Woodford to Glenbrook race (Oaks Classic, W2G, etc) on again. (NSW)

[tony f]

Once again, Careflight are running the Woodford to Glenbrook mtb race and
fun run. This year, it's on Sunday, 25 June.

In 2004, the Oaks and its sister track St Helena were voted by AMB readers
as the most popular tracks in NSW. This is a major fundraiser for
Careflight, and a cause well worth supporting. For more info, see
Careflight's web site:

http://www.careflight.org/site/index.cfm?PageMode=indiv&module=EVENT&page_id=2456

or

http://tinyurl.com/alslx

No Licence is required, but licenced riders have to race in their correct
groups - the rest of us race novice or fun.

More info on the track can be found at:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~fathers/oaks.htm

Note that my review does not cover the race route, but rather the
traditional route. The race finishes at Euroka Clearing, and sadly (but
sensibly) avoids the singletrack. It's always a fun day, and you can expect
to see large numbers on a wide variety of riders and bikes - I've seen
roadbikes racing (fast, but very prone to pinchflats), recumbents, bike
trailers, hybrids, BMX - the whole range. There will be some blood. Take it
easy so it's not yours. If you want to take it seriously, do a sighting ride
a week or so early - conditions are considerably rougher than last year, and
will vary further if we have any decent rain (fat chance!).

For other Blue Mountains mtb rides, have a squiz at:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~fathers/mtb.htm#rides

Tony F
http://www.thefathippy.com

[darryl]

In article >,
"tony f" > wrote:

> Once again, Careflight are running the Woodford to Glenbrook mtb race and
> fun run. This year, it's on Sunday, 25 June.
>
> In 2004, the Oaks and its sister track St Helena were voted by AMB readers
> as the most popular tracks in NSW. This is a major fundraiser for
> Careflight, and a cause well worth supporting. For more info, see
> Careflight's web site:
>
> http://www.careflight.org/site/index.cfm?PageMode=indiv&module=EVENT&page_id=2
> 456
>
(bits snipped)
>
> Tony F
> http://www.thefathippy.com

Tony,

I could not complete the online entry form. Appears to be a problem
their end.
I have sent an email to the contact and downloaded an entry form.
Thanks for the heads-up.

regards,
Darryl

[slik]

I'm new to cycling but would like to give this ride a go in the safety
of numbers. I just was wondering what I need to do to prepare for this
in terms of equipment/tools.

Here's what I have already:

- Norco Hardtail MTB (I know it's obvious :).
- Helmet.
- Daggy Clothes

What else do I need to participate in this ride?

Rob

[Random Data]

On Wed, 17 May 2006 15:39:24 -0700, slik wrote:

> I'm new to cycling but would like to give this ride a go in the safety
> of numbers. I just was wondering what I need to do to prepare for this
> in terms of equipment/tools.

As well as what you've listed, you'll need water (pack or bottle, doesn't
matter) and a pump 'n' tube. Having a multitool in case of mishaps isn't a
bad idea, and I leave a first aid kit in my bag, but water, pump, tube is
the bare minimum.

I know someone who did this "race" as her second ride in about 15 years.
She was reasonably slow, but had a good time. I also know a couple of guys
who tend to go in the race classes and dress up like idiots. It's a fun
day out.

--
Dave Hughes |
There were the two rules that had clearly been added through
Bad Experiences:
1. Do not try to flush wet cement down the toilets.
2. Under no circumstance keep a chain saw in your apartment.

[tony f]

"Random Data" > wrote in message
...
> On Wed, 17 May 2006 15:39:24 -0700, slik wrote:
>
>> I'm new to cycling but would like to give this ride a go in the safety
>> of numbers. I just was wondering what I need to do to prepare for this
>> in terms of equipment/tools.
>
> As well as what you've listed, you'll need water (pack or bottle, doesn't
> matter) and a pump 'n' tube. Having a multitool in case of mishaps isn't a
> bad idea, and I leave a first aid kit in my bag, but water, pump, tube is
> the bare minimum.

....and a patch kit. You will see more than one rider with a flat, and some
fast riders you might pass, oh, four or more times as they repair flats,
then speed past, then flat <repeats>, until they carry their bike across the
line, to much hilarity, eh Liam and Joe? (I can sling off safely - they're
both doing the CABC at the mo). I've needed tubes *and* patch kits on more
than ride down the Oaks. At race speeds, the chances of a pinch are higher.

> I know someone who did this "race" as her second ride in about 15 years.
> She was reasonably slow, but had a good time. I also know a couple of guys
> who tend to go in the race classes and dress up like idiots. It's a fun
> day out.

It is indeed - if you make it so.

I'll also add that if you're less experienced, there's a few tips.

Don't stop in the middle of the track - get off to the side, even if you're
stopping for an accident - you don't want to be involved in the next
accident. Especially on downhill sections or around corners!

If you're walking up the hills (and many do) , don't walk on the main line,
leave that to those who are riding (it's a courtesy thing).

You won't be the fastest person out there. If someone calls out TRACK or
PASSING, hold your line and be amazed as they whoosh past at speeds you
couldn't imagine doing. Passing safely is their responsibility, and they'll
have worked out where they can pass, *if* you hold your line. If you panic
and change lines, there might be a crash. Starting in your group will also
help. If you know you won't be fast, start down the back, so the fast riders
don't have to go past. GOOD riders will also add where they'll pass - TRACK
RIGHT - for example, means you can expect someone to whoosh past your right
elbow.

It's a fun ride. If someone does go down, it's better to stop and help than
worry about your overall time. I couldn't count how many people went past
the badly injured rider I stopped for last year. I wasn't much help, but I
did get thanked later. That said, don't stop if others are already helping
(unless you have good first aid skills), because you'll just be creating an
obstruction on the track and increasing the risk of other accidents.

Ride at your pace, and don't be tempted to exceed your abilities.

Be aware that the track will be crowded for the first few kms, so you'll
need to take extra care. Keep your eyes wide open, look ahead, and try to
work out the dangers before you're upon them. And as I said originally -
it's worth a sighting ride. down the firetrail, over the second gate (watch
for cars in this section, but they'll be barred on raceday), and turn right
when you see Bennett's Ridge Firetrail. This will take you to Euroka.

Hope that helps

Tony F
who will probably be badly painted

[Tamyka Bell]

tony f wrote:
>
> "Random Data" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Wed, 17 May 2006 15:39:24 -0700, slik wrote:
> >
> >> I'm new to cycling but would like to give this ride a go in the safety
> >> of numbers. I just was wondering what I need to do to prepare for this
> >> in terms of equipment/tools.
> >
> > As well as what you've listed, you'll need water (pack or bottle, doesn't
> > matter) and a pump 'n' tube. Having a multitool in case of mishaps isn't a
> > bad idea, and I leave a first aid kit in my bag, but water, pump, tube is
> > the bare minimum.
>
> ...and a patch kit. You will see more than one rider with a flat, and some
> fast riders you might pass, oh, four or more times as they repair flats,
> then speed past, then flat <repeats>, until they carry their bike across the
> line, to much hilarity, eh Liam and Joe? (I can sling off safely - they're
> both doing the CABC at the mo). I've needed tubes *and* patch kits on more
> than ride down the Oaks. At race speeds, the chances of a pinch are higher.
>
> > I know someone who did this "race" as her second ride in about 15 years.
> > She was reasonably slow, but had a good time. I also know a couple of guys
> > who tend to go in the race classes and dress up like idiots. It's a fun
> > day out.
>
> It is indeed - if you make it so.
>
> I'll also add that if you're less experienced, there's a few tips.
>
> Don't stop in the middle of the track - get off to the side, even if you're
> stopping for an accident - you don't want to be involved in the next
> accident. Especially on downhill sections or around corners!
>
> If you're walking up the hills (and many do) , don't walk on the main line,
> leave that to those who are riding (it's a courtesy thing).
>
> You won't be the fastest person out there. If someone calls out TRACK or
> PASSING, hold your line and be amazed as they whoosh past at speeds you
> couldn't imagine doing. Passing safely is their responsibility, and they'll
> have worked out where they can pass, *if* you hold your line. If you panic
> and change lines, there might be a crash. Starting in your group will also
> help. If you know you won't be fast, start down the back, so the fast riders
> don't have to go past. GOOD riders will also add where they'll pass - TRACK
> RIGHT - for example, means you can expect someone to whoosh past your right
> elbow.
>
> It's a fun ride. If someone does go down, it's better to stop and help than
> worry about your overall time. I couldn't count how many people went past
> the badly injured rider I stopped for last year. I wasn't much help, but I
> did get thanked later. That said, don't stop if others are already helping
> (unless you have good first aid skills), because you'll just be creating an
> obstruction on the track and increasing the risk of other accidents.
>
> Ride at your pace, and don't be tempted to exceed your abilities.
>
> Be aware that the track will be crowded for the first few kms, so you'll
> need to take extra care. Keep your eyes wide open, look ahead, and try to
> work out the dangers before you're upon them. And as I said originally -
> it's worth a sighting ride. down the firetrail, over the second gate (watch
> for cars in this section, but they'll be barred on raceday), and turn right
> when you see Bennett's Ridge Firetrail. This will take you to Euroka.
>
> Hope that helps
>
> Tony F
> who will probably be badly painted

That was an excellent list of tips, Tony F. It'd do well to be printed
in race tips on websites and in race packs.

Tam