Comment by Robflyte on September 27, 2011 at 4:29pm

Yep.

Less than a month out of winter and the weather reporter said we had the coldest day in 2 months, the wettest in 7 months.

 

The weather forecast all week for Sunday was isolated showers, isolated showers did not sound to bad, if they were isolated then surely most of the day would not be showering.

 

So I stood there at the back door at 5:15am watching the light rain which was going when I woke up at 2:30am.  It looked like it was easing, after a few laps of the living room thinking about going I pulled myself together and went and refit the fenders to my bike, missing my planned breakfast.

 

By about 6:20am I was ready to go, all packed and looking forward to a days ride.  I rolled down from Baulkham Hills to the starting point in Parramatta Park.  It might have done me well to contemplate the overflowing creek I had to cross, I had never seen this one overflow and the large branch washed over the path that I bunny hopped should have been enough warning.

 

I made it to Parramatta Park with just enough time to hand across some money and get my brevet card.  I knew I'd be the only one with a flat handlebar equipped bike, no surprises there.

 

Windsor, already soaked and getting cold.  Clothes were not for wet weather riding.

 

Just after Kurrajong I lost use of my thumbs and was changing gears with the palms of my hands.  Not having opposable thumbs makes many things difficult, holding a drink bottle, opening energy bar packs, trying to rip open power gel packets.  At this point I was pretty close to knowing what a fish felt like, soaking wet and appendages only good for propelling myself along.  What a picture, a guy using his hands like 2 clubs and chewing an energy bar as if he'd just had novocaine, shaking uncontrollably.  No wonder I was offered a lift to the train station when I got near Emu Plains.

 

Emu Plains, more  uncontrollable shakes, I spoke to my daughter on the phone and could not form words properly.

 

There were times I considered taking out the first aid kit, ripping out the space blanket and find myself a dry shop front to curl up in front of.  That and urinate on my hands so I could use my them again, not for eating with though.

 

7km to go and I turned off and headed home.  Ended up doing 159km on Sunday but not the official 150km.

 

I was home for 10 minutes, my wife had poured what she called a luke warm bath, felt like fire to me, looked out the window and noticed that the leaves on the trees were no longer moving, the rain had stopped.  We had no more rain at my place.

 

Looking forward to my next ride, if they forecast isolated showers I'll make sure I wear appropriate clothes and bring a boat.

Comment by Si on September 27, 2011 at 4:58pm

Hehe... my coldest ever ride was a 150 that involved Kj too. Felt toasty when the temperature rose to 7 degrees. I was reasonably equipped for it though.

 

You can stop at a cafe and get a warm beverage if you want (and have time) though.

Comment by Robflyte on September 27, 2011 at 5:25pm

I had an espresso at Kurrajong, should have gone for a mug but my average speed was already pretty low.  I know one guy (Geoff/Jeff) pulled out just passed Windsor.  Not sure of others.

I'm looking at wool tops and long pants to add to my wardrobe now.

I was told the first would be my most memorable until my first wet and windy one.  The ride was an experience I don't think I will ever forget.

Comment by Si on September 27, 2011 at 5:38pm

TBH, I'd go with proper cycling gear (gillet, gloves, waterproofs etc) rather than "wool" (if I have understood you). One of the advantages with going this way is that it can (usually) pack smaller.

Comment by Rob Berry on October 2, 2011 at 5:38pm

I've made my mind up to join Audax Australia and start doing some rides. I was tossing up between a few options for racing on road or track, but after doing some solo centuries over the last month and checking out the other options I think audax is the thing for me. Is there an active forum around where Audax is discussed? I see the AA website has a forum, but it is far from active.

Comment by Si on October 2, 2011 at 5:44pm

audax-oz@googlegroups.com is about as active as it gets.

 

The Audax year is 1 Nov -> 30 Oct, so it might be worth waiting until 1 Nov to join. Temporary membership is on $5/ride (on top of the $5/ride) for which you also get liability insurance so you do not have to join right away.

Comment by Robflyte on October 2, 2011 at 5:46pm

Rob,  I have not found an active forum on the subject but no reason this can't be one, or at least try and be.  I've only done the one ride and did not complete it as you can read a few posts ago.  I'm up for another attempt this month, not sure which ride yet but it will be a 150km.

I enjoyed the company on the sections I actually had company on the Wing it West ride, all good people.

I really need to get a road bike :o(

Comment by Michael on October 2, 2011 at 9:33pm

I rode several Audax 100 and 200 rides last year and look forward to more. A more active forum would be welcome. It could also help Audaxers to meet up for informal 'social' rides to supplement the brevet calendar.

Comment by stephen daniels on October 3, 2011 at 7:53am

anyone going on dapto ride saturday 8th october, cant find any details of ride.

Comment by Enzederuk on October 3, 2011 at 11:29am

Rob - Well done on your first Audax ride (you still did it despite not getting the finish), Those conditions sound terrible. I used to ride regulary but have fallen off the wagon and as Si noted, the season starts veru soon.
One thing I use as a "motivator" is the various awards that are on offer to Audax members. they act as good little bonuses over and above the ones of cycling with like minded people. I am a big advocate for the group and try and promote as much as I can with the little time I have to offer.
So check out http://www.audax.org.au/public/index.php?option=com_content&vie... and add these in. There is no extra cost to getting these awards. Just based on getting rides done through the season. All the best and look forward to bumping in to you on an Audax ride. - Paul

Comment

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• …
• 146
• Next ›
• Page