Valley Wheelers' Hawkesbury Ramble- Jan 5 2013

A place for those keen on vintage and retro bikes - steel is real.
Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 06 Dec 2012, 09:44

i'm free (and getting paid!) Jan 2nd-5th and i feel like going on a ride.

anyone feel like catching the train, then riding around the hunter, sampling the local produce, staying over night, and maybe doing the same the next day?

i have no idea where to go or what to do, i'm just putting it out there, and i recon you guys will be a wiser vintage.
Last edited by Lizanne on 17 Dec 2012, 13:49, edited 3 times in total.

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JoTheBuilder
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Postby JoTheBuilder » 06 Dec 2012, 17:11

Sounds great. Unfortunately I can't make it as I'm puppy sitting. You'll have to get a train to Maitland and ride from there as there is no station in Cessnock or the Hunter I don't believe.

And watch out for drink riding... The cops keep a close eye out in that area, especially over the holidays.

Oh, and avoid Broke Rd... Worse than Pyrmont Bridge Rd (if that's possible).

scully
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Postby scully » 06 Dec 2012, 17:53

Great idea. I have to work :(
I have done something similar. The roads were a bit crap(less of an issue if one is keeping it real). Tyrrell's were the most generous with the samples. And you have to go to the smelly cheese shop.
We camped in the bush and made risotto with fancy cheese and drank cheap wine(from Tyrrell's cause they were nice).
Good times.


Am planning a little 2 day adventure which involves camping at a beach- probably early early Feb if interested.

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 07 Dec 2012, 07:51

Am planning a little 2 day adventure which involves camping at a beach- probably early early Feb if interested.
keep me updated, camping on the beach sounds good

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marc2131
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Postby marc2131 » 07 Dec 2012, 08:45

Why not discuss this with the group at Saturday Slowies?

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 07 Dec 2012, 09:02

that means i'll have to wake up after a night on the beers... i might just make a cafe appearance.

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 12 Dec 2012, 09:24

ok so new plan

someone mentioned a gravel road in the blue mountains.

i say early train, scenic riding, coffee, gravel road, wine and cheese, train home

i say a week day would be best, 2nd 3rd or 4th but i'm also free for the saturday

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marc2131
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Postby marc2131 » 12 Dec 2012, 11:21

Sounds good

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 12 Dec 2012, 11:26

do you have a date preference? or should i just pick one. i don't have a family to worry about, and Ben will be working.

and does anyone know the name of the dirt road in the blue mountains? i want to look it up so i can plan a little more

i found Glenraphael Dr, is that the one we were talking about in the cafe? -33.728658,150.294918

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Stuart
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Postby Stuart » 12 Dec 2012, 14:04

There's a road beside the railway line .... more MTB territory probably

scully
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Postby scully » 12 Dec 2012, 19:38

Sounds good.I can do the sat or it might be possible to get a day off if i fill out a million forms.Wednesday would be the worst for me.

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Postby Johnj » 12 Dec 2012, 22:16

Anywhere between about 27th of December to the 1st of January would probably suit me. I might be able to wangle a day in the next week, but two days is probably beyond me.

I'm keen to explore the Hawkesbury north of Windsor, via Sackville, River Rd and Cliftonville Rd (some good gravel here I think) at some time. I'll work out an itinerary and post it when I can. If not for this ride, then for some time next year.

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 13 Dec 2012, 14:10

ok so, cause no one else commented scully wins and the date will be set for saturday the 5th of jan.
sorry john the dates you want are during the christmas carnivals, but i do like the area you suggested.

places to get food look sparse. so it looks like musettes full of wine, cheese, and baguettes!

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marc2131
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Postby marc2131 » 17 Dec 2012, 09:15

Lizanne
A choice of 2 rides. Will probably go for both if I can, but will depend on availability.
Worse comes to worse, would it be possible to incorporate them into one?

Johnj
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Postby Johnj » 17 Dec 2012, 13:20

Here's my suggested route, the Valley Wheelers' Hawkesbury Ramble. From Windsor to Ebenezer and on to Wiseman's Ferry, returning via some dirt roads to Riverstone. About 110 kms, Bikely seems to have exagerated the climbing as there are a number of phantom hills showing in the elevation chart.

Trains are running on Saturday 5th January. The 7:08 from Redfern is probably the best train, getting to Windsor at 8:19.

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 17 Dec 2012, 13:29

Winner!

This looks like a plan, who else is in?

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 17 Dec 2012, 13:41

I've gotta get a weekend pass, but I may be able to talk The Princess into coming too, if she can get some more Kilometres up over the Christmas break.

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marc2131
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Postby marc2131 » 17 Dec 2012, 13:52

110kms on dirt roads!
No road bike for me. I'm using my fat tyred commuter with panniers.

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 17 Dec 2012, 13:53

just some dirt roads. not the whole thing.

and is your commuter vintage?

Johnj
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Postby Johnj » 17 Dec 2012, 14:20

110kms on dirt roads!
No road bike for me. I'm using my fat tyred commuter with panniers.
About 15km of dirt, mainly Tizzana Rd to Sackville and Old Leets Vale Rd. Tizzana Rd looks smooth, according to Google. No idea about Old Leets Vale Rd, Mr Google didn't drive there. No downhills on the dirt, which are the real killers.

I thought lunch at Wiseman's Hotel might be the go, menu here. There's cellar door sales at the Tizzana Winery, but they don't open till 12. We can look at the church at Ebenezer (oldest in the country) and maybe cross Wiseman's Ferry to see the lower parts of the Old Great North Road. The second half of the trip is not worked out in much detail, so suggestions welcome.

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marc2131
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Postby marc2131 » 17 Dec 2012, 14:28

just some dirt roads. not the whole thing.

and is your commuter vintage?
Early 80s, Reynolds 531, handmade UK-built Bob Jackson 'Super Tourist' with Arabesque downtube shifters. Doesn't look like much but some Jacksons fetch a mint on ebay especially to US buyers.

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 17 Dec 2012, 14:36

ooo sounds nice, and more vintage than my bike.
i always just picture commuters as alloy giant hybrids...

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Postby MarkL » 17 Dec 2012, 16:47

There's a nice morning tea to be had at the Ebenezer church if it fits in :wink:

scully
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Postby scully » 17 Dec 2012, 17:15

It all sounds good.Now if only there was someone the same size as me with about a million vintage bikes who wanted to lend me one :mrgreen: :P :lol:


The plan seems to be coming together. I'm sure we will figure out nice places for first breakfast, second breakfast and elevenses.
Great that Marc can carry all the picnic stuff in his trusty panniers.
It is concerning that the princess would think it necessary to train for a valley wheelers ride. Methinks the lady has been misinformed about the vibe. I would describe the Valley Wheelers as a kind of support group for bike hoarders. The actual riding part is not that important and is not supposed to be fast or competitive. The important rituals seem to be the intense scrutiny of each others bikes and the sharing of fascinating details about the history of every bicycle ever made. All the nerding out must be quite energy expensive as frequent food and beverage stops are required. So tell her to come and that Marc will carry her wine and baguette!!

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marc2131
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Postby marc2131 » 17 Dec 2012, 18:03

........ I would describe the Valley Wheelers as a kind of support group for bike hoarders. The actual riding part is not that important and is not supposed to be fast or competitive. The important rituals seem to be the intense scrutiny of each others bikes and the sharing of fascinating details about the history of every bicycle ever made. All the nerding out must be quite energy expensive as frequent food and beverage stops are required.
:shock: dastardly :o shocking :cry: defamatory!

:wink:
p.s. that's why we have so much fun

scully
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Postby scully » 17 Dec 2012, 19:05


:wink:
p.s. that's why we have so much fun
that's why i'm coming :mrgreen:

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 18 Dec 2012, 07:36

It all sounds good.Now if only there was someone the same size as me with about a million vintage bikes who wanted to lend me one :mrgreen: :P :lol:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PUSHBIKE-BIC ... 5899c251ad

needs new bar tape, chain, maybe break pads, tyres and tubes. $20 for a christmas project!

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mikesbytes
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Postby mikesbytes » 19 Dec 2012, 09:42

Cruiser brakes :)

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Postby mikesbytes » 19 Dec 2012, 09:42

Cruiser brakes :)

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 20 Dec 2012, 09:16

i just looked up the winery, and they specialize in red and fortified! i suggest we take the 7:08 train to riverstone, do the reverse route, lunch Wiseman's Hotel then finish the day off with a stop at Tizzana Winery, and a break at the church in Ebenezer.

p.s. i might have to bring a bigger musette, i love reds and ports

AliG
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Postby AliG » 20 Dec 2012, 20:17

That sounds like a terrific ride! Unfortunately I've got someone staying with me then (who, sadly, wouldn't be interested in a ride), so my (somewhat) vintage bike and I will miss it. Have fun!
Alison

Johnj
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Postby Johnj » 21 Dec 2012, 12:02

i just looked up the winery, and they specialize in red and fortified! i suggest we take the 7:08 train to riverstone, do the reverse route, lunch Wiseman's Hotel then finish the day off with a stop at Tizzana Winery, and a break at the church in Ebenezer.

p.s. i might have to bring a bigger musette, i love reds and ports
I've modified the Bikely route to start at Riverstone and end at Windsor. I think there's a bit of scope to alter the early parts of the ride.

I'd suggest sneaking the red wine/port into Marc's panniers. I'm sure he'd never notice the extra weight.

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Karzie
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Postby Karzie » 21 Dec 2012, 13:24

The Princess has signed up.

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marc2131
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Postby marc2131 » 21 Dec 2012, 15:57

I'd suggest sneaking the red wine/port into Marc's panniers. I'm sure he'd never notice the extra weight.
....... ahem :?

Did I hear someone say free lunch for Marc?

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marc2131
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Postby marc2131 » 28 Dec 2012, 15:12

Thought some of you may find this article from the Illustrated Sydney News (26 July 1888) interesting. It gives quite a detailed description of a cycle touring trip to Windsor. I am not that familiar with the itinerary of our proposed trip next Saturday (5th January) but would be nice if we find ourselves travelling through the same area and sights, but a 125 years later.

--------------------------------------

"Windsor seems to be the favorite country run, probably on account of the shortness of the trip (34 miles) which enables cyclists to leave the city at 2 p.m. and have tea in Windsor. Besides this, the road after leaving Parramatta is usually in a good condition, and mostly composed of soil of a gravelly nature which forms a nice smooth surface so dear to the heart of a cyclist.

After leaving Parramatta a straight road is followed over Baulkham. and Rouse Hills, which are the "pons assinorum" of a young wheelman. When he has successfully ridden over these hills he may fairly consider himself a good road rider.

The district all round this neighborhood is covered with orangeries ' and orchards, and many" is" the basketful of oranges . that has gone to assuage the phenomenal thirst peculiar to cyclists who have ridden twenty miles over dusty roads.

The entrance to Windsor from this direction is across a bridge which spans the river Hawkesbury, and a more old-fashioned appearance could scarcely be imagined. On the right are situated the police barracks, which were formerly the, military barracks of the 5Sth Regiment, and were erected in the year 1820. At the rear is the old Government House, which in its time was the favorite residence of Governor Macquarie. It is a wooden building, ...and is in a fair state of preservation, even at the present time. Near the railway station and over- looking the river is the residence of Mr. McQuade. It is surrounded by a magnificent parkland has attached to it a cricket ground, which is in great request, and round which it is probable a bicycle track will be formed at an early date.

Adjoining the park is St. Matthew's Church, the foundation stone of which was laid by Governor Macquarie in 1816. A Spanish dollar valued at 6s 3d was placed under the stone, and was a few.nights afterwards stolen by convicts; another was placed there and also disappeared.

In the cemetery surrounding the church are some of the oldest monuments in the colony. Amongst these is one erected to the memory of Sarah Freebody, who died, in 1803, aged 102. Windsor is next to Parramatta the oldest town in Australia, and its rural appearance, combined with its peculiar -climate, makes it resemble some of the old villages in England.

Four miles further on is the pretty little town of Richmond, which lies snugly at the foot of the mountains, and as the terminus of this branch of railway;-. Proceeding on through 'Richmond to Enfield and "Wheeney the road becomes too steep for a bicycle to be ridden. The machine must be either left, or wheeled up the many hills to the top of the Currajong Mountains, distance from Richmond about 8 miles. It is a somewhat arduous task, but the beauty of the scenery fully compensates for the trouble. On a fine day a view can be obtained for 30 miles round, and the town of Penrith, with the Nepean River, can be clearly distinguished, although 15 miles distant. The whole of the mountains abound in beautiful natural scenery, and some of - the finest ferns may be had for the picking. The farmers and settlers all along this route are of a most hospitable nature, and cyclists are often indebted to them for many kindnesses shewn.

scully
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Postby scully » 28 Dec 2012, 19:42

Most of the stuff in Windsor should be pretty much the same. Should be easy to spot station, church and cricket ground. Lots of the farmland on the way is now mcmansionville. Did they ever build the bike track?

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marc2131
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Postby marc2131 » 28 Dec 2012, 19:47

Dunno about the bike track. Had a look on google maps and there is a McQuaid's Park, obviously the site of his old home. St Matthew's Anglican Church is still there next door to McQ's Park. Googled this and it's local graveyard is notorious for paranormal activity. Maybe worth a visit?

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 29 Dec 2012, 21:09

People! So many emoticons! Such passion! So many opinions. I can't concentrate that long.

Can someone tell me the plan in 5 dot points please? Each of 25 words or less. I'm with you in heart but "in training" for the ACE so probably will have to be faintly thoughtful about what I do that weekend.

And whatever it is you're up to, can I do it fixed?

Plus I'm only going if Lindsay does.

scully
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Postby scully » 29 Dec 2012, 22:10

Fifth jan old skool real
Windsor taste wine fixie fine
Lindsay gone away

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 30 Dec 2012, 09:35

Is my company not good enough!

Meet at redfern, train at 7:08

andrewb
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Postby andrewb » 30 Dec 2012, 09:50

Fifth jan old skool real
Windsor taste wine fixie fine
Lindsay gone away
Valley Wheelers a
secret haiku hit squad have.
Whoa, how cool is that?!

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Camilla
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Postby Camilla » 30 Dec 2012, 10:37

Excellent work Scully!

I won't put my name down yet though. Depends how the "training" is coming along...suspect I'll have to do something more dire.

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JoTheBuilder
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Postby JoTheBuilder » 30 Dec 2012, 11:51

Camilla, I'm in on the fixie if you are!

Johnj
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Postby Johnj » 03 Jan 2013, 15:51

I've modified the Bikely route start via quieter roads through Riverstone and Scheyville.

Starters so far are Lizanne, Dayna, Marc, myself, Peter, Karzie, Linda and Bill K with Camilla and Jo as possibles. Lindsay will probably be in Grafton, so he's out.

Train is 7:08 from Redfern, so you could go there with Slowies. I'll be getting on at Burwood.

Weather forecast is clear skies and 28 degrees. Looks like a nice day out.

Bill K CX
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Postby Bill K CX » 03 Jan 2013, 18:54

I'm a scratching already. Double booked.

Enjoy the ride & day & vino !!

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2

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lindsay
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Postby lindsay » 04 Jan 2013, 08:03

Why would anyone go to Grafton?? I went to Dubbo... However I'm back so see you all tomorrow.

Lizanne
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Postby Lizanne » 04 Jan 2013, 09:07

!!! YAY !!!

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JoTheBuilder
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Postby JoTheBuilder » 05 Jan 2013, 05:16

Sorry for the late notice all but I'm out... Committed to painting bathroom ceilings. ;-)

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marc2131
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Postby marc2131 » 05 Jan 2013, 20:55

Someone will do a ride report, maybe me ...... but just to wet your appetites, we had a good ride. The group was cohesive. And I did hear Lizanne say we averaged 39, or was it 44!

Johnj
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Postby Johnj » 06 Jan 2013, 23:17

Well it was hot, damn hot. The Sydney forecast was 29 degrees. Unfortunately the Richmond forecast was 37 degrees (which turned out to be an underestimate).

On the train someone asked what the bail out options were. I told them that the only one available was getting out at Riverstone and catching the next train back to Sydney. We then stopped for coffee in Riverstone, before heading out into the heat-haze.

I navigated us out of Riverstone all the way to Cattai Road with only one wrong turn. We then headed north along Wisemans Ferry Road to Cliftonville Road. Karzie discovered he had a magnetic attraction for bogan utes. One swerved across from the other side of the road just to be near him. A stop in the shade near the river and then we continued along River Road to Wisemans Ferry for lunch at the pub. Several of the bar staff told Lizanne that you could buy bikes with engines in them. Who'd have thought?

We wended our way back along River Road and had a break of an hour and a half on the river, waiting for it to cool down (or not, as it turned out). Then on through a wilderness of melting tar and cicadas. I struggled manfully up to top of the last big hill, only to find Lizanne at the top saying "Oh was that a hill, it didn't seem very steep to me." While waiting Lindsay found a tea bag in his musette and made a very passable cup of English Breakfast with the water out of his bidon. While getting on the Sackville Ferry Alister asked if the iceblocks the ferrymen were eating were for sale.

We stopped for drinks at the Ebenezer store. Second funniest moment of the day was watching Marc buy a 2 litre bottle of Fanta. Funniest moment was realizing that after he'd drunk his fill and topped up his bidon that there was none left. When we came out of the aircondtioning I was was surprised to find that it was still hot outside. I'm not sure why Dayna found that funny? Linda, Lindsay and I formed the rearguard as we straggled into Windsor.

My personal highlight was seeing the entire bunch at the Windsor pub, still talking to each other and no-one having collapsed from heatstroke. Several had completed their longest ever ride.

Personal bests:
3 schooners of beer and 3 schooners of cider. This converts to a ratio of standard drink/10kms of about .8*
A score of 28 for the group measured on the Flatulometer™ (equivalent to 5.4 on the Richter Scale)
Saying "It's hot, damn hot!" at least 26 times (on average at least once every 4 kms).
46 degrees in the sun and 42 in the shade (according to Lizanne's Garmin).
Beating Marc up several hills.
Having developed a proper cyclist's tan, complete with oval tanned patches on the backs of my hands.

Image

Image

Image


*Mandatory health warning: cycling with the Valley Wheelers may damage your liver, please consult your GP.

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Postby Peter T » 07 Jan 2013, 07:21

Great report John, thanks for putting it up.

Must say, wish I was there! Next time for sure.


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