Sydney Spring Cycle

So am I going to be the first to post a post ride post?? He he.

I had a great day. OK so its not ideal out there. First it started raining, as we crossed the bridge to join up, ad the wind never really stopped all day. Second, my riding buddy had a flat at Pyrmont. Third and worst, going up past Five Dock park I slipped off the chain and well, looking, no doubt, like a complete nuffle, spun my pedals uselessly all the time slowing right down until I stalled and then slammed my right foot down over the top of the big chain ring, yes that's right 3 inch gash, those teeth are sharp. Fortunately hopefully accurately, the St John's guy said "you don't need stitches" so I could go on and complete, alebit 40mins stop time later. But hey I finished and I feel realy good that I did.

Cf Hitchy's post re Around the Bay in a Day. There werepeople riding things that once were bikes but everything that made them work properly had rusted away, and yes there were people with very nice expensive machines who had no idea of gearing and were making the most 🙄 mind bogglingly appalling noises with their chain and gears, as they ploughed up hills, and yes there were far too, too many who got to the tiniest little lumps (too small for hill) and went "Fark a hill!!" and stopped RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU, but...

A river of 10,000 or more bike riders stretching from the centre of town to the most densely populated part of this city took over the roads, with, for the most part good humour from people who think they own the road and generally keep it for themselves, and friendly, helpful, nice coppers took he day off booking people to guide us through the worst intersections and many more happy, waving and dancing volunteers made it just FUN to be out on a bike today. Kids, granny with baloons attached to their helmuts, people with dogs in trailers, people in angel wings and showercaps, an some sort of weird electrical teletubbies with white platics ties atached to their helmuts pointing up (WTF?) all of us rode over highways and past trees, swamps, canals and rivers, through parks and past gaols and through the olympic site - the mini challenge- what the hell?? -...

and we all love riding our bikes so much we went out on what started out as a pretty [censored] day and we all had a great time. (except for the poor [censored] the ambulance offiers were attending near the exit from Newington).

It wasn't perfect but I thought it was bloody good for a Sunday, can't wait for the gong ride now.

So Mikebytes, was that you in the jersey that said "Mikes Bikes" and who was very politely handing out advice to people who didn't pass properly and who always quietly said "overtaking' to the people you passed?🙂

46kgToDate said:

So Mikebytes, was that you in the jersey that said "Mikes Bikes" and who was very politely handing out advice to people who didn't pass properly and who always quietly said "overtaking' to the people you passed?🙂

Congratulations on your ride, sorry to hear about your impailing (we now have matching scars)

No it wasn't me, I didn't do the Spring Cycle, largely because I ride most of the roads all too often.

This is what I look like (scroll to bottom of thread for pictures)

46kgToDate said:

I had a great day. OK so its not ideal out there. First it started raining, as we crossed the bridge to join up, ad the wind never really stopped all day.

My first group ride experience. Nearly got cleaned up on the ride to the start - car turned in front of me from the centre lane - very lucky not to be hit. I was in the second group away about 7.10. Lots of gung-ho's trying to pass everyone in the first couple of kays. I just wanted to stay upright as it was quite slippery. Passed about 70 people going up the first hill onto the Bridge. In fact I seemed to always pass people going up hills.

That Underdal Lane is a killer. I was in a group of about 15 riders and only about 5 of us rode up, all the others walked. Saw my highest EVER heart rate (97% of max) up here. Must say overall it had more hills that I expected and I rode it much harder than expected - probably due to the excitement of punting along with the crowd.

My normal average HR for a ride is around 130-133 (I'm 48). For the Spring Ride I averaged 143 (83%) for the entire ride. Even though my 'standard' ride is 75km, I've never been more wasted after a ride than today. I need to get sensible and ride at my own pace and not try to keep up with all the hot shots.

I seemed to catch every red light as well - and always uphill. I agree about the wind - seemed to always be there. Had a few little chats with guys along the way and it seemed pretty friendly. I was a bit disappointed at the 'festival' at the end. I was expecting a lot more stalls and bike stuff. Free massage was nice though.

will definitely take it easier for the gong ride...

// kak

kakman said:

My first group ride experience. ...

That Underdal Lane is a killer. I was in a group of about 15 riders and only about 5 of us rode up, all the others walked...

I rode it much harder than expected

...Free massage was nice though.

will definitely take it easier for the gong ride...

// kak

My first group ride too, I found the wobblers very scary.

That little lane was easier when I went through because I rode the route on Saturday and knew what to expect plus I had about 40mins out, bleeding and being patched at Five Dock, so there were a lot less people when I went through it - still most did walk.

Missed the free massage that would have been nice.

So you must have had a fairly quick ride what was your time?

I'd love to get my heart rate monitor going I just need a slightly longer chest strap.

mikesbytes said:

Congratulations on your ride, sorry to hear about your impailing (we now have matching scars)

No it wasn't me, I didn't do the Spring Cycle, largely because I ride most of the roads all too often.

This is what I look like (scroll to bottom of thread for pictures)

Definately not you. You will be pleased to know you are much younger than the "Mike Bikes" I saw. Still whoever he was he was a very helpful chap...

46kgToDate said:

My first group ride too, I found the wobblers very scary.
So you must have had a fairly quick ride what was your time?

I don't know which worried me more, the wobblers or the hotshots.

I'd set myself a goal of 2 hours but missed by about 10 minutes. Traffic lights caught me a bit. In Bicentennial Park I felt something flick my leg and hit the ground so I spent a couple of minutes backtracking to see if something had dropped off the bike. For my age and ability, I think 2 hours would be a really good time for that course; 2.15 - 2.20 would be a lot more comfortable.

So what'd you guys do?

//k

Well done guys!

Yeah, the rain at the start was a bit of a damper for my first Spring Cycle ride. Stayed under cover at the corner pub until the official start before joining the masses. I was very glad that it all cleared by the time we got to Ultimo. The fact that there were traffic control and guides was really helpful and the only bad intersection in my book was that one traffic light crossing over the Western Distributor at Lilyfield. That funnel just after the turn caused a fall with a bit of skin loss on my knee. The rest of the ride was fantastic with sunnier weather. That Underdal Lane hill actually added good flavour to the ride, a bit of shocker when you first see it but fortunately it was short. Before one could think of pain, you are already at the top. I didn't notice the wind apart from a bit of it on the Harbour Bridge. And the one legged guy riding on a custom tricycle has to be commended as I think I had to pass him three times along the way starting from the first pass on the Harbour Bridge (I think he just didn't take any stops). The ride within the Olympic Park precinct was most pleasant and led to a wonderful finish and subsequent entertainment. 😄

Definitely will ride again next year!

On the ride home towards Balmain around 11:30, I noticed quite a few stragglers/families with kids on 16". I am amazed that they are taking such young kids on it. Some of the hills aren't easy for 6-8 years olds. :eek:

46kgToDate said:

Definately not you. You will be pleased to know you are much younger than the "Mike Bikes" I saw. Still whoever he was he was a very helpful chap...

Thanks for the compliment. [I'm actually 45]

I'm not sure that I'd do it again (then again - I probably will be talked into it)

If you saw the guy with the red trailer - that was me - Bib # 5.

The start was far better than last year as was the route around the city and Pyrmont. When we used the King Street exit to the Western Distributor, I thought (yippie), they've fixed the route . this will be great.

I agree that that zig-zag up to Victoria Road was a nightmare (we had a fuel tanker coming out with us) but, I can't really see much of a way around that one.

The climb up the back of Lilyfield Hill was great. Lots of space to pass the wobblers.

I was expecting the fall offs at Underdale Lane so I made sure I was in my own space and flew up around the walkers. However, they need a marshall directing the walkers off to the left.

Once in Olympic park was the start of the dramas. Partially due to poor route planning, partially due to the once a year riders being so clueless that you wonder how they remember to breathe.

In the park, there were several sharp turns followed immediately by steep inclines and at every one - I saw people fall off.

Idiots who stop dead up a hill without pulling off the path also caused several prangs that I saw.

On the extreme idiots front..

That guy who was splayed out on the path at Newington (I feel for the guy - but not the idiots supposedly taking care of hime until the ambulance arrived).

I was in a small bunch who were in the clear (no traffic in front). So, we were plodding along at about 27 or so. We round a bend to find this group of clowns blocking the path. As a result, we nearly ploughed into the poor guy.

a) If he were able to be moved, move him off the path so his injuries aren't compounded by another bike running over.

b) If he weren't able to be moved, place some people before the bend warning us to slow down. Rather than stand there like 12 or so stunned mullets, do something to remove any possible danger - don't actively encourage further injury by leaving the guy exposed there (while the mullets were tucked safely off to the side).

It wasn't as if it had just happened, as I passed an ambulance on its way not 30 secs later.

Can't blame that on the organisors I guess (except that the narrow paths there were probably never meant to cope with that level of traffic)

Good ride

the people in it make it dangerous.

SCotty

sogood said:

Well done guys!

Yeah, the rain at the start was a pain. Stayed under cover at the corner pub until the official start before joining the masses. I was very glad that it all cleared by the time we got to Ultimo. The fact that there's traffic control and guides was really great and the only bad intersection in my book was that one crossing over the Western Distributor at Lilyfield. That funnel just after the turn caused a fall with a bit of skin loss on my knee. The rest of the ride was fantastic with sunnier weather. I didn't notice the wind apart from that on the bridge. The ride within the Olympic Park precinct was most pleasant and led to a wonderful finish and subsequent entertainment. 😄

Anybody got some photos they can post?

Didn't see any trailers on the ride... But 5 is a good number. So does anyone know just how many riders there were yesterday?

Fortunately there's weren't many riders bunched up when I rode through Bicentennial Park, but I do agree those downhill hairpin bends were recipe for disaster should anyone come to a dead stop. Maybe they should have a marshall who can space riders for a safer spacing at the top of those segments.

Yes, that climb up the back of Lilyfield hill was good at separating the riders. It was the first time I rode in that direction and found it quite pleasant, especially compared with the ride up from the west.

Just noticed, this forum doesn't support image posting apart from an external link.

sogood said:

So does anyone know just how many riders there were yesterday?

highest bib number I saw was 9044

I had a good day, but only because I made a ride of it by riding to the start from Parramatta and riding home, and riding my 35kg clunker...

I rode with some friends who were begineers. As usual it took forever. It was good to chat and support others though. I don't see it so much as a ride, but a community participation and social event.

It was the first time I've used the Harbour Bridge Cycleway.

Overall it was reasonably well organised, though I felt they could've closed off more roads around Concord/Five Dock area. Saw some ugly clashes between cars and cyclists.

The hill at meadowbank was fun, flying up with everyone else walking.

I have found the best protection against wobblers and road hogs is to ride a robust bike and expect to be hit.

The venue at the end has been an improvement although not having a commemorative shirt is [censored]!

I think the key with Spring Cycle, is to just relax and go with the flow. It ain't a time trial. Join in on a proper race or a hard ride with your local club if that is what you want.

robalert said:

I had a good day, but only because I made a ride of it by riding to the start from Parramatta and riding home, and riding my 35kg clunker...

You don't really have a 35kg clunker, do you?

I want to know what kind of a clunker makes 35kg, and still able to "fly" up that Meadowbank hill! :eek:

robalert said:

...Saw some ugly clashes between cars and cyclists.

The hill at meadowbank was fun, flying up with everyone else walking.

I have found the best protection against wobblers and road hogs is to ride a robust bike and expect to be hit.

Glad I wasn't there for the clashes with cars I get so mad😠😠😠 when I see that. People in that area (which is where I live) are idiot drivers anyway.

In that little pinch at Meadowbank it was nice to go straight up it and keep on going at the top not breathing hard but I can't say I flew, it was more of a grunting than a flying.

That's a great idea about the Mtb, I'm gunna do that next year. I feel much more stable on my clunker, 25 kg Trek 4500 with disc brakes wide slicks and all, in a crowd, much better for the wet at the start too. If I hadn't been fooling around with a hornless saddle recently on the Mtb I would have taken it on Sunday and saved the flat bar road for the Gong.

46kgToDate said:

25 kg Trek 4500 with disc brakes wide slicks and all, in a crowd, much better for the wet at the start too...

Surely you've made a high school physics mistake, swapped kg for lb, no? I think Trek as a company would fold quickly if it had a 25kg bike in its line-up. :eek:

I'm one of the guilty ones for bringing along a couple of "wobblers". Brought my 6yo and 8yo on their 16" bikes and spent a lot of time telling them to keep to the left. They've been wanting to do the ride for a couple of years now (seeing me going off on these sorts of things), and were really looking forward to it and really thrilled to be involved in the event. They weren't very impressed with the "showbag" at the end though.

The whole day is great fun, and I believe it should be encouraged as a family event sort of thing. As long as everyone is sensible (and everyone was very tolerant of my kids wobbles) it's great day. I did the first 30km without the kids, and took the chance to fly up hills and pass where safe, but where things got congested, I'm happy to slow down and enjoy the view. As others here have said - it's not a race.

This is the sixth year that I have done Spring Cycle (formerly Cycle Sydney).

I have done the last five years on the Unicycle (yes, I am that nutcase).

Personally, this event isn't designed for speed, it is designed for the families and slower cyclists (thats why I uni it). Despite the weather, I did enjoy the day (I'm not enjoying today as much, despite being a fit cyclist, I don't spend enough time on the Uni, so my legs hurt today), I managed to ride up all of the hills, but had to walk down two of them (the one near the start, and one in Homebush Bay (not the one with the hairpins).

Now that I have done 5 years on the Uni, I suppose that I should aim for 10 years now.

James

This is the 3rd year for me- the first one was the last time it ended at Parramatta rather than homebush (on that 35 degree plus day)- depite the damp start the weather was great in comparison to that!.

Took my time and enjoyed riding along with a diverse bunch of people from all backgrounds- from top end $$ roadies, to a few folks on their Huffys and don't forget the folding bike geeks and recumbent doods! Agree with the comments about gear crunching, especially at the Meadowbank hill- It made me wince to hear all those poor derailleurs protesting!

The only sphincter clenching moment I had was down the rocks where you go along past the Patrick docks- there is some sandstone(?) embedded in the road which was very slippery! I ride a cheapie MTB (schwinn) fitted with slicks, and for a second thought the bike was going out from under me. Would have been even scarier on a road bike...
Didn't have any problems with wobblers or sudden stoppers- having done the ride a few times I might have learnt to look really ahead and expect wobbling and stopping, coupled with having already done the course previously. I think the best approach on any of these rides is to NOT treat it as a training ride- you'll only get frustrated with those out simply to enjoy cycling with thousands of other like minded people!