RNP Slowies Ride - 5.45am 1st Feb 2009

Road cycling & upcoming rides
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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 27 Jan 2009, 20:03

As everyone knows, Weiyun and I are conducting an RNP Slowies ride this Sunday. This is your chance to experience RNP.

About the ride
=========
Departure from Mick Mazza's 5.45am on the dot, this Sunday (1st Feb 2009)

Route is same as Sunday ride to Waterfall, except the big dipper will be taken.

Pace up to Waterfall will be the same as for the 6.20am group.

We will enter RNP from Waterfall and then turn left towards Audley.

About this time James C and the rest of the 6am RNP group will go pass, give them a big wave as they go past while you put your "I'm doing this easy" poka face on.

With each hill, each rider will ride at their own pace and we regroup at the top of each hill. No one will be left behind and Weiyun or I will sweep, so no probs if you get a flat or a mechanical.

We should arrive at Sutherland Servo about the same time as the 6.20am group.

About you
=======
If you can ride to Waterfall with the 6.20am group, then you are able to do this ride.

Take a bit more nutrition and water than you normally do for the waterfall ride.

Don't ride like a mad man/woman down the hills, you may encourage someone with less down hill skill than yourself to go past their limits.

Take a photo somewhere, so you can say "I did it"

Buy your Hosts a coffee afterwards :)

About your Hosts
===========
Michael
- The Ox
- drinks Cappuccino
- Blows off carbon disk equipped triathletes on a $100 bike in Centennial Park
- Never refuses a free beer, even if it takes a $40 taxi fare to get it.
- Mr fix it (that's flat tyres)

Weiyun
- The Dragon
- drinks Cappuccino
- Seeking carbon in hope of blowing Mike off.
- Will take the beer but ask it to be FedExed over.
- Mr fix it (the riders)
Last edited by mikesbytes on 28 Jan 2009, 09:49, edited 5 times in total.
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jimmy
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Postby jimmy » 28 Jan 2009, 06:53

Couple of things to be aware of

If you have never done the hill descent from Waterfall, then there are two left hand corners that can trap you. They are both signed at 25km/hr so they are fairly easy to spot. The first is near the top, and the second is after the false flat in the middle of the descent.

The regroup point for the first hill is at the Garie Beach turnoff. The second is hard to describe, as the fast group, we usually regroup at the sign for the right hander at 75km/hr.

The last descent (Artillery Hill) is fairly steep but has easy corners, it is possible to descend this very fast, but if you are unsure then take it easy.

The last ascent is only short and the regroup is opposite the turn off to the visitors centre/rangers office.

Obviously I am not doing this ride, so Mike and Weiyun may change the regroup points.

James
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simon.sharwood
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Postby simon.sharwood » 28 Jan 2009, 08:38

What a great idea, guys, and thanks for your time and effort.
(Not quite for me, given I have hardly been on a bike for three months due to illness. Maybe the next one?)
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weiyun
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Postby weiyun » 28 Jan 2009, 09:08

Thanks James for the expert guidance. I agree that riders should be particularly careful of the descents as there's been more than a few serious accidents on them over the last two years.
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Trouty
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Postby Trouty » 29 Jan 2009, 20:48

Wieyan may have to take the RNP slowies on his own (with help from us slowies), as we were racing at the track tonight and Mike had an accident. His pedal either came off or broke off. Although knowing the age of his gear it could have rusted off. Anyway - Mike came down hard and had a lot of trouble breathing so was taken off in an ambulance. He seemed ok but we will find out more in the next few days.
Last edited by Trouty on 29 Jan 2009, 23:23, edited 1 time in total.
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shrubb face
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Postby shrubb face » 29 Jan 2009, 21:00

bloody hell, is there anymore news about how mike is? He will never trust those SPDs again...
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Postby weiyun » 29 Jan 2009, 21:00

Thanks Jo. I had contact with Mike today and he didn't make any mention of it. He is a tough man and we'll see.
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Postby weiyun » 29 Jan 2009, 21:01

bloody hell, is there anymore news about how mike is? He will never trust those SPDs again...
He doesn't use SPD for track does he?
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Postby shrubb face » 29 Jan 2009, 21:06

He doesn't use SPD for track does he?
I thought he did but maybe I am wrong.

If mike isnt up too riding the park, i dont mind being the other domestic.
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Postby weiyun » 29 Jan 2009, 21:31

I thought he did but maybe I am wrong.

If mike isnt up too riding the park, i dont mind being the other domestic.
I know that he has been using SPDs for his commuter but didn't know he is also trying it out on the track. SPD is known for the occasional pull-outs and so I wouldn't trust it for any sprinting activities.

Doesn't matter if Mike is feeling well or not, you've just been drafted. :wink:
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Trouty
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Postby Trouty » 29 Jan 2009, 23:22

Mike is tough, I am sure he will be fine, but I very much doubt he will be riding on Sunday judging by his condition tonight. His pedal was still attached to his shoe after the crash. He also had a few cuts and abrasians. He was really flying before he went down.
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weiyun
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Postby weiyun » 30 Jan 2009, 05:54

I am confused. Did the accident happen on Wed or Thur evening?

Edit: Ok, looks like Jo have replaced "last night" with "tonight" in that earlier post.
Last edited by weiyun on 30 Jan 2009, 08:17, edited 1 time in total.
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Postby weiyun » 30 Jan 2009, 08:15

Ok, just received a message from Mike and looks like he'll be in hospital for a few days with a punctured lung.

If there isn't a mass cancellation, the RNP Slowies ride will continue as planned. So who are coming at this stage?
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colin
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Postby colin » 30 Jan 2009, 08:51

count me in, glad to help out if needed
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Huw
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Postby Huw » 30 Jan 2009, 09:23

I know that he has been using SPDs for his commuter but didn't know he is also trying it out on the track. SPD is known for the occasional pull-outs and so I wouldn't trust it for any sprinting activities.
I know this is off-topic, but I have used an un-modified (i.e. no added straps) set of SPDs for all my track riding, including a fair amount of sprinting. I even use the yellow cleats (the ones with float), and I've never had a problem with accidental release.
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Postby insomniac » 30 Jan 2009, 09:24

Never good with early starts - if I get 3 or more hours sleep, I'll there. Fingers xed!
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Postby weiyun » 30 Jan 2009, 09:29

I know this is off-topic, but I have used an un-modified (i.e. no added straps) set of SPDs for all my track riding, including a fair amount of sprinting. I even use the yellow cleats (the ones with float), and I've never had a problem with accidental release.
It's worth discussing it though. If you troll web forums, you'll find quite a number of cases where people have pulled their SPDs. Part of the problem may be a particular model of Shimano SPD cleat that permits vertical release, but the data isn't clear. The level of injuries reported include fractures, punctured lung, liver and other organ lacerations leading to at least one case where splenectomy was required.

It's a personal call I guess.
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weiyun
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Postby weiyun » 30 Jan 2009, 14:18

Confirmed with Mike, he wasn't using SPD pedals but traditional clip/strap on his track bike.
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Postby T-Bone » 30 Jan 2009, 14:55

I believe there's some confusion. SPD pedals (MTB type) you wouldn't use for the track, from what Huw said he is actually using SPD-SL pedals which would be much better. Old SPD-R pedals are the most popular, especially with an added strap for security, though you'll have a hard time finding some.
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Postby weiyun » 30 Jan 2009, 15:17

Yes, I was a bit surprised with Huw's SPD. SPD-SL makes much more sense. In any case, it's all a furfy. Mike uses SPD on his commuter but not on the track.
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Postby Michele Wood » 30 Jan 2009, 19:19

Count me in. Looking forward to it.
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Postby insomniac » 31 Jan 2009, 15:38

Unfortunately, I have to pull out of tomorrow's ride..... I've just got too much to do workwise. Apologies and thank to Weiyun for organising this ride. I also have to apologise to Daryl, as I put some major pressure on him to do this ride....but still think you should do it Dazza!!!!

Was really looking forward to those hills ...have fun everyone.
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Trouty
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Postby Trouty » 01 Feb 2009, 10:34

Thanks Weiyun and Geoff for taking us slowies to the RNP.

I think the slowies were all quite strong (with me almost being the weakest link up those hills). It is a good opportunity for the stronger slowies to do some thing different. Maybe we should look at doing it once a month or some thing like that. I am sure I will regret that recommendation.

What did every one think? Was the pace just right on the way up, too fast, too slow?
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Postby weiyun » 01 Feb 2009, 11:07

What a great RNP ride this morning! I couldn't believe the turnout of 18 riders just for the Slowies RNP, a great effort for that 5:45 start! For me, it was just wonderful to be able to back off the pace a bit and be able to enjoy the scenery without putting oneself on the fine line b/n survival and death in the regular RNP group. Shame that MikeC who initiated this project couldn't join us but I am sure we'll get another opportunity to have him around. And a big thanks to GeoffM for lending a hand in guiding the group safely through the park and beyond. As for Jo, just remember that those hills didn't crack you.

As our club RNP master JamesC always suggests, you will get stronger by riding those hills. And irrespective of the times, we all won today!

And here are the group photos.

Firstly, the combined Slowies and "Fasties" at Waterfall, after the Slowies waited for 34min 26.4sec.
Image

Then there's the Slowies only group at the Garie Beach turn-off, after we allowed the "Fasties" to ride ahead.
Image

Original files (phone camera quality) can be downloaded from,
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/70876/090201 ... erfall.JPG
http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/70876/090201 ... %20RNP.JPG
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Postby insomniac » 01 Feb 2009, 12:52

Looks like it was a great morning's effort.....I am envious of you all..I'm stuck at work.
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Trouty
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Postby Trouty » 01 Feb 2009, 17:00

Weiyun, I noticed you photoshopped yourself in. That is excellent !!!!!! You can't even tell.

Again...many thanks, I think they all enjoyed the ride.
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Postby mikesbytes » 01 Feb 2009, 17:09

Huge turnout. So no ones a RNP virgin any more.
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Trouty
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Postby Trouty » 01 Feb 2009, 18:34

Hi Mike,

Glad to see you must be home, considering you are posting to the site. Weiyun and I figured out that we both gave you exactly the same Magazine at your hospital visit (RIDE), so both of us have dibs on the magazine when you finish!! Enjoy relaxing.
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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 01 Feb 2009, 19:33

I've got 3 copies or RIDE;
- Two with Lance on the front
- One with Cadel on the front

I'm still reading all 3 copies :D
Last edited by mikesbytes on 01 Feb 2009, 19:41, edited 1 time in total.
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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 01 Feb 2009, 19:38

Image
Who's that good looking rider in this pic ?
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weiyun
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Postby weiyun » 01 Feb 2009, 21:59

Who's that good looking rider in this pic ?
Define "good looking". Or was that an apparition of Mikesbytes? :wink:
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mcrkennedy
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Postby mcrkennedy » 02 Feb 2009, 11:33

Yesterday was great day. Thanks to all who organised it. I would also like to Weiyun "the Chris Carmichael" of the club for his on road coaching up those hells (oops hills)
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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 02 Feb 2009, 17:36

OK, its got me stumped. How did Camilla make it for a 5.45am start?
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weiyun
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Postby weiyun » 02 Feb 2009, 20:11

More intriguing was that Insomniac went to sleep and missed out 5:45am.
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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 03 Feb 2009, 10:03

Camilla made it for the 5.45 am start because Amy rang her at 5.15 am to make sure she was out of bed and Camilla is scared of Amy.

Weiyun - you look so bright and shiney compared to the rest of us, as though touched by an angel!

Mike - sorry I never got to visit. I got as far as the hospital car park before I realised I'd lost my phone and had to go into panic mode. Still panicking. Suppose I better get a new one. Maybe I'll see you Thursday at rollers, though I sincerely hope you'll just be watching.
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