meant to be on the Adventure ride??"
Oops - sorry. Would have been much more fun than a day painting the house.

Hope the wind and weather was kind for you all.

Richard

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Postby PatW » 22 Aug 2011, 13:24

A great ride, in fine company indeed. A quick thank you, Eleri & Mike for organising the ride, assistance with mechanicals, and Mike for suggesting the abridged return route from Stanwell Tops via the Old H'way rather than the return climb back out through RNP. As it was the 120k door-to-door, a hearty feed and a couple of pinots was enough to induce a very solid 8-hour coma. Cheers.

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Stuart
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Postby Stuart » 22 Aug 2011, 13:24

had a fun ride too and admire those who can keep up the peddling for 160k's. Thanks to Eleri & Mike for the organising and to Camilla for the fine breakfast cafe knowledge. I was glad to be on the train at the 'gong, although I did stuff up the timetable so we waited till 11:50 for the train - only 20 mins out. (oh & Jo the builder I owe you $10 - get it off Jo at RAW this week).

Here's some more pics, possibly showing that the iPhone4 camera is better than a Blackberry Bold 9700 camera.

we were waiting for those who were helping with Pat's flat - perfectly compose to show the seabridge .. kinda
Image

Breakfast 1
Image

Breakfast 2
Image

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Trouty
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Postby Trouty » 22 Aug 2011, 14:41

(oh & Jo the builder I owe you $10 - get it off Jo at RAW this week)
Well Stu, you better pay me the $10 bucks first, not sure I can trust you to pay it back to me?

Jo the builder: Never trust a man wearing a DHBC jersey they say!!

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JoTheBuilder
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Postby JoTheBuilder » 22 Aug 2011, 15:10

Haha. The alternative was to leave Stuart on the platform until the rest of the group came along at 5pm. :lol:

And it was only $7.80.

andrewb
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Postby andrewb » 22 Aug 2011, 16:39

Haha. The alternative was to leave Stuart on the platform until the rest of the group came along at 5pm. :lol:

And it was only $7.80.

Wouldn't have been that bad -ended up being circa 4pm, and (cough) somewhat less than $7.80
Andrew

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 24 Aug 2011, 11:25

Have to say the ride was a stunning success. I was concerned about my core fitness and to be honest I couldn't of done it the previous week, but it held up.

Image
Breakie

Image
One rider is no longer a velodrome virgin

Image
Victory lap

Image
Camilla returns to the hill that is never to be spoken of (2009)

Eleri
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Postby Eleri » 24 Aug 2011, 20:02

Have to say the ride was a stunning success. I was concerned about my core fitness and to be honest I couldn't of done it the previous week, but it held up.
Mike, you looked pretty good on the bike. I know it hurts but it didn't look like you were hurting. It was a good ride.


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