Long weekend touring

[Adrian E]

I'm planning to spend some time touring over the long weekend (28 -- 31 March).
The proposed route is:

Campbelltown to Moss Vale (117km)
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Long-Weekend-day-1
Moss Vale to Berry (61km)
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Long-weekend-day-2
Berry to Bulli (110km)
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Long-Weekend-Day-3
Bulli to Sydney (91km)
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Long-Weekend-Day-4

If your interested in coming along, please message me, I'll need to look into accommodation soon. Was planning to do light touring just with food, repairs and basic clothes.

[timyone]

is it school holidays?

[Adrian E]

Hey,

I got the dates all wrong. Easter weekend is 21-24 March.

I'm thinking of doing days 1, 2 and 3 for the ANZAC day long weeken (i.e. April 25, 26, 27). Should be a nice time of year for touring.

Please let me know if your interested and I can look into accomodation asap.

[Huw]

I'm definitely interested. Do you think it could be done fixed?

[Adrian E]

I think it could be done.... the graident up to the southern highlands is pretty moderate, but the road down to Kangaroo Valley would be a cause of some excitement, then its flat all they way back to Buli.

what gear would you run?

[mikesbytes]

Once you are down in Kangaroo Valley, do you take the main road out, or do you turn left and take the quieter back road out, that goes directly to Berry? There's a hill there, but if your patient you'll get up it on a fixie.

But what about the climb out of Wollongong?

[Huw]

Oh yeah, that road is steep. It could be done, hanging onto the brakes most of the way, I suppose. Also, the climb over to Cambewarra from Kangaroo Valley would be a test.

I've only got a 39T chainring, and am currently running 14T cog for 75".

[Huw]

But what about the climb out of Wollongong?

As far as I understand, the route goes via Campbelltown, so no Wollongong. Essentially would retrace much of the fixie century route in reverse.

[Adrian E]

yes. thats right. we'd be covering much of the fixie century then heading onto the Gong via Berry. I'd be quiet keen to have a go at doing it fixied. it might however be a good idea to experiement with different cogs so we could flip it the conditions suited.

I think i'm running a similar gear or maybe its a slightly smaller 40Tchainring /15T cog.
I'd need to check.

[Huw]

Mmmm, 40T chainring. That is a sweet chainring.

[Huw]

For any lurkers/listeners out there, that is a in-joke I have with Adrian after he described his cassette as "7spd; it's a sweet speed". Possibly it's wearing thin and I don't know it yet, but I still think it's funny. Adrian, let me know if it's wearing thin - I'm willing to sacrifice it for continued tour plans.

[Adrian E]

Woteva! Its all sweet to me.

I propose that "7-speed" be an adjective for all things super sweet.

[Adrian E]

Just a reminder, I postponed my touring plans for the Anzac Day Long weekend. The details are now as follows.

1. Friday 25 April: Campbelltown to Moss Vale (75km)
2. Sat 26 April: Moss Vale to Gerringong (75km)
3. Sun 27 April: Gerringong back to Sydney (optional distances for a ride up coast towards Wollongong with train back home to Sydney)

I've found an excellent pub at Moss Vale to stay at for $30 and I'm looking into accommodation options at Gerringong. In terms of equipement, its light/credit card touring so won't need a fully loaded touring bike.

I've also done a scouting ride for days one and two, so I know the roads are both safe and scenic.
See: http://cyclingybr.blogspot.com/2008/03/ ... fling.html

If your interested in coming, can you please let me know by Wednesday 9 April, so I can finalise the accommodation. The ride should be ideal for people who are interested in having a go at touring.

[mikesbytes]

I've ridden all of the route you have posted, back in 1989. It was a good route way back then.

[matt]

Sounds pretty damn 7speed to me, especially on a fixie, maybe with a freewheel on the flip side and a few spare cogs in me pocket. I'm planning on touring up to Port Macquarie in July and this could be good practice. I'll check with the family and let you know.

[Adrian E]

The DHBC long weekend touring/training ride is going ahead next weekend.
We now have 8 riders coming along.

The revised details are:

Day One: Campbelltown to Moss Vale
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/australia ... /178577162

Day Two: Moss Vale to Kiama
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/australia ... /579757719

Day Three: Kiama to Sydney
(no plans, ride, beach, train, home)

[timyone]

is it too late to sign up for this?

[Adrian E]

I'll be confirming accommodation bookings tomorrow so there is a chance we could fit you in.

Are you keen to go?

[timyone]

yes im in if i fit.
is there an estimated price?

[Adrian E]

Accommodation is $30 a night
Trains fares should be between $15 and $25 depending on if your a student.
Food: cafe, bakery, and pub meals for 3 days.

My guess is the weekend should cost no more than $150 unless you eat heaps!

I have more detail so can you message me your email address and I'll forward them on. I really need to know by today as I'll be confirming the bookings tomorrow.

[timyone]

kool im in

[mikesbytes]

Accommodation is $30 a night

$30

u must be an expert at finding bargains Adrian? or r u roughing it?

[Adrian E]

Country pubs rock! It was only $25 for a good room when we stayed at Blayney the other week.

[T-Bone]

I'm working on 2 of the three days otherwise i'd have been interested. Maybe before Grafton i'll organise another bit of touring, though it will involve very long days in the saddle (will have to decide if an airfare is required or not).

Hope everyone going enjoys their riding.

[Huw]

Hi Adrian,

What time would you hope to leave from Campbelltown on Friday?

Let us know and we'll meet you there then!

[Huw]

Oh wait, I've got an email telling me to catch the 08:28 train to Campbelltown - DONE!

[Adrian E]

Thats right, however it would be good to get there a little earlier for a head count. I think the train runs from platform 19. Its a slower suburban train, but the benefit is that it'll be easier to put all the bike in it.

We've grown to a crew of 9 now! Ted, Camilla and Tim L are now coming. Btw, Tim (Othy) has programed is GPS with the route so we shouldn't get lost.

I can't wait to Friday. Bring on the sunshine!

[Huw]

Tim L - you mean timyone?

[othy]

For anyone around the Petersham area coming on the weekend, Huw & I will be meeting at the corner of Sadlier Cr & Audley Street at 7:40 am for the ride to Central.

Adrian - I don't think having a GPS will preclude me from getting lost, I'll just have a more accurate idea of where I'm not meant to be.

[Camilla]

Othy & Huw - Ted & I will see you at 7.40 for the ride to Central.

[othy]

Othy & Huw - Ted & I will see you at 7.40 for the ride to Central.

Excellent. We will see you there.

[Huw]

Othy & Huw - Ted & I will see you at 7.40 for the ride to Central.

10-4, Rubber Ducky. Bring your tallest riding stories for the long ride to Campbelltown!

On another note, I didn't realise that Tim L aka timyone was coming along too! OK, perhaps if I paid attention to this forum over the past couple of days, I would've. Anyway, I have one thing to say: Iced Coffee.

Yes, Tim L lived on this stuff down in Tassie. I'm interested to know whether the local stuff will have what it takes. At least the Dare variety gets a gold sticker from somebody:

[timyone]

lol iced coffee is the reason i put on weight during our 800 km of riding in tazzy!! i totally have to work on that!!

Hey is any one leaving from amrrickville? or should i ride past petersham?

im seriously travelling amazingly lightly for this.

If Tim L isnt an easy way of identifying me i allways answer to 250 tim

[Camilla]

I heard something about a vanishing cheese in Tassie...

[tedrobin]

Sadlier Street is in fact Sadlier Crescent according to Google Maps. It's a crescent only in the very broadest definition of the term! We'll be able to visit the famous Trafalgar Street/Audley Street pothole on the way out, now thankfully filled after a month of agitation. I shall not be travelling light, since Camilla has kindly agreed to carry my stuff in her fancy new panniers. I shall be dressing formally for dinner en route.

[Camilla]

Grrrrr. I have many responses to those last 2 sentences Ted, but I think the fact your profile picture is a cow sums the situation up nicely.

Yet if you wear a tux for dinner, I will carry it.

[Huw]

Damn, I thought panniers was a link!

The old dummy link trick eh??

[tedrobin]

Sorry, didn't think that the word panniers was likely to quicken anyone's pulse. Camilla used to have quite a handsome bike, but now (with addition of panniers) rides a dork-mobile. I will be laughing on the other side of my face, no doubt, after caryying my stuff on my back for a couple of days.

[othy]

I've managed to borrow some panniers off a work colleague for the weekend. I think my back will be thanking me come Monday. I don't care how dorky my bike looks, I'm already wearing a Lycra outfit...

Though with the extra space available I've had a few items sneak in "just in case", plus a spare set of riding clothes. The rainy weather has managed to sway me into taking them to make life more comfortable...

EDIT: Just weighed in each pannier - 2.8 kg a piece.

[tedrobin]

Top weekend's touring! Thanks Adrian for setting it all up. How can I feel as bright as a button after a couple of days in the saddle and quite a few big hills? Could virtue really have its own rewards?

PS This trip is highly recommended for aficionados of the noble bos taurus

[timyone]

man the weekend ripped it! im in for any of these that i can make it to

[Camilla]

I just had my itb worked on. It was so darn painful I had to bite the side of the bed! An experience made all the more enjoyable by my physio's maniacal laugh.

A fantastic weekend. Thanks Adrian for organising it, and organising it so well. Perhaps a Mudgee/Orange winery tour or Alpine adventure next...

[tedrobin]

Bugger the alpine adventures! Moss Vale was already a bit too alpine for my tastes. The sunburnt splendour of the western tablelands sounds much better.

[Adrian E]

Ted- You were setting the pace up front most of the ride. You'd be fine and hills make the ride more memorable. btw: these are the euro touring bars I mentioned.
http://www.cheekymonkey.com.au/transpor ... %20002.jpg
They may be a bit more comfy on the flatbar road bike... although I still think drops are the best.

If others are keen, I'd love to do another tour over the October long weekend (4-6 October).

[mikesbytes]

I just had my itb worked on

How did you do your itb in? What's the course of action to fixing it?

[Huw]

It was a fantastic weekend of touring! The back roads between Moss Vale and Robertson are really amazing - just what I imagine England would be like. It feels like the top of the world up there, looking out through tall trees across all the surrounding hills. Fresh, crisp air, lush green grass, cows, goats, country estates and rolling hills.

Of course, we endured the toots, fingers, unintelligible howls etc from a regrettable fraction of the holiday traffic. Given that we've had a reasonable cooling-off period, allowing perhaps for a more considered view of the situation, I wanted to get some opinions about an incident of particular concern.

We were caught up in the middle of two flat-bed tow trucks which were apparently racing to a crash site. Our group was riding in single file, with the lead riders entering a narrow two-lane bridge. The first tow-truck entered the bridge at what appeared to me to be a dangerously high speed. In the middle of the bridge, the driver appeared to misjudge the approach speed of an oncoming vehicle, and at the very last minute, slammed on the brakes and swerved back across to the very left-hand side of the road, narrowly missing Ted. The following tow-truck was on my shoulder, and jammed on the brakes when the driver realised the first truck wasn't going to make it through, at which point I freaked out and yelled at the driver to slow down, in no uncertain terms. I saw a boggle-eyed driver in the cabin simultaneously attempting to deal with the current road situation while dishing out any available profanity toward me.

Out of all the idiot motorists we dealt with on the ride, this situation appeared to me to be one that could so easily have turned very very pear-shaped. I'm fairly well convinced that this is not because I feel insulted by the second driver, but because of the dangerous driving I observed as the first truck plunged headlong onto the narrow bridge already occupied by cyclists, and despite the obvious oncoming traffic. After the incident, the trucks sped off, belching black diesel fumes as they were flogged back up to speed.

When we arrived at the vehicle crash, I took photographs of the trucks, to identify the company and licence numbers. I was hounded by both truck drivers. They asked me why I was taking photos - I told them it was for ID because they were driving dangerously. They argued that they'd done nothing wrong because the speed limit was 100 on that road. Various other insults etc regarding how cyclists shouldn't be on the road and how I should clear off because I was holding up traffic.

Did anyone else on tour view this situation as direly as I did? I am thinking about writing letters to the police, and to the relevant parliament members (i.e. local, state, federal members of the Southern Highlands) describing the incident, and providing company and rego details of the trucks. If others are in strong agreement, perhaps the letters could be written on behalf of the club?

[Adrian E]

Huw, I am totally with you in writing to all the people you mentioned. Although I didn't see the incident, I'd be more that happy to help in anyway possible. The attitudes of the truck drivers was totally disgraceful. I know from talking to people who have attempted to fight 'cycle rage' incidents that its a real up hill battle if we expect that much will happen, but its important to write anyway because its the only hope we have of raising awareness and slowly shifting this agro-anti-cyclist driver culture. As I was saying on the weekend, this lack of respect is strangely Australian phenomena.

You might find this article also interest.
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/stor ... 97,00.html

[FAswad]

I find this unacceptable.

I would also consider lodging a complaint with tow truck company (companies?), if there is any, about the illegal unacceptable dangerous behaviour of the two specific drivers during that incident!

[weiyun]

Letters should be written and our plight voiced. The key is to raise awareness and build up the momentum for change. Witnesses are required to establish the case, nevertheless, a call from the cops to each of those two drivers is likely.

[mikesbytes]

The letter may discourage them from doing such a dangerous thing again.

Did they cross double solid lines to overtake you?

[othy]

The letter may discourage them from doing such a dangerous thing again.

Did they cross double solid lines to overtake you?

Yeah, they overtook Huw & myself and then nearly took out Ted on the narrowing bridge. Regardless of whether there were cyclists around they were driving dangerously to reach the crash site first.

[mikesbytes]

Well crossing the double lines is a tangible thing you can report in addition to the dangerous actions. Probably a bit of research into what road laws they broke will add value to the letter.

[Camilla]

Having dropped off the line to attend to a minor technical issue, I came across the car crash site after the tow trucks had arrived. Although I heard mention of the incident, until now I've been in blissful ignorance of its severity. I was just happily riding along those beautiful roads - I do admit to having a good long look under the cars for DHBC riders, such was the stupidity of a few drivers we'd already encountered.

It's such a shame this aggressive attitude, held only by a minority of drivers, should have such an impact on an otherwise perfect weekend. The only other thing I found disappointing was the lack of tolerance on the trains on our way home. Perhaps it's just a feature of the famously seedy Gong line, but State Rail doesn't make things easy either. Hew, Othy & I were trying to find some free space to get our bikes into when the attendants told us there was a carriage further down equipped with bike facilities ... one hook! Already occupied. Woo-hoo! I spent the journey between the public toilets.

They were the only negatives in the whole 3 days though and although they need to be taken on board and addressed (happy to help in a letter writing campaign), we should focus on all the good stuff too. Once the photos are up we'll have half the club with us next time.

Michael - all you need to know about ITB:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliotibial_band_syndrome
I fall under the "anatomical defects" category. A touch of scoliosis throwing everything else out. This is a new one but easily enough managed with RICES (rest, ice, compression, elevation, stretching) and some specific muscle building exercises. All very boring. Timyone reckons he can fix it with a spoon too but I stopped listening at "scraping the tendon".

[Huw]

I'd be interested in hearing Ted's take on the incident, considering how tightly the truck pulled in behind him.

I'll probably compile a letter tonight. Will circulate it tomorrow among the tourers, and to Geoff and Lindsay for review.

[Camilla]

Ted "Middle of the Road" Robinson was oblivious to it.

[tedrobin]

It's a bit odd. I had no idea that I'd almost been totalled by a tow-truck until I read the forum (although Timyone mentioned something on the road when we stopped later). I thought you guys had stopped at the accident site to see if you could render assistance, rather than to exchange unpleasantries with the driver. It's putting the wind up me, all this talk of crashes on the way to Waterfall and near misses ouside Moss Vale!

[tedrobin]

Who aere you calling "Middle of the Road"? You had to rush home from Long Weekend Touring to catch the finale of So You Think You Can Dance.

Is the forum always like this? I only joined on Thursday, and productivity has plummeted since.

[weiyun]

Is the forum always like this? I only joined on Thursday, and productivity has plummeted since.

Now you know why corporations are banning free access to the internet for their employees.

Yet again, participation in forums whilst maintaining productivity is an acquired skill.

[Adrian E]

Is the forum always like this? I only joined on Thursday, and productivity has plummeted since.

Yes it is Ted. Get out why you still can!

[mikesbytes]

Ted, you also need to post in the non bike related thread.

[geoff m]

Huw, generally, if you do a well written and respectfull letter to the company, they should respond in a respectful manner, as it is highlighting to them safety breaches of employees, who they have a legal obligation to manage proactively, as part of Work Cover responsibilities.

If you don't get a satisfactory response, one option is to then escalate it to WorkCover, largely focusing on the blatant breach of safety standards by these workers and I would think WorkCover would have to investigate it, especially if you have photographs.

I'm not sure if this would work, but I would think most companies dread any prying by Workcover into their work and safety practices.

[othy]

If these tow-truck drivers are sole operators / self employed it will just get filed straight in the bin if you're lucky, or your house fire-bombed if you're not.

Do they have contracts with NRMA? I notice many of them have the little lights on the top - maybe a letter to them as well.

There is also the Tow Truck Authority -
http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/towtrucks/

Compliments & complaints

If you would like to lodge a complaint or compliment in relation to a service provided by a tow truck driver or operator please use the contact details above and ask for our operations and investigation team.

Verbal complaints will be accepted, however you will be asked to substantiate any claims in writing. Anonymous complaints will only be investigated if they are of a serious nature.

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/towtrucks/contact.html

[timyone]

man i cant do the october long weekend, black stump music festival is on, other wise id be totally in for it. Hey we could have done a 2 day touring thing that would be ok too, 100 km a day, dunno if people are into that.
Though i have to get out of youth group :S

[mikesbytes]

Can a formal complaint be made to the police?

[Huw]

Thanks Othy - I hadn't turned that up, quite helpful.

I've prepared a letter and will circulate soon to club members involved, as well as Geoff.

Geoff, sorry to drag you in to this, but hopefully it will only mean scanning the letters we prepare. We greatly appreciate your help, and advice on how to proceed.

I was also looking for some advice about signing the letter. I thought perhaps it could be signed:
"geoffm, President, Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club
on behalf of othy, timyone, AdrianE, Camilla, Huw"

[timyone]

i was only actually there for seeing you taking photos

[Huw]

i was only actually there for seeing you taking photos

I will send the letters around to all club members who took part in the tour. Please let me know if you weren't part of the incident, and I'll remove your name from the signed list. Timyone, this means we'll remove your name from the letter.

[timyone]

i was still catching up after eating that cream pie, which i started as people were leaving :S

[Huw]

[Camilla]

I didn't actually witness events either but am still happy to sign the letter. You should add Ted of course. Even though he didn't notice the tow-truck almost kill him they don't know that.

On another topic, I can't make the Oct long weekend either. I'll be away on fieldwork. But I'd be up for a 2-day tour any time.

[timyone]

very professional!

[micklan]

On the reporting issue; the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2008 was gazetted on Feb 2008. On a matter I followed up with the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (aka EPA). They advised that one can collect number plate, date, time, location and send to generic info EPA email address, this can be done for littering, smoke and noise from vehicles. However I would imagine it works for "incident" reports, if you send it to the right place? EPA say two database hits for same number plate and the vehicle is called in, notified. (Not sure if a PIN (penalty infringement notice) is issued). (I imagine myself setting up vigilante style, with binocolurs and excel speadsheet as Wolli Ck regional watch, it will be one hell of a spreadsheet ).