Ride Day Logisitics

[Kirk Barrett]

Hi All,

Well this time next week we should be in Dickson or thereabouts so it is probably a good time to finailise some of the ride day logistics.

We have record numbers riding this year. From 6 (see below) in 2011 when we rode to Yass we now have an on the road peloton of around 17.  We also rode self supported with no access to a support car for the first few years

With the larger group we will need to maintain good group riding awareness and etiquette. I'm assuming everyone has ridden in groups before and knows what I'm talking about. One key one that is added for this ride is "No one gets left behind". 

This year we have our main support car thanks to Steve Bowden and for the first time a second car that will driven by couple of the group who will be tag team riding/driving. This means there will be more space for gear and bike/rider carrying capacity should the unfortunate event of mechanicals arise again or anyone needs a break from riding. Steve B has already posted details of where to drop gear on Thursday evening and we can load/redistribute at Moss Vale station as required.

For those starting at Moss Vale we meet in the park between the clock tower and the railway station and are looking to be leave MV as close to 7am as possible so please aim to be there with enough time to get set up and of course take to obligatory snap in front of the clock tower. There is usually a coffee shop open across the road and the Wollongong starters are often found there kicking back with a hot brew.

Thanks to Dave Reynolds we have a Strava map of the route from MV you can review here http://www.strava.com/routes/12049559. There is also the option, if anyone wants it to shortcut, along the Hume to Goulburn from Marulan while the remainder loop south over the highest climb for the day and back up to Goulburn

The aim would be to be arriving in Dickson no later than just after 5pm as the sun sets not long after this. To achieve this we don't have to go crazy on the rode to but we will need to watch our stoppage time. Make sure you bring lights in your day pack just in case we are coming in later. 

Here are my suggestions for stops and stop durations:

• Wingello, (@30kms) 5 mintues for a comfort stop 
  
• Marulan Service Center, (@50kms) 10 minutes morning tea stop
  
• Goulburn - Greengrocer Cafe and Cyclery for lunch (@96kms), max 1 hour
  
• Gunning - Merino Cafe (145kms) for arvo tea - 30 minutes or a little more depending on how we are tracking
  
• Gundaroo - (@173kms) 10 minutes rest and refuel (Lise's protein balls anyone :-)
  

Of course there will be ad hoc stops along the way for nature breaks, regouping etc.

If you haven't already got accommodation sorted then a few of us will be staying at the Tall Trees in Dickson. It is within walking distance of the Dickson restaurant quarter where we usually go for dinner on the Friday night.

We will agree on a time to meet for dinner at the end of the ride. 

Return trip lifts - if you haven't got something sorted post back to list to see if anyone else has room.

Please add/check/update your details in the ride spreadsheet so that we have all the required information. Steve Bowden will copy of this in the main support car should we need it.

Finally just a short reminder this is not an officially organised event  associated with any club or entity. It is simply social ride and by participating you take full responsibility for yourself and your bike i.e. ALL RIDERS PARTICIPATE AT THEIR OWN RISK. If you are not already a member we would recommend you have membership in a bike association that includes personal accident and public liability insurance such as Bicycle NSW or Bicycle Network.

Looking forward to riding with you next Friday

Kirk.