Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club

Hopefully everyone is looking forward to a fresh round of club criteriums this year.

The races have been sanctioned by Cycling NSW, and all we require now is the final go-ahead from Rookwood. Unfortunately, we won't have this in time to run our first scheduled race, next week on February 8. We will try and move that crit to another date (to be determined).

Rookwood crits 2015 (subject to confirmation)
A-D Grades with E as a coached beginner and junior grade
Feb 8 (postponed)
April 26 (ANZAC)
June 21 (Winter Solstice)
Sept 13 (Spooky 13)


Calendar

Looking forward to these.

Is it "the bunch you ride with" grading again or can we nominate or will there be some official grading.

Note to grading people. I got caught and passed by D grade last time out. I think that's where I belong

I'll discuss grading with (the other) James prior to the next race, and post here. There will be E grade this time around, too, ostensibly for juniors and those having their first crack at racing. A couple of experienced racers will also accompany this bunch.

Postponed?! But I've been tapering!

The good news is that we have just got approval for the other dates. Keep tapering until April, Stu!

Just in case you missed all the action on the dreaded Facebook, the Sydney Morning Herald ran a story about the Rookwood Crits and featured quite a bit of Philip's photography. Also on page 4 & 5 of the paper edition.

Q: is this DHBC only racing or are we going "open" or ?

It will be held as a Category 3 race (2015 Cycling NSW definition), which is also known as an interclub, i.e., other clubs are able to participate.

And we've invited LACC and are going to invite Nowra CC to the April one. Plus run a women's race.

Huzzah! The newer, faster Rookwood course was approved by Rookwood Trust today. More info (like a map) to follow.

Fast for a hill climber or fast for a sprinter? Vested interest perhaps? Please tell me so!

Same amount of climb as the last course (about 15m), less steep grades, slightly longer. It's lumpy, with a 300m long hill up Weekes Ave (it was the downhill part of the last course - we are just going the other way).

https://app.strava.com/segments/9017264

And in case you were wondering what the course actually looked like... here is the video (unfortunately I can't embed this here):

https://vimeo.com/121572324

Great video and course! Well done

Great video James!

You've got a real talent there. Have you ever thought about working in the film industry?

Nice video and the new course looks great! Should be interesting to see the turnout from the other clubs too after the write up. Looking forward to this!

I remember the hill that was downhill last time as being pretty fast so it must be reasonably steep

Strava says not tooooo bad .. https://app.strava.com/segments/dhbc-ro ... se-9017264

But it's 6% for at least 5m

Rookwood Update #1:

As you probably already know, we'll being running grades A—D at the crit.

But did you know we'll be running two introductory races as "E Grade"?

One will be a general introductory race, open to men and women, accompanied by experienced riders who will be happy to give advice or answer questions during the race.

Likewise, the second E grade group will have experienced riders, but will be women only.

If you are curious as to what the criterium race experience is about, either of these groups will be an excellent way to dip a toe in and find out. Don't forget that one-day race licences will be available to buy (requires a Silver licence).

Rookwood Update #2:

There has been a fairly massive response to the Rookwood crit announcement from inside, and outside the club. The interest on Facebook has been huge, and the queries from other clubs keep coming.

To keep things safe and avoid disappointment, we will be limiting the number of riders per grade, via online sign-up and payment.

Entries will be available to DHBC members first, before they are opened up to other clubs and riders.

Details will be in the club newsletter, which will be emailed out to all DHBC members within a couple of days. Keep your eyes peeled — we expect there to be high demand for places — so make sure you get in early!

Hi, would love to participate in these after seeing the crit races down in jindi on the weekend.
So if we can sign up for a silver license on the day to participate, how much do these cost?
Adrian

Hi Adrian, great! It really is a lot of fun. You will need a silver licence (otherwise known as a Recreation licence) to start with, which is the standard DHBC membership licence, but you can buy a Gold licence for the day — approx $35.

You must have a gold licence to race (either day or yearly). You cannot race on a Silver/recreational licence.

Buying a day-only Gold licence is available as an option in the Rookwood crit online sign-up system.

Check the DHBC newsletter* (the one that has just been emailed to all members)
for the link to the online entry system for Rookwood.

Be quick, before it gets opened up to other clubs — there are limited spaces!

* If you are a DHBC member, and have not received the newsletter, send an email to dulwichhillbc@gmail.com.

Wondering what grade you should race? Here's a rough primer, based on Waterfall groups:

E grade -- c25 riders and people who would like to try racing, but haven't had the chance yet.
D grade -- c28 riders
C grade -- strong c28s and middies
B grade -- strong middies and fasties
A grade -- strong fasties, NRS riders, etc.

Grades will be checked by the club handicapper after sign up.

We've made allowances for some re-jigging of grades, so you won't miss out on a spot as long as you sign up.

Just clarifying, you need a Gold Licence on the day to race. If you have a silver (Recreational) Licence, you can purchase a gold day licence for aprox $35 together with your online entry and pick up before the race ( allow a bit of extra time).
Alternatively you can upgrade your licence from Silver to Gold beforehand.

Entries open up to all the other club's members next Thursday morning at 9am (April 2*). So get in before they do!

*Notice how cunningly I avoided April 1...

Hi James

Are drop bar road bikes essential or can flat handlebars be used?

Jenny and Mia

Just clarifying, you need a Gold Licence on the day to race. If you have a silver (Recreational) Licence, you can purchase a gold day licence for aprox $35 together with your online entry and pick up before the race ( allow a bit of extra time).
Alternatively you can upgrade your licence from Silver to Gold beforehand.

After going through the fine print (actually, Eleri did), the Day licence allows both those with a silver (recreational) licence or no licence to race.

Whichever way, you do need to hold gold somehow (day or licence upgrade) to race. If you upgrade your licence, please bring the receipt as proof, because it is unlikely your new card will be issued in time for this crit.

Hi James

Are drop bar road bikes essential or can flat handlebars be used?

Jenny and Mia

Hi Jenny, drop bar needed, but we might be able to work out a solution for you. Will get back to you...

Jenny, rules (confirmed by commissaire Christian), say drop bar only. I think some bikes can be sourced from within the club. I'll email you.

Hi James,

If I can't make it to the crit on the 26th of April, do I still have to register now to attend the one in June? Or will there be a separate registration for that?

Prashi

Hi Prashi, this registration is only for April 26. We'll open up one for June 21 a little closer to the date.

There are just 24 hours left of early-bird sign up for the Rookwood Crits.

Entry will not be available on the day.

Now is the time to get in before it is opened up to other clubs. There are 35 places available in each grade, except the E grades, which has a cap of 20/bunch. Plenty of space now, probably much less space left tomorrow.

56 people have already signed up to race from DHBC, which is four less than the last Rookwood club-only crit. Currently, B Grade has the biggest subscription, but is being challenged by the Women's only E grade! If you have wondered what racing is like, you should join this introductory race.

Club handicapper, James F, will be rationalising the club grades A to D tonight, so for those in B & C don't be surprised if you find yourself in a different—but probably easier—grade. If you have held off signing up because you don't know what grade you are in, just take a best guess and we'll move you if necessary.

If you have a Recreational licence (silver) or no licence, buy a day race licence, which is available on the order page.

I'll be posting soon about the rides out to Rookwood we will run on race morning, which will be something like this: a middies/fasties bunch out via road, a c25/28 bunch via road, and a slower (family friendly) one up Cook's River Cycle Path. They will be a great warm up for whatever you have chosen to do at Rookwood!

Hi Prashi, this registration is only for April 26. We'll open up one for June 21 a little closer to the date.

Thanks James!

Hello not sure if this is the venue but I want to register Rohan Haydon-Smith for the Rookwood criterium for April 26.

Richard Smith

Ric
You need to use the link in the latest DHBC newsletter from Eleri. Email me at
Kirkhamfamily@optusnet.com.au
If you don't have it and I shall forward it to you.
Cheers Dougie

The link is public now -
http://rookwood.eventbrite.com.au

If you are thinking of riding A, B, or C grade – and haven't registered yet – get in quick. They are filling up fast, and at this rate will be full in the next 2 hours or so. D is not far behind.

In D. Watch out Stuart and Paul*!!

* Unless I get 're-graded' into E...

Still 6 spots in D and plenty in E and E women's.

I'm concerned some riders who missed out on C have registered for D ...

If you think there is an anomaly, please PM/email me with your concerns. I'll be sending the rider lists back to clubs to check grading, and likewise, DHBC grading will be reviewed again after all tickets are sold.

Guess I'll have to sign up for D-grade. Hadnt realised how exclusive this was!

James, I'm just stirring .... I'll be there and racing to stay on the bunch no matter who's signed up

Guess I'll have to sign up for D-grade. Hadnt realised how exclusive this was!

Not exclusive but definitely popular! We've capped the numbers in each grade so we don't end up with too many riders and a consequent lack of safety.

I've registered for D Stuart. Probably not the wisest move so if the powers that be feel they need numbers in E... Well...

Hunting for a D grade ticket for the otherwise sold out D grade? A grading adjustment just made one available. http://rookwood.eventbrite.com.au. Quick!

Did I read somewhere that there will be a ride out to Rookwood from the Marrickville area?

Why, funny you should ask Douglas. There will indeed be a group ride or rides out to Rookwood on the day, starting from the usual assembly place (the Marrickville PO). Specific details to follow.

Family and friends are also encouraged to ride out using the Cooks River path (Rookwood is more or less at the end).

Master of Maps, Andrew Mattes has also been busy drawing up a number of routes from North, South, East, West to share with the other clubs attending. I'll get those published shortly.

Wondering how you are going to get to Rookwood? Details for the group rides to come, alternatives if you like to go solo, picking up friends, or guiding others, or you prefer the air conditioned mass transport option...

Lidcombe station is the closest railway, about 2.4km from the start line. It's an easy trip through Rookwood to get there.

If you are riding from somewhere else, here are some suggested routes.

Download the GPX files here.

Race Schedule
Please sign-on at least 15 minutes before racing, and don’t forget your race licence and club kit!

No registrations will be accepted on the day.

If you have purchased a day licence, please allow 10 minutes to fill in the form.

7:00am C (30 mins +2 laps)
7:00am D (25 mins +2 laps)

7:40am A (40 mins +2 laps)
7:40am B (35 mins +2 laps)

8:30am E (20 mins +1 lap)
8:30am E/W (20 mins +1 lap)

9:00am Track will be open for 15 minutes for family and friends to roll around the course.

9:15am Presentations (at start/finish line)

Transport
We strongly encourage you to ride out to Rookwood. See the gpx guides in the post above if you'd like to check suggested routes.

DHBC will be running three group rides, with ride leaders, from the usual meeting place at Post Office Square (Marrickville Rd & cnr Silver St):

6am depart at a 28-30kph average (on road) arriving about 6:30am

6am depart at a 25kph average (on road, non-drop) arriving about 6:40am

6:30am depart Family & Friends Ride (some on road, mostly Cook’s river bike path) arriving about 7:45am

Lidcombe station is an easy ride from the cemetery grounds, and a good bail-out option for tired legs and bikes after racing.

The Rookwood bus service is route number 408 and services Burwood, Strathfield, Homebush and Flemington railway stations. The bus service doesn’t arrive until 9:30am on a Sunday, and of course, you can’t put a bike on a bus.

If you are planning on driving to Rookwood, please try and park away from the course, keeping the access roads free for emergency vehicles if required. Only park in the designated parking spots that are throughout Rookwood.

Coffee will be available from 6:30am. Breakfast can be purchased from the Reflections Cafe (Strathfield gates) from 7:30am.

The Course
https://app.strava.com/segments/9017264

I’m sure it doesn’t need mentioning, but be considerate around graves. While the race mainly covers unused land, please spectate, tend to mechanicals, faff around etc., well away from any grave sites.

To that end, toilets are available close to the start/finish, and also at four points around the course. Please consult the Rookwood map, or follow the signs, or ask at the registration desk. A quiet pee behind a tree is definitely not acceptable, and fairly illegal. Help us keep Rookwood on the racing calendar by using the toilet blocks!

For spectators and riders waiting to race, the start/finish area has plenty of open grassland, with good line-of-sight down the finishing straight.

Traffic control will have the course closed from 6am.

What are the notification arrangements should it be too wet to race?

Here, Facebook and Twitter. Subject to a course check and the commissaires say-so, light rain won't stop the races.

Current prediction is low for any rain.

We will get there at 6am and will make a call then. I don't think Rookwood got hit with hail the way that Newtown / Erko did.

Thank you to everyone involved in organising this morning's racing. I thought it was an excellent day and well attended! Thank you also for the NRS riders for shepherding the introductory field - useful tips and a great demonstration of the welcoming spirit of the club. Nick

Thanks to everyone who participated in the DHBC Rookwood Criterium.

Despite a night of hail and floods, we ended up with all grades full and ready to race. The damp course and increasingly cold conditions presented an extra challenge to all riders, chapeau to all those who took it on.

Congratulations to all the place-getters, and thanks to those who participated but didn't place – including those who made a crazy break, chased down an attack, helped out new riders, or simply were there to race. Also credit must go to all the people who came to watch and support.

Special thanks to the unstoppable volunteers who marshalled the course, ride-led, organised, registered, walkie-talkied and created.

Velofix certainly made it worth racing for those on the podium, and their sponsorship is greatly appreciated.

Our sincere thanks for the cooperation and assistance of the Rookwood General Cemetery Trust, who partnered with us to bring the criterium into being.

Next races are June 21 and September 13.

A search party has been sent out to find the coffee van.

The fastest photographer to publish pictures: Carbon Addiction

Oh, and anyone who rode either of the E grades – nice work. There are definitely some racers in amongst you lot... (and I'm not talking about the NRS men and woman).

And thanks to you James, for all your hard work in the preparation and to other organisers and volunteers. A very well run event - except for the missing coffee cart

The fastest photographer to publish pictures: Carbon Addiction

"Dulwich Hill Cycling Club"?

There's other great pics going up on Facebook.

Also some ride reports from:

North Western Sydney CC (new in 2015) in great kit.

Manly Warringah CC

and from various people on BNA

and from Velofix

And positive comments on DHBC twitter feed from Chris Jory and others.

Well done Race Director and everyone on the team! Despite the cold and damp.

And plenty of tags on Instagram from Park Bikes and Sydney Uni Velo.

Another report from Many Warringah — http://www.manlywarringahcc.org.au/memb ... ce-report/

Any DHBCer motivated to write a race report?

Oh, and then there is this. June 21.

Any DHBCer motivated to write a race report?

It was fast, damp and cold. Good course. Pays to be near the front for the tight corner. I did not have it in me to be there. I only just hung on. It was fun. Can't wait for the next one. Seriously.

Also posted to the event page on Farcebook:

While the boundaries have changed over the years, bicycle racing has been associated with the suburb of Rookwood for a very long time. The Rookwood Bicycle Club was quite active in the early years of the 20th century, organising road and track events.
From the Sydney Morning Herald, 1 October 1906 – of particular note, check the prize list:

ROOKWOOD BICYCLE CLUB

The Rookwood Bicycle Club decided a fourteen miles road race on Saturday afternoon over an out and home course, starting and finishing at the Rookwood railway station. The race, which was held under the rules of the New South Wales Cyclists' Association, drew an entry of 43.

The officials of the association had charge of the race, which had the following prize-list: First prize, £5; second, free wheel hub, value £1 10s; third, Silver watch; fourth, acetylene gas lamp; fifth , gold medal; sixth, trophy.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/14813672

Well folks, I have some bad news and some good news.

The bad news is that critical roadworks being undertaken on the main roads in Rookwood mean we can't traffic control our course for June 21.

We haven't been able to lock down a suitable alternative course, so unfortunately we will have to cancel the June crit.

I know, it's a bummer.

However, on June 21 both MWCC and SUVelo are holding races, so you will still have a chance to give the legs a thrash.

The good news is that the September 13* Rookwood Crit is still on, so join us then!

*September 13 clashes with Amy's Gran Fondo, and the Southern Hemisphere Cup at Eastern Creek.

Other June 21 events:

SUVelo Crit at Heffron Park

Manly Warringah CC Akuna West Head race (including the Sydney Women’s Road Series)

Hey James, Still no crit this Sunday right?

No - we don't have a course right now (under construction)!

Thanks for the update

No more Rookwood crits?

Just In: Sydney's Rookwood cemetery placed into administration http://ab.co/27fS40j

Just a blip I hope. But we shall see.

dead set?

That's a bit stiff

is this ever going to happen again?

Currently in discussion with Rookwood. Well, at least trying to be in discussion with them but they've had a few issues.

How about looking into using Kemp Park in Allawah? Not as nice and I hear it might need some attention but we need a track we can easily use.

Just correcting the name of the park is Kempt Field at Roberts Lane Allawah right beside Allawah Station. There is some council information here Each lap is about 530 meters