Newsletter – 2 February 2019

Loop, Yarra Boulevard, 26 January 2019 – GSR

The newsletter returns from lazing by the pool with results and a report from racing at the Loop, Yarra Boulevard – twice in one week! – plus details of the Campy to Warrny handicap.


Newsletter – 12 January 2019

Casey Fields, 5 January 2019 – GSR

A skeleton issue, with photos and results from Casey Fields, METEC and the Loop, and a flyer for the Bill Long Camperdown to Warrnambool Handicap.


Newsletter – 22 December 2018

Rocco Drive, 16 December 2018 – GSR

The new criterium circuit at Rocco Drive met with general approval, and the prospect of presentations in a brewery didn’t seem to put too many people off. Read results and reports from Rocco Drive, METEC and the Loop, and a Christmas message from the committee at the close of a big year.


Newsletter – 15 December 2018

Dunlop Road, 8 December 2018 – Dave Ryan Memorial GSR

The results reflected the numbers at Dunlop Road, and Eastern comfortably retained the Dave Ryan trophy from Northern. There are full results and reports in this week’s newsletter, as well as information about racing at Rocco Drive this Sunday and a well-deserved award to a dedicated member of our club.


Newsletter – 8 December 2018

Casey Fields, 1 December 2018 – GSR

Read results and reports from a busy week of racing, including graded scratch races at Casey Fields and the Geelong and Surf Coast CC Women’s Handicap.


Newsletter – 1 December 2018

Yarra Glen, 24 November 2018 – GSR

Includes results from Saturday afternoon at Yarra Glen, Tuesday evening at METEC and Wednesday morning at the Loop, plus more information about our new circuit on Rocco Drive, Scoresby.

 


Newsletter – 24 November 2018

Dunlop Road, 17 November 2018 – GSR

Racing returned to Dunlop Road and two strong breakaways stayed away. This week’s newsletter has results, reports and photos from Dunlop Road, plus results and photos from Wednesday at the Loop, news of the annual Awards Night, bargains on old club kit and more.


Newsletter – 17 November 2018

Loop, Yarra Boulevard, 10 November 2018 – GSR

Negotiate the left-hander, go hard up the hill, recover – and repeat 30 times. Wednesday regulars enjoyed something of a home ground advantage on Saturday at the Loop, Yarra Boulevard. This issue has results, race reports and photos from the Loop on Saturday, results from METEC on Tuesday and the skinny on a new circuit we will race on in December.


Newsletter – 10 November

Casey Fields, 3 November 2018 – GSR

The wind blew hard at Casey Fields last Saturday, making it a good day for strong riders. See results, and a report from one of the day’s breakaway artists, plus results from Wednesday at the Loop. There’s a last chance to book for the annual Awards Night, the big reveal of the club’s new logo, and more.


Newsletter – 3 November

Thornton, 27 October 2018 – Royce Bennett Handicap

The sun shone and the wind blew at Thornton last Saturday. This newsletter has results and reports from Saturday’s Royce Bennett Handicap, results from midweek crits at METEC and the Loop, and the latest on the upcoming – very soon! – Awards Night with guest speaker Matt Keenan, including booking links.


Newsletter – 27 October

Seymour, 20 October 2018 – Club Road Race Championships

This issue has results, reports and photos from the Club Road Championships at Seymour, the winners of the inaugural Champion of Champions awards for 2018, plus results from Wednesday racing at the Loop and photos and news from the recent Masters National Road Championships in East Gippsland.

 


Newsletter – 20 October

Yarra Glen, 13 October 2018 – GSR

It was a cracking spring afternoon at Yarra Glen. See the newsletter for results and reports, plus information about Club Championships, rides on Sunday morning and Tuesday evening, results from Wednesday at the Loop and plenty more.


Newsletter – 13 October

Casey Fields, 6 October 2018 – GSR

The sun shone at Casey Fields on Saturday and the Loop on Wednesday, while the start of Tuesday twilight racing at METEC was washed out.


Newsletter – 6 October

METEC, 29 September 2018 – GSR

Reports from Grand Final day racing at METEC show that brevity can be a fine thing. And other news.


Newsletter – 29 September 2018

Thornton, 22 September 2018 – Orger Engines Team Time Trial

Includes results, reports and photos from a successful Team Time Trial on a cracking day at Thornton, news about upcoming events including the launch of the Croydon Cycleworks summer crit series, and tales and photos from the back roads of Italy.


Newsletter – 22 September 2018

Gruyere, 15 September 2018 – GSR

Read reports from some of the hardy few who raced at Gruyere this week, get results from Gruyere and the Loop, take a last chance to get a ride in the Team Time Trial and catch up on the news about Get Into Road Racing 2018 and a new monthly club Sunday ride with Croydon Cycleworks.


Newsletter – 15 September 2018

Yarra Glen, 8 September 2018 – GSR (abandoned)

An update following Saturday’s abandoned racing at Yarra Glen, plus news of State Time Trial Championship success, results from Wednesday racing at the Loop and more on the Awards Night coming up in November.


Newsletter – 8 September 2018

Casey Fields, 1 September 2018 – GSR

It was tough going at Casey on Saturday but, as always, the tough went. Their reports and all the day’s results are there. Also calls for good causes and an updated Champion of Champions scorecard.


Newsletter – 1 September 2018

Thornton, 25 August 2018 – Rob Graham Memorial/Club Championship ITT

The Rob Graham Memorial Time Trial and Club TT Championship took place in excellent conditions at Thornton on Saturday. The newsletter has results from Thornton and the Loop, plus a bumper crop of social notes and notes from the Club Committee.


Newsletter – 25 August 2018

Garfield, 18 August 2018 – GSR (cancelled)

Racing was cancelled once again last Saturday, but there are results from Wednesday racing at the Loop plus mention of forthcoming events including this week’s Rob Graham Memorial Time Trial and Club Time Trial Championships at Thornton. As well, Keith Bowen remembers former Eastern member John Porter.


Newsletter – 18 August 2018

Jindivick, 11 August 2018 – GSR (cancelled)

There was no racing last Saturday so there are no race reports this week, but there are results from Wednesday racing at the Loop plus reminders about forthcoming events including this week’s graded scratch races at Garfield.


Newsletter – 11 August 2018

Casey Fields, 4 August 2018 – GSR

This week’s newsletter has results and reports from a regulation (cold, windy) afternoon at Casey Fields. Plus the outcome of this week’s Special Resolution Meeting regarding the name of the club, news about the club’s logo, and in ‘Social notes’, news about the Awards Night later in the year.


Newsletter – 4 August 2018

Yarra Glen, 28 July 2018 – Tour de Metro (Eastern vs Northern) round 4

A lightweight newsletter this week, with the news that Northern reclaimed the Tour de Metro series trophy at Yarra Glen on Saturday. Well done, even so, to all who took part in an enjoyable and hard-fought series of races. This week’s issue has results and a smattering of other news.


Newsletter – 28 July 2018

Gruyere, 21 July 2018 – Tour de Metro (Eastern vs Northern) round 3

Day 3 of the Tour de Metro (Eastern vs Northern) at Gruyere last Saturday, and the series took a turn in the right direction. It’s still a big ask going into the final round at Yarra Glen. There are  results and race reports from Gruyere, an update on the individual series points standings, and a bumper crop of social notes.


Newsletter – 21 July 2018

Casey Fields, 14 June 2018 – GSR

Interclub rivalry went on hold last Saturday for a round of graded scratch races at Casey Fields. The newsletter has results (from Casey and the Loop) and race reports, plus a dispatch from the Pyrenees (the French ones), a reminder about an important meeting, and social notes.


Newsletter – 14 July 2018

National Boulevard, 8 July 2018 – Tour de Metro (Eastern vs Northern) round 2

After two rounds of the Tour de Metro, Northern leads the series by 124 points to 83, but we’re still fighting. This week’s newsletter has results and reports from National Boulevard on Sunday, an individual aggregate points update, some great photos from Pete Morris and a call to arms for the rest of the series.


Newsletter – 7 July 2018

National Boulevard, 1 July 2018 – Tour de Metro (Eastern vs Northern) round 1

It’s a cut-price newsletter this week, with just a quick update on the progress of the Tour de Metro and an appeal for more riders in the next round on Sunday, plus a couple of other bits of news.


Newsletter – 30 June 2018

Seymour, 23 June 2018 – VCV Open handicap

The VCV Open Handicap at Seymour last Saturday, hosted by Eastern, went off smoothly. A big thank-you to race sponsor David Richards from Croydon Cycleworks. Five groups were represented in the top 10, including three Eastern riders, and Sue Sharples was fastest unplaced woman. Read perspectives from both ends of the field.


Newsletter – 23June 2018

Gruyere, 16 June 2018 – Toy Bricks Toughen Up series, race 4

Lots of news this week from the final race (at Gruyere) of the Toy Bricks Toughen Up series, which was decisively won by Phil Smith. A feast of reading includes race reports and results. Plus important updates on the forthcoming Tour de Metro series of four races between Eastern and Northern.


Newsletter – 16 June 2018

Yarra Glen, 9 June 2018 – Toy Bricks Toughen Up series, race 3

The weather gods smiled on race 3 of the Toy Bricks Toughen Up series at Yarra Glen last Saturday. A dubious forecast gave way to a fine afternoon with little wind, and good numbers took to the road for an afternoon’s hard racing. Results, race reports and series points tally are inside, along with news of success in the Northern Team Time Trial last Sunday, dispatches from abroad and more.


Newsletter – 9 June 2018

Casey Fields, 2 June 2018 – GSR

A round of graded scratch races at Casey Fields last Saturday. Good conditions, good numbers – a good day’s racing. No reports from Saturday but a bit of a look at Wednesday crits at the Loop instead, with an emphasis on women riders. And this week’s ‘high pass in Europe’ photo is …


Newsletter – 2 June 2018

Seymour, 26 May 2018 – 60 km handicap

There’s a bunch of reports and photos this week from last Saturday’s handicap at Seymour, in which four groups including scratch shared the top 10 places. Congratulations to handicap winner Neil Cartledge and fastest rider Phil Cavaleri, among many others. Plus photos from France and sundry other news, including details of the forthcoming Open Handicap – also at Seymour.


Newsletter – 26 May 2018

Gruyere, 19 May 2018 – Toy Bricks Toughen Up series, race 2

Last Saturday we ‘Toughened Up’ some more with graded scratch races at Gruyere. It’s a pretty venue, but repeated ascents of that hill are always hard. This newsletter contains results and race reports, progress scores after two races of the Toy Bricks Toughen Up series, a communiqué from the Blue Sky committee and more.


Newsletter – 19 May 2018

Yarra Glen, 12 May 2018 – Toy Bricks Toughen Up series, race 1

The four-race Toughen Up series, sponsored by Toy Bricks in Bayswater, got off to a successful start last Saturday with a round of graded scratch races at Yarra Glen. Nearly 60 riders braved the up-and-down kermesse course, and most would agree it was a little easier with a tailwind up Glenview Road – easier, but still tough.


Newsletter – 12 May 2018

Casey Fields, 5 May 2018 – Club Criterium Championships

Last Saturday’s 2018 Club Criterium Championships at Casey Fields attracted 62 riders, including a big field of 17 in Men 55–59. Conditions were kind – Casey kind of kind, with only a moderate wind. Well done to all who took part – to the winners and minor placegetters, and also to those from lower grades who might have known they were in for a pasting but took to the start line regardless. There are results, reports and photos in this week’s newsletter.


Newsletter – 5 May 2018

Enterprise Drive, 28 April 2018 – GSR

Only three races (A, C and E Grades) could be completed at Enterprise Drive on Saturday. A letter from Club President Adam Dymond deals with this, plus some changes on the committee and ideas for the future. There’s also a referee’s report from Mark Edwards, race reports from A and E Grades, and two reports from the Benghazi Open Handicap on Anzac Day.


Newsletter – 28 April 2018

Dunlop Road, 21 April 2018 – GSR

Just shy of 80 riders raced last Saturday at Dunlop Road for the last time this summer season, in great autumn conditions. Results and photos are inside, plus just a couple of race reports. (Thanks to photographers Alison and Susan, and race correspondents Jim and Peter.) This Saturday we return to the new hot-dog criterium circuit on Enterprise Drive, Rowville.


Newsletter – 21 April 2018

60 km handicap, Garfield, 14 April 2018

The early call to cancel last Saturday’s handicap at Garfield on the strength of the weather forecast was well justified by the wild conditions that swept across the state on Saturday afternoon. It’s looking better for this Saturday at Dunlop Road – fingers crossed! There’s an Easter’s tale and details of exclusive member deals on new bikes inside.


Newsletter – 14 April 2018

Dave Ryan Memorial, National Boulevard, 8 April 2018 – GSR

Last Sunday 47 Eastern riders fronted up at National Boulevard for the annual Dave Ryan Memorial match-up between Eastern and Northern Vets. This year, for the first time, Eastern’s name will be on the trophy. Well done to all who took part, and big thanks to Northern for hosting the event. Results and more details in this week’s newsletter. Entry fees were donated to the John Logan Foundation, which supported Dave in his fight with pancreatic cancer.


Newsletter – 7 April 2018

Casey Fields, 31 March 2018 – GSR

The Easter long weekend saw a round of graded scratch races at Casey Fields and plenty of action for Eastern members at the AVCC National Championships at Maryborough. Tuesday night racing at METEC is over for another season, but Wednesday morning crits at the Loop, off the Boulevard in Kew, go all year. Results and a report from Peter Gray at Casey are inside.


Newsletter – 31 March 2018

Newham, 24 March 2018, VVCC Open

Continuing something of a run of bad luck with the weather, last Saturday’s VVCC Open 60 km handicap at Newham had to be called off. With rain soaking the course, the tough call was made in the interests of rider safety. Entry fees will be refunded less a $5 administration fee. The race has been rescheduled to Seymour on Saturday 23 June, and more information will follow in due course.


Newsletter – 24th March 2018

Dunlop Rd, 17th March 2018 – GSR

It was hot and windy last Saturday at Dunlop Road. Sixty-three riders were undeterred, and a few remembered enough of what happened to file race reports. You’ll find them inside, along with the week’s results from all three venues. The Croydon Cycleworks Summer Twilight Crit Series finishes up next Tuesday. The battle is on for series aggregate glory,


Newsletter – 17th March 2018

Casey Fields, 10th March 2018 – GSR

Last Saturday was a warm one at Casey Fields. Things are hotting up at METEC, too, as the Croydon Cycleworks Summer Twilight Crit Series nears the pointy end. Results from all venues are inside. Just a couple of race reports this week, but there’s also a selection of cracking photos Pete Morris took at the Loop on Wednesday. Pete will leave them, and many more, up for a few weeks on Dropbox via  https://tinyurl.com/y8yn6bjj.


Newsletter – 10th March 2018

Enterprise Drive, 3rd March 2018 – GSR

The new hot-dog criterium circuit on Enterprise Drive, Rowville, made for a different style of racing on Saturday. It seems most grades were well broken apart by the short, fast and technical course – but many people seem to have enjoyed it! Nice work from Colin Mortley and the race committee. There’s a good selection of race reports inside this week’s newsletter.


Newsletter – 3rd March 2018

Loop, Yarra Boulevard, 24th February 2018 – GSR

Unfortunately the weather gods appear to be against us racing at the Loop with the second of three races at the venue cancelled.  At there’s good coffee and pleasant surrounds within a stone’s throw.  Not a lot of reports but results and flyer for a fund raising ‘pedlathon’ inside.


Newsletter – 24th February 2018

Dunlop Road, 17th February 2018 – GSR

Last Saturday we raced at Dunlop Road. Numbers were up, but there must have been some race report fatigue after the previous week’s bumper issue, and no reports were forthcoming. Results are inside, as are results from METEC (Tuesday) and the Loop (Wednesday).


Newsletter – 17th February 2018

Garfield, 10th February 2018 – Handicap

To judge by the reports, last Saturday’s handicap at Garfield will go down in club lore as a tough one after a seriously strong wind sprang up during the race. They say that’s when the tough get going, but being tough won’t stop you being blown off the road, and that’s the kind of race it was. Well done to all those who made it to the finish. Phil Smith rode scratch off his wheel to record fastest time, while Darren Woolhouse (off 8 minutes) was first across the line. There’s a crop of race reports, including Phil’s and Darren’s, with some epic tales inside. If you’re up for a laugh, Mark Edwards has put together a race report with a difference.


Newsletter – 10th February 2018

Loop, Yarra Boulevard, 3rd February 2018 – GSR

Well (in Jim Swainston’s words) it finally came to pass that we had a Saturday gallop at the Loop. The sky did not fall in, and by all accounts it was a good afternoon’s racing.
Thanks to those who contributed race reports this week (without prompting). You’ll find them inside, along with results from all three of the past week’s fixtures.


Newsletter – 3rd February 2018

Casey Fields, 27th January 2018 – GSR (with intermediate sprint)

There’s an assortment of results and race reports in this week’s newsletter – playing catch-up after the Editor’s summer break. There have been two Saturdays at Casey Fields, plus several Tuesday evenings at METEC and Wednesday mornings at the Loop in Kew, and most results from all venues are inside.


Newsletter – 13th January 2018

Casey Fields, 6th January 2018 – GSR

A fairly small contingent roused themselves to get to Casey early to beat the heat.  By all accounts even the wind was out early and it was a tough morning in Cranbourne.  This week’s newsletter contains reports that top-n-tail the races and the usual other news.


Newsletter – 23rd December 2017

Casey Fields, 16th December 2017 – Christmas Handicap

The final race of the year was an exciting chase with a-grade fading slower than the lower grades and eventually running them down late on the last lap.  Reports on how it all unfolded in this week’s newsletter.


Newsletter – 16th December 2017

Casey Fields, 9th December 2017 – GSR

The wind failed to disappoint, the club wisdom to shorten the lap met with mixed emotions; less time into the wind but a shorter race (? ed.).  Interesting racing across all grades, the brave rewarded in some races, the brave destined to be chased down and relegated to the also rans in others.  A full set of reports to enlighten y’all on the way each grade’s race unfolded.  Enjoy.


Newsletter – 9th December 2017

National Boulevard, 23rd December 2017 – Dave Ryan – interclub GSR

Unfortunately no racing this week due to forecast extreme weather but results from mid-week and an article on club member Rod Goodes – 87 years old and still turning the pedals competitively.


Newsletter – 2nd December 2017

Garfield, 25th November 2017 – GSR

A new venue to venture to, no further than Casey Fields for most, pan flat and not quite so windy.  It was a small contingent that made the journey in the heat of last Saturday to the start where some solid racing ensued and efforts rewarded – Phil Smith winning a-grade in a solo breakaway, b-grade coming down to a two rider battle for the big money, c-grade wasn’t unsurprisingly decided in a bunch kick as were the d & e-grade races albeit after a bit of attrition out on the road.  A couple of reports in this week’s edition to fill in the finer details of the B & D grade races.


Newsletter – 25th November 2017

Dunlop Road, 18th November 2017

Back at Dunlop road after a bit of a break and its popularity has not waned over the winter.  The numbers weren’t at record levels but they were the best we’ve seen at a race for a long time, the bigger fields making for some great racing across all grades.  Despite the numbers present there’s only reports from either end of the spectrum.


Newsletter – 18th November 2017

Casey Fields, 11th November 2017, GSR

Back to back at Casey Fields this week, a later start being the point of difference from the norm.  This didn’t deter the intensity of the racing with some strong performances across the full compliment of grades.


Newsletter – 11th November 2017

Casey Fields, 4th November 2017 – GSR

Well, the whole running in reverse didn’t work out too well the wind was still a factor, a-grade slowly disintegrated, b-grade mainly held it together, c-grade did hold it together for a bunch sprint, d and e grades fought battles of their own and the small crew in f-grade made the most of each other’s company to get through the hour before slogging it out on the last lap.  Read the reports in this week’s newsletter.


Newsletter 4th November 2017

Thornton, 28th October 2017 – Royce Bennett memorial handicap

With little wind and a flat circuit limit looked good on paper and at the half-way point limit looked good.  Check out the reports in the newsletter to see just how good limit looked.

 


Newsletter 28th October 2017

Jindivick, 21st October 2018 – Club Road Championships

It was cloudy and cool but fine, apart from the odd drop, at Jindivick last Saturday for the 2017 Club Road Championships. It might have appeared from the low numbers on the start line that many of Saturday’s races were decided already. This is a perennial factor in an age-based fixture, but it always seems a shame. Congratulations to all who did race, and especially to those who may have turned up despite having low expectations of getting among the medals. All did themselves proud, and the standard of the racing was high.


Newsletter 21st October 2017

Arthurs Creek, 14th October 2017 – GSR

Arthurs Creek turned on a cracking day for racing – sunny, mild and barely a wisp of wind to speak of.  Forty-two riders spread over five grades meant there was no hiding at the edges and scope for race plan development in the middle grades.  This week’s newsletter has reports from most grades with accompanying images courtesy of John Williams, multiple reports from a few providing different perspectives.


Newsletter 14th October 2017

Casey Fields, 7th October 2017 – GSR

For a change the wind does not feature in this week’s reports – well not a lot. Check out how the top and tail of the races went with multiple reports from both a & f grades and an entertaining insight into the b-grade proceedings.


Newsletter 7th October 2017

METEC, 30th September 2017 – GSR

Back at METEC for the first time in a while, an early start to integrate the inaugural Get into Road Racing initiative and allowing members to catch the Grand Final saw a reasonable turnout across most grades, reports and results in this week’s newsletter


Newsletter 30th September 2017

Thornton, 23rd September 2017 – Orger Engines Team Time Trial

Yet again east of the ranges proved more pleasant than around town, there was minimal wind and short sleeves and sunscreen were the order of the day.  Twelve teams, 45 riders made up the day’s proceedings and with some impressive machinery there were some impressive efforts.  Read some of the tales from the day in this week’s newsletter, also in the newsletter a brief rundown from Amy’s Fondo.


Newsletter 23rd September 2017

Gruyere, 16th September 2017 – GSR

Numbers were down somewhat at Gruyere last Saturday but the weather was kind and the racing was as willing as ever. Reports are inside this week’s newsletter.


Newsletter 16th September 2017

Thornton, 9th September 2017 – Rob Graham memorial / Club Championship ITT

Again the north-east did not disappoint; dry, windless and not cold – ideal conditions for the race of truth (or the handicapper’s version thereof).  Reports from Thornton and the World Championships in France along with a profile of Roy Clark in this week’s newsletter.

 


Newsletter 9th September 2017

Casey Fields, 2nd September 2017 – GSR

Back at Casey this week, but for regular club scratch races.  It was Casey, there were no surprises – it was windy.  And despite the conditions, and a small turnout, there was interesting and hard racing across all grades.  This week’s newsletter provides insights into most, check them out.


Newsletter 2nd September 2017

Casey Fields, 26th August 2017 – State Criterium Championships

Last Saturday, Eastern Cycling Club hosted the VVCC State Criterium Championships at Casey Fields.  Well done to all those who competed and thanks to those who helped out on the day in a variety of capacities. Results, photos and a race report from ‘cleanskin’ Jim Swainston are inside.


Newsletter 26th August 2017

Gruyere, 19th August 2017 – GSR

Racing at Gruyere on Saturday began with a minute’s silence and then a neutral lap in honour of Paul Semmens. As reported last week, Paul died after an accident while racing at the Victorian Masters Road Race Championships the previous Sunday. A good contingent of Eastern members attended his funeral last Friday. Adam Dymond has more to say about this in this week’s newsletter. It was cold and showery when we arrived at Gruyere, but conditions improved as the afternoon wore on. There’s a crop of reports inside.


Newsletter 19th August 2017

Jindivick, 12th August 2017 – GSR

A new circuit, by all accounts tough but good – reports from A through D all praise the circuit and paint a picture of the day’s proceedings.  Most grades finishing as a strung out reduced group with B-grade the closest, ending in a four way sort-of-sprint.


Newsletter 12th August 2017

Casey Fields, 5th August 2017 – GSR

Not so windy, a few more starters, still races of attrition.  The shortened circuit meant less time into the wind but many still found it an hour too far, read the accounts of the survivors in this week’s newsletter.


Newsletter 5th August 2017

Casey Fields, 29th July 2017 – GSR

This week Casey outdid itself.  A committed one-and-a-half score braved the conditions for some hard racing made more interesting with the addition of a couple of sheep who slipped through the fence mid-race.  Reports from three grades and some great images from Mark Edwards pretty much sum up the day – enjoy.


Newsletter 29th July 2017

Yarra Glen, 22nd July 2017 – Tour de Metro race 4.

Big day last Saturday. You all know why – Eastern won the day and clinched the Tour de Metro series on a wild and woolly afternoon in Yarra Glen – but there are race reports and a letter from Adam inside to help you relive the glory.

Saturday night was Awards Night at the Kilsyth Club. Again, there are more details inside, but let me share a favourite moment or two. No, not hearing of Nic Skewes’s amazing fortitude in continuing the Indian Pacific Wheel Race despite horrendous saddle sores – though that topped the chart for ‘Ick!’ factor. It was great to see Juanita Stumbles awarded Life Membership, and Nigel Kimber made the inaugural Club Member of the Year. And I will remember for a long time special guest Steve Fairless’s conversation with Guy Green, including these gems on diet and nutrition: ‘If the body called for half a dozen potato cakes, the body got half a dozen potato cakes,’ and ‘I’ve raced as well on jam doughnuts as anything else.’ What a legend! No, seriously, what a legend, and what tales Steve had to tell from a lifetime of hard, hard bike racing.

 


Newsletter 22nd July 2017

Arthurs Creek, 15th July 2017 – Tour de Metro race 3.

Northern came out swinging in Round 3 at Arthurs Creek and reduced Eastern’s lead in the four-race series to just 16 points – 274 to 258 – with one round remaining. The series result rests on a knife edge. In all grades, and in C and D in particular, we need to make a big effort this week at Yarra Glen to fulfil the promise of our great start at National Boulevard three weeks ago. That said, there was some fine riding at Arthurs Creek, as the reports inside confirm. (Yes, there is a frog story.)


Newsletter 15th July 2017

National Boulevard, 9th July 2017 – Tour de Metro race 2.

Round 2 of the Tour de Metro again saw a good turnout by Eastern, again outnumbering the Northerners with a result to match.  Reports from most grades show how the races unfolded, some to plan, some off script.


Newsletter 8th July 2017

National Boulevard, 2nd July 2017 – Tour de Metro, race 1.

It may have been cold, there may have been ice on the path but that didn’t stop the hardy Easterners from making the trek across town to take on and take down Northern Cycling in the first of the mid-winter four-race series known as the Tour de Metro.  Couple of reports on how things unfolded in this week’s newsletter plus a bonus from last week.


Newsletter 1st July 2017

Gruyere, 24th June 2017 – Toy Bricks Toughen Up series – race 4

A good turn up for a fine but chilly winter’s day at, what would have to be rated as, our toughest road circuit.  Some good reports out of the racings as well, read all about it and ancillary information in this week’s newsletter.


Newsletter 24th June 2017

Yarra Glen , 17th June 2017 – Toy Bricks Toughen Up series – race 3

Welcome to the winter solstice issue. Riders all, rejoice, because from here the days get longer again!

The Toy Bricks Toughen Up Series has reached the pointy end. Last week’s round of graded scratch races at Yarra Glen set it all up for an epic finale at Gruyere this week. Kevin Mills and J.C. Wilson have increased their gap to the chasers in the Men’s series, with Rob Giles in hot pursuit and five other riders an outside chance for a podium place. In the Women’s, Kym Petersen is poised – but not quite a certainty – to take top spot, and after that it’s all up for grabs with a well-toughened Dale Maizels a late contender behind Juanita Cadd, Paula McGovern and Susan Williams. Gruyere will decide all.

Check the newsletter for how things unfolded at Yarra Glen.


Newsletter 17th June 2017

Seymour, 10th June 2017 – ITT

Seymour turned it on for our second visit this winter season and a good turnout enjoyed the race of truth in almost ideal cycling conditions – no speed limits were exceeded this time round but there were some good times both done and had.  Read a few takes on the format and the struggle in this week’s newsletter.


Newsletter 10th June 2017

Casey Fields, 3rd June 2017 – GSR

We raced in great conditions at Casey Fields last Saturday. Numbers were well spread across the grades, with the same number in A, D and E, and the day’s biggest bunch in B Grade. See inside for results and race reports.


Newsletter 3rd June 2017

Gruyere, 27th May 2017 – Toy Bricks Toughen Up series race 2.

Race two of the Toy Bricks toughen up series saw some reasonable numbers in the higher grades which in turn brought some good racing and some good reports for your perusal.  Conditions were, except for the headwind down Cahilton Road, good for racing and favoured the brave with small to medium breakaways making the racing interesting.


Newsletter 27th May 2017

Yarra Glen, 20th May – Toy Bricks toughen up series race 1.

Round 1 of the Toy Bricks Toughen Up Series, sponsored by Dean Niclasen, took place in great conditions at Yarra Glen last Saturday. Fortune favoured the brave, though the usual headwind up Glenview Road had other ideas. Reports are inside.


Newsletter 20th May 2017

Seymour, 13th May 2017 – Athletic Soft Tissue handicap.

Last Saturday’s Athletic Soft Tissue Therapy Handicap at Seymour was sponsored for the 12th year by David McCormack. Big thanks, David! The top 10 was completely dominated by riders from the 16 and 19 minute groups ahead of scratch. Nick Nomikos from Northern – one of a number of visitors from other clubs – took the big prize, and scratch rider Phil Cavaleri edged out another Northerner, Iain Clark, to record fastest time.


Newsletter 13th May 2017

Casey Fields, 6th May 2017 – No race

Last Saturday’s rain arrived at Casey Fields about half an hour before the scheduled start, drenched the track and set in. The racing never did start, though the barbecue fared slightly better. John Williams must have read the forecast and headed north over the Divide for a weekend of racing hosted by Hume and Goulburn Valley Vets. Read his report inside.

 


Newsletter 6th May 2017

Dunlop Road, 29th April 2017 – GSR

Last Saturday’s racing at Dunlop Road brought out the crowds, including many who ‘rolled around’ for a second ride. There are race reports and some photos inside as well as results and assorted other goodies, including a good cause.


Newsletter 29th April 2017

Casey Fields, 22nd April 2017 – Club Criterium Championships

The Club Criterium Championships at Casey Fields last Saturday were well attended and hard fought. Look inside for a great bunch of race reports, plus one from Nigel Kimber at the World Masters Games in Auckland. Congratulations to all the weekend’s winners.


Newsletter 22nd April 2017

Yarra Glen, 15th April 2017 – GSR

Reports a plenty from Yarra Glen and from our members who attended and succeeded the Australian Championships in Maryborough.


Newsletter 15th April 2017

METEC, 8th April 2017 – GSR

The rain wasn’t due till later in the night but the building clouds threatened early in the afternoon – fortunately the weather held till all were either home or well on their way.  With the rain holding there was some strong racing, read the reports from the day in the newsletter.

Mark Edwards had his camera at METEC on the day and it has a pretty good lens because it took some great images, check them out


Newsletter 8th April 2017

Casey Fields, 1st April 2017 – GSR

Pleasant conditions and a BBQ brought out a few to race despite the Casey wind, reports from most grades are supplemented with stories from Anna Davis on her hour record attempt and Nic Skewes on saddle sores and Fixomull tape.


Newsletter 1st April 2017

Newham, 25th March 2017 – VVCC Open handicap

Last Saturday’s VVCC Open at Newham enjoyed great conditions. The top 10 was dominated by the strong groups off 6 minutes and 4:30, including handicap winner Richard Abel.  Results and reports, including one from Richard, are inside, also wrap of Tuesday night racing, Anna’s record and a letter from your new president.

 


Newsletter 25th March 2017

Dunlop Road, 18th March 2017 – GSR

Clear skies, cool air and little wind saw numbers at Dunlop Road back to 2012 levels and the racing was solid with big fields in the upper four grades and enough in e and f-grades to make for good competitive tactical racing.  Unfortunately this week’s newsletter is a bit light on for reports but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in related suffering – enjoy.


Newsletter 18th March 2017

METEC, 11the march 2017 – GSR

For a long weekend it was a good turnout and against the Three Peaks the numbers in A and B grades were a little better than anticipated.  Reports from the more populated grades and an insight into the exploits of the Wednesday warriors are in this weeks newsletter – enjoy.


Newsletter 11th March 2017

Casey Fields, 4th March 2017 – GSR

Benign conditions at Casey Fields favored the break-away or did it, fortunately quite a few riders had enough energy post-race to put pen to parchment and let us know how it really went, read the reports and re-live a calm day at the notorious wind-pan that is Casey Fields.


Newsletter 4th March 2017

Yarra Glen, 25th February 2017 – GSR

Yarra Glen, and a return to the hills, made not just for a change of scenery, but for a different style of racing and, in some grades, a changing of the guard at the front. The occasion clearly inspired some of us because, for the first time in a long time, we have a full house in this week’s newsletter – there is at least one race report from every grade inside.


Newsletter 25th February 2017

Dunlop Road, 18th February 2017 – GSR

There may have been the threat of precipitation and the back straight may have been busy with bargain-hunters and redemption-seekers but that didn’t curtail a good turn out for a good afternoon’s racing.  Reports from most grades in this week’s newsletter and an epic on the Wellington to Auckland Cycle Challenge from John Williams – read on.


Newsletter 18th February 2017

Casey Fields, 11th February 2017

Mercifully, conditions were milder at Casey Fields last Saturday. To judge by the reports inside, the novel ‘short course’ inspired some bold racing.

Also inside is a must-read article from Dean Niclasen (pictured in action below) from last weekend’s Victorian Para-cycling State Championships. What Dean doesn’t say in his article is that he took 1st place in the C5 road race and individual time trial. Congratulations, Dean!

And towards the back you’ll find a nice pair of wheels that Alison Skene wishes to sell. News from John Williams at the Wellington to Auckland Cycle Challenge in New Zealand has been held over, but John reports that we have no idea what we are missing.


Newsletter 11th February 2017

Casey Fields, 4th February 2017

Tipping the limits of club policy it was a small and select group that took to the track for some hot laps, the conditions taking their toll on all in attendance including old Tom Cobley.  Despite the conditions (or because of them) the b-grade contingent were inspired to tell their tale – 4 reports from them and a couple more to whet your racing legs.


Newsletter 4th February 2017

Dunlop Road, 28th January 2017 – GSR

School’s back and so were the riders.  Some good racing at our favourite haunt, but despite the numbers only a couple of race reports for your enjoyment – read on.


Newsletter 28th January 2017

Casey Fields, 21st January 2017 – GSR

A change of venue due to road works at Gruyere found us at Casey Fields last Saturday. The numbers were down slightly due to those who headed west for the Tour Down Under. Those who fronted Casey enjoyed some great racing in near perfect conditions. Race reports in this week’s newsletter.


Newsletter 21st january 2017

Dunlop Road, 14th January 2017 – GSR

A fresh and buffeting wind greeted competitors at Dunlop Rd last week. A sprinkle of rain prior to the race did not bode well, however the clouds parted and some great racing was enjoyed. See below for race reports, followed by some Buninyong action.

 


Newsletter 14th January 2017

Casey Fields, 7th January 2017 – GSR

No racing this week due to high forecast temperatures but results from Tuesday and Wednesday and details of a bike bag looking for a home.


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