Queensland Newsletter, 13th June 2019

Here we are in the grip of another Queensland winter with overnight temperatures in the positives and daytime temperatures in the mid 20s.While we do have some chilly areas just above zero, we have pretty good riding weather.

Tomewin heaven – where the gradient eases off. Jeff describes Tomwein as ‘5ks of goodness wrapped in a bow with a box of chocolates at the top’. Unless you mistake the slippery when wet sign for a bow, I don’t see one!

Paris-Brest-Paris

There is a lot of information circulating on facebook in regards to information for riders, information for spectators (followers I suppose) and more importantly hints at who has qualified (most recently Ruth). Here are a few good links

Aussie PBP facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/PBP.Australia/

The official PBP page (english version selected) http://www.paris-brest-paris.org/index2.php?lang=en&cat=accueil&page=edito

An excellent reference can be found here https://www.apidura.com/journal/paris-brest-paris-everything-you-need-to-know/?fbclid=IwAR0k87nNtrf-E-5Nrl2orG8BbIzd_IyHaWfxaYxl-TWdcQqZmmKtoRGHIV4#.XPXZ9dqBtcI.facebook

Ride Reports

Franks Ride

This year’s Franks Ride had riders taking part in both distances including one rider who swapped part way through under the guise of guiding some other riders through the difficult remainder of the course that had all of three turns to navigate.

I found the 110km ride to be very pleasant – a little milder than previous years but still an excellent ride I was a little concerned that my steed may take the opportunity to return to it’s former home at Currumbin with the only detours due to the other event taking place there. Some riders did mention that they found the ride this year a bit tough on them. Well done for riding it though.

The Glorious Foursome

I have undertaken a few motorcycle rides over various directions of Mt Glorius and even ridden an Audax over it but I definitely take my hat off to the tough riders that complete this ride. Brett Fyfield has compiled a video report of his ride here: https://youtu.be/nRP5v2BzZVc?fbclid=IwAR1BSOoW_uCIcuUF4QO7gTzS0hX_abZNH3wFpNy1K5VJKhCNTxghMeXEAv8

A new randonneurs perspective

Brett took the time to share with us why he joined Audax Australia. After watching his video I found a lot of similarity in my reasons for joining. Watch Brett here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s69dNuO42Zg&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0F94jbA4hBIiPL4H56WdTu7D-WofLXyU75I_JlML1Wl0LDm5wgnbHqljg

Completed Rides

I am playing a little catchup here as I have not been able to source the information so here are the results:

Downs and Back 600

A large group of 14 riders completed this ride. Times ranged from an amazing 22 hours 18 minutes through to 39 3/4 hours. Absolute awesome effort by all.

Bedrock

This year saw entries for all distances. The 60km was finished in just over 2 1/2 hours, the 100km saw times from 4 hours through to about 6 1/2 hours, 153 km just under 7 hours and the 200km riders from 9 1/2 hours to just under 12. Bedrock is a tough ride so well done to all finishers.

Fleche’s Big and Little Troppy’s

We saw some serious records broken this year with 620km for the Mens, 370km for the Womens. Champion effort all.

Fassifern Folly

Rosie and Ann’s last support for this ride saw 10 riders successfully complete the ride with times ranging from just under 8 1/2 hours through to 11 1/2. The conditions for this ride were pretty tough on all so well done for finishing.

Downs and Back 400

12 Riders completed the Downs and Back 400 with times from just over 14 hours to just under 27 hours. Another amazing effort.

What’s the Point

This inaugural ride saw 7 riders complete with times from 4 1/4 hours to just under 5 1/2. Well done Hugh for a really nice route.

Glorious Foursome

This is one of the toughest short distance rides of 161km and 4000m of climbing. 5 of the 7 starters completed in times ranging from just under 9 hours to just under 9 1/2 hours. Well done to all.

River Loop June

5 riders braved the cold to finish in just over 2 hours. Pretty quick for that course. Breakfast was obviously calling!

Franks Ride

10 riders completed with times for the 110km from just under 6 3/4 hours to just under 7. 200km riders ranged from 9 to 9 1/2 hours.

All things maintenance – some updates

In recent newsletters I have described my challenges and journey with maintenance items on riding gear and the cycles. I now have some updates to provide on a couple of recent issues I have had.

Shoe laces

The replacement laces I have been testing for my Scott shoes have not been a successful as I had hoped and I have broken a few of the new ones in recent weeks. Fortunately they only take a few minutes to replace per shoe so I have not lost any ride time because of it. My wife and I have been discussing making my own from a spool of bow string that I have on the shelf, to which she countered with using the spools of Kevlar thread we bought recently. This can be braided using a Kumihimo loom. After a bit of clever ebay searching, I may have found an ultimate solution – a 250kg breaking strain braided kevlar fishing line, 2mm diameter and it comes in black. I will keep you posted how this goes once it arrives in a few weeks.

Light mountings

revisiting these after some usage and discussion with Scott after he had a look. I have solved the issue with the lights rotating downwards. by making a keyway that the light fits into. The current problem I have is that the lights are too close to the handlebars making it difficult to use the switch on the back. The solution is obvious – make the lights sit further out by printing up a new fitting. The trick is to get something that will be further out but still have the keyway. This will involve me making a 2 part fitting – one to attach to the bar mounts and include the extension plus an interface to the second part – the bit that the light will mount to. I will need to use a nut and bolt to tighten the fitting. Once I have designed and printed it, I will provide some more photos. My intention is to look at two options – extend outwards by approximately 25mm but examine ways to raise the lights up as well.

 

If you have any ride reports or articles of interest please let me know at qld.communications@audax.org.au

Upcoming Rides

Click on the ride name for online registration.

 

Round The Mountains (2019) Scenic ride from The Gap, through Caboolture, Kilcoy, Esk etc. around the mountains west of Brisbane back to The Gap. Dist / Brevet Start Details Map Cost 401km BRM 06:00 The Gap, Ferny Grove, Caboolture, Kilcoy, Ipswich back to The Gap Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  300km BRM 06:00 Scenic ride Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  Start Location The Gap Contact Brian Hornby  Ph: 0418711417  Email: brianhornby19@gmail.com Ride Date: 15-Jun-2019 6:00 am Registration Close Date: 14-Jun-2019

Tully Night Ride (2019) Take your Audax cycling adventures to the next level with the Tully Night Ride.  We leave Tully Showgrounds at 5pm and cycle on a full moon up Tully Gorge Road.  Go to the very spooky top of the Gorge, or bail out early at the 35km control and head back for the barbque. The ride fee includes catered Controls at 35km and the top of the Gorge (53km), a sag wagon, overnight in the Igloo (BYO swag) and barbque.  Full compliance with Audax lighting and reflective vest requirements is essential.  (Audax reflective anklets are available for purchase.) Jump up the next morning and join the Audax Breakfast Mission ride – just to add to the fun. Click here for more information. Dist / Brevet Start Details Map Cost 106km BA 17:00 Time for a new cycling adventure!!! Go for a night ride on the full moon up Tully Gorge, then join the overnight mayhem that is an Audax sleep control. A great ride, a meal and a sleepover with your best cycling buddies – what more could you ask for (apart from the Breakfast Mission ride the next morning……) Map $25.00 (mbrs) $35.00 (Non)  Start Location Tully Showgrounds (The Tully Igloo) Contact Gayle Sticher  Ph: 0428 440 411  Email: gayle.sticher@bigpond.com Ride Date: 15-Jun-2019 5:00 pm Registration Close Date: 13-Jun-2019

Breakfast Mission (2019) After a big night of cycling and socialising, and a Tully sleep-over with your mates, jump back on the bike for a ride out to Mission Beach for breakfast.  It’s just a cruisy jaunt around the back roads and beaches, with some of the best scenery on offer in FNQ.  Enjoy some breakfast in Mission Beach before returning to Tully. Dist / Brevet Start Details Map Cost 72km BA 06:30 After a big night of cycling, an Audax overnight control and too little sleep, continue the adventure with a ride out to Mission Beach for breakfast.  (If night riding wasn’t for you, just join us for the morning.) Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  Start Location Tully Showgrounds Contact Gayle Sticher  Ph: 0428 440 411  Email: gayle.sticher@bigpond.com Ride Date: 16-Jun-2019 6:30 am Registration Close Date: 13-Jun-2019

Beach and Bush (2019) Beach and Bush starts on the River Esplanade, Mooloolaba and traverses some urban roads and paths before some highway traffic to Landsborough. Thence via country roads through Beerwah and a gentle climb through Peachester and Bald Knob to Maleny. Dist / Brevet Start Details Map Cost 206km BRM 07:00 Ride starts at River Esplanade, Mooloolaba (Charles Clarke Park – Carpark and Toilets), end of Foote Street Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  Start Location Mooloolaba Contact John McMullan  Ph: 0407731567   Email: clanmc@tpg.com.au Ride Date: 22-Jun-2019 7:00 am Registration Close Date: 19-Jun-2019

A Great Divide Circuit (2019) A pleasant day out, experiencing some of SE QLD’s finest scenery. Dist / Brevet Start Details Map Cost 413km BA 06:00 Beautiful climbing and riding around Scenic Rim. Mt. Lindesay and Kooreelah National Park, passing through the villages of Rathdowney, Woodenbong and Killarney, then a cruise across The Downs before a rewarding 80km downhill and flat ride home. Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  Start Location Fernvale Contact Raoul Dover  Ph: 0448259949  Email: raldover@bigpond.com Ride Date: 29-Jun-2019 6:00 am Registration Close Date: 28-Jun-2019

Dirty Mee (2019) Dirty Mee is cyclocross at its best. Plenty of dirt single track and fire trail. There will be some sealed roads. hydration pack recommended. Maxis refuse are highly recommended. Dist / Brevet Start Details Map Cost 75km BG 07:00 Dirty Mee is cyclocross at its best. Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  Start Location Dayboro Bakery Contact Andrew Bragg  Ph: 0434284532  Email: andrewbragg1@yahoo.com Ride Date: 29-Jun-2019 7:00 am Registration Close Date: 28-Jun-2019

River Loop July (2019) A social ride followed by a coffee somewhere interesting on Montague Rd Dist / Brevet Start Details Map Cost 50km BA 05:30 A social river loop Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  100km BA 05:30 A social river loop + an extension Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  Start Location Toowong Contact Brian Hornby  Ph: +61418711417  Email: Brianhornby19@gmail.com Ride Date: 02-Jul-2019 5:30 am Registration Close Date: 02-Jul-2019

Freedom Ride 400 (2019) A scenic ride including Yamanto, Peak Crossing, Rosewood, Laidley, Kilcoy and Peachester Dist / Brevet Start Details Map Cost 400km BRM 06:00 A scenic ride including Caboolture, Kilcoy, Esk Yamanto returning to The Gap Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  Start Location The Gap Contact Brian Hornby  Ph: +61418711417  Email: brianhornby19@gmail.com Ride Date: 06-Jul-2019 6:00 am Registration Close Date: 05-Jul-2019

Dirty Boonah Triple 1 (2019) A choice of rides around the Scenic Rim on quiet country roads. 3 distances on offer to suit all riding abilities. All roads are public roads and can be ridden on 28mm+ tyres. Dist / Brevet Start Details Map Cost 56km BG 07:00 A 50/50 mix of gravel and sealed roads. This quiet route will travel around Boonah, Lake Maroon, Lake Moogerah and a short stretch of the Bicentennial National Trail Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  111km BG 07:00 All the fun of the 150km course without the loop around Kalbar. Still taking in the views of Lake Maroon, this ride will bypass the Bicentennial National Trail and have you back in Boonah in time for lunch. Expect 75% gravel. Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  150km BG 07:00 Follow the shorter courses for the first 40km, then return to Boonah via Dugandan and Old Mt.Alford Rd. With over 80% gravel, this ride will not disappoint. Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  Start Location Boonah Contact Justin Bennett  Ph: 0415928313  Email: justin.jbe@gmail.com Ride Date: 07-Jul-2019 7:00 am Registration Close Date: 05-Jul-2019

The Cheap 3 Peaks Challenge. (2019) The Cheap 3 Peaks Challenge, is a spectacular ride taking in scenic climbs north of the river. Mt Mee, Mt Glorious and Mt Coot-tha. With plenty of hills in between. A tough ride, unsupported with a 2 peak 200 km or 3 peak 300 km challenge. Dist / Brevet Start Details Map Cost 215km BRM 06:00 The Cheap 3 Peaks Challenge, is a spectacular ride taking in scenic climbs north of the river. Mt Mee, Mt Glorious and Mt Coot-tha. With plenty of hills in between. A tough ride, unsupported with a 2 peak 200 km or 3 peak 300 km challenge. Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  215km BA 06:00 Time limit as a BA is 14H20M Map $6.00 (mbrs) $16.00 (Non)  305km BRM 06:00 The Cheap 3 Peaks Challenge, is a spectacular ride taking in scenic climbs north of the river. Mt Mee, Mt Glorious and Mt Coot-tha. With plenty of hills in between. A tough ride, unsupported with a 2 peak 200 km or 3 peak 300 km challenge. Map $0.00 (mbrs) $10.00 (Non)  Start Location 37 Yathong court Arana Hills Contact Andrew Bragg  Ph: 0434284532  Email: andrewbragg1@yahoo.com Ride Date: 13-Jul-2019 6:00 am Registration Close Date: 10-Jul-2019

 

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Queensland Newsletter May 30th, 2019

Welcome to the late May edition of the Queensland Newsletter. In the last two weeks we have seen some firsts: the Far North Queensland riding of the Fleche Opperman All Day Trial; A new Ride Organiser and a brand new ride.

What a calm setting! You can hardly spot the horizon. Vic Point on ‘What’s the Point?’

Queensland Newsletter, May 16th 2019

After effects of a windy night – Bedrock 2019 courtesy Tara Horner

Queensland Newsletter May 2nd, 2019

When I was discussing with some of the Queensland Committee members about becoming the newsletter editor one theme seemed to come out often and that it is good to have someone that participated in the rides on a regular basis. For the most, I seem to tick that box except for the long rides so to speak. One advantage is I also get an opportunity to take some cool photos. Mark’s editorial theme was the free coffee for unravelling the puzzle, you will notice the occasional photo that I have taken on a ride. Full points if you recognise the photo above that I took on a recent ride. I am also taking the opportunity to inform you of any changes to events and where possible advise how the recent rides have gone.

Queensland Newsletter April 18th, 2019

Here we are at the start of the Autumn riding weather for another edition of the Queensland Newsletter. Several rides have completed since the last newsletter with mixed results and we have some on and off road rides coming up so check out the details below.

Queensland Newsletter, April 4th, 2019

Welcome to a rather full edition of the Queensland newsletter. Queensland had a very successful Oppy this year with all teams completing and with some outstanding record breaking to boot. More on that a little later.

Only Oppy riders can appreciate a beautiful morning like this

Queensland Newsletter, March 21st, 2019

Here we are a few days out from the 2019 Fleche Opperman All Day Trial and I hope teams have completed their preparations for another awesome Oppy. I take my hat off to those riding the full distance – something I have yet to do but it is always in my plans. On a trip to the MCG I took time to read up on Sir Hubert Opperman in the Sporting Hall of Fame and took this photo of once of his steeds.

Amazing what you find at teh MCG Sporting Hall of Fame. I wonder if bar mounted bidons will make a big return?