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Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 12 Sep 2011, 17:17
by Eleri
A colleague from work rides with a bunch called Zeal of Zebras. They are from the North side but ride up to Waterfall about once a month. They are distinguishable by their zebra kit - you may have seen them. Here is an invite from them for a ride with some of the Porsche Drapac team, extended to anyone who wants to join in from DHBC for a 70km flat ride @ 30kph on 27/10/11. Here is the message verbatim.

Team,
It’s been a while since I organised something different and in keeping with my need to chase new experiences I’ve decided I’d like to organise a Sydney morning ride with some pro riders for a morning. I met some of the Porsche Drapac guys from Melbourne when they were in Sydney and as they are sponsored by Giant they said they would come and have a ride with me. I picked the above date so that we had something to plan for. If I had a goal for this ride it would be to show how we can share the road and enjoy riding safely. Of course this will be a test coming back from Kurnell in peak hour traffic but I also love a challenge.

Nick Bonich is liaising with Porsche Drapac and Jordi, who manages MC Cyclery on Clarence Street said to me that he’d arrange for Rock Star Racing to join us as well. Given that we have a few old rockers in the group it seems appropriate to me. Jordi and Des are keen to join us and Des thinks we'll battle to be back by 8.30am but time is important and we know what power we generate as a group.

It’s pretty cool to go and have a 2.5 hr ride with Pro and Semi Pro riders but the Zeal are pretty used to organised rides. One of the really great things we can do whilst enjoying ourselves is to educate the community as well. The great thing we have done with the Zeal is to learn to share the road with drivers and enjoy the experience. Clover Moore called me a “Road Warrior” but I’m no Mad Max. I’m just a guy who needs to exercise, requires half an excuse to go somewhere, has made some fabulous friends and respects motorists. Sure my bike handling and sprinting prowess are impressive skills but that’s another story.

This ride will be organised because at its heart are the Zeal of Zebras. Now you can talk pro and semi pro all day but the Zeal are unique. Just having a drink with one of the Zeal is life changing. These riders will take the peloton out and yet be prepared to come home with a slow rider who is struggling. The phrase “Never leave a rider behind” was coined by Chuck Norris when he once rode with the Zeal and he prides his Zeal life membership over the Purple Heart and Silver Star he was awarded in the movie, Delta Force.

This ride is the perfect opportunity to come along and learn how to ride in a bunch. In this ride you will be spoken to kindly and encouraged. This is about learning and enjoying group riding not being left behind. So if you have ridden 70 km before at an average pace of 30 km per hr you will be fine. We’ve picked a flat track which starts at the Opera House at 6.00am leaving at 6.10am and heads to Kurnell. We’ll then return to the city and subject to traffic conditions arrive at the Town Hall around 8.30am.

This ride is not a professional ride, it is a loosely organised friendly ride which simply aims to give everyone a new experience. There are no plans for Police, to receive money or to closure roads. We’ll have to meet the day’s weather conditions and traffic head on and not whinge. Once we get back to Town Hall the Mayor may find our numbers useful to her support for bike lanes but that's also another story.

So far I have interest from Unfashionable, The Box (aka Mark Dorney), The Auditor, B Sample, MC Cyclery, Rock Star Racing, UnClogged, Iron Chef – Malaysia, Pit Stop, Showgirl, Lex and others. I think we’ll get 50 and then some more and then we might go viral to build up a monster peloton. I'd be surprised if we don't have 100.

This is all about education and fun so I hope you will register your interest with me and come riding. Oh and if you are worried about the weather and if I'll turn up then don't I'll be there waiting with Chuck Norris.


Cheers

Zebra

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 12 Sep 2011, 22:49
by Dougie
Tres funny. I would like to meet Zebra

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 13 Sep 2011, 00:05
by mikesbytes
On Sunday, I overtook 4 bunches on the way out, DHBC, RBCC and 2 others I hadn't seen before, was one of them this one?

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 13 Sep 2011, 06:47
by Eleri
On Sunday, I overtook 4 bunches on the way out, DHBC, RBCC and 2 others I hadn't seen before, was one of them this one?
I don't know Mike. Did they look like zebras on bikes?
Tres funny. I would like to meet Zebra


You'd fit right in Dougie!

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 13 Sep 2011, 14:49
by kiwiames
On Sunday, I overtook 4 bunches on the way out, DHBC, RBCC and 2 others I hadn't seen before, was one of them this one?
haha yeah Mike I was in that DHBC bunch (there was only one bunch on Sunday) and we caught you back on the Kingsway. You obviously couldnt maintain the pace at which you passed us and randwick :-)..

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 13 Sep 2011, 14:56
by mikesbytes
Had to slow down for the owner of the bike I was riding, he was feeling crook :( Then Lacey and I cranked it again in RNP 8)

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 13 Sep 2011, 15:05
by kiwiames
Had to slow down for the owner of the bike I was riding, he was feeling crook The Lacey and I cranked it again in RNP

O Silly me - of course you slowed down. Your just to freakin fit mike.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 13 Sep 2011, 15:10
by mikesbytes
LOL, fit but not super human.

The TT bike flys on the flat, even with my road bike wheels. Choppo has lent me some Reynolds wheels with singles, so should be a bit quicker.

All I need is a disk wheel...

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 13 Sep 2011, 18:23
by Stuart
Pity it's 30kph avg. Sounds like fun.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 13 Sep 2011, 18:53
by Eleri
Pity it's 30kph avg. Sounds like fun.
30kph but in a bunch on the mostly flat. You can easy do that Stuart! No need so sit on the front and be a hero :)

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 13 Sep 2011, 20:32
by Dougie
How do they clip in their hooves? Are there Shimano Zebras and Campy Zebras.

I am thinking of starting a bunch. I understand the collective noun for Idiots is a Village.........

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 14 Sep 2011, 13:06
by rhys
If I'm at home I will most likely attend this ride. What an intriguing bunch of fellows.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 14 Sep 2011, 13:48
by Stuart
30kph but in a bunch on the mostly flat. You can easy do that Stuart! No need so sit on the front and be a hero :)
Ha! When have you ever known me to be a hero? I think I'd be hanging on for grim death (or dropped) on the climb up Macquarie St from the Opera House :shock:

But, I may do this anyway. See how far I get.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 14 Sep 2011, 15:01
by Karzie
I think I'd be hanging on for grim death (or dropped) on the climb up Macquarie St from the Opera House :shock:
Can you buy those little motors that hide in the bottom bracket commercially yet? :)

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 15 Sep 2011, 12:16
by Hung
If they are leaving Opera house at 6.10am on the 27th which is a thursday

I wonder if the route will take them the same way a the coluzzi's
if both bunches meet up the group is going to be Massive

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 16 Sep 2011, 18:29
by Stuart
Well, I've been in contact with The Zebra and I'm a starter for this. Trying to talk Jo into it too. Anyone else feel like a Thur morning ride with some very intriguing fellows.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 20 Sep 2011, 09:09
by mikesbytes

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 20 Sep 2011, 10:07
by Dougie
Zebras have Winter Coats...........

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 20 Sep 2011, 13:01
by weiyun
Don't see any stripes
So that's the Zebra group? CT sure gets around. :lol:

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 02 Oct 2011, 11:33
by Nozzle
I'm keen. I work just up the road from the start point. I'll drop in early with my usual kit. As long as I'm in for 9am I'll be good.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 03 Oct 2011, 19:13
by Tod511
I am also keen. I am Confident of riding at 30kph in a bunch on mostly flat roads. Should be fun, though getting to the Opera House by 6.00am is a bit of a challenge. Just need to re arrange my work commitments over the coming weeks to ensure a late start.

Stuart and Nozzle - are you riding to the start line or getting the train???

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 04 Oct 2011, 04:38
by Eleri
I'm going too, from Erskineville, and I'll ride.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 18 Oct 2011, 19:32
by Stuart
Today's Update: I think we should just buck the trend and wear DHBC kit .. Also, if you're NOT coming but have previously indicated you will be please tell me so.

Team and would be Road Warriors,

It is hard to think about getting out and having a ride on a weekday because of traffic and safety issues. Consequently, I thought I'd organise a ride for those of you that might wonder what it is like to ride with experienced cyclists who stick together. There is nothing worse that suffering the anxiety of not being able to keep up or being left behind and we pride ourselves on looking after each other and respecting drivers. So we'll aim to bring a bunch of riders together, take them out and bring them back like a platoon of well drilled soldiers.

The route I have chosen starts at the Opera House and heads south along the busy Southern Cross Drive linking up with The Grand Pararde and on towards Kurnell. It returns to the Town Hall. It is an estimated 77 km but could change subject to our ride progress. Our aim is to return to the city by about 8.30am so we'll probably turn around at 7.00am. This means starting at 6.00am sharp. If you miss the start then just ride along Macquarie street, up Oxford Street and down Flinders then turn on to South Dowling street and catch us.

The core of the riders come from Zeal of Zebras and you can expect about 25 of them. We also have riders from Rock Star Racing and some from the Dulwich Hill Bicycle club. I'd estimate that we'll have about 50 riders who will set an reasonable pace averaging in the 27-30 km range. If we maintain a compact group this will be easy to manage and everyone should enjoy the ride out and back. For those of you that get a flat we will have a back up vehicle and the support of CBD bicycle store, MC Cyclery. Because the route is out and back it is easy to join in or pick up and with the group staying together and the support vehicle we should be able to manage most disasters providing we remain calm and responsible.

When riding as one group there is nothing better than seeing everyone in uniform. Wearing the Zeal outfit is an honour and as some of you won't have had that bestowed on you so you'll need to wear black and white apparel. This of course doesn't apply if you are a professional rider or a representative of Australia or another country. If that's you then wear your gear loud and proud.

Now there are a myriad of superstars that have expressed an interest in joining us but as yet Beyonce hasn't replied. The good news is that Chuck Norris heard that we might have trouble and intends to follow us in his Texas Ranger Ford Bronco. Chuck will not be carrying a gun because he doesn't need a firearm. He is so tough that he has written into his will that he will bury himself. So we should all feel safe. Porsche Drapac can not make this ride as they will be racing in Asia but they have promised to join us in late November as a full team. Our second ride should be pretty special too.

So far these famous people have agreed to come along. All up about 38 but expect more.

Cobra,
Hot Chilli Pepper
Unfashionable
UnClogged
Lex
Showgirl
The Box
Piston Legs
No Nickname Yet
Prince Planet
Merchant of Norway x 4
Lance
Rowan Peck and NDY x 2
Stuart Hickson and Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club x 9
Drew Corbett
Paris Hilton
Sock Drawer Sorter
Darth Vadar
The Viscount
The Plaintiff
Chris Criddle
Princess Kitty

Let me know if you want to join us Thursday week so that I can keep an eye out for you.

Regards

Zebra

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 18 Oct 2011, 19:42
by Eleri
Today's Update: I think we should just buck the trend and wear DHBC kit .. Also, if you're NOT coming but have previously indicated you will be please tell me so.
I want to have a nickname. I thought my colleague at work was Iron Chef Malaysia but he must have another nickname because today he told me he was on the ride.

Black and white are my favourite colours. Well black really and that's because we use rain water tinged with tannin in the washing machine so white becomes tea coloured after a while. Red is best as an accent colour. Not sure how to fit in really.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 18 Oct 2011, 20:06
by Stuart
yes, well - just looked at the responses and clearly my estimate of 10 DHBC starters seems a bit optimistic (added all those that posted a response, rather than saying they were attending). so decided to do the usual thing: please add your name if you're coming and not in the list, if you're there and not coming then remove it. Thanks.

Tod511 - I'll be riding to the Opera House from Dulwich Hill via Lilyfield Rd etc

1. Eleri
2. Stuart
3. Rhys
4. Nozzle
5. Tod511
6.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 18 Oct 2011, 21:19
by jermxx
1. Eleri
2. Stuart
3. Rhys
4. Nozzle
5. Tod511
6. Jeremy

Opera House at 6am might be a bit of a struggle though :)

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 19 Oct 2011, 08:31
by Tod511
I agree - lets buck the trend and wear DHBC kit - besides big burly blokes like me don't look good in white jerseys.

Nicknames - what a great idea. I feel like an imposter or gatecrasher without one. Noel (Nozzle) already has one. Maybe I can be the "flying accountant" or "the calculator" or something else.

I will probably catch the train into Martin Place. As I am coming from Brighton Le Sands it is a bit far to ride to the city for a 6am start - I could always wait on the Grand Parade for you guys to come past at about 6.30am :D I have the day off work next Thursday so I am looking forward to the ride. Does anyone have time for a coffee/breakfast afterwards??

Just updated my name in the list below.

1. Eleri
2. Stuart
3. Rhys
4. Nozzle
5. Todd V
6. Jeremy

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 19 Oct 2011, 10:43
by jonboy
1. Eleri
2. Stuart
3. Rhys
4. Nozzle
5. Todd V
6. Jeremy
7. John

I work in Gov Macq Tower so no excuses for me...

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 19 Oct 2011, 11:04
by skyer
Count me in! Sounds like fun!

1. Eleri
2. Stuart
3. Rhys
4. Nozzle
5. Todd V
6. Jeremy
7. John
8. Skye

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 19 Oct 2011, 11:28
by Stuart
@Todd - I'll be up for a feed afterwards while I keep an eye on my Blackberry for anything important work wise. It'll be a working from home day for me.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 20 Oct 2011, 13:15
by Stuart
So, I asked the Zebra about wearing our club kit on the ride and whether the weather would interfere with a start.

The Question:
Hi again Kymbal

Thanks for the update. At this time 8 DHBCers have registered intent to be at the start line on the day. One question: if we wear our club kit as we'd like to, will that be a bad thing for not complying with the black & white theme (although our club kit knicks are black), given our jerseys are red? I assume it's a rain, hail or shine type ride too?


The Zebra's Response:

Stuart, The DHBC should ride in their gear because it looks great.

On the ride - I will be there in lightening, thunder and even a tsunami.

Cheers, Kymbal

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 20 Oct 2011, 18:39
by Tod511
Good job Stuart on the DHBC jersey issue.

Breakfast after the ride (including strong coffee) is penciled in - we will need it. Anyone else want to join Stuart and I for breakfast??

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 20 Oct 2011, 19:24
by Eleri
Not me really - probably should go to work.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 21 Oct 2011, 20:40
by Camilla
Well, I'd better come along too. So you can add Killer to the list. Although obviously I'd far rather be Iron Chef Malaysia. Perhaps, for this occasion I'll use my full name at least: Killer the Vanilla Gorilla.

What's the plan for the start line? A bunch to the Opera House or a bunch to Eleri's? Either way I will need an IV drip of coffee. And don't anyone expect me to speak. I may be able to glare quite effectively, but that'll be about it. But I'll be all over breakfast with Stuart & Todd511. If Jo comes maybe we'd be allowed champagne!

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 22 Oct 2011, 08:51
by williamd
If the zebras had stripes it would be hard to see them at the zebra crossings.

lol

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 22 Oct 2011, 09:03
by Stuart
So, I've had to add Camilla due to her tardiness with replicating the start list. Jo is not a starter as she's too conscientious about starting work on time.

1. Eleri
2. Stuart
3. Rhys
4. Nozzle
5. Todd V
6. Jeremy
7. John
8. Skye
9. Camilla

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 22 Oct 2011, 20:48
by Nozzle
@Tod511

I'll be riding my usual commute to the city from Summer Hill and dropping my bag at work (Chifley Tower). If time permits, i'd be keen for brekky also, but need to grace the office by 9am.

As i've still not made it to the track for a jersey, i'll stick to the black and white theme. (unless i can make the track Wednesday night).

Cheers,

Noel

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 23 Oct 2011, 21:23
by colin
Count me in

1. Eleri
2. Stuart
3. Rhys
4. Nozzle
5. Todd V
6. Jeremy
7. John
8. Skye
9. Camilla
10. Colin

it's great having flexable working hours ;)

Colin

Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 25 Oct 2011, 00:02
by Camilla
I'm out. Have to pick the HAB up from the airport. Silly duffer got his arrival time wrong. But we may still be up for breakfast!

Sent from my iPhone, that I can't be bothered cutting and pasting with.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 25 Oct 2011, 11:10
by Stuart
Start List

1. Eleri
2. Stuart
3. Rhys
4. Nozzle
5. Todd V
6. Jeremy
7. John
8. Skye
9. Colin

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 26 Oct 2011, 07:47
by Stuart
Here's the latest and I guess last missive from the Zebra. See you at end of Macquarie St / Opera House at about 5:50am tomorrow. DHBC even get a special mention here so lets show just how road aware and bunch etiquette savvy we are. Also, please wear your club kit. Note: All added emphasise in the pasted email is mine.

Attention Road Warriors,

On Thursday we will leave the Opera House at about 6.00am and head south towards Kurnell. We will travel up Macquarie Street, along College Street and turn left into Oxford Street. Our plan is to turn at Taylor Square onto Flinders Street and then into South Dowling Street. We go rain, hail or shine.

The key to our ride is to be safe and have fun. Our speed will average 27-30 km per hour, but will not exceed 35 km per hour. We must stay together. This will be done by ensuring that everyone communicates with each other. We won't be leaving anyone behind. We will have a back up van courtesy of MC Cyclery of 230 Clarence Street, Sydney. If you are riding next to a Zeal member (wearing zebra print) just ask what you should do to fit in. You will find that most calls to change lanes are made from the rear or behind you so be alert and aware of your space and what is happening around you.

Our aim is to be aware of the road conditions and road rules and be cooperative with motorists. Most people I talk to think we are mad so let's prove them wrong by setting an incredibly high and responsible standard. I want to get back safe and to have really enjoyed the experience of riding with people I don't know in a bunch of about 50. We'll turn at about 7.00 am in order to return by 8.30am.

We return to Town Hall and aim to congregate in the forecourt to the south on Bathurst Street. From there we can go and get coffees and breakfast if we choose.

This is not a race and its not a charity ride. This is just a ride for cyclists interested in getting out in the morning and having a ride so there are no strings attached. Great news of course to know that Perry Mason is joining us just in case we need full legal representation. Be aware that Chuck Norris is also coming just in case the law is not enough.

See you at the Opera House, off Macquarie Street from where we will depart at 6.00am. Bring your bike, lights, helmet and a big smile. Unless you are with Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club or an Australian Rep wear black and white. That's because life is much simpler in black and white.

Regards

Zebra

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 26 Oct 2011, 07:48
by Stuart
I'm out. Have to pick the HAB up from the airport. Silly duffer got his arrival time wrong. But we may still be up for breakfast!
Hasn't Ted heard of taxi's ?? It's going to be fun ...

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 26 Oct 2011, 14:37
by JoTheBuilder
Disappointed to be missing this one... No chance with my current employment.

Do you think there will be a photo opportunity? Would love to see the DHBC red interspersed with the black and white.

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 27 Oct 2011, 11:46
by Lizanne

Re: Invitation from Zeal of Zebras ride 27/10/11

Posted: 27 Oct 2011, 17:56
by Stuart
Thanks Lizanne, but this link will probably work better