TDU Challenge 2011
Looks like some early info is out about the TDU Challenge Ride for 2011...
http://www.tourdownunder.com.au/getinvolved/mutualcommunitychalleng...
Short at 135 km for the long course but there is a sting in the tail...Checker Hill. I think it is an 18% climb. Never done it myself but have heard that is tough.
Looks like there are some other climbs along the way. Finish is at Strath.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Chris Hutchinson on -
Yes ditto Mark - free loading on a paid cycling event to me is just wrong. Those that do need a reality check & may need to grasp an understanding of what it takes to put such events on. Sure ride those roads at your leisure on a different day....& spend your money on your lunch somewhere else....but to ride with others on a paid event to me is cheating.
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Permalink Reply by Dahondude on -
Chris, but we aren't suggesting freeloading. It cant be freeloading if we don't use any of the resources paid for by paid entrants (toilets at start, food and drink stops, mechanical assistance etc) and don't even ride the full distance, rather choosing to enjoy a nice lunch/beer at some scenic point along the route and then ride home (thus reducing the traffic jams leaving Strath). If I (and others) simply choose to ride along at the same time as the MCCT. What would be the end result if some cyclists chose to ride some or all of the route but not pay the entry fee? No charity misses out on much needed funds, no paid-up riders miss out on water, food, sunscreen, mechanical assistance. Myself and a number of others I know (or have read comments from on other cycling sites) simply had such an awful experience from the overall organisational side of things this year that we refuse to pay the SA Government a large chunk of money to get bugger all in terms of support. I am fully aware of the costs involved in running events such as this and would more than happily pay the $130 fee if: 1. I was GUARANTEED of getting a jersey that fits. 2. The jersey and rider pack was posted out several weeks in advance (having to pick it up on one of only 2 days in the week prior to the event is crazy). 3. The start provided suitable numbers of toilets, bag drop facilities, and an efficient registration process that you dont need to arrive 1.5-2hrs before the start), 4. Plentiful and well organised food and water stops were provided that efficiently got cyclists off the road and through the food/water zone before funnelling them back onto the road in a safe way. 5. The finish location was suitably set up and well enough signposted that I dont have to wander around looking for food/water/toilets in s state of dehydration/hypoglycaemia on an oval buried under wind blown rubbish
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Permalink Reply by David Bowler on -
I'll be happy to tackle the hills if I don't have to deal with a massive head/cross wind next year
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Permalink Reply by Michael Warner on -
I have mixed feelings about the TDU ride, which I've done a few times. It's a great idea, and hugely popular with tourists, but it's smack in the middle of our summer, so quite dangerous for many of the casual riders who front up - apart from the suffering on the day, I believe there have been some cases of permanent renal failure due to extreme dehydration.
Long winter rides may be miserably cold and wet, but I don't think serious hypothermia is very likely in our climate. I don't have an answer, though - fitness tests for all entrants? It'd cost a fortune.
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Permalink Reply by Dave Checker on -
Well this shall be the next goal in cycling. Just back on my bike after a serious accident. Have never ridden Checkers Hill, used to run up it for footy training many years ago and it should be noted that my surname just happens to be Checker. Living in Kersbrook for the first 40 years of my life you would wonder what excuse I have for not ever riding the Hill, well it is due to the fact that cycling at this level has only taken place for me over the last 3-4 years and I no lonegr live that close. Well good luck to all that accept the challenge.
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Permalink Reply by Smudge on -
Ha, mate of mine at work was saying his footy coach at Kersbrook used to have them running up that hill too!
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Permalink Reply by Ashleigh Moore on -
As always Cancer Voices SA will be entering teams in all community rides including the TDU Challenge and Ride Like Crazy (we appreciated that professional support all the way on RLC) - raising awareness around cancer and fitness. I reckon we will be the biggest this year in TDU as membership is already at 150. Mark you are doing a great job in promotions and people love those jerseys - with our LIVESTRONG connection.
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Permalink Reply by Ian Clifford on -
On the way home from work I drove up to see for myself what all the buzz was about. 'WOW' that is going to be a challenge to get up, even without hundreds of others trying at the same time.
As someone that is new to cycling I have only recently begun riding in the hills and I have plenty of training before an attempt is made on Checkers. Time to pull on the arm warmers and check out some scenery.
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Permalink Reply by RD6 on -
anyone got any photos' - I have googled on checkers hill - its not what I wanted - I like to see it from vertical angle , looking straight at it
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Permalink Reply by Rob W on -
If you zoom in and use street view, the angle of the trees give a pretty good indication. Either way should be a lot of fun, or a long walk :)
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Permalink Reply by jd15671 on -
Guy's its a hill when all said and done,
I for one aint no mountain goat as many who ride with me will testify I am usually huffing and puffing at the back but have done Checker Hill a few times and manage it not as fast as some but I get there as you all will with a bit of hill work, I will be riding it from Gawler on a 100k loop once I return from the old country all welcome to come along for a taster, I return on 1st July when i pick up the bike from the best mobile bike mech (velomobile).
feel free to msg me and come along for a slow pop at it!!! happy riding
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