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.