Go Loopy 100/200/300/400 km 21 April 2012
We had thirty two riders who entered the Go Loopy series, with only two non starters. Everyone gathered at the usual assembly point for Waitara starts, on Waitara Avenue. Everyone that is except Ricky. Ricky had once again set his alarm right about the time the ride was due to start. A quick phone call to awake him from his slumber and the group was away, leaving Ricky to chase the group down an hour later. The 100km riders were granted an extra 30 minutes sleep, as their start didn't leave until 06:30. Many thanks to Ashley, who came over just to start the riders off, even though he was a DNS. As the promo stated "the longer the ride, the loopier you get!", and all distance groups rode the same route until they peeled off to complete their respective circuit. All groups were advised to stick together for the first 8 kms along the busy Pennant Hills road section. Once clear of that, the flag went down, and riders made their own pace along the cycle way.the 100km riders exited the cycle way to roads leading to Windsor, the ferry crossing at Berowra and back to the finish. The rest continued to the township of Camden (86 km). The pace had been pretty fast so far, only time would tell how much this would take out of the 300 riders and the sole 400 rider, Shane Black. This was the spot where the 200km riders peeled off, taking a roundabout route through Windsor and on to the finish. They were the last of the two groups to finish in perfect weather. Michael Smith, one of the 300km riders gives his account of the ride from here...
The second leg started heading uphill after a few km with the climb up Old Razorback Road and continued to trend uphill to Hilltop. Despite being well fuelled I was flagging badly on the hills later in the stage before we turned west and, then, north to Hilltop. I was feeling very average at Hilltop and stayed put for a longish break. Si headed off with Howard and converted a 15-20 minute advantage at Hilltop to a 2.5 hr gap at the finish at Hornsby. "I was feeling average at Hilltop" Rob and I left Hilltop together for what turned out to be the most challenging leg of the ride for me. Normally this, the third leg, would be relatively easy trending downhill most of the way to Penrith. But in this case a combination of my poor condition and torrential rain most of the way made it more difficult than expected. Rob cleverly made it easier by getting three punctures between Hilltop and Penrith. Although Rob was getting a touch frustrated I was
quite pleased as the extra stops gave me much needed recovery time. By the time we arrived at Penrith I was feeling pretty good. Btw, I was following behind Rob each time he punctured so there's no way I could be responsible for the thumb tacks he found in his rear tyre. While standing in the rain (did I mention it was torrential?) for the second puncture Bec rode past. A short time later dozens and dozens of Harleys rode past. While they were still riding past we finished repairing the puncture, packed up the gear and still had to wait by the side of the road for the caravan of bikies to finish passing. Arriving in Penrith we encountered Peter who was just leaving. He generously donated the remaining half of his pizza which we gratefully ate. Another pizza was ordered and a welcome break was enjoyed. Heading out on the last leg the rain had stopped, the sky was clear, the stars were out and we enjoyed a quiet, uneventful ride through the darkness of Nth Western Sydney. We encountered Peter again hiding in a bus shelter (not exactly but it was very dark and I nearly rode past him) just after turning onto Old Northern Rd from Cattai Ridge Rd. Peter headed off while Rob and I contemplated waiting for the bus. We completed the ride at Hornsby Police Station at about 22:30 feeling quite fatigued (go figure!) but very pleased to have conquered the 300. The only challenges remaining were to ride the last km to the cars and stay awake for our respective drives home. Welcome to the 300 club Si and Rob. A big achievement for all involved. Last rays of daylight over the wetlands off Castlereagh Road
The photo above was taken by the mischievous Wayde Hazelton of the 200 group eating chips and drinking beer at the finish checkpoint... sent as an MMS to the 300 riders. Note that they're still in perfect sunshine, whilst the 300 group were, at that moment, battling against torrential rain in the Southern Highlands. Post ride wash up 100 km Group: DNS 2 DNF 2 200 km Group All riders completed in the allowed time 300 km Group All riders completed in the allowed time. 400 km Group DNF 1 (no riders completed) Generally, a very successful days riding. Bad luck to Alicia Kok on having to pull out due to cramp, and for Roger Blazey, who gallantly sacrificed his finish by helping Alicia. Unfortunately Shane Black had to pull out of his first attempt at 400 due to nausea, a common ailment of the long distance rider. Congratulations : First time 100 rider Phillip Beresford-Harvey First time 300 riders Simon Naunton and Rob Hoehne
Post Ride Comments "other than feeling sick I've enjoyed the route. Will definitely give it another go in the future" Shane Black (400 attempt) "I will check the alarm next time" Ricky O'BRIEN (200 - missed start by an hour, but still passed some of the field). "Despite not finishing correctly we both enjoyed it and will be back for future rides" Roger Blazey & Alicia Kok (100 DNF's) Why do all the cycling photos involve food and beer." Wayde Hazelton "Thanks for organising the ride yesterday, it was not too tough as 200's go and took me out onto some roads I have never visited. I don't even remember going to Camden before. I need to get out more!" Peter Meyer (200) "...a good time for me. I am getting better at not spending half a ride in the controls!" Peter Barlow (300) "thanks for great mapping and organisation." Derek Wolfson (200) "Ricky caught up to me outside Windsor and rode the 10 Kms into town, having a bit of a chat, as you predicted Bec. I enjoyed the last sector best, the flood plain, and the Galston Gorge which looked really beautiful in the grey afternoon light." Tom Carment (200) "really enjoyed the ride and we were fortunate to have Jenny with us for the whole ride." Lindsay Harvey (100) Future Route Change We modified the 100 km route a little. We will in future use the more cycle friendly Windsor Road rather than Richmond Road to get to the first checkpoint. We've also taken out the nasty little climb out of Cattai Creek. Warning! Sniffing patching glue could be bad for your health.