-------WINanAudax Australia Jersey! details inside

Plus••. Alpine Classic reports and photo's

Fleche Oppennan nationwide results

Paris-Brest-Paris infonnation

Audax Awards who got what

& lots more...

(Advertisement)

Checkpoint l(lumalof The Aoud~ Club of AU$ttailia

l'nc. Autumn 2002 - Issue No. 11

Editor P'a~ek. van1Jyk

Contributions irt any format are always welcome. Any photo's sent can be returned.

.

Issue

Deadline

Published

12

May 31

1ti120

h

t\llg 31

Oot20

Please send all contributions to: C.beekpGi:nt EditOJi' ~o ::adx 121« A'Beckett St Melbotttne VIC 8006 email: cheekpoint@audax.<>r.g.au M~oership at 28 February 2002: 456

Advertising Reaci:I!Zlver450 cyclists nationw1d'etmough the pttg!'#s of Checkpoint. AdVertising m~s are available upon request.

Covet to:. Riders c · · tbrol!lgh lpine Shi 2002 A\lda:x Alpine Classic. Photo courtesy Mike Pischetsllieder, Top Shots Photography, Falls Creek.

The views etpressed by authors in this journal are not nece$satily those of l'he AudaX' .Cmb of Austntlia>

Join us on a cycling odyssey across the Australian Continent. From marvellous Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road, the Flinders Ranges, the vast and ancient Nullarbor Plain, through the goldfields of Western Australia and onto the golden beaches of Perth. Go one way or return. Departs Melbourne September 15 2002 arriving in Perth October 20 2002. Departs Perth October 26 2002 arriving in Melbourne November 30 2002 Cost is A$1,698 one way, with lO'Yo discount to Audax Members if paid before April 30th 2002.

What we Su1212l:t Support vehicle All your gear carried • Morning tea • Food kit • Basic mechanical support • Accommodation costs • Ferry crossings • Trained first aid person • Dinner in a Gold Mine • Seafood feast at Ceduna • Some bush camps What :x:ou SU!2!21:t • Enthusiasm • Fitness • Sense of humour • Bicycle and camping gear For more information and brochure contact Collis Ivey on (03) 9583 5414 or (03) 9515 3202 Ore-mail: c [email protected]

• •

Editorial Thanks to the many members who have contributed to this extra big issue. I hope that all readers will find something of interest to them. Paris-Brest-Paris 2003 is looming ever closer and the amount of information presented will increase as we approach PBP day! To those who are not interested in this big event, there's plenty of other articles including local 2

ride reports, Alpine Classic & Fleche Opperman reviews, as well as a few light hearted stories to keep you entertained. With the days growing shorter, be sure to have your lights in proper working order and make yourselffamiliar with the proposed new lighting rules published in this issue.

As well as winning one of two competitions in this issue you can also win one of two jobs on the national committee; it's a great way to get involved in your club. Lastly, if you'd like even more Audax reading, take advantage of the Audax Library available exclusively to our members. Safe riding! Checkpoint

PBPNews.•S Vote for your 2003 PBP jersey. .• 70 Melbourne Regional News... 72 Positions Vacant... 18 Jersey Competition... 18 Medallion Compefflion•.• 18 Lighting- an update..• 19 Audax Llbrary. .. 19 AGM -Presidents Reporl...22

The Woody. •. 4 Find out how the Woodrup 5000 award originated and who has one.

Paris - Brest - Paris.•. B Sob Sednarz presents Parl3 of the survey results from Aussie riders who participated in the 7999 PSP.

Award Recipients..• 72 A full list to honour those who achieved their goals. Bravo!

Fleche Opperman••• 16 National results of the 2001 Fleche Opperman held in November. Plus Ray Stenhouse pens what happened to his team on this 24 hour endurance event.

Jethro Tu// on tour. ••20 Find out what Jethro Tu/1 and AudQ)( have in common!

ulars Editaria/••.2 Letters to the Editor. ..3 Rider Profile: Aldo Vella...21 aothing Order Form...25 Snibson an the Alpine aassic...28 Noffce Board...32 Committee Members...32

Alpine Oassic...26 John Sennett reports on catering for the 1200 hungry riders, plus there's plenty of photo's of Australia's most popular Audax event. Rodney Snibson also reviews the Classic.

Sea to Summit..? Glow Worms Gambo/...7 Lolling into Ucola... 13 Invitation to lnverloch... 13 Marysville Meander. .. 13 The Ash Dash... 13 Reche Opperman... 14 Higher and Higher. .. lB GreatSouthem Randonnee...23

Bob's Jungle Juice... 7 Touring- a light-hearled view•.. 30 Clip/ess Pedals and Hotfoot- 37

Leffers to the Editor Sue Taylor said it all in her obituary to our past Patron, Lady Mavys Opperman, upon her passing in October last year. Like Sue, I was also bitterly disappointed that our Club did not acknowledge Lady Mavys' death, and I feel let down, because it was such an honour to have her, and previously Sir Hubert, as our Patrons. I trust there were extenuating circumstances contributing to the omission, and that we can do better in future. On a more positive note, I recently came across an obituary to the late Sir Hubert Opperman, which I would like to share with club members. It was written by one of Sir Hubert's close friends, Bill Long, President of the Australian Veterans Cycling Club. Opperman, - Sir Hubert, OBE Today we mourn the loss of Oppy, a thoroughbred gentleman friend ofmine for 58 years. To sum up this mans amazing career wouldfill the Herald Sun, but his greatest win in my opinion was 67 years ago in Europe when he won the 1929 European Newspaper Poll, conducted on all sports. The international press voted our Australian the worlds greatest athlete. Our living legend was without doubt the greatest Australian Joumal of the Audax Club of Australia

cyclist ever. He was the Bradman of cricket, the Wafter Lindrum of billiards, the Greg Norman ofgolf, the Dawn Frazer ofswimming, the Teddy Whitten offootball, and the Phar Lap of racing. Although he is out of sight, and his wheels have stopped spinning, he will never be out of our minds. Condolences to Lady Mavys andfamily.

Sir Hubert Opperman died April 18'h 1996 aged 91, and both he and Lady Mavys were Patrons of the AVCC. The suggestion that the Club considers a contribution to the Rochester museum upgrade has merit. Maybe regions could also be given he opportunity to contribute in some small way. Lindsay Green, Queensland

I salute you "Sir Oppy". Bill Long andfamily

The failure to acknowledge the death our of past patron, Lady Mavys, is deeply regretted. Lindsay is correct in assuming that there were extenuating circumstances at the time. In recognition ofthe outstanding contribution made by Lady Mavys and Sir Hubert, the Club has made a donation of $1 , 000 to the Opperman Musuem at Rochester. Whilst not justifying our actions, we hope that this donation will go some way to help preserve the history and inspiration to be found at the Opperman Museum and highlight the achievements of our great hero, Oppy.

Hans Dusink, President

In 1989 the inaugural president of Audax Australia, the Rev Terry Gross, eated the framework for an award for members who were unable to attend Paris-Breast-Paris and obtain the Randonneur 5000.

Recipiellts of the raat~1run

5000 Award

1 Lindsay Aitken

2 M.-k Forsyth 3B 5 DeBniS Lemke

The History of the Woodrup 5000 Award

:6 Ann StacvooJte 7

8

Terry envisaged an Australian award that would be obtained by a cyclist rompleting a Super Randonneur series, an Opperman All Day Trial (Fleche Opperman), a I 000 km ride, a 1200 km ride and any other brevets to make up distance of 5000km. It was initially planned that all rides would be done in ustralia.

In 1991 Terry retired and Tim Laugher was the amount of rides and the 4 year qualifYing lected President Tim set about establishing period it was 1995 when Audax Australia 1e award and setting up the rules for the presented the first "Woody" Awards. tralian Award that would be only equalled Graham's wife Rester and daughter Kate the French Randonneur 5000 Award. He attended the first award night, as did his tandem esaw the day that the award may have an cycling partner Ian Hay. The awards were made to Lindsay Aitken, Bob Bednarz and ' emational appeal and changed the allII.!Stralian requirement Mark Forsyth. Matt I allow for any nonScriven was the In 1992, Graham Woodrup, fourth ~p 1200km brevet recipient but e, thus allowing had since moved to an Audax member from ers to qualify by England. Port Fairy, Victoria, was ·ng part in some of The award e international tragically killed whilst on a comprises a brass OOkm events like plated wooden training ride. ston-Montrealplaque (200mm x 280mrn), which is engraved with the cyclist's name, along with an engraved picture of n 1992, Graham Woodrup, an Audax !ember from Port Fairy, Victoria, was Graham. Each award is individually numbered gically killed whilst on a training ride. and to date 38 awards have been issued. Both ham, apart from being known throughout Bob Bednarz and Matt Rawnsley have ctoria as a strong and tenacious racing cyclist, received the award twice. Id many long distance records including the To qualify you must complete within a rid 24 Hour Distance Tandem Record that continuous 4 year period of your choosing: ~ set with another Audax member Ian Hay. ~rhaps his greatest achievement was the · a Super Randonneur Series (200,300,400 blishment of the Murray to Moyne 24 &600km), ur fund raising ride with his wife, Rester, · a 1000 km ride, ·eh raises substantial funds for hospitals associated charities. · a non Paris-Brest-Paris 1200 km ride,

was mooted that the new award would be ed either the Woodrup Super Series or the drup 5000 in recognition of Graham's ·evements. I am sure that Graham nor his lmily mind the fact that with the Australian tice of simplifYing or rewording, the award ummonly know as the "Woody". t

ecipients didn't appear overnight Given

·a Fleche Opperman (Opperman All Day Trial) · any other brevet distances to total 5000 km. In the words of past president Tim Laugher: "So if you are wondering what will be your next challenge, I strongly recommend to you the Woodrup 5000 Award".

3-6 Joy Richarf:lsq 37 Greg Lansttm 38 :Frank MiteheU Checkpoint

r-----------,

Helve you visite~ the club's website ICltely? Welcome to PBP news. This column is dedicated to giving out information about PBP 2003 as it comes to hand. If you have any queries about PBP or related issues please feel free to email me at [email protected] and I will publish answers in this column.

There's CllwClys something new Clt: Situated tn the unmatched beauty of the Pyrenees. orientals on the Span1sh I French borrder

The dates for PBP 2003 are 18 August to 22 August 2003 .

among some of the legendary routes of the

Team Hotel. In the past we have organised a hotel close to the start of the event. This time is no exception. The hotel for 2003 is the Holiday Inn Garden Court at Saint Quentin. The hotel is 2km from the railway station, so that non-riders will be able to access Versailles and Paris for sightseeing. The hotel will also set aside a conference room or rooms for luggage and bicycle storage. The club has booked 40 rooms at a rate of 95 euros per double/twin room per night (approx $Al65). In order to secure a room you will need to contact Howard Duncan at Port Travel on 03 9676 2777 or by email, [email protected]. A deposit of 30% will be required to secure a room. Howard can also assist you with any other travel arrangements you might make. In order to ensure you have a room with a large part of the Australian contingent please book as soon as possible. Rooms have been booked for the period 15 August to 23 August. It is expected that most people will require rooms for Saturday and Sunday prior to the ride and Friday and Saturday after the ride. The (90 hour) ride commences at 1Opm on the Monday night so it may be worth considering having the room for the Monday also.

Support We also propose to offer a bag drop service at Loudeac. This has been very successful in prior events. We will require volunteers to look after the bags. If you are interested in offering to support the Australian riders please email me, or if you like, give me a ring (details back cover). I know we are starting early but we need to have some infrastructure in place. Last time some arrangements went awry. I do not want anything to go wrong this time.

PBP Jersey In this issue you will find the entries to the jersey competition. Please take some time to examine the entries and vote for your favourite. The entries are all of high quality.

Hans Dusink, President Journal of the Audax Club of Australia

•

.tu

s::

n. .tu )(

•

.,.0

Tour de Fram:e, SangUer Lodge is set up espedaUy for cycUsts with f:uU vehicle back up,.

Contact us for further details on: in:fo~anglierlods.e.com

www.. sanglierl.odge ..com Tel in France:

04 68 39 62. 51

or mobUe 06· 1a 32. 97 54

Tellfax in Africa: (Nov·ember to Mar(h} 263 4 86145'7

lO. •

lU

s::

Why not tClke Cl look to~Cly ? It's Cllso Cl gteClt WClY to i ntto~uce yout non-Au~Clx ftien~s to the wotl~ of Au~(lx.

L----------.J

,.IEJt Llll>liE TanyaBosch Accredited Level 2 Cycling Coach Tanya Bosch is taking a break this issue. Her regular column will return in the next edition of Checkpoint. 5

Sea to Summit Greg Cunninghain

Only the organisers (myself & Bill Frost) reached the 4am start at Tathra for the 'Sea to Summit' Audax ride this year, though we were robbed at a late stage of Bob McHugh's company because his bike was totalled when Bill's FWD was rear-ended in Cooma on the way to Tathra late on Friday (more on this further below, including a query about damages I insurance). With the great assistance of our 'domestique' & driver, Malcolm Cook, at the checkpoints, Bill & I had a taxing but very enjoyable ride in

generally mild weather conditions ovef all those hills & long climbs (or so it seems now, # after more than 24 hours!), and cp:tn.pleted within the time limit for the official;200km (or so) ride. The route map for this rid'e is at http :I lsunsite.anu . edu. aul community I pedalpower/rideslnswlridepii118.pdf

"

.

After heading off at 4im it was a very pleasant run in the dark t~ Bega & then over the long rolling hills towards Bemboka as it gradually lightened! was 'f~cy low visibility due to fog wh earing the top of the 1Okm climb u i3rown.Mountain, followed mildweather way nere if\vas cl a bit to the mounta. chilly up top e end ofthe day. e tough climb up thlBeloka 'waJl' after Dalgety heated

us up some ; at,
r

*e

Remarkably, while my bike was on the rearmost section of the rack (ie, closer to the colliding vehicle than Bob's), the frame was undamaged except for a bit of paintwork lifted off a chainstay when it was pressed against Bob's front quick release skewer. My front wheel was wrecked, though, because the car push.ed the rim against Bob's bike to crumple theff(\me. My forks, headset, etc, were OK and Bob had a spare front wheel with him (the one on: his bikewith a Schmldt dynohub was put out of true), so I was able to continue to Tathra to do the ride. Fortunately the other bikes were on top and in the back of the FWD. Bob's .misery was compounded when in the confusion and poor mobile reception his wife didn't hear his request to bring up another of his bikes from Canberra (just over an hour's drive away), so he returned home with her. But he wasn't tQ be defeated that easily, and rode from Canberra very early on Saturday morning to m with us in Jindabyne, do the ride1:uto onal Park (clocking over 250 km for the day, a bit more than our 235 km ride) & to travel back to Canberra with us. have advice on (or experience nee claims, ere, against wi age I the driver I their insurance company in tliese circumstances? [email protected]

"-~---&---==--~~~-~·~~--~·

6

Checkpoint

~<:)h's Jun~r~ Juie~ Bob Bednarz

Then try Bob's Jungle Juice, an inexpensive and easily prepared alternative to commercial products. Unlike "meals in a bottle" that attempt to provide all the nutritional requirements for ultra-endurance cyclists, my drink provides only pure energy. Using it, I've found that I can cycle up to I 00 km non-stop. But on a long ride, protein and fat requirements still need to be filled by regular food stops.

is similar to four medium size bananas or about three and a half leppins. Since ordinary table sugar (sucrose) is a combination of glucose and fructose in equal proportions, why not just use four tablespoons of table sugar? The answer is that sucrose is a chemical combination and not a simple mixture of glucose and fructose. This means that table sugar must be first broken down into its two components by the digestive process before being absorbed by the body. My energy drink ayoids this digestive step.

Based on an admittedly small sample of three individuals, the drink has no digestive ill effects. However this outcome is due to formulation and not to chance.

• The following measures are for filling a 650ml : • bidon:

Also, one pound of sweat contains about 500 mg of sodium, and daily sweat losses of I 0 pounds or more are not uncommon on hot rides (translating to sodium losses of 5,000 mg or more.) The pinch of salt is meant to help replace this loss.

• Two tablespoons fructose powder

Because of the drink's high sugar content affect on teeth, I recommend rinsing the mouth with plain water after each swig.

• Energy Drink Recipe

• A pinch oftable salt (approximately 118 • teaspoon) .

: Lemon juice or other optional flavoring

:

• Mix maltodextrine into 650 m! water, then • : add sugars, salt and flavoring and shake well. :

..

. ......................... .... Alternatively, the ingredients other than lemon juice can be combined in a small zipped sandwich bag (in the specified quantities) and carried on a ride until needed to charge a bidon. A separate zipped bag can also be used to hold a few lemon quarters to be squeezed into the bidon. Maltodextrin powder can be obtained from some home-brewer supply shops, for around $3 .25 I 500gms (Brewiser Brand.) Glucose powder can be purchased from many grocery shops, i.e. Safeway/Woolworths. Its cost is around $2.50 I 500gms. (It can also sometimes be bought in larger and cheaper volumes from home brewing shop s as dextrose.) Fructose can be obtained from most health food shops, the cost should be around $4.90 I 500gms. Based on the above, the energy cost of a 650rnl mixture is S 0.59, which has an energy content of about 350 calories or 1468 kj. This Joumal of the Audax dub of Auslra ia

What are Maltodextrins? Maltodextrins are easily digestible carbohydrates made from natural corn starch. The starch is cooked, and then acid and/or enzymes are used to break the starch into smaller polymers (a process similar to that used by the body to digest carbohydrate). Maltodextrins are generally sold as dried powders. Maltodextrins are polymers of dextrose (sometimes labelled "glucose polymers"). Maltodextrins do not contain significant quantities of protein, fat or fibre . Maltodextrins are not produced from and do not contain malt products. The finished maltodextrin: is easily digestible is a convenient energy source contains approximately 4 calories per gram

is cold-water soluble has low or no sweetness.

Glycemic Index The glycernic index ranks foods on how they affect our blood sugar levels and indicates how much your blood sugar increases in the two or three hours after eating. A comparison of the energy drink Glycemic Index (based on both white bread and glucose scales) follows:

The glycemic index is about the quality of the carbohydrates, not the quantity. Obviously, quantity matters too, but the measurement of the glycemic index of a food is not related to portion size. It remains the same whether you eat 10 grams of it or 1000 grams. To make a fair comparison tests of.the glycemic indexes of food, 50 grams of available carbohydrate in each food are usually used. You need to eat twice as many carbohydrates in a food that, for example, has a glycemic index of 50 than one that has a glycemic index of 100 to have the same blood glucose response. The table above shows that my energy drink has a glycernic index between white bread and instant rice.

Internet References: http://www.mendosa.com/gi.htrn http ://www. ultracycling. corn/nutrition/ fooddrinks.htrnl http ://www.cptips.com/toc.htrn#nuttips http : I /www.gpcequipment.com/food/ malinfo.htrnl http ://www.ultracycling. com/nutri tion/ fooddrinks .htrnl

7

Part]

Bob Bednarz continues his presentation of the 1999 Survey Results.

Question 30: Did you have any problems navigating the course?

Question 34a: What did you do after the ride?

Response No Yes

Response Rested Cycle-Toured Danube Cycle-Toured France Became Tourist Auto-Toured Europe Cycle-Toured Paris Mountain Climbing Bus-Toured Europe Slept Walked Had Food & Beer Swiss Holiday Drank Much Grog Holland Holiday Cycling & Hiking In Italy Visited UK Visited Florence Flew to Canada Rendezvous with bar maid before resting

Count 32 7

Percent 82 18

Problems can be attributed to fatigue (4), missing direction arrows (1) and light failure (1) . Question 31: Did you have to use the route description? ~ Response

Yes No Little Help

Count 10 28

Percent 26 72 2

Question 32: Were there any problt;:ms with the language?

Response No Yes Minimal

Count 32 6 1

Percent 82 15 3

Percent 18 10 8 8 8 8 5 8 5 2 2 2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2

From participants response to the question above it is possible to estimate the number of days spent in Europe following PBP.

Question 33: In preparation for the PBP what was the greatest assistance to you?

Count Percent Responses Prior Experience 21 37 12 Info Night 7 11 Past Riders 6 Info Pack 5 9 Other Rider's Support 3 5 Magazine Article 2 3 Stories by Past Riders 2 3 Rod Evan notes 2 3 2 Super Randoneur Series 1 Group Preparation 1 2 2 Advise to back off training 1 2 Self-gained experience 1 2 600 km Randonee 1 Nothing Special Stands Out 2 1 2 Recent Rides 1 2 1995 PBP Info Kit* 1 Internet Research 1 2 * mcludmg commentary from many past nders (Some from USA including Scott Dickson)

Count 7 4 3 3 3 3 2 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

"\

'

Days in :§urope ;,;a Count Percent post- PBll ......... -- ·-------- ---------1 5 13 2 1 2.6 3 1 2.6 1 2.6 4 5 1 2.6 6 1 2.6 7 1 2.6 8 1 2.6 9 1 2.6 14 1 2.6 17 1 2.6 21 2 5 23 1 2.6 33 3 8 42 1 2.6 Missing 17 43 The average estzmate ofpost-PEP tzme spent in Europe is 12 days

Multiple answers included here, for a total of 57 items.

1999 Survey Results 8

Checkpoint

Question 35: What were the three most memorable things that happened during the ride? ;

?

Things mentioned in response ?'? Support & Encouragement by French people along route at all hours of the day and night* Finishing PBP The PBP Start Meeting people with the same interests The French countryside and scenery Reaching Brest Ride Atmosphere Aussie support Night riding with full moon illuminating the countryside Our accident Meeting and riding with fellow Aussies Excellent ride organisation Good Weather Crashing Arriving in Brest with lead group Ozzi Chanting (at lOpm start) Crash with Trevor King Trevor King's courage (in finishing with injury) and mateship of his helpers Talking and sharing Having bike repaired Riding with partner Getting to second from last control (MORTAGNE -au- PERCHE) Getting to unexpected water stop The whole ride was a memorable experience from start to finish, with the finish a great relief Support by other riders First 440 km in 22 hours Cresting the last hill The sense of achievement Viewing knocked-out Aussie and thus realising the importance of having sufficient sleep Waiting, waiting, waiting Not feeling sleepy or sore Meeting parents along route and at finish Argument with mate Feeling incredibly strong after 700 km Distance, fatigue, hunger Last 20 km into Paris Fast finish with motorbike escort into Paris * Particularly mentioned were Monszeur Paul Rogue andfamzly

Count 18 17 14

~

5 4 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

In Part 4 of the Survey Results, to be found in the next edition of Checkpoint, we look at responses to the final question, "Are there any other questions you would like to have been asked and what would your answers be?" Many members have provided interesting responses to this question!

1999 Survey Results Journal of the Audax Club of Aus!ralia

9

1 Vote for your favourite design...

3 10

The jersey with the greatest number of votes will be the official PBP 2003 jersey. To vote, nominate the jersey number you most prefer. Send your name and jersey number by email to: [email protected] or to Audax Australia, PO Box 12144, A'Beckett St, Melbourne VIC 8006. Voting closes Spm 30 May 2002. The winning design will be published in the next edition ofCheckpoint. View them in full colour on the web at www.audax.org.au/checkpointuntil30 May 2002. The Club reserves the right to make alterations in the final production.

4 Checkpoint

t.J;H.'l

!"':-....,. P{

~1!1:-.~,~

·-~~{

.... ~

d

Due to the varying fonnats these designs were received in for publication, the quality of output in Checkpoint cannot be guaranteed. For a foil colour viewing, visit www. audax. org.au/ checkpoint before 30 May 2002.

Joumal of the Audax Oub of Australia

11

Award recipients for 2001102 Congratulations to t1i6se who have attained an AudaxAward for the period eli:ding 31 October 2001. Results supplied courtesy Enid Balton. Enquiries for awards should be directed to Enid on (03) 9786 6503 or by email at haJ~g!ied@,a;JphaliJ!li.com.au.

Dirt Award Bill D()herty (Townsville) dUiian Graharrtflfownsville) , Lisa Graham tTownsvillel Jerrie IHvtchinson (Townsville) Matthew Rawnsley (SAJ Michael Southren (SAl Tony t«[atson•~Townsvillel

New South Wales- Super Richard Pinkerton Jlmmy Eaward Goode An drew Feige JohnOuinn Greglansom AldoVella

South Austra6a- Super Oliver Portway lanD Peak Matthew Rawnsley

Queepslan
Howard Btandis MarkS Jensen '~~rian ~oh

Joan Brown Duane Cqmpbell ~bra Ct;li\npbelf' Susan Lostroh Carol Haifi!'J$Worth Lihdsay Green GeoffUnwin

VICtoria -Super HansDusink Stephen Watson Joy Richardson Ro¥ J Jenkins TrevorKing BobBednarz torettdArmitage Peter Curtis Phillip&Mkhael Grant Leigh Paterson Otto Galliker (21 Frank Mitchell Deborah Cook ,;:;:+ Tim,laugher,6. ' deorge Caulfield AlanBull Jorgen BobenRo AlanKellett Alan.Tonkin Frank Preyer

Victoria- Nouveau Mar'Jin Haynes JimAalbers JoannePugh Ross Se mmens Sandra Howard

westernAustra&a -Nouveau MarkCqtson JulieAGreen

Joar;;u~augl'!win

i!OothAustra&a •,.. Noweau Michael Southren lanDgeak Matthew RdWnsie'9

New Sotith Wales- NO'Weatt Winston Pratt Peter Stoneman John P.very Jean Viader-Etienne 6regle(lsom AldoVella

limlaugher GeoFge Caulfield Alan Borl Frank Preyer Al(ijnToRki(i! Jorgen Bobenko AlanKellett

New Zealand Nouvequ and$uper·

Randonnetli5000Award'

Jeremy Christmas

Moria Matuszek

Regional News Melbourne Region The Melbourne Region has completed a successful Audax Alpine Classic with a record number of entries. Unfortunately for the Melbourne Region, Alan Tonkin is stepping down as the Melbourne Region Correspondent. Alan has put in an incredible number of hours on the Melbourne Region. So the

12

Melbourne Region is looking for a Melbourne Region Correspondent. Alan is going to be around, but in a lower key role. It will be an excellent opportunity to learn how your club works. The role of the Correspondent has been to oversee the work of the Melbourne Region, call and chair Regional meetings, organise Social Nights and the Ride Organisers Dinner, participate in the development and production of the Rides Calendar, write and distribute the Melbourne Region news and represent the

Region on the National Executive and other things which from time to time. If more folk could get actively involved at the Regional level these tasks could be shared around. The Melbourne Region Treasurer is resigning too. Whatto has done an excellent job getting the Melbourne Region (including the Alpine) accounts in order, paying bills and chasing up bad payers. Like Alan, Whatto has put in a lot of hours. Whatto has left the books in good order for the next treasurer. Checkpoint

Lolling into Licola

Marysville Meander

Peter Weiss

Martin Haynes

"You can't loll into Licola," said my wife. "Lolling is stationary."

Riders report on the 200k at the weekend of 23/2/2002 ' Marysville Meander' conducted by Bob Bednarz, with assistance from Peter Martin.

"Stop quibbling semantics," I retorted. "It was a great ride." And it was. Here is one rider's view of the ride, albeit a tail-ender.

The ride started off at 7 .OOam from Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station much to the amusement of some people setting up a stall in the carpark. 'Where are you going?'. Twelve riders set off in a light drizzle and heading uphill, through the Dandenongs following the Puffing Billy line to Emerald. On to Woori Yallock and the first control at Healesville. Continuing up the Maroondah Hwy we climbed the Black Spur, passing the regenerating Mountain Ash stands from the Black Friday bushfires of 1939. Peter Curtis claimed his right leg was shaved by a passing timber jinker on the narrow winding road to the saddle. The Ks rolled by, the drizzle was long gone to be replaced by sunshine and ample shade. So thoughtful these organisers.

Nine riders started at the Maccas in Traralgon, under an overcast sky. A minute later, a tenth, and after five minutes your scribe. So there I am, riding alone, when I pass Neil Findlayson sitting at the side of the road. "Whatever suits" I guess. What I didn't know was that he had been throwing up, having been unwell the previous night, and now here he was, starting a 200 on basically an empty stomach. The overcast remained all day. So while we were denied the sparkle of sunlight, we were spared any excessive heat. Add to that calm air, and riding conditions were just about perfect. After a pleasant enough but unremarkable ride along mostly flat land to Toongabbie, where I stopped to visit the local shop, I was passed by Neil. From then on we rode together, of which more later. The ride through Cowarr and on to Heyfield was again pleasant but not noteworthy. Heyfield was a good stop for a control. It had a well-stocked bakery and a good pizza cafe. A break of half an hour, and onwards. Well before the "secret" control some 35 km past Heyfield we started meeting riders on their way back. We were still slogging it outward bound. What interested us was that out of ten riders who completed the ride, six rode in pairs and four rode alone. That struck us as the hard way to do it. Riding in company is psychologically easier, and by taking it in turns leading and drafting, also physically easier. Why ride alone and work hard when you can do it easier? But I digress. After Heyfield the terrain changes completely. Suddenly we are in hills, not a long hard slog but a serious of climbs and sweeping descents. From the top of the climbs we saw sometimes large meadows dotted with cows, sometimes the Macalister River gurgling away below us, truly lovely countryside. At the "secret" control, behold, Andie Reynolds with his bent bike. Andy, gamely riding his second Audax ride wearing sneakers and pedals without straps or cleats, came a cropper descending at a rapid rate of knots. Journal of the Audax Club of Australia

Landing on his head he proved the worth of helmets. The helmet was dramatically cracked; his head was not. Remember, this was an unsupported ride. So what were Barry Moore and his son Callurn doing giving us hot and cold water, tea, coffee, cordial, bananas, orange quarters and fruit cake? If that's Barry 's idea of an unsupported ride, I sure want to go on a supported ride which he organises! After another half hour break, on through more scenic climbs and swoops, meeting more returning riders, we plugged on to the shop at Licola, another food and drink break, then back to the secret control. As the afternoon wore on the light changed, and the same scenery took on a different hue.

Turned off the highway at Buxton,. up the delightful valley to Marysville and another checkpoint. Fuelled up, we headed down the steeeep slope to Narbethong and again joined the Maroondah Hwy heading south. Through the Black Spur and down the twisting road, having little time to appreciate the trees and ferns but enjoying the exhileration of speed. Woori Yallock was the final checkpoint before heading into the Dandenongs and joining Buffing Billy heading back to Gembrook; We headed downhill to the Upper Ferntree Gully Railway Station where the stallholders were dismantling the awnings. 'Did you have a good day?' We all could say yes.

More goodies at the secret control, then on to Heyfield, another break and then on through 46km of boring stuff. Here Neil and I took turns leading and drafting, and were glad of each other's company and support. Dusk fell, we put on our night time gear and soldiered on, completing the ride well after everyone else, taking over 12 hours. Still, we were within time, and we enjoyed ourselves. I think Neil deserves some sort of prize for completing the ride despite his stomach troubles (leg trouble too), and I think Barry and Callum deserve enormous thanks for organising the ride and supporting the riders so well.

13

by Ray Stenhouse

(I)

n

Opp

:r

rman

Past years has seen many teams depart from Wagga Wagga and this year was no different. Two teams left from Wagga Wagga; the Wagga Wacos and Woman And Guys Going Around. The Wagga Wacos was captained by Ian Lobley, who has successfully ridden this event twice before. Ian lead a team of novices on a route of3 70km. Ian was joined by local Peter Dixon, Peter's brother, George, from Melbourne, and Jennifer Fuller and Arthur O'Connell from Cooma. With the riders being dispersed it had proven difficult to train together as a team however they had completed some I OOkm and 200km rides. The other team, Woman And Guys Going Around (WAGGA),IS was lead by Ray Stenhouse. This was a team of three after the unfortunate withdrawal of the fourth team member due to illness . The team was comprised ofRay, Narelle Hobson from Junee and Craig Gibbins from Mangoplah. While Ray and Narelle had previously ridden in this event this was the first attempt for Craig. The route chosen calculated out at 400km. Generally the teams followed similar routes passing through Henty, Walbundrie, Howlong, Corowa, Mulwala, Yarrawonga, Numurkah, Nathalia, Kyabram and finally Rochester. The WAGGA team made up the extra kilometres between Henty and Walbundrie and Yarrawonga and Numurkah. With so many cyclists involved in the Port to Port from Mildura to Echuca you'd think that the winds, being the cyclists' enemy, would pick on the majority and be westerlies. However, both teams departed from Kidson's Cycles and immediately turned into a headwind. The WAGGA team had the early lead but were overtaken between Yerong Creek and Henty. The gap at Henty was about 50 metres as the WAGGA team continued down the Olympic Highway to Culcairn for their first control. Between Henty and Culcairn a sign had been erected by Shayne Godde, who had ridden the Oppy with Narelle two years ago, gave the team some encouragement to continue their battle into the wind. A bit further down the road was Shayne herself, returning home after taking care of electoral duties. Shayne yelled out wanting to know where the rest of the team was when she saw there was only three riders. The trip across to Walbundrie was face first into the wind, a sign ofthings to come later in the day. A quick stop at Walbundrie saw the team on their way south, still into the wind, but not directly. At Howlong the WAGGA team encountered the Wacos. The Wacos had

14

Checkpoint

had some problems with Arthur's tyres and had stopped several times to replace the tube and then later to pump more air in. Arthur was busily repairing his tyre as the WAGGA team mounted and rode out towards Corowa, again face first into that wind. The strong wind seemed to swirl around and it was difficult to get a sit. One minute it was

The Wacos arose early and departed from the motel at 3:45am. The WAGGA team was on the road at 4:00am. Riding through Numurkah on the way out the people standing in the hotel carpark offered some less than encouraging words but at least the cyclists were doing something to keep warm. At least, that's what they thought. The leg across to

and had overcome their urges to hit the hot showers to wait for the others. The Wacos won the Best Name competition beating some stiff opposition. The hot showers were especially welcome and the bacon and eggs tasted pretty good too. The stories of other teams' experiences filtered through with tales of rain, hail and hills. Craig was heard to say along the way that he wouldn't have minded some rain if the wind would go away but I'm not certain that we would have wanted the hail. One cyclist's headwind is another cyclist's tailwind I suppose. Congratulations to all the Oppy teams. Each team would have had their own challenges that had to be overcome one way or another. If it wasn't the weather, it may have been the terrain, or a mechanical problem, or whatever. If it was easy then everybody would do it and there wouldn't be the feeling of satisfaction that you get when you've finished an Oppy.

to the left, the next to the right, and there was little rest for the trailing riders as they sought the elusive drag. This constant pressure began to take its toll as Narelle started to have problems with her feet. A couple of times the riders dismounted to give Narelle a break and to take a quick rest. Both teams arrived within 10 minutes of each other at Yarrawonga where a larger break was had. An interesting sight on this leg was a young female standing up to the back window of a mini bus showing the WAGGA team the new black bra she had just purchased. At least, I think that's what she was doing. Upon leaving Yarrawonga the Wacos headed to Katamatite, and then to Numurkah arriving at the motel at about 10:15pm. Jennifer met an interesting chap in the hotel at Katamatite who, when told where they were going and where they had already come from expressed his astonishment in a very colourful way. The WAGGA team headed from Yarrawonga to Cobram, onto Strathmerton and then down to Numurkah. At Cobram a longer than intend stop occurred and the opportunity to take on cold weather gear was taken. This later proved to be very fortuitous as the temperature dropped dramatically. A few spots of rain were felt just on riding into Strathmerton but that was the extent of it. Craig suffered a puncture at the railway level crossing in Strathmerton. Fortunately there was a light pole handy under which the tube was replaced. Unfortunately Craig used a previously patched tube which had a slow leak resulting in two more st-ops for extra air before arriving at Numurkah at 11: 15pm. By that time the Wacos were fed, watered, washed and resting. Craig changed his leaking tube for a new one as the team readied themselves for the following morning. Journal of the Audax Club of Australia

N athalia and then around to Wyuna and down to Kyabram was freezing or close to it. Average temperature was 2 degrees so subtracting the wind chill factor it would have been below zero. It was very cold on the bike causing the riders to arrive at Kyabram looking for warm drinks. The Wacos made good time on this leg while the 300km the day before and only three riders was starting to show on the WAGGA mob. The Wacos reached and departed from Kyabram before 7:00am whereas the WAGGA team struggled in just on 7:00am averaging under 20kmlh since Numurkah. With 38km to go, and heading directly back into that wind, it didn't look too promising for the WAGGA team. A quick feed, a few encouraging words, and the test was on could they make it before 9:00am?

A big thank you goes to the support teams. Without them we wouldn't have been able to do it. The Wacos was supported by Sue Lobley, a seasoned supporter having supported Ian on his previous rides. The Dixon families also contributed along the way with a cheering crowd on tap at each control. The WAGGA team was ably supported by Lynette Stenhouse, also a support veteran. Another big thank you to Phi! Bellette and his team. There must be hours of work in organising this event and Phi! seems to be there year after year doing what has to be done. Great job Phi!, but if you could organise the wind a bit better for us next year we'd be really happy.

The thought of doing all that hard work and missing out on being in Rochester by 9:00am spurred them on and they lifted the pace a little. Craig retained his KOM title that he won on one of the training rides as he pulled the team over Mount Scobie and by then the chances of arriving before 9:00 were looking better. At 8:50am the WAGGA team rolled across the finish line at the Oppy monument, happy and relieved that it was all over, to be greeted by the Wacos and others. The Wacos had finished at 8:15 15

Tasmania via Phi/ Bellette NSW

"The Brazen Dropouts" reported 360km of headwind, well done and a special thanks to Paul Gregory who each year braves the Tassie elements and fields a team, definitely a lonely pursuit.

The Deter Si m< Peter Tim Carlos Ian

VIC(400k) A Woman & Guys going Around Ray Stenhouse Craig Gibbons Narelle Hobson

NSW (360k) Team Mongrel Dogs AldoVella DennisShaw David Langley

NSW (378k) The Cuppaccino Express ChrisWalsh GeoffRobb Gary Ainsworth

(

VIC (409k) Crazy Otto's Mystery Tours John Laszczyk OttoGalliker Leigh Kilpatrick Allan Kellet

QLD(360k) Team QLD Howard Brandis Margaret Wingett MarkJensen Laurie Handcock

(I)

n

Opp

VIC (368k) Binary Coded Decimals Peter Donnan George Caulfield PatDorey Susan Brown Fred Surr

New South Wales HenryBoardman

V

~

1 c 0

rman 1 c

VIC (364k) Will let you know when we get one Lorraine Alien Ray Marsh Timlaugher Hans Dusink

VIC (390k) TheJocks Peter Horsley PeterHines Fred Surr lan Boehm

14 riders took part in the NSW event. Our breakfast at the Canoe club went very well, we had a lot of support people and other locals attend to celebrate the finish. 16

Checkpoint

Queensland Thomas Maslen

Tas (362k) The Brazen Dropouts Paul Gregory Mandy Elms Peter Hammond

Team "Howard's Heroes" successfully completed an Oppy of 360 km+ change, starting from Miles (excellent place-name for starting a long-distance ride) and finishing in Ipswich.

VIC (364k) Out to Lunch Grant Tudor Peter Homann Chuck Ziegler

Under normal circumstances this would have been a very pleasant cruise in from Miles with a prevailing tailwind; instead it was *very* rainy, though the temperature was probably more civilized than what the Victorian riders would have had.

NSW (360k) The Fifty Plus Henry Board man David Stevenson Richard Pinkerton

Well done to all participants in the 2001 Fleche This tough challenge is a tribute to the late Hubert Opperman, and was well patronised around country.

VIC (361k) Good Day out with Friends KevinWare lan de Bruyne WayneWare

aim? To ride a minimum of360km within 24 hours, rith a few rules thrown in for fun. All those who are isted on this page achieved that goal and deserve a big ongratulations! 1

Phil Bellette, National Co-ordinator and Victorian organiser ,[the event, had this to say shortly after the finish ...

"Its all over for another year. Congratulations to the ~am .from Port Fairy who again won the "Oppy" shield ;ith a distance of 536km. Special mention goes to Aldo ella, John Laszczyk, Allan Kellett & Brain Hawes who ·ll took part in the recent Great Southern Randonnee and ined up for more pain a week later for the Opperman. ne Victorian event were honored to have Para Olympic yclist Peter Homan take part in team 'Out to Lunch'. "

VIC (370k) Wagga Wacos lan Lobley PeterDixon Jennifer Fuller Arthur O'Connell Keith Dixon

Journal of the Audax Club of Australia

VIC (366k) Wicked Wheels Andrew Moore BarryMoore SueTaylor Peter Mathews Glen Pascsall

VIC (364k) Team Rollback on Wheels Brian Hawes Ray Watt Frank Mitchell

VIC (536k) Ex Murray to Moyne Now Worry to Groin Graeme Burchell Alan Northly Darryl Edwards Roderick Tredinnick

Vidoria Phi/ Bellette The Morgan Gallup poll may have got the election result wrong but the weather bureau were pretty spot on with their prediction of foul weather. Congratulations to the gutsy effort from the Wagga teams who had a head wind for the entire trip .. maybe next year the wind will be from the north? 17

Higher and Higher 2002 Me/ani Kitto, Stephen Watson and Jack A Mid-Summer Ride Higher and Higher (1 OOkm alpine ride from Dom Dom Saddle to Lake Mountain via Buxton and return) was held on 13'h January this year. After last years forecast day of 43 degree Celsius it was a shock to have a very cold and wet day forecast. The day dawned miserably. Whatto and I arrived at Fernshaw Reserve to find it closed (after a late night phoned in warning). Plan B

Whatto and I headed home with our German Shepherd Puppy Jack, who had successfully been part of a ride organising team for the first time! A great ride on a Melbourne "Summer' Day. Thanks to all those that didn't chicken out with the cold and made Higher and Higher 2002 a successful ride.

ational Committee, have your a:P,ptast of ~at's . j!)appening in you are able to take minutes at by phone), h!\ve ac-

email, and can bandle inistrative tasks, this is

Competition Design a Club Jersey The Club would like to introduce a new design for it's regular jersey. Use your imagination and come up with a design which embellishes the club spirit, maximises safety for our riders and stands out among other jerseys. The winner receives a free jersey. Send your drawing to: Audax Australia PO Box 12144 ~~ ~e A'Beckett St Melbourne VIC 8006 or ernail to [email protected] ~

\?o q,

~" Oo

- we started from Dom Dom Saddle and had a 'secret' checkpoint at the bottom of the hill at Femshaw before heading back up the hill and on the rest of the way. A good turn out of riders braved the weather and departed with optimism that the weather surely must clear. The weather did change; it worsened and by the time riders reached us at Lake Mountain (where hot homemade food was plentiful) the weather was bitterly cold, drizzly with no visibility. A lot of sock changing, blanket hugging and raincoat devising from black garbage bags ensued. Discussions on how to stuff pasta into handlebars to warm them along with ways to avoid the long cold downhill run were getting sillier by the minute. As riders began to return to Dom Dom Saddle the sky lightened and the possibility of defrosting looked hopeful. Hot showers were spoken of with reverence. One rider who had no less than three punctures looked revived at the thought of a four wheeled vehicle with a heater.

18

Competition Medallion/patch design In line with ACP tradition, the design of club brevets and patches changes every 4 years. Can you come up with a design that can be used on all Audax medallions and patches? The winner will be acknowledged in Checkpoint and have the prestige of having their design on all medallions/patches. Send your designs to: Audax Australia PO Box 12144 A'Beckett St Melbourne VIC 8006 or ernail to [email protected] Checkpoint

Lighting - an

updat~

Barry Moore The purpose of this article is to update members on progress with the proposed revisions to Audax Australia's lighting rules. Late last year we had a Checkpoint article and a very active emaillist discussion over the both the general approach and the specifics of the suggested revised approach. Most members who responded were in agreement that the rules should be tightened along the lines suggested, although some argued that we should require nothing more than the Road Rules and there was an active debate about the specifics. The views on the general approach were taken to the National Committee and the decision was made that the requirements of the Road Rules were not sufficient for the purposes of Audax. The rule will now be redrafted and will be released for further comment prior to submission to the National Committee. The basic requirements will be:

from the aero bars

Presented by Matthew Rawnsley

0 two front lights and two rear lights available for use (i.e., attached to the bicycle or rider or carried)

0 one of each to be permanently fixed to the bicycle, or to a permanent attachment (eg, a rack, but not a rack bag)

0 at night or at times of low visibility

Audax maintains a library offoreignjournals, from Audax and other endurance cycling clubs around the world.

at least one front light (of fixed beam) and one rear light must be illuminated

As a member, you are entitled to view these documents if you wish. They are available free for a loan period of 3 weeks. Up to 5 journals at a time may be borrowed.

0 a reflective vest (or equivalent for a rider of a recumbent) must be carried and must be worn at night or at times low visibility

To borrow any of the material listed, sitn.ply send an email, phone or write to the International psondertt. .You will tleed. to quote your membership trl.'luiber (found on your Rides mem eard).

0 a rear red reflector must be permanently fixed to the bicycle These will apply to any ride for which the maximum allowable time would result in a fmish after the scheduled lightup time. Points to note: The Australian Road Rules require that lights are clearly visible from at least 200 metres and reflectors from 50 meters. I see no need for an additional effectiveness requirement for Audax. The Road Rules requirement could be restated as a guideline. The Road Rules define night as: "the period between sunset on one day and sunrise on the next day". Again, there should be no need for a separate definition for Audax, although the guidelines may point out the desirability of use of lights and reflectors at dawn and dusk. In view of the requirement for two lights, there is probably no need to require spare globes or batteries. This will also simplify the inspection. In addition to these minimum requirements, there will be guidelines to cover additional suggestions ( eg, bright clothing, ankle reflectors, spare globes and batteries).

When the National Committee considers the proposed new lighting rules, they will also be asked to consider means of ensuring that light inspections are carried out more regularly by ride organisers. Journal of the Audax Club of Australia

The botTower pays only the cost of sending the materials back to the librarian. Contact Matthew Rawnsley on 08 8278 3255, email [email protected] or write to Matt at PO Box 12144, A'Beckett St, Melbourne VIC 8006. The list below will be updated in Checkpoint from time to time. ·

AUDAXUK Arrivee Issues: 50 to 75 (Autumn 1995 ·p Issues 69, 71, 72, 73,74 unavailablet Handbook & Calendar: 1995,96,97, 98, 99, 2000 and 2001. Arrivee Recycle 1 & 2 (Tales of the long distances rides)

RANDONNEUR USA American Randonneur Issues: Voll Issue #1 (Nov 1998) Vol 3 Issue #1 (Feb2000) to Vol 3 Issue #4 (Nov 2000) Vol4 Issue#2 (May 2001)to Vol4 Issue#4 (Nov 2001) Vol5, Issue #1 (Feb 2002)

AUDAX RANDONNEUR OF SOUTH AFRICA AudaxNewsletter

RUSSIAN RANDONEI.JRS Newsletter (j\ll writte 1997 nO, 199$ nl, 1:998 (29-30) and 1998 n2 (3').

ssian), Issues: 8), 1998 n2-3

AUDAXCLUBPARISIEN Annual Repdrt/Results (all written in French), 1994; 95, 97, 98, 99, 2000.

FREEWHEELERSOFSPARTANBURG, USA: The Seat Post Issues: Jan 98, June· Sept 98, Dec98, Jan99, Mar- Jun 99, Dec 99, Jan- Dec 2000, JanMar 2001.

BLUEGRASS CYCLING CLUB, USA Outspoken Issues: Vol 26 no.3 (May-Jun 97), Vol 27 no.2 (Mar - Apr 98), Vol 28 n 0 .1 (Jan - Feb 99), Vol 28 no.3 (May-Jun 99), Vol 28 no A (Jul- Aug 99), Vol28 no.5 eS~p- Oct 99), Vol 28 no.6 (Nov-Dec 99), Vo129no:l (Jan-Feb 2000).

Issues: Dec 1999 & June 2000.

19

tours Australia by bike! Phi/ Bel/ette

With the death last year of Beatle George Harrison we were constantly reminded of the contribution that the "British Wave" had made in changing the direction of music in the late '60s and early '70s. All of a sudden the youth of the sixties had another beat to dance to. Gone were the Canadian Three Step and Pride ofErin. Of course there were many other groups and individuals who contributed to the massive change. Some like Procal Harum and the pants splitter, P. J. Proby produced one hit wonders. Others endured the test of time and still command a huge following.

So what has happened to all those idols of the past? Have all succumbed to the effects of Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll? Well at least one individual has survived. John Evans of the legendry British Progressive Band "Jethro Tull" is riding Audax with the gusto of a youthful rocker and has clocked up an incredible four 1200km randonnees this year, including one on a fixed wheel.

He rode the PAP in Western Australia last year and was back this year for the GSR, clocking up his fourth 1200km ride for the year, a feat he shares with Stig Lundgaard of Denmark. John, who says that because of work commitments he can't ride like other folk at weekends, fmds that by riding four 1200km Randonneurs he wraps all of his riding for the year into just 4 rides. Devotees of the group would tell you that is "Tull Logic" .

Evans' "The John Evans Band" of the late 60's grew out of a school band that he formed with students, and soon became the Jethro Tull band, named after the legendary author of a book on sheep husbandry! John rejoined the group in 1971 and spent 11 years touring, including 3 trips down under, each time to experience the delights of a southern July!

It was good to see that John still has some of the rebellious spirit that was attributed to the group in the sixties. After being told to take up either cycling or swimming to lose weight he chose cycling, but didn't take the doctor's parting words to heart. "Take up cycling, but don't over do it!!!

Rider Profile Nominations are now being taken for the Rider Profile column in Checkpoint. We know YOU have an interesting story to tell us, so why not share it? To participate or enquire, please contact the Editor at [email protected] or at PO Box 12144, A'Beckett St, Melbourne VIC 8006.

20

Riding at night with dim lights is not very bright. Make sure your lights are bright so you can be seen at night. Checkpoint

Rider Profile The Beginning Audax to me prior to 30 November 1996 was unheard of and when I did hear of this style of riding it sounded rather slow!!! By 15 December 2001 I'd done my fiftieth Audax ride in five years, a short but enduring life of a dog. I belong to the Illawarra Region, otherwise known as the Mongrel Dogs. A club I'm proud to represent both interstate and more recently, internationally. In my short life as a dog I have achieved much, such as PBP in 1999, attaining a Randonneur 5000 award in 2000, a Woodrup 5000 award in 2001, and completing four Super Series from 1998-2001 .

A must ride at least once in your riding lifetime along with PBP. The GSR was quoted later at the fmish as the hardest international randonnee ever completed simply because of the adverse weather (the strong winds). I'm very proud to have done the GSR & look forward to the next challenge Audax can give me.

The Fleche Opperman My favourite ride was the Fleche Opperman which I achieved in 1998 with fellow dogs, Henry Boardman, Dave Cunnynghame, Travis Anderson and Tony Ring. The big achievement

The Family Audax is like an adrenaline rush that needs to be filled on average for me at least once a month. This is much to the delight of my wife, Cheryl (fellow member of the local chapter of the bike widows club). My children Vanessa 16, Melissa 13, Jessica 11 and son Michaell 0 all miss me when I'm not there, as family chef, taxi driver and son's number one cricket and soccer fan.

The Job I am a train driver for State Rail (Freight Corp ). It's good to know that my job and my hobby both have a seat for me to sit on. One is designed for sitting on for TEN hours and the other is designed for sitting on for anybody's guess! With my job it gives me plenty of time to contemplate my next challenge. My next goal is a second Woodrup; only one ride and 1000 km away!!! Then after that of course PBP in 2003 . At first I thought Audax was slow riding, however, I am very grateful for the 15 km/h rule and once again very grateful for the support of the volunteers and organizers, as I could not achieve what I have without them. Riding a bike for such long periods can do many things to your mind. One minute you're happy as Larry and the next you're planning a DNF. I've contemplated many, though through good company I've been talked out of it. It's always a good idea not to ride alone on the longer rides.

The Mind Games On the GSR my mind was tested on many a mile and if you can just talk with your companion you can bluff your mind into thinking it can do anything. Alternatively you can just do what I tell my mind, that this ride is my last big ride.

The Great Southern Randonnee (GSR) fl

_

0f mv bil!.hli
A/do Vel/a (right) in the local press, preparing for the GSR, along with fellow Dog, Greg Lansom (left).

t

volunteers and organisers. Also the recently completed Great Southern Randonnee (GSR). The GSR is organised by the Melbourne Region of Audax Australia. It is a very well

Wi
at the time being = ·-· -g.-.. · -.:s ill!n e of 622 km and claiming the Opperman Shield for the Illawarra Region. This was the best \earn ac'nievemen't l 'have ever 'been ·mvoived

At Hamilton, 573km into the GSR, Greg Lansom & I are four hours behind schedule, but after much talk we push on. Four checkpoints later and much more talk we are back at Hamilton at 829km and we are two and a half hours in front, including what turned out to be some of the best riding weather of 're\ was now on -.: up, 'e can do this! " Greg would s.ay ... only now could I start to believe it. See you on the road soon,

The End Aldo Vella, proud member of the Audax Wollongong Mongrel Dogs.

-----------

President's Report from the AGM "Welcome to the Annual General Meeting of The Audax Club of Australia Inc. At meetings such as these it is appropriate to reflect on the year just gone and then to look forward. The 2000 Audax year has been successful on several fronts. We set out on the journey to modify the constitution. You have seen the results of this work to date in the Special edition of Checkpoint. More work is yet to come as we dissect the structure of the club and its relationships with the various regions and ride organisers. This will not be a simple task but one that is necessary. We are an organization that covers the width of Australia. The club needs to ensure that members in country Australia have the same opportunity to contribute to the running of the club as members in Melbourne. (I only mention Melbourne, because that is where the bulk of our membership is).

coverage is limited to only when taking part in an Audax event (not 24 hours/7 days per week). This year our insurance premiums increased by 22%. Next year it is likely the increase will be as much again or more, this will result in increased membership fees. Your committee really needs some feedback from the membership. Is it time to investigate a full personal accident insurance for members similar to that offered by the major bicycling organisations in most states?

There has been some discussion on the chat list and within committee as to the selection of a patron. But before we enter the selection process we need to ask ourselves whether we need to have a Patron. If the answer to this is in the affirmative then we need to address the who. There have been several suggestions (Phil Anderson, Rod Evans, Phil Liggett and Cassie Lowe). To my thinking if it is decided that Audax Australia require a Patron, then I believe that the person asked will have a high profile in his/ her area (not necessarily cycling) and secondly that the person be Australian. Please let us know what you think.

I nsurance You all received the details of our current Personal Accident Insurance. I have had several comments re this. Firstly you will note that there is no Ambulance cover. Secondly the 22

I now want to thank Melani Kitto our Secretary for the last twelve month. Melani has found that the spare time she had is required for Study and spending more time with her family. Melani thank you for your efforts.

Brevet Results Australia ranks well in the world of Auda>L We are 4th in a list of 20 Audax countries. Just remember that there are large population differences. What is more pleasing is that Melbourne region are the top organising club in the world of Audax They outrank the next club by a factor of 2. Keep up the good work.

Membership

Lady Mavys Opperman

Patron

Checkpoint is now coming out in a timely manner. I also believe that the quality has improved. Patrick van Dyk produces your journal. I think that you would all agree that he is doing a fantastic job.

4

Lynda van Dyk, our International Brevet Secretary has tendered her resignation due to time constraints. Lynda has been doing this job for the last 4 or so years. I thank her for her efforts and wish her and her family all the very best.

To this end this year we instituted a postal vote for the amendments to the Constitution. I was pleased with the response. It showed me that members care. Unfortunately we did not receive as many nominations to the Executive Committee as I would have liked. This could mean that members are happy with the things we are doing. I would however like some feedback. Elections and policy statements are healthy in a club of our size.

Lady Mavys died on 15th October 2001 aged 93. Due to various circumstances the club did not farewell our patron in an appropriate manner. Without trying to gloss over this oversight it was thought that to appropriately acknowledge the contributions of both Sir Hubert and Lady Mavys that a donation of $1000 be made to the Opperman Museum in Rochester.

chip in and not leave the work to a hardy few. To those members that work hard for the club I extend my gratitude.

Do we as a club cease to offer personal accident insurance and encourage members to take out their own personal accident insurance? Please direct your feedback to myself or any of the national committee (details back page) . The following issues were raised at the last AGM and I would like to address them specifically in this address.

1

Lighting rules and inspections. We have spent some time in addressing this issue. In summary the ride rule is as per the calendar. Adverse Weathe ~ Policy. This was discussed at committee. It was decided to leave this to each region. A rule that seemed reasonable in Melbourne was deemed inappropriate for Perth. Diversity is a wonderful thing but very awkward in trying to frame a common policy. The lowest common denominator approach is not always appropriate.

2

At the last couple of AGM it was suggested that Audax Australia in conjunction with Melbourne region employ a person to do some of the stuffing and processing work currently done by a dedicated group of members. A decision was made not to go down that path. It tends to detract from the meaning of being a club member. I urge all members to

3

As at 15/2 the membership stands as follows: Vie- 262; NSW -74; Qld- 40; SA - 11; ACT 5; Tas - 4; WA- 39; and overseas - 2, gi>ing a total of 437. If other years are any thing to go by this should increase to around the 500 mark. There have been a couple of technical and logistical problems over the last few months, but we are now up to date with all of our processing Lorraine Alien has done a sterling job and we record our thanks.

The Year Ahead The National committee will concentrate on completing the constitution and updating the ride rules. It is our aim to ensure that every member will receive a copy of the updated rules. As part of the membership package we will give new members a copy of the rules and when completed a revised constitution. After receiving your feedback we will review our insurance. On the riding front it is just over twelve months to PBP 2003. We want to encourage as many riders as possible to qualify and consider this fantastic event. I encourage all of you to seek out past participants and talk to them about their experiences and how th ey prepared themselves. There is a wealth of knowledge out there. Good cycling and I will see you on the road somewhere."

Bans Dusink - President, Audax Australia Checkpoint

Great Southern Randonnee 0/iver Portway October 30, 2001 saw the running of the second Great Southern Randonnee (GSR) by Peter Moore and his excellent team of volunteers across southern Victoria. The spring weather again proved fickle and became the hardest thing to endure over the 1200km. The starters were: John Evans (UK) Colin Mildwater (UK) Mark Thomas (USA) Jim Trout (USA) Stig Lundgaard (Denmark) Brian Hawes (WA) Dennis Shaw (NSW) Aldo Vella (NSW) Greg Lansom (NSW) Otto Galliker (Vie) John Laszcaryk (Vie) Steve Agnew (Vie) Phillipe Grant (Vie) Jorgen Bobenko (Vie) Matthew Rawnsley (SA) and myself, Oliver Portway (SA). My training for this consisted of a hard, wet and windy 600 with out much sleep, a fast and hilly 200 that cracked me, and a wet and cold Bendigo 400, all in that lovely spring (winter) weather that southern Australia enjoyed in 2001. I seriously hoped that by the end of October the weather would improve, I was sick of riding in the rain, but memories of the snow and freezing conditions of 1998 continued to flood my mind as I prepared to head over to Anglesea. The weekend before the weather had been fine but windy, GSR starts on a Monday night a'la PBP, to minimise road traffic on the Great Ocean Road (GOR). Matthew and I drove over and got to Geelong in time to see the last criterium stage of the Herald Sun Tour and get some inspiration from the racers. It looked hard work watching them slog into the strong sou'westerly off the ocean and was definitely a portent of things to come. A quiet Sunday night in Anglesea catching up with Stig and his girlfriend Majbrit, and John Evans, plus a few beers and lots of talking completed the preparation. Journal of the Audax Club of Australia

By Monday lunchtime the Checkpoint was being set up and riders arrived and registered. John Evans had slept during the afternoon in his motel room and nearly missed the start, arriving with about 10 minutes to go. After what seemed like interminable group photos we were off right on time. A large and fast group formed and continued together to the first contro I at Port Arlington where welcome refreshments were provided by Sue Taylor and her father (I think, sorry I don't actually remember).

could find no apparent cause, near Johanna Beach. The climb to Laver 's Hill was long and steep and by now the wind had really sprung up. At the road house (it is an unsupported checkpoint) we were cold and wet and made the same mistake as 1998 and stopped for too long, almost 2 hours I reckon, eating and drinking hot chocolate and coffee. Most of the other riders arrived and John Evans left, he didn't make the mistake of stopping too long. We learned that Colin had crashed in Geelong and broken a bone in his hand. He

We learned that Colin had crashed in Geelong and broken a bone in his hand. Everyone was keen to keep the stop short and the group was split up with some confusion over where the toilets were and was reduced to 4-5 riders from memory, Matthew, Dennis, Phillipe, Stig and me. We turned into the head wind and the first rain started just after Geelong. So much for my hopes for a dry ride! The rain was instantaneously heavy and we all stopped for jackets straight away. I don't think they came off until Port Campbell about 15 hours later. We arrived at Winchlesea and were greeted by Phi! Bellette and Frank. More welcome refreshments and some hot soup to warm us up was much needed. Phi!, Dennis, Stig and I headed off just after the other half of the original group arrived. From memory this was Otto, Aldo, Greg and John. I think Matthew stayed and left with them. Phi! forgot his camelback (not for the last time) and realised about !km out and turned back and rejoined the others. Dennis, Stig and I pushed on through the night with intermittent showers and managed all the turns in this section, which had the most navigation, without making any mistakes. We arrived at Anglesea at 01 : 15 and having about 30 minutes off the bike. Once again when Stig and I headed out it was raining on the GOR, as it was in 1998, and it continued to rain all the way to Laver's Hill. Enroute we stopped for a power nap in Apollo Bay just pre-dawn and Dennis arrived just as we left. Stig had a flat, for which we

soldiered on to Anglesea before having to abandon which was incredibly bad luck having come all the way from the UK. Afterwards Colin told us that his crash was caused by a moment of inattention and hitting a road sign. Later we also found out that Jim Trout had bailed at Anglesea to go bush walking instead and Jorgen and Brian pulled out at Apollo Bay due to time problems, I suspect caused by stopping to sleep too early. They had to spend 3 days in Apollo Bay and were seen decked out in complete GOR tourist outfits which was the only clothes they could buy once they got tired of wearing their cycling clothes. From all accounts they had a great time at the motel drinking beers for 3 days! Eventually we pushed on to Port Campbell, John was ahead and Stig, Phi!, Matthew and I rode into what was now a gale force head wind at Cape Otway and Wilson's Prom and must have been 40 knots on the GOR. It was bloody hard and being in a group was a huge help, it must have been tough for John but then again he is a pretty tough rider. He rode all the way to Port Fairy on the return (916km) by himself and with minimal sleep. John left Port Campbell just after we arrived. We didn't stop for long and Dennis joined us when we left to make a group of five . Otto, John Laszcaryk, Greg, Aldo and Mark were riding in the second group and Steve Agnew pulled out at some stage, I am not sure where. The road to Cobden was a terrible surface and severely pot holed from the wet winter/spring. The cross wind was gusty and buffeting us around and we couldn't get organised to ride as a group properly. Maybe the hills played a part but this was a good example of how we could improve our riding as a club with a bit more thought and understanding of group dynamics and knowledge of how to do it, which is mainly common sense. I will be writing a separate article on this.

23

I know Stig got very annoyed at the situation and after Cobden rode off by himself. Again we stopped too long but the bakery which was the checkpoint had been completely up graded from 1998 and was unrecognisable, but the food and coffee was great and no-one was too keen to head back straight into the teeth of the head wind. The next 90krn was a slog all of the way. I rode with Matt and Phil, who had a flat on the outskirts ofWamambool and a tyre problem to boot. While we were stopped I noticed one of the pivot bolts on my SPD pedal was almost out, which was a lucky find as losing it would have been disastrous and would have resulted in losing the cleat retention part of the pedal. With it re-tightened and Phil's flat eventually fixed we pushed on to Port Fairy and some sleep, arriving just after dark about 30 minutes after Stig and John. I was physically sick at that point and couldn't eat without throwing up so had a shower and went straight to sleep for about 3 hours. I was able to eat when I got up and tried to replenish my depleted body as best I could. The food provided by Bob & Ann Bednarz was great. Eventually the others surfaced. The second group had arrived and were sleeping other than Mark who had already headed out. John had left some hours earlier.

Grampians of - 7C and had frozen bidons! More great food and a bit of warmth and the leg warmers and arm warmers came off for the easy 60krn return trip to Moyston. By late afternoon when we returned to Halls Gap at 17:20 the Grampians evening chill was in the air and we donned all our warm gear except jackets before heading off. We rode into the evening, arriving atDunkeld at 21 :00. We were worried about food for the evening meal. We were told that McDonald's and KFC were open in Hamilton to 22:00 but that was it other than a 24h supermarket. Stig & I decided to time trial the 32krn as Matt was slowing and stopping too frequently to make it and agreed we would keep them open if we made it or buy Matt some food. We were back in to the head wind and swapping turns off the front. Stig and I ride well together and we completed the 32krn in 55 minutes, which must have meant an average of35kph for almost an hour after 800krn! It certainly hurt and my legs were cooked at Hamilton. As Murphy's Law would have it KFC was just closing and didn't have much and Macca's was open to 23:00 so all that effort was for nothing. Matt turned up a few minutes later and we enjoyed the warmth as the temperature was dropping rapidly outside and ate our "food". By now

the rain started again and we were donning jackets before we knew it. This ride wasn't going to let us finish comfortably. We passed Andy Moore, who had been following us around (not literally but at the checkpoints) and was set up as a secret checkpoint if needed. Also Jorgen and Brian with a wave and on the way out on the GOR we passed Mark fixing a flat, but he assured us he was OK and sent us on. We had a lot of traffic that made it a bit hairy in the wet conditions. The continual little hills got harder and harder. Through Lorne it was just getting dark and the place was full of the smell of fresh cooking fish. The smell was driving me insane and I was dreaming of sitting in a cafe drinking beer and eating something delicious and savory but the lure of the finish was too great. Stig and I were both really tired by now and wanted to finish. All of the hills were a grind with no zip in the legs. But the orange ofthe full moon rising over the coastline as we left Lorne was something else. The moon was hidden behind clouds and the red/orange light contrasting the grey coast and sea gave the whole scene an apocalyptic feel. It was as ifMelboume was burning and lighting up the sky, or may be it was the fatigue, but Mark also noticed it and commented when he got back to Anglesea.

Stig and I ride well together and we completed the 32km in 55 minutes, which must have meant an average of 35kph for almost an hour after 800km! It certainly hurt and my legs were cooked at Hamilton. Stig, Matt, Phil and I headed out into the gloom at about 04:00. I think it was the greyest dawn I can recall. Low misty cloud and drizzle all the way to Hamilton and a head /cross wind which now was west/norwest. Mark appeared out of the gloom going the wrong way, he wasn't having fun and decided to pull out and enjoy a leisurely ride back to Anglesea after more sleep, I don't think he had enough at Port Fairy. We later found out that Dennis also pulled out at this point due to knee troubles. We arrived at Hamilton at 08:40 and again went for the long soft stop with lots of hot food and drinks. Otto & John arrived and joined us at the cafe. The rain continued to fall and there was little incentive to get back on the bike. I was expecting the worst in the Grampians which were hidden in mist. The 4 of us set off again but were soon 3 as Phi! realised he had again left his camelback behind! The rain cleared and with a tail wind we were soon stripping off our jackets and cruising at 40kph. After a brief toilet stop in Dunkeld and the inevitable chat to a curious tourist we commenced the climb in to the Grampians. This was the highlight of the ride, the weather was good for the first time and the wind a reasonably neutral cross wind and we made good time to Halls Gap and Grant and Pam Palmer's well stocked checkpoint at Tiro's Place backpackers Hostel, arriving at 13:50. This sure beat 1998 when I rode straight through and had temperatures overnight in the 24

the moon was up and the wind had dropped to a light crosswind with our change of direction from west to south. Matt was a bit too slow so Stig and I rode ahead and enjoyed the perfect moonlit landscape and chatted. All was OK until about 15krn from Port Fairy. I was trying to eat a banana when I had that impending feeling of being sick and had to quickly stop and get rid of my McUnhappy meal. I have never been a fan ofMacca's and this didn't do anything to enhance their reputation in my eyes. After that brief stop we rolled into Port Fairy at 02:39 and I went straight to sleep, preferring to eat after I slept to give my stomach time to recover. John was asleep and was intending on sleeping for a long time. After a short sleep and breakfast Stig and I were back on the road by 05:00. We now had a tail wind and made good time to Cobden where we stopped at the bakery for a 2nd breakfast at about 09:00. We were buffeted by the head/cross wind and slowed by the hills but made it to Port Campbell at 12:04. 1040krn down and we were starting to sniff the finish . We still had Laver's Hill and GOR to go so the last 170krn was no pushover, but you start to get energised by knowing the end is near. We cruised through Laver's at 15:10 and stopped for about 15 minutes before Noreen Moore told us to push off, as we had been there too long! The Otways were energy sapping and the weather alternating from hot sun to looking like rain. As we descended in to Apollo Bay

Eventually we reached the last crest and coasted through Anglesea and into the checkpoint at20: 58. Majbrit had Chinese fried rice ordered and we retreated to the comfon of Stig's motel room to eat and sip a few Crownies to celebrate another 1200 completed. Matt came in at 02: 45, John Laszcarykat04:45, Otto &Phi! at 09:12, Greg and Aldo at 10:51 and John Evans, who had stopped the last night in a motel at Apollo Bay so he could ride GOR in day light, arrived at 11:47, with 13 minutes to spare, clutching a parcel of fish & chips which he proceeded to devour. Congratulations to all who finished what must surely be one of the toughest 1200s in the world. Stig has done 14 1200s, Matt has done 7 and I have done 6 and we all consider it the toughest. The terrain is hard but it is the shocking road surfaces and the weather that make GSR such a challenge (unless you are John Evans who commented to Grant Palmer at Halls Gap that we had been lucky with the weather! Well, he does come from the UK so is probably used to it and was just in his element). Extra congrats to Greg who completed GSR as his first 1200, that is some achievement in my book, if he can complete GSR he can do any other 1200 I reckon. It will be interesting to hear reports of the Sofia-Varne-Sofia in Bulgaria this year to see how it rates. I wish I could go but can't, but I am sure Stig will be there; he won't want to miss another 1200 challenge.

Checkpoint

Audax Clothing Order Form

Size

Item 1

Long Sleeve Audax G·Sport Jersey

r--

Total

1

$73.00

XX Large

r;--r;--1$7300 r;--1 $73.00 r;--1$7300 r;--

I

Small

1

$7o.oo

I

Medium

1

I

Large

Chest Size ; -_ _ _ cm

I

Chest Size

cm

I

Medium

Chest Size

cm

I

Large

Chest Size

cm

I

X Large

1 cm Chest Size 1 Short Sleeve Audax G·Sport Jersey Chest Size ~---cm

Qty Cost

Small

$73.00

r;---

$70.00~ 1$70.00~ $7o.oo~ $7o.oo~

Chest Size

cm

Ches1 Size

cm

Chest Size

cm

I

X Large

Chest Size

cm

I

XX Large

I I

I

Small

I

I

Medium

1

I

Large

1

I

X Large

1$60.00~

F

Audax Knicks

r;--r;--$60.00 r;--s6o.oo

$60.00

0 Audax Socks

1

Reflective Patch

0 Small 0 Medium

$7.00

0 Large

$7.00

30cm X 1Ocm Strip

$7.00

I

$4.oo

Size matters! The clothing sizes for these products are on the small side. When ordering, especially for the first time, please be aware of this.

To place an order. Complete this form, enclose a cheque, money order or credit card details (payable to Audax Australia) and post it to: Martin Haynes, 6A Ebor Avenue, Inverloch VIC 3996. If you need help deciding the correct size, phone Martinon03 56742157.

Journal of the Audox Club of Australia

Payment Details Payment by: 1 Cheque (Australian Bank Only)

I

Money Order (Australian Post Office Only)

I

International Money Draft

Please make all Cheques/Money Orders/International Money Drafts payable to: AUDAX Australia.

I

Credit Card:

1

Bankcard r

Visa r

Mastercard

Card Holder's Name Card Number Card Expiry Date Card Holder's Signature Please p rint and physically sign.

Amount to be charged

I$

25

Just to say thank you for the excellent organisation of the Alpine Classic, I rode the _()() km which was rather hard but an absolute pleasure in terms of scenery, nature and atmosphere. I have been to other Audax rides in the world, but I must say that you deserve

to be congratulated for the excellent organisation and welcome of all the exhausted riders that we were at the top of the hills. Thank you again and I hope to be there next year! Jean-Francois

Hi, I rode the alpine classic for the first time on the weekend and survived! I did not complete the full 200 but will return to do it next year. Firstly congratulations for an excellently run ride. I, along v.ith a number of ex triathletes from Sydney came down for our first Auda.~. It won't be our last. A job well done considering the EXTRA numbers .

i

~ .....

Just a brief note of thanks to you and the team of marvellous volunteers that helped stage this years Alpine Classic. It was truly the toughest ride I have ever encountered and if it wasn' t for the always smiling faces and apparently tireless helpers at each checkpoint and water stop (particularly on the way up, and at the top of Buffalo), I am sure I and many of my friends wouldn ' t have completed the challenge.

A great ride from beginning to end and a masterpiece of organisation. Everything appeared so smooth to us mere riders that the huge amount of effo rt and volunteer time could easily be overlooked. Many thanks to everyone who slaved long and hard to make it great. I'll certainly be back for the 13th (approx) and luckiest time next year. The only disappointment was the T-shirt, an extraordinarily ordinary design, particularly compared to the '2001 A Cycling Odyssey' masterpiece of last year. And the colour!! Well, the less said, the better... See you on the hills! Neil

Please pass on my sincere and admiration to those that on the day. They made it the enjoyable experience that it was and were instrumental in our already being keen to have another crack at it in 2003 .

David

26

Checkpoint

John Bennett

e Audax Alpine Classic What goes into having your food ready at the checkpoints on the Audax Alpine Classic (AAC)? John Bennett, Catering Manager on the 2002 AAC, provides us with the logistics, which takes many months of advance planning. The goal of the Audax Alpine Classic (AAC) committee is to, as far as practical, meet rider's basic nunitionalneedsduringtherr selected ride. For practically all menu items we aim to have these available in plentiful supply at all checkpoints. Where it becomes a little tricky is the supply of perishable items, which must be consumed on the day, obviously bananas immediately spring to mind. The cost of oversupply is not an issue but disposal oflarge numbers of overripe bananas can be a problem and we are subject to criticism if significant oversupply and wastage is apparent. For the 200-km riders bananas are offered at all five checkpoints, but based on experience riders will only take between two and three bananas during the day. For the 2002, 200km ride we used the estimate that 60 percent of riders would require a banana early in the ride decreasing to about 30 percent at the end. It can be a fme balance between running out and having sufficient supplies at each checkpoint. The needs of the riders will vary from year to year depending on the weather conditions that apply on the day. In 2001 we had a huge excess of bananas [about $700 worth] and as result for the 2002 event we significantly reduced our supply. The reduction proved to be bit excessive as we ran out at several locations. This is obviously not acceptable and we will ensure this does not occur in 2003 by putting in place a more flexible supply strategy. For most other items it is simply a matter of doing the sums based both on rider numbers and experience from previous years.

Journal of the Audax Club of Australia

All the items, except for the salad rolls and fruit buns, arrive on Friday. The salad rolls and fruit buns are baked and prepared late Saturday. One of the big challengers is how to keep the buns and rolls fresh. The current practice is to supply all the salad rolls at Bright where they can be kept in refrigerated storage until required. The fruit buns are made available to the 130 and 200-km riders at Falls Creek so that they are consumed early in the day and will be reasonably fresh. In the past no fruit buns have been provided at Bright, however this year due to an oversight some of the buns destined for Falls Creek were left at Bright and proved popular with riders at the completion of their ride. As a result for 2003 we will look at having fruit buns at Bright for the 100-km riders, with some being available for 130 and 200-km riders at the completion oftherr ride. The AAC committee spends many hours discussing and trying to improve the event. Our 'debrief' meeting for 2002 has brought forward a number of improvements that will apply to the 2003 event. With respect to the catering arrangements we recently crrculated a questionnarre via the Audax mailing list. Ifyou

missed out on this and would still like to comment, please send your comments to John Bennett at the following email address: john_ n_ [email protected]

Statistics For those with an eye for statistics, the following lists some of the items consumed in the 2002 event: Bananas

2500

Salad Rolls

1280

Fruit Buns

980

Cordial

132litres

Oranges

1280

Photo's pages 26 & 27 courtesy Top Shots Photography, Falls Creek. 27

Snibson Report by Rodney Snibson Photo's by Jason Andre

During the Audax Alpine Classic 2002 (AA C), Howitt Park in Bright had a carnival atmosphere with hundreds of people and bikes crowded around the Continental tent, Assos tent, photograph shop and the AAC marquee. On Sunday evening, the park was full of people talking about the ride, listening to live music, or queuing for the Coach House BBQ. The AAC has come and gone. 1187 riders took the challenge to ride the classic. For the first time, the AAC was booked out. By the 14 January closing date, all ride distances were filled. This meant the AAC Organising Committee had to accept and process over 1200 applications, collect money, send out confirmation letters and ride packs, provide an information service, process credit card numbers, process transfers, process cancellations and refunds, etc. The management of these processes has become huge. Planning is essential for the success of the event. Planning for the 2002 event took place one week after the previous event with a debriefing. The committee met several times during the year to make decisions. The committee went to Bright in August '01 to interview local authorities. Equipment had to be ordered. T shirts had to be designed. A lot of time was spent approaching sponsors. A marketing program was implemented. The throw and go system had to be updated. A data entry program able to process credit card details had to be designed and implemented. Forms, brochures and pamphlets had to be revamped for the 2002 event.

The emphasis in 2002 was on safety. The increased number of riders with varying levels of skills created problems. The committee looked at a number of controls to minimise risk at a risk assessment seminar in December with Henry Boardman - a Mongrel Dog from Wollongong. A motorcycle patrol was suggested to monitor riders on the road. Alan Tonkin suggested that Lloyd Williams a Safety Officer at the Council of Adult Education and past president of the Motorcycles Riders Association would be ideal. Lloyd was pleased to be invited and coopted three other motorcyclists from the Open Road Tourers to help patrol the event. Lloyd and his mates had experience patrolling triathletes' events. They have first aid skills. The motorcycle patrol was a success. They helped control dangerous intersections or crossings at Howitt Lane, intersection below Mt Buffalo Chalet, and Smoko turnaround. They monitored the riders. The checkpoint captains were happy with the positive influence. They spent 15 hours in the saddle in their leather on a warm day. The committee looks forward to seeing them at AAC 2003 To assist in the running of the AAC, a number of new approaches were adopted. First a sophisticated database (MS Access) was developed by Whatto to handle the registration of rides, to store contact details, to store medical details, and to manage the running of the four rides. Whatto and his partner Melani put a lot of hours in to develop the database and to do the data entry for 1200 entrants. The committee decided to implement the throw and go cards for all events. Last year, we used it on the 100km. The cards had the rider's number and barcode for each checkpoint. The object of the throw and go cards was to serve as a brevet and monitor the progress of the riders. Fewer volunteers were required to control the starts. At each checkpoint riders could drop their tabs in the buckets, requiring little or no queuing. However there were a few problems in that riders at the start did not drop their cards in the buckets, but did drop the cards at the next checkpoint causing some confusion for the organisers.

28

Checkpoint

Scanners were used at Bright checkpoint to read the barcodes on the cards after being dropped in the buckets by the riders. The primary problem was access to a reliable and safe power supply. We used car batteries to provide a power source. Next year, we intend to get a power source near to the Bright marquee. Marquees at Falls Ck, Mt Buffalo and Bright were put in place. The volunteers liked the marquees, but the marquees at Falls Ck and Mt Buffalo offered little protection against wind and rain, and flapped considerably. We intend to get better marquees. With the emphasis on safety, the AAC was fortunate to get the dedicated services of the local ambulance service, Mike Costolloe. Mike rode in the Classic last year and was keen to volunteer his services for this year. The St Johns Ambulance Service headed by Maureen Chesser provided an excellent service with a base at Bright and a roving St Johns vehicle. The Committee looks forward to seeing The Bright Ambulance and St Johns services next year. Another safety measure was the use of medical contacts at each of the major checkpoints to control and channel medical matters. Another safety feature was the introduction of safety vests. The motorcycle patrol, the water point marshals and the traffic marshals had vests. This gave a visible presence of control. Next year we will have more vests and' Audax marshal' more prominently displayed on the vests. There were a number of problems with the event. One of the major problems was the high number of 'freeloaders'. The committee set a limit of riders based on the safety of the ride. We supplied food based on the numbers of registered riders. The Committee will have to consider the problem of 'free loaders' and bring them under some control since tb:ey can compromise the safety of the ride. Riders continue to ride three or four abreast causing complaints from St Johns and local people. The activity compromises the safety controls on the event. One volunteer noted that a few riders rode helmet less down Mt Buffalo.

With the increased quantity of hired equipment from marquees to vans located at three different points, we have an increased problem of security. The committee need to put more controls in place to minimise theft and vandalism. The entrance to Howitt Lane was a major safety issue with riders turning right from Fails Ck into the Lane and riders turning right from the Lane heading · to Mt Buffalo. There was vehicular and pedestrian traffic crossing or turning into the Lane. As well, traffic was parked along the road all day. For most of the day, there were three people, the most notable being Ray Watt, marshalling traffic. The water point on Mt Buffalo ran out of water. Fortunately we were able to contact the other water point at Tawonga Peak to go to Mt Buffalo. St Johns, the Bright Ambulance, the checkpoints were in contact via mobiles. Peter Martin at Bright kept in communication with the checkpoints, water points, motorcycles and emergency services. As the AAC 2002 was booked out, the committee advises all Audax riders intending participate in the ride next year to book early when registrations are called. Shortly the AAC committee will be calling for interested riders to express an interest in registering for AAC 2003. On receipt oftheir expression of interest, we will enter into a database and notify you when registrations will be accepted . . The committee would like more volunteers to join its successful team. We require volunteers to coordinate equipment for the AAC, transport for the AAC, signs for the AAC and a treasurer for the AAC. Please contact Rodney Snibson for more details. Personally, I would like to thank all the volunteers who gave their time throughout the year to make the AAC a memorable event. Rodney Snibson on behalf of the Audax Alpine Classic Organising Committee. Journal of the Audax Club of Australia

29

njoying every minute of it by Freda Helsingborg How could anyone love cycle touring on their first attempt? You sit at home in the cold, looking at books, maps, talking to friends and people who've been there, getting so excited. You make piles; mounds of clothes for every circumstance, bicycle bits, camping gear, extra this and that, and then you carefully stow it all into four mere pannier bags, jamming things into the gaps, pushing down so that there is no space occupied only by air, and then you pick each bag up, one at a time and, OK, it's not so heavy. Piled by the front door ready for the inevitable 4.00am departure the mound looks daunting, but can be explained away by the packaging required by the airline. So the big morning comes and each bit is carted out to the car and although absolutely exhausted by the double effort you've been putting in at work in preparation for holidays you're excited, already switching off. And then you get to the airport, and for the first time you try to carry all the bags and the bike simultaneously. Oh my God. Both you and onlookers are amazed at your stupidity as if you could propel that unwieldy pile of stuff anywhere. You can't even get it to the check-in by yourself. And so it begins as it means to continue. Airline staff snigger as they look at the scales. Other passengers are amused and confused by your choice of carry-on luggage as you crash down the aisle of the delayed plane with your helmet, pannier, handlebar bag and duty free flopping and catching on every seat cover and arm rest. You miss a couple of connecting flights and wonder where your bike and four small bits of luggage have headed in relation to each other

30

and your destination, so that by the time you are all reunited, (if indeed you do meet again) you are exhausted, terrified and overwhelmed by the possibilites, your lack of requisite language skills, fatigue and a sudden realisation that you don't know how to get out of the airport. You manage to watch all of your bits ofbaggage while reassembling your bike in the middle of what seems to be a mass migration of busy bodies, and cycling experts from all around the world ask your final destination in your once quiet corner of the terminal.

You already have a list in your head of things you've packed that you don't and won't need, things that you need urgently but have no way of finding near an airport in a strange place, and a list of places, even work, where you'd rather be. You're tired, sweaty, confused and uncoordinated. You haven't left the terminal yet! How many days does it take before your bike feels normal at that weight, before you realize they're road signs and not place names, before you learn to look in the opposite direction first and before you begin to pick out even single words in the diatribe people direct at you each time you stop? How long is it before your rear grows the callus that defeats the pressure points of your saddle, and your knees don't groan for the first few pedal strokes after each break? And how about your hands? How long does it take to fmd spots on the handlebars that still give you control while avoiding those red welts you've sprouted all over your palms?

They have all the time in the world to supervise your efforts. Deal with security, and smile politely at the in-transit bike mechanics and seasoned travellers, red-eyed, wild-haired, bloated and white, then begin to tackle the real challenges of the trip. Go on, just try and get on that overloaded creaking bike in the wrong gear and ride it in a straight line on the correct side of the road in the approiate direction. Impossible. The bike will wheel, buck and wobble as though you have forgotten to tighten the handlebars and have an elephant sitting on your rack. Something will inevitably fall off. The bike will spin to the ground when you lean it against the nearest surface to retrieve the dropped item and you won't be able to fmd an exit that doesn't lead to a freeway. No one will be able to understand your pleas and gestures and you won't have the correct change or currency to call anyone or anywhere for help.

Sometime in the trip that skinny little thermorest is supposed to feel like the thickest inner spring mattress, your bundle of clothes a feather pillow, your sleeping bag will stop trying itself in knots around your body each night. Just when is it that you realise you're enjoying the rituals and rhythms of pitching a tent and packing up for a new adventure daily, setting out the Trangia for tea or coffee on the steps of some exotic or historical site, picking the day's destination and achieving it or not, depending on what else comes along in the day, buying unidentified items at a local market and just seeing how they cook up for dinner. How long is it till your next annual leave, and how will you ever choose from all the possibilities this first trip opened up? How will you save up in time for the new items of essential equipment for your first trip has highlighted the need for, and how and when will you ever learn not to pack so much?

Oleckpoint

Hotfoot & Clipless Pedals Recently there was an interesting discussion amongst Audax UK members about foot numbness and the relative advantages and disadvantages of various makes of clipless pedals. What follows is a summary of the comments. Note that the comments are from riders, not necessarily from qualified medical staff.

Hotfoot- what is it? A painful condition that feels like your toes and/or ball of foot are either on fire, or a sharp pain, pin-prick like, in or around the ball of your foot.. Temporary relief can be obtained by pouring water on your shoes/feet or taking your shoes off and walking around.

What causes it? A suggested cause of hotfoot is due to all those little bones in the area over the ball of the foot being squeezed together sideways, which then pinches the nerve that's trying to run front-to-back through them. Sometimes the problem may feel like it's with the toes, but it's actually further back.

drilling your shoes to get the cleats far enough back. You may also need to lower the saddle slightly, say 1/4-1/2 inches. You should develop your pedaling style so that all the push is straight down into the pedal not waste some by pushing forward. "Ankling" may help alleviate the pain. A contributing factor may be saddle position. Riding position and the ability to place your foot in the right place can also be affected by displaced ligaments in your back. It might be worth a visit to an osteopath to crack your back back into place. There is an operation which simply severs the particular nerve in the foot that causes this. Other than some residual numbness, it cures the problem. Only in America...

Pedals and hotfoot seem to be related. What were the comments when pedals were discussed?.

Clipless Pedals

Are there any solutions?

Advantages/Disadvantages of various pedals

Possible solutions to hotfoot and/or foot numbness:

LOOK

Firstly, are you sure that your shoes are big enough? Try wearing cycling shoes that are 1.5-2 sizes larger than your normal shoes. Note that they should not be too big or too loose so as to squash your toes forward into the front of your shoes. Within reason, looser shoes may help (since your feet are likely to swell during a long ride), and you may need to loosen them a bit more as the ride goes on. Also helps, unless you're jealous of every last second, to loosen them completely at controls and any rest stops. Replace the insoles that come with most bike shoes with something that provides good arch support. Holding the arch up helps keep the little bones further forward from getting squashed together so badly. You do need to be careful that this doesn't make the shoes too tight again. Instead of insoles you could get custom orthotic insoles made up. Change to cleats that spread the load across a wider area of the shoe. E.g. Change from SPD to Look. Change to the stiffest soled shoe you can find. Move the cleats back slightly so that the pedal spindle is not directly under the ball of the foot (as conventional wisdom dictates) but slightly to the rear. This prevents pinching of a nerve that causes numb toes. It may require re-

Journal of the Audax Club of Australia

You walk like a duck. However, walking in Look cleats is made far easier with rubber Kool Kovers (see http://www.prendas.co.uk). The plastic covers that most bike shops do are as lethal as bare cleats on wet, tiled floors. SIDI shoes have a replaceable heel, which makes walking easier. Kool Kovers also minimise wear. The Look plastic plates do wear (especially if you walk on them). Its possible to pull your feet out on climbs or break plates when they havewom. The red plates are great when new, but after a few months the amount of play becomes startling and it can be hard to get your feet out in a hurry. Look cleats are half the price of Shimano MTB cleats. I don't mind walking like a duck so long as I don't have to keep pouring water all over my feet instead of keeping it to drink, especially on a hot day!

SPD's Easier to walk in than Looks. SPD cleats are difficult to set up and adjust. The cleat is so small that small movements are hard to judge. If the fully tight cleat has moved it can chew up the rubber sole of your shoes resulting in one pair oftrashed shoes. Used over a long period oftime, SPD shoes may result in numb toes.

SPDs have a very small contact area. A solution to this may be to use the Shimano pedals with additional bear-trap-type cages round the mechanisms. These give full foot support without losing the convenience of double-sided SPD mechanisms. When using clunky-soled MTB shoes all around the cleat, the cleat only wears from engaging-disengaging and not from being walked on. The SPD cleats last longer than Look plates. TIMEATACS The big advantage of ATACs, is that the cleats only have one degree of freedom on the sole of your shoe, notably fore-aft- any side to side adjustment can be performed 'on the fly' as a result of the way that the pedal is designed - this is good if you have knee problems. A possible disadvantage is that there is a lot of float, something like 15 degrees, and disengaging can be a bit of a problem if you're used to SPDs as more foot movement is required. Also, the Time cleats appear to be made ofbrass, so too much exposure to tarmac and they'll wear very quickly. ATAC cleats fit a standard SPD drilling, and so can be used with MTB shoes. If you use MTB shoes the cleats don't hit the ground and are slow to wear.out. They work fme when covered in mud/snow/gunk when SPDs just give up. ATAC pedals are more robust than SPDs. It's basically just two springs and a metal bar. . Nothing to break, nothing to go wrong. Just make sure that you get the newer models that have a proper pedal flat for a spanner. Why do we pedal with the ball of the foot? The reason we should pedal with the ball of the foot is for efficiency. When pedaling one should pedal 'round' the full revolution as much as possible. This would not be at all possible if using the instep. As the pedal reaches the top of the stroke the heel should drop to push the crank over its highest point, and as the pedal reaches the bottom of the stroke the heel should be lifted to push the crank 'back' through its lowest point. This is known as 'ankling' and would clearly be impossible if using the instep of the foot. Although this pedaling action feels awkward at first, after (many years) practice it becomes natural, and developing a 'spin' , that is pedaling with a higher cadence than is at first comfortable, will help develop this efficient pedaling style. Watch Lance Armstrong pedaling.

31

Advertising

Gamex jackets -get in quick!

Members of the Club can place free advertisements inN otice Board for bikes and bike related gear. For other items, and for trade advertising, the rates are:

Audax is no longer selling the Gamex tops. For those not familiar with the Gamex top it is a wind proof top rain proof?) for outer wear. Normal price $99.00, sale price 56.::.00 - postage. Stock on hand XXL - 3, X L - 2, No Large size. ~Iedium 2. Small 2. This price will stay until all have been sold. Please order' ia e-mail as the first to order will have frrst choice. Bye-mailing the time and date is recorded to keep it fair. Martin Ha)nes- Clothing Storesperson

Casual advertising: business card $15 1/4 page $25 1/2 page $40

NZ hopeful of joining Australia in France

full page $70

Les Vmcent of );ew Zealand is again giving strong C{)nsidenrion to joining the Aussies heading to France for PBP 2003. Les was the only );e Z~der taking part in 1995. Les \\ill once again have his brevets ratified through .-\ud:i.·c-\.ustralia as there is currently no Audax organisation in New Zealand. '.'.·e :1·h Les.and any other New Zealand riders, best of luck with their preparations.

For multiple adverts, (2 or more consecutive issues), the rates are: business card $13.50 1/4 page $22.50 1/2 page $36 full page $63

Hexfissue out 20 July fh.<1Will{~J edition contains more ride reports

Bravo Bob!

to get yoU" inspired during those dark xOld months. Also featuredis the final part of the 1999 .l;'arJts-tsrest-1:'

Long time Melbourne Region member Bob Bednarz recently comp leted the Gippsland 300km ~iish Mash ride- so what you say? Well in doing so, he completed his 150th 200km plus ride!

questions to have them anS'Wered' by previous participants. Closing date for next issue's contributions

31 May Hans Dusink

PRESIDENT

g

SECRETARY

vacant

TREASURER

Greg Lansom

ME'lBERSHIP"~I:ECReTA'RY

Lorraine

3 3

BREVET SECRETARY·

vacant

03 9314 3815 [email protected] [email protected]

' - - - - - " " - " '-""- -;,";:.L,......,

C

WTTE~f.iMI!eR

C

ITTEE MEMBER

INTERNATIONAL

J.llij~n

02 4271 6091 [email protected] .au

't:r-3 5783 2427

membershi~_!!dax.org.au

[email protected] .au "0'*9¥r

08 9458 8175 [email protected] [email protected]

Barry Moore

03 9803 6529

IC CORREJPONQ!iNJ

A!an Toi'ikin: ,;_··· - -

03 9890 2420 alantoakln@9~l~home.com.au

SW CoRRESPONDENT

Malcolm Rogers

02 9983 9158 [email protected] .au

SA CORRE$j>Q~BI;N'f

08 8278 3255

.au

Thomas Maslen

0500 508 677 [email protected]

T AS CORRE$:1>0NDSNT

Paul Greg()(y

03 6229 3811

WA

Ken Jones

08 9529 1384

QLD

CoRRESPONDENT

CORRESPONDENT

p~ory@blgp~fild.com ~

.·

_ ,;, ·· ~