Lots this week: Dirt Crits; Ian Colnago's report on Thursday's ITT; Womens' Maintenance Session; weekly Womens' MTB ride; Club kit; Gravel bunch rides; upcoming events; and more!
Dirt Crits
After a problem with handicaps, the scheduled Irish Handicap didn't go ahead. So we raced graded scratch races instead.
Here are the results.
Riders on the Storm
by Ian Colnago
With dark and threatening evening skies appearing out to the West, last Thursday night would have pleased a number of people thinking, well the race is going to be called off. Yes, it was a bit stormy, the weather radar did have those darker blues and an odd yellow pocket flashing and moving across the screen from Deniliquin to Deal Island. And yes, the BoM was on strike… but this didn't deter the hardy, driven riders having a go at the Individual Time Trial.
It's not the most exciting race. It doesn't have the thrill of a bunch sprint at the end. It can be quite uneventful and boring riding solo along a windy, wet bit of tar. You may be lucky enough to puncture in the first kilometre, or drive out to the start only to find you left your bike at home!
Nature could play a big part in the out come of your effort. Being swooped by a magpie or running over a tiger snake, that may have been enjoying a feast of frogs, would spur you on a tad.
Well, I did start the race. Some riders may have noticed a nice mob of 1st cross ewes who would have been about 27 microns and yielding 70 percent pure wool fibre with a very low vegetable content. Anyway, what I was trying to say was that one of those ewes did have triplets and those long tailed, little ones appeared to having more fun than me.
I made the turnaround point. Did anyone notice some of the vines at Mansfield Park starting to bud up in this humid weather, which could result in a prolonged spraying program? I'm not sure either, but I'll ask next year if I happen to be alive after getting up this hill.
I will also point out some of the Apple Box (Eucalyptus Bridgesiana) are flowering and they will produce a nice honey flow.
Sadly, I did get to the end of the race and to give you a report:
Equal first place was Will Grundy and Melanie Green. Third place went to Jodie Batchelor.
Welcome to our new club member, Courtney Lynch, from the Lauriston Beer Club.
Many thanks to the officials and volunteers.
Next week’s race is along the Mansfield-Whitfield Rd (Long Lane course) starting at the Botanical Park and entries are to be placed before 8 pm Wednesday via SMS on 0428 503 437.
Here are the results of the dead heat:
1. Mel Green
1. Will Grundy
3. Jodie Batchelor
4. David Bock
5. Anthony Plummer
6. Richard Plumb
7. Ian Conrick
8. Damian Grundy
9. David Jagger
10. Bruce Halket
Here are the full results. Many thanks to Tony Copland for the pics.
Ladies... can you fix a flat?
Free Women’s bike maintenance session
Shannon from All Terrain Cycles and Jodie from Cycling-Inform are running a ladies bike maintenance session this coming Wednesday 25 October from 6pm at All Terrain Cycles, 58 High Street.
Come along for a fun and informative night. Please confirm attendance via SMS to Jodie on 0417 598 817.
Speaking of Wednesday nights, after this week - starting Wednesday 1 November...
Club kit available till Sunday. Yes, tomorrow!
The Seight Sports online store for MMBCC kit is open till Sunday 22 October.
Here’s the link you need for the Seight site, order your kit, pay with your own card and get it delivered straight to your door.
Just email Bruce for the password to get access.
This is your last chance for a while; we probably won't open again till February or March.
Saturday morning gravel road rides
Something a little extra for some upcoming Saturday morning rides... we're going to try to add some gravel!
The first and third Saturday ride will include an extra group who will add some dirt to their ride. Come along if you want to try something different. Maybe use some slightly wider tyres at a little lower pressure and an extra spare tube.
But the existing group rides will remain unchanged, this is just a little extra... sometimes.
Same as the other rides... back to the Merchant for a coffee afterwards!
Upcoming Events
Bright 24 Hour
One of the best marathon races in Australia! Come and join in the fun. ATC are entering a few teams and it's a great weekend.
Details here.
Revolve24
A 24-hour road race around a motorsport track near Adelaide, in January, just before the Tour Down Under. Maybe we should enter a MMBCC team!
Details here.
Club Teams Criterium Championships
The iconic Ballarat CBD crit course will play host to the Club Teams Criterium. Rally the squad and get ready to race in this fun, exciting team relay format.
• When: Wednesday 3 January 2018
• Where: Sturt St Ballarat
• Format: 18 laps (each rider must complete 4 laps) / teams of 3-4
• Cost: $75 per team.
• Categories: Open / Masters 90+ / Masters 120+ / Masters 150 + / Masters 180 + (Both male & female)
Club Teams Time Trial
The undulating 40.9km course will test teams as they race against the clock to secure national glory for their club.
• When: Friday 5 Jan 2018
• Where: Buninyong, 40.9km course
• Format: Teams of 3-4, time judged on the third rider across the line.
• Cost: $75 per team.
• Categories: Open / Masters 90+ / Masters 120+ / Masters 150+ / Masters 180+ (Both male & female)
Finally...
A short film on a cool little bike shop.