G'day Everyone!

Black & Tan wrap-up

Wouldn't you know it … I try to give everyone the right advice on what to ride in the Black and Tan and who's the only wally to get a flat? Me! No wonder I barrack for St Kilda.

It was a really good race anyway. All eight of us who rode enjoyed it … particularly Steve Plummer who rode away from the rest of us. I found a 10-speed SRAM chain for his main prize. Stefan won a pair of SRAM socks for second and Bakks got a thermal coffee cup for third (he gets beaten by two but is the only one to get a cup!)

I went for a ride later in the afternoon (seeing as my morning ride was cut so short) and found another course for the next Black & Tan. This will give the race the facilities (toilets, change rooms) at the start at the Roadhouse and a quieter, safer road to finish on (Graves Road.) This version is 30km but has two dirt sections! Next time …Click Here

Remember Bruce, if you're going to run standard road tyres on the dirt, use a slightly heavier, thicker tube. D'oh!

M2M roller derby

There's a bush market in Highett Street this Saturday and the Murray to Moyne team wants to hold a roller derby to raise funds. But they don't have any riders yet.

Call Michelle on 0438 042 246 to book your ride time. (If she's at work and can't answer her phone, please leave a message.)

Traffic Managers

Our club needs a few Qualified Traffic Controllers. During the recent road races as part of the Tour de Flavour festival, we almost didn't have enough 'lollipop people', so the Sunday morning road race was in doubt just a few days beforehand. So for the events to go ahead in 2012 we need you to get qualified.

As I've mentioned to a few of you lately, Mansfield Shire have offered to pay for you to do a one-day course to become a Qualified Traffic Controller. The club needs about 12 of you to get qualified.

So far, I've been underwhelmed by the response. (Thank you to the single member who has put their hand up!)

To make sure the Criterium and Road Race can be held next March (and to even help out other community groups in case they need it sometimes) please email me - bruce@bikevents.com.au - as soon as you can.

Amstel Gold Race finish

In case you weren't aware, Simon Gerrans finished third in last night's Amstel Gold Race. Great effort!

Here are the closing kilometres - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xi9oel_amstel-gold-closing-kilometres_sport#from=embed

If you don't have pay-TV, try the links from Podium Cafe - as each of these European races start they list the websites which carry TV coverage - www.podiumcafe.com

Club kit update

New prices are now on the club kit page; we've dropped the prices on jerseys, knicks and bib knicks that are in stock. Email Tim Ross - Tim.Ross@proactivetax.com.au - if you'd like anything; especially the beautifully warm, long sleeve, fleece tops. You'll need one very soon!

Club website subscription

Finally, we'll send out some information soon on subscribing to the website.

It means that instead of me sending me an email to everyone, you'll get an automatic email when the Latest News page on the website is updated. There'll also be the same thing for important updates like a last minute time or venue change.

This will make it much easier for everyone. And it's really, really easy to do.