This edition contains lots of reading thanks to the generous submission of reports from Not the Alpine Classic and Esk by Night rides. Many thanks to the authors, I enjoy reading your recollections very much.
We collectively covered a lot of gravel kilometres last year, I’ve found some gravel articles to give you food for thought and hopefully some inspiration for this year.
There’s a further shameless plug to encourage you to get your Oppy plans squared away now and a reminder the Qld AGM is on February 24 and will be preceded by a gentle 50km ride. Details in the upcoming events below.
As always if you have anything you would like to see or something to share, send it here: audaxqld@gmail.com.
Truckie Geoffrey Sleba convicted over death of cyclist Martin Pearson
After an extended investigation, a conviction has been recorded against the driver of the vehicle which collided with Martin on Anzac Day 2014, and who then failed to remain at the scene. While this won’t bring Martin back, the police are to be commended for the thorough investigation and the outcome.
Fleche Opperman (The Oppy) Saturday 24th March 2018
A reminder regarding the Oppy for 2018. If you are contemplating participating in the event, get in touch with the coordinators here: AudaxQld@gmail.com.
If you need to register, Mark has helpfully documented the process here.
If you are seeking inspiration, consider this book.
If you are after some instant gratification, then have a read of this. And then sign up.
Tour Aotearoa News
Tour Aotearoa is one of the world’s great bikepacking trips: stretching 3,000km from Cape Reinga to Bluff it follows a combination of cycle trails, tracks, paths and lanes connected by the most enjoyable country roads available.
Wishing David Taylor tailwinds and no punctures as he travels from one end of New Zealand to the other.
Click here to follow his progress.
Book Review
Rise of Superman – Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance by Steven Kotler
Leonie Lucas offers insight into Kotler’s views on human performance.
Riding the road less traveled – gravel for beginners
Gravel is fun I’m told and not too scary for a road bike in small doses. But there are some things the aspiring gravel rider should know.
From The Climbing Cyclist, April 2015.
If you’re new to road cycling and/or have tended to stick to sealed surfaces on your road bike so far, taking that first pedal revolution on the dirt can be a nerve-wracking experience. But it doesn’t need to be. Here’s what you need to know about riding your road bike on the dirt and why you should give it a go.
Hints and clues from Gravel Cyclist. These guys are pretty serious about their dirty fun, but well worth a look anyway.
Ride Reports
Many thanks for the reports. It’s almost as good as being there.
Hills, views, long descents and more hills. Beth Darkwillow and Mark Riley recount their Not the Alpine Classic experiences.
No, it’s not the Alpine Classic as we know it
It’s not the Alpine Classic as we know it, but I feel fine…I had ridden down it once before but never up! Avg a round 9kmph with Sound of Musics “High on a Hill was a Lonely Goat” going round in my head (don’t ask it’s just how I climb) I made it to the top without stopping and made straight for the fudge shop for a coke and icecream.
The 2017 edition of Esk at Night was insanely hot. This year, not so much. David Booth, Peter Jenkins and David Foster share their Esk-cellent adventures.
I left Esk slightly behind the bunch but experience has shown that some would dash off immediately, whilst the group would split due to their fitness, the terrain or their disinclination to get even wetter.
Having ridden the 100km version in last year’s 38 degree heat I had made up my mind to ride the 200 this year to appreciate the second 100km’s in the relative cool of the evening.
Things rarely turn out the way one plans, and thus it was this time.
Prior to this year’s event my wife expressed her concern regarding the conditions. She thought that the drizzle and reduced visibility would create a hazard to us all. I mollified her a bit by saying that I intended to place myself in the middle of the bunch for protection but then shot myself in the foot by mentioning…