Tassie Sojourn

Road cycling & upcoming rides
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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 07 Dec 2010, 19:35

I thought I'd start this thread up as I'm about to book my leave, transport and race entry for Tassie, via Launceston and Evandale.

I intend to go down the week before the racing and do some touring. Linda's got work on, so I'll be flying solo.

Any ideas for a route this year?

christian
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Postby christian » 08 Dec 2010, 07:05

This year the century ride is on Thursday the 10th, the road race is on Friday the 18th and the fair/nationals is on the 19th. Its a bit annoying since if you want to rode the century you'll have to go down on the Wednesday and if people can't get down there on the Thursday the tour will have to start on the Saturday and we would need to be back Thursday since the road race in on a Friday this year.

I'm still keen though.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 08 Dec 2010, 07:33

Just as well I'm not wedded to the idea of racing a penny farthing for 160km in the sun. 8)

Here is the link to Evandale Village Fair

My moustache is almost finished growing.

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T-Bone
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Postby T-Bone » 08 Dec 2010, 10:19

I hadn't even gotten to checking the dates yet... i'll have to make sure i save something to defend my road race title after touring.

Me and Lindsay were talking about going west. Due to the level of difficulty with the terrain on the west coast, someone may want to organise something easier. I'll map out what i'm thinking for the west coast.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 08 Dec 2010, 14:10

someone may want to organise something easier.
Some one should.

What distances per day were practical last year?

christian
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Postby christian » 08 Dec 2010, 14:38

That depends on how fast you want to go. The DHBC method of touring is not quite normal. When I speak to other people that tour they say a long day is 100km, where we seem to consider a long day to be 160+km.

If you want an easy pace I'd keep the days under 120km. I'm up for the hard west coast version.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 08 Dec 2010, 17:04

There's West Coast and then there's WEST COAST

You're going to be time limited and have to have some legs for the friday race.

Here's a photo of one of those moulded plastic topo maps.

Image

maybe you could ride somewhere and then catch the bus back.

There's a great railway that goes between Strahan and Queenstown called the West Coast Wilderness Railway which is something of an experience, but it's probably too far south..... maybe... :roll: and maybe they wouldn't take twenty bikes...

Here's a map of where the Aboriginals used to hang out. The grey areas are where they didn't go.

You'd want to be on a major highway if you traversed these areas. Even then, it's really tough.

Image

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 08 Dec 2010, 17:19

Have a look on Google Earth at the dirt road between Marrawah and Corinna... Maybe with big tyres?

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weiyun
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Postby weiyun » 08 Dec 2010, 19:56

We went to Strahan a year or two ago in December. The climbs are major and many rural roads are not that wide. We went past a few bike tourers and also saw a few tremble on the edge of the road as logging trucks and other vehicles flew past to overtake at close range. Hi-vis gear is an absolute must or rider can be invisible in the shadows. Tight twist and turns don't help.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 08 Dec 2010, 22:51

Yeah that's why I didn't go last year. At one stage the route was Strahan to Lake St Clair in one day, back to Evandale the next. If the ride didn't kill anyone, the logging trucks would have. And if you don't make civilization you have to camp with the ticks, quolls and ... shudder ... devils. So I thought 'no fun there' and didn't bother taking the leave.

Then I heard (after) that it turned into a milk run up the Tamar.... wtf. I've got an uncle owns a vineyard there.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 08 Dec 2010, 23:31

West along the coast road to Marrawah, then follow the ridge to Corinna, Savage River, Waratah, Mount Rd, Murchison Hway, Belvoir Rd, Wilmot Rd, Cethana Rd, Oliver's Rd to near Liena, then onto Mole Creek Rd. Almost home. What a great ride. Need the knobbies tho'...

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weiyun
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Postby weiyun » 09 Dec 2010, 08:38

Well, still there are many cyclists who have completed the tour to the West Coast. But just be aware of the potential risks and have the necessary safety gears. Otherwise it's a really beautiful world out there.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 12 Dec 2010, 15:13

Marrawah, Corinna, Savage River, Waratah, Mount Rd, Murchison Hway, Belvoir Rd, Wilmot Rd, Cethana Rd, Oliver's Rd to near Liena, then onto Mole Creek Rd.
Here's the MapMyRoute link

This is the Tarkine Wilderness and is obviously the return leg (362Km) which would be 3 days. You can download a Google Earth KML file from the MapMyRoute link which gives a better idea of the countryside and an elevation profile. This route we'd have to camp at least one night, at Corinna. There are some cabins there now apparently, but I'm guessing they're a bit pricey. I'll look into it if there's any interest in this route. The road is dirt from Marrawah to Waratah, but it's a white loam and is apparently quite good at the moment.

Getting to Marrawah would be around the North coast, 2-3 days, but I guess a lot of people did this ride last year and may want to see a different part of the country.

Anyway, this concludes Karzie's Option One. Stay tuned for the next installment.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 12 Dec 2010, 15:23

Oh, I forgot, the beauty of this route (apart from the natural beauty that is, :) ) is that there's virtually no traffic. Maybe two cars a day. We'd be riding fat tyres front and back.
Last edited by Karzie on 13 Dec 2010, 22:10, edited 1 time in total.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 13 Dec 2010, 21:59

ok. Karzie's OPTION TWO

There's a couple of Cat. 1 climbs here. The first is almost immediately, to get onto the tablelands. The second?, well you'll find that soon enough!

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T-Bone
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Postby T-Bone » 14 Dec 2010, 09:55

Similar to what i'm thinking, though i've got some extra bits.

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 14 Dec 2010, 12:16

I like the look of option 2! Do your "extra bits" include Cradle Mountain T-Bone? Whatever the route, I'm in. Ted's keen too. We're about to go into training for the Alpine Classic so should hopefully have a little more fitness by the Time Tassie rolls round!

What dates are people thinking exactly? I'll have to book leave. And plane tickets. And has someone booked the pub at Evandale!

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 14 Dec 2010, 13:42

Similar to what i'm thinking, though i've got some extra bits.
Can you put up a map with you 'extra bits'?

Here's Karzie's Option Three, The NE Forest Loop

There's a section going right thru the forest, Ringarooma to Fingal. It's a Grade 1 climb first up (after Ringarooma), but then downhill all the way for miles and miles thru the forest.

There's an amazing waterfall halfway at Mathinna.

Knobbies front and back.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 14 Dec 2010, 14:17

There's another ride to Mathinna, only a short bit of lovely dirt road. Here's a 200Km round tripwhich could be added to another 2 day ride, like around the tablelands. You might do it in a day, but it'd be a shame to race it.

There's detailed photos here.

This can be Karzie's Option 3b

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T-Bone
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Postby T-Bone » 14 Dec 2010, 20:52

I'll post a map of my route shortly.
This year the century ride is on Thursday the 10th, the road race is on Friday the 18th and the fair/nationals is on the 19th.
Also, i have confirmation that the information on the website was incorrect, and the century and road race take place as normal, Century on 12th (Saturday), road race 20th (Sunday).

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T-Bone
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Postby T-Bone » 14 Dec 2010, 21:21

Ok, Here's what i'm thinking, though i'm still deciding on the direction.

orphic
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Postby orphic » 14 Dec 2010, 21:44

If I go I am thinking about doing a completely off road jaunt, and camping. By the looks of that map you might be dancing around the outskirts of some trails I might want to be riding, so you can rescue me if things all go to sh!t and I get attacked my Tasmanian devils ;)

christian
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Postby christian » 15 Dec 2010, 07:37

I just don't know if I can be bothered this year, even with Huw missing I'm still not going to win the Penny nationals, and with James going and me getting handicapped differently this year I can't win the road race either. Not that its all about winning.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 15 Dec 2010, 08:10

I just don't know if I can be bothered this year, even with Huw missing I'm still not going to win the Penny nationals, and with James going and me getting handicapped differently this year I can't win the road race either. Not that its all about winning.
That's OK, we'll still get a consolation prize... Beer!

It's very consoling.

timyone
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Postby timyone » 15 Dec 2010, 20:26

alex chugg could be our next champ if he went
what are the dates for it?

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 16 Dec 2010, 12:33

I'm interested in some idea of numbers and route choices for a pre-Evandale tour of Tassie. Realistically, we can only organise two different rides if members do want a choice.

The "Hell of the West" ride will definitely be on, the other as yet unnamed ride will be a more sedate affair for those wanting a more laid-back tour.

Please do the usual cut and paste for this list.


1. Tyre Kicker - I'm thinking of going but haven't made up my mind yet (indicate preference for option 2, 3 or 4 below).


2. "Hell of the West" I'm definitely going. I want to ride only sealed road. Hard, fast and light (approx dist. 120-180Km / day).

T-Bone
Lindsay


3. I'm definitely going. I want to ride sealed road only (medium distance per day, medium pace).


4. I'm definitely going. I want to ride sealed road with some connecting hard-packed dirt (medium distance per day, medium pace, through some National Park).

christian
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Postby christian » 16 Dec 2010, 13:10

The first stage of the "Hell of the West" needs to be started by Eddy Mercx.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 16 Dec 2010, 16:05

Of course. I'm negotiating the fee at the moment.

Jennifer Grey might come too, but she says you've gotta promise not to argue with anyone for some reason...

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T-Bone
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Postby T-Bone » 16 Dec 2010, 23:12

There is actually approximately 28km of unsealed road in my route

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tedrobin
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Postby tedrobin » 17 Dec 2010, 18:03

Penny-farthing riding is apparently alive in Italy - this one snapped in Grosseto (Tuscany):

Image

Note that the foot-peg is on the right. I wonder is this is somehow related to them driving on the other side of the road?

And a detail for the afficionados:

Image

orphic
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Postby orphic » 17 Dec 2010, 20:15

I have been investigating the possibility of riding the Tasmanian trail, which is basically ~500km of dirt from Devonport to the South. Got lots to learn about light weight bikepacking before then, but this could be a really great goal!

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 17 Dec 2010, 22:17

And a detail for the afficionados:

Image
Reminds me of the back wall of a block of flats I used to live in...

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 17 Dec 2010, 22:40

There is actually approximately 28km of unsealed road in my route
Doh! Where is that?

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T-Bone
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Postby T-Bone » 18 Dec 2010, 20:36

Between Miena and Bronte Park, on the way to Derwent Bridge (Marlborough Hwy). The Sealed road alternative is an extra 140km (haven't checked every alternate road...)

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Postby wallman » 21 Dec 2010, 17:11

1. Tyre Kicker - I'm thinking of going but haven't made up my mind yet (indicate preference for option 2, 3 or 4 below).

Wallman (Options 2 or 3 and I'll try to sneak in some pursuit training on the side)

2. "Hell of the West" I'm definitely going. I want to ride only sealed road. Hard, fast and light (approx dist. 120-180Km / day).

T-Bone
Lindsay


3. I'm definitely going. I want to ride sealed road only (medium distance per day, medium pace).


4. I'm definitely going. I want to ride sealed road with some connecting hard-packed dirt (medium distance per day, medium pace, through some National Park).

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tedrobin
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Postby tedrobin » 23 Dec 2010, 08:11

1. Tyre Kicker - I'm thinking of going but haven't made up my mind yet (indicate preference for option 2, 3 or 4 below).

Wallman (Options 2 or 3 and I'll try to sneak in some pursuit training on the side)

2. "Hell of the West" I'm definitely going. I want to ride only sealed road. Hard, fast and light (approx dist. 120-180Km / day).

T-Bone
Lindsay


3. I'm definitely going. I want to ride sealed road only (medium distance per day, medium pace).

Ted (and I'd be happy to do 4 too if you tell me that my 28mm road tyres could handle it)

4. I'm definitely going. I want to ride sealed road with some connecting hard-packed dirt (medium distance per day, medium pace, through some National Park).

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Stretch
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Postby Stretch » 23 Dec 2010, 12:32

I've been working on a couple of options for the "Gentlepersons Tour"
Option 1 = 381km http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/26300798
day 1 75km
day 2 84km
day 3 77km flat
day 4 90km climb
day 5 55km

Option 2 = 324km http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/26301310
day 1 = 68km flatish
day 2 = 92km flatish
day 3 = 42km (coastal)
day 4 = 67km climb
day 5 = 55km

Send me a PM if you are interested so I can work on the accommodation.
Also, please send me a PM if you want to stay at The Clarendon Arms Hotel on any of the days from Thursday 10/2 - 12/2 and 17/2 - 20/2
http://www.ozcan.com.au/dhbc/TASSIE%202011.pdf

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 01 Jan 2011, 18:49


3. I'm definitely going. I want to ride sealed road only (medium distance per day, medium pace).

Ted (and I'd be happy to do 4 too if you tell me that my 28mm road tyres could handle it)

4. I'm definitely going. I want to ride sealed road with some connecting hard-packed dirt (medium distance per day, medium pace, through some National Park).

Ted, If I do Option 4 myself, I'll just use some 25mm knobbies. there's not a world of performance (rolling resistance) difference with a steel frame and MTX trunk. There's momentum advantages if you're reasonable strong. Much less flat tyre risk also. I'm sure your 28s would be up to it. The backroads seem in very good condition.

I would really love to do "The Old Coach Road" which is the second part of my earlier published ride. Haven't worked out accomodation.

I would also love to blat around in the "Hell of the Western Tiers" ride.

Choices, Choices...

wallman
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Postby wallman » 03 Jan 2011, 09:42

I think I'm definately going to come down regardless of the touring option - I'm happy to do whatever suits the group. What are the dates that we're looking at though for the trip? I'd like to start getting myself organised and get flights booked.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 03 Jan 2011, 10:31

I'll post a map of my route shortly.
Also, i have confirmation that the information on the website was incorrect, and the century and road race take place as normal, Century on 12th (Saturday), road race 20th (Sunday).
Good question Wallman. There is some confusion (see above) due in no small part to the official website, which still has the original information on it! ?? If Christian's information is in fact correct, then I suspect that it would be best to fly in Friday evening after work (11th), spend Saturday racing (Century), preparing for the tour or just drinking beer, and then heading off on Sunday 13th, coming back ? Thursday evening (17th) which leaves Friday 18th to get ready for the weekend's racing (19/20th). Ride to Launceston airport and fly out Sunday evening.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 03 Jan 2011, 11:46

Virgin Blue seems to have the best service to Launceston. You can take a bike in addition to your normal luggage allowance. See Virgin baggage conditions here.

They recommend that you buy one of their bike boxes for $15, 'cos if it's not packaged according to their specs or you're late (one hour prior), you're DNF. If there's any interest, we could take my station wagon and pick up a bunch of them at the same time.

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 03 Jan 2011, 13:45

I'm pretty relaxed about the route too, and am happy to go with the majority flow. Ideally I like at least 100km a day, preferably about 120, but am not overly fussed. For the record, we rode a bit of that dirt rd after Miena in 2009 (after a long day in the saddle we were incapable of reading the giant sign pointing us to our hotel so just kept going). It was bumpy, but not too bad. I was on 24 gatorskins from memory. Not ideal, but manageable if it's not too far.

Has anyone booked a ticket yet?

wallman
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Postby wallman » 03 Jan 2011, 16:56

Has anyone booked a ticket yet?
I've just booked myself onto Virgin Blue arriving on the 12th and departing on the 20th and am pretty excited about it. I don't plan on doing much, if anything, on the penny front, just some touring.

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 04 Jan 2011, 09:02

I just booked tickets for Ted & me: arriving on Friday 11 at 12.50 on DJ1152 and departing on Sunday 20 at 1.20 on DJ1155. That departure time makes it a little tight for the road race but we managed it last year. It's the only direct Syd-Launceston flight (as well as being much cheaper than the others). In fact, I don't think there was a later option with Virgin anyway, unless you wanted to arrive at midnight and pay some $500 for the privilege. So get booking everyone!

Stretch: please book Ted & me into the pub for the first Friday night too! This doesn't mean I'm doing the Century by the way, but nor am I ruling it out.

orphic
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Postby orphic » 04 Jan 2011, 09:06

Hey does anyone have a contact phone number for Di? I sent an email via the website but not sure if that was working...

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 04 Jan 2011, 10:19

As for the bike boxes Karzie, one of my favourite bits about the Tassie sojourn is riding to the airport, boxing my bike, putting it and me on a plane, and doing it all in reverse the other way. No taxis or lift-sponging! Panniers become carry-on luggage. You can buy a bike box at the airport on arrival. Easy!

orphic
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Postby orphic » 04 Jan 2011, 10:31

It's ok, I got an email back now :)

I'm on the same flights at Camilla and Ted. Yay! Tassie here I come.

Still not sure about touring route. I am keen to camp and travel with Bob, which means I will be slow... Will think about it over the coming weeks and see what everyone else decides on doing. I have a yearning to do something relatively unplanned and a little bit stupid.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 04 Jan 2011, 11:14

As for the bike boxes Karzie, one of my favourite bits about the Tassie sojourn is riding to the airport, boxing my bike, putting it and me on a plane, and doing it all in reverse the other way.
8) Yes, the obvious occurred to me as soon as I'd posted it...

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 04 Jan 2011, 11:28

I'm on the same flights at Camilla and Ted. Yay!
Double yay! What fun we'll all have. You should really just come touring with us though Vic. Even if it's on your MTB in the paddocks alongside us. And if you really want to do something a little bit (even a lot) stupid, ride the Penny Century.

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T-Bone
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Postby T-Bone » 04 Jan 2011, 14:39

I'll probably fly down on the friday and back on the monday, might get around to booking tonight.

Here's my plans for touring:

Day 1 Evandale to Miena - 104km
Day 2 Miena to Queenstown - 142km
Day 3 Queenstown to Tullah - 125km
Day 4 Tullah to Sheffield - 101km
Day 5 Sheffield to Evandale - 120km

This could all be done in reverse direction as well, and there are some possible detours for sightseeing.

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 04 Jan 2011, 15:48

I've just had a long inspection of the route and I like it a lot. And I like it in that direction. Nice work James.

Ted's a bit trepidacious, but I see a few options for minimising damage that we might employ:

1. Ted and I could head off and do the first leg, Evandale-Miena, on the Saturday after waving everyone off on the Penny Century. Then we can have a rest day up at Miena by the lake on Sunday and continue on with everyone else on the Monday.
2. Is there any reason on Day 3 those who are tired can't ride Queenstown to Zeehan direct on the A14? That would cut 50km off the day. Might not be as pretty but if people are suffering they're not going to care so much about the view.
3. Day 4 & 5 have enough towns along the way that it's possible to flake and turn it into a 6-day tour instead.

Who, by the way, is actually coming? Seems a fairly intimate crew at the moment: T-bone, Stretch (Gentlemen's tour?), Wallman, Karzie, Lindsay (?), Ted, Camilla, Amy (?), Orphic (solo attempt)...

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T-Bone
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Postby T-Bone » 04 Jan 2011, 21:22

There's not really many towns on day 4, and no reason people can't skip Strahan on day 3. Rather than having a day off at Miena, you could ride to Derwent Bridge/ Lake St Clair, which would shorten the following day.

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 04 Jan 2011, 23:56

That's an excellent idea, to ride to Derwent Bridge on our "rest day". Apart from anything else it looks to be a beautiful location, and the "Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel" seems perfect. So here's the slightly softer tour I'm proposing Ted and I will do, catching the rest of you sometime on the Monday:

Day 0 (saturday) Evandale to Miena - 104km
Day 1 Miena to Derwent Bridge - 60 km
Day 2 Derwent Bridge to Queenstown - 82km (re-assembling with the rest of the bunch)
Day 3 Queenstown to Tullah (A10 all the way) - 70km
Day 4 Tullah to Sheffield - 101km
Day 5 Sheffield to Evandale - 120km

If anyone wants to join us in the avant guard tour they are more than welcome. There are dorm rooms in the Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel so it should be doable ($105 for a double, $45 for a dorm bed, by the looks of it). And of course the day 3 option depends on one's mood: 70km straight or 125 via Strahan.

T-bone, if you're booking accommodation please just book for Ted & me from Queenstown on. I'll sort our first 2 nights. What was the name of the place in Miena though - the Great Lake Hotel?

And Stretch: if you're booking the Evandale Pub please book us for Friday 11 only, and not Sat 12. (And then the 18th & 19th of the race weekend of course!)

Sorry if this all sounds a bit pedantic. I just want to be sure we all have a good time, and chances are Ted will crack if he does those first two days straight & has to keep backing it up, and that will be no fun for him and no fun for anyone else. And sorry Ted, if I'm sounding all mother-hen while you peacefully sleep. But I reckon this new plan will be fantastic! I'm excited!

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 05 Jan 2011, 11:00

Hahaha love that "Day 0" Camilla. I would have thought you were a computer Geek!

I'm very tempted to join you on the Derwent Bridge Escapade, Camilla. It's only a 60 km ride (not enough), but it seemed a pity to go that route and not go to Lake St Clair. That would let me do that. Mmm... double room at the Wilderness Hotel.... there'd be room for my bike!

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 05 Jan 2011, 11:25

Aha! But if we deposit tired people in the hotel, which is on the Lyall highway, we can then do an afternoon out-and-back along the Lake St Clair Rd. This would not only add 10km to the day's journey but no doubt be stunning scenery.

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tedrobin
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Postby tedrobin » 05 Jan 2011, 11:41

What do people think about on-line route-mapping programs? I find MapMyRide to be rather counter-intuitive and hard to use, and the elevation-map they give you is very basic. At least they promise to let you print out maps if you stump up some money, and this would be handy for Tassie. Bikely seems slightly easier to use, but there doesn't seem to be a map-printing function. Are there other options?

orphic
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Postby orphic » 05 Jan 2011, 12:47

I have recently discovered bikemap.net and believe it is the best out of the available tools

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 05 Jan 2011, 12:51

I find with bikely that if you just hit "file/print" it, you know, prints.

orphic
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Postby orphic » 05 Jan 2011, 13:14

I find that you rarely actually want the whole map anyway.

For touring I have a small view of the entire route, then I screen shot the important bits (ie turn offs) and string them together into a document. Usually you can make it so your whole day is on one page and you can see all the bits you need. If there was a mapping program that did that for me it would be awesome...

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 05 Jan 2011, 13:15

What do people think about on-line route-mapping programs? /quote]
I love them. Sometimes takes a bit of the novelty away, but I also hate nasty surprises and outdated maps. You can also just print up a list of the waypoints and ride it like a pilot plots their route (Cue Notes in MapMyRide).

Ted, You can do it with http://www.bikemap.net (similar to MapMyRide) or directly on Google Earth as well, but I like to do the mapping in MapMyRide and then export to a KML file. That's the main reason I use MapMyRide rathern than Bikeley or Bikemap.You can then turn the KML into a fly-around of the route and/or check out 'StreetView' for a better perspective.

I think that you can print out a map at this point (in Google Earth). I just did a printout of a route in MapMyRide which worked ok, but no detail. Trick here is to get the detail you want in Full Screen, press "Print Screen" button and then paste it into an MS Word document to print (you could edit first, but it's not important). Of course, you should have a map for if you take a REALLY wrong turn!

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Postby tedrobin » 05 Jan 2011, 13:23

I've just checked out bikemap.net and agree that it does the job much better than Bikely and MapMyRide - thanks! But I'll try the *.kml trick in Google Earth (never done it) via MapMyRide and see what happens. Bikemap.net does excellent printed maps and elevations with ease.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 05 Jan 2011, 23:56

Double yay! What fun we'll all have. You should really just come touring with us though Vic. Even if it's on your MTB in the paddocks alongside us. And if you really want to do something a little bit (even a lot) stupid, ride the Penny Century.
Looks like I'm booked on the same flights...

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Postby orphic » 06 Jan 2011, 07:15

Excellent... You bring the brussel sprouts!

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T-Bone
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Postby T-Bone » 06 Jan 2011, 09:47

I'm booked in on the same friday flight, but i'm heading home on the monday.

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Postby Camilla » 06 Jan 2011, 11:22

Perhaps I'll ring Virgin and warn them, to make sure they've got enough bike boxes on hand!

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 06 Jan 2011, 11:32

Perhaps I'll ring Virgin and warn them, to make sure they've got enough bike boxes on hand!
You get 20 extra points.

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Postby Karzie » 06 Jan 2011, 11:44

Excellent... You bring the brussel sprouts!
OK, you bring the besan flour! :)

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Postby christian » 06 Jan 2011, 12:14

I should stop reading this thread, I really wish I could go. Very jealous.

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Postby tedrobin » 07 Jan 2011, 14:37

So, here's the routes for Camilla's proposed (slightly alternative) tour, which leaves a day earlier than the main group.

Day 0: (Saturday) Evandale to Miena - 104km
I am informed that although km 50-70 is the horrendous bit, the worst is km 70-104, since your legs are convinced that there is a gentleman's agreement that it will be all downhill to Miena and thus clock off at the end of the climb.
Image

Day 1: Miena to Derwent Bridge - 62 km
Recovery-day for the faint-hearted.
Image

Day 2: Derwent Bridge to Queenstown - 85km (re-assembling at Queenstown with the rest of the bunch)
We'd better pack plenty of water since it doesn't look like there'll be any along the way.
Image

Day 3: Queenstown to Tullah - 70km
The Fasties will be going a longer and lumpier route out to Strahan, but I'm on the A10 all the way.
Image

Day 4: Tullah to Sheffield - 100km
From now on, fully re-integrated with the main bunch.
Image

Day 5: Sheffield to Evandale - 107km
Image

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Postby Stretch » 10 Jan 2011, 09:52

And Stretch: if you're booking the Evandale Pub please book us for Friday 11 only, and not Sat 12. (And then the 18th & 19th of the race weekend of course!)
I've booked you in.
As I'm having knee problems at the moment, I may not even be touring this year (or maybe by car).

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 10 Jan 2011, 11:51

Maybe the club would subsidise petrol/rental for a supported ride?

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Postby Camilla » 11 Jan 2011, 08:52

I should stop reading this thread, I really wish I could go. Very jealous.
Can't you just tell Uni you're working with Defense for the week and Defense that you're at Uni? Go oooon, it'll be fun. We'll let you bake us scones!

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Postby christian » 11 Jan 2011, 14:40

It's not about the time I have plenty it leave. I just don't think I can afford it this year. I will be accepting donations to the "take Christian to tassie appeal" :-)

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Postby kiwiames » 11 Jan 2011, 18:32

Well i decided today that i was going to Tassie this year - i do have a penny crown to defend afterall.

Anyway i only applied for leave today and it was approved today as well - now i just need the flights, looks like the fri am virgin blue flights are all taken! .... Anyway my options are jetstar leave 8am or virgin at 11.05am. The sunday virgin flight at 1.20 is available.

How is jetstar with transporting bikes? And can i get a bike box from jetstar? or should i just go down on the 11.05am flight ??

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Postby T-Bone » 11 Jan 2011, 22:12

Jetstar don't give you any extra luggage allowance for bikes, while Virgin gives an extra 5kg. They do have bike boxes, so it's not all bad, just make sure your bike is within the weight allowance and you'll be fine (i hate paying excess luggage when certain others don't have to).

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Postby christian » 12 Jan 2011, 04:22

I'm thinking of coming now and just dealing with the expense later. I always have a good time in tassie. Flights seem to still be available. I may even make scones.

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Postby kiwiames » 12 Jan 2011, 07:33

Thats what im doing Christian.

I booked my flights last night, flying virgin blue both ways, leave sydney 11.05am on the 11th (Friday) then return on the Sunday 20th at 1.20pm.

And I got them cheaper this year than last year, and ive booked almost a month later.

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Postby christian » 12 Jan 2011, 08:58

I've decided to screw the expense and come anyway, flights are booked. Looks like I'm on the same flights as everyone else, it may get a bit crowded in the cargo hold with all the bikes. I'm not looking forward to the sprint back after the road race, with any luck it won't be a horrible head wind this year.

The jury is still out on whether or not I'll do the century, I've done it once and I don't know if my arse can put up with that sort of punishment again.

Stretch, can you book me in for the hotel in Evandale, I'm arriving on the Friday, leaving on the Sunday after. I'm hoping there is room now that I've booked the flights.

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Postby Camilla » 13 Jan 2011, 11:23

Yaaaay! Christian and Amy are coming tooo! Party on the DJ1152! We really will need to ring and warn them. 7 bikes now? Me, ted, Karzie, Orphic, Amy, Christian, T-bone. Wallman's coming on the Saturday. What news of Stretch & Lindsay? Any one else?

If you hold a bake-sale Christian, I'll buy a scone towards your expenses. If you make it savoury and then slather it with jam Amy might buy one too.

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Postby kiwiames » 13 Jan 2011, 11:57

I love my jam on anything savoury ..... Why is that so strange I dont get it.

BTW Camilla - I rang the Penny guy yesterday and ive got the same Pennys to race as I did last year!! he said hes even made some adjustments to one of them - its now 'faster and handles better'. Such a lovely bloke.

Also stretch, please book my accomdation at the Pub in Evandale, arriving Fri 11th, leave Sun after.

Alpine next week then Tassie couple weeks after - I cant wait!

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Postby T-Bone » 13 Jan 2011, 12:03

My dad's on the same flight, just not sure what his plans are yet.

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Postby tedrobin » 13 Jan 2011, 13:27

Excellent news about Amy and Christian: critical mass has been reached! And there are probably still a few lurkers out there who might join up. But we'd better have a word to Virgin to make sure they're not caught short of bike boxes when we front up en masse.

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Postby Stretch » 17 Jan 2011, 14:25

Gentle Persons' East Coast Alternative Tour
Day 1 Evandale - Ross 78km (West of the Midland Hwy)
Day 2 Ross - Swansea 68km
Day 3 Swansea - Bicheno 43km (sunshine & beer)
Day 4 Bicheno - Avoca 92km (changed due to Fingal Hotel is closed for renovations)
Day 5 Avoca - Evandale 68km

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Postby Camilla » 27 Jan 2011, 06:16

I'm going to book accomm for the first 2 nights of the alternate T-bone tour soon (Miena, Derwent Bridge). Can people please confirm if they want to come in this advanced party (meeting up with the others on our 3rd day/their 2nd). So far I've got:
Camilla
Ted
Karzie
Lindsay's mate

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Stretch
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Postby Stretch » 27 Jan 2011, 09:06

I'm going to book accomm for the first 2 nights of the alternate T-bone tour soon (Miena, Derwent Bridge). Can people please confirm if they want to come in this advanced party (meeting up with the others on our 3rd day/their 2nd). So far I've got:
Camilla
Ted
Karzie
Lindsay's mate
Lindsay's mate (Gochlan) is planning to ride the East Coast tour after riding the Century. :wink:

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 27 Jan 2011, 09:17

Good news all round Stretch: you get company on the Gentleman's Tour and Ian gets to snuggle with his bike in private.

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Postby orphic » 27 Jan 2011, 09:45

Is Lindsay coming?

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tedrobin
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Postby tedrobin » 27 Jan 2011, 09:48

He's doing the hairy-chested version of the Tour, I think.

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 27 Jan 2011, 09:56

yep, Lindsay's on the the party flight too. You coming with us Orphic, or touring with Bob?

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Postby orphic » 27 Jan 2011, 10:24

Hurrah!

I'll be touring with Bob and doing the tent pitching, gas camp stove cooking thing (with titanium cutlery, I might add!). While I am very much looking forward to spending time with you all down there, touring with Bob and people without Bob's is not really very much fun for the person towing the Bob. I am sure we will cross paths somewhere though :)

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Postby shrubb face » 28 Jan 2011, 05:54

I think you've gone a bit rogue Vic.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 28 Jan 2011, 07:30

I think you've gone a bit rogue Vic.
Yes, talking about Bob in the first person is a bit concerning.

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Postby kiwiames » 28 Jan 2011, 12:07

Hey Vic, Your reminding me of that Tom hanks movie 'Cast Away' ... Where he named a soccer ball 'Wilson' and began talking to it as if it were a real person .... I hope it hasnt got to that stage with 'bob' yet, but never the less, I hope your touring in tassie is great.

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Postby orphic » 03 Feb 2011, 14:34

Hehe I just came across this. Geoff is now Huw, apparently... ;)

http://www.think-tasmania.com/evandale/

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Postby kiwiames » 03 Feb 2011, 14:51

Lol. Now that is one major stuffup!

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Postby mikesbytes » 03 Feb 2011, 18:55

Hehe I just came across this. Geoff is now Huw, apparently... ;)

http://www.think-tasmania.com/evandale/
Image

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Postby weiyun » 03 Feb 2011, 19:46

Lucky they didn't put Geoff in "shack that belly".

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 04 Feb 2011, 11:16

That's fantastic! I suppose the both had beards...

I have no idea what "shack that belly" means. A reality tv show I'm yet to hear of?

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 04 Feb 2011, 21:15

So I've confirmed our booking at Tullah Lakeside Lodge. Over to you Lindsay/T-Bone to book Queenstwon & Stra... that place with the town murals arnd the zebra on heat.

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Postby T-Bone » 04 Feb 2011, 21:40

Stra... Sheffield


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