Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club

DHBC Adventure Training Ride - Depart 5.45am Second Sunday of the month from Mick Mazza's.

This replaces the "Slowies RNP" ride of past years and will again be tailored for riders who are at least comfortable with Waterfall return at a solid Cruiser pace. Bring your bidons, bring your banana/power gel, bring your camera and bring your pocket change as we explore the various routes and have some fun along the way. Return to Marrickville for end of ride coffee.

Your Hosts
- Mike "Rambo" Clement
- Weiyun "2*20" Yu

2010 Rides - Provisional Calandar (so far)
Jan 10 - Northern Adventure
Feb 14 - Bundeena Coffee then ferry to Cronulla
Mar 28 - Southern Highlands Non Fixie Imperial Century day trip - Fixies/SS banned (ride info in p4)
Apr 11 - Royal National Park (RNP) - Waterfall in, Audley out
May 9 - Early Easties Beach Ride - back in time for Mothers day
Jun 13 - Stanwell Tops Icecream - Fastie's & Middies can challenge themselves on fixies, geared bikes for everyone else.
Jul 11 - Headlands
Aug 8 - Kurnell whale watch
Sep 12 - Bundeena Challenge Return

Sounds great! I'll definitely join you on a few of those, starting perhaps with the Northern adventure.

If you don't mind I'm going to go by the 2010 calendar though, riding on Sundays rather than Mondays.

Thanks for checking the dates and they have all been corrected now.

Those rides sound great. I will definately be in on some of them

i really like the sounds of this
though i really wanted to ride my fixie on the imperial century ride

Great idea guys. It's good to explore some alternate routes. You've both done an awesome job of leading the slowies RNP group in 2009 and it sounds like this year will be even better!

The question is - is the nothern adventure do-able after racing Goulburn the night before?

The question is - is the nothern adventure do-able after racing Goulburn the night before?

Think about the great cafés along the northern beaches.

The question is - is the nothern adventure do-able after racing Goulburn the night before?

I am gathering some die hards of Christian and Simon's level could back up for both rides, but for the rest of us mere mortals that are below C grade...getting back late from Goulburn and up early for Sunday long ride might be a stretch.

.....Pefect excuse for me to give Goulburn a miss.

Thats tops

Where is Northern Adventure? Somewhere pass Hornsby or Manly area? Palm Beach will be nice. Some details please.

thanks

Where is Northern Adventure? Somewhere pass Hornsby or Manly area? Palm Beach will be nice. Some details please.

Narrabeen Lakes loop using Wakehurst Pkwy and Pittwater Rd. We did counter-clockwise last time and may do clockwise this time. Not totally decided. Manly may or may not get thrown in depending on time availability and our direction of travel.

We may schedule a West Head ride at some point in the year but it'll be significantly longer than Nth Adventure, possibly as part of the Headlands route.

Where is Northern Adventure?

How many km approx is the Northern Adventure?

Without any major detours, the Narrabeen Lake loop return is in the 80km range by my recollection. We may or may not supplement with a loop down to Manly.

Very good initiative Rambo and 2x20!
Looking forward to see new routes.

A reminder this is on tomorrow morning. Mike will be at the usual Marrickville meet point at 5:45am and I'll wait for the bunch at the SHB ramp from 6am.

Fun inaugural ride for this new monthly DHBC ride to the Northern beaches today with a highish starting temp of 24.5 deg C. We started with 7 riders at Marrickville and 1 dropped out due to mechanical while I joined the bunch at Oberservatory Hill, next to the Harbour Br cycleway on-ramp. Our first surprise challenge was Ben Boyd Rd through Neutral Bay that tested everyone's climbing legs. Unfortunately Michelle pulled an injury during the climb and had to turn back at the top of it. The remaining 6 proceeded onto Military Rd and across the Spit Br and connected onto Frenchs Forest Rd and then Wakehurst Pkwy. The repeated rolling hills with subsequent downhill sections that gave 65+km/h speeds without leg work gave some satisfying return to everyone's hard work. The drone of the millions of cicadas along the lake section was deafening and was quite a trance that masked the pains in our spinning legs.

A little detour from Pittwater Rd saw us enjoying a well deserved beach side cafe break on the southern end of Curl Curl Beach. A big thanks to Rodney for his local knowledge in showing us this secret hideout. Maybe we will all take our budgie smuggler next time.


Curl Curl Beach.


Great view with DHBC riders leaning over the barrier.


Geoff. But I was more interested in photographing the northern headland of Curl Curl Beach.

Video at the cafe: Mike's commentary was in reference to the bumpy corrugation on south bound Pittwater Rd while Geoff was only interested in his coffee.

We then rode the coastal back roads onto Manly and a spurt of blood to Mike's head had him taking us onto Darley Rd. Yep, the dreaded North Head climb. Surprisingly, the coffee rest earlier refreshed everyone's legs and doped up the rest of the system, and we all made it up with surprising speed. There we saw a big gathering of triathletes with 50-60 TT bikes on the racks and everyone agreed that Gi's absence from such an important event (and this ride) was most unbecoming of a DHBCer.


North Head and its brilliant view across Sydney Harbour.

Video at North Head lookout: Overlooking Sydney Harbour and Geoff took advantage of the situation for his 20s of fame. And was that why he is the club President?

With the highlights done, we returned via the Spit and up Parriwi Rd. Despite the pains of coming up Ben Boyd Rd on the way out, the descent was fun fun fun. Then it was SHB, Darling Harbour, Anzac Br and home.


A little rest after the Parriwi Rd climb to recover from the sharply rising heat.

Well, for me it was 78km all up from Birchgrove, a tad more for those who started from Marrickville Rd. Plenty of climbing and great fun. Till next time...

Thankyou Weiyun and Michael for organising and leading this ride

This ride was fantastic. One of the best I've done with the club in 5 years. It was fun, plently of challenging hills, 7 kms of bushland (Otford), great coffee on at Curl Curl Beach, through Manly Corso and up to North Head, more hills, The Spit, more hills, and nice houses to window shop as one was sucking in air.

I look forward to the next adventure next month. Hopefully we can get this one on the calendar soon again.

Thanks Weiyun for posting the photos and video. (I'm the odd one out in the blue jersey).

It was one of the best rides I've done. The hard work was definitely worth it!

Unfortunately I can't do the next one in Feb, I've got a gig in Tassie that weekend.

Wow! Fantastic report Weiyun!

I had actually posted an apology that can't make it due to North Bondi ocean swims and the peer pressure to do both 1km& 2km swims.... but dont know where my post disappeared!

As I said, an excellent initiative by Rambo and 2x20. I just don't know why all the things I want to do happen on the same day, same morning? I suspect a conspiracy!

gig in tassy? doing what?

nice pics
loved the posed on hanging over the railing even if it is

I play in a band called Mariachi Australia. We've got a gig in Tassie that weekend at Festivale. Look at: http://www.festivale.com.au/

Next Sunday is the "Bundeena Coffee then ferry to Cronulla" ride. Who's in?

It's this Sunday!

I'm keen, but have SFA kms in my legs at present ... could be bloody slow up the big hill ...
So if you'll have me, I'll do it.

I'm keen, but have SFA kms in my legs at present ... could be bloody slow up the big hill ...
So if you'll have me, I'll do it.

It will be a pleasure to see you on the ride

I'm keen, but have SFA kms in my legs at present ... could be bloody slow up the big hill ...
So if you'll have me, I'll do it.

Of course. As demonstrated on the recent History Ride, you are fast!

Weather will be the unknown for Sun though.

As demonstrated on the recent History Ride, you are fast!

You're too kind: I'm not slow for about 30kms on the flat. After that, or on the first big hill, I conk out.

You're too kind: I'm not slow for about 30kms on the flat. After that, or on the first big hill, I conk out.

There's only one big hill on the Bundeena ride. So you are safe with coffee calling on the other end.

Just remembered. Our last Bundeena coffee ride was graced by rain.

Do we go via Waterfall or Audley?
I assume the former ... and if so there is more than one big hill IMHPO.

Audley. We take the descent and then one Artillery Hill climb. It's then a fast run down to Bundeena. Bring some change for the ferry ride to Cronulla.

Audley? No worries. Artillery is a nasty hill, but it did not kill me. And from there to Bundeena is indeed fun!

Would have been cool to attack this ride again after the first time - especially after having dreamt about it the other night (where we got the trian to Campbelltown before heading out and I was wearing tough, tight jeans instead of knicks - go figure!)... But I'll be in Tassie.

Enjoy and I hope it doesn't rain like last time

If my knee holds up on Saturday, I'll come and keep Simon company. I haven't ridden for six weeks...

Ian

I'm also keen to join you for the ride. How much is the ferry trip worth ?

I'm also keen to join you for the ride. How much is the ferry trip worth ?

http://www.cronullaferries.com.au/prices.html

$5.70 pp + $2.85/bike.

Last time they didn't charge us for the bikes as the ferry was quite empty. The ferry is on the hour from Bundeena wharf and we just had to enjoy our coffee until that time.

I'll be there as long as it's not raining in the morning. The forecast this far out is not great.

Jo & I can't make any rides this weekend as we'll be riding here instead.

BTW - who's leading Sat slowies & Sun cruisers with Lindsay away? Step up you accredited coaches.

Given this is my favourite ride I can only hope the weather holds out and the stork holds on! These permitting I'll be there.

Last year we rode it in the rain and it was still a great ride

Weather permitting I'm in. I'm keen to have my first crack at Artillery hill. Only ever ridden down it..

By the way, what time do you think we'll return to Marrickville?

We usually get back before 10am. For Bundeena, it's going to depend a little on which ferry we end of getting. 8am would definitely see us return well before 10.

Weiyun will you post something early Sunday morning if you are going to cancel the ride due to rain as waiting at Mick Mazza's for 45min for the regular ride is not that much fun.

I think that either Mike or myself can do that in the morning, say by 5:30am. However the weather/ground condition may be different here in Balmain and the ride may go ahead without me.

Hopefully it won't be as wet as last week

We were down to 4 for last Sundays Waterfall ride!

I'm in.

Latest weather forecast for Sunday

Thunderstorms
H 25 deg
L 23 deg
Wind 18km/h N @ 9am
Rain probability 90% (20-40mm)

For a Belgian cyclist this would be near perfect.
And we don't even have to worry about cobblestones

Latest weather forecast for Sunday

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are typically not early in the morning. So fingers crossed. This is the time to see who are the optimists.

Yes - should be a good ride _ I may head on thru the park

Yes - should be a good ride _ I may head on thru the park

You should ride to Bundeena and then back track the same route. Just try it!

Many thanks to Weiyun and Mike C for leading the ride

The rain amazingly held off and it was a great ride

Richard

Thanks Weiyun & Mike. It was a very enjoyable ride. Michele appreciated both your support and encouragement. Also thanks for changing both flats for Michele , one from Mike two mins into the ride,& Weiyun on artillery hill. Believe I'll be changing some tyres some time this week. Look forward to the next adventure.
Andres

Thanks Weiyun & Mike - I loved the ride and the conditions were excellent - very picturesque. I look fwd to the next DHBC adventure ride....

It was a great ride today, well worthy of been put on next years Adventure calendar. I was particularly impressed by the performance of the cruizer riders who joined the group, they were given a real challenge and stepped up to the mark.

Hope all can make it for next months ride "Tour de Highlands"

It was a really enjoyable ride, great company also.

Mike - when/where is the tour de highlands ?

Dougy

See the very first post, its on Second Sunday in March. Weiyun and I are working out the fine points, but the basic plan is something like this;
- Meet Mick Mazza's 5.45am
- Ride to a predetermined train station
- Train to Campbelltown
- Ride a bit and then stop for breakfast
- Ride a bit more and stop for an icecream
- Take some photos
- ETC ETC
- Catch the train from Campbelltown back

We have a draft of the route

Annoying. That was both days on the weekend when I got home late with it absolutely chucking down, and on both days the following morning didn't see rain. Maybe I should buy some mudguards and I wouldn't be so shy of wet roads.

OK its on !!!!!, but we had to move the date, sorry. Sun Mar 28 - Southern Highlands Non Fixie Imperial Century day trip - Fixies/SS banned

Bike equipment. Its mandatory that your bike have gears, fixies and single speeds are banned

Route - in a nutshell, we will catch a train to Campbelltown, ride west to Nattai, then south east to just before Mittagong and then North back to Campbelltown. Distance will be around 160k and I'm estimating it will take 11hours including stops.

Ride Start Options;
1. 5.45 Mick Mazza's
2. 6.00 for 6.07 train Wolli Creek Train Station
3. 7.00 Campbelltown

Ride timing Example;


Notes: Times are examples only and there is a train every half hour, so it doesn't matter if we go over. No need to avoid a photo opportunity or not stop for that extra icecream

Lunch at Colo Vale. I'm not sure that its a good spot to stop. Open to suggestions on Lunch

Trains;
Depart: 6.07 at Wolli Creek train station
Return: 4.25pm at Campbelltown. There is a train every 30 minutes
There is no scheduled Trackwork
Return Fare: Adult $8.20

>>> MAP OF THE ROUTE <<<

Pace: Slow

Dodgy weather
In case of bad weather, I'll post a cancellation on this thread at 5am on the day

Awards
Brightest Clothing. Good idea to be seen, it works for movie stars
I'm late. Lets see who makes the train by the skin of their teeth
Are you really going to eat that. Most disgusting lunch - calories are a cyclists friend
I've got a camera stuck to my face. Can anyone take more photos tha Huw? I doubt it

Sounds like it will be a long day. Not sure if I can make it at this stage.

I can't remember if there is much to stop at in Colo Vale.

Why not come back along the old Hume and through Picton via Remembrance Driveway? Couldn't hurt to climb Old Razorback and the roads probably a bit more pleasent than the highway.

Nicknames for Christian huh. Hmmm now let me think...

OK its on !!!!!, but we had to move the date, sorry. Sun Mar 28 - Southern Highlands Non Fixie Imperial Century day trip

Mike, We finish breakfast in Camden the same time we leave Picton for Nattai.

Mike, We finish breakfast in Camden the same time we leave Picton for Nattai.

That should be Camden to Nattai. We won't go through Picton until the return trip.

Mike, We finish breakfast in Camden the same time we leave Picton for Nattai.

Fixed

Why not come back along the old Hume and through Picton via Remembrance Driveway? Couldn't hurt to climb Old Razorback and the roads probably a bit more pleasent than the highway.

We are going up Old Razorback, I think the return route is the same as the 2009 fixie century.

Why not come back along the old Hume and through Picton via Remembrance Driveway? Couldn't hurt to climb Old Razorback and the roads probably a bit more pleasent than the highway.

The return routing is via the Old Hume Hwy and Remembrance Drwy. See Google Maps.

Strange. When I first opened it the route went up the highway, out to picton and then back to the highway on the same road. It's working for me now though.

Usually I blame Bill Gates, but not this time. Perhaps google maps is a little flakey.

So who's in?

I have a party to go to the night before this but i'm ultra keen on this. Count me in.

I have a party to go to the night before this but i'm ultra keen on this. Count me in.

You can sleep on the train.

I'm probably interested in this trip.

I'm interested. Looks like a great ride. I'll see how my knee holds up on Sunday. Maybe I will try and organise a support car in case I blow up or drink too much beer!

Sorry with the delay but here are the photos from our Bundeena ride.











And while we enjoyed the ferry ride across to Cronulla, the guy outside the ferry trained hard on his high performance canoe.

Me being in for this ride depends on how slow it's going to be. I need some long slow km's, like touring pace. So I suppose the speed depends on who else is going...

It'll be a more relaxed no-drop ride. For safety reasons, visual contact will be a must along with regular regroup points. Further, the last rider will always be accompanied by another.

Of course, those "bail points" are there to allow 5km/h paced riders to eject themselves.

Sorry, I'll be in Canberra that weekend.

But at least you won't have to wait for me, Weiyun.

Sorry, I'll be in Canberra that weekend.
But at least you won't have to wait for me, Weiyun.

No problem. See you on a future ride.

I want to do it. Have to do at least one ride that length before I go off for the Brisbane-Cairns ride in May. The first Swans match is the night before so I might have to give it a miss to get up at 5.

The first Swans match is the night before so I might have to give it a miss to get up at 5.

I just assumed I could go to the game AND ride Anyway, I'll slow the ride down for you Victoria, whatever happens!

I could be in for this, I'll have to get a leave pass from the wife but it sounds like great fun!

Only 7 more sleeps till the Southern Highlands 160 aka the non-fixie imperial century.

I've checked for track repair and there isn't any, so we can expect a big empty train to get us there=

Amazed there are no works scheduled for tracks to Campbelltown in the next 6 months. Must have been waiting for us.

Weather forecast for Sunday is sunny 20 - 30deg.

Things to bring
- plenty of water
- sunscreen
- snacks
- money (so you can shout the hosts breakie and lunch)
- club jersey or equivalent bright jersey
- tubes, pump, bike tool
- mobile
- helmet (I forgot once)
- and a big smile (for the photos)

Check your bikes for maintenance issues before the ride, it would be a bummer to have to quit due to a mechanical.

OK its on !!!!!, but we had to move the date, sorry. Sun Mar 28 - Southern Highlands Non Fixie Imperial Century day trip - Fixies/SS banned

Bike equipment. Its mandatory that your bike have gears, fixies and single speeds are banned

Route - in a nutshell, we will catch a train to Campbelltown, ride west to Nattai, then south east to just before Mittagong and then North back to Campbelltown. Distance will be around 160k and I'm estimating it will take 11hours including stops.

Ride Start Options;
1. 5.45 Mick Mazza's
2. 6.00 for 6.07 train Wolli Creek Train Station
3. 7.00 Campbelltown

Ride timing Example;


Notes: Times are examples only and there is a train every half hour, so it doesn't matter if we go over. No need to avoid a photo opportunity or not stop for that extra icecream

Lunch at Colo Vale. I'm not sure that its a good spot to stop. Open to suggestions on Lunch

Trains;
Depart: 6.07 at Wolli Creek train station
Return: 4.25pm at Campbelltown. There is a train every 30 minutes
There is no scheduled Trackwork
Return Fare: Adult $8.20

>>> MAP OF THE ROUTE <<<

Pace: Slow

Dodgy weather
In case of bad weather, I'll post a cancellation on this thread at 5am on the day

Awards
Brightest Clothing. Good idea to be seen, it works for movie stars
I'm late. Lets see who makes the train by the skin of their teeth
Are you really going to eat that. Most disgusting lunch - calories are a cyclists friend
I've got a camera stuck to my face. Can anyone take more photos tha Huw? I doubt it

Mike / Weiyun

See you there on Sunday morning

Looking forward to it.

Richard

Keep an eye on the weather though. Currently there's heavy rain predicted for Bowral/Camden area on Sun. We are keeping a close eye on it at the moment and may offer a mystery ride if the forecast stays the same.

Have fun all. I'll be sleeping in a little after a late night celebrating the Swans first season victory! Maybe I'll make the next long ride.

The possibility of significant rain on our planned ride route is still there. Whilst wishing for a lucky change in the forecast, anyone who is planning to start the ride at any location other than Mick Mazza and Wollie Creek station is advised to PM either Mike or myself with your mobile number so that we can advise you of any last minute plan change. We'll be checking the weather forecast and radar till the last minute.

The possibility of significant rain on our planned ride route is still there. Whilst wishing for a lucky change in the forecast, anyone who is planning to start the ride at any location other than Mick Mazza and Wollie Creek station is advised to PM either Mike or myself with your mobile number so that we can advise you of any last minute plan change. We'll be checking the weather forecast and radar till the last minute.

When sending your mobile number, can you include your full name... you should see my mobile address book

Latest forecast for Sunday from www.bom.gov.au

Sunday Mostly fine. Partly cloudy.
City: Min: 20 Max: 29
West: Min: 17 Max: 31

Could be a warm one

There are separate forecasts for Bowral and Camden on the net. Rain at present for Sun. But yes, it'll be warmish if we stay within the Sydney basin.

I'll be a starter (hoping not to die too early).

Here is the ride mapped on bikely:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/396058

We are in luck. Latest forecast is,

Illawarra region: A fine day with cloud increasing later. Light to moderate northwest to northeast winds, fresh near the coast in the afternoon and evening.

Bowral : Fine. Cloud increasing. Min: 14 Max: 26

So the Southern Highland (Non-fixie Century) is ON, going according to original plan. Meet at Mick Mazza's @ 5:45am sharp. Sleep well and see you all there!

I'll be a starter (hoping not to die too early).

Rick, we can meet your friend on Hurley St (south) side of Campbelltown Station tomorrow per scheduled arrival time.

Only one more sleep

Everything is as to plan

3 guys are meeting us at Campbelltown, 1 is catching the train at kingsgrove. See the rest of you at Mick Mazza's 5.45am or Wolli Creek train station.

PS. Everyone coming on the ride should carry an ICE card with emergency contact information in their jersey pocket.

PS. Everyone coming on the ride should carry an ICE card with emergency contact information in their jersey pocket.

As they found in the London Tube bombing, it's a good idea to have an ICE number on your mobile. That's where mine is.

All that praying to the weather gods has paid off, its going to be a perfect day

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR713.loop.shtml

See you guys/gals shortly

Thanks Weiyun.

BTW Daylight Savings is not on this week. The forum time is incorrect and shows 1 hour earlier.

BTW Daylight Savings is not on this week. The forum time is incorrect and shows 1 hour earlier.

Hi Rick. Just go into your Profile and select your time zone as +11. Then when daylight saving ends, switch it back to +10. Our forum clearly isn't daylight saving aware yet and that explains everything.

How was today's ride?

How was today's ride?

Here's some photos.

Now that's Breakfast!


Early Days


The Three Musketeers


A very Australian Scene


What the f*ck are you looking at? - Attack Dog #1


Attack Dogs Inc.


The Gang (avec moi, thanks Weiyun)


The Gang (avec Weiyun)


It's hard to be different when you're in uniform!


Lost Again!


Elysian Fields


The Usual Suspect - before the loose cluster became obvious!


Did anyone book the restaurant?


Heartbreak Hill


Razor (Back) Gang

Great photos Karzie!

All I can say is that it was a long long day and so glad that the weather turned out to be perfect. Loved the view at Nattai and the company. And for future reference, Colo Vale was a one service station town, don't expect to find a meal there. In terms of mechanicals, apart from a few flats, Mikesbytes managed to complete 3/4 of the ride with a loose cassette locking ring, Karzie took a side wall cut but managed with $10 note, and an external rider bailed at Picton with a snapped RD adjuster screw.

Video of the view over Burragorang Lake from Nattai,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqfPAFAFF8Q

And Rick.Polito won the Most Combative Rider award for the day!



Rick making a solo attack on the Old Razorback Rd


Nice start to the ride in Camden


Finally worked out how these signs can be useful in cycling

What time did you get back?

What time did you get back?

I left home in the dark and returned home in similar darkness. The train got back to Wolli Creek around 7pm while a few of us went onto other stations. Long day.

Where were you?

I a big ride on Saturday, so was recovering on Sunday.

I'm a bit time poor at the moment so I couldn't really afford to take myself out for a whole day.