25km Individual Road Race - Deepdale

Thank goodness for the southerly……….

A warm Sunday morning dawned and eleven keen cyclists lined up for the 'Farewell to 2010' 25km Individual Road Race around the Deepdale circuit.   The heat from the road was felt by all and it was probably the first time ever that cyclists almost welcomed the southerly, albeit only for its cooling efforts!

The pace was on from the start with the lead group of Paul Dodson, Paul Matthews, Reg Salmon, Paul Baldock, Eddie Muller and Mark Greene combining well to ensure good speed was maintained.  Julie Firth was just a few bike lengths behind after the first lap, followed by Donna Meneguzzo in her first ride with Spokes, Jennie Haste, Barb Glenister and fellow newcomer Paul O'Mara.

The teamwork of the lead group took its toll on Reg Salmon into the second lap who was unable to remain in touch with the pack, dropping off to ride a few seconds behind.  Dodson, Matthews, Baldock, Greene and Muller continued with their turns and by the fourth lap they had started to set their sights on picking up some of the individual riders who were struggling in the breeze on their own.

Donna Meneguzzo rode consistently throughout each lap , with only a slight variation in time for each 5km circuit.  Paul O'Mara improved as the ride progressed and was able to overtake Barb Glenister in the fourth lap of the event.

Julie Firth had been confused at the start of the ride about how many laps she needed to complete (Jules had thought it was a handicap start 15km race rather than the 25km group start event!) and so seemed pretty happy to receive the bell going into the last lap.

The lead group reigned in Barb Glenister and Paul O'Mara and continued working all the way to the finish line.  Paul Baldock tried for a very early lead out, attacking the group with 1500 metres to go.  Baldock couldn't maintain the pace and was soon picked up again by Dodson, Matthews, Greene and Muller.  Matthews, Greene and Dodson then started to inject further speed and effort about 300 metres from the finish and with just a few metres to go, Dodson was able to out sprint Matthews to take line honours.  Greene was next across the line followed by Muller and Baldock.  Dodson once again showed his experience and strength and it appears he is unbeatable on this course. Eddie Muller has had a stellar year having only joined Spokes in 2010 and improving consistently to now ride at scratch pace.

Reg Salmon finished some four minutes after the lead group and was followed in by Julie Firth, Donna Meneguzzo, Jennie Haste, Paul O'Mara and Barb Glenister.  Spokes Cycle Club would like to welcome Donna Meneguzzo and Paul O'Mara to the Club - both rode very well in their first ride with us.  

The event was followed by a try on of sample sizes for the Spokes Cycle Club jersey and knicks - remember if you wish to order these items then you will need to contact the Club as soon as possible.

Special thanks to Barb Glenister for putting out and collecting the signs, Deb Greene for marshalling, Paul Baldock and Roger Swan for assisting Barb in collecting the signs.  The picasa photostream on the right has been updated with pictures of the event courtesy of Roger at blackswanphotos.com  

Spokes Cycle Club would like to take this opportunity to wish you, and your family, a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. 

We look forward to seeing you in 2011.

Results - 25km Individual Road Race

25km Team Time Trial - Deepdale

Reunited in speed.....

The team time trial saw regular Spokes riders unite with new cyclists and friends whose bikes have been gathering dust with interesting results.  First out of the blocks on the 25km ride were the only all female team of Barb Glenister, Gabrielle Andrews and Bec Swan.  These three ladies are all experienced cyclists, albeit they are only recently re-introduced to their bikes and were there more for the ride than any attempt at speed!  The three soon settled into a good rhythm and ensured they were each looked after at times that they were suffering on the windy and warm course.  Two minutes after the pink ladies started, the team of Reg Salmon, Julie Firth, Dean Carroll and new rider Jarrod Bell took off and the combination of experience and new cyclist easily gelled into an excellent team.

Paul Matthews and Peter Burchell guided Stu Hopkins through his first cycle race, charging out of the starting blocks and settling into a cracking pace.  This trio was followed by the team of Mort Harslett, Jonathan Tamm and Eddie Muller who proved strong across all five laps of the circuit and ended up with fastest time in 43:36 and a pace of 35.1km/hr.  Roger Swan and Paul Baldock towed Andrew Toovey around the course and despite his best efforts to the contrary, Toovey finished with his team in a time of 44:03 claiming second overall on corrected time.

The Deepdale course is a 5.l km circuit which allows for fantastic racing as the event progresses and the team time trial was no exception.  Reg Salmon, Julie Firth, Jarrod Bell and Dean Carroll took just over three laps to catch the ladies team of Barb Glenister, Gabrielle Andrews and Bec Swan and it wasn't until the run into the finishing line that Paul Matthews and Peter Burchell, having released new rider Stu Hopkins in the final lap, overtook the ladies to take second across the line, but third fastest on corrected time.  The ladies claimed a lack of chivalry but this is racing after all!

All other positions remained the same on the road and the handicapper was impressed to see that his time gaps saw everyone completed within two minutes of each other.  The effort of every rider was plain to see at the finish line with some slightly flushed faces and some exhausted looking people.  The team time trial was once again billed as a great event, with riders commenting that they always work harder when riding in a team.  Full results are listed below.  Thanks to Peter Burchell and Tim Glenister for putting out the signs and to Tim and Ian Andrews for timekeeping and marshaling.

The ride was followed by a morning tea and Spokes Cycle Club AGM at the home of Dom and Denelle Micono.  Many thanks to Dom and Denelle for welcoming everyone into their home!  Minutes of the AGM will be distributed to all current members this week however we are pleased to announce the new committee:

President: Andrew Toovey

Vice President: Tim Glenister

Treasurer: Dom Micono

Secretary:  Barb Glenister

Committee: Bec Swan (Events and Publicity)

                   Peter Burchell

                   Ian Andrews

                   Paul Matthews

Spokes also has a sub committee for the new season who will be arranging a specialist cycling event for late 2011 - further details will be distributed as the year progresses.  Congratulations to the new committee and many thanks to those who have served Spokes so well in season 2010.

Don't forget the Presentation Night on Friday 3rd December 2010.   A flyer will be sent this week with full details.

The next event is a Criterium on Sunday 28th November 2010.

Results - 25km Team Time Trial

Bootenal 5 Stage Tour

Thirteen riders met in somewhat windy conditions to contest the Bootenal 5 stage tour on Sunday 31st.

The first stage, a 3.1km time trial saw youngster, Mitchell Crabbe lead the way with his mum, Kylie to follow only 30 secs later. Julie Firth would then join the race followed by John Tamm, Gerald Lambert and a nervous Roger Swan, who was concerned when his arch enemy on the bike, Andrew Toovey, nominated to chase Swan in the Time Trial!  3 ½ minutes after Mitchell’ start, Dean Carroll was waved away by time keeper, Dom Micono and the countdown was on until Paul Matthews was allowed to start his race.  He was soon joined on the road by Paul Dodson, Dwayne Crabbe, Eddie Muller and Reg Salmon bringing up the rear. However, it was a very ‘in form’ Matthews who set a blistering pace to take the win over Dodson with Muller in third.

The second stage saw all riders head off in a mass start – straight into a head wind before the turn around at the 3.3k mark.  With the wind behind the pack and speeds creeping up, the pack started to split into smaller groups and as the finish line quickly loomed, it was a tightly contested sprint between Matthews, Dodson, Tamm, Swan and Toovey with Matthews managing to hold on to take the win.

Stage three, while wind assisted, was to see the riders, again in a mass start,  head west along the Georgina Rd and into the climbs with the race finishing at the top of the second long hot drag.  Dark horse, Swan made an early move and took line honours some 20 seconds ahead of Muller and Salmon crossing the line in third place holding off an exhausted Matthews.

Every cyclist knows that at the top of every hill climb, there is a downhill and this was the case as all riders would now meet at the bottom of the hill in order to start the next stage…..climbing back up the hill before a punishing ride back to the Walkaway Rd finish line while again pushing into a head wind!  “Was it my imagination or was the wind getting stronger – it was a bit hard to tell from the inside of time keeper, Mort Harslett’ air conditioned car!”  Again Matthew showed his superiority by out sprinting Salmon and Swan to cross the line first.

With the end of the tour in sight, riders would mass start and race the final 3.1kms along the straight, flat Walkaway Rd with a blistering tail wind to assist!  Riders jostled for positions in the pack as speeds reached the 50k mark.  With 150 metres to go, Swan attacked out of the pack with Dodson hot on his wheel, however with just enough fuel left in his tank, Dodson powered through to cross the line first.

Results - Bootenal 5 Stage Tour

Barb Glenister 'Light my Fire'

Summer is here............Despite being outnumbered by about 400 to 1 by the flies, sixteen dedicated cyclists signed on for the Barb Glenister 'Light my Fire' Giles Park Cutting 32km Road Race.  This course takes in undulating road across to Chapman Valley Road, before challenging climbers with a ride over the cutting and then ending with pure speed down the hill and across Morrell Road back to Giles Park.  With the breeze blowing a warm North Easterly and the sun beating down, everyone was poised and ready for handicappers instructions.

Kylie Crabb rode her first Spokes event, choosing a tough course for her introduction to cycle racing.  Kylie set off on her own into the headwind and soon settled into a steady pace.  Ten minutes later Paul Wilson was ready to start and after some negotiation Dean Carroll convinced the starter that this would also be a good time for him to leave.  The two were heard discussing 'tactics' - that is if encouraging other to do all the work on the front counts as tactics!

At fifteen minutes Eddie Muller, Andrew Toovey and Seb Moore burst out of the blocks.  Seb was on his second ride with Spokes and had shown strong riding in his maiden race.  This group was followed five minutes later by the experienced Mort Harslett, Johny Barber, Roger Swan and Julie Firth.  Firth has recovered very well from her fall in the previous event and despite some pre race nerves was looking strong and ready to go.

At twenty five minutes the strong group of Peter Johnson, Mike Paxman, Paul Baldock, Paul Matthews, Duane Crabb and Paul Dodson departed.  The depth and speed within this group is excellent, albeit there is a mixture of straight speed with ability to climb and so it was important for riders to settle into their strength early on.  Mike Paxman travelled in from Kalbarri for the ride and it was fantastic to see him again.  Baldock seemed a little concerned to be set off with this group having recently returned from holidays where no cycling had occurred however after careful consideration the handicapper and starter decided some TUC was all that was needed and Baldock was ready to go!

The ride across Morrell Road saw the majority of the placings remain as handicapped, however the cutting hill sorted groups a little more.  Seb Moore pulled away from Eddie Muller, having already left Andrew Toovey and then accelerated down the hill and back to Giles Park to take line honours and finish in a corrected time of 1:01:54.  Roger Swan and Johny Barber combined well to pull away from Mort Harslett and Julie Firth although both Mort and Julie rode hard all the way to the line to try and reign them back in.  Swan and Barber completed the race in 58:30 at a speed of 32.8km/hr.

The scratch group worked hard for the whole race before Paul Dodson was able to finish just ahead of Mike Paxman, followed in by Paul Matthews and Peter Johnson.  This group were only separated by 10 seconds across the line. Dodson's time was fastest at 56:04 with an average speed of 34.2km/hr - an excellent result in very trying conditions. Paul Baldock came in just over a minute later closely followed by Paul Wilson and Dean Carroll who were bragging about how awesome their next handicap would be due to this result............the pair finished in 1:12:26 averaging 26.5km/hr which actually sits just 1km/hr less than predicted!
Kylie Crabb rode very well in her first event, crossing the line ahead of Andrew Toovey and husband Duane.  Both Andrew and Duane had suffered early in the ride with their usual fast pace not able to be retained across the rolling terrain leading to being separated from their respective groups and subsequently riding alone.  Toovey further suffered when results were announced and he realised that his usual 'team mate' Paul Wilson had actually beaten him by 4 seconds.  It looks as though Wilson will be expected to ride on the front in future events.

All riders were happy to see the finish line and enjoy a cool drink and one of Vicky's delicious biscuits.  Special thanks to Darryl for helping to put the signs out and marshaling and to Tim Glenister for marshaling.  The full results are available below and the Picasa Photostream to the right has been updated with some very average photos taken by Bec - photography is not my strong point!

The next event is the Bootenal 5-Stage Tour on Sunday 31st October 2010, starting at 9.00am.  This is a fabulous event which challenges all riders - don't be deceived by the distance of each stage - this ride is both exciting and demanding.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Results - Barb Glenister 'Light my Fire'

Click results to enlarge.

Walkaway Return 40km Individual Road Race

And the road wins…….

The hint of wet weather and ever increasing wind didn’t deter thirteen dedicated riders from lining up to start the Deepdale to Walkaway Return 40km Individual Road Race.

Barb Glenister and Jennie Haste were joined by new riders Seb Moore and Gerald Laurent as the first group away with Seb showing great speed and enthusiasm straight from the go.  Moore, Laurent and Haste pulled away from Glenister early in the distance and combined well to keep good speed.  Haste utilised her experience to assist Moore and Laurent in benefiting from team work when riding in the elements. Jennie was trialling a new bike for the race and was very happy with the results and her ride. Laurent suffered a mechanical problem with his pedal which subsequently resulted in him having to abandon the race.

Julie Firth, Johnny Barber, Reg Salmon and Eddie Muller set off at +5:00 minutes with Muller racing on a gorgeous new Kuota.  The strength in this group was evident with them working hard together and catching the first group on the outward leg to Walkaway.

At +10:00 minutes Paul Matthews, Tim Glenister, Duanne Crabb, Paul Dodson and Andrew Elliott burst from the starting line and soon settled into great speed and team work to haul in the riders in front of them.  Elliott brought his road bike along for a run and showed that he is one to watch in future events.

The rain and wind played havoc when the groups started to catch each other and unfortunately this resulted in an accident which saw Julie Firth come down at speed.  Thankfully Julie is okay, she has some bruises and cuts which required stitches but no severe injuries which is good news. Reg Salmon and Johnny Barber stopped to care for Julie (and her bike) with Johnny then accompanying Julie to the hospital for treatment and assessment.  Jennie Haste and Seb Moore also stopped to assist and then continued with the race once they knew Julie was being looked after. Special thanks to Terry Wellman for taking Julie to the hospital.  Julie has posted a message about the accident which is listed below.

With all remaining riders now grouped together, the strength of the scratch group came through.  Andrew Elliott crossed the line in a blistering 1:07:17 which is a cracking pace when viewed against the pouring rain and strong wind.  Elliott was closely followed by Paul Dodson at 1:08:12, Duanne Crabb at 1:08:25, Paul Matthews at 1:08:29 and Tim Glenister at 1:09:42.

Jennie Haste and Seb Moore were next across the line in corrected time of 1:22:09 with Eddie Muller and Barb Glenister finishing soon after.

Final rider in was Reg Salmon who completed the race as a solo rider after assisting Julie.  Full results are listed below and the Picasa Photostream to the right has been updated with pictures from the event.

Many thanks to Peter Burchell for coordinating the race and for collecting bikes at the road side, Terry Wellman for marshaling, Wayne Hosking for timekeeping, Paul Dodson for delivering Johnny and Julie’s bikes to them and to Tim and Barb Glenister for putting out and collecting the signs.

A message from Julie: For those that saw me kiss the bitumen on Sunday's Walkaway race, I just want to let you know I am o.k. Nothing broken, just bruised and cut up various eight places with a few stitches. I am going to look pretty colourful tomorrow. I hit Johnny's back wheel and come off. Lucky no one was behind me. The wee green machine actually fared better than I did. My helmet broke, thankfully it wasn't my head.

Anyway I want to thank everyone for looking after me and the bikes. Have appreciated the calls and hospital visits. A special thanks to Johnny, Terry, Reg and Paul. See you back on the road soon.  

Results - Walkaway Return 40km Individual Road Race

15km Individual Time Trial Deepdale

The race against the clock....
The Tour de France inspired thirteen cyclists to take to the road and race against themselves and the clock in the 15km Individual Time Trial.  Christine Kerr was the first to head off on her reclining bike and was accompanied on the loop by Zane D'Mello with the two completing the ride together.  At one minute intervals, Barb Glenister and Dom Micono were next off the mark with this event marking the first road race completed by Micono after a hiatus due to back problems. Micono maintained great speed and finished with an average of just under 30 km/hr.

Julie Firth took off at +03:00 minutes followed by Tom Glenister, Johny Barber, Peter Burchell and Dave Rakuscek.  Riders weren't too sure who Johny was at the start as he had pulled out his secret weapon - a road bike!  Johny is usually seen on his hybrid and the lighter frame and slick tyres of the roadie made him a force to be reckoned with.

Speaking of new bikes, Andrew Toovey had temporarily retired his trusty Cadex and emerged on a Giant TCR that looked remarkably similar to that usually ridden by Roger Swan........Tooves headed off at +08:00 minutes with Johnathan Tamm and Deb Carlyon following.  Reigning time trial winner Paul Dodson was the last to leave the starting area and immediately settled into an aero dynamic position and fast pace.

At the end of the first lap all cyclists were flying and the gaps between each remained consistent. This altered slightly into the second lap with some gaining time and using this to spur them into the final lap of this 5km circuit.

Paul Dodson claimed fastest time finishing in corrected time of 26:27 and averaging an impressive 34km/hr.  Given the many corners in this circuit this is a great time. Johny Barber was second fastest and Tim Glenister third.

Julie Firth was the first female home in a time of 28:29 and an average of 31.6km/hr.  Firth was followed by Deb Carlyon and Barb Glenister who averaged 30.9km/hr and 28.3km/hr respectively.

Many thanks to Paul Wilson for coordinating the event, Damon Angelatos for timekeeping and Scott Cox, Jennie Haste and Ian Andrews for marshaling.  Thanks also to Tim and Barb Glenister for putting out the signs.

A full list of results is listed below and the Picasa photostream to the right has been updated with photos from today's event and courtesy of blackswanphotos.com

Spokes' next event is a mountain bike ride from Lavendar Farm, followed by a lunch at the Farm.  Full details will be sent out next week.

Results - 15km Individual Time Trial

Yuna to Geraldton Teams Relay

The Yuna Team Relay saw ten teams, and one solo rider, line up at the Yuna silos eager to start the race and enjoy the perfect cycling conditions that Mother Nature had bestowed.  At 9.00am, timekeepers Paul Dodson and Zane D’Mello sent off ‘Team Tri Ladies’ comprising Christine Collins, Fiona Galvin and Jayne Laurent who were riding in their first ever Spokes event.  With three minute intervals between each team the next to go was ‘If you want cake, don’t overtake’ a team made up of Barb Glenister, Jennie Haste and Sonia Davies.  Barb and Jennie are renowned for their yummy cakes, slices and doughnuts and as such this was a very apt name.  The third all female team left at 6:00 minutes and saw Jane Benson race away cheered on by team mates Jacinta Potts and Bec Swan.

‘The Blockheads’ team of Fred Block, Steve and Penny Davies were next to leave followed by ‘Boobs on Bikes’, who are better known as Julie Firth, Gabe Andrews and Deborah Wake.  The ‘boobs’ were hotly pursued by solo rider Peter Johnson and team ‘Geraldton Golf Guys’ being Duane Crabb, Tim Glenister and Paul Matthews. Andrew Toovey, Roger Swan and Paul Wilson looked amazing at the start line in their fully matching kit and ‘The League of Extraordinary Gentleman’ were very happy to stand around and be admired before setting off at +18:.00 minutes. 

Jonathan Tamm, Paul Baldock and Max Nowrojee were ready to depart three minutes later and were followed by John Andrews, Ian Andrews and Peter Burchell.  The final team to leave was ‘Team Train Low’ – Damon Angelatos, Richard Quinlan and Scott Cox, who were perhaps not appropriately named considering the experience and speed within this group.

The first leg saw teams racing from Yuna to Nabawa with some riding it as a relay and others choosing to have their whole team on the road for the duration.  The pace was fast amongst all and the time gaps closed as teams neared the finish line in Nabawa.   

It was excellent to see due consideration being shown during change over to ensure that riders were able to ride clear lines.  First across the line was ‘If you want cake, don’t overtake’ with everyone very relieved to know that this win meant that cake would be on offer from Barb and Jennie!

The team of Jane Benson, Jacinta Potts and Bec Swan were next across the line and were closely followed by Fiona Galvin, Jayne Laurent and Christine Collins with all other teams crossing soon after.  Corrected times show a blistering pace for ‘Team Train Low’ with Damon, Richard and Scott averaging some 41.4km/hr for the leg and taking fastest time.  Next fastest time went to Tim Glenister, Paul Matthews and Duane Crabb who averaged 39.6km/hr and it was solo rider Peter Johnson who recorded the third fastest time, averaging 38.5km/hr across the 36 kilometre distance.

After a twenty minute break in which cyclists enjoyed fruit cake, doughnuts and chocolate slice (many thanks to Barb, Jennie and Johno) the event moved to the first of the three individual stages.  Each team nominated their riders and timekeeper Paul Dodson proceeded to call out the starting order, albeit not in order!

The 15.6km leg heads out of Nabawa toward Geraldton and sees cyclists riding undulating terrain for the entire distance.  With cyclists given just one minute interval the racing was exciting with position on the road changing constantly.  Damon Angelatos was fastest completing the ride in 23:45 and averaging 39.4km/hr.  Andrew Toovey showed all that he didn’t just look good in his team kit, but that he could also ride taking second fastest time and averaging 36.9km/hr for the leg. The fact that he required a lie down at the end of his ride was irrelevant, Toovey giving his all whilst on the bike.  Deborah Wake had a brilliant ride and came in with third fastest time and an average of 36.3km/hr.  

Fiona Galvin also rode a very strong leg, averaging 34km/hr – an outstanding ride for Fiona’s first attempt at road racing.  She will be a force to be reckoned with at future events.

The second individual leg was a 12.9km ride up the cutting and then back down toward Morrell Road.  The hill climb was a decisive factor for this stage and Paul Baldock claimed fastest time completing the distance in 21:29.  Baldock was closely followed by Paul Matthews in 21:44 with Steve Davies coming in third in a time of 22:33.  Bec Swan showed that lack of fitness is irrelevant when it comes to having a chat, managing to get enough breath to offer some support to a fellow cyclist whilst passing on the climb.  Minor placings were all very close together and there was much anticipation ahead of the final stage of this fantastic event.  

Teams moved onto Morrell Road for the start of the final leg – a 9km ‘time trial’ to Giles Park.  Paul Wilson unveiled his time trial bike for the occasion with many keen to see how this would assist him.  The pace was on from the first rider and every rider could be seen giving it their everything.  Fastest time went to Duane Crabb who averaged 36.7km/hr for the leg, Gabe Andrews demonstrated her strength and speed taking second place and averaging 35.5km/hr, with Paul Wilson coming in third at an average of 35.4km/hr.

Teams then moved to Golden Pond Retreat for a much needed buffet lunch with the timekeepers compiling overall results whilst the riders and their support crews enjoyed the meal.  Fastest time went to ‘Team Train Low’ – Damon Angelatos, Richard Quinlan and Scott Cox with a number of novelty prizes also awarded.

A full list of cycling results is listed below and the Picasa photo stream to the right has been updated with numerous pictures taken by Vicky.

Many thanks to Darryl and Vicky Sheilds for putting out and collecting the signs, Barb and Tim Glenister for arranging the signs, Paul Dodson and Zane D’Mello for timekeeping and Dom Micono for marshalling and providing rider support.

Novelty Prizes were awarded as follows:

Jacinta Potts - Having an excited pit stop right on the side of the road only to have 

Dom ride past on his motorbike whilst still in all her glory…….

Paul Wilson - Proudly showing off the fact that his physique ensures that Paint n 

Quip was the most prominent logo on his new team kit……Paint n Quip covers the stomach region of the jersey!

Christine Collins, Fiona Galvin and Jayne Laurent - Riding their first ever Spokes Event and choosing one of the hardest – welcome ladies and we hope to see you again.

Richard Quinlan - For asking Bec Swan if her birth mark developed during primary school and being surprised when Bec pointed out she had had it since birth…..

Peter Johnson - Being a solo rider at a team event!

Paul Dodson - For easily being the most confusing time keeper…….

Gabe Andrews - For always looking classy and stylish when on her bike! 

Results - Yuna to Geraldton Teams Relay

Yuna to Geraldton Teams Relay

Yuna to Geraldton

Teams Relay Ride

Spokes Cycle Club invite you to form a team and to take part in this annual Event. Whether you want to set the fastest time or just complete the distance, we guarantee fun for all.

EVENT: A three person team relay from Yuna Tavern to Moonyoonooka Bridge. There are Four separate Stages, the first stage is from Yuna to Nabawa. In this section, teams can either ride a relay or have their full team out – one, two or three can be on the road.

The Rest of the event consists of three separate Stages run consecutively, each rider in the team is required to complete one leg only.

WHEN: Sunday 20^th June 2010

Starting 9:00am outside Yuna Tavern

FORMAT:

STAGE ONE: Yuna Tavern to Nabawa Tavern [36.4 km] (Team Event)

Morning smoko

[Stage two starts 20 minutes after the last team finishes the first stage]

STAGE TWO: Nabawa tavern to Urch Road near Murphyll Farm [16km] (Rider 1)

STAGE THREE: Urch Road farm to Narra Tarra Bridge via Fig tree crossing and Waggrakine Cutting. [13.9 km] (Rider 2)

STAGE FOUR: Narra Tarra bridge to Moonyoonooka Bridge [9km] (Rider 3)

Presentations and Lunch at Golden Pond Retreat at end of Event

with Family and Friends Welcome!

RULES:

Teams must have three riders.

Teams will be started off at intervals.

Each team must supply support vehicle.

No drafting of other teams or vehicles allowed.

Teams will be responsible for providing food and refreshments during the event for team riders.

Contestants must conduct themselves in a sportsman like manner.

Riders must abide by all road rules and directions from event marshals and Race

Results - 20km Individual Time Trial

Mingenew to Bootenal 90km Individual Road Race

Depot Hill helps to decide....

Sunday morning dawned and the slight chill in the air didn't deter twenty three keen cyclists from making their way to Mingenew to race the 90km ride to Bootenal. Johnny Barber emerged from the Mingenew pub having ridden across the day before so after adding him to the list, handicaps were assigned and twenty four starters lined up.

Barb Glenister and Eddie Muller were first off the rank and the duo combined to maintain good speed across the unforgiving first 55kms that is the start to this fantastic event. Some fifteen minutes later a group of eight experienced riders set off - Andrew Toovey, Paul Wilson, Jonathan Tamm, Julie Firth, Deborah Wake, Scott Cox, visiting cyclist Clayton Gunning and Duane Crabb burst from the start line and immediately established turns to keep the pace high. There were murmurs of disbelief amongst those waiting to start at Crabb being set off so early but Duane ignored these and enjoyed the support of the handicapper.

The group of Roger Swan, Paul Dodson, Gavin Keyser, Paul Matthews, Reg Salmon, Peter Burchell, Andrew Elliott and Dave Rakuscek set off at twenty five minutes with Keyser completing the event on his mountain bike as preparation for the upcoming Gibb River race. Elliott raced his mountain bike as well and the strength in this group emerged at the first hill climb with Swan, Keyser and Elliot working to ensure that the group remained together for as long as possible.

At the thirty minute mark Peter Johnson, Richard Quinlan, Mike Paxman and Johnny Barber set off and quickly settled into a fast cadence in order to catch the groups in front. Johnny Barber was a little bemused to have been placed with the trio that had successfully raced together previously but the handicapper felt his overnight rest gave him a slight advantage and decided to challenge the man with the 'best legs' in Geraldton.

Paul Hearne and Damon Angelatos were the last to leave, having been given the imposing handicap of forty minutes to make up. This strong and fast pair were expected to set a cracking pace and that is exactly what happened.

Many riders suffered on the early hills and allowed those riders who enjoy the climbs to complete the majority of the work. It appeared that the larger groups had agreed to keep together for as long as possible as the usual splinters didn't materialise until Depot Hill.

Unfortunately for Paul Matthews he flatted, as it appears did Jonathan Tamm, with this causing both riders to lose valuable time crossing the line some time after the others. Scott Cox and Duane Crabb rode off the front of their group working well together until the final stages of the event. Crabb was able to out sprint Cox to take line honours.

Peter Johnson, Richard Quinlan and Mike Paxman once again worked incredibly well together pulling away from Johnny Barber and managing to overtake the group immediately in front of them without picking up riders. The trio then descended on the group of Toovey, Firth, Wake, Gunning and Wilson however the experience of Toovey and tenacity of Firth saw them jump onto the back of this fast paced group and enjoy some support to the line. Julie Firth was first female across the line and also fastest female for the race.

Eddie Muller pulled away from Barb Glenister and completed the event as a solo rider, crossing the line not long after the group of Johnson, Paxman, Quinlan, Toovey and Firth. This was a particularly good result for Eddie considering he had ridden most of the way to the event that morning.

Roger Swan, Gavin Keyser and Dave Rakuscek's pace over the Depot Hill climb was too much for the rest of their group with the trio leaving Matthews, Dodson, Burchell, Salmon and Elliott to fend for themselves. Keyser didn't seem to notice that he was on a mountain bike instead of a roadie and worked well with Swan and Rakuscek at keeping a good pace. Barb Glenister was happy to be picked up by this group on the road into Walkaway and the four crossed the line together.

Hearne and Angelatos demonstrated good strength across the hills with Hearne emerging the stronger of the two, pulling away from Angelatos and crossing the line just after Swan, Keyser, Rakescek and Glenister. What was outstanding about Hearne's place across the line was that he had made up some fifteen minutes on Swan, Keyser and Rakuscek and even more impressive thirty minutes on Glenister.

Dodson, Salmon, Burchell and Elliott were next to finish with Angelatos closing in all the way to the line with Wilson, Wake and Gunning crossing some ten minutes later.

Corrected times show Paul Hearne as fastest time with a superb pace of 40km/hr. Full results have been emailed out to all and show the excellent speeds of all that participated, especially when matched to the terrain covered.

Special thanks to Tim and Barb for putting out the signs, Domenic Micono and Jennie Haste for coordinating, time keeping and marshaling the event and to all of the support crews who drove the cyclists out to Mingenew so that they could race. From speaking to competitors it was agreed that this race is tough and challenging, but also a most enjoyable ride. Thanks also to Fiona Della-Sale for the pictures.

Results - Mingenew to Bootenal 90km Individual Road Race

Anzac Weekend Criterium

Cyclists give it all.....

The Anzac weekend Criterium was billed as being a great spectator event and that is exactly how it turned out. Eighteen riders lined up on the start line to contest the tight circuit and make or break corners. The group was split into A and B Grade with B Grade completing 15 minutes racing against the clock before the bell signalling their two laps to finish. A Grade completed 20 minutes against the clock before receiving the bell. Many riders had never ridden a criterium race previously and so there were some pre race jitters about cornering at speed.

The race was on from the outset with both the A and B Grade riders jostling for position. The group of Roger Swan, Peter Johnson, Paul Dodson, Paul Spackman, Gavin Keyser, Wayne Hosking, Dean Carroll, Andrew Toovey, Johny Barber, Peter Burchell, Duane Crabb and Tim Glenister established a quick break and after a few laps started to string out. Paul Baldock and Johnathan Tam struggled to maintain the speed of the main group and dropped off the back, soon followed by Peter Burchell, Johny Barber and Duane Crabb. Andrew Toovey showed that he was a dark horse for Crit racing, with the B Grade rider easily keeping himself in the main pack for the majority of the race.

The remaining B Grade riders of Eddie Mueller, Julie Firth, Sonia Davies and Barb Glenister rode strongly with those who were nervous about the corners improving as the race progressed.

Gavin Keyser punctured early into the race and was fortunate that fellow competitor Duane Crabb had brought along a spare set of wheels - Crabb was kind enough to offer the spare prior to the start of the race and so Keyser effected a quick change and was soon back on the circuit.

The wind picked up as the race progressed making some sections of the course even harder and consequently the B Grade group were very happy to receive the bell and commence their final two laps. Toovey easily took line honours, followed by Firth, Mueller, Davies and Barb Glenister. It is fair to say that Toovey can expect to be elevated to A Grade for future criterium races.

The A Grade group worked very well together with Johnson completing the lion's share of turns. Johnson was assisted by Swan and Dodson who regularly came to the front and helped ensure the pace remained high throughout the event. The short circuit saw riders moving in and out of groups however the main A Grade bunch of Johnson, Swan, Dodson, Spackman, Hosking, Carroll and Glenister remained together with all but a few minutes to go. Carroll lost contact coming out of a corner and Glenister ran out of puff just before the bell lap. This left Johnson, Dodson, Swan, Spackman and Hosking to contest the sprint. The pace lifted into the final lap with Johnson, Swan and Dodson being out sprinted by Hosking and Spackman. Hosking was first across the line, closely followed by Spackman and Dodson, with Johnson and Swan finishing fourth and fifth respectively.

Many thanks to Paul Wilson for time keeping, Tim and Barb Glenister for putting out the signs and Bec Swan for marshalling and ensuring that business owners on the circuit were aware of the event.

The picasa photostream has been updated with pictures from today's event.

Bootenal to Walkaway Wind Farm and return.

Great ride by trio….

Spokes launched the calendar into April with a 43.9km individual road race from Bootenal to Wind Farm and return. This event starts and finishes on long flat roads but it is the middle 10km which really challenges cyclists - a long winding hill up to the wind farm before the turn around for high speed descent.

The mass start saw a large lead group form, with many riders enjoying the pace and ‘sit’ provided by the stronger and more experienced cyclists. The long flat roads leading to Walkaway allowed for Peter Johnson and Richard Quinlan to combine with Mike Paxman, ensuring a firm pace was set. Julie Firth and Eddie Mueller tucked themselves into the lead group utilising position to their best advantage.

The good pace and strong wind started to take its toll on some riders with Peter Burchell being the first to lose touch with the main bunch. A further injection of speed from Paul Dodson saw Andrew Toovey exposed to the wind and no longer able to hang on. Toovey was soon joined by Roger and Bec Swan and Paul Wilson who formed their own bunch behind the leaders.

Paul Baldock, Ian Andrews and Patrick Betteridge missed the jump at the start and this saw Andrews and Betteridge struggling to maintain contact. Baldock showed strength by riding up to the group of Toovey, Wilson and the Swans, and then powering away from them up the hill.

Johnson, Quinlan and Paxman dominated the climb pulling away from Dodson, Firth and Mueller. The trio accelerated to the top of the hill and then completed a fast descent to power back to the finish line.

Baldock was able to pass Mueller before catching Dodson and Firth. Roger Swan left Toovey and Bec Swan on the climb but then waited at the top to re-join his group and ensure that all finished together. Eddie Mueller was also caught by this group but was able to complete the descent and race to the finish with the other three.

It was the effort of Paul Wilson on the climb that deserves special mention. Wilson seemed to be struggling at the bottom of the hill but amazed all with his magical appearance at the top, completely overtaking all but the lead trio – perhaps some secret training of sorts or was it outside assistance?

Burchell, Andrews and Betteridge were the final cyclists over the hill with both seeming very happy to turn around and complete the descent.

At the front of the race Johnson, Quinlan and Paxman worked extremely well together and all vied for line honours. Johnson was able to out sprint Quinlan and Paxman in a very tight finish.

Next across the line was Dodson who was closely followed by Baldock and Firth. This was an excellent ride by Julie Firth who maintained contact up and over the climb to remain at the front of the event.

The group of Toovey, Roger and Bec Swan and Eddie Mueller rode well, completing turns and keeping the pace at a good level. Bec Swan attempted a lead out some distance from the finish only to be caught by Toovey and Roger Swan before then being ‘allowed’ to finish ahead of her group.

Burchell, Andrews and Betteridge finished shortly after with all cyclists agreeing that the race was tough but extremely enjoyable. As always the wind made things very interesting, albeit the usual Southerly was replaced by a North Easterly. This provided a pure head wind for the climb and saw the pace fluctuate amongst all.

Thanks to Mike Paxman, who travelled from Kalbarri to ride his first race with Spokes – welcome Mike and we hope to see you at future races. Special thanks to Peter Burchell for putting out the signs, Darryl Sheilds for timekeeping and Terry Wellman for assisting with marshalling and sign collection.

Results are below and the Picasa Photostream has been updated with photo's taken today by Darryl.

Results - Bootenal to Wind Farm and return.

Summer / Autumn Calender

Click on calendar to enlarge.

Bootenal Five Stage Tour

Mixed riding and mixed fortune

Despite the lower than expected attendance, the contesting of the Bootenal 5-Stage Tour was exciting and challenging for the cyclists who took part. Paul Dodson took the opening time time trial ahead of Duane Crabbe and Paul Baldock (new owner of TBE), showing that his more mature status is no limit on ability. Dodson was able to carry this into Stage 2 with a great win following a mass start and the pack all jostling for a place at the end of the Georgina East return loop. Julie Firth easily won both stages in the women's division finishing with the lead group in Stage 2.

Stage 3 saw an end to the flatter parts of the course and Roger Swan dominated the first of the hill climbs to take both this Stage and maximum King of the Mountain points. Swan was followed by Paul Baldock and Duane Crabbe on Stage 3 with Julie Firth placing a credible 4th on the hill overall - this also saw her take line honours in the women's division once again, a pattern that would remain for the tour.

Stage 4 started with a 600 metre climb with Baldock, Firth, Crabbe, Muller and Swan all clearing the summit within seconds of each other. Baldock led the group over the climb, claiming maximum King of the Mountain points. Swan and Firth accelerated across the remaining undulations placing 1st and 2nd with Crabbe coming in 3rd ahead of Baldock in 4th.

Eddie Muller was the dark horse of the climbs, easily riding both of the hill stages and showing that this type of course suits his riding style. Paul Dodson was unable to retain his form into the hills and slid to the back of the pack, competing with Andrew Toovey and Jonathan Tam in a separate battle to that of the climbers.

The last Stage was a road race from Georgina Road back to the Bootenal Tavern and was an opportunity for the flat stage riders to emerge once again. Jonathan Tam proved he was now warmed up out sprinting Paul Dodson and Duanne Crabbe to take line honours. Julie Firth rode incredibly well to finish 4th across the line - easily winning the women's event.

The men's event was a more closely fought race with the time bonuses for Stage wins seeing Duane Crabbe and Roger Swan finishing equal first, albeit Crabbe was fastest on overall time. Paul Dodson took third overall.

Special thanks to Darryl Sheilds, Arlia Toovey and Bec Swan for officiating and putting out the signs.

A full list of results is available below and the Picasa Photostream to the right has been updated with pictured of today's event.

Results - Bootenal 5 Stage Tour