Hello Vets,

In the Bleat this week;

•  From the Desk of the Handicapper

•  Tandem Cycling Come and Try with Fitability

•  COVID-19 Restrictions

•  AVCC 2021 Nationals

•  Racing this Week

•  Race Report

Ian Morton

From the Desk of the Handicapper

Saturday’s crit races welcomed back more long-term members after long breaks. Great to see you both back, Steve Jones and Howard Galloway.

Promotions
– Des Brown E to D crit

Rob Langridge
Handicapper

Tandem Cycling Come and Try with Fitability – This Saturday

Many of you will have seen tandems at Vet’s races and out and about riding. Fitability will be holding a come and try tandem morning on Saturday 19th September starting at 9:30am till 12 noon at Stromlo Criterium Circuit.

This is an opportunity for confident riders to trial riding at the front of a tandem bike, or for people with a disability to try riding at the back.

Instruction on piloting as well as disability specific information will be provided by experience pilots and volunteers.

This is a great opportunity for people to turn up and see if piloting a tandem is something they enjoy and volunteer to share with riders with vision impairment or other disabilities.

Fitability are providing tandem bikes in a range of sizes. All you need to bring with you is your own helmet and shoes and a willingness to give something new a try. More information about Fitability Tandem Riding, a Pedal Power program can be found at https://www.pedalpower.org.au/fitability/, email: Fitability.act@gmail.com or call Lindy on 0402 113 836

Rosemary Robinson

COVID-19 Restrictions

There are legal requirements in place for people returning to the ACT from Victoria and particular places in New South Wales to self-quarantine.

Members who have been to any of these locations in the past 14 days should be complying with ACT Government quarantine restrictions.

Members should stay home if you have been feeling unwell or showing symptoms of COVID-19 or been in contact with someone who has felt unwell in the past 2 weeks.

AVCC 2021 Nationals

AVCC 2021 Nationals

RACING THIS WEEK:

Saturday, 19th September: Uriarra Homestead Graded Scratch

Important Note: We have requested traffic police to attend the event to keep an eye on motorists. Riders should ensure that they are obeying the road rules and maintaining social distancing at the finish.

Where: Assemble at Uriarra Rd / Brindabella Rd, T-Junction. From North Canberra slightly faster Coppins crossing & right onto Uriarra Road. From Sth Canberra follow Cotter Road down to bridge crossing, turn right onto Brindabella Road.
When: 1:30 pm.
Sign on: 15 mins before scheduled start time wearing your registered number
Race Description:
Two laps of Uriarra Homestead – top of Uriarra Crossing – Condor Creek – Homestead.

Race Director: David Stewart-Thomson Contact: Email: david.stewart.thomson@gmail.com    Ph 0435 320 506

Marshals: John Paul De Sousa ETC, Christopher Short ETC, Robert Brunato ETC, Matt Hinchcliffe

Framework for “Return to Play in a COVID-safe Environment”

This Framework details how cycling events will be delivered by the ACT Veterans Cycling Club to meet the recommendations of Canberra’s Recovery Plan. From 19 June 2020, Stage 2.2 allows for groups of no more than 100 participants. Refer to the ACT Government guidelines at http://www.covid19.act.gov.au.

Stage 2.2 & 3 Arrangements

  • On the day of the event, the race Director will be responsible for ensuring that participants follow these guidelines. Where a participant fails to comply they will be asked to leave the event.
  • Any rider who is feeling unwell should not participate. If a rider experiences symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, sore throat, and tiredness, they should stay at home. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptom Checker is available at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker/tool/basic-details.
  • Riders with higher risks from Covid19 are advised not to participate:
    • People aged 70 years and over;
    • People aged 65 years and over with chronic medical conditions;
    • People with compromised immune systems; and
    • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50 with one or more chronic medical conditions.
  • Race Officials will maintain 1.5m separation and hygiene standards during event setup, running and shutdown. When handling equipment such as signs and radios, Officials are to maintain hygiene by cleaning, wearing gloves and/or regular hand cleaning.
  • The Club will organise first aid at each event provided by either a professional organisation or by a Club member with a current first aid certificate.
  • Riders and spectators are to maintain a distance of 1.5m from other participants while at the event.
  • Hand hygiene is imperative and hand sanitiser will be available at the event.
  • Post-race refreshments will be provided. Members should bring their own coffee mug.
  • No physical contact. Participants are to refrain from shaking hands, pats on the back, etc.
  • If any rider feels unwell in the two weeks following the race, they must advise the Race Committee who will follow up with health authorities. The Rider Management System is used to record event attendees and has their contact details.

Thanks,

ACTVets Committee

RACE REPORT:

Stromlo Criterium – 12th September

With the closure of Orroral Valley, it was an opportunity to get in some much needed Criterium practice in preparation for the upcoming Crit season starting next month.

Conditions were perfect for the race, warm, sunny and only a light headwind up the front straight. The only major challenge on the day was the proliferation of Runners, Random Pedestrians, Kids on Bikes, Small Children and Dogs that were wandering around (and on) the track. At least there were no Kangaroos to contend with.

A and C Grade started the proceedings. A Grade proved the most combative with a series of attacks establishing a break only to be reeled back in again. In the end, Steve Crispen and Gerard Tiffen got a two man break towards the end with Gerard winning the final sprint. Marc Vroomans came in third.

C Grade mostly stayed together. A couple of attacks early on were pulled back in. The race came down to a bunch sprint with Corey Beatson taking the win ahead of Gavin Stephens and Rodney Welsh.

The next event was B and D Grade. B Grade stayed together for most of the event. Ben McDuff got up ahead of Ed Logue and Chris Nolan.

In D Grade, Howard Galloway and Frank O’Sullivan got a break late in the race but came back to the bunch. A break of three then got out with Frank taking the win over Philip Walker and Liz Lowe holding on for the placings.

By the time of the last event of the day, the various hordes had dispersed so I only had to content with keeping an eye on the riders (much less stressful). E Grade kept most of the bunch together with Des Brown setting the pace. In the end, Alison Hale put in a strong sprint at the finish ahead of Des and Greg Mitchell.

F and Grade rode together as a group with Ed Joliffe taking the win followed by Dennis Puniard and Nigel Wines. In G Grade, Mike Spolojaric came in ahead of Bernie Crowe

Thanks to Terry Moore for assisting at the finish line, Phill Coulton for unlocking and locking the shed and Simon the First Aider who’s services were fortunately not required.

The correct placings for B Grade on Saturday were as follows:

  1. Ben McDuff
  2. Stuart Roesler
  3. Ed Logue

Ian Morton,
Race Director

Lost and Found

Found at Stromlo on Saturday;

ACT Veterans Cycling Club