GTC News Friday 10.2.12

The front page picture was taken by John Hagan on Peter Jones' Thursday GTC ride to Anakie on 15.12.11.
Herbert Newman is riding his electrically assisted bike under the bridge on Bluestone Bridge Rd. Lovely Banks.

The latest SPROCKET Magazine is now available on line thanks to Alistair's hard work and that of our contributors. Also a photo from the Simone Federale of the packing up in the wet - see report below for 29.1.12.

Sunday's ride will be led by Helen Lyth from Cycling Geelong. This combined ride will leave Rippleside playground at 8am and will be a medium ride to Barwon Heads/Ocean Grove. You can join the group at Ballyang Sanctuary at approximately 8:25am if you live in the Belmont/Highton area.
Click here for the route.

Tuesday's ride to Steiglitz & Anakie 7.2.12
"Ben, Peter L. Marianne, Julie, and Peter J turned up to ride with Lyn and Trudi to Anakie and beyond. A cool day with a hint of a shower and a cool South Westerly.
We headed up the Ted Wilson trail to the Ballarat Road and the Ballan Road to Anakie for coffee, after a long break with lots of chatter we hit the road again heading up De Motts Road, nice little pinch there to get over the coffee break, and on to Steiglitz for lunch. Trudi has a family holiday shack there so we all headed there to have our lunch, unfortunately she had forgotten the key so we couldn’t make a cup of tea but we were able to sit around the outside table and enjoy the bush peace and quiet.
After lunch we proceeded back via Maude and Ballan Road to Church Street, some headed home, the coffee addicts went to Soft in Minerva Street for another coffee. Lovely ride through the hills, thanks Lyn and Trudi for a really enjoyable day on the bike.
Cheers Peter"

Sunday's Easy Ride along the Barwon on 5.2.12
John led a group of 8 riders for a leisurely ride along the Barwon from Breakwater to Fyansford. The riders were: Rolf, Ian, Pam, Marie & Geof, Herbert, David E., and John. After getting a good look at progress on the construction of the Breakwater Bridge we rode up to the track above Buckley's Falls, then along the north side of the river to Barwon Edge Boathouse for coffee and conversation before going through the rowing regatta watchers on the return journey. It was a rather windy day and we cycled about 25km.

Thursday ride to Torquay on 2.2.12
To get a bit of a start Herbert and Elizabeth headed off early. After setting off to catch them Peter and Neil realized that going to Moriac would not be a good idea as they would be working very hard on the way back into the wind so eventually caught Herbert and Elizabeth and decided to come back on Mt.Duneed Rd. and go to Torquay. Along the way they met John, who had been late to the start, and the group headed for the Front Beach Cafe for coffee via the Surf Coast Highway. Here we were met there by Brian who photographed us on the way back along Horseshoe Bend Rd.

Tuesday ride to St.Leonards on 31.1.12
"13 riders turned up for the ride to St Leonards, a cloudy start to the day with a threat of showers and a forecast top of 20 deg and a gale warning on the bay. Zdenka, Elizabeth, and Herbert headed off early to get a head start, picking up Brian at Boundary Rd. Lyn, Peter L, Marianne, Ben, Glenda, Loretta, Norm, Trudi and Peter J waited until 9-00 am and set out to catch up with the front runners.
Starting from the Show Grounds along Carr Street to Boundary Road to Queenscliff Road, at Leopold we headed down Melaluka to the rail trail and across to Portarlington Road. By the Curlewis Golf Club we eventually caught the first group and all continued on to The Zoo for a coffee.
From Drysdale Brian and Herbert went home and the rest continued on the roller coaster to Portarlington, to Indented Head and St Leonards for lunch. Mostly the wind was on the side, a little ahead sometimes and a little behind at others, apart from the last couple of ks into St Leonards when it came right on the nose.
Lunch over it was back on Murradoc Road  through Drysdale, a few called in to Panache at Leopold for another coffee before heading home. Still a strong wind but the Sun came out and the day brightened up."
Cheers Peter.

Audax Alpine Classic on Sunday 29.1.12
Many of the GTC riders were up in Bright for the Audax Semaine Federale 22-28th January which is a series of rides centered around Bright in the beautiful Ovens Valley. With relatively flat riding along the valley on the rail trail which goes to Wangaratta and the challenging mountains - Mt.Buffalo, Hotham, Tawonga Gap, and Falls Creek - there is plenty of variation. The week finishes with the famous Alpine Classic with ride distances from 60km to 250km. Alistair and his brother did the 200km - Sue Horne also tackled this distance and Peter Donnan did the 130km. Heather & Geoff, Marie & Geof, Pam, Lindy and David were all involved in volunteer work for the various events. The picture below is of Pam & Lindy packing up in the wet.

Steve's ride to Queenscliff on Sunday 29.1.12
"On the last Sunday in January John and Steve set off from South Geelong Station headed for Queenscliff Via the Bellarine Rail Trail...The cycling conditions were just about perfect, along with the shelter that the Rail Trail provides we set a very good pace to the Marina at Queenscliff. The Marina is a very impressive place to visit, with lots of activity and many fine boats to have a look at...With the weather warming up to the mid 30s, we had a good long break, and after taking a few photos we set course for home, again along the Rail Trail...Nearing Drysdale we decided to have another long break at the Zoo Cafe. It felt like the temperature had peaked at this point, so we both opted for cool drinks...The run home from Drysdale was very enjoyable, the slight down hill and also a slight tail breeze made for easy going. I even managed to out sprint John at one point !...We saw quite a few cyclists and walkers on the Trail, and even the usual pair of horses made an appearance...We both enjoyed the long day in the saddle, with myself clocking just on 100 Km and John around the 80 Km mark...Another succesful GTC bike ride.
Regards Steve Cartin.

Thursday's ride to Lara on 26.1.12
A beautiful day as we rode out from the beginning of the Ted Wilson Path towards Lara. The route took in Bluestone Bridge Rd. Lovely Banks and Tower Hill Rd. The riders were Loretta, Lyn, Herbert, Brian, Marianne & Peter L., John, Neil and our ride leader Peter Jones. Being Australia Day there was only one cafe open for coffee - the small but efficient Lara Cafe. After refreshments we headed back into a strongish head wind down Baccush Marsh Rd. and along the Ted Wilson Path.

Tuesday's ride to Anakie on 24.1.12
Four early risers followed leader Ben from Lara heading for Anakie and return via a scenic route. Peter L. Marianne, Lyn, Peter and Ben enjoyed the crisp air as we took Stacey’s Rd across to Ballan Road and into Anakie.
After an enjoyable drink and chat it was up the hill and through Staughtonvale turning right into Granite Road and after disposing of the hill we all enjoyed a long downhill run and over the undulating country to the Bacchus Marsh Road, instead of taking this road we kept straight ahead and put up with a few ks of gravel road meeting Sandy Creek Rd near the Ford Proving Ground and headed back into Lara via Forest Road.
Arrived back at the cars about 10-45 am before the heat of the day , an enjoyable 54 k ride with good company.

Sunday's ride to Torquay on 22.1.12
At 8am on a warm day Simon, David Ellis and Stephen Rowlands headed down Horseshoe Bend Rd. with their sights firmly set on their coffee shop in Torquay. On the way they met and talked with Nicole Collins on her new road bike at Boundary Rd. and then proceeded on with a 2 coffee stop at Mejavo's. Both Simon and Stephen were on their recumbents - it is not often that we have a majority of recumbents on a ride!
Your friendly webmaster did not read his own ride calendar and arrived at Sth Geelong Station at 9am to find no-one there, so after a quick ride home to Belmont to check the web calendar soon realized why. He wanted to ride with company so headed out on the Bellarine Rail Trail to seek the compay of Cycling Geelong but came across Mel & Betty White on their way to Queenscliff. Both Mel & Betty were doing some preparation for the Bicycle Vic's New Zealand ride on the North island in a few weeks. I have no photos from the Torquay ride but will put in photos from the 'alternate' ride.

Tuesday's ride from Ballarat to Creswick on 20.12.11
Eight riders, David, Zdenka, Trudi, Peter L., Ben, Brian, Peter, and Jackie joined by Lyn, (still waiting for the OK to ride after her wrist op) and Marianne who kept her company walking around Lake Wendouree got together at Pipers on the lake for a reviving coffee after the long drive from Geelong.
 
Refreshed the riders headed around Lake Wendouree, admiring the marked change from previous years when the Lake was dry. The magnificent old homes overlooking the lake looked really happy to be once again part of this beautiful scene. Boat houses lapped by water instead of grass, boats and swans bobbing on a glittering lake instead of acres of weeds.
 
We headed out of Ballarat, down McArthur Street to Lydiard Street, Norah and Humfray Street North to the Daylesford Road. Leaving Ballarat by this route the trend is generally up at a gentle rate until you reach the Gong Gong Reservoir where the roads kicks up steeply for a short time through a cutting then resumes it's gentle climbing turning onto the Creswick Road. At Wattle Flats about 10 km out of Creswick the road reaches it's highest point and begins a magnificent 10 km downhill run into Creswick, a lot of the road passes through the Creswick State Forest, past Lake George, sweeping downhill turns, occasionally the road lifts and it looks like you may have to drop down a gear but the downhill speed means you roll right on through the rises and eventually meet the Midland Hwy in Creswick.
 
A right turn and 1/2 a km and you at The American Hotel our lunch spot, and very nice too, the Yankee Burgers were something to be seen and the Southern Fried Chicken, spicy but nice. The Chicken Lasagna with salad really hit my spot.
 
After lunch it was back on the road, through Creswick, out the Bald Hills Road to Gillies Road and back into Ballarat and return to Pipers on the Lake for another coffee.
 
Thanks to Lyn and Marianne for providing some very tasty treats at morning and afternoon coffee, adult chocolate crackles made with Mars Bars and cream, mini plum puddings, shortbreads and yo yos, lovely, just as well there were a couple of hills to offset our guilty feelings.
 
Peter Jones 
 

Sunday's ride to Van Loon's Nursery on 18.12.11
We had 8 riders for the easy ride to Van Loon's Pepper's Cafe in their plant nursery in Grubb Rd. Wallington. Pam led the group consisting of Geof, Marie, Rob, Steve, Lindy, Herbert and John all made the trip out via the Portarlington Rd. and returned via the Bellarine Highway. There was quite an amount of warm rain as we were having our coffee and for the trip as far as Leopold when it finally eased. As you can see from the photos below we met up with quite a few other riders and relatives of the group along the way.

Thursday ride to Anakie on 15.12.11
With a good tail wind 8 riders headed north to Anakie from our meeting place on the Ted Wilson Path at Church St. Peter led the group consisting of Ben, Herbert, Neil, Peter & Marianne L., Trudi and John. Shortly after settling into coffee and cake at the Anakie Store Elizabeth and Zdenka arrived to join us. They were reconnoitering a GTC Club ride for another day to Steiglitz and Anakie. The trip out was via Bluestone Bridge Rd. and Anakie Rd. and the return trip into a fairly strong side to head wind was down the Ballan Rd. Marianne & Peter L. rode in from Torquay and would have done about 110km by the time they got home and others in the 60-70km range.

Tuesday ride to Werribee on 13.12.11
"Nine riders, Ian, Joe, Neil, Peter, Marianne, Jim, Trudi, Ben and Peter did the ride to Werribee. Departing Rippleside along the Bay trail and out to Lara via Shell Parade and Rennie Street.
Following coffee we took Mill Road, Farrars Road, You Yangs Road, Edgars Road to Bulban Road into Werribee for lunch.
After lunch the Federation Trail to the Maltby Bypass and the Princess Hwy to the service centre at Avalon for a coffee and back to Rippleside, the wind was a bit brisk at times but rarely exactly head on, mostly side on going out and coming back, an enjoyable ride of 90 kms.
 Cheers Peter"

Combined Medium ride to Moriac on 11.12.11
Simon led a group of 16 riders from the GTC and Cycling Geelong out along Mt.Duneed Rd. into a strong wind to the cafe at the Moriac Store. After coffee, cakes and plenty of conversation the return trip was via Hendy Main Rd., Paraparap and Freshwater Ck. Check out the photos below.

GTC Christmas Party at Charlemont on 4.12.11
Once again Lindy and Don hosted a wonderful Christmas Party for the GTC at their Charlemont property. Although the weather was decidedly cool the atmosphere of the celebrations was very welcoming. A highlight of the party was the Kris Kringle allowing for people to swap with someone who had already received if they did not approve of their present. The photos below will tell you a lot more about the celebrations.

John's ride to Lara & the Chocolaterie on 4.12.11
We had 10 riders for our trip out along Corio Bay and the Hovell's Creek Trail: Nick, David E., Rolf, Paul B., Gerry, Terry, Ian, Geof & Marie, and John. We were assisted by a strong southerly wind on the way out to Lara but battled into it on the return trip via Lovely Banks and the Ballan Rd. We stopped for coffee and refreshments at The Moorabool Valley Chocolate by Design before heading back into town.

Tuesday ride to Bannockburn and Inverleigh on 29.11.11
Hot day forecast with strong Northerly winds, luckily this works in well for a ride to Bannockburn for coffee and on to Inverleigh for lunch via Teesdale. Riders were Herbert, Ben, Peter L., Marianne, Trudi, Brian, Neil, Donna, Zdenka and Peter J.
 We headed up the Fyansford hill with a light Northerly which stayed with us almost to Bannockburn, as we rode into our coffee stop the trees were really starting to bounce around and the temperature was starting to rise with the wind.
 It was cool inside so an inside table seemed best. Everyone enjoyed a coffee and it was time to push on, Brian and Herbert returned home with a good tail wind and the rest rode on to Teesdale with a pretty strong side wind with a bit of a head wind element.
 The turn downwind on the Inverleigh Road at Teesdale was welcomed by all and a great ride was enjoyed across to the Hamilton Hwy and into Inverleigh for lunch in the park.
 Lunch over it was a pretty easy ride back to Fyansford with a strong side/tail wind, on the Hamilton Hwy with all back at Fyansford by 1-15pm, with plenty of time to head over to the Fyansford Hotel for a cool drink or coffee before heading home.
Cheers Peter

Sunday's ride to Torquay on 27.11.11
Today we had a medium ride to Kobo at Torquay. Ten of us gathered at the South Geelong Station. The riders were Steve, Rob, Geoff B, Simon, Maxine, Marie, Alistair, Heather, Peter and Rolf. We set a course to Horseshoe Bend Road that took in Riverview Terrace, High Street and Pioneer Road and many more suburban streets. I am pretty sure all riders enjoyed my detour. We turned onto Horshoebend with the light breeze mostly from our side, we had it from the West side for the whole ride. With few stops needing to be had, we made it to Torquay in good time and we claimed our usual spot at Kobo and soon we all had coffee or tea and some a cake to go with theirs. I was expecting a tail wind home on today's ride but the flags on the buildings told a different story. Still we set a pace that was slightly quicker on the way home. Nearing Geelong all riders headed to their own destinations, with myself and Rob cycling back out to Corio/Lovely Banks. We both got around 75 Kms done for the day. Thanks to all riders that came along on Sunday...Until next time, Regards Steve Cartin.

Tuesday's ride to Lorne on 22.11.11
"Seven hardy souls turned up for the ride, Marianne, Glenda, Trudi, Peter L, David, Ben and Peter J, with a fresh West North Westerly the ride promised to be more difficult than expected but all pedaled on with gusto and made it to Anglesea without too much trouble.
 After coffee it was on to Lorne, the Great Ocean Road in all it's glory, lovely ride, into Lorne by 11-45am and ready for lunch. Being "schoolies week" expected more action in the streets, maybe they were all still asleep.
 Lunch over it was back on the bikes and with a nice following breeze we were all back in Torquay in a little over 2 hours and it was back to Cafe Lanyon for a well earned cuppa and cake.
Cheers Peter."

Tuesday's ride to Lara & You Yangs on 15.11.11
"Thirteen riders took the opportunity on a lovely sunny day to go for a ride. Marianne, Trudi, Donna, Glenda, Loretta, Zdenka,Norm, Joe, Peter L, Jim, Ben, Herbie and Peter J left the top of Church Street and headed along the Ted Wilson Trail, at Creamery Road we crossed the Ring Rd and turned down Bluestone Bridge Rd and headed out through Lovely Banks to Bacchus Marsh Rd and thence to Lara for a very enjoyable coffee and cake, (someone had a birthday, thanks for the coffee and cake guys, much appreciated)
Coffee over Herbie headed home on his electric machine and everyone else proceeded to Little River, a puncture in Glenda's unprotected tyre slowed progress for a few minutes, at least there was a bit of shade.
Through Little River and along You Yang Rd we wended our way to the You Yang's park for lunch, Ben, Norm and Jim scoffed their lunch headed up to the top to see the view, pretty good they reckoned.
The wind had picked up a bit during the morning and an expected tail wind didn't come to full fruition, as it picked up the wind was clocking to the West as the front approached, so sometimes it was ahead on the beam and then it was behind on the beam.
Down Forest Rd to the 6 ways, to Bacchus Marsh Rd and back along the Ted Wilson an excellent days riding in good company, topped of by a farewell coffee at Soft in Minerva Rd for those with a few more minutes to spare.
Cheers, Peter Jones"

Audax Bellarine ride on 20.11.11
With Maxine being the chief organizer and John assisting the Bellarine series took off with a very good following wind. The 50km circuit was to Drysdale with a loop around the town. The 105km circuit continued down to St.Leonards and then south to Pt.Lonsdale with Harry averaging 31kph for the first 60km - wow - then the hard work began as riders headed back into very strong winds along 13th Beach and back via Horseshoe Bend Rd. The 165km riders extended this loop to include Bels Beach, Forest Rd., and back through Freshwater Ck. Quite a few current and past riders from the GTC participated: Rosemary & Michael Hogan rode the 50km, Pam Morrow, David Ellis, Ian Frasier, Mel & Betty White, Peter Jones and Ben Kersten did the 105km, and Peter Maurer and Harry Cartwright completed the 156km loop.

Sunday's Combined Ride on the Bellarine 100 Circuit 13.11.11
This was a very successful ride led by Helen Lyth from Cycling Geelong. From both clubs whe had about 15 riders at different times on the ride which roughly followed the route of next week's Bellarine 100. We had coffee at the Portarlington Bakery, headed East to St.Leonards before turning for Pt.Lonsdale where we had lunch in the park. The return trip was via Ocean Grove, 13th Beach and Horseshoe Bend Rd. for a distance of about 106km.

Tuesday Ride to the Chocolate Factory 10.11.11
Today we went out to the Chocolate Factory via the waterfront, Bay Trail, Tom McKean Trail and Ted Wilson Trail,  Joe, Brian, Neil, Ian, Ben, Peter and Loretta rode and had a good ride and an excellent hot chocolate, I've attached a couple of pictures.
Cheers Peter Jones.

David's Easy ride and the Otway Challenge on Sunday 6.11.11
David's ride involved 2 coffee stops and lunch at the end - sounds like a good recipe! They did a loop of 18km out of Geelong which included Batesford. I can see from the photos that Marie, Heather, Nicole, Simon, Nick, Alistair, Maxine, Ian and David were on the ride.

John led the Otway ride which followed roughly the route of our famous Otway Challenge. Rolf, Peter M., Harry and John rode to Moriac, then to Anglesea via Forest Rd., along the coast to Lorne, up that huge hill behind Lorne and down to Deans Marsh. The homeward trip came back through Bambra and Moriac for a total of 164km. We were home by 3:30pm and were fortunate to have a tail wind to Lorne and a reasonable helpful wind on the way back.

GTC Wharehouse Shopping Trip in aid of Breast Cancer Research:
Retail Therapy was a winner on Saturday 2nd October with our forty two
enthusiastic lady shoppers.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) was also a winner as they will be the
recipient of the money raised which will be at least $2,300.00.

Although we had some showers during the day, they never dampened our
spirits, or our efforts to find bargains. We visited twelve warehouses, and
spent a total of $9,862.00. The Field's Knitwear was the most popular
outlet. $1,872.00 was spent there on quality items. Our last outlet, 5 Star
Direct was also popular as everything was half price. We spent $1.060.00
there. Clive our bus driver was scratching his head as to where the goodies
could be put.

Our McHarrys' bus looked fabulous with BCNA's Pink Ladies on the windows
(Three ladies saw the bus and gave us a monetary donation) We are extremely
grateful to Ashley McHarry for his assistance with the bus and driver.
Michelle our hostess for the last five years was once again humorous and
well organized.


Pam Morrow's wonderful cake and slice making skills were appreciated at
morning tea along with Fiona's dips, crackers, celery and carrot.

Lunch was a gourmet picnic prepared at the Christmas household.(Thanks
Geoffrey) Keeping to the pink theme, we had pink cutlery and serviettes.

Our raffle raised $288.00 on the bus. We had ten prizes. Contours Gym at
East Geelong donated the first prize of three months gym membership with
assessments and support. They also donated five, two week memberships. Pam
Morrow was able to source three prizes which were a tool set. a picnic back
pack and back pack. Merryn Rowlands (Audax member) donated four home made
jams and a soap.

Gifts donated by the warehouses were also given away during the trip home.

It is a great feeling to know that the work we put into organizing this fun
day in order to raise money will go towards supporting women who have, and
who will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Next years shopping trip will be on October 20th. The bus and hostess have
already been booked. Put this date in your 2012 diary.

HEATHER CHRISTMAS & PAM MORROW

Geof's Report on the long weekend in the Grampians:
Eight riders (Pam,Marie,Fiona,Heather,Alistair,Brian,gGeoff & Geof) turned up at Dunkeld for what was a sociable weekend with some riding thrown in for good measure.
Saturday was cold & windy with showers but improved for a while in the afternoon so Alistair & Brian went off to check out the hills while some of us had a light ride around the town area checking out some of the history.
Sunday's ride was to Penshurst with a headwind to keep us warm. Following coffee we headed out to a farm where friends of the Xmas's had a barbeque waiting. After an enjoyable hour or so there we let the breeze push us back to Dunkeld in time for a counter meal at the pub. Ride distance was 72km. That night Alistair's caravan became a gambling casino with millions of dollars being won and lost at “monopoly cards”
On Monday we headed north, skipped over a couple of bumps and arrived at Cavendish for lunch. Unfortunately ride leader forgot to delegate someone to check what was there - nothing! So we headed back to Dunkeld and after 80k found a coffee shop - where Heather had a bit of good luck dropped on her from an overhead magpie.
A very pleasant weekend finished with everyone heading home on Tuesday morning

Melb Cup Day Ride - 1.11.11
Peter's Report: "Seven riders turned up for a Cup Day ride, David, Jackie, Brian, Norm, Loretta, Elizabeth and Peter. The weather was overcast but with a hint of warmth as the Sun tried to break through. There was a light South West wind.
We headed out Surf Coast Hwy to Boundary Rd and down to Barwon Heads Rd, took the usual Lake Rd option and on to 13th Beach, the Sun came out as we headed along Lake Rd and everyone agreed it was a perfect day for a ride, just great.
We had planned to go to Annie's for coffee but Barwon Heads was chock a block, with the tourists all taking a late brekkie, so we headed to "Seachange" on the river, plenty of room and a lovely outlook.
We were joined by Lyn and Mick for coffee, Lyn has just had an op on her wrist and is off the bike for 6 weeks, agony.
Brian, Norm and Loretta had to head back with prior engagements, four went on through Ocean Grove and Elizabeth decided to return via Banks Rd and then there were three, David, Jackie and Peter continued on to Point Lonsdale for lunch which was also packed with tourists.
After lunch we enjoyed a brisk ride back to Grovedale, a little bit of head wind now and again but all in all a really enjoyable ride of about 75 kms."

Steve's Ride - 30.10.11
Due to the very inclement weather Steve called the ride off. Rob had ridden in from Lovely Banks and John wanted to do a few km so the two rode out to the Midland Highway where Rob headed home in some fairly wet clothing and John did a circuit around Dog Rocks and back through Fyansford. Check out the weather in the photo below - as the photo was being taken we could see the camera being nudged by the wind across the top of the fence post as the raindrops hit the lens.

Peter's report on the Tour of Adelaide.
"The trip to Hahndorf was pretty tough, we clocked up 96 klms for the day
with about 960 mtrs of ascent. The first 10 to 12 klms of climb has grades
ranging from 10% down to 2% but generally averages around 6%, with the
temperature around 30 degrees riders were pretty warm.

We enjoyed coffee and cake at the Crafers bakery before tackling the last
12 klms to Hahndorf through the lovely Adelaide hills, and after lunch in
the park most fronted up again to head home, and the downhill from Crafers
was awesome."

Nick's ride to Anakie on 23.10.11.
In good weather 10 riders tackled the gentle slope (into the gentle breeze) to Anakie. Nick led this group consisting of Ian, Simon, Alistair, Steve, Rolf, David E., Pam, Greg and John. The weather was overcast as we left Geelong but soon developed into a bright sunny day. Our coffee stop was a welcome one after the slog up to Anakie and we were joined there by a number of cyclists from Cycling Geelong. For the return trip we expected a tail wind but we seemed to have a southerly breeze but made good headway all the same. The return trip was about 65km.

Report on our Adelaide Tour led by Peter Jones.
"Three of us headed off at 8-00am on Tuesday with the trailer, luggage, and
bikes on board, 10 took the Overland from North Shore at 9-42am.
By 6-00pm we were all in Adelaide and preparing to get together for a BBQ.
The following day, Wednesday, we headed down the Coastal Way along the
beach front, coffee at Glenelg, a fine sunny day about 33 deg but lovely
along the beach.
Thursady we did the Torrens River Linear Trail, a beautiful ride out
through the Adelaide CBD and suburbs, absolutely great.
Friday morning we headed out to North Haven Marina and back for lunch, in
the afternoon we did the Coral Sea Ride listed by Bike SA in their ride
book.
Saturday, a free day was spent visiting the city, checking out the Solar
Cars which have just finished the Solar Challenge from Darwin to Adelaide.
Tomorrow, Sunday it is off to Hahndorf in the Adelaide hills."

Dirt/Bitumen ride to Freshwater Creek on 16.10.11.
John led the medium ride on a day of high winds and occasional rain squalls. Seven riders started out from the Sth Geelong Station: Rolf, Heather, Marie, Geof, Simon, Harry and John. Our start was delayed by such a 'rain event' as we sheltered on the station. As we neared the Highton Shopping Centre we were halted again but just outside a number of coffee shops - the temptation was too great and we went in for coffee and cake. On re-emerging the weather was cold and uninviting so only Harry and John headed off on the original route - the others going home. The rest of the day turned out to be very windy but mostly sunny as we rode as far west as the intersection of the Cape Otway Rd. with Hunts Rd., then Dickens Rd. and across to Horseshoe Bend Rd. with a total of about 5km of fairly well packed gravel roads along the way. This was our route: click here for the map.

Colac and Red Rock on 11.10.11.
Peter Jones' Report:
"This was a combined ride with LAC, we were fortunate to have the use of Brian Kent's large bike trailer so most riders gathered at the LAC Clubrooms at 7-45am ready to load the bikes and sort out a car pool.
 Bikes loaded it was off to Colac, where Thwaites Bakery provided a parking area for our cars and trailer and coffees a plenty. 
By 9-40am everyone was on the road to Red Rock, the country is really looking a picture, green and lush, dairy herds fat and happy with the lakes full to capacity. The wind was brisk but mainly on the side, and sometimes at the rear, oh happy days!
 We climbed to the Red Rock Lookout, where the wind was really blowing, gazing out over the countryside, and watching two eagles as they soared up from the valley and higher and higher into the sky looking for prey on the ground.
 Lunch was calling and everyone enjoyed a break at the Ti Tree Hotel where the Hamburgers are fresh and on steroids, and the soup is a meal in itself. 
Everyone refreshed it was a brisk ride back into Colac, coffee at Thwaites Bakery and the bikes loaded and back to Geelong, excellent days riding through lovely country, a real change from previous years of drought."

Combined Ride with Cycling Geelong to Moriac on 9.10.11.
We had a good sized group for our ride to Moriac especially with the indifferent forecast of possible showers and strong winds. From Cycling Geelong we had James, David and Helen, and from the GTC Joan, Paul, Rolf, Rob, Alistair, David E., Lindy, Pam, Ian, Nicole and John. We headed out into strong headwinds - along the Barwon, up through Highton, past Deakin, Ghazepoore Rd., through to Freshwater Ck., on to Paraparap where we travelled along Hendy Main Rd. in the middle of a Victorian Veterans Cycling event and then to Moriac. We climbed the hill to the Princes Highway and stopped at the beautiful Blue Hibiscus Tea Rooms for our coffee and scones. The descent to Geelong was an easy one with the strong wind behind us.

Thursday Ride to Moriac on 6.10.11.
We had 5 riders for the ride to Moriac from Bunnings in Waurn Ponds: Peter J., John, Peter L., Lyn and David R. Peter Jones led us out in overcast and misty conditions along Ghazeepore Rd. and Mt.Duneed Rd. to the coffee spot at Moriac Store before returning via the same route to Geelong. Peter Lanyon rode in from Torquay and after coffee returned there via Hendy Main Rd.

Peter Jones' ride to Queenscliff on 4.10.11.
As we set out the conditions looked perfect with beautiful sunshine and little wind. However, the mists descended on us near Moolap Station Rd. and only abated after out coffee break at the Zoo Cafe in Drysdale. At Drysdale Elizabeth and Zdenka joined our group which contained Peter J., Ben, Peter & Marianne L., Ian, Brian John and Terry. Peter led us down Princess Ave to Swan Bay Rd., both with dirt surfaces in part, and we handled these conditions quite well. The next part of our journey was along the Portarlington-Queenscliff Rd. to the Queenscliff Marina. We stopped here for lunch and were lucky enough to see an enormous stingray swim beneath the boats in the harbour. The return trip was via the Bellarine Highway with a side trip along Rhinds Rd. in Wallington.

Nick's ride to Torquay on 2.10.11.
After the storms of the previous day the weather turned out quite good for our trip to Torquay via Horseshoe Bend Rd. We had a good sized group: from L to R below > John, David E., Nick, Rohan, Greg, Rob, Peter M., Ian, Harry, Geoff C., Marie & Geof B. Nick led us to coffee at Kobo in Torquay - the service wasn't up to the usual standard there as the orders got really messed up. The other feature of the trip was that the tyre puncture demon really struck Rob - he had to get a lift home in the end after his 4th puncture. The puzzling thing about his punctures was that none of us could work out why he was getting them - we examined tyres, tubes and rims in minute detail but still could not find the cause.

Tuesday's ride to Urquharts Bluff on 27.9.11.
Peter's Report:
"A few regulars couldn't make this ride but David, Jackie, Lyn, Tudi, Ben, Terry, Andrew and Peter enjoyed an enjoyable ride down Hendy Main Road, a quick right and left into Forest Road. A warmish Northerly at our backs carried us along, little traffic, a couple of gravel trucks, but we were soon past the turnoff to the quarry.
 Quite a few birds about, mainly parrots and magpies, not the swooping variety this time, passed a very large dead roo, looked like it was probably hit during the night, hate to think what the vehicle would be like, that was one big animal. We regrouped at the Anglesea Road, and enjoyed a brisk downhill run into Anglesea, directly to the Bakery for a coffee and cake.
 Refreshed we headed out the Great Ocean Road, at the top of the hill we met up with two brand new tourers, new bikes, Surly Long Haul Truckers, new panniers, the works, quizzed on their destination and how long they would be touring, in the mind 18 months, but things might change, a retired couple, maybe the body might give up, they had just started from Cranbourne a couple of days ago, heading for Lorne for the night. Boy did they have a load!
 A quick spin along to Urquharts Bluff, always a magnificent view, just glorious, The Great Ocean Road, always a pleasure to ride.
 Back in Anglesea we lunched at the river, then headed up the hill, Terry regretted that bottle of iced coffee and had to stop and unload it along with his lunch, one way to slim down!
 Forest Road was still a lovely ride, a few places where we had to buck the head wind but with the twists and turns and protection from the bush it wasn't long and everyone was back at Moriac, a few diehard coffee addicts kicked back on their new deck at the Moriac store before heading home." 
 

Sunday's ride to Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove on 25.9.11.
Here is Steve's report:
"On Sunday 12 riders gathered for Steve's medium ride. We met at the South Geelong Station, the cyclists were Ian, Nick, Geoff C, Maxine, Pam, Rowan, Geoff B, Heather, Marrie, Peter, David and Steve. We set out along Horseshoe Bend Road into a pretty solid South East wind. The pace was very relaxed with plenty of footy news to talk about on the journey. We turned left at Blackgate Road and made our way to Thirteenth Beach Road were the South Easter really kicked in. We were all glad to get to Annies Provedore in Barwon Heads for our main break. Everyone got some great food into their bellys, and the sausage rolls and toasted sandwiches looked very nice. From there we cycled North through Ocean Grove and up to Drysdale along Grubb Road. Several riders took detours to their homes during the Grubb Road section. This left four riders to enjoy another coffee and cake at The Zoo in Drysdale, the last four being Nick, Geoff C, David and Steve. We were all very happy that we pushed to drysdale as the wind had turned to a direct Easterly and we picked up a great tail wind all the way into Geelong. Most riders got around 70 Kms done for the day, with Nick getting in 100Kms after riding in from Corio and Steve getting just under the 100. Thanks to all that came along and I will see you on the next GTC ride. regards Steven Cartin."

Tuesday's ride to Indented Head on 20.9.11.
Here is Ride Leader Peter Jones' Report:
"Eleven riders rolled up for the ride to Indented Head, Lyn, Trudi, Loretta, Marianne, Jackie, David, Ben, Brian, Terry and Peter L, Jackie set the day as a puncture day by finding a flat tyre before we headed off.
The day was a bit blustery with occasional showers; with a good tail wind the group headed out Queenscliff Road, just over Moolap Station Road Loretta ran over something that sliced her tyre and tube, David and Peter L fixed the puncture and put a $5 note inside the tyre and Loretta decided to head home.
We continued out Queenscliff Road to Melaluka Road, and onto the Rail Trail, now it is sealed right through to the Portarlington Road it is a pleasant way to go, a good riding surface and nice and quiet.
A brisk ride out the Portarlington Road to Drysdale and we were ready for a coffee at The Zoo. Brian and Terry had to head home for other commitments the rest fortified with coffee and energy bars continued out the rolling hills past Portarlington, onto the Esplanade and around to Indented Head for lunch at a shelter on the beach.
Ben is staying at Indented Head and had ridden in to the start so he bid farewell and the rest of the group headed back to the start via Hood Road, Portarlington Queenscliff Road, Murradoc Road, Portarlington Road and Queenscliff Road. Peter L managed a puncture on the Portarlington Queenscliff Road and almost got eaten alive by mozzies.
An enjoyable day on the bike, a bit blustery with a few spits of rain now and again, and odd bits of headwind but all in all a good day of approx 75 klms."

Sunday's ride to the You Yangs on 18.9.11.
Nick led this ride from Sth Geelong Station and Pam, Heather and Noel joined him. They rode to the You Yangs via the Ted Wilson Path, Baccush Marsh Rd., Windemere and Forest Rds. and came back to Lara via Flinders Ave. Coffee and cake was enjoyed at Rod's Bakery at the 6 Ways and the return trip was via Hovells Trail and the Corio Bay path. It was a beautiful day for cycling. Pam will send us a photo soon.

Tuesday Ride from Winchelsea on 13.9.11.
From Peter Lanyon leader of today's ride:
"14 riders set out from Winchelsea under overcast skies, the threat of showers and a strong Nth Westerly. Marianne, Lyn L, Lyn G, Trudi, Zdenka, Loretta, Jackie, Ina, David, Norm, Terry, Ben, Peter L and Peter J. headed down the road into the stiff head wind, through Winchelsea the group turned off towards Cape Otway Rd., the wind came onto the rear quarter which made riding a little easier, everyone knew it would be short lived, as we swung onto Cape Otway Rd. the wind came ahead and it was just a case of putting the head down and pedaling.
 After riding through a couple of light showers Birregurra was a welcome relief and a hot coffee and snacks went down really well. We put the coffee ladies under pressure, they had a couple of mix ups but everyone had their drinks and plenty of laughs.
 Some decided they had had enough wind and headed back to Winchelsea, the hardy ones continued on to Barwon Downs for lunch, sangers at the local sports ground. Lunch over everyone headed for Winchelsea and home, a few rolling hills and the wind tested the riders but all managed to get back to Winchelsea without to much trouble, at least the Sun came out in the afternoon, even though the wind freshened for the final ride into Winchelsea."

Combined ride to Pollocksford and Moriac on 11.9.11.
The weather was wild and woolly with plenty of wind, occasional rain squalls and patches of sunshine. Heavy rain at the start may have put some potential riders off coming with us. Helen Lyth from Cycling Geelong led this ride and was accompanied by Shane, John and Alex on his first ride with us. We headed out the Hamilton Highway, across through Pollocksford in the Barrabool Hills and over the Princes Highway to circle around and come in to Moriac for coffee and cake. We had a few punctures on the way and felt that we had well and truly earned our break at Moriac. The total distance was about 70km.

Ride from Williamstown to Westmeadows on 6.9.11.
Here is Peter Jones' Report:
"6 riders, Lyn, Trudi, Marianne, Ben, Peter L and Peter J left Williamstown at 9-00 am on the Williamstown Bay Trail alongside the Yarra River. Weather forecast was for rain, the sky was threatening and storm clouds were rolling in from the South West, spits of rain followed us along all the way but the threat of heavy rain never came.
 The trail follows along the river under the Westgate Bridge and through Yarraville and on along Footscray Rd, at the Moonee Ponds Creek we turned left and followed the creek all the way out to the Westmeadows Tavern, by Brunswick the coffee withdrawals were really bad so we headed off the trail, down Albion Rd to Melville Rd where a small coffee shop was located and the coffee cravings were satisfied. 
 At the Tavern various Seniors meals were scoffed before heading back along the trail to Williamstown, the Sun even came out for a few brief periods. Arriving back at the cars again through a spitting shower we packed up and headed to the Williamstown coffee drag and enjoyed a nice frothy coffee at the Groove Lounge and headed home."

Ride to Torquay and Easy Ride to Waurn Ponds on 4.9.11.
There were only 2 starters for the Torquay ride - Peter Maurer and John. As we arrived in Torquay it started to rain and the worst of the weather happened while we were sipping coffee and eating cake. The return trip was a bit wet but we managed to do 46km at an av. of about 25kph. The easy ride headed out along the Waurn Ponds Creek path and encountered the same weather, stopping for long conversations about Paris-Brest-Paris and other matters over a double coffee break at Panache in Waurn Ponds. Alistair led this ride and was joined by Geof & Marie, Elaine, Pam, Paul, Simon, Nick and David Ellis.

GTC Riders in PARIS-BREST-PARIS Results: -
Simon Watt - has now finished in Paris in 89hrs 14mins (1,230km) - well done Simon.
David Ellis - has now finished in Paris in 90hrs 47mins (1,230km) - great effort David.
Peter Donnan - has finished in Paris with 1,230km in 81hrs 51 mins - Congratulations Peter!

Steve's ride to the You Yangs on 28.8.11.
Here is Steve's report:
"On Sunday 6 of us set out from South Geelong Station on a bright Sunny day with a slight Westerly breeze, the riders were Steve, John, Alister, Geoff, Marie and Ian. We headed out towards Lara via the waterfrount bike path, North Shore and the Hovell Trail. When we got to Lara we had coffee and snacks at the Rod's Bakery. After a good break we cycled North to the base of the You Yangs. There we had a bit of a rest and a chat before rolling South along Flinders Road. We again headed for the Hovell Trail that took us back to Corio, where we went to Steves house for another coffee and a good long break with Joan and Arthur Cartin supplying the refreshments. From there the main group cycled back to their homes in a southerly direction via the Ted Wilson Trail. It was a really great day of cycling and great company. Thanks to everyone that came along...Regards, Steven Cartin."

The Geelong Touring Cyclists' AGM on 5.8.11.
Congratulations to the following who were elected at our recent meeting:
President - Alistair Elliott
Vice President - Steve Cartin
Treasurer - Geoff Christmas
Assistant Treasurer - Greg Allerton
Secretary - Pam Morrow
Assistant Secretary - Simon Watt
Webmaster - John Hagan
Sprocket Magazine - Alistair Elliott
Audax - David Ellis

Both Pam and John received life membership of the GTC for their services to the club.

Elaine's Bike Trip to Thialand.
Elaine's trip to Thailand to ride her bike in support of the people suffering from leprosy (click here to check out the website)

Lindy's 3,000km ride from Sicily to Como at the top of Italy.
Click here to see a full set of photos.

Some Past Ride Reports

Please be patient with the time taken to load images in the following links, due to space restrictions, they are being loaded from another site!

7/05/06 Ballarat Autumn Daytour (BAD ride)
19/03/06 Greg's Hard Ride to Steiglitz
12/02/06 Pam's Medium Ride on The Old Beachy
29/01/06 Purple Duck Cafe Ride
22/01/06 Audax Alpine Classic and John's Lone Club Ride!
15/01/06 Freshwater Creek Ride
10/12/05 Audax 300 Eildon Endurance Ride
27/11/05 Herbert's Easy ride and Pam's Hard ride
20/11/05 Gillies' Easy ride and Peter's Hard ride
13/11/05 Ride to Queenscliff with the Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club
6/11/05 Heartbeat Geelong - Otway Challenge 2005
28/10/05 - 1/11/05 Porepunkah Long Weekend from 28th Oct. until 1st Nov
30/10/05 Peter's Medium ride to Ocean Grove
23/10/05 Simon's Hard ride around the Bellarine Peninsula
16/10/05 Alan's Medium Ride and Fiona's Hard Ride
9/10/05 Herbert's Medium Ride
1&2/10/05 Three Rides
25/9/05 Geoff & Heather's Medium Ride to Pollocksford and Moriac
18/9/05 Herbert's Medium ride to Anakie and Greg's Hard Ride
11/9/05 Fiona's Medium ride from Mt Mercer
3&4/9/05 Audax 200 Spring into Seymour Ride and Simon's Easy Ride
28/8/05 Michael's Medium Ride from Portarlington to Pt Lonsdale
21/08/05 Long John's Hard ride to Winchelsea and Peter's Medium ride to Lara
14/08/05 Simon's Hard ride to Winchelsea and Alan's Medium ride to Breamlea
07/08/05 Herbert's Medium ride to Torquay
24/07/05 The Tour de France Progressive Dinner Ride
17/07/05 Where have all the riders gone?
10/7/05 Craig's Easy Ride, John's Hard Ride and the Audax Wandong 200