Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club

Early bird entries open!

Can the DHBC beat the last year's stirling fund raising efforts?

I am planning on riding back from waterfall making it around the 120k mark for the day. Nice bit of training for the TDU.

Who's in?

Cheers

Dougie

Does DHBC enter a team? Definitely interested!

Does DHBC enter a team? Definitely interested!

Yes we do enter a team and last year we raised over $8000 - Jo, want to be the team Capitan? You just need to register a team - I did it last year. Dougie, did you register a team yet?

Also, I may be in for the ride back from Waterfall as well. Depends how I feel on the day as I too can feel the TDU creeping up on me ever faster.

I haven't registered a team. I vote Jo for Captain. I am happy to be like a Corporal.

I'm in too. Hoping to make it to the TDU too. Last year was choice! Has anyone created a team yet?

Bit late here but happy to be Captain! Will go on now and check it out...

I didn't do it last year so don't have a priority code. I can't enter until July 22nd unless I have one. Does anyone have one?

Yes I've got a code. I'll set up a team called "Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club" unless anyone objects?

Yes I've got a code. I'll set up a team called "Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club" unless anyone objects?

Good name choice I'll register shortly too.

It's alive! - http://register.gongride.org.au/2011-Sy ... cycle+Club

Thanks Joe! Turns out I can't register as an individual either so lets hope entries don't sell out before the 22nd...

Joined the Team. Anyone need their bottles filled?

Spring Cycle anyone? I was imagining a DHBC family outing, especially as the kids route this year goes over the bridge and around the CBD.
My Mr 9 and his 20" kinda BMX with a dérailleur thing is keen.
It might be nice to lycra up early on a Sunday AND spend time with the family all at once!
We could be the C10s

I'm on the team...

I'm on the team...

Welcome! Does anyone know what our fundraising total was last year? I hope we can blow it away.

Welcome! Does anyone know what our fund raising total was last year? I hope we can blow it away.

Last year we did around $8,500. I'll see if I've got the exact figure somewhere. I do know we were top bicycle club fund raisers though. Maybe we should issue a challenge to the other Sydney clubs this year?

Sounds good! Did you guys organise any kind of fundraisers or was it more just contacting family and friends?

So, here's a post from last years thread:
Sat 6th Nov Update:
Team Goal: $4,000
Amount Raised: $8,046 2011 Edit: (this was added to after the event but only by about $200-$300 I'd say).

63rd overall top fund raising team and first bicycle club (that I can see anyway). Fantastic work team DHBC!! Smashed our target and have overtaken our total from 2008 when we had twice as many riders. Great effort.

Here's the top 5.
1st Nathan Crowley $1,366
2nd Douglas Kirkham $1,030
3rd Liam & Seamus $895
4th Justin Buckland $805
5th Simon Sharwood $665

So, we'll be meeting in the Sydney Park car park entrance (opposite May St) on the Princes Hwy at 5:50am to get a photo for a 6:00am sharp start - if you're late, we'll be gone!

Also, if you haven't ridden the 'gong ride before it's very difficult for large bunches to stick together - most likely it will break up into smaller bunches of 3-5 riders who are around the same ability. At the finish we'll try to meet up (over on the left after you come through the finish line ) but once again this isn't always possible and some people may wish to go back straight away - certainly the trains get very packed the later you stay. Remember to bring some $$ for the train - its $10.

Sounds good! Did you guys organise any kind of fundraisers or was it more just contacting family and friends?

We just hit up friends and family and work colleagues. If you've the idea, the time and the will you're very welcome to organise a fund raiser.

Hi, Just joined Team DHBC for the above ride.
Wild card entry!

Note to all, 7 days to go before early bird entry fees close.

Anyone who wants to join Bernard Riders

http://register.gongride.org.au/2011-Sy ... _Gong_Ride

Aha, a rival team from within the club! This could get interesting... and fun!

We've nearly hit our fundraising goal... If anyone would like to join the team, or simply donate, head here:
http://register.gongride.org.au/2011-Sy ... cycle+Club

OK - DHBC have hit $4,835.00 with 3 weeks to go. Come on people, lets better last years total of $8k and get more club members on this ride.

Special mention of Andrew Millett who has Raised $2,575 of our total!! Fantastic work Andrew.

Been a bit slack getting organised. Going to hit my family and friends for donations this weekend. Going to be tough to catch Andrew - sensational effort.

If a few more club members join the ride we can not only eclipse $8K but have a sizable "red" bunch make its way to the Gong. Should be a fun day out.

Yes, fantastic work Andrew! It would be great if we could get our numbers in excess of 20. I'm sure there were more last year. Better get in quick though, I think it's nearly full! I can't wait for the ride. Last year was great, even with 2 punctures!

andrew took a tumble on the way back from CP this morning after slowies. x rayed wrist - all ok. trashed two de reilleurs and buckled his rear wheel, also needs to invest in a new helmet. he assures me he'll be back ina ction soon. cleary being a member of the 'lunch bunch' is dangerous! another 'crash test dougie'.

Cheers dougie

Where did this happen Dougie? Didn't see or hear of a crash at all!

Hey team, seeing as we're now past the original 5k fundraising goal I have updated it to 9k, one step above last years 8k + some total. Go team!

Sorry to hear about your crash Andrew. Hope you're feeling ok and new bike parts are forthcoming.

Ok DHBC. Lets really get into this. Only 11 riders? I know there's lots of erratic riders on this ride and it's probably not seen as a very 'cool' ride but it's a great opportunity to show the public that cyclists are not the enemy. That we care. That we can raise lots of cash for a very worthwhile charity. In 2008 we had 40+ riders. We've been the top fund raising cycling club for two of the past three years. Lets not underestimate the impact for DHBC in terms of perception of that type of commitment from riders and the sponsors of those who choose to ride in the DHBC colours in what is the largest mass participation cycling event in Australia.

DHBC is now at $6,475 - still below last year, although we had some 20 riders in 2010. If you're riding and haven't joined the DHBC team, please do so. if you're thinking about it, then sign up today. if you need to get sponsors then email your friends, your workmates, people you may have sponsored for other events. Hit up your family. It's a very worthwhile cause.

On a personal note I passed the $1,000 mark today. Thanks to all my sponsors.

2008 DHBC Gong Ride bunch - where are they now?

Entries are now closed. DHBC is at $6,810.00 with Andrew still leading the way with $2,805.

Here's where we'll meet on the day at 5:50am for a 6:00am sharp departure. Just to the left of the little building there. This is opposite May St on the Princess Hwy at St Peters.

At Wollongong, we can meet on the right after crossing the finish line.

Thanks Stuart, our Cycling NSW Member of the Month!

Hey all - I've been whacked by a virus and doing the Gongride has not been recommended as a sensible recovery option.
So I have an entry to sell if anyone missed out.
Simon.

Sold .... To PatW

Far out! Amazing work people! Good luck with the ride! Look out for cyclists!

Leave really early

Is anyone interested in meeting at Marrickville Rd Cafe at 5:30 and making our way to the meeting point?

Fri 28th Update: With just over a week to go the 11 registered DHBC riders have now raised $8,590. Andrew still leads with $2,855 and is in 60th place of overall fund-raisers (fantastic job Andrew - hope you're getting better!), followed by Todd Vogel with $1,400 and JoTheBuilder in 3rd with $1,080.

Entries are closed but with just 11 riders, that means there's 200+ DHBCers who are not riding and can therefore DONATE to the club team. How about $10 from everybody who's not riding as a club donation. Come on - that's only 2.5 coffees.

Please don't think about doing this, 'just do it'. You can donate to the club team here >> http://register.gongride.org.au/2011-Sy ... cycle+Club

Thanks! I bet you feel a warm inner glow now knowing you're helping people who really need support while making DHBC look really good.

Is anyone interested in meeting at Marrickville Rd Cafe at 5:30 and making our way to the meeting point?

Jo & I will be riding right past there at about 5:35 or so, but we won't be stopping. You're welcome to jump on as we flash past in a blur of early morning belligerence.

Hey we have a guy called Jo Lewis, like the guy that used to ride for Drapac Porsche (now BikeBug)

Thanks Stuart. I'll jump on!

Sorry Stuart, I've already donated to someone else.

James

Hi team,
I signed up ages ago for the gongride not knowing if I would be able to do it. I have been unwell for ages and haven't ridden more than about 20km's in a day for over a year. I have been feeling a bit better lately but not fantastic so am going to attempt it but aiming for 6hrs+. Slow with lots of stopping. I will meet you guys at the start and then make no attempt to keep up Don't worry it's part of the plan. Should be fun. I am looking forward to it and I don't care if it's not cool.

Hi everyone else,
I agree with Stuart that you should donate because it's a good cause.
But I think you should put it under my name (Dayna Williams) because I honestly don't even know if I will be physically able to finish it this year and need some encouragement


- And I am also coming last in the fundraising by heeeeeaps

Here is a linkhttps://register.gongride.org.au/2011-S ... nate/Dayna
Cheers

Here's where we'll meet on the day at 5:50am for a 6:00am sharp departure. Just to the left of the little building there. This is opposite May St on the Princess Hwy at St Peters.

At Wollongong, we can meet on the right after crossing the finish line.

My ride pack says I have an allocated start time of 7.30am not 6.00am. I suggest everyone check there allocated start time.

Stuart, does that mean teams leave at 6.00am????

My concern is I want to ride together as a team but this may not be possible with differing start times. Also, if I do have to start at 7.30am I do not want to arrive at the start line at 5.50am just for photos and hang around to 7.30am - I'd rather stay in bed.

My concern is I want to ride together as a team but this may not be possible with differing start times.

It's more appropriate to say that you'll start with the team. Irrespective of ability, you'll find it's impossible to ride in a true bunch amongst the cycling masses and the restricted lane. The group will break up into small groups of riders with similar abilities and typically in single file.

Don't worry about the time allocation. Just ride on. It'll be easier to ride and more pleasant to start early. Crowd will pick up later along with the heat.

Hi Todd, as Weiyun has said, just jump on. They don't check your start time, it is just their attempt to manage the crowds. I would advise against starting at 7:30 as you will get caught behind a lot of families and kids...

Thanks Jo and Weiyun for your response. Not having attempted the gong ride before I was a bit unsure as to the procedure etc. and how belligerent the organisers would be with start times.

I was definitely concerned about the heat and erratic/slow family cyclists. I wanted to get out early and treat it like a Waterfall ride and see if I was able to get to the Gong in under 3 hours. This would not be possible if I left at 7.30am.

Thanks again for the advice. See you at 5.50am on Sunday.

There's always a mass of riders walking, shuffling their bike at the start line. If there's been rain, it'll be a soggy walk. Unless you find walking through the start line to be inspirational, the smart thing to do is to jump around the car park and join the throng of Gong Riders 100m beyond the start, or even when they pop onto the Princes Hwy.

We've passed the $10K mark and still climbing!

Hey great work team (especially our top fundraisers)! We are way in the lead of the Sport and Recreation Groups category. We have 1.5 times the $$ of the second placed group, who have 52 members! And my rough reckoning is that we're in the top 5 teams OVERALL on per member raised. Go team!

Thanks to anonymous donor if it was someone from here

I started a competition.



I have the tour de france 2011 complete highlights package to give away. It is three discs and has all the good bits you missed when you were asleep. It looks great!!!
To enter just donate 5$ to the gongride team http://register.gongride.org.au/2011-Sy ... cycle+Club
That will get you a horse in the cup(drawn randomly) if your horse wins so do you!!!!!
Too easy- but you'll have to be quick.

Hey we have a guy called Jo Lewis, like the guy that used to ride for Drapac Porsche (now BikeBug)

Same name, same sex, same... well actually that's probably where the comparisons end! (the cycling ones anyway) Thanks for the donations Tim. nice to know my "fame" has its benefits!

I'll be in for a 5:30 meet at the cafe and a 5:35 departure.
Maybe even join Jo & Stuart as they flash past.

11k and still climbing!
Great Work Team

I'm in for 5:30 at the cafe.

I see that Dougie has rocketed into 2nd place in the standings with DHBC now at an incredible $12,645 and top sports club, let alone bicycle club. This is $4,000 clear of our previous best and with only 12 registered riders too. Top Effort and thanks to all the sponsors for their generosity. Andrew has gone past $3k - fantastic stuff. Also great to see some club members stepping up and donating above and beyond the suggested $10 to fellow club members fund raising efforts.

As a reminder and as already discussed above: Ignore your allocated start time - we meet here at 5:50am for a 6:00am sharp departure. Just to the left of the little building there on the right. This is opposite May St on the Princess Hwy at St Peters on the edge of Sydney Park.

Don't be surprised when the bunch breaks up. As Weiyun pointed out, it's hard for more than 2-3 riders to stay together and similar speed riders will tend to ride together.

See you on Sunday.

Spoke with MS Australia today. They will feature DHBC in the post ride info email - better late than never and good positive publicity for the club.

We have now got 15 riders and have raised an incredible $16,225 - thanks to all the sponsors.

That's fabulous stuff everyone! Well done. I hope you all enjoy the day.

We have just hit the $17K mark!

Thank you for your support everyone...

So, we're now at $19,110 - come on DHBC members - you can get us over $20k !! All those who haven't as yet donated - please consider donating $10 - 2.5 coffee's. It's a great cause.

I'll see all the riders in the morning and thanks to Eleri who has volunteered to be official photographer.

Wow what a fantastic effort. Have to admit haven't been following the board but watching the clubs efforts. Great work great cause. See you tomorrow. Almost caught me Dougie, there's still time

On their way out thru Tempe

Here they come




Up Close


And there off


Note the banana, no expense spared


mmm... need to buy a better camera

See you later

Here they are at the start and I hear some people have finished already. Well done DHBC team!

Who is riding back? It'll be pretty hot on the return ride. #memories

Bananas are cheap now - only $5 p/kg!

Ride report 2011 Sydney to Wollongong 90km! (this was my day with the guys from work)
The start of the day was as good as a day can get. Warm, sunny, and a bike ride ahead. As I packed my bag with all the essentials(repair kit, money, keys, sun cream, and LOLLIES!) I was nervous about the ride to come. As a regular rider, I knew what the ride had ahead, and wondered how the rest of the guys would go.
Section A
Was slow…. The 7am start was just in time for the bulk of the crowds. Most of the fast groups had left, and all the rec riders were now bunched in a slow 10km/h crawl to the cooks river bridge. Once we go to the bridge the pace picked up and Truong got the first taste of group riding. We had a re- group along the Grand parade and did a very nice 20km/h ride all the way to the Captain Cook Bridge.
Section B
Game on! I went off on a sprint to get up the Captain Cook Bridge, it’s easier to go up hill fast on a fixie. When I got to the top I slowed right down expecting to have to wait for Truong and Chris. Well, all a sudden they go racing by and we formed a pace line. The pace was fast for the next bit of road. As We approached Sutherland, a few steep, short hills slowed the pace but once we got onto the Highway it was a nice fast Cruse pace.
Section C
Mmm muffins! We had our morning tea stop at Loftus Oval. The mood was happy, but mumbles of how many hills are left, and are we there yet could be heard. There was another 20k almost of just gong up. Once we got rolling the pace was still firm and our legs were still strong. But the sun was out and the road on the highway was starting to heat up.
Section D
The decent at waterfall. This is where we split up. For safety we decided to go at our own pace and meet up at the various stops. The Decent into the national park was welcome; the cool air, the smells of trees, and the open road! This is was riding a bike is all about. When I got to the rest stop, I had a moment to get off my bike before Chris, and then Truong arrived. Chris told of mountain bikers in his way, and Truong was just amazed at how fast he was going and how scary it was to do the decent. The next big challenge to overcome was the up! I was worried about this, being on a fixie I had no gears to rely on to make it easier to go up the hill. So when we set off, I found a nice rhythm and kept with it. Surprisingly it was easier than I thought. I got to the top, sore but not crying like I though I would. So I sat down, admired my bike, and waited for the others to join me in this victory. Chris was next to arrive, and then a few minutes later Tuong (who has to be congratulated he didn’t walk!)
Section E
Down hill! From here the rest of the ride was down hill! (mostly) we could see Wollongong and the realization of we can do this set it. We stoped, had lunch and then went down the last major decent of the day. It was fast! I hit a max of 57.9 and my legs were spinning. The Sea Cliff Bridge had amazing views, followed by the last short steep hill of the day. This one hurt. We met at the top, and once again champion of the day Truong rode up, no walking. I got a flat, and without a spanner, it became a long stop, waiting for a mechanic, and then setting off to find one. Once the fat was fixed we were off for the final section. The final stretch.
Section F
This was the best part!, no traffic, the bikes were spread out, the hills were short and fast, then the road went flat. The legs were starting to get sore after a long day in the sun, the loolies were running low, Truong was very vocal about how happy he was to finish. Chris kept the pace firm, and we soldiered on for the final few km’s. We were glorious at the finish line! The day was a success.

In total we raised $1020.00 for MS research with donations still coming in.

A lady at the gym this morning was telling me that her husband and her have entered the 2012 Gong ride..... get in early

This is a ive minute video from this year's ride. lots of red bunches, maybe you can recognise yourself. I didnt see anyone dressed in red sprawled across the road so i guess i wasn't in it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z1TUKMEP2A

Save the date November 4th 2012 for next year's edition

cheers

Douglas

THe below came on an email to me. Hopefully it went to all 10,000 riders. Maybe Stuart can get the images on to this thread.

cheers

D

Fundraiser Profile

Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club (DHBC) are the top Sports Club fundraisers with just 17 riders raising a whopping $19,880 so far. As a racing and recreational bicycle club they pride themselves on also being part of their local community helping to promote the benefits of cycling. They participate every year in the Gong ride where they have consistently raised over $8,000.

1. Fundraising Goal
Our fundraising goal has turned out to be rather fluid - but we are currently setting ourselves a goal of $20,000.

2. Why do you choose to support MS Australia?
One of the aims of Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club is to promote fellowship through cycling - we want people who like riding to get together and have good times! This makes participation in the Gong Ride and support for MS Australia a natural for us: we want to support charities which support cycling.

3. How do you go about reaching your fundraising goal?
We leave it up to each individual, but our club forums are humming with riders urging each other to do more and letting colleagues know of new donations and where they came from.

4. How easy do you find fundraising?
It's not hard. I think most of us start with friends and family then move out into other circles at work. Some of our members are small business owners and they are often very generous.

5. Do you have any tips for fundraisers?
If you don't ask, you don't get! And if you are on social networks persistence pays - get it out there on Twitter and Facebook every day!

6. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club welcomes riders of any ability or age. If you have a roadworthy bike feel free to join us for a ride - details are at www.dhbc.org.au

Was planning to take lots of photos but dropped phone on road and it didn't work for a few hours. I had fun. It was a great day. I just cruised along in no hurry. When I saw lots of flats and walking up hills i felt quite happy (smug?) to have bomb proof tyres and a triple
I forgot how nice the park is and the bridge is very cool !!!

The email did indeed go out to all registered riders. Thanks to Simon S for providing the responses and to me for getting MS to put us in the email I'm hoping that the club are going to leverage this further for positive PR as we've now passed $20k in sponsorship.

The free photos are available.