Gully Grinders (NE Cyclists) Sunday Group Ride #18: GG to Chain of Ponds via Anstey's 17th June - Ride Report

It was wonderful to welcome so many new riders this morning. We were lucky with the weather and the first half of the ride was quite beautiful. The clouds threatened rain on the second half of the ride, from Chain of Ponds back to the bakery, but took pity on us and didn't open up until we were safely tucked-up inside enjoying some warm beverages. We all safely navigated Torrens Hill Rd, and it was a good test of bike handling skills. Although it must be said we did it the easy way, with a large group of cyclists slugging it up the climb on the other side of the road. It was stunning around Gorge Rd, with the babbling creek running along the side of the road - a really pretty area that I'm glad that I've ridden on a bike to fully appreciate it.

Re-grouping at the bottom of Anstey's

Regrouping at the bottom of Anstey's

Regrouping at the top of Anstey's

Back in the warm and dry bakery.

John and Terry!

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Permalink Reply by Don Plush on June 17, 2012 at 22:05

When are the Gully Grinders going to ride up Torrens Hill?

Permalink Reply by terry heney on June 17, 2012 at 22:19

WHAT THE  ???????? Torrens Hill  arrgggggggggg.. 

Permalink Reply by Pete Roberts on June 17, 2012 at 22:43

+1 

I'm up for that !

It would be a good route if we simply reversed todays ride ...

Permalink Reply by terry heney on June 17, 2012 at 22:51

Stop this lunacy .. geezzuuus you guys are freaks at hill climbing 

Permalink Reply by Pete Roberts on June 17, 2012 at 23:46

But clearly it can be done. We witnessed dozens of riders successfully making the assent today.

In fact, I have just checked Strava, and noticed that Roger (aka Lumpy old Dude) rode up Torrens Hill  in April this year !

Permalink Reply by terry heney on June 18, 2012 at 0:16

Pete.
I actually have been talking to a fella I know via Facebook and he has ridden up it several times.. The guy rides all over the place and just recently entered a 24hr event to see who could ride the most k's in that time.. He won that event..He said it's a tough one to crack and always finds that particular hill extremely hard and this is from a guy who often rides Corkscrew and Menglers.. Personally there be no way I would be attempting such a hill. Good luck having a go Pete.

Permalink Reply by Roger ... on June 18, 2012 at 20:09

Corkscrew Rd has a couple of flatter breaks but Torrens Hill is just a constant even dragging climb the whole way. I got up it without stopping first try but i was glad to get my breath back at the top. Kylie rode it and waited 5 minutes 20 metres from the end of the Strava section ... Spewing she was! I know for myself it would be easier now i know how far the hill goes 1st time up i didn't have any idea how long or high i going to be climbing. My opinion is it rates as a similar climb to Corkscrew. For value I think Wynn Vale Dr and Target Hill Rd right on our doorstep are not ridden enough.

For example why are we climbing the multilane highway to the bakery when we have 2 better climbs with a couple of km?

Permalink Reply by Mr. Mapei on June 18, 2012 at 10:47

I too climb Torrens Hill Road - but rarely.  Usually after the slog up Gorge Road past the Kangaroo Creek dam.  To put it in perspective - it is short, sharp and it stings. 

But I'm sure it can be done by the Gully Grinders - Andrew.

Permalink Reply by Gemma B on June 18, 2012 at 15:48

hmm... the initial gradient might be a bit beyond me, if I could start half-way up I might be alright going up Torrens Hill Rd  ('alright' meaning 'not falling over sideways from lack of forward momentum')  :-)

however fellas, take a look at this weeks upcoming ride - plenty of lumpy bits of various gradients for all! http://www.bikemap.net/route/1647395

Permalink Reply by john mills on June 18, 2012 at 21:26

I like the look of that route Gemma! Hopefully be able to join your group again this Sunday. Plenty of hills to test the heart and the legs. And give me a bit more practice with my huffing and puffing and grunting and phewing lol. I have been told that I need to learn how to do all this a little quieter. Hope the rain dries up by Sunday.

Hey Terry, its Gemma!!  Not Christene, not Emma!  Gemma  -   G   e   m   m   a   lol.

And you are Terra - short for Terrable. ( Wasn't that from a movie? - You're Terrable, Terry! )

Permalink Reply by Pete Roberts on June 18, 2012 at 21:28

LOL 

Nice one Cyril :0

Permalink Reply by terry heney on June 18, 2012 at 21:47

Hey what ???? oh dear Gemma sorry sorry bout that :) Thanks John :) you bugga.. yer your too noisy up hills John I almost need to bring ear muffs on next hill ride.. :)  

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