29/01/12

The Philip J Eddy 52km. Feature Race at Emu Creek is accepted as one of the most "Trying" races on the Calendar, and together with temperatures in the low thirties, it was going to be a trial of strength for the field of fifty-seven riders. The course headed out along Storey's Road, turning left towards Sutton Grange, swinging left into the wind at Axe Creek Road, then up Exchange Hill, to complete the circuit again. The handicapper divided the field into nine bunches, with Scratch conceding between four and twenty-nine minutes, all bunches had at least seven riders, with the exception of Limit, with lone rider Ricky Mitchell, doing battle on his own.

The seven rider Scratch bunch really pushed strongly to make up ground, but it was not until the second half of the Exchange, that they made up some ground. It was again the last seven kilometres of the Exchange hill that would bring the field together, all the bunches had lost riders, and it was a combination of the four, six and nine minute bunches, that was putting the pressure on in the last four kilometres. However, at the run along Axe Creek Road, in the second lap, it was Roger Fuller and Trevor Mc Dougall, of the nineteen minute bunch, were out in front, with Steve Auld, Peter Hayes and Carl Louchard, of the fifteen minute bunch, chasing hard, about 1.5 minutes behind.

This was how it stayed until the finish, with Roger Fuller [19m] First, a very popular winner, in a time of 1h 33m 18s, an average of 34kmh., followed by T. McDougall [19m], P.Hayes [15m], S. Auld [15m], J. Mollison [Sc], C. Louchard [15m], A. Favaloro [4m], M. Rankin [6m], D. Cheal [Sc], S. Muller [4m].

Fastest Time: Justin Mollison, 1h 16m 0s, an average of 41kmh.

Next Race; Sunday 5th. February, The 45km.Club Handicap, 10:00am, at Newbridge.

Duty: M. Banfield, T. Devries, A. Hayhow, R. McIntosh, P. Sens.Hot and Heavy, Dave

22/01/12

There were over forty entries for the Mayfair Park Criteriums, which, considering the contingent of members gone to the Tour Down Under, was excellent.The field was divided into four grades, with A and B grades cycling for thirty minutes, plus three laps, and C and D grades cycling for twenty minutes, plus three laps. C and D grades had fewer ricers, but the competition was just as fierce.

The lead changed a number in the D grade event, Tom De vries and Evelyn Keetlar pushing the pace, it was in the final lap that made the difference, with E.Keetlar edging T. De vries, in a time of 25min.15 secs., with Di Jane finishing in third place.

The pattern was much the same in C grade, with the group closely knit for the first laps, and at the bell lap it was going to be a close finish, with Norman Geary winning in atime of 24min. 53sec. followed by Roger King and Gary Johnstone.

B grade was more challenging with Ben Knight breaking away, but being pulled back on the tight circuit, in the final sprint it was Ben Knight first in a time of 33min. 43 sec., followed by Tony Murphy and Beth Duryea.

A grade, as was expected, was hotly contested from the gun, with numerous riders making a break, but again, to no avail, with, after a very fast final lap, Andrew Joiner was first, ina time of 32min. 45sec., followed by Ashley Harding and Justin Mollison.

Next Race; Philip Eddy & Partners 52km. Handicap at Emu Creek, Sunday 29th.January 10:00am. [Summer Series Wednesday 25th. 6:30pm.]

15/01/12

The Central Victorian Veteran's Cycling Club eased back into the racing season after the Christmas break with a series of graded scratch races on Sunday morning around the 35 Km Power’s Road/Newbridge circuit at Woodstock. The forty-five riders were split into five divisions ranging from six in A grade up to 13 in B grade.

The small field in A grade made it difficult for anyone to get away despite several attempts from Darryl Stewart, Paul Dalton and Paul Volk, but eventually Geoff Bennett made a move about 5 kilometres out which stuck and he took out the race comfortably from Paul Dalton and Carl Harris in a time of 55 minutes 39 seconds.

The big field in B grade led to a hot pace and the pack overtaking the A grade race before Newbridge. It turned into a race of attrition back to Newbridge as the wind took its toll and only half a dozen lined up for the sprint. Chris Davidge took out the win in 52 minutes 2 seconds, just shading Shane Standfield and Paul Dynon on the line.

The twelve riders who lined up for C grade were content to stay together but maintained a brisk pace. Leigh-Anne Dynon proved much too good in the sprint to hold out Ken Hamilton and Jim Field in 56 minutes 34 seconds.

Wendy Bennett prevailed in D grade to make it a family quinella after Geoff took out the A grade race, winning by a good margin from Trevor McDougall and Di Jane in 61 minutes 22 seconds.

The E grade race proved to be the most exciting of the day after Eve Keetelar and Steve Bright got away on the first hill and weren’t brought back until half a kilometre to go when Alan Sandford, Gary Saunders and try rider Dan McLean managed to bridge the gap. Alan took out the win in 63 minutes 36 seconds from Eve Keetelar and Steve Bright who held on to take the minor places.

Next week’s races will be graded criteriums at Mayfair Park on Sunday morning. Note the later start time of 10:30 a.m. to allow the Bendigo Club to finish their crits.

17/12/11

The Central Victorian Veteran's Cycling Club wound up its 2011 season at Woodstock on Saturday with the traditional Christmas Handicap sponsored by Perrow’s Paints. A fantastic field of sixty-eight riders faced the starter in fine but windy conditions for the 56 kilometre loop through Newbridge, Tarnagulla and Laanecoorie and back to Newbridge for the run home to Woodstock. The field was split into large bunches of between eight and ten riders with scratch giving starts of three, six, eight, twelve, eighteen, twenty-two and twenty-six minutes.

Lone limit rider Jack Corry headed off with a thirty-two minute advantage but was overhauled before Newbridge where he worked in with the second limit bunch. The assisting tail or cross-tail wind all the way to Tarnagulla ensured none of the bunches joined up, but all groups lost riders through the hills as the heat and wind took their toll. Scratch and second scratch made steady progress to bridge across to third scratch with ten kilometres to go, but the eight minute group was holding them all at bay as the field rode into a strong headwind towards the finish at Woodstock. With a kilometre to go there were only three survivors from the second limit bunch and the indomitable Jack Corry still hanging on, and in a gutsy performance they held off the rest of the field to win by a hundred metres.

Graeme Lockwood won in a time of 1 hour 45 minutes 31 seconds at an average of 31.8 km/hr ahead of Jack Trickey and Aileen O’Brien (all off 26 minutes). Jack Corry (32 minutes) was 4th, followed by Paul Dynon 5th (8 min), Mick Anderson 6th (8 min), Noel Knight 7th (12 min), Dale Lowe 8th (8 min), James Thompson 9th (8 min) and Jenny Farrow 10th (18 min). Fastest time went to Justin Mollison in 1hr 21 m 24 sec for an average of 41.3 km/hour.

Following the race and Christmas barbecue the 2011 aggregate and J&T Shield was awarded to Justin Mollison who has had a stellar year. The “Harry’s Handicap” award for most improved rider went to Terry O’Brien in recognition of his startling progress since the start of the year.

The club and officials will take a well-earned break until the first Wednesday night race on January 11th 2012 and the first weekend fixture on Sunday January 15th at 10:00 a.m. with graded scratch races at Woodstock. Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to all!

10/12/11

The Thirty-five Km, Pilcher Builders Team Time Trial at Woodstock,had an entry of thirty-eight riders. A Team Time Trial event is an interesting concept, each team must have at least five riders in it, and each team is a cross section of the riders abilities. The Handicapper nominates
the Team Captain, usual chosen for his/her experience and ability. Then comes the difficult part, when the remaining riders are chosen, to, hopefully, balance the ability of each team.

The Handicapper decided on seven teams, leaving at two minute intervals, and each trying to bring
home the fastest time.Each team had to ride to the speed the slowest rider could maintain, until the eleven kilometre mark, where the speed would increase, and one rider could drop off. The same happened at the twenty-two kilometre mark, when another rider could drop off, but at least three riders had to finish, and it was the third riders time that would be taken for that Team.

This type of race gave riders, who might never have a win, to ride with more experienced riders, who in turn, had to consider their slowest team mate. It was a well handicapped race, with six of the seven teams finishing with less than a minute between them.

Team two was successful, with Shane Thompson, leading his team to victory, in a time of 56m 54sec, followed by team four, With Chris Weatheritt the Leader,in a time of 56m 56secs. with Geoff Bennett leading team five into third place, in a time of 57m 35secs

Next Race: Saturday, 17th December; Perrow Paint's 56Km.Christmas Handicap at Woodstock, 2:00 PM, followed by a barbecue.

Duty: P.Dynon, C.Halliday, A. Harding, D. Hare, P. Harper

P.S. The seventh race of the Summer Series, Wednesday 14th December, 6:00 pm at Emu Creek

03/12/11

The fifty-one entrants for The 47km. CVVCC Memorial Handicap at Woodstock, new they were in for a turbulant ride with the strong, gusty wind, seemingly blowing in all directions at once. The course took the riders across to Newbridge,fighting a strong cross wind, turning heading back South, into a very strong, strength sapping wind, towards Laannecoorie, where the turn down the Maldon road gave the riders respite, with a strong tail wind. Reaching Newbridge , the course headed back the twelve kilometeres to the finish at Woodstock The Handicapper decided on eight bunches, with eight in six of them,and two in each of the Scratch and Limit bunches. Scratch conceded 1m, 4m, 6m, 8m, 12m, 16m, and 26minutes to Limit.

The two Limit riders headed off, knowing, like Scratch, that only having two riders would make it more difficult and give the larger bunches an edge. All the riders were trying to maintain their positions, or improve it if possible, this was going to be difficult, with the large groups holding their own. Limit was still out in front heading for Laanecoorie, but the strong face wind was taking it's toll. Meanwhile the two Scratch riders were strugling to maintain the gap, but holding their own up to Newbridge, however,with only two riders, the ride into the wind to the Laanecoorie turn pushed them to their limit, losing thirty seconds to the one minute bunch, on that leg.The twelve minute bunch was moving along nicely, picking up the sixteen minute bunch, just after Laanecoorie, this made the bunch about fifteen strong, however, at the turn back to Woodstock, three of the twelve minute bunch, plus Jack Trickey from the sixteen minute bunch broke away, catching the two struggling Limit riders about nine kilometres from home. Shortly after Greg Chapman broke away, leaving the other three to follow. There was, however a move at the back of the field, with the one minute bunch making headway through the ranks, catching the four minute bunch half-way between Laanecoorie and Newbridge, and then overtaking the six minute bunch, after turning back to Woodstock.

This large bunch was shedding riders at a fast rate, leaving about a dozen to head for the line. However Greg Chapman was still out front, pushing himself to the limit, unfortunately, for Greg, it was just not enough, with the bunch catching him on the last hill, a bit less than a kilometre from the finish. It was a tired group that pushed for the line, with Rick McIntosh [1m], in First place, and Fastest time, of 1h-13m-.53s, an average of 38.46kmh, followed by, S.Thompson [1m], P. Volk [1m], A. Favaloro [1m], S. Wall [4m], M. Grealy [1m], D. Barri [4m], G. Chapman [12m], M. Rankin [6m], and in 10th. place N. Sens [4m]

Next Race. Saturday December 10th, at 2:00PM. The 35km. Pilcher Builders
Team Time Trial at Woodstock. [Followed by a General Meeting after the Race]

Duty: J. Farrow, T. Fraser, B. Goldberg, G. Graham, S. Hall.
SixthRace Summer Series. 6:30 PM on Wednesday, 7th. December, at Emu Creek.

26/11/11

The thirty-seven intrepid riders, who had entered The Peter Baker & Associates 62km. Handicap at Woodstock, knew that the "Nice drop of rain" and strong gusty winds would affect their ride, but it turned out that the greater danger was the rain slicked rail crossings at Arnold and Llanelly, bringing six riders down, but thankfully without serious injury. The course headed North from Woodstock, through Newbridge, pushing on to Bridgewater, through Llanelly, then back through Newbridge to finish at Woodstock.The handicapper divided the field into eight bunches, with Scratch conceding 2, 6, 19, 14, 22, 26, and 36 miutes to the two Limit riders.

The bunches headed off into a strong head wind, with Limit strugling to maintain the gap. It was different at the other end of the field, with Scratch picking up the bunch in front about two kilometres along the Bridgewater Road, while the six minute bunch caught the ten minute bunch, about four kilometres before Bridgewater, and the fourteen minutes at Arnold. The twenty-two and twenty-six minutes bunches had unlucky starts, with punctures, but came together after Newbridge.The two Limit riders continued to lead the field, and it was not until the forty-five kilometre mark at Llanelly, that Eve Keetelar, Jack Trickey and Rick Mitchell pulled them in, with the Limit riders tagging on. It was about nine kilometres from the finish that Scratch, and riders from three other bunches caught the leaders, and shortly after, Andrew Pascoe made a break for it, but evergreen Tony Jones, bridged the gap, and not long after Justin Mollison broke away and joined them, the terrible trio were together once again. This was undoubtedly going to be the first three places, leaving a large bunch behind to contest the minor places.

First was Andrew Pasco [Sc], in at ime of 1h 32m 06s, an average of 40.5kmh., followed by T. Jones [Sc], J. Mollison [Sc], R. McIntosh[2m], A. Hayhow[Sc], S.Wall [6m],C. Draper [6m] & S. Thompson, [6m] equal7th,R. Gilbey[6m], C. Fraser[2m] .

Next Race Saturday 3rd. The 47km CVVCC. Memorial Handicap, 2:00pm at Woodstock.

[Summer Series Wednesday 30th Nov. 5:30pm Emu Creek]
Duty Woodstock. L. Dynon, D. Fairburn, G. Farrow, T. Fitzpatrick, C. Fraser

19/11/11

The thirty-three riders who entered for the 47km. Club Graded scratch Handicap at Woodstock, realised that the rain and the wind would make their task, just that much more difficult. The course was the Powell's Road / Newbridge, plus the extra six kilometres, out and back to the Maryborough Road. The handicapper divided the field into four grades, with A grade fielding eleven rides, and the others with seven each.

Most likely the surprise of the afternoon was the action in the A Grade field. It was just two kilometres into the race when Daryl Stewart and Shane Thompson broke away from the bunch. The bunch did not make any great effort at this stage, as there was still forty-five kilometres to go. However in a grat effort from Stewart and Thompson, they maintained their lead, it was not until the thirty-five kilometre mark, that Shane Thompson eased off, and fell back to the chasing bunch, allowing Daryl Stewart to maintain his lead, and finish comfortably in first place, followed by Nick Shipp and Justin Mollison.

The B Grade was a much more sedate event, with the riders deciding to ride the race as a bunch, and let the final sprint be the decider. 1st. Peter Kennedy, 2nd. Daniel Barri, 3rd. James Thompson.

The C Grade race was uneventful until the thirty-five kilometre mark, when Fran Medina and Ken Hamilton made a break, but were caught at the turn around, with six kilometeres to the finish. 1st. Ken Hamilton, 2nd. Gary Leech, 3rd Andrew Berry.

In D grade the stronger riders kept the group together, and it was not until after the Clubhouse was reached, that the pace increased. It was an all in sprint that decided the places, with 1st. Ross Ogilvie, 2nd Richard Wright, 3rd, Ricky Mitchell.

Next Race:The Peter Baker & Associate 62Km. Handicap 2:00pm at Woodstock. Duty: P.Dalton, C. Davidge, T. de Vries, S. Dellavedova, C. Draper.

12/11/11

The fifty-eight riders entered for the Club's 56km. Handicap at Newbridge, were hydrating more than usual, prior to the start, with the the temperature about three degrees higher than expected. Combined with hot gusty winds and long climbs, it was conditions that could catch you unawares, unless you kept drinking during the race. The course headed due west to Tarnagulla, swinging right towards 15km. of climbing, up Mt. Moliagul, heading North to Rheola, then back down the middle road to LLanelly, then the last seven km. down the highway to finish at Newbridge. The Handicapper divided the field into nine bunches, with Scratch conceding 1min., 4m, 6m, 8m, 11m, 14m, 18m, 26m, and 35minutes to the "Golden Oldie" Dave Keith, the sole Limit rider.

Apart from Scratch, with two riders, and Limit, there were at least six riders in each bunch. The start was testing, with two kilometres of hills, in the first three. Scratch got away to a good start, catching the one minute bunch 13km. into the race, then pulling in the four minute bunch just before Llanelly. The Limit rider was still holding his own, but behind him the twenty-six minute bunch was having it's own battles, with riders constantly trying to break away. Finally, on the climb at Moliagul, Alan Sandford and Anthony Clarke broke away, and a little later, A.Clarke surged leaving A. Sandford in his wake, with Clarke in pursuit of the Limit rider. At the back of the field the six minute bunch had caught the eight minutes at Moliagul, and the back of the field was merging into one large bunch, with riders dropping off as the race entered the final stages. Finally A. Clarke cught the Limit rider at the forty km. mark, with the pair working together for about seven kms., until Limit could not maintain the pace, and just before Llanelly A. Clarke pushed ahead, trying to maintain his lead over the large combined bunch, not too far behind.

The eleven minute bunch had overtaken the the fourteen minute just before Llannelly, but the race was coming together just before the top of the Newbridge Hill. A. Clarke was virtually assured of a win, and with about two kilometres to the finish, the Limit rider was overtaken by a tweny-five strong bunch of riders. With Anthony Clarke [26m] already over the line in a time of 1h-49m-22s, an average of 30.7kmh., the packed sprint saw P.Dalton [6m] 2nd., followed by J. Mollison [Sc], P.Volk [1m], A. Pascoe [Sc], R. Lovell [6m], M. Banfield [1m], S. Thompson [4m], in eighth place.

Fastest Time: Justin Mollison [Sc] 1h-23m-57s, an average of 40.2 kmh.

Next Race; Saturday 19th. November, 47km. Club Handicap at Woodstock 2:00pm. Duty; C. Chambers, D. Cheal, D. Collier, R. Colwell, A. Creek

06/11/11

The temperature was just on thirty degrees, along with strong gusty side winds, when the fifty-eight riders lined up for the fifty-six kilometre, first day of the “Colwell Brothers Two Day Aggregate
Classic at Woodstock. The course headed through Newbridge to Tarnagulla, then swinging back south to Lannecoorie, then back down the Maldon Road to Newbridge, then the last twelve kilometres, back to the finish at Woodstock. The Handicapper opted for, mostly, large bunches, with Scratch giving, 1m, 4m, 8m, 13, 19m, 24m, and 35minutes to the two Limit riders.

Scratch, with only three riders, always had a difficult job. Just after Tarnagulla, they pulled in the one minute bunch, and with twenty kilometres to go, the four minute bunch was overtaken, initially the combined bunch had over twenty riders, pushing hard, with some finding the pace too hot. The two Limit riders were still holding the lead, and it was not until the thirty-seven kilometre mark, that the nine strong twenty-four minute bunch finally pulled them in. The eight minute bunch had caught the thirteen minute riders about five kilometres from the finish, however it was the nineteen minute bunch, really working well together, striving to catch the leaders, finally doing so at eight kilometres from the finish.

It was to be a fight to the finish, with Pat Pontell [19m] taking the honours, in a time of 1h 39m 58sec., an average of 33.7kmh., followed by W. Bennett [19m], T. McDougall [19m], and in a great ride J. Corry [Limit], N.Hinton [19m], D. Jane [24m], R. Ogilvie [24m], A.Clarke [24m], D. Colwell [8m] S.Hall [8m]

Fastest Time J. Mollison 1h, 23m, 08sec. An average of 40.5kmh.

05/11/11

The second day of the Colwell Brothers Aggregate ws held on Sunday morning in perfect conditions for the thirty-six riders to take on the thirty-five kilometre Power's Road circuit.The twoScratch riders were chasing groups at one, three,five, eight eleven, fifteen, and lone Limit rider, Jack Corry on twenty minutes.All bunches started quickly with the aid of a light southerly breeze, ensuring a fast run up Power's Road.

Even at this early stage it was clear that the eleven and fifteen minute buncheswere the form riders. Scratch, second and third were still apart at Newbridge. Only the five minute bunch had been able to catch the group in front. there was no holding the leaders once they turned into the final leg back to Woodstock, working strongly together until the last few hundred metres.

In a thrilling finish, Sabrina Smythe held out Peter O'Brien and Di Jane [All off 15minutes], to take out the race, in a time of 1h 3m 09sec., an average of 33kmh. The rest of the field was strong put behind them. Fourth place went to Pat Pontell, followed by Wendy Bennett, Evelyn Keetelar, Pam Robertson, Neil Hinton, [All off 11minutes], Jack Corry [Limit] held on for 9th place, with David Colwell [5m], the best of the rest in 10th place.

Fastest Time: Andrew Pascoe 50m, 49sec., an average of 41.1 kmh.

Pat Pontell's fourth place, following his win on Saturday, was enough to take out the Colwell Brother's Aggregate, ahead of Wendy Bennett and Di Jane. It was a great week-end of racing, with more than ninety riders participating over the week-end.

Next Race: Saturday 12th November, 61km. Club Handicap 2:00pm, at Newbridge.
Duty: M. Banfield, D.Barri, A. Berry, P.Bone, S. Bright.

29/10/11

The 47 km Club Handicap at Woodstock, had a pleasing entry of thirty-seven riders, considering a contingent of twenty-five club members had gone to Warrnambool, for the penultimate event in the State Aggregate Championship. The thirty-seven riders were divided into seven bunches, with Scratch giving 2m, 4m, 6m, 11m, 17m, and Limit on 22minutes.

They started at Woodstock, across to Newbridge, veering south-east to Lannecoorie, back down the Maldon Road to Newbridge, then swinging back to finish at Woodstock. The four riders in Limit, were picked up, very early, by the seventeen minute bunch, at Newbridge on the way out, and although Limit held on for a few kilometres, the pace was to prove too strong for three of them. Scratch had started pretty strongly, and caught the two minute bunch near Laanecoorie, and were to finish the race in a group.Meanwhile, five minutes earlier, the four minute bunch had caught the six minute bunch at Laanecoorie.

The eleven minute bunch were in limbo, but working hard to catch the, now favourite, seventeen minute bunch. The seventeen minute bunch was still leading into the last five kilometres, however the eleven minute bunch was making headway into the gap.

On the last hill, about eight hundred metres from the finish, riders were dropping off the leading bunch, and about the two hundred metre mark, Trevor McDougall went for the line, Tom deVries [17m] chased, and pushed over the line in first place, in a time of 1h-24m-02s, and average of 33.7kmh., followed by T.McDougall [17m], N.Hinton [17m], S. Bright [17m], R. Ogilvie [Limit], S.Hall [11m], G. Leech [11m].

In a surprise turn-up, Andrew Hayhow broke away from Scratch, about ten kilometres from the finish, maintaining the gap, to finish, first fastest, in1h-10m-40s, an average of 40kmh.

Next Race The Colwell Brothers [two day] Handicap at Woodstock;

Saturday November 5th. at 2:00pm 56km.
Duty: R. Siesmaa, J. Sim, S. Smagas, K. Tanner, C. Harris.

Sunday 6th. November, at 10:00am, 35km.
Duty: S. Agnoletto, S. Anstee, D. Bakes, B. Baldwin, C. Banfield.

Sponsored by: RICHARD BAILY

22/10/11

Ignoring morning rain and threatening skies, a big field of forty-nine riders took to the roads around Melville Caves on Saturday afternoon for the Central Victorian Veteran's Cycling Club’s annual Harry’s Handicap sponsored by club stalwart and avid photographer Richard Bailey.

The challenging 60 kilometre course started at the bottom of the Melville Caves access road and went to Logan, with a couple of testing climbs in the first few kilometres. From there the race headed towards Wedderburn before turning right a couple of kilometres out of town for the run back to the Caves and the two kilometre up-hill drag to the finish line in the picnic area. The big field meant big bunches except for the four person scratch group who were giving starts of 3, 7, 10, 16, 20 and 25 minutes and a three-man limit bunch on 35 minutes.

Conditions were perfect during the race and the hills turned out to be the deciding factor as groups started shedding riders right from the first climbs. Most of the 20 minute bunch stayed together and made steady progress as they reeled in the bunches in front. Behind them the seven minute third scratch bunch swallowed up fourth scratch between Logan and Wedderburn and the sixteen minute bunch with about 15 kilometres to go. Second scratch had the weight of numbers needed to stay away from scratch but still hadn’t made contact with the bunches ahead at the foot of the final climb. The whole race was reshuffled in the last two kilometres as tired legs took over. Matt Grealy recovered from overshooting the final corner and he and Daniel Barrie jumped way from the main peloton to chase down the remnants of the twenty minute bunch who had shelled the other out-markers.

Matt (7 minutes) pulled out all stops in the last kilometre to overtake Greg Chapman (2nd), Bruce Tonkin (3rd) and Andrew Berry (4th and all off 20 minutes) and win convincingly in a time of 1 hour 39 minutes 38 seconds. Daniel Barry (7 minutes) just fell short of catching the others to run 5th. Andrew Joiner (3 minutes) and Andy Hayhow (3 minutes) flew up the hill to lead second scratch home and take 6th and 7th respectively, while Ricky Lovell (7 minutes), Murray Rankin (7 minutes) and Darryl Stewart (3 minutes) filled the other placings.

Justin Mollison recorded the fastest time of 1 hour 33 minutes thirty-two seconds.

As soon as the race finished the skies opened up. Torrential rain and large hailstones threatened to drown out the presentation, but fortunately the President is made of sterner staff and carried on regardless.

Next Saturday’s race is 47 kilometres at Woodstock. Corner stewards are Peter Nott, Peter O’Brien, Gerard O’Halloran, Andrew Purcell and Gary Saunders.

15/10/11

The bARt 'n' PRINt 65km Handicap at Bridgewater, had a pleasing entry of thirty-eight riders. The
sun was shining, but somewhat offset by the strong northerly wind, with gusts up to 25kmh., would certainly affect the riders, and on the face of it, the difficult conditions would give the Scratch riders, a bit more of an advantage. The course headed north-west to Inglewood, straight into the wind, cutting west across the rolling hillsto Kingower, then heading down the middle road from Rheola to Llanelly, across to Newbridge, then the final 12km. To the finish at Bridgewater. The field was divided into eight groups, with Scratch giving 3m, 7m, 10m, 14m, 18m, 25m, and 36m, to the three Limit riders.

Limit lead off nto the wind, with Gary Saunders setting the pace. The five rider 25minute bunch were pulling well together, looking strong enough to be winners. Scratch got off to a great start, with the four riders working smoothly, and did not seem to notice the strong wind, catching the 3minute bunch at the 20km. mark, leaving a number of riders in their wake. The 7minute bunch was looking very strong, picking up the10 minute bunch at the 18km. point, and not too much later took the 14minute bunch under it's wing, making, the pace too hot for some of the riders. Meanwhile at the front of the race, Limit had lost a rider at Llanelly, but the remaining two riders were stil pushing into the strong, gusty cross wind, that was buffeting riders on the long open stretch between Newbridge and Bridgewater. The large combined bunch finally pulled in the 18minute bunch, with about 18km. to the finish, still leaving Scratch with the task in front of them. The main bunch finally caught, G. Saunders, the lone Limit rider, 8km. from the finish, it
looked like the winner was in this bunch. However Scratch had powered on, catching them 4km. from the finish.

As the 2km. mark loomed, the stuggle for positions started, but it was to no avail, as the slightly rested Scratch bunch broke away, with Russell Gilbey, making a terrific effort, latched on, holding them to the finish. Finishing at 55kmh., Andrew Pascoe, in a time of, 1h 34m 57sec., an average of 41kmh. eased out. J. Mollison [Sc] 2nd., T. Jones [Sc] 3rd, followed by R. Gilbey [3m],
A. Favaloro [7m], M. Rankin [7m], S. Wall [7m], S. Thompson [7m], D. Colwell [10m], and in tenth place G. Butcher [10m].

Fastest time : A. Pascoe 1h. 34m. 57s.

First female: E. Keetlar.

Next Race: Saturday 22nd. October, 2:00pm, 60km. Harry's Handicap, Melville Caves.
Duty: T. Medcalf, T. Miles, R. Mitchell, J. Mollison, G. Murdoch.

08/10/11

The Central Victorian Veteran's Cycling Club travelled north to Inglewood on Saturday for the renowned Blue Eucy Classic sponsored by Peter Moore of Inglewood IGA. Overcast but mild conditions greeted the 34 riders as they set out on a 54 kilometre trek through Kingower, Rheola and Llanelly before finishing back on the outskirts of Inglewood. Even bunches of four to six cyclists headed off at largish intervals chasing lone limit man Jack Corry who enjoyed a 30 minutes start over a strong four rider scratch group.

It was always going to be tough for the scratch riders chasing a three minute gap to second who in turn had a four minute gap to third scratch, and this turned out to be the case. The first fifteen kilometres proved to be hard work with rolling hills and long uphill drags made even tougher by a nagging headwind, and time gaps were shrinking steadily when the race turned left at Rheola for the long run to Llanelly. The first catch came just before Llanelly when the surviving four riders of the third scratch bunch caught the six riders off 11 minutes. Behind them the second scratch bunch were two minutes down and working well to stay away from scratch. The pace picked up once the race turned north at Llanelly and the combined third and fourth scratch groups steadily gobbled up all those in front. The race came together in the last few kilometres and the pace came off as riders with something left in their legs started thinking about the sprint. Terry Medcalf used his local knowledge to surprise the field with an attack 500 meters from the line which caught many riders napping.

His move generated immediate responses as a couple of other riders tried to get off the front of the bunch, but pure sprinting ability won the day when Terry Schintler (7 minutes) and Shane Thompson (7 minutes) put the foot down in the last 200 meters, with Terry winning comfortably in the time of 1 hour 25 minutes 45 seconds at an average speed of 38.2 km/hour. Shane ran second and was followed home by Jim Field (16 minutes) in third, Greg Chapman (20 minutes) fourth, Ray Colwell (11 minutes) 5th, Murray Rankin (7 minutes) 6th and James Thompson (7 minutes) 7th. Terry Medcalf (16 minutes) hung on to take 8th from David Colwell (11 minutes) 9th and Bernie Leahy (16 minutes) coming home in 10th place.

Second scratch finished thirty seconds behind with scratch less than a minute further back, Justin Mollison taking out fastest time in 1 hour twenty minutes twenty seconds for an average speed of 40.8 km/hr.

Next week’s race is the October Feature Race at Bridgewater sponsored by BART’n’PRINT over 58 kilometres.

Corner stewards are Ev Keetelar, Peter Kennedy, Justin Leske, Graeme Lockwood and Dave Maltby.

01/10/11

The 35km. Club Graded Scratch at Woodstock had a great entry of thirty-three riders. The field was divided into five grades, with A grade having eight riders, B nine, and the other three grades with five each. The course took the riders down Power's Road, swinging west to Newbridge, then the last 12km. to the clubhouse and finish line.

The A grade group set off first, and was to be the most aggressive bunch in the race. Justin Mollison was the first to test the strength of the group, but was reeled in shortly after. Geoff. Bennett was next to test the resolve of the bunch, staying away for about two kilometres, then back in the fold. Barry Jane made the final effort about 3km. from the finish, but showing a great burst of speed, J. Mollison overtook him about 150 metres from the line, in a time of 55minutes, an average of 38.2 kmh. Second place went to J. Mollison, followed by G. Bennett in third place.

The group of B grade riders left two minutes later, and apart from a foray from Chris Draper they were content to stick together, however, after losing Shane Dellavedova with a puncture, another three riders found the pace too hard by the time they reached Newbridge. It was a bunch of five riders that sprinted for the line, with Ken Hamilton successful, in a time of 1hr. 1min 55sec., an average of 33.8 kmh., second C. Draper, third D. Hare.

The riders in C grade were content to stick together, but losing one rider early on. It was an all in effort in the last sprint, with Bruce Tonkin, in a time of 1hr. 02min. 07sec., an average of 33.5kmh., followed by J.Farrow and G. Chapman.

The D grade riders were content to ride in a bunch, and contest the race on the finish line. Di Jane emerged from the pack in a time of 1hr. 8min. 39Sec., an average of 30.6kmh., followed by followed by N. Hinton and E. Keetelar.

The five rider E grade group was content to work together, but lost a rider half-way to Newbridge, Steve Bright was intent on keeping a uniform pace, to get the best result. The last leg to Woodstock was to prove decisive, with the pressure on, and Steve Bright and Peter O' Brien moving away from the others, with Bright ending up a clear winner, in a time of 1hr. 13min. 07sec., an average of 28.8kmh., followed by P. O'Brien and R. Wright.

Next Race: Saturday 8th. October, 54km. Blue Eucy IGA Handicap at Inglewood, 2:00pm.
Duty: M. Hampson, P. Hayes, A. Hayhow, D. Jane, G.Johnstone.

24/09/11

The 38km. Club Handicap was held at Newbridge. The course headed north to Bridgewater, back South through Arnold and Llanelly, then back to Newbridge. The field, of thirty-two riders, was divided into eight bunches, with the two man Scratch giving ;1.5min, 3min, 5min, 8min, 13min, 16min, with the three Limit riders off 20minutes. The riders were looking forward to the outward leg, with a strong tail wind in their favour, however the leg to Llanelly was to prove a test of their endurance.

Limit got off to a good start, however the 16minute bunch of N. Hinton, S. Bright, K. McCredden,
P. O'Brien, and R.Ogilvie following, were really working well together, catching Limit at the twenty-one kilometre mark. It was not too much later that the 13minute bunch pulled in this combined bunch at the twenty-four kilometre mark. Scratch and second Scratch, with three riders, were pushing hard, but failing to catch anyone in front. The three minute bunch of M.Rankin, R.lovell, S. Thompson, B. Fisher, N. Knight were really powering along, catching the 5minute bunch just before Arnold. However the 8 minute bunch, did not seem to notice the head wind after Bridgewater, catching the three bunch combination at Arnold. The rail crossing at Llanelly, caught a number of riders out, causing them to lose the wheel. This bunch, of about twenty riders, pushed ahead, with the 8minute bunch starting the push, with four kilometres to the finish, the other riders finding it difficult to hang on.

In a tremendous finish, Fran Medina [8m], in a time of 1h. 1m. 8secs., an average of 37.5 kmh., held off Graham Lockwood [8m], in a strongly contested sprint, taking the honours. Followed by S. Auld [8m], M. Lavery [8m], R. Colwell [8m], K. Lacey [13m], and seventh P. O' Brien [16m].

Fastest time: Geoff. Bennett [1.5], 57min.10 seconds, an average of 40kmh.

Next Race Saturday, October 1st. 10 A.M. 35km. Club Graded Scratch Woodstock [Grand Final Day]

Duty. Terry Fitzpatrick, N.Gates, R. Gilbey, H. Hall, K. Hamilton

17/09/11

The 47 Kilometre, Decked Out Coaching Handicap, had a change of Venue, with the start and finish to be at Newbridge. The riders were familiar with the two lap loop, South to Laanecoorie, the back down the highway to Newbridge, the two laps totalling forty-five kilometres. The field, of thirty-two riders, was divided into six bunches, with Scratch conceding 3min.,6min., 10min., 15min., and the four rider Limit group at 20minutes.

Limit got off to a good start, losing one rider just after Laanecoorie The bunches were all performing well, with no apparent “Hot” favourite emerging during the first lap, although, at the half way mark, the spread of riders was reduced from twenty minutes, with Scratch going through the first lap, only seven and a half minutes behind Limit. There was some changes becoming apparent, with the fifteen minute bunch, of G.Chapman, J.Trickey, S. Smythe, D. Jane, and E. Keetlar, pulling in Limit at the turn to Laanecoorie. Meanwhile the six minute bunch had caught the ten minute bunch at Laanecoorie, and following through, picked up the fifteen minute bunch, about five kilometres from the finish. The Scratch bunch of B. Jane, J. Mollison, G. Bennett, T. Jones, and A. Pascoe, having maintained a fierce pace, finally pulled in the three minute bunch with about ten kilometres to go. This ten rider bunch was pushing to catch the large bunch of seventeen riders between it and the finish. However it was not until the bridge at Newbridge the bunches came together, turning sharply on to the last five hundred metres stretch to the finish.

The referees on the finish line, were ready for a scramble, as the bunch of twenty-six riders headed for them at about fifty-five kph. It was Justin Mollison [Sc], with a great turn of speed, pushed ahead of Paul Dynon, to finish in first place, in a time of 1hr. 5min.35sec., an average of 41.3kmh. Second P. Dynon [6m], followed by, T.Jones [Sc], J.Thompson [6m], T. West [3m], J. Field [10m], R. Gilbey [3m], P. Robertson [10m], G. Chapman [15m], and in tenth place T. O'Brien [6m]

Fastest Time: J. Mollison 1hr. 5Min. 35Sec.

Next Race: Saturday 24th. At Newbridge, 2:00pm 38km. Club Handicap.
Duty: G.Chapman, D. Colwell, J. Corry, J. Field, B. Fisher

10/09/11

The Club's Road Championships was held at Newbridge, over a two lap 52km. Course. Considering that a large contingent of Club riders were riding the following day at Learmonth, in an State Open Event, the entry of thirty-six riders was excellent. The course headed west through Tarnagulla, cutting across towards Laanecoorie, then cutting back east to Newbridge, then the same again to complete the 52 Kilometre course. It was to be a “Classic” race, with many regrets at the finish.

The thirty-six riders took off, but as they were settling in, Darryl Stewart took off, surprising the bunch, with Paul Volk jumping the gap, and the pair working together. The odds were that the thirty-four riders could pull the two riders breakaway in without too much trouble, but that wasn't to be, with D. Stewart and P. Volk building a two minute gap at the finish of the first lap. It seemed that the main bunch were concentrating on the riders around them, instead of the two riders in the breakaway. Despite the efforts of Glen Farrow, Carl Harris, Geoff. Bennett and Shane Thomson, trying to make breakaways, at different times, to encourage an increase in speed, it was to no avail.

In the last kilometre of the race it was still Stewart and Volk, with a bunch of riders closing in. However it was Paul Volk who had something left, opening up a considerable gap, finishing a clear winner by fifty metres, in a time of 1h 21 m 41s, an average of 38.2kmh., with Darryl Stewart, holding off Terry Schintler and Paul Dalton to finish in second place. The women's event, running concurrently, with the men's, was won by Leigh-Anne Dynon. The Scratch race conducted for those not in the Championship Event, was won by Rick Mitchell, followed by Ross Oglvie and Gerrard O' Halloran.

President Murray Rankin presented Paul Volk and Leigh Anne Dynon with their 2011, Club Chapion Sash, at a special afternoon tea.

Next Week 17th. September, 2:00pm, The 47km. Decked Out Coaching Handicap at Woodstock.
Duty:S. Auld,W. Bennett,N. Blakeley, P. Casey, M. Casey

03/09/11

The Central Victorian Veteran's Cycling Club conducted its September feature race, the Peter Baker and Associates Handicap, in bright sunshine and a ferocious wind on Saturday. The 50 kilometre course started at Woodstock and took in Newbridge and Laanecoorie before travelling along the Maryborough Road and over Deer Farm Hill back to the hall. The strong field of 45 was boosted by the return of several riders coming off a winter hibernation. A six-rider scratch group gave starts of 3, 6, 9, 13, 16 and 20 minutes, with two limit riders having the benefit of a 28 minute start.

The race got off to a furious start as riders took advantage of a cross tail-wind which saw the scratch bunch hitting speeds of 60 km/h on the way to Newbridge. The run south to Laanecoorie was also wind assisted but when the race turned left into the wind, speeds dropped dramatically as riders went off the back of every bunch, and a process ion of lone figures stretched along the Maryborough Road. The combined 13 and sixteen minute bunches reaped the benefit of numbers as they gobbled up everyone in front of them and turned into the Woodstock - Newbridge Road with a big advantage. Behind them scratch was still trailing second scratch, but third scratch caught the remains of the 9 minute bunch and other stragglers on the corner, and with a bigger group started to eat into the advantage of the leaders.

With the finish line in sight the leading bunch found an extra gear and held off the pursuers to come in 20 seconds ahead. Terry O’Brien (13 min) won the sprint comfortably to take first place in 1 hour 24 minutes 50 seconds at an average speed of 35.6 km/hour. He was followed home by Andrew Berry (13 min) in second, Steve Auld (13 min) in third, David Hare (13 min) 4th, Graeme Lockwood (16 min) 5th, Ken Hamilton (16 min) 6th, Fran Medina (13 min) 7th, Jenny Farrow (13 min) 8th, Paul Dalton (6 min) 9th and Russ Gilbey (6 min) 10th.

Trevor Watchman claimed fastest time in his comeback race in 1 hour 13 minutes 20 seconds at an average speed of 41.3 km/hour.

Next week will be the club championships over 52 kilometres at Newbridge with supporting scratch races. Corner Stewards are Anthony Favaloro, Geoff Higginbotham, Andrew Joiner, Maurie Kennedy and Bernie Leahy.

27/08/11

The field for the 47km Club Handicap at Woodstock, was down on entries, with a number of members riding in the “Open” event in Gippsland. There were thirty-six riders divided into eight bunches, with the two Scratch riders giving the bunches; 1-3-5-9-14-20-and 24 minutes.

The home course took the riders from Woodstock, over to Newbridge, swinging South to Laanecoorie, then back down the Maldon Road to Newbridge, then turning into the last twelve kilometres to the finish line at Newbridge. The two Limit riders headed off with Rick Mitchell, after a long lay off leading out. The two rider Scratch bunch had it all to do, with agroup of seven riders one minute ahead of them. However Scratch was unable to catch the fast moving bunch ahead of it. The One minute bunch was in a similar situation, unable to catch the three minute bunch in front of it. It was, in fact the three minute bunch of M. Balnaves, P. Stuckenschmidt, M. Sait, N. Knight, N. Blakeley, and D. Hare that were the pace makers in this race, very quickly pulling in the five minute bunh at Newbridge, just thirteen kilometres into the race. This combined bunch continued chasing, however the nine minute bunch was really putting it together, catching the fourteen and twenty minute bunches, just outside Newbridge, leaving only Limit in front. Meanwhile the two Limit riders had continued to ride well, it was not until four kilometres from the finish, that the combined bunch caught them, the riders still pushing, aware that they were in with a chance of winning. It was , new rider. Dean Goodwin, who made the first move, on the rise of the last hill, less than a kilometre from the finish.

Jim Field, Trevor McDougall, and Pam Robertson took up the challenge, and it was Pam Robertson [9m], in a time of 1h 17m 20s. an average of 36.5kmh, with a great turn of speed, won clearly by about fifty metres. Second J. Field [9m], followed by, D. Goodwin [14m], T. McDougall [9m], A. Berry [9m], and G. Lockwood [9m].

Fastest Time J. Mollison [Sc] 1h 11m, an average of 37.2kmh.

Next Race: Saturday 3rd. September, Peter Baker & Associates Feature, 50km. At Woodstock
2:00pm Start. Duty; R. Wright, S. Amy, M. Brady, G. Cutri, C. Donnellon.

20/08/11

The forty riders who entered for the Danny Clapp 65km. Handicap at Newbridge, new that it would be a battle to maintain top speeds over this hilly course. The course headed due south from Newbridge to Tarnagulla, swinging east over the twelve kilometres of hills to Moliagul, south back to Dunolly, then back north to Tarnagulla, and straight through to the finish at Newbridge.
The field was divided into eight bunches at 4, 7, 13, 17, 21, 25, 32 minutes.

The three riders in the Limit bunch headed off , with Peter O'Brien setting the pace, and leading from the front. The six riders in Scratch looked pretty strong, but it was not until about ten kilometres from the finish that the four minute bunch was pulled in.The seven minute bunch of N. Blakely, M. Balnaves, T. Noonan,A Hayhow, D. Hare, and P. Stuckenschmidt, were really performing, and making inroads on the thirteen minute bunch, finally catching it at Tarnagulla, on the way back. Then just after Tarnagulla picking up the seventeen minute bunch. Meanwhile the twenty minute bunch of A. O'Brien, T. de Vries, S. Bright and E. Keetlaar, picked up the twenty-five minute bunch on the Moliagul/ Dunolly Road. This combined bunch of eight riders, finally caught the Limit bunch on the homeward side of Tarnagulla, however it was the rampant seven minute bunch, taking everything before it, with their combined bunch numbering sixteen riders, that caught the three remaining groups in front of them, about six kilometres from the finish.

It was therefore a bunch of about thirty riders that headed for the finish at Newbridge. In a great effort, Andy Hayhow [7m], in his first win,just pushed ahead of Tim Noonan [7m], in a time of 1h 39m 32s, an average of 37.7kmh, followed by, P. Pontell [17m], T. Mc Dougall [17m], N. Blakely [7m], G. Lockwood [17m], P. Robertson [13m], W. Bennett [17m].

Fastest Time: Travis Storer [Sc.] 1h 34m 17s., average of 40kmh.

Next Race :47Km. Club Handicap, Woodstock 2:00pm.
Duty: T. Wallace, T. Watchman, C. Weatheritt, B. Williams, M. Williams.

13/08/11

The 60 Km. Bolton's Office National Handicap at Woodstock, is recognised as one of the more “Testing” races of the Winter season. Not withstanding, there were forty-one riders faced up to the
start. The course starting at Woodstock, headed down Power's Road, swung back to Newbridge, back South, through Laanecoorie to the Maryborough Road, and headed East to the turn off, back the six kilometres, to the finish at Woodstock.The field was divided into eight bunches, with time gaps of 4, 8, 13, 17, 20, 29, and the two Limit riders on 37 minutes.The start saw Gary Saunders with a “Liquid” problem, causing him to miss the start, leaving Dave Keith to head off on his own.

The seven riders in the four minute bunch were working well together, catching the eight minute group at the thirty-eight kilometre mark.Meanwhile the thirteen minute bunch picked up the seventeen minute riders at the thirty-five kilometre mark. The seven riders in the Scratch bunch, were performing smoothly, but did not seem to be making much of a “Dent” in the field. The long, two and a half kilometre climb of Deer Farm Hill took it's toll on the riders, causing a number to drop off on the long drag. Meanwhile, Limit riders Saunders and Keith were still out in front, with every other bunch pushing hard to pull them in. It was not until about six kilometres from the finish, that the combined 4, 8 and 13minute bunch caught up with the rest of the field, where minutes before, the 20minute bunch pulled in the 29 minute bunch. This bunch, now increased to about thirty riders, with the inclusion of Scratch, were still chasing the sole Limit rider, who was tiring quickly. It was not until inside the last kilometre that he was caught, and shortly after Scratch riders J. Mollison and A. Pascoe made their move. Easing up the outside of the bunch, placing themselves for the run in to the finish.

However the ever watchful Rick McIntosh [4m] was ready for it, and with a great turn of speed, finished first, in a time of 1h 30m 39s. An average of 39.7kmh. Followed by, J. Mollison [Sc], A.Pascoe [Sc], R. Gilbey [Sc], B. Jane [Sc], T. Schintler [4m], T. West [Sc], M. Rankin [4m], C.Chambers [8m], and in G. Lockwood [17m]

Fastest Time: Justin Mollison 1h 26m 39s, an average of 41.6 kmh.

Next Race: Saturday August 20th. 2:00pm. The 65km. Danny Clapp Handicap at Newbridge.
Duty: T. Wallace, T. Watchman, C. Weatheritt, B. Williams, M. Williams.

30/07/11

The thirty-one riders who fronted up for The President's 52km. Handicap, at Newbridge, were greeted with heavy rain, and a wind that would cause some suffering on the Tarnagulla/Laanecoorie Road leg. The course headed off, up the hills, west to Tarnagulla, then turning back down the Laanecoorie Road, before swinging back north to Newbridge, then another lap of the same. The handicapper divided the field into seven bunches, at 3, 7, 10, 12, 18, and 26 minutes respectively.

The sole Limit rider led off into heavy rain, with the next bunch eight minutes behind. The eight rider scratch bunch started off smoothly, with all riders working well together. The three minute bunch caught the seven minute bunch at Tarnagulla, but lost Brett Williams, who was “Punctured” out of the race. It was about the same spot, on the second lap, that Scratch pulled in both bunches, combining into a fast moving bunch of seventeen riders. The Limit rider still led the field into the second lap, and it wasn't until Tarnagulla, that chasing eight minute rider, Tom de Vries, caught him, and went on to lead the field. Shortly after the turn onto he Laanecoorie Road, the Peleton, made up of the remains of three bunches, passed the Limit rider, leaving only one rider in front, who in turn was caught about ten kilometres from the finish. It was on the last leg to the finish, that Russell Gilbey, and Murray Rankin made separate attempts to break-away, but to no avail. This large bunch continued to push and going to the line there was still fifteen riders in with a chance.

However three hundred metres out, Andrew Joiner [Scr], broke away, winning by a good margin, in a time of 1h 22m 33s, an average of 38.4kmh. 2nd. R. Gilbey [Scr], 3rd. G. Farrow [Scr], 4th. P.Dynon [3m], 5th. N.Knight [3m], 6th. D. Stewart [Scr], 7th. M. Rankin [Sc], 8th. T. O'Brien [7m], 9th. R. Lovell [Scr], 10th. L. Dynon [7m].

Fastest Time A. Joiner 1hr. 22m. 33s.

1st. Unplaced female P. Robertson.

Next Race: Saturday August 6th. 2:00pm, at Woodstock. 47km. Club Handicap.
Duty: S.Spencer, S. Standfield, B. Steen, D. Stemmer, D. Stewart.

N.B. Annual General Meeting: Monday 8th. August, 7:00pm, at Tom Flood Stadium.

23/07/11

The thirty- nine riders who lined up for the Stewarts Accountants 48km. Handicap at Laanecoorie, were looking forward to a relatively easy ride, no wind and the sun shining, and the course, free of hills. The course starting at Laanecoorie headed up to the Maryborough Road, cutting back on the Maldon Road, then back into Laanecoorie, six laps of this 8km. circuit. The handicapper divided the field into eight bunches, at 2, 4, 6 , 9, 11, 15, and 22minutes respectively.

The two Limit riders headed out, easing into a steady rhythm maintaining the seven minute gap for the first lap, however the 15minute bunch, of J. Trickey, P. Pontell, T. De Vries, and G. Lockwood, having lost a rider early on, were really burning the road up, catching Limit at the 21km. Mark. The Scratch bunch were pushing from the word go, but it was not until the fifth lap that they caught the two minute bunch, and finally finished together. The six minute bunch of P. Dalton, B. Williams, M. Lavery, N. Knight, D. Hare and M. Balnaves, was the only bunch making headway, catching the nine minute bunch[ which had combined with the eleven minute bunch earlier] after the start of the fourth lap. The “Valiant” four of the fifteen minute bunch, were finally caught, just two kilometres from the finish.

The six minute bunch, still riding strongly, led out winner Paul Dalton [6m] , in a time of 1h-18m-59s, an average of 36.5 kmh., followed by N. Knight [6m], J.Field [9m], D. Hare [6m], J. Farrow [11m], C. Chambers [9m], P. Robertson [11m], S. Dalavedova [9m], T. DeVries [15m], and in tenth place T. O'Brien [9m].

The fastest time went to, Swan Hill rider, in his second race with the club.
Gaethan Cutri, in a time of 1h-14m-17s, an average of 38.9kmh.

First unplaced female W. Bennett.

The good handicapping was evidenced by the whole field finishing within a forty-five second time frame.
Next Race; Saturday July 30th. 2:00PM. The 52km. President's Handicap at Newbridge.
Duty Roster; P. Robertson, R. Robbins, M. Sait, T. Schintler, S. Smythe

16/07/11

The forty-two riders who lined up for The Nanga Gnulle Bendigo 52 Km. Handicap, at Emu Creek, were greeted with bright sunshine, albeit, along with a gusty wind. The course was considered to be on the “Trying” side, heading up Storey's Road, swinging south towards Sutton Grange, then, back along Axe Creek Road, to the Exchange, a left up the hill, and back to Storey's Road. Then just to make it interesting, the same again, finally finishing at the Emu Creek Tennis Courts. The field was divided into nine bunches, at 3min, 5min., 7min., 9min., 12min., 14min., 20min., and the Limit rider a generous thirty minutes.

Limit led off into a bracing wind, followed by the trio in the twenty minute bunch, as the back bunches began their push, it became evident that, D. Barri, G. Farrow, B. Williams, R. Lovell, M. Rankin, C. Halliday, and A. Favaloro, making up the five minute bunch, was the “In form” riders, catching the seven minute bunch, just before the end of the first lap,and soon after, on Storey's Road, pulling in the nine minute bunch,the combined bunch was enlarged by the riders who were capable of holding on, and in some cases, able to work with the bunch. The three Scratch riders had got off to a good start, catching the three minute bunch just at the bottom of the “Goose- neck” on the second lap, however this was foiled by a herd of cows, changing paddocks at the top of the “Goose-neck” , virtually spoiling any chance that they may have had. The Limit rider had continued to hold off the others until the thirty-nine km. mark, when the twenty minute bunch pulled him in just before the turn into Axe Creek Road, the four riders kept pushing, but the five minute bunch had gathered in all in front of it, and swept passed Limit and second Limit bunches, with nothing in front of them, except the finish line, which was about ten kilometres ahead. The finish was going to be strongly contested, with about fifteen riders trying to position themselves into the best position for the sprint.

Glen Farrow had a perfect position going round the last corner, led out by Paul Dynon, winning comfortably in the end. Murray Rankin just edging out Mick Lavery for second place.

First G.Farrow, [5m], in a time of 1h 20m 38secs., average of 38.7 kmh., followed by M. Rankin, [5m] M. Lavery [7m], D. Barri, [5m], P. Bone, [7m], R. Verkulyn, [9m], R. Lovell, [5m], S.Thompson, [7m], D. Hare, [9m], A. Favaloro. [5m]

Fastest Time; Tony Jones; [Sc.] 1h 18m 36secs., average of 39.7 kmh.

First unplaced female; Fran Medina.

Next race Saturday July 23rd. Stewarts Accountants Feature, 48km. Handicap at Laanecoorie, Start 2:00pm. Duty: G. Patterson, T. Pell, G. Pilcher, G. Pollard, P. Pontell

09/07/11

The thirty-eight riders who lined up for the start of the 59km. Phil Sawyer Handicap at Woodstock, were immediately aware that it was going to be a very cold, windy race. The course took the riders North to Newbridge continuing up over the long drag to Llanelly, dog- legging through Llanelly, then, in a big circuit back via Tarnagulla, Newbridge, to the finish at Woodstock.
The handicapper divided the Field into eight bunches, with the five rider Scratch, giving the others, 4; 7; 10; 14; 18; 25; and 30 minutes respectively. Limit got off to a rough start, with Dave Keith
fading quickly, leaving Dave Collier to battle the elements on his own.

Scratch, with the biggest bunch it's had for a while, started like a well oiled machine, with every rider fitting in to the rhythm, allowing them to maintain a fast pace. Scratch caught the four minute bunch, about thirty kilometres into the race, and about five km. later, pulled in the seven minute bunch. M. Rankin, R. Lovell, M. Lavery, N. Blakely, and P. Stuckenschmidt, made up the ten minute bunch, and after a strong start, caught the fourteen minute bunch at Newbridge on the return leg, making the combined bunch up to twelve riders. Meanwhile the eighteen minute bunch, comprising of, T. O'Brien, J. Farrow, F. Medina, W. Bennett and T. McDougall, had caught the twenty-five minute bunch about the half-way mark, and was continuing to ride strongly.

Scratch had continued it's push, catching the fourteen minute bunch a kilometre from the finish, and with about 400 hundred metres to go, got on to the back of the eighteen minute bunch, however the day belonged to Dave Collier, his first ride back after a lengthy absence, and virtually riding the total distance on his own, had his first win, after an absolutely brilliant ride.

First D. Collier [30m], 1h.51 m.16sec., an average of 31.9kmh., followed by, F. Medina [18m], J. Farrow [18m], T. McDougall [18m], J. Trickey [25m], T. O'Brien [18m], J. Mollison [Scr.],T. Fitzpatrick [Scr.], G. Cutri [4m], and in tenth place, T. Store [Scr.].

Fastest Time J. Mollison [Sc.], First unplaced female W. Bennett, [18m]

Next Race. Saturday, July16th. The 52km. Nanga Gnulle Bendigo Handicap, at Emu Creek.

Duty. T. Murphy, T. Noonan, T. O'Brien, R. Ogilvie, A. Pascoe.