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| Some Stats: | Number of Riders: 1750, 53% Male & 47% Female. Supposedly, 5.5% from Tasmania, 75% from Victoria, 10% from other states, + others from "NZ, USA, Gamma Quadrant of Betelgeuse and England" (I think their maths leaves a little to be desired). Number of Volunteers etc: 125 Youngest rider: 8 months Oldest rider: 78 years Road Kill Tally Yep, it''s amazing what some riders will do to keep themselves amused. While some of us were content (?!!) to take in the breathtaking scenery after struggling up one of the numerous "gentle rises", or panting out some polite small talk as we struggled past a fellow weary cyclist who was riding just a tad slower, a couple of others decided it was their life (or ride) duty to count road kill. In this respect, my aim was to get away from the associated pong asap.
One cyclist apparently boasted an Average speed for a day of 44.5 kmph (This was probably on the day that I averaged just over 21), and top Speed of 86.5 kmph (I reached 59 once, and 56 on several other occasions!) Accidents:Worst accident blackspot : On Day 8, west of New Norfolk on the Lyell Hwy, the railway line crossed the road at an oblique angle at the bottom of a hill. 56 cyclists had 'mishaps', some of which fell over while WALKING their bikes across the tracks. I haven't seen other stats, but there were several people who suffered broken collar-bones and other bones. Toilet trucks: 3 + porta-loos at rest stops Shower trucks: 2 ( + "Communal" showers at Richmond for the more adventuresome) |
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Some thoughts on the ride:
The ride was organised by Bicycle Victoria. The start was a complete shemozzle. Our bikes arrived at the starting point a couple of hours after we did. We left 3 hours after the supposed start time. Although we manged to get some dinner, some people who left after us missed out. I was left pondering whether it would be possible for Bicycle Victoria to organise a piss-up in a brewery. Fortunately things did improve.
The distances covered most days were shorter than on other similar events I've been on. I thought this was great - Being a slower rider, it meant I got into camp at a reasonable time, and was able to wander around the town for a couple of hours during the afternoons.
The scenery was great, weather for cycling was near prefect on most days (apart from the head-wind on day 8).
I was however left with the impression that Bicycle Victoria cut costs at every possible opportunity - Compared with NSW rides I've been on, there were less toilets and showers for the number of riders, and the organisers seemed to take a very lax attitude toward rider safety. (In my more cynical moments, I wonder if this is why Bicycle Victoria push their bike crash insurance policies so hard). One example was that at least initially there were no volunteers or marshalls stationed before the dangerous railway crossing mentioned above. Some cyclists took it upon themselves to warn fellow cyclists of the danger. There generally didn't seem to be many volunteers along the routes. Although the ride itself was very enjoyable, the organisation was sadly lacking when compared with a couple of similar Bicycle NSW events I've been on.
See also the Ride Photo Gallery.
Last Updated: 30/04/03