REMEMBERING 100 YEARS AGO >>> Gawler Wheelers Group Ride Report: Saturday 14th April 2012
Gawler Wheelers-ROUTE04-Gawler-Freeling-Templers-Wasleys-Gawler-UNDULATING
http://www.bikemap.net/route/942117
Gawler Wheelers-ROUTE23-Gawler-Freeling-Kapunda-Tarlee-Templers-Wasleys-Gawler-HILLS
http://www.bikemap.net/route/1371194
No. of Riders : 53
TO JOIN GAWLER WHEELERS Group click >>http://www.adelaidecyclists.com/group/GawlerWheelers
*** TODAY's PHOTO GALLERY BELOW ***
Ride Summary
One hundred years ago today at 11.40pm the Titanic, on her maiden voyage, struck an iceberg and a few hours later sunk with great loss of life. To mark the anniversary the Gawler Wheelers today held our first ‘titanic’ group ride over 100 kms.
Newbies Tony and Mark were amongst the 53 to ride with us today. Mark has been in Australia for 4 years. When asked why he left South Africa he replied > “simple….crime. I saw on the news one night a story about a cyclist who was shot dead by a thief who stole his bike. I knew then that it was time to leave the country….you can’t ride like this in South Africa.”
The group of 53 rode together for the first 23 kms to Freeling. A gentle incline coupled with a cheeky little headwind made this leg hard work and everyone was glad to arrive in Freeling for our first re-group stop.
In Freeling the large group split. 38 riders elected to undertake the shorter 60km ride. The hard leg was behind us as we merrily headed off the Wasleys sitting on 30km+ ave speed. We met a couple of friendly bikies at Wasleys who told us they might join us one week!..(see photo). The 20km leg back to Gawler was pure joy….we had the tailwind now and speeds of 50kph were easily reached. on the home leg.
Meanwhile 15 of the group took off to complete the longer 110km route taking in Kapunda and Tarlee. Here is how Pete described that ride >>:
“The ride was a cyclists dream today. Just enough wind to keep us honest, and the average rider clocked back at Jaspers with a 30kph average for the day. There was only one major climb on the route, and it was the only section of the entire ride where we had a full head wind, but Craig and Matt didn't seem to notice either as they zoomed out of sight going UP! We found a lovely shady spot at Tarlee to rest our bones for a half hour break before we set off, this time with the wind on our backs all the way home.” Well done to the 110km guys…great effort!
All the riders made it safely back to Jaspers Café after what were two most pleasant GW rides. Amongst the coffees, lattes and beers we also distributed the second GW Team Kit order, as well as pre-viewing the proposed GW Bib Nicks that we will be ordering soon. WOW….what a great morning!!
NEXT WEEK: We revert to one big group ride. It’s an undulating route through the fabulous Barossa Valley and up to the Warren Reservoir. Details will be posted on AC Events soon. Of course YOU are welcome to attend. Today’s photo gallery follows:
Newbie Mark arrives for his first Gawler Wheelers ride↓
Brett is playing soccer tomorrow so taking good care of his legs today↓
Two of our younger guys ready to ride - Fabian and Brendan↓
Lot's of laughter and chat before the ride↓
Juz asked "should I put my base layer on?" Yes...we won't look↓
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...but you know Juz....the Papparazzi are everywhere (sorry)!↓
AC Sponsor Gary Mills from Star Cycles with Janet. Check out on the right the great special Gary has put up exclusively for AC Members↓
Kapunda Road re-group.....bikes and more bikes!↓
Lee taking a photo of me taking a photo of him! Damn papparazzi!↓
Re-group at our Freeling Headquarters↓
Pete at Freeling...meditating prior to the 110km ride?↓
The palm trees at Freeling ↓
John (L) and newbie Tony cycling into Freeling↓
Decision time at Freeling. Put your hand up if you want to do the 110kms↓
Made new bikie friends at Wasleys. (Permission obtained to publish)↓
Caroline at Wasleys > "YAH I'm not last!"↓
The flowers always make the GW rides more enjoyable↓
The Big Miner welcomed the 110km riders at Kapunda↓
110km riders arrive at Kapunda↓
The group looking for shade at Tarlee↓
Dale says at Tarlee "Do you like my shaved legs?" Of course Dale!↓
Matt and Peter: Done 90 kms...only 20kms to go now↓
Back home Megan Gale modelled our new bib knicks↓
Getting ready to distribute the team kit. Wilson is so so organised!↓
Juz and Richard start handing them out↓
Michael finally gets his Gawler Wheeler jersey↓
All these people stripping today!!! (Who is it?)↓
88 year old Lil (still cycling) joined us for a coffee. Recounted many stories of her younger days eg when at 65years of age she would ride 320kms in one day.↓
The 110km group start arriving back home. 12.45....great time!↓
16 year old Carmen: "YES!...110km accomplished...YIPPEE!"↓
Finally, we remember that tragic event 100 years ago↓
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)
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Lorraine C on -
I would also like to add a comment: ALL of the GW men are absolute Gentlemen and are a great bunch of fellas!
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Permalink Reply by Dave, Lewiston on -
Frank, after your new friends' Titanic loss to Carlton last night (yes, I saw the Collywobble banner - couldn't really miss it), I'm surprised they were so agreeable to a photo-shoot. I suppose it was better than the usual other shoot...
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Permalink Reply by Ian Hart on -
Well done to Carman for cracking the 110! Great effort. The shorter ride went well for me after a messed up week, but I think the headwind was a little more than cheeky, almost rude! Sorry to the guy who blew out behind me on the bridge just out of Gawler. I don't know what you hit but I hope it wasn't that rock I just missed. only saw it at the last second and at that speed there is just no time to signal.
Thanks to all for another great ride!!!
Remember: The Ark was built by amateurs, the Titanic by professionals!
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Permalink Reply by Keith Davies on -
Unlike the Titanic all the wheelers are still afloat after today's ride. Personally felt happy with 26.5 ave for the 110 no where near the top riders but ok for an old fart. Great to see the three young lads that also finished the full ride, great effort by all three. Already looking forward to next week.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Wetherley on -
Great ride today. I spent the trip into Freeling hiding at the back of the pack out of the wind. When we left for Wasleys found myself sheltered from the crosswinds funny that. We left Wasleys for the last leg to Galwer and I was feeling strong chatting to Juz as we left. Then it was a "Seeya in Galwer" and it was on with the tailwind and resting in the packs no stopping me. Started reeling in the riders in front and join the front group but only for 30sec or so. Then off we went to Galwer at 40km/h and just kept gaining speed until was rocketing along at 50km/h+. Kept the high speeds up all the way into Jaspers avg would have to be well over 40km/h. After we reached the Bypass I thought no one is going to come pass me now. Even if I have to sprint after all that time in front your not getting pass me.
Love to know what sort of speeds the other group got. Dale and co would have eaten that road up....
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Permalink Reply by Dale (rouleur) Riggs on -
I reckon the wind must have shifted before we traversed that stretch of road Michael, our speeds were no where near 50kmph, but it was a fast trip back to Jaspers.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Wetherley on
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Or maybe im just quicker lol
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Permalink Reply by Pete Roberts on -
+1
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Permalink Reply by Craig on -
+2. I think the only tail wind we got was for about 1-2 ks heading out of Tarlee.
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Permalink Reply by terry heney on -
I reached 50.4 at one stage along there... :) trying to chase Juz down lol
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