Cycle2max Forums - Training - 2010 Challenge Tour - Messages http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Cycle2max Forums - Training - 2010 Challenge Tour - Messages en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Jitbit AspNetForum Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:52:18 GMT Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:52:18 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Robert Rau http://www.epsomrdstudios.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=279742
edited by Robert Rau on 27/01/2010]]> Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:52:18 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Dwayne Cox Jason Daniels wrote:
Robert Rau wrote:
All I ask Bike SA (the organisers) is to keep the motor traffic into Goolwa at the absolute minimum as many riders will probably do 50 km/hr (or more) into Goolwa (with a tail wind). Going to love that ride between Milang to Goolwa (would be good for a time trial).


Someone upstairs forgot to read your post Robert?


He was half right ........ I came down Cadel Street from the primary school breaking the 50km/h speed limit by 10kms/h .... tail wind then but sadly the most boring part of the ride from milang to goolwa was very windy and hot with too many people who i assume started from milang all over the road.
RIDE LIKE CRAZY next year people.]]> Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:55:04 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Jason Daniels Robert Rau wrote:
All I ask Bike SA (the organisers) is to keep the motor traffic into Goolwa at the absolute minimum as many riders will probably do 50 km/hr (or more) into Goolwa (with a tail wind). Going to love that ride between Milang to Goolwa (would be good for a time trial).


Someone upstairs forgot to read your post Robert?]]> Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:25:30 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from JDL
The Checker Hill stage would be an interesting one for a Challenge Tour too... A 200km+ ride would be cool but I don't imagine the pros want to do stages that long this time of year...

I too like collecting the jerseys, even though what I really need is more knicks! Got enough jerseys...
edited by JDL on 26/01/2010]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:34:40 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Robert Rau ]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:11:51 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from JB Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:51:51 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from JDL I thought there were plenty of drink stops, I kept well hydrated and still managed with two Bidons only stopping at roughy every second drink stop.. I would have been happy with one less drink stop but for one of the others to have food...

Hopefully the organizers are getting some of this feedback and improve it next year....]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:47:32 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Dwayne Cox Firstly, swagged it at Woodside the night before to get a bit of atmosphere similar to Mount Pleasant year before. Well, wrong decision. No one there to my suprise and spent the night with the brother in law looking at cycling mags via 12volt light with no one else to talk to. Mount Pleasant swagging was great. Re think that call next year. As with everyone elses comments found the ride up and till milang quite easy and fast and just battled through head wind - part of riding - however, the biggest disappointment was the organisation of the rest stops and water. BRING BACK BIKESA's excellent organisation. Also, as far as cyclists go, there were alot that I either passed or got passed by that showed blatant disregard for road rules and not only there own safety but the safety of others. When will these (mainly guys riding the deep dished rims and mainly the ones who didnt battle through with the crap jerseys) riders learn that cars hurt. Wait till they pass then go for it. Dont put others at risk.
Great to finish in my home town coming down Cadel Street with family cheering me on, but next year it will be the RIDE LIKE CRAZY ride for me. Apparently better organised and for a great cause. Cant wait to get the legs rolling again this week.Cool]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:18:42 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Steve OConnor
It was great being able to hitch a ride with a decent group on the flats from Strath, and sharing the load. Made up good time there, but I got dropped before Milang, so ended up struggling badly by the time I got out of Finniss. It was an odd experience feeling brilliant and fast for 140km, and then suddenly struggling that last 20km. The transition from joy to pain was pretty rapid, and took me by surprise. Not sure what to make of that in terms of bike setup - I was so relaxed and comfortable for hours, and then half an hour later, a lot of pain in the shoulders, and I couldnt get down in the drops for more than a few minutes at a time. hmmm.

In hindsight - what might help in future mass participation events like this is to have a small cadre of experienced riders - maybe wearing a special distinctive jersey, who are paid to hang around through the more difficult stages (eg. Big climbs, or horror stretches like Milang - Finniss), and marshal the stragglers into groups and get them to ride pacelines through the wind, coaching riders through to the next drink stop, etc. I would imagine that something like that would encourage a lot of newer riders to get a lot more involved with cycling, and take their cycling to new levels. Win-Win.

Way too many people struggling solo through those conditions in the end, result - carnage on the roadside, overloaded ambulance services, and a lot of people simply crashing into each other due to exhaustion. In hindsight, that could have been avoided to some extent.

I know - difficult to organise, and at the end of the day people would probably ignore them anyway and do their own thing.
edited by Steve OConnor on 25/01/2010]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:29:58 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Michael Warner JDL wrote:
Why shouldn't they organise rides like the Challenge Tour etc? They're a great event, they're not put on for "unfit, unprepared people".
Obviously some people may overestimate their abilities but I'd imagine it's the minority... I wouldn't know the figures but I imagine well over the majority of the people who attempted the full distance would have finished it.. Most people would have been training in the months leading up to the event and would have been fully prepared and fit for it...


Sure, it's a minority, but when there's a cast of thousands that's still hundreds of seriously dehydrated, cramping bodies, some carted off in ambulances - not really a good advert for recreational cycling, is it? Apart from a dose of misguided machismo, I think the problems are that people feel compelled to do it once they've paid, they don't know how to read their body's warning signals, they're afraid to let go of groups which are working them too hard, and they're at the mercy of the organizers' decisions about food and water.

Anyway, I realize that I sound like a grump, so go ahead and kill yourselves slowly and painfully for a crappy jersey you'll never wear again. See if I care :-)]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:42:28 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Mike Johnson
I think the food on offer was even worse though, simply one food stop at the 90KM mark (if you were a Norwood starter) and all they had on offer was bananas? Even the pros are eating multiple times an hour as they ride, yet for $145 (non discount) we get bananas at one stop and a small lunch at the end to survive 160.5KM? $145 seems like a joke; were apparently expected to fuel the rest of our trip? (I did bring excess of my own because you can never be too safe).

I'm pretty certain I'll be heading to Bright next year for the Alpine Classic rather than doing the TDU.]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2010 23:04:51 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from JDL Michael Warner wrote:

It's really not a good idea to lose that much of your body's water on a ride - you can end up dead or with permanent renal failure. Putting on these long mass rides for unfit, unprepared people in the height of summer is not just dumb, it's dangerous IMHO. Leave it to the pros.


MW getting a bit carried away again? Reminds me of the Lance topic a while back.... Why shouldn't they organise rides like the Challenge Tour etc? They're a great event, they're not put on for "unfit, unprepared people". Obviously some people may overestimate their abilities but I'd imagine it's the minority... I wouldn't know the figures but I imagine well over the majority of the people who attempted the full distance would have finished it.. Most people would have been training in the months leading up to the event and would have been fully prepared and fit for it...

As for the other posts regarding the headwind, yeah I agree it was tough but headwinds/crosswinds are all part of cycling aren't they? The course was pretty easy this year and we had a pretty easy ride up until Milang.. We had to work a bit harder in the last 40ish km, big deal, all part of the fun/challenge.. Like Robert says, "just keep pedalling"..
edited by JDL on 24/01/2010
edited by JDL on 24/01/2010
edited by JDL on 24/01/2010]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:31:21 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Robert Rau Robert Rau wrote:
Going to love that ride between Milang to Goolwa (would be good for a time trial).
I wonder what these words taste like, very bitter I think as I should eat them.....the wind killed a lot of riders idea of fun.....but just keep pedalling, just keep pedalling, just keep pedalling was going through my head all the way to Finis.....then it wasnt so bad to the finish]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:43:30 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Robert Rau Then there was the guy that rolled into Goolwa with the Zipp rear disk wheel and to top it off for bling a Zipp 808 front.....lots of fun in that cross breeze.....lots as if he was wearing one of those spinakers too
Respect to the guy on the single speed (white steel frame and baby blue rims), he made it and looked as if he killed a lot of the field....awesome effort and so well done....reckon he could make it on a unicycle next year
Thanx to everyone who made it a great day and to those who were seen still pushing it (quite literally) after 5pm asI was heading home (on the bus, which proves I still have some sanity, maybe next year I will ride home).
edited by Robert Rau on 24/01/2010]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:30:04 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from The Cheez Michael Warner wrote:

It's really not a good idea to lose that much of your body's water on a ride - you can end up dead or with permanent renal failure. Putting on these long mass rides for unfit, unprepared people in the height of summer is not just dumb, it's dangerous IMHO. Leave it to the pros..


It was a bit tongue in cheek, but you are right. At the same time though - you gotta die of something. Cycling ain't a bad way to go :P]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:39:36 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Michael Warner The Cheez wrote:

On the positive side I dropped 5 kilos in ~8 hours. Sign me up for next year.
edited by The Cheez on 23/01/2010


It's really not a good idea to lose that much of your body's water on a ride - you can end up dead or with permanent renal failure. Putting on these long mass rides for unfit, unprepared people in the height of summer is not just dumb, it's dangerous IMHO. Leave it to the pros.

FWIW, you'd probably have been fine if you'd gotten enough water, sodium and potassium into your system during the ride, but that's hard to do.]]> Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:50:54 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from The Cheez david holden wrote:

Yeah, and RLC organised a much less windy day.
The last 30 km's were a sod.


Agreed. The Cheez was blitzing the field until the 90 degree turn at the lake a few kms out from Milang. What really did The Cheez was the 15+ kms straight road directly into a gale. Made it to the canoe tree before the body shutdown and unfortunately a call for a pick up had to be made. The left leg is still extremely sore from the constant cramping that I had for the last 40-50 kms. Shattered that I was told to get off the road to let the tour riders go through - used the break to lie down and I heard a cop ask a fellow cop as they rode past on a motorbike "Was that guy alive?". Anyhow, lesson learned - two Old Norton Summit training rides aren't enough for a 160km ride. 151.5 kms ain't too bad though. On the positive side I dropped 5 kilos in ~8 hours. Sign me up for next year.
edited by The Cheez on 23/01/2010]]> Sat, 23 Jan 2010 23:07:24 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from david holden JDL wrote:
Challenge Tour was a great ride but I'd have to say that this year RLC was better organised:

Jerseys fitted better.
They had fruit cake, lollies etc at the refreshment stop(s) on the route (not everyone eats bananas) as does every other cycling event I've ever done.
The lunch was better..

I think the Challenge Tour had new organizers this year, hopefully they'll get better at it because it's a great event..


Yeah, and RLC organised a much less windy day.
The last 30 km's were a sod.]]> Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:25:49 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Jase Milligan ]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:06:03 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from JDL
Jerseys fitted better.
They had fruit cake, lollies etc at the refreshment stop(s) on the route (not everyone eats bananas) as does every other cycling event I've ever done.
The lunch was better..

I think the Challenge Tour had new organizers this year, hopefully they'll get better at it because it's a great event..]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:34:46 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Dave Scutchings
It might be that some of you are interested in taking part in RLC 2011.........

No need to commit now, simply send your email address to linkand I will happily put you onto our database.....

The more interest we have, the more sponsors will be keen to be involved, the more you will receive in the riders bags etc etc.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Dave]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:05:08 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Trent Steele ]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:46:41 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Gary S Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:28:24 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from JDL
Just out of curiosity what else were most of you given when you picked up the jerseys. I joined a team and so the "captain" had to pick up all the jerseys, he only got a our jersey, the chip thing and a ride guide for each of us... However normally they give out some other stuff, drink bottle etc, was there anything else worthwhile this year? We didn't even get the big orange bag!]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:29:26 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from harley j

gang, make sure your loading up on your fav carbs sources over the next few days and drinking enough water so your pizz'n clear, 10 times a day and a couple at night. keep snacking on some simple sugars each hour of the ride and keep drinking your water, cos its easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to eat and drink (just like contador did last year in the dauphine).

i love watching all the different types of riders that do these events. its humbling cos you got people on crappy wrong sized mountain bikes with flat pedals, flappy power sapping jersey or tshirt, seat too low, arms locked out, dehydrated and undercarbed but they are putting it all on the line and have a crack at it! its bloody awsome! and brings it all into perspective that you dont have to do anything, but if you chose to do anything, you may as well enjoy it!

see ya's on the road.
harley.]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:12:53 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Redlad
We are not able to swap our jerseys prior to Friday.
There will be a limited amount of jerseys for swapping prior to the race on Friday morning. There are going to be change rooms available and it will be a “first come, first served” policy.
If you are not able to find a replacement jersey and/or the one that you have is not suitable, you will be able to wear a jersey of your own choosing (ie one you already own).

There is going to be a cloakroom service at the start where you can leave clothing for pickup later.

They will however be making replacement jerseys available after the race (ie sometime in the weeks following the end of the TDU. I assume they will be making more for this purpose) so that you can swap the one you have with one of the correct size and fit.

Seems I’ll wearing/bringing along one of my own and trying to swap the official one. If I can’t swap it I’ll either dump it in the bin and just wear my own, or put it in the cloakroom and get it swapped later.]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:07:24 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Mike Johnson Dwayne Cox wrote:
Any options for us country folk to get the right size now or too late she cried???

Sad, because its an awesome event.

I overheard one of the girls mention that there's a chance you can swap jerseys over on the morning of the ride at your starting location. That's the final chance for people to register, so they'll have a definite idea at that stage of what excess they have. I've no idea on if you'd need to wait till the last few minutes of registration time though, or what.]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:56:31 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Mike Johnson
I was lucky that a nice girl agreed to swap it over for a small since they apparently had an excess of them which is a lot better fitting, though strangely still loose compared to what I'm used too.

I haven't worn a small in a loooooong time!]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:53:39 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Dwayne Cox Ordered my jersey on the basis that I was told and also read in the info that jersey's were same size as last years. Suprise, I am now stuck with a circus tent, hope its a tail wind and wont have to ride at all. Just undo the zip and set the spinnaker?

Any options for us country folk to get the right size now or too late she cried???

Sad, because its an awesome event.]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:47:52 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Paul A Smith Tue, 19 Jan 2010 09:37:27 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Michael Warner John Siviour wrote:
For the life of me I cannot understand how/why the same manufacturer would increase the dimension of their sizes by the equivalent of two sizes.


To avoid hurting the feelings of the majority of people who do these rides - they don't want to find out that they're size XXL. As the West has become fatter, women's clothing sizes have grown for the same reason.]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:29:11 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Michael Warner JDL wrote:

Doesn't riding with an mp3 player in make it a bit hard to hear the cars from behind? Don't know about you but I like to know when they're about to come past.. Just curious, I'm guessing you can still hear them coming? You're braver than me if you can't..
edited by JDL on 11/06/2009


Maybe I can't hear them from quite as far away, but since I don't use the earbuds which seal themselves into the ear canal, I still get plenty of warning. Besides, I figure that if someone wants to run me over, they'll do it regardless of where I am on the road.]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:23:44 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from John Siviour
For the life of me I cannot understand how/why the same manufacturer would increase the dimension of their sizes by the equivalent of two sizes. The first top I received, an XL was too small, the next year I (and friends) adjusted and ordered XXL... the fit (apart from tight sleeve cuffs) was good and remained so until this year when they have resized for giants with huge arms and chests and slim waists.

I caana no (to quote James West)]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:59:45 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from david holden ]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:04:47 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from John Siviour Sun, 17 Jan 2010 14:26:15 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Dan Lane See you at Norwood, Dan.]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:01:51 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:16:31 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from maria LA szczerba
With the congestion part, that is why when one does a big ride one should pace themselves and not get too close, as for the car - yeah! everyone needs to stay alert and focussed on this big ride for any incidents such as this happening and follow that know where to go, if you go with someone or are riding with someone, it is far easier to ride with a friend or another rider along the way and that way you dont get caught in the congestion, it means staying fully alert and watching for anything such as congestion and slowing down if the need arises. Your own safety comes first so look after yourself on this big ride and watch out for the marshals, police guidance and their instructions, also councils and what is on the course, they do a wonderful job in organising so the least the riders could do is pay attention to the course at hand and stay on the course and any problems, there is always a sag wagon about for those that dont make it or need help mechanically or another fellow rider who can assist. Above all, all riders need to be very alert of their road rules and other riders!
Happy 2010 Tour Down Under - See you there!
Maria Szczerba
9/7/09]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:13:12 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from maria LA szczerba For those doing this - Have a great ride!

Maria Szczerba
9/7/09]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:06:02 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:56:29 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Robert Rau The congestion at the end the of the last challenge tour was a huge issue for me as I almost got wiped out on the last 400 metre stretch of road in Angaston (car pulled out of a side street disecting my path.) The last twenty kilometres of these rides is usually the most enjoyable for me as the legs usually begin to kick in (so to speak) and have been known to hit some impressive speeds (train for this in the local gym doing lots of interval training - have done 15 -20 hours per week in previous years leading up to the challenge. Lots of preparation goes into this one ride as I did over 70 hours of training in each month in December and January (in between full time work, hence it is important for the organisers to realise that some of us take the challenge very seriously. ) Have been working on this fitness program for the last two and half years and have benefited greatly from it - not such a slug anymore]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:42:43 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:34:41 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Maria Szczerba
I would not worry about the congestion as if you are a good rider and follow the road rules - all is good with big rides!!
Its your own self challenge that one does this ride not to race it!

Maria Szczerba
24/6/09]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:18:36 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Maria Szczerba
In answer to your question about the 2010 Challenge Tour - Yes I will be doing it and Yes those who are organising it know exactly what they are doing and will always do the right thing by the riders! The 2009 was a great ride and fully completed it! - A huge accomplishment!! Yep! Did Fox Creek Road as it was part of a previous Tour Down Under ride! To eveyone worried about Fox Creek Road, you will be fine!!! If I can make it up Menglers Hill Road along with everyone else that did the full 155km which I had completed then you all will be okay!
Yes - I am still riding and racing for those that think i am not - Still going strong as well!!
Maria Szczerba
24/06/09]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:52:54 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:13:57 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Dwayne Cox edited by Dwayne Cox on 22/06/2009]]> Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:22:45 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:28:32 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Don Plush Troy Collett wrote:
did you do Gorge road Don?


Yep...started by heading up gorge rd. seemed easier than i remember it from last time I did it. It was cold and some wind at the start, but a good climb. A nice day to be out riding.]]> Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:27:27 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:06:08 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Don Plush
The climb up Fox Creek is very deceptive for a 0.0% gradient - must be one of those optical illusions, it looks steep but is actually flat

The first bit is tough but it gets better after the switch back and then it ends off in grand style! I think it will be the toughest climb of the day, although there are some other smaller hills that will also challenge a few. I think I will be riding these roads a few time between now and January, it does make it easier.
edited by Don Plush on 21/06/2009]]> Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:05:29 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Jason Daniels Don Plush wrote:
According to this reliable source the average gradient for Fox Creek is 0.0%...
Should be a breeze


You're right Don, way back in 2004 when Andy and Brett were co-sharing this site, there were a few requests to have that detailed changed because it wasn't showing any wattage output because of the 0.0% gradient.

And I agree with JDL, climbs do get easier once you have conquered them a few times, and Fox Ck is one example. Once you know what to expect, it don't seem so bad.. It's a fantastic descent also, especially the long straight drop just before the saw mill, I used to bomb upto and past 70kph on that lefthander. Sweetpela!]]> Sun, 21 Jun 2009 07:59:46 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:17:27 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Don Plush
According to this reliable source the average gradient for Fox Creek is 0.0%...

http://www.cycle2max.com/bike-hill-climb/Fox-Creek-Road.aspx?id=777

Should be a breeze ]]> Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:47:05 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from JDL
First time I did Fox Creek I struggled big time but I enjoy doing it now, not because I'm necessarily fitter than before but just because it's easier once you know it a bit better..
edited by JDL on 20/06/2009]]> Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:52:11 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Redlad ]]> Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:45:37 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:34:29 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Jason Daniels Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:31:10 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Redlad There's markings on the road for King of the Mountain from a previous ride and the last 200 metres is an absolute doozy!
It's certainly going to drop a lot of riders on the day...]]> Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:27:16 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:40:44 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Daniel Shaw The Cheez wrote:
I've done the last 5 Coast to Coasts and all I can say is that I'm glad their isn't a massive hill climb past the 100km mark (although next year I will hopefully be in some half decent form to tackle such obstacles). 7000+ sounds like a traffic jam. I bailed on the '09 TDU.


That last climb this year into Victor was just what the doctor called for after 130km !!]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:17:05 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from The Cheez Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:53:13 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Adam Thompson Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:12:19 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett
I did Coast to Coast & started from Eagle on the hill.did Victor in 3.5 hours]]> Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:59:53 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Robert Rau Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:09:20 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett
bring on Daylight savings & warmer weather]]> Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:45:29 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Robert Rau Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:49:35 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:20:30 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Adam Thompson Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:09:27 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from JDL
It's for this reason (maintaining drivers attitudes towards cyclists) that nothing annoys me more than seeing fellow cyclists run red lights.. but that's another story, as is people who stay two abreast (which we're allowed to do I know) when it's pretty easy (if there's only a small group of you) just to slip in behind each other for a second to let a car through... Why aggravate people?
edited by JDL on 12/06/2009]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:35:29 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Jeffrey Schulz JDL wrote:
Doesn't riding with an mp3 player in make it a bit hard to hear the cars from behind? Don't know about you but I like to know when they're about to come past.. Just curious, I'm guessing you can still hear them coming? You're braver than me if you can't.


When listening for cars, how do you know which one is going to run you over? I don't use headphones often but want to learn how to pick a car which is going to run me over from a car which is not going to run me over. LOL. I think airbags would be a better solution, should be compulsory on all bikes. LOL. The car that got me was reversing out of a driveway, I wasn't wearing headphones but hearing the car come didn't help. LOL.]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:37:53 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Mr White Michael Warner wrote:
I have Thursdays off, and did 125km in the hills today with my MP3 player cranked up - lunch in Hahndorf at Otto's. Yum.

Hope that annoys all the 9-5ers out there, with a wet weekend coming up :-)



I was ok with you saying that you have Thursdays off, I was able to handle that you did 125 in the hills listening to your favourite music, but to mention Otto's - that's really rubbing salt into the wound!]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:00:21 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:20:37 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from JDL Michael Warner wrote:
I have Thursdays off, and did 125km in the hills today with my MP3 player cranked up - lunch in Hahndorf at Otto's. Yum.

Hope that annoys all the 9-5ers out there, with a wet weekend coming up :-)


Doesn't riding with an mp3 player in make it a bit hard to hear the cars from behind? Don't know about you but I like to know when they're about to come past.. Just curious, I'm guessing you can still hear them coming? You're braver than me if you can't..
edited by JDL on 11/06/2009]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:06:41 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Thu, 11 Jun 2009 22:04:58 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Michael Warner
Hope that annoys all the 9-5ers out there, with a wet weekend coming up :-)]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:28:12 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from david holden Mr White wrote:
David

I assume that you're trying to p... me and others off by boasting that you were out riding today while I was stuck in my office dreaming about doing that??? :-)



Absolutely. If it is any consolation, I worked 13 hours on the public holiday Monday. Mind you, the weather today was really really good.]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:16:22 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Mr White
I assume that you're trying to p... me and others off by boasting that you were out riding today while I was stuck in my office dreaming about doing that??? :-)

I did see the email on the course yesterday and really didn't think too much about, but now that you guys have mentioned it, it does appears to be a great course - nice and shady early on (godsend if its hot), hills out the way early, and perhaps I'll be looking to stay down at Goolwa/Victor for a couple of days (instead of riding back!).


Damien]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:13:16 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from david holden The steep bit on fox creek rd is only about one km long. The gradient constantly changed every 20-30 metres it seemed, varying from one spot at 16% (at the start), one or maybe two 13-14% and a reasonable bit at 10%. But there were plenty of 6% in that stretch as well. It actually didn't have the wearing grind to it; maybe due to constant changes, no sustained steep stretches or probably cos it is so early on in the ride. I felt Ayres Hill Rd a lot more coming home (I was tiring by then) (Stacks easier than Corkscrew)

The weather today was stunning, if not cold and it is gorgeous country and roads to ride along at the moment.

The route to me seems set up for the group cycle. All the hard hills at the start for those doing full distance. For those less foolish, 110 km of less steep hills, and still something to be proud of at the end of the day. In terms of challenge, I reckon it will be considerably easier that this years. Unless you push to hard early.

Total ascent 1395m (including German town Hill and climbing to Crafers on the return home). My measurements were done with a polar CS600, not the most accurate tool for gradient and ascent. 110 km loop from the western suburbs.
edited by david holden on 11/06/2009
edited by david holden on 11/06/2009]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:40:16 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from JDL The Cheez wrote:
Anyone gone up Fox Creek Road? Hopefully it's easier than something like the Corkscrew.

Fox Creek Road is much easier than Corkscrew Rd. It's a really nice climb through the forest bit with a couple of switchbacks etc in the middle.. I'm not sure of the gradient/distance etc but it'd be a similar difficulty to Mengler Hill I would have thought.. So if you got up that OK in the last Challenge Tour you shouldn't have a problem...
edited by JDL on 11/06/2009
edited by JDL on 11/06/2009]]> Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:07:31 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:58:12 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from GRT Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:23:59 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Robert Rau Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:12:41 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from No Chain edited by No Chain on 10/06/2009]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:03:12 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Robert Rau Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:45:56 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:24:33 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Dwayne Cox Troy Collett wrote:
Who is doing the Challenge ride? longest ever at 160kms


Yeh definately doing it considering it finishes in my home town. Definately alot flatter than last year. Langhorne Creek to Goolwa open to wind gusts though.

Hopefully big numbers again this year without the congestion that ensued on the way to the finish last year.]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:31:33 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from The Cheez
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/au/beulah%20park/182124452666856388

Anyone gone up Fox Creek Road? Hopefully it's easier than something like the Corkscrew.

I definitely plan on riding it with a bunch of mates.]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:03:25 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Jeffrey Schulz edited by Jeffrey Schulz on 9/06/2009]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:30:14 GMT http://www.cycle2max.com.au/forum/messages.aspx?TopicID=134 Message from Troy Collett Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:17:41 GMT