Masters, In this week’s Bleat

  • Lights needed – if your riding home from Crits…
  • Reduced Membership Fee – for Racing in the Remainder of 2023
  • Track racing has moved to online registration and payment for 2023-24
  • Narrabundah Track Practice Session– Thursday 5 October, 5.30 PM
  • Next Race – Tuesday 3 October. 5.50 PM – Stromlo Forest Park Criteriums
  • Race Report – none this week
  • Race calendar can be found here for other race dates needing Officials

Reduced Membership Fee for Racing in the Remainder of 2023

As in previous years, a reduced membership fee of $85 has been set by AVCC and is now available for new members and non-financial members wishing to rejoin the club and race between now and 31 December 2023. This offer typically gives previously non-financial members insurance coverage and eligibility to race for 3 months in the first part of the criterium or track season.  Register and pay via the AVCC online membership portal at https://memberdesq.sportstg.com//index.cfm?fuseaction=main&OrgID=10244.  Full 12 month membership pricing and registration for 2024 will not be known until around mid-December 2023 at which point we will announce it in the Bleat.

Astute readers will see that the annual membership of $120 offers a better value racing proposition than the reduced membership fee of $85 for 3 months of racing, in addition to year round insurance coverage. These minimum price points are set by the AVCC and not by the club.

Conan Liu – Membership officer membership@actvets.cc

Track racing has moved to online registration and payment for 2023-24

Following the online registration and payment method for criterium racing, track racing has also moved to the same online system and will not be accepting cash on the day.

Track racers can either pay as they go $10 online per session by looking up the calendar entry in the RMS https://rms.crmcc.org.au/calendar, or by paying one time $140 online for an annual season pass for a theoretical 23 racing sessions (weather permitting), or $6 per session. To select and pay the $140 annual season pass option, look for the 28/3/2023 annual pass entry in the RMS https://rms.crmcc.org.au/calendar

In either case, trackies unfamiliar with the RMS registration system, will need their seldom used club-assigned race number and a credit card to pay. You can lookup your club assigned race number in the RMS results section https://rms.crmcc.org.au/index, under your name.

Conan Liu – Membership officer membership@actvets.cc

NARRABUNDAH TRACK PRACTICE SESSION – THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER 5.30 PM – 7.00 PM

ALL WELCOME – DONT MISS IT !! Daylight savings means MASTERS TRACK RACING!!!!!

The track racing season will kick off with a free Practice Session starting at 5.30pm on Thursday 5 October.  There will be no racing.  All interested riders are invited – particularly new riders and track novices.  The practice session is free and a great opportunity to give track a try! Please register by looking up the calendar entry in the RMS https://rms.crmcc.org.au/calendar

You need to be a financial member of the club, or have a temporary trial membership in order to participate (see https://capitalregionmasterscyclingclub.org.au/racing-with-us/crmcc-trial-ride-form/)

Please note that Narrabundah Track is a high-banked, oval track suitable only for conventional fixed gear track bikes with a high bottom bracket.  We are unable to accommodate road bikes on this track.

Note:
+ Narrabundah track is located off Goyder Street in Narrabundah.
+ We welcome riders to try a high-banked track for the first time.
+ New riders can get practical advice on gearing, bunch riding & track etiquette.
+ Interested riders can try out a track bike (see note following).
+ Experienced riders can tune up the machinery & motor.
+ All riders can express their preference for events & races.
+ The practice session will be around 1hr 30 mins starting at 5.30pm.
+ There is no formal structure to the practice. We can assist with introductory training, if requested.
+ You can do your own thing, if you prefer.
+ For insurance purposes, please register your attendance by looking up the calendar entry in the RMS https://rms.crmcc.org.au/calendar

A few basics on track etiquette for the practice session:
+ Use the designated track positions for cruising, tempo or fast pacing.
(The faster you ride the higher you should be positioned on track.  Overtake outside other riders).
+ Hold your line – don’t make changes of speed or position unless you are clear of other riders.
+ Be very careful if you are crossing or moving on / off the track.
(It is your responsibility not to impede other riders in this situation).
+ Start from the fence and be aware of riders approaching.
+ It is best to wear clear or light tinted goggles.
(the shaded portions of track have very low visibility with regular sunnies)
+ All riders will need to be cautious, as there will be novice riders at the practice session.

Spare Track Bike(s)

We have access to spare track bikes if you are a novice and wish to try track racing.  Note that you will need to bring your own pedals.  You may need to pump up tyres (we will have a pump available) and adjust saddle / bar position.  You will need to check over the bike for safety purposes.  Although we will assist as far as practical, equipment safety and providing tools for fitting / adjustments is your responsibility.

Regular track racing will start on Thursday 12 October (please register and pay by looking up the calendar entry in the RMS https://rms.crmcc.org.au/calendar or consider purchasing the $140 annual pass)

Last year was a great season with a dedicated track group and 33 riders participating over the 19 race season.  However, why should they have all the fun.  If you have thought about it, come and give it a try.  We would like at 5 – 10 more regulars this season.

Graeme O’Neill – Chief Commissaire

RACING – next race.

Criteriums are here for 2023 / 24 season starts… 3 October. (Volunteers are needed so please check dates at the link)

Tuesday 3 October – Stromlo Forest Park Criteriums

Wk 0. Twenty min plus 2 laps, early sunset – (need lights to ride home)

Registration cutoff: 3/10/2023 3:50 PM
E / F / G 20m 2 @ 5:50
A / C 20m 2 @ 6:15
B / D 20m 2 @ 6:40
Sunset @ 7:08

Racing Calendar changes – please see below

Sunday, October 15The 2023 Gunning (aka Peter McLennan Memorial) event.
Start/Finish at Bredalbane, using the community hall as race central
Consists of a TT event followed by the usual 48km lap – once or twice depending on your grade.
The handicapper is considering letting D grade vote on their lap count…  
The single day approach facilitates (i) the ability to attract potential 2024 members though the use of the single day trial licence, and (ii) reduces event costs hiring NSW traffic controllers.

Chris Short – Race Committee

thebleat@actvets.cc