CHA CHA CHA TO MALLALA >>> Gawler Wheelers Group Ride Report: Saturday May 19th 2012
1. Gawler Wheelers-ROUTE11-Gawler-Two Wells-Mallala-Gawler-FLAT
http://www.bikemap.net/route/1273193
2. Gawler Wheelers-ROUTE24-Gawler-Templers-Hamley Bridge-Owen-Mallala-Gawler-UNDULATING
http://www.bikemap.net/route/1371195
No. of Riders : 34
TO JOIN GAWLER WHEELERS Group click >>http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/group/GawlerWheelers
*** TODAY's PHOTO GALLERY BELOW ***
Ride Summary
For this morning’s GW rides it was just a matter of Cha Cha Cha to Mallala. The rides were over two different routes over 110kms and 76kms in opposite direction and both crossing at Mallala.
Despite the cold morning and the threat of rain, 34 riders enjoyed today’s GW events. The weather was fine during the ride brief as riders made the final decision about which ride to participate in. At 7.30 with rain still threatening we said… “It’s Now or Never” and both groups set off on their rides.
The 76km group headed to Two Wells with just a little drizzle at the start for a couple of minutes. Whilst the road was wet we were blessed with calm conditions which meant speeds > 30kms on the first leg. Knowing the other group would take longer to get back we took an extended and welcome break at Two Wells. Then it was Cha Cha Cha to Mallala, a glorious 18km fast leg! Sub groups formed and the ride was made more pleasant with riders sharing the lead. Following our invasion of Mallala all that remained was the 28km leg back home and that was also great riding as we were aided with a tailwind and mostly dry conditions. An excellent ride for this group with average speeds over the 76kms of 26-30kms.
The 110km group headed off to Templars, Hamley Bridge, Owen and then Mallala. The group was mostly made up of our faster riders and a hot pace was set from the start. Keith experienced a flat early on and then had issues with the replacement tube. On the way to Hamley Bridge the group was riding at close to 40kph and just before the township Peter had a crash. In attempting to avoid clipping a rider’s wheel he hit the bitumen. In true Giro style he jumped back on his bike to successfully complete the ride. When the group got back home you could tell by the looks on their faces that they had just completed a fabulous ride…or to quote Alistair, when asked how the ride was, ..”bloody fantastic!”.
Wilson had the top average speed on the 110km ride at 32.5kph. 15 year old Carmen also deserves a special mention as he averaged 28kph over the 110kms. We have to also mention Scott McCann who rode all the way from Wingfield this morning, then did the 110km ride, then was riding home, then he was going to do a another group ride in the arvo to reach his goal of 300kms in one day. Mammoth effort Scott!
Despite the weather outlook both groups had splendid rides. Well done everyone! (Those who rode will post more detail about their experience).
Now, if there is anyone who would like to know how to CHA CHA CHA here is a little video of me in my younger days demonstrating the dance with a friend of mine. (Focus on the foot work).
NEXT WEEK: We go back to one group ride through the beautiful Barossa Valley. It’s a BEGINNERS HILL route and YOU are welcome to attend. Details will be posted on AC Events soon. Today’s photo gallery follows:
Scott (L) riding 300 kms today in total. Stefan on the right↓.
George with his brand new Fuji bike↓
Alistair and Colin ready for their 110km ride↓
Hughie doing some acrobatics before the ride↓
JB (Right) telling Wilson that his fingers are frozen↓
Peter forgot to bring his bike today (old age)↓
Wilson (L) presenting John with his TEC whistle↓
Peter and Janet doing the Cha Cha Cha at Two Wells↓
Lee at Two Wells asking Carl ....“do you want to dance?"↓
Some of the 76km crew at the Mallala regroup↓
Peter at Mallala …still dancing!↓
76km Group ready to leave Mallala↓
110km Group riding into Hamley Bridge↓
Carmen, Warren & Alistair riding into Hamley Bridge↓
110km Group rest break at Hamley Bridge↓
Peter just after his crash↓
..and a close up of the damage↓
Keith at Mallala…”can’t see a thing with these glasses”↓
Michael at Mallala….just loved his 110km ride↓
Brief history of Mallala↓
If you want a great song to dance the Cha Cha Cha to just listen to this video as you read the replies to this report. I think the guy on the trumpet is ex Crows player Nigel Smart. Personally I like the guy in the shorts :-)
Gawler Wheelers is all about comradeship, fun, fitness and chasing our dreams. Join the GW group on AC. Come on our rides. Contact details below. Until next week >> Cheers for now...Frank.
http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/group/GawlerWheelers
Next Gawler Wheelers Event Details (check the following links) :
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Frank (GW) on -
Next weeks Gawler Wheeler Event details have now been posted on AC Events. Wolud love to see you there!
http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/events/gawler-wheelers-route40-gawl...
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Permalink Reply by Lee Bakes on -
On a dark and dreary morning we gathered at Jaspers. There was talk of heavy rain in other areas of Adelaide. I felt a little flat and spent some time wondering if eating carbs for two nights before the ride was actually doing anything...
I was greeted by George as he rode in on his new steed. I marveled at his new machine and listened intently as he spoke about his new machine.
Before I knew it Wilson was reading the ride report. By this stage I felt a bit surreal and felt as though I was not ready. I watched as Wilson handed over the fabled TEC whistle to John, and before I knew it I soon heard a call of "rolling." I thought bugger, I am not really ready, but before long I was saddled up and rolling out. I spoke briefly to Janet, who said that she wasn't sure if she wanted to ride. I told her it was nonsense and she should go. It obviously worked!
I realized just up the road that I had not started my heart rate monitor, so I told Stefan (Today's TEC) that I was going to pull over, but to keep riding and I would catch up. I caught Stefan before the next intersection, just after the railway line.
At the first re-group at the start of the SOB I still felt a little flat, but was eager to get going and complete the ride. As we left the SOB I realized that Frank was just in front of me and that if I was lucky I might be able to stay on his wheel and have a bit of a rest on the way out to Two Wells. I soon passed Terry and Frank, but before too long they had caught me again, but this was a blessing as we rode together for the rest of the leg, with swapping of the lead taking place, with Frank saying "Stick together. Stick together. Good riding!"
With about 2km to go until Two Wells, I felt as though I was worn out. Frank realized and gave me his wheel, which helped no end.
I gulped down a gel and some liquids at Two Wells and before I knew it we were off again. Before long a sub group had formed again with Paul, Terry, Frank and myself sharing the lead of our smaller sub-group. Before long many others were in the group and were "hooking on." As we rolled into Mallala I still felt flat, but thought cha, cha, cha, I get to have a rest.
An extended stop at Mallala had me feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the final leg. The Staminade and energy bar undoubtedly helped. Before long we were off again, with a starting position similar to the Le mans 24 hour race back in the day.
Once again, Paul, Frank and I formed up in our small sub group and shared the lead on the final run. This is when the heavens opened! There had been smaller showers earlier in the ride, but now it looked serious! I briefly thought about stopping to remove my sunglasses, as I was finding it hard to see, but I thought that the rain would pass and I didn't need to read my Bryton for a few km.. Slowly but surely the rain stopped and I found I could read my Bryton again. I was glad that I hadn't stopped, as it meant that I could wheel suck from Paul and Frank, with Frank keeping a constant and keen eye on me.
Before long we had turned off towards Gawler from the Mallala road, catching another rider just before the turnoff, who had been dropped by the faster sub-group and slowed as he didn't want to ride alone.
As we got to Willaston, I thought that I would be dropped at the roundabout as I slowed. As I left the roundabout I found that I wasn't too far behind the others. I found a sudden burst of speed and passed all the others in our sub-group. As I traveled along the Sturt Higway, I saw my speedo nudge just over 44 km/h and glanced at my average speed. I had it in my mind that I wanted to maintain my average speed, so kept on at reasonable pace.
The others caught me at the roundabout just after the bridge and stayed with me. I said to Paul "reckon we can catch them" motioning to the other group ahead. Paul and I put on a small burst of speed, with Paul dropping me on the last hill towards Jaspers. Our efforts to catch the two riders ahead were thwarted by a car at a roundabout.
As I rolled into Jaspers I realized that I had just completed my longest GW ride. As I dismounted the bike I realized my legs were sore, but the pain was quickly removed when I realized that I had maintained my average at 27 km/h.
Thanks to Paul, Terry and Frank for giving me their respective wheels and making the ride so much more enjoyable. Thanks to Frank for his constant help and encouragement and finally thanks to Wilson and Frank for organizing such a fantastic ride.-It was an absolute cracker, with memories that will stay with me for some time yet.
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Permalink Reply by Juz on -
Fantastic effort Lee! (and great write up) It's such a good feeling to see yourself kick your own butt time and time again on the bike. I love that feeling! Well done on your longest GW ride and for maintaining such a good average.
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Permalink Reply by Lee Bakes on
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Thanks Juz. I feel even better now as I know I wasn't at my best today. Encouragement from others had a massive effect today!
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Permalink Reply by Juz on
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I'm sorely disappointed to have missed today's ride; I REALLY wanted to do the 110km route. Unfortunately, I'd been unwell all week and really didn't have the strength for this distance, although I was still determined to give it a shot, but when I woke at 5am to hear it bucketing rain, I knew I wasn't meant to ride. One more week to fully regain my strength and I'm seriously looking forward to getting out with you all again.
Of course not riding doesn't stop me from heading north to join you all for a coffee afterwards and it was great to see everyone so exhilarated by the rides today. That 76km ride used to be one of our longer rides and now it's the short option! Excellent work to you all.
See you all next week! I'm looking forward to that one - those roads will definitely throw a few challenges at us :-)
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Permalink Reply by Keith Davies on -
Top job with the report Frank.
Firstly thanks to Warren & Ian for helping out after the PF struck. Also thanks to Our TEC for the day John who stuck with me when for a period of time I just couldn't seem to get enough air into the lungs. A while latter I recovered and got on with the ride. Shortly after we came across Peter who had come off when avoiding another bike, hopefully the wounds heel quickly and a great effort completing the ride staying with the fast bunch. From about there on Curt and I worked together taking turns to lead then take the others wheel for the last 50 plus km's to get back to Jaspers, thanks Curt. Being a mostly flat ride there were no chances to take a rest so for me a pleasing ave of 28.8 kph for 110 K. A slow start turned into a great day.
Only downer for the day was to arrive back at Jaspers to the news of Wilson's Mum being in a car accident. Best wishes Wilson hope all is OK.
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Permalink Reply by George on -
Had a great ride today , at least it didn't rain to much, well done to Stefan for his TEC duties, nice report Frank and great story Lee, Hope to be out again soon , till then...
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Permalink Reply by Stefan Sosnowski on -
Thanks George.
After a five week hiatus from riding, it was great to get out there with you all again. I thought being TEC would mean a slightly easier ride to get back into it. How wrong was I. After stopping to help out with a puncture (I'm not sure who it was) we proceeded to catch up with everyone in Two Wells by riding at 30-35 kph. Thanks to everyone for a great ride!!
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Permalink Reply by Andrew M on -
Starting to miss GW now! Unwelcome layoff to fix knee problem - need rest and some physio. Cu all soonish!
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Permalink Reply by J.B. on -
Thanks for another great ride report Frank. Very enjoyable ride today. Not much wind, a bit of rain, great open country out towards Owen. Roads I had never ventured on before. Nice even pace at the front with the guys taking the lead when they felt they could. This is the longest ride I have done since last september. Gotta be happy with a 32.5 k average over that distance. I took too long putting my jelly beans away at the last rest stop near Roseworthy College and then had to do a quick step on the pedals for about 3 or 4 km's to catch the two Peter's, Michael and Wilson out front. Then I got a cramp on the mandatory sprint on the short rise towards the round-about near the end of the ride. All good fun and a very satisfying ride. The beer afterwards was also very satisfying. I hope the wounds heal quickly Peter.
Cheers All
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Permalink Reply by Michael Bland on -
It was raining when I woke up this morning but I thought I"d drive out to Gawler & make my decision to ride or not on arrival.After raining ,& dark clouds all the way there ,it had stopped at Jaspers so I was in ! Glad I did , I loved it ( couldn't tell by the snake eyes in my photo ;~} I did the "boogaloo" up front with Peter x 2 ,Wilson ,& J.B who all helped me to a 31.9 km/hr avg. . Believe it or not it was perfect riding conditions ,dead still & only a small spit ,, Wheely good ..
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