Masters,
Hope you all had a good break over the Easter and Anzac Day Long Weekends. The good news is that Road Racing returns this coming weekend at Tharwa with the Gunning 2 Day event the following weekend.
Note that there a couple of official roles to fill including Race Director.
In this week’s Bleat;
• From the Desk of the Vice President
• From the Race Committee
• Racing this Week
Ian Morton
thebleat@actvets.cc
From the Desk of the Vice President
Rotary Five Peaks Challenge
The ride was overall well run by lovely volunteers who created a very enjoyable day for all participants. The weather was simply stunning as the sun rose just before registration for the long ride. A number of late entrants got in just before the 7:30am start time, and all assembled on the Crit track for the start.
A reasonable sized bunch took off down Uriarra Rd for a Cotter loop before hitting the first of the Peaks. A moderate pace was set down towards the crossing before the first challenge climbing out. This immediately created splits in the bunch where a select group worked together for the remainder of the loop. Another tough challenge was overcome climbing out of Cotter, before hitting Mt Stromlo for the first official Peak. The pace was high all the way to the top, before things settled and small groups were formed heading towards the following climbs.
The course route provided the next challenge with bike paths being utilised and local knowledge coming in handy. Small yellow arrows on the roads and paths provided comfort we were on the right track and soon enough it was time to hit Red Hill. After having legs and lungs burned it was time for a brief pit stop, with cards being stamped and it was on to Mt Pleasant via Parliament House. Keeping to its name, Mt Pleasant passed quickly and it was onto the brutal slopes of Mt Ainslie. Many struggled and some even had to dismount to overcome this harsh mountain. Black Mountain was next via Anzac Parade, the City and the ANU. This one appeared to be better handled by most participants, while still providing a very real challenge to riders!
With the big ones out of the way, and cake and snakes consumed, it was back to the bike paths before setting sights on the bonus peak of the Arboretum. Although hurting the legs and lungs once again, this climb provided arguably the best views of the day, with Lake Burley Griffin in full sunlight and beauty.
After descending this climb, we were on the home stretch! Back to the bike paths heading into Belconnen before heading down into Coppins Crossing, and yes, another climb to get out the other side. By this stage the long ride participants were closing in on 120km with 2,000m of climbing, with the short ride participants nearing 88km and 1,500m climbing.
With Stromlo within sight, we reflected on a day well-riden, and we’re greeted by smiling faces and a sausage sizzle upon finishing. Many thanks go to all the volunteers on the day. Well done to all participants, and for those who missed it, you had better prepare yourself to not miss out next year, this is one not to miss!
David Parker
Vice President CRMCC
From the Race Committee
Gunning
The Race Committee is pushing ahead with plans for the Gunning Two Day Event on the weekend of 7/8 May (Calendar to be updated). We are still looking for a Race Director, 2 car drivers and 2 ETCs per day and sufficient Marshals to assist. Please let the Race Committe (race.committee@actvets.cc) if you can assist.
RACING THIS WEEK:
Saturday, 30st April – Smiths Rd – Naas Rdd – Graded Scratch
Reminder: All riders must pre-register on the ACT Vets website (https://rms.actvets.cc/calendar) by 29/4/2022 6:00 PM prior to the race. There is no registration on the day.
Any requests for Grade changes should be sorted out with the Handicapper prior to registration.
Where: South of Tharwa. Members to park on the side of Smiths Rd and start just around the corner on Naas Rd.
When: 1:30 pm.
Race Description:
Course is laps over Mt Tennant spur to Apollo Road and return
ABCD – 3 laps. EFG – 2 laps.
Race Director: tba Contact: Email: tba Ph tba.
Marshals: Brian Peak ETC, Vacant ETC, Van driver – tba
