G’day festive CRMCCers,
For this week’s Bleat –
- End of year message from the President
* 2024 racing season
* NSW racing in 2025
* Volunteer obligation
* Call for committee members
* 2025 membership
* AGM on 10 Feb 2025
* Life membership - Next Crit Race – Christmas Wheelrace Tues 17 Dec from 5.50pm
- Narrabundah Track Racing – Thurs 19 Dec, 5.30pm
- Sutton Road race report for 8 Dec – Gerard Tiffen
- Crits race report for 10 Dec – Damian Copeland
- Track race report for 12 Dec – Graeme O’Neill
- Handicapper’s hammer – Rob Langridge
* Downtube Shifter Derby recap
* Boxing Day 26 December recovery ride - Notice of CRMCC Annual General Meeting on Mon 10 Feb 2025
- Upcoming races requiring volunteers – race calendar can be found here
End of year message from the President
It gives me great pleasure to review 2024 in this last Bleat of the year and to reflect on what we achieved as a racing cycling community. While we admittedly don’t offer club coffee rides, we stuck to and enhanced our core values, which is putting on good, safe, value-for-money cycling races for our members under the coverage of our $140 annual race licence.
Overall, we have 272 members, comprised of 261 racing members and 11 officials, and we put on 73 events during the calendar year, including 45 track velodrome events, 28 criteriums, 7 open road races, 7 kermesses and one time trial.
Our criteriums at SFP remain the most popular format of racing, attracting over 1,980 riders across 28 crits, and averaging around 75 riders per crit. Foul weather forced the cancellation of just one crit. We decided to offer value back to club crit riders this season, and 62 of you took up our value-for-money-season-crit-pass proposition, and I would be keen to hear from you how that’s going and whether it has provided the extra motivating factor to race at least 16 times to break even. We’ll look at the data at the end of the crit season to analyse its uptake and benefits.
Our other closed circuit racing venue at SDTC was popular, with the six race Sutton Super Series attracting 254 riders, and on average 42 riders per kermesse race. We ran one points race at Dairy Flat, and had to cancel the other.
While running open road races remains a challenging task, we were encouraged to see an average of 38 riders across the seven road races, and 26 race at the age standard time trial. We crowned queens and kings at our road and crit club championships. We raced at Lookout Hill three times, in varying formats, and at Smiths Rd Mt Tennent twice, as a handicap and a scratch race. Iron Mike was our most popular handicap race attracting 46 riders.
Unfortunately, we were not able to race on open roads in NSW this year, and we had to cancel Gunning. We are working towards offering a few races in NSW in 2025, including a club favourite the Gravel Pit towards Lake George and back. We were able to train and certify five members so that they can control traffic in NSW, and this goes a long way in helping us get back to racing on our favoured NSW parcours. We are watching the investigations into the Armidale AusCycling tragedy very closely, and its impact on open road racing, and our hearts go out to all affected.
Our comprehensive racing calendar is not possible without the tireless efforts of many committee members behind the scenes to deliver good value racing to our members. It is also not possible to run a race without volunteers willing to step up to do their bit so that others can race. You will have noticed over the past five years, a shift away from road racing to crit racing, or to gravel pursuits. We recognise that cycling culture is constantly evolving, and as a Masters club, we are trying to keep up with innovation, while keeping many of our traditions alive. However, we also need to change with the times. As many of you know, we will be moving to mandatory club volunteering of one event as of 1 January 2025 and as a condition of you renewing your membership with our club. I expect that we may lose some of you due to this policy, but we are reconciled in that volunteering to run events must be shared equitably across the whole membership. Additionally, there may be other ways that you could contribute back to the club other than to help out at a race. So please reconsider this option and get in contact with me, if you are departing the club due to this policy.
Working on the committee is a privilege on behalf of our members, and balancing our lives with running races is tricky. It is difficult to keep the ship afloat while delivering some reform and keeping the standard of racing and compliance high, particularly if the committee is only on a one-year cycle. We acknowledge significant contributions from the departing committee member Ed Logue (The Bleat, race organisation and results) and the departed Damian Copeland (Secretary). We are looking to recruit and build a strong, effective, efficient committee team that can work cohesively together to build a vision across 2-3 years, and leave a working footprint for the next generation of club leaders to follow. I hope to remain in this position to see it through. Hit me up for a chat if you would like to discuss coming on board.
Tonight, along with the presidents of the other AVCC clubs, we acknowledged that the national membership fee needs to go up from $120 to $125 to meet rising insurance costs. Our local committee discussed that we will be lowering the club component from $20 to $10 to offset this increase for a total of $135 for the 2025 membership. Please note though, that in 2025 you will pay about $5 in transaction fees, not to the AVCC, so all up, it is roughly the same membership price as 2024. I am expecting that the 2025 membership portal will be open next week, just before Christmas. Please keep a look out here for the 2025 Hello Club portal announcement https://capitalregionmasterscyclingclub.org.au/membership/. We will also put out a Special Bleat and a FB post. Please allow a couple of days between renewing your membership in Hello Club, and when you can register for races in the RMS calendar, due to manual processes involved in the back end, and knowing that the Membership Office is not staffed 24/7.
In the lead up to the next AGM on 10 Feb at 7pm via Google Meet (https://meet.google.com/qnx-uion-ace?hs=224 ) I wanted to draw your attention to the Life Membership policy that we recently dusted off and published on our website https://capitalregionmasterscyclingclub.org.au/life-membership/ . This lists the four current Life Members, and the process to nominate Life Members in the 2 week lead up before the AGM.
I hope to catch up with many of you at the Christmas Wheel Race. If not, please have a safe and restful Christmas holiday period and we look forward to seeing you at the next race on 7 January 2025.
Conan
CRMCC President / membership officer
Summer evening criterium series – Christmas Wheelrace – Tuesday 17 December
Race director Rob Langridge, marshals Todd Sowter and Ed Logue
Bell for the final lap.
Direction clockwise
| Grades | Time | Race Duration [sunset 2015] |
| E/F/G | 17:50 | 25mins + 2 laps |
| C/D | 18:20 | 25mins + 2 L |
| A/B | 18:50 | 30mins + 2 L |
Race registration cut-off is Tuesday 17th December at 12.50pm.
Cost is $10 for a single race or $160 for a season pass.
You need to register by looking up the calendar entry in the RMS https://rms.crmcc.org.au/calendar?5021184
Late registration will be assessed by race.committee@crmcc.org.au and if allowed, a late fee of an extra $10 will be applied.
If you are unregistered and show up to the event, you must convince a committee member (not the Race Director) of your club member financial status for insurance purposes, before being allowed to participate.
You must wear your CRMCC assigned number to race. No number on the day, no race.
Switch race entry:
In the event of rain or another event, the members who have paid $10 to enter and decide to not race, those riders have to send an email to committee@crmcc.org.au before their race starts, where they would like to transfer their $10 with their name and race number, and the date to which they want the credit transferred.
Such requests via Facebook will be ignored.
Even if you don’t qualify for the final, please stick around for the wheelrace to cheer on your riding friends as well as rivals in the same grade.
A grade is no sure bet to win if the other grades work as a team to withstand the incoming Tie Fighters.
Note the spread of winners and placegetters among the grades in the past four editions:
2023 – Steve Crispin, Stuart Griffiths, Trent Smyth (all A grade)
2022 – Paul Morgan, Liz Lowe, Brian Chugg (all D grade)
2021 – Dominic Romano (Dominator), David Hennesy, Michael Larkin (all C grade)
2020 – Christophe Barberet (B grade), Lance Purdon and Rodney Welch (C grade)
The club will provide some savoury wraps and drinks but also encourages riders with large social connections to organise an esky or snacks. We also urge members to invite family members to come out to view this wonderful sport.
Rob Langridge – Race Committee
The peloton in the Down Shifter Derby on 10 December 2024, picture courtesy of Ian Hutchings.
Narrabundah Track Racing
The club has a track booking for 19 December but events will depend on numbers and riders’ interests. It is nominally scheduled as practice and is a free session. It would be a good session for anyone thinking of taking up, or returning to, track racing.
Please register your attendance at https://rms.crmcc.org.au/calendar?5021918 .
Competitive track racing will recommence in the new year on 9 January.
Spare Track Bikes
We have several spare track bikes if you wish to try track racing.
Note that you will need to either be a financial member, or have a trial membership to participate. Please see https://capitalregionmasterscyclingclub.org.au/membership/.
Please 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.
Graeme O’Neill
Sutton Road Training Centre race report – 8 December – Gerard Tiffen
A hot Sunday morning with a lot of wind welcomed the CRMCC crew and guaranteed us a Day of HARD GOING.
The morning started with the A and B race after a few technical issues and discussions over finish lines we kicked off .)
The A grade was a smaller bunch of six where Stuart Griffiths led Jason Irwin across the start/finish for the first lap before the hammer was dropped by Steve Crispin. Tristan Dimmock, Matt Darling and Mick Tolhurst all worked hard to bring it back before Steve working all the way home for the win while the second and third spot ended in a dramatic sprint with a close 2.3 between Stu and Tolly.
B-grade worked well together and at one stage passed the bunch in A with a number of little attacks during the race making it as hard as ever the eventual final came down to a bunch sprint with Marc Vroomans taking out the win followed closely by Greg Harris and Glen Goggin.
D, C and F rolled off the line together and again it was on from the beep in C with a few DNFs popping while eventual winner Mick Hanbury took the win from Ian Preston and Peta Brill pushing hard for third.
D grade worked well into the wind and after a few attacks in the back straight and a couple of punctures the eventual winner was Simon Poromka, Shirley-Anne Taylor with a strong second and John Stockman rolling in third, and F grade Chris Copeland took the win.
I want to thank Stephen Blackburn for his great support during the race, Dimitar Dojcinoski for his Van Skills Conan for His Council and Advice and Ryan Fawke for stepping up as the Head Honcho first aid man.
It was an incredible day and great racing.
Thanks all for participating.
Gerard
A close finish in D grade with Simon Porombka edging Shirley-Anne Taylor.
Photos from the Sutton Road event courtesy of Ian Hutchings – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/6YNVeXCbct2TDQVq/ .
Michael Fawke also provided pics from the races – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/pzwCZNc77pox1DF7/
Crits race report – 10 December – Damian Copeland
Annual Down Shifter Race
Recalling the legends of steel and friction shifting, more than a dozen riders dusted off their classic rides to compete in the annual CRMCC Down Shifter Race. Noted for its nostalgia and classic kit, the race drew both veterans and recent aficionado of chrome chain stays and toe clips.
The 20 minute race started with a two neutral laps, a promenade of steel thoroughbreds, before the competition started. The first 10 minutes of racing remained steady before Paul Scherl, Bruce McMillan, Rob Langridge and Ian Preston increased the pace causing a split in the peloton. Despite a determined chase group of three Paul Scherl distanced the others in the final lap and was followed by Bruce McMillan and John Stokman over the line to take down shift honours for 2024.
Photo from Damian Copeland
A Grade
Eighteen riders lined up for 42 minutes plus two laps. With plenty of red/ yellow colours of Tiffen & Co and pick/blue of Cartel the race was always going to be fast. The first lap proved this to be true with an early break of six riders pushing the pace. Greg Harris was an early protagonist with two groups eventually establishing the race pattern. Matt Darling, Jason Irwin, Stuart Griffiths and Dennis Mungoven worked together in the leading group of four with Greg Harris, Gerard Tiffen and Matt Rizutto forming the chase group. Stuart Griffiths’ sprint was too strong ahead of Jason Irwin and Matt Darling.
B Grade
The B Grade race was characterised by a sudden increase in wind and the number of kangaroos crossing the SFP track. Despite these challenges the pace was on from the start resulting in the race splintering in the initial laps. A strong group of seven, led by Krusty Bryant and Christophe Barberet, lead for most of the race. A combination of fast pace and strong winds saw several riders lapped. In the end, Krusty was too fast for Paul Scherl (still recovering from the Down Shifter Race) and Christophe Barberet.
C Grade
Thirty C Grade riders set off for 38 mins plus two laps. After a relatively ‘piano’ start, Lance Purdon set off on a solo attack and established a solid gap on the peloton. Noting the risk of a long-range ‘Pogacar’ styled attack , Grant Johnston set off to join Lance and together the pair maintained a healthy gap on the peloton. They remained around half a lap clear for 15 minutes before the chasing peloton finally caught them in the concluding laps. With two laps to go the peloton was together and on the bell lap Alfred Cook led everyone home ahead of John-Paul De Sousa and Wayne Bentham.
D Grade
Fourteen D Grade riders set off after B Grade for 38 minutes plus two laps. The high winds and increased threat of kangaroos meant the pace remained steady for most of the race with the group staying together for a final bunch sprint. Russell Marston showed his strength finishing ahead of Tim Moore and Eddie Humeniuk.
E Grade
Starting first for 25 mins plus two laps, Jan Koehler, Bruce Griffin and Chris Copeland set off for the E Grade race. They stayed together for the initial laps setting a steady pace around the Stromlo Forest Track. However, midway through the race Jan surged and established a gap of around a quarter of a lap. Despite a concerted chase by Chris and Bruce, Jan stayed away to take an impressive win.
Many thanks to Charles Black, Ryan Fawke and Ian Hutchings for their assistance setting up and safely running the race.
Damian
Thanks to Ian Hutchings for the pics from last week’s Downshifter Derby and regular crits – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/r7865JknKQ9kbhnN/ , https://www.facebook.com/share/p/uBkBMM8MDdgoudWM/ and https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Boc6NVoDFpcibHRi/ .
Ian also provided some video from the races – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/NHhRZc1rEKnKCJNr/
Michael Fawke took some photos too – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/DAydc38BtLi5MurY/ .
Narrabundah track racing report – Thursday 12 December – Graeme O’Neill
Thursday 12 December saw the ninth track racing session for 2024-25 and the last competitive session before Christmas. The weather was hot with a strong headwind in the back straight. Attendance (nine riders) was on par for this season.
The 8-lap A grade scratch race had a field of six starters. The race commenced with Hamish Anderson leading out at an easy pace. John Paul De Sousa, Ben Davis, Craig Kentwell and Conan Liu did early turns on the front, gradually stepping up the pace. Hamish Anderson took the lead for two laps on lap six.
At this stage, riders started to bunch up and jockey for positions. The final surge occurred about one third of a lap before the bell. The whole pack sprung at this point. Then Conan Liu sprinted from the pack closely followed by Hamish Anderson and John Paul De Sousa. Conan was uncatchable and took a comfortable win. John Paul overhauled Hamish for second place with Hamish holding out the other riders for third spot.
The championship Christmas Wheel Race was next. Graeme O’Neill was on limit but led out for only one and a half laps before Phil Coulton blasted past with Ian Drayton in tow. By lap 3 most of the riders had passed Graeme and were in pursuit of Ian Drayton. Ian looked like a big target for overhauling.
However, he surprised everyone by holding maximum pace, despite suffering. Ian’s reward was to take the win from Conan Liu, with Wayne Benham coming home for a creditable third place. Congratulation to Ian Drayton!
Christmas Wheel Race Placegetters – L to R Wayne Benham 3rd, Ian Drayton 1st, Conan Liu 2nd
The session’s race program was shortened, as usual, to make time for drinks and nibbles to celebrate the festive season. A great time was had by all.
Merry Christmas to all club members on behalf of the track group.
The club has a track booking for 19 December and will likely run this session as practice. Competitive track racing will resume in the new year on Thursday 9 January.
Major place getters were as follows:
8-Lap Scratch: (A1 Grade) Conan Liu, John Paul De Sousa.
(A2 Grade) Hamish Anderson, Craig Kentwell, Wayne Benham.
(B Grade) Ian Drayton, Phil Coulton, Graeme O’Neill.
Christmas Wheel Race (6-lap handicap): Ian Drayton, Conin Liu, Wayne Benham, Craig Kentwell, Hamish Anderson, Ben Davis, John Paul De Sousa, Graeme O’Neill.
Season Point Score:
Hamish Anderson (154), Conan Liu (140), Ian Drayton (132), Steve Jones (124), Graeme O’Neill (124), Phil Coulton (113), Sarah Stephens (101), Craig Kentwell (89), John Paul De Sousa (72), Ben Davis (66), Wayne Benham (59), Warwick Wilson (49), Alison Hale (38), Dave Buckley (16).
Handicapper’s hammer
Downtube Derby Doesn’t Disappoint
The third annual Downtube Shifter Derby was held last Tuesday prior to the standard crits at Stromlo.
Thirteen brave men of steel (we’ve yet to have a female entrant) took on the gruelling 20 minutes plus two laps format in breezy conditions. After the two ceremonial laps led by retired racer Tony Beasley on his Kuwahara, the hostilities began.
Gradually riders drifted off the back as the pace picked up, leaving Paul Scherl, Bruce McMillan, John Stokman, Kevin Newhouse, Ian Preston and yours truly to battle it out. With a lap and half to go Paul made his successful dash to line, leaving Kevin on the front and prompting his undoing. On the back straight the final time, Bruce and John took off for home, leaving Ian to drag us to fourth and fifth, respectively.
The podium
L to R: Bruce McMillan 2nd , Paul Scherl 1st, John Stokman
Barrel draw winners:
Paul (Lube), Allan Bontjer (Metal polish), Kevin Newhouse ($40 99 Bikes voucher courtesy of Gerard Tiffen), Tony Beasley (Leftover new water bottle from Gunning Tour!)
Boxing Day Recovery Ride
This event is back on the race calendar. It’s a no-drop ride from Civic up the old Fed and back starting at 0800. As I’m barely capable of riding that far these days, we are seeking a volunteer to herd the cats initially, ensure the bunch stays together up to Washing Machine Hill and that nobody is left behind.
Please respond to race.committee@crmcc.org.au if you can help out.
Rob Langridge
Notice of CRMCC Annual General Meeting – Monday 10 February 2025 at 7pm (via Google Meet)
The 2025 AGM for the Capital Region Masters Cycling Club will be held on Monday 10th February at 7:00pm via Google Meet:
https://meet.google.com/qnx-uion-ace?hs=224
All CRMCC Members are invited to attend and encouraged to consider joining the committee. There will be multiple vacant positions declared open.
In contrast to previous years, we will not be offering an in-person AGM; if the online mode of attendance is a problem for you, please contact the committee via email (committee@crmcc.or.au).
The Committee membership nomination form is at:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Tt7NK_6jAoJRclpWUiMxWRqO1aaT_5pH
Please direct any questions about membership to the Membership Officer – membership@crmcc.org.au.
If you have specific questions about vacant committee roles and responsibilities, please contact president@crmcc.org.au .
Upcoming races needing volunteers
2025
21 Jan 2025 – SFP crit
Race director
4 Feb 2025 – SFP crit
Race director
11 Feb 2025 – SFP crit
Race director
25 Feb 2025 – SFP crit
Race director
11 Mar 2025 – SFP crit
Race director
18 Mar 2025 – SFP crit
Race director
25 Mar 2025 – SFP crit
Race director
Please contact race.committee@crmcc.org.au if you can fill any of these roles for the club. Also look at the dates in the 2025 calendar where you could help the club. https://rms.crmcc.org.au/calendar
Thank you to those members who have offered their services to fill roles so our races are run.
