Surviving Around The Bay In A Day

The much anticipated forecast was max 31, updated that morning to 33, and a northerly wind blowing all day. We had trained all through the cold months of winter and spring, preparing for everything but the heat.

Although members of Team DCC signed up for today's ride on the very first day that bookings were open, almost six months ago, 11 of the initial 13 were there this morning at 5:45AM with plenty of readiness to get started cycling around Pt Phillip Bay. Pictured above are, from the left: Jenny (JK), Tom (DCC impostor), Annalise, Adam, Ross with mascot, David (new bike May 07), Juzzy (kneeling), Simon (Cecil Walker with 80's colouring), Robbo (squatting), Damon (flew in from Singapore just in time for the ride), Stephen, Sam, Bill, and Steven (Mr Mo).

Ash T, Michael W (new bike Feb 07) and Steven W arrived seconds after the photograph; Tom and Nick were the two DCCers who signed up but didn't ride due to unavoidable triathlon and travel commitments.

We rode as a single large bunch at a stately pace--about 25--from our favourite meeting place in Albert Park, over the West Gate Bridge, and to Bruce Comben's Reserve in Altona. There we divided into the Coffee Bunch, with Juzzy (the Team Sweeper), Mr Mo, Simon, JK, Ash and Annalise, and the Other Bunch (everyone else).

The Coffee Group did well down to Geelong (average 26.3), then stopped for JK and Annalise to ensure that their caffeine levels were just below the maximum limit. They had a good solid ride to Queenscliff although Mr Mo had a little trouble up Leopold hill, and arrived at Queenscliff about 11:20, 113km 4:28 riding time (Av 25.0). After catching the 12:00 ferry, Annie and Simon rode ahead to Dromana in a good pack (28-30km/h) whilst the others followed at their own pace. After that, Annie and JK went on ahead together with their domestique Dennis.

Sweeper Jus, Mr Mo and Simon kept together for the trip home, actually finishing a little after 6pm, 214.68km, 8:55 riding time (av 24.0).

The Other Group also did well basically the whole way to Queenscliff, stopping only to re-group, imbibe and excrete at Little River service station, Geelong and Leopold. Any gaps in the group were caused more by other cycling traffic than by fatigue. Particularly an encounter with similarly uniformed riders may have precipitated value judgements. All rolled into Queenscliff feeling pretty hot and tired, but not yet shattered, and lined up in time (about 10:25) to catch the 11:00 ferry. Av speed was just over 30kph. Just after arrival, the line grew very rapidly, so the group was probably near the mid-point of the 210 distance crew. Lunch was a good feed, eaten in the line, followed by an hour’s rest on the crossing.

The group filled up on the nasty water in Sorrento, then faced the busy road to Dromana. The day was getting later, and there were more cars, plus loads of cyclists, fitting into a narrow bike lane beside the one-lane highway. The DCC Bunch repeatedly got broken up by other randoms, either when as joining a bunch or being joined, then got pulled together by someone flying off the front (dodging traffic) and dragging the others in their wake. (I remember Robbo, Tom, Mr Wulff and David at least doing this on a number of occasions.) The distinctive uniforms were pretty useful at this point.

Dromana was a brief stop to prepare for the fun part of the ride: hills! Everyone had a good hack at Mt Martha, and she hacked right back. It’s a very nice steady climb from the south, with plenty of space beside the road. The group regathered at the crest, which was unfortunately the last time everyone was together. The hills broke people up, generally into mini bunches of 3-4, all going at different paces both up and down. Robbo, Mr Cogan, David, Sam and Tom (bunch A) stopped at the official rest area in Frankston, waiting for everyone else until they realised that the others must have stopped elsewhere: there were three other false rest areas in Franki. Michael had in fact gone past, but Mr Wulff, Damon, Ross and Adam (bunch B) had been caught by Steven’s puncture double, just at the top of Oliver’s Hill. The hot dry northerly seemed to pick up dramatically from Frankston onwards, and it was a long thirsty ride to Mordi. Bunch A stuck together, assisted by Tom’s colleague Rob who was out playing domestique, and other hardened riders, riding single file and avoiding the dangerous bogan drivers enjoying their first beach day of the year. Bunch B made it to Mordi before Steven completed his puncture hat-trick and every named muscle in Damon’s legs cramped simultaneously.

Robbo, Sam and Tom finished at about 4:40, total distance ~215k, 8h riding, av 28.55 (inc walking), max 66 (down Oliver's). R immediately left to reassure his family that he was still alive. S & T flaked out on the lawn. Stephen had pulled off in Albert Pk at his car, thus missing the traffic light delight of City Rd. David had to sit on a park bench, watching the stream of bikes, waiting for cramps to die away in his quads: his eventual solution was to ride the whole way in by 5:00, and back home, out of the seat (needless to say, he didn’t stay around for beers). Bill rolled in at about 5:15, then Dennis brought Annie and JK home at 5:35. For anyone sprinting the finish line, there was dramatic braking required to avoid the cheering crowds. By then, Sam, Tom and Bill were ready to join the girls for dinner at the London.

Michael finished exactly 210k on his computer, then turned directly to go home. Ross also turned in, before Ash—who had left the Coffee Group in Dromana—woke him up for a swim (with Adam?). Stephen and Damon got a ride back to their home (also practically en route) for bike maintenance and massages.

For more photos, visit the following album:

http://picasaweb.google.com/sam.mickan/20071021AroundTheBay

P.S. All Team DCC riders were able to walk on Monday, most having a delicious lunch together, with lots of protein and no carbohydrates.

Last Training Ride

The styl'n Team DCC Uniforms have arrived.

Saturday Fun

Steve M and I went for a ride on Saturday from Kerferd Rd to Frankston. It started to drizzle just before 7am and I was wondering if anyone would turn up but Steve did and we set off into a headwind at a fairly easy pace. Fortunately, the drizzle cleared by the time we got to Sandringham and it turned out to be a beautiful morning for a ride. After fighting all the way to Frankston by ourselves, we had a bit of a tailwind home and several other riders latched onto us until we got to Mordi. With Steve and I doing all the work, I was definitely feeling it on the return leg and it was a bit of a slow ride at an average of 25.5km/h but well worth it. Returned to Middle Park at 11am (88.5km, 3.5 hours riding time).

Simon

PS Ross was probably still out on the town and Steve W was probably tucked up in bed.

V&I Exam

At least some people went to Mordy, and back into a really bad headwind.

Strong Northerly Tortures Local Cyclists

It was a beautiful morning: the sun was well up by 7AM, the birds were singing, and there was a gentle dry breeze blowing from the north. Although reasonably chill in the morning (8) the day slowly warmed up towards a forecast maximum of 22. Six of us, Robbo, David, Michael, Stephen, Simon and myself, started shortly after 7 and rode at an average of about 31 to a rest stop at Frankston's picturesque 'Comfort Station'. After partaking of various forms of comfort, we rode up Oliver's and through the hills to Morny, during which our bunch fell apart pretty badly (one rider "I find we all go up hills at different paces" found himself some minutes ahead of everyone else). After regrouping, we rode down to the beach, up the esplanade hill--where the above photographs were taken--and back to the Nepean. By then, Simon had popped and soon decided to return home at his own pace. We stopped once more for Frank's Comfort, then began the long and painful battle into the headwind towards home. We tried rolling turns, but with only five, then four, it was barely restful. After Mordy, it was every man to his own personal world of pain, spread across various morphing groups. We basically kept in communication until Michael disappeared, and Robbo went home directly. Stephen, David and I enjoyed coffee for survivors then made a slow painful way home. I hope I will be able to walk tomorrow. At least I won't be sitting down for 16 hrs on a plane. [Total distance 115k, plus home-albert pk; Ride time 4h, but finished about 11:50AM; av. speed 29.3 kph.]

Franky

At 6:30, the sunrise was glistening off the tops of the city's sky scrapers, portending a beautiful morning; however, a strong westerly, that ended up blowing all day, rapidly blocked the sun and sprinkled us in gentle rain in the first hour of riding. We had eight starters, which dropped to seven when Nick turned at Mordy, then six when Steven dropped off the back. After Oliver's hill, we met Steven in Franky, at about 8:30, but meanwhile had managed to lose Damon, who failed to turn around at the top of the hill and is probably in Geelong by now. We rode in a rolling bunch with a few other randoms back to Mordy--this was relatively painless--where we waited briefly for Michael and Steven. On the final stretch, the gusty head wind pulled our rolling turns to pieces, and we finished in a depleted bunch of Tom, David, Stephen and myself. Steven was just behind, and he joined us for coffee at about 10:45 (Michael returned home directly). We averaged approximately 30.59 kph over the almost exactly 90-k trip. By about 10AM, the sky was clearing and we rode home in the sunshine.

Mount Dandenong

David, Stephen and I had a very good ride up Mt Dandenong via Sassafrass. We left just after 7AM and got back before 11AM, of which 3:13h was ride time. We averaged 25.4 over the 80 k ride. Lovely sunny weather, as you can see.

Putting an 'I' into Collison

After Juzzy, Tom and I piked at the last minute, only Robbo, Simon and Mike G (Annalise's brother) left from Bike Life to tackle the hills. Unfortunately, Mike (on my Lemond) ended up in a tackle with another cyclist's wheel (steel 'Cappuccino' Baum with a Record groupset) in Bayswater, and hit the tarmac on his collar bone. The X-ray is quite impressive. Robbo also got tripped up by bikes everywhere, and no one felt like riding any further. It was an unfortunate waste of a really beautiful sunny clear morning =(.

Der Berg Ruft

Simon, Stephen C, David and I met at 7AM (others were recovering from a variety of hangovers, although DBW was there after 4 hours' sleep so I hope the excuses are pretty good). We took well over an hour to cover the ~25k to the Basin (about 8:30), then got to Sassafras at about 9. We ascended Mt Dandy and returned to Ripe for coffee, leaving at about 10. We were home by 11:30, averaging better on the way back than there. There was a little rain, and lots of peace and quiet in the hills. Next week: rinse and repeat.

Mornington

Six hardened cyclists attacked Mornington, resting only briefly in Frankston each way, and completing the circuit in far less time than last week. Simon was home by 1PM. Stephen C had already been to Mordy when the bunch met at 8AM in A Park. Steve M and Nick led the pack out: Robbo and David led it back home.

Dromaniacs

We had a stunning ride to Dromana. The weather started pretty murky, with the radar looking sufficiently foreboding to scare off at least Nick, Michael and David. Saturday's dinner may have been an excuse if Robbo had not managed to go the whole way.

We rode at a steady pace, through occasional showers, to stop briefly in Mordy. Simon and Stephen C were particularly vocal about wanting to continue. I was wet, tired and injured, so was hoping to turn earlier than later, but could not resisit the pressure of my peers.

The next break was at the top of Oliver's Hill: still no one wanted to return. We'd even managed to pick up red-haired Melissa and her brother. It was in the hills around Mornington that first Steven M, then Simon, decided to return: it was looking like a long ride home. Simon turned after repairing a flat, and Robbo and Rosco had to change tyres en route and at the BP outside Dromana respectively. Stephen C, Annalise, her father Bill and I took coffee, chocolate, cakes and soup in Dromana, loading up those carbos. Rosco and Robbo didn't go beyond the BP, which had similar snack with more packaging.

Annalise and Bill remained in Dromana to enjoy their soup, and rode back via a couple of other snack stops to Albert Park. Robbo, Ross, Stephen and I had to get back to town more urgently, and put in a really strong ride back to the city, rolling most of the way and keeping the speed above 30 most of the way. The sun was coming out, and we were warming up: most pleasant indeed. I was home before 3PM.

It's An Ill Wind

The gang of eight (Simo, Robbo, Damo, Nicko, Stevo, Stepho, Samo and Annio) averaged over 30kph for 70ks, including into a rough headwind homeward. StM got a flat just outside Mordy, followed by a couple of nasty clipped-in tumbles! Coffee for survivors was held inside at about 11AM (I think). Sam's av HR c. 135 (I know you're interested). Next week: how about sunshine?

Champs-Élysées

Reports indicate that Cadel Evans, recovering from his time trial, drew inspiration from today's fast and furious training ride by Team DCC (and soldiers), represented by Simon, Nick H, Stephen C, David W and Michael W (and Jeff B and Chris). Mordy return at over 30 kph, weather with a slight NE wind.

Tough Guys

And Annalise's brother Michael. 86 return, Frankston, sunny, 2-degrees, Oliver's Hill, 3:10 ride time, 3:40 hrs total (av speed c.29). What more could you want?

My Legs Hurt

We (in the photo, including a celebrity appearance by Mr Bergman) rode at just under 30k to Frankston, with Steve M and Jeff B turning around at Carrum (excuses: new kitchen, marathon recovery). The remaining five riders enjoyed Oliver's Hill, well mostly (MKR "If I have to do that again I will kill myself"). The ride back was rough, fighting into the wind the whole way (how did it turn around?). We straggled into the coffee shop cold and tired (it didn't rain, but there was plenty of water on the road, and thus up my back). (Distance 84 k, average 28 kph.)

Don't Trust the BOM

In contrast to the severe weather warnings which had been issued by the BOM, we had lovely calm weather for our ride to Carrum: we kept about 30kph the whole time, barely raising a sweat. Those present were Sam, Simon, Nick, Michael W and Stephen Cogan, plus Tom B and Joel.

Carrum on the Cards

Despite ominous showers sweeping across the Bay this morning, six of us made it to Mordy and back, staying comfy and dry (it looked soggy further south). Steve C was there, with Steve M, Simon, Annalise, Tom and I. We kept a good bunch to Mordy and worked rolling turns back to Black Rock.

Gone Surfing

A beautiful clear freezing morning saw DW, SW, JN, MR, MW, NH, DH and RC cycle Mordy return. After an initial pace of 30, NH upped the ante towards 35, dropping SW. JN fell off due to mechanical issues. The return pace was between 30 and 35, although the bunch didn't stay together. Everyone got to the Av Food Store by about 10AM.

Cloudy But Fine

[Albert Park--Mordialloc 52] Averaging about 30 kph, we finished shortly after 9:30. It was a balmy 9-deg, with some sunshine coming through the clouds at about 10AM. The whole team fronted up, except SC (i.e. DH, RC, SW, SJW, JN, SM, SPM, DW, NH, MW and MR). DW donated his glasses to the broader cycling community. The bunch hung together v well. Notable sightings included a Melb Uni bunch on the way down (40 kph) and Phil Anderson on the way back (a handy wheel).

Celebrating Our Monarch's Birthday

It was cold enough (5 deg) for Damon to pull on a pair of leggings this morning before dragging Ross (also in leggings) out of bed to meet David, Simon, Sam, Tom (Sam's friend), Steve M and Robbo on a chill, clear morning. We waited until just after 8 (a Negler-inspired vigil) before heading off in a fairly tight bunch at 30 kph (Sam and Damon on front most of the way). Everyone held together well until the sprint to Black Rock, which started with Ross, followed by David, Sam and Tom (top speed >58). Simon broke off to Aths, and we worked on rolling turns most of the way back to the BP (another fun sprint). Next week: Mordy return!

Only Twenty Weeks To Go

[Albert Park--Black Rock (36)] Today started with a cold sunny morning, with no rain on the radar. Eight DCCers (David, Robbo, Damon, Ross, Steve W, Simon, Nick and Sam) and two extras (John and Annalise) met at 8AM. Damon and Ross demonstrated that a late night is no barrier to an early ride, and Damon in particular showed warm clothing is optional. We stuck together as a bunch most of the way to Black Rock (with a tail wind), then stopped briefly to regroup. On the way back, we attempted rolling turns (poorly): we need shorter stints at the front. The pace back was about 30 kph, ending with a coffee and snacks at the Foodstore (after an obligatory sprint to the Beaconsfield Pd BP). Those who missed out were Michael (carer duty), Justin, Steve C and Steve M (replacing a tyre).

First Training Ride

A beautiful Sunday saw Nick H, Michael W, Mark R, Simon W, David W and Sam M work from Albert Park to Black Rock and back in about 1:15, i.e. averaging just over 30 kph for the 36 ks, then stop briefly in the Avenue Foodstore for drinks. A nor-westerly made for a pretty easy trip there, but we still managed to keep a good pace on the way back. Only event was David's flat on his brand new clean bike, repaired rapidly using Nick's techniques and some CO2.

Pre-Ride Meeting

Discussion points
(1) training rides (as a group, aim for prompt departure, colleagues/friends can join in, cancel if too wet);
(2) general fitness (probably require something 3x per week);
(3) safety & health (visibility, awareness, riding skills--Nick, insurance cover, BV CD, tuition);
(4) energy & nutrition (water 1L/h, carbs day before);
(5) equipment (bike, helmet, visible shirt, bike shorts, repair kit, cleats, gloves, sunnies);
(6) reimbursement (tax invoices);
(7) Firm's disclaimer (Gab); and
(8) outfits (Tara).


Nick's Riding Tips

GENERAL
• Safety -Wear a helmet. Always, and MAKE SURE IT'S SITTING ON YOUR HEAD PROPERLY!
• Wet weather - remember that your brakes are much less efficient when wet. You will need to keep this in mind, especially if you are riding in a bunch. Also, watch tram/railway lines. Try and cross at right-angles to the lines if you can.
• Cars -don't presume that drivers will do what they are supposed to. In particular, sometimes drivers will give way when they shouldn't (or not give way when they should!) - both of which can put you in danger.
• Ride slow -you need to learn to ride slowly, and get used to unclipping your foot from the pedal -classic signs of beginner cyclists include looking really unstable at slow speeds, and falling over because they haven’t been able to get their foot out of the pedal.
• Being followed -especially on Beach Road, you may find that you have cyclists following very closely behind you (ie. sucking on your wheel), without actually asking you. You need to keep this in mind, and signal if you are pulling over.

BUNCH RIDING
• Be smooth -try and ride as smoothly as possible in a bunch. In particular, don't brake hard unless you have to. It is preferable to try and feather the brakes or keep an eye out for any changes in pace, rather than slamming the brakes on hard. Also, it is preferable not to swerve unless you absolutely have to -another sign of beginner cyclists is someone who swerve wildly to avoid things or simply because they cannot ride their bike properly, rather than keeping an eye ahead down the road for obstacles.
• Listen -especially in a bunch, braking or free-wheeling by riders ahead of you indicates that some-one is slowing in front, so be ready to ease up too.
• Look - don't always focus on the wheel in front. You should always flick your eyes ahead of you to see what is coming up, i.e in case your bunch is catching another bunch, is coming up to a red light, parked cars, etc.
• Signals - bunch riders will usually point to obstacles on the road if they are coming up - ie. pot holes, broken glass, etc. They will also signal if they are coming up to any parked cars, bunches or other obstacles on the left-hand side. It is important to do this, especially if you are at the front of the bunch.
• Overlapping Wheels - try not to overlap your front wheel with the wheel that you're following - otherwise, if they swerve, you'll go down.

HILLS
• Be aware that when a cyclist stands up off the seat, the bike will shoot backwards slightly - into your front wheel, unless you are prepared!
• For little hills such as those you will encounter on Beach Road, it is often easier simply to stomp and sprint over them, if you can. For longer hills, it is preferable to change down into the small chain wheel before you hit them, rather than trying to effect that change half way up the hill.

WARNINGS
You will probably hear five main warnings used in the bunch:
1. "Riders" - this means that the bunch is approaching a group of riders. You may also hear it come from behind you, which means that you are about to be passed by a bunch;
2. "Lights" or "Stopping" - self-explanatory. The bunch is coming up to a red light and is slowing down;
3. "Rolling" - this is often said if a bunch is approaching some traffic lights that are changing, but the bunch continues to move through them. This often happens if a large bunch is going through some lights, which turned Orange only after the first few riders have passed the lights. Note that in a large bunch, some riders further back will slow down/stop - ie. don't presume that the entire bunch is going to roll through a red light, just because some of them have.
4. "Slowing" – if you need brake for some reason (e.g. other than lights).
5. "Car/Truck Back" – when there is a vehicle coming up from behind the bunch.

HAND SIGNALS
1. Show a flat hand – slowing / stopping
2. Point, especially with hand behind your back – about to move right / left (e.g. to pass a slow rider, or a parked car)

CATCHING A WAVE
• If a large bunch passes you, you may decide to tag on to the back. Before you do, make sure that the bunch has in fact completely passed you, as the tail of the bunch can be quite long and drawn out. Also, if you are speeding up to join a bunch that is passing you, you need to be really careful of any obstacles ahead of you -ie. slower riders, parked cars, etc. Give yourself some room, or you end up riding at high speed with nowhere to go.
• When passing another cyclist, be travelling about 5 kph faster, and leave plenty of room behind you when you pull in front of them.

LEAVING A BUNCH
If you are leaving a bunch from the middle of the group, it is preferable to signal that youare pulling to one side and wave riders through, rather than simply stopping abruptly.

Enjoy riding!

Training Rides

After August, start at 7AM.

Until August, meet 8AM Sun, cnr Kerferd Rd & Beaconsfield Pd (Albert Park). Drinks afterwards at the Avenue Foodstore, cnr of Victoria Ave and Richardson St (Middle Park). Our speed will be hopefully about 30 kph.

'Bike Life' is on Auburn Rd, near Auburn Station in Hawthorn.

Amended rides (as of August 2007).
27-May Albert Park--Black Rock (36)
3-Jun Albert Park--Black Rock (36)
10-Jun Albert Park--Black Rock (36)
17-Jun Albert Park--Mordialloc (52)
24-Jun Albert Park--Mordialloc (52)
1-Jul Albert Park--Carrum (70)
8-Jul Albert Park--Carrum (70)
15-Jul Albert Park--Frankston (84 + coffee)
22-Jul Albert Park--Frankston (84 + coffee)
29-Jul Albert Park--Mornington (108 + coffee)
5-Aug Albert Park--Mornington (108 + coffee)
12-Aug Albert Park--Dromana (135 + coffee)
19-Aug Albert Park--Mornington (108)
26-Aug 'Bike Life' -- Mt Dandenong (~4hrs)
2-Sep 'Bike Life' -- Mt Dandenong (~4hrs)
9-Sep 'Bike Life' -- Mt Dandenong (~4hrs)
16-Sep 'Bike Life' -- Mt Dandenong (~4hrs)
23-Sep Albert Park--Mornington (108)
30-Sep Albert Park--Mornington (108)
7-Oct Albert Park--Frankston (84)
14-Oct Albert Park--Mordialloc (52)
21-Oct Around the Bay (210)