Next Fast RNP Ride - 17th January - Audley In

[geoff m]

OK, Ride leaves at 6am. don't forget lights!

James C - I stuffed up amending your sticky note and ending up deleting all the responses. Sorry!

[weiyun]

Geoff, it's not the first time you've screwed up on this forum.

But I think you still have hope.

[jimmy]

So who's in this weekend?

I finally got the part for my bike, and I have repaired the lever, all I need to do now is put the handle bar tape back on.

James

[FAswad]

In

[mikesbytes]

In

Does Anti Clockwise mean Audley in, Waterfall out ?

[jimmy]

Nope, Anticlockwise is in at Waterfall.

James

[mikesbytes]

Raining, but I'm still going

[jimmy]

I piked, actually, confession time, I was going to pike anyway, but the rain makes the excuse seem better. Marginally.

James

[mikesbytes]

The heavens opened up while we were at Mick Mazza's and we waited unitl 6.35 to roll out, going to Waterfall (no RNP), with 2 riders who turned up for the 6.30am ride.

[micklan]

my alarm didn't go off

[mikesbytes]

Congratualations to Dechlan (sorry mate don't know how to spell your name) on his first ride out to Waterfall. Dechlan turned out for the slow group and was the only one. He kept up with the fast group all the way to Waterfall.

[geoff m]

Good on ya Declan,

The Irish weather today doesn't scare off any paddy.

Congrats on your first ride.

BTW - I went on my own ride this morning doing the Sydney Green Ring with Bicycle NSW Board and MASSBUG

http://www.massbug.org.au/twiki/pub/MAS ... -final.pdf

We left at 7.45am just after the rain and arrived back (all 17) to BoBos at 10.45am. Not a drop of rain.

[jimmy]

Don't forget, Daylight Savings Starts this Sunday.

Spring Forward by one hour.

James

[weiyun]

When are people going to restart the RNP ride? Just curious as it'll be a few weeks before I can rebuild my fitness for that.

[jimmy]

I'm planning on getting out on the 2nd to do the National Park loop.

Who else is up for it? From what I can gather, these rides have slackened off over winter.

James

[weiyun]

Well, the leader of the ride took time off, so the crew disappeared too...

Gong ride is on the 2nd and today is the last chance to register.

[jimmy]

As next week is the Gong Ride, I will probably just do my own thing.

But I will be back for the third weekend in November.

Hopefully, I can have some company.

James

[weiyun]

Are you not doing the Gong?

[T-Bone]

I'm not doing the gong ride, but i'm not sure where i'll be riding yet, hopefully i'll decide before next sunday.

[jimmy]

At this stage I plan on doing Stanwell Tops, so I will still get a chunck of the Gong Ride route in, but no, I am not planning on doing it.

When the option for entered it first came up, I was still unsure how my knee would be treating me, and plus I had a distinct lack of fitness as well.

James

[geoff m]

Some of us were talking about ride for regulars on Sunday who are not doing the Gong.

I'm gunna put up a 6.00 start on Forum at Mick Mazzas to Waterfall to beat the worst of the crowds. Then those who wish can go into RNP at Waterfall (carefully and slowly) and back unhindered at bottom of Waterfall hill via Audley back to Syd.

Others can return straight from Waterfall as per usual route.

[weiyun]

Why don't you guys do something unique on the Gong day? Go north, east or west...

[geoff m]

Unless someone know the way to the M7 Cycleway and think that's worth a training ride. Certainly, going via M5 to get there is feasible, but not recommended for a large group.

[jimmy]

The M5 has a good shoulder all the way, the only problem is the off ramps/on ramps.

At that time of the morning, there wouldn't be a lot of traffic. Then again, it has been a long time since I have ridden along it.

James

[jimmy]

Well, I was going to ride tomorrow morning...

Today, I suffered (another) failure on the bike. This time it was the free hub. It went at about 80km into a 100km ride. It had been giving me warning signs for a while now, but I wasn't aware of what they were.

It wasn't too bad, I could still get the gears to engage with the hub, but it sometimes took some stuffing around. It was actually easier to just keep pedaling at all times. So the bike was kinda like a geared fixie.

I asked at Renegade about their life, and I was told about 20,000km on Campy, I looked it up when I got home and I have done over 25,000km, so I don't think that I did too badly.

The wheel is now with Cheeky Monkey in Newtown, and they are going to get the part in and fix it up for me. Hopefully tomorrow will be the only day I am out of action for November.

James

[T-Bone]

The weather doesn't look too promising anyway, so i might be having a sleep in, unlike the gong riders.

[jimmy]

OK, I am hoping to get out on the 16th and see if I can still hold my own against the other RNP'ers.

Who's with me?

Meet at Mick Mazza's before 6am for a 6am sharp departure.

James

[shrubb face]

Nods, count me in.

[jimmy]

Two! Is that it?

Come on peoples, you don't get fit by sleeping in and listening to Macca. Get out there and push the envelope. Yes the RNP hurts. Yes it is a hard ride.

Don't forget that I am fat and slow after my extended hiatus off the bike. Surely there is someone in the club who can put me in the hurt box for this ride.

Think of getting your own back for everytime I have done it to you.

And the best thing, if you do, I will actually thank you for it. How does that sound like a deal? Make me hurt, and get thanked!

James

[weiyun]

Don't forget that I am fat and slow after my extended hiatus off the bike. Surely there is someone in the club who can put me in the hurt box for this ride.

Think of getting your own back for everytime I have done it to you.

And the best thing, if you do, I will actually thank you for it. How does that sound like a deal? Make me hurt, and get thanked!

I think this is a trap.

Seriously though, it'll depend on the weather and when I'll have to get back. Have a function to attend to later that morning.

[T-Bone]

Provided i drag myself out of bed, i'll come along.

[shrubb face]

Hmm looks like there is just three of us then, should be a quick ride. Im hoping my knees are feeling good for the ride, been a bit dodgy lately.

[weiyun]

I'm not out yet. All subject to weather at this stage.

[jimmy]

OK, lets start hearing the excuses...

I left very shortly after 6am with no other riders coming along.

For those who did the standard Waterfall Ride, they will know that the Southerly tore you pieces, but I suffered through with no one to hide behind.

The next ride is in 3 weeks time due to the way that November lies up with the Calendar.

James

[shrubb face]

Due to a slight hangover from the night before I was a little slow getting out of bed and missed you by 3 or 4 minutes. I gave chase but never caught up to you.

In my defence i did do the whole loop and apparently was only a couple of mins behind you by waterfall, when i met up with lindsay and huw.

Looking forward to the next one.


Is that an adequate excuse?

[jimmy]

that sounds good to me.

Something which some other riders have found out in the past, when I say that we are rolling out at 6am, that is what I mean. I just checked my bike computer, and I waited until it read 6:01am before leaving from Mick's, that is pretty accurate, and is about 30 seconds slow if anything.

James

[weiyun]

Yawning and sleepy.

Had a late Sat night and just rolled with the Waterfall bunches. Sorry. And had to be back early to attend a picnic.

[T-Bone]

I was up too late studying for my exams. Woke up a bit late for RNP, and then went back to sleep instead of just going to waterfall. After this week, i'll be free from uni for a few months, so should be back out riding more consistently.

[jimmy]

Reminder - RNP Ride this Sunday.

6am Sharp, in at Waterfall, out at Audley.

James

[weiyun]

I was dreading this reminder. But will probably make it.

This would also mean that we'll have 4 groups out this Sun.

[Tom Rayner]

I'm in. See you there.

[jimmy]

Well done to Tom and Alex who both showed up.

I had a few mechanicals before I got away this morning, and if they had been as harsh as me on the leaving I would have missed them by about 2 minutes.

Because of the drizzle we thought that we would pull the plug, but in the end we dropped in at Waterfall and came out with no mishaps, there was no one at the Servo, so we then had the slog back by ourselves.

Gold Star of the week goes to Tom who put in the hard yakka and stayed with Alex and I to the best of his ability, while Alex was able to challenge me on the hills. I think that the local knowledge paid off this week, but I don't think that I will hold that advantage for long.

The next ride is the weekend before Christmas, so that should be an ideal opportunity for everyone to escape and come for a ride. Shouldn't it?

James

[shrubb face]

Well the weather didn't look promising when I woke up, but it turned out to be a good day in the saddle. Despite my early puncture and patches of light rain, I think we managed an average speed of a bit over 30km/h (James has the exact figure), so im pretty happy with that.

Thanks goes to James for keeping us organised and making sure that we actually did the RNP loop. I think if you hadn't of been there Tom and I would of given up and turned around at waterfall. Oh and as I mentioned while we were riding, your cadence up those climbs is impressive to say the least.

Also congrads to Tom, who as James pointed out, put in a stirling effort. Considering it was his first road ride with the club, it was a bit of a full on introduction.

Looking forward to the next one.

Alex

[Tom Rayner]

Thanks for the ride guys, particularly letting me sit-in and waiting for me on the climbs - it's good to be a member of a club that looks after new riders.

Next time we should do Garie too.

[weiyun]

Next time we should do Garie too.

Now, that's a rider who knows how to HTFU!

[jimmy]

By the way Tom, we didn't delibertly ride away from you just before Waterfall.

We had opened up a slight gap on you, and then after we had passed a bunch, both Alex and I saw that there was a rider (in Blue) behind us. It was only when we went to ask your opinion on donig the park did we realise it wasn't you.

As we were close to Waterfall, I felt that it was easier to just wait for you there.

James

[Tom Rayner]

That was my stunt double. I get him to ride ahead on climbs, while I spin up behind...

[jimmy]

Reminder

Show up at 6am tomorrow morning (21st Dec) for a Tour of the RNP.

In at Audley and out at Waterfall, then a mad dash back to the Servo at Sutherland in the hope for a wheel to follow back to Bobo's

Don't forget that it is a 6am Sharp departure.

James

[jimmy]

Well, we had a grand total of 1 rider (again) for the Park.

Considering that Alan and I were pushing 41 or 42km/hr back along the Grand Parade, and we had a few riders sitting in behind us, I am curious as to what your excuses are when it comes to the RNP.

Please don't give me the BS that you aren't good at hills, the only way to improve at something is to actually do it.

So, I am around on the 4th Jan, so I am hoping to see a slightly bigger crowd at Mick Mazza's at 6am then. Hell, it is only going to take 1 more rider to show up and it will be a bigger crowd.

James

[Simon Llewellyn]

Please don't give me the BS that you aren't good at hills, the only way to improve at something is to actually do it.

You need to encourage people James, not criticise them.

[Tom Rayner]

One way to do that might be to slow the pace a little and ensure that riders know they'll regroup at the top of hills. SCC conducts RNP rides this way and it works well - big turn outs, a good workout and fun too. Then, those who want to go hard can put some power down on the hills, whereas others can spin up.

[T-Bone]

We do regroup at the top of hills, so that's not the issue.

4th January will probably be a small turnout as well, since there're people taking part in the Johnny Warren Classic.

As for my excuse, i had to start work at 10am today, so decided to take the day off, rather than rushing to get ready after getting back from riding. On of these days i'll get out there again.

[weiyun]

Well, we had a grand total of 1 rider (again) for the Park.

I don't think James is criticising anyone and have found RNP rides always well organized and leaves no one behind. I suspect it's just that time of the year. Otherwise my excuse is that I am recovering from a recent injury (strained para-lumbar muscle). I should be able to make it from mid-Jan.

In the meantime, have a Merry Christmas.

[jimmy]

I will admit that the post was made out of frustration. Frustation that it was a nice day and I was the only rider who was willing and available to do the RNP.

It is also frustrating that there are riders who are capable of doing the park, but are reluctant to because it is seen as a hard ride. As others have pointed out. It isn't a hammer fest for the fast riders, and we do ensure that the group stays together, and we regroup at the top of the hills.

If my plans go ahead, by the time the 4th Jan rolls around I will probably be stuffed anyway. I have Friday 2nd Jan off work, so I am planning on starting the year with a bang and a lot of riding.

James

[timyone]

how close to the jonny warren is the 4th ride?

[Terry]

The Jonny Warren Classic is on the 4th

[geoff m]

Apart from the use of very naughty language James is right. This is a fantastic ride, with great scenary and some good hills. Everyone looks out for each other and there are two or three re-groups to ensure everyone leaves the Park together. Last summer/spring we were getting a regular 6 to 10 people.

For those wanting to do road races in the country, the only way you will keep up with the bunches when going up the hills, is to practice on the hills. Its as simple as that. It only takes two to three rides in RNP to see a marked difference in hill climbing ability.

The sense of achievement of climbing these can be fantastic, esp for middle aging blokes with a tummy.

I got a bit lazy in the cold, dark and wet winter, and haven't got my act together.

But in I'm hoping to get back into it in the 3rd week of Jan.

It's also pretty cool to think that twice a month DHBC has four separate rides going on a Sunday. There are the 6.00am Dippers, 6.20 Cruisers, 6.30 Middies and 6.40 Fastiers.

Now that's cool.

Just need some more numbers again for the Dippers.

[carver]

Assuming that Dippers is for the slowest, creakiest, least fit riders like me - I'm keen. I desperately need to improve my performance on hills.

My only reservation is that I struggled last Sunday after many weeks of lazyness - not riding at all.

Should I do another Waterfall ride before attempting the RNP or will I be ok in the Dippers?

[weiyun]

RNP is harder than Waterfall but obviously that also depends on the pace. Distance wise, it'll add another 10-15km to the ride. The other thing is, it helps if you have some lower gears on that ride.

[jimmy]

I did some playing around on Map My Ride. I have a really nice graphic of the two profiles of the RNP from the Audley Entrance to the Waterfall Exit and visa versa. However, until I can remember the password for my website, I can't show them here.

Weiyun is right, the loop through the park is about 28km, and the trip via the Highway is about 12km, so expect another 15km distance if you ride through the Park.

Depending on the route, you either gain or lose height. The ride this Sunday (4th) is an Anticlockwise, so overall you will lose height. According to Map My Ride, you climb about 375m and descend about 472m, as a result, some sections of the ride are quite fast.

On this trip through the park, there are 3 regroup points (as opposed to only 2 on the Clockwise trip). We will regroup at the Garie Beach Turn Off, at the top of the Flat Rock Creek Climb (It is a a sign for a right hand turn with a recommended speed of 75km/hr, there is no better way to describe it), and at the Visitor Centre at the top of the Audley Hill.

The last stop is optional, as we are only a few k's from the Servo, some riders just push on and regroup at the service station. If I am on the ride, I will always stop and wait for the last rider.

Generally, the pace of these rides is quite high, expect a pace not too dissimilar to the Fast group on a standard Waterfall Run. It isn't uncommon for the ride to have an average pace above 30km/hr for the faster riders. Obviously the slower riders will be below that because of the hill climbs.

If you are a fast rider in the Middle Group, or regularly ride with the Fast group, then you should be capable of riding the Park. Don't stress if you can't ride hills, it is something that comes with practice, and the RNP is great for it.

I know that there are other rides on this weekend, and a lot of people are probably still away. However, if my weekend goes to plan, then I will be pretty stuffed come Sunday, so you can probably expect a slightly slower pace.

James

[carver]

thanks Jimmy - that's very helpful

I'm quite convinced now that I'm not yet up to it... I need to keep practising with the waterfall rides and work my way up there before attempting RNP.

cheers - and happy new year to one and all

[weiyun]

I'm quite convinced now that I'm not yet up to it... I need to keep practising with the waterfall rides and work my way up there before attempting RNP.

You can do the RNP, but probably just not at James' pace. If you are feeling well, there's nothing wrong with a slow solo ride through the park. It will make you strong faster.

[mikesbytes]

I can arrange an RNP slowies ride for first Sunday in February. We can leave Mick Mazza's at 5.45am and take the pace of the slowest rider. James and Co should catch us in the park, but either way we will end up at Sutherland servo at about the same time as the bunches.

[weiyun]

I can arrange an RNP slowies ride for first Sunday in February. We can leave Mick Mazza's at 5.45am and take the pace of the slowest rider. James and Co should catch us in the park, but either way we will end up at Sutherland servo at about the same time as the bunches.

Not a bad idea. I'd be happy to assist too.

[carver]

Excellent! That makes me very happy.

I'm a bit crap when it comes to navigating so a solo ride seems a bit daunting until I get familiar with the route. (can you get SatNav for bikes?)

I'll keep working on my fitness with Saturday Slowies and Waterfall and keep my eyes peeled for news on RNP Slowies.

Many thanks - you guys are very accommodating. Hopefully it will attract some others like me who need to work on their strength uphill...

PS Happy New Year everyone!

[weiyun]

I'm a bit crap when it comes to navigating so a solo ride seems a bit daunting until I get familiar with the route. (can you get SatNav for bikes?)

You are opening yourself wallet to a gadget assault.

Yes, you can certainly get GPS units for bikes. Apart from using regular handheld and car mount GPSs with navigation features, Garmin's Edge series of models are bike specific. Top end model will get you colour screen, road navigation, track log as well as HRM on top of regular bike computer functionalities.

[Eugen Schilter]

I in need a good thrashing - from Alan and Jimmy - to end the lazy days

[mikesbytes]

I in need a good thrashing - from Alan and Jimmy - to end the lazy days

You mean Alan and Jimmy need a good thrashing

[Eugen Schilter]

From the four gorges I'm one up on Jimmy but am one down on Alan from RNP. The gloves will be off .

[jimmy]

Thanks to all of the riders who came out this morning. We had a crew of 8 which made it a very enjoyable ride.

Special note to Julian who came through for the first time, and performed very well, and to Weiyun who had a very tough ride but still did very well.

James

[weiyun]

Thanks also to James for leading the group on a fantastic ride through the park.

Looking through my log, my last RNP ride was Oct 07. No wonder I had a tough time today. Of course, my cumulative volume for the past week didn't help either. Thanks to Eugene/Fouad particularly for hanging back and egging me on. Anyway, will be back for more... Need to ride more hills to get better at hills. How true is that!

[insomniac]

Planning on riding the RNP this Friday with an excursion to Otford for coffee. Having only ever ridden the RNP on one Gong ride and the JW Classic, I'm not sure what I'm in for, so is it a big deal if I go Clockwise or AntiClockwise? THanks

[weiyun]

I find anti-clockwise to be easier. YMMV.

[insomniac]

Thanks - I'll stick to anti clockwise. Though after my miserable attempt to stay with the fasties on Sunday, I need to HTFU....but at Otford, think I'll tuck into the muffins if they sell them - YMMV???

[weiyun]

YMMV... Your Mileage May Vary.
http://silmaril.ie/cgi-bin/uncgi/acronyms

Try ROTFL, IMHO, IMO, ROTFLMFAO, AFAIK, ROTFLOL amongst others...

[jimmy]

Don't forget that there is an RNP Ride tomorrow morning. 6am sharp departure.

Hopefully this Southerly will vanish overnight and we can have a nice calm (as in windless, not in our riding style) ride through the park.

James

[weiyun]

Have fun James et al. Unfortunately I'll have to miss this one as I am away from Sydney.

A pre-announcement, MikeC and I are planning a RNP for Slowies ride on Sun 1 Feb, 5:45am departure. Any RNP regulars interested in participating/lending a hand?

[insomniac]

I will be there for the Slowies RNP....for an insomniac though, getting to Mick Mazza's by 5.45 am , will be just as tough as doing the ride. As I wrote in another thread I did the RNP on my own yesterday, as well as the ride to Otford (unfortunately the cafe is closed during the week), and all I can say is yes it is a tough ride for us less experienced riders, but the exhilaration and sense of acheivement will last you forever. You will come away feeling a much more confident rider - hill rides will be much less daunting. If your umming and ahhing about ..just do it, I know there are quite a few slowies who can and who should do it...so I hope there is a good roll up. Thanks Mike and Weiyun for initiating this ride.

[geoff m]

I think I'm going to give it a go. A return after about 8 months break!!!

Who else?????

[jimmy]

I thought at first this morning that it was going to be another solo ride, but Julian, then Eugene rode up and Geoff caught up to us before the railway bridge.

Well done to Julian who is a really strong climber and is able to hold his own on the flats.

Geoff was back from a long hiatus, and I think that he felt it on the hills.

James

[shrubb face]

I had hoped to join the park squad today, but unfornutely my crash on the track the weekend before decided otherwise for me.

You can definatly count me in for the next one,


Alex

[christian]

I'm in this week, does this ride leave from Mick Maza's?

[micklan]

me too, I think it's 6am from MM - in if i pull up ok from heffron

[jimmy]

yes, it does leave from Mick Mazza's, and it is a 6am depature time (Sharp).

A few riders have already been burnt by the sharp departure time, so make sure that you get there with a few minutes leeway at the least.

James

[micklan]

might just wait down on the cooks river bridge on princess highway

[wallman]

I think I might even get myself up for it this week.

Matt

[jimmy]

Well I piked...

A mixture of laziness and still tired from last weekend.

I'll see if I can get out for the next one.

James

[micklan]

ooh - there was a lot of red in the park today

[geoff m]

Well I piked...


James

James, you must have been tired to miss a spin in RNP. We were waiting for you and at 6.02 am someone said you would have been very cross at us, if you knew we were waiting. So we left!

As Micklan said, Red everywhere in RNP. At least 30 of us across both groups!

[Sullo]

Last Sunday I rode the 3 gorges clockwise with my brother and his mates. At the start, I was pretty confident I could ride with the group. Most were goodway into their 50’s – I had been doing OK on Sunday’s and done some hill riding up the coast over the summer. Should be OK, right? No.

Starting at North Sydney all was sweet, until the climb out of Berowa. After struggling up this second climb, always desperatley seeking a gear that wasn’t there, I knew I was in trouble. I couldn’t keep the last wheel heading down to Bobbin Head. By the time I topped the last climb heading into Turramurra, I was spent goods! Then 500m from the coffee shop, I hit a pothole and the tar in quick succession.

I couldn’t believe it! I have never been so flogged in my life.

My question is when is the next RNP ride? As I need to learn how to climb…cheers Sullo

[weiyun]

Sounded like that you need to replenish your energy better.

[weiyun]

Just noticed that there's no mention of this regular ride on our front page. Is our webmaster around?

[geoff m]

Yes Weiyun, its still on our website...but moved..

http://www.dhbc.org.au/index.php?pr=Road

So RNP for Middies/Fasties is still on weather permitted. If its not raining, I will turn up and come back at Sutherland as I have a morning commitment.

[weiyun]

Geoff, the text formating is all screwed up on that page. It's all squashed to the right.

Anyone else seeing the same problem? I am on Safari (Mac OS X 10.5.6).

[shrubb face]

Its fine for me Weiyun, im running vista sp1, firefox 3.0.6

In reference to doing RNP tomorrow, i was going to do it but given the current weather conditions i think ill give it a miss and just do the normal waterfall route instead.

[weiyun]

In reference to doing RNP tomorrow, i was going to do it but given the current weather conditions i think ill give it a miss and just do the normal waterfall route instead.

I think that's wise, given the expected run-offs and fallen leaves/tree branches in the park.

[Stuart]

Geoff, the text formatting is all screwed up on that page. It's all squashed to the right. Anyone else seeing the same problem? I am on Safari (Mac OS X 10.5.6).

Webmaster here! That page looks fine for me. All the text runs down in a single column - that is a limitation of the layout capabilities of the site software. Here's what I see (click the thumbnail for full page view)


BTW - there is mention of the new RNP ride on the home page with a link to the details on all the RNP rides. I can change this to mention the fasties RNP rides too if we want? See below.

[weiyun]

No problems on Firefox either, so I'll submit a bug report to Apple instead.

As for the Fastie RNP ride, don't you think it should be mentioned given that every other club ride are all there on the front page?

[jimmy]

I'd love to say that as I missed the last 2 weeks, that I am definitely getting out on this Sunday for a ride.

However, I managed to eat something on Monday morning which has been disagreeing with me ever since. I won't give you any of the sordid details, but I don't think that I will be well enough to have a decent ride on Sunday morning.

If I manage a miraculous recovery in the next 24 hours there is a chance I may make it.

James

[jimmy]

So I don't get accused of sharking the ride, I may be able to make it. I am feeling a lot better and as long as I continue to improve I think I will be out on Sunday.

Even if nothing else, it was a good way to lose weight...

James