17 replies to this topic

[brewer]

Entries are now open for the 2009 Gong Ride. Official Website here. for previous fund raisers, for the rest entries open August 15.

This year entries are limited to 10,000 entrants. So if you are keen, get in sooner rather than later. They are also expecting Gong Riders to pledge to fundraise a minimum $200.

Links to 2008 Gong ride thread and 2007 Gong ride thread

Edited by brewer, 04 August 2009 - 07:06 AM.

[Dutchie]

Just got a new (second hand) bike on ebay.
So I've entered my first Syd to the Gong.
I'm very excited!!

[Mouse]

Bump.

Haven't entered yet but NTR and I are doing this. Any other takers???

[frankie17]

So. Had my normal 20k run wednesday 6am. Heaps o'cycles out and about. Plenty of action in groups of 12. Must have seen 200+ sickles. No doubt lots of java afterwards as they do. I remember saying to myself that these guys are keen on doing well on the gong ride in only a months time.

Went out this morning. Same time. Saw a total of one slowpoke on an mtb wearing a poncho and ONE road bike in 2 hours.

The difference? The rain. Apparently these guys don't like riding in the wet. Why? The rain won't stop them getting fitter, but lying in bed while it rains outside won't help. Is it that they don't want to dirty up their pretty bike outfits? Or don't want to have to dry off their bikes before all the titanium oxide rusts! Wtf!

Surely not all of sydney has gone to a weekender?

Surely the biking world is not full of softc#*@ks. How many will I see out tomorrow as I go my usual way running RAIN HAIL or SHINE.

Pleased to get that awf my chest.

[BoneyChic]

frankie17, on Oct 3 2009, 05:05 PM, said:

The difference? The rain. Apparently these guys don't like riding in the wet. Why? The rain won't stop them getting fitter, but lying in bed while it rains outside won't help. Is it that they don't want to dirty up their pretty bike outfits? Or don't want to have to dry off their bikes before all the titanium oxide rusts! Wtf!

Surely not all of sydney has gone to a weekender?

Surely the biking world is not full of softc#*@ks. How many will I see out tomorrow as I go my usual way running RAIN HAIL or SHINE.

Frankie,

It would probably have very little to do with getting their 'pretty' outfits dirty or having to dry their bikes off, but more to do with safety.

There is a big difference when riding in the rain alongside cars, trucks etc and running on two feet along a footpath. Both the bikes and cars would take longer to stop in the rain. You would also have water spraying up from the vehicles into the face of the cyclists - more danger.

I, too, run in the rain but my bike stays off the road in the rain unless absolutely necessary for safety reasons.

BC

[littleblackpug]

Particularly when it has been dry for so long, the road gets very slippery, like glass, when we then have rain, one turn around a corner and if your front wheel hits a white line or slimy bit of road the wrong way it's all over. I have left a whole lot of the skin from my face on the tarmac this way, take my word for it.

[grimsey]

A mate of mine ended up with a broken hip as a result of a front wheel sliding out from under him in the wey. Couldn't run for over a year as a result.

[frankie17]

littleblackpug, on Oct 3 2009, 06:10 PM, said:

Particularly when it has been dry for so long, the road gets very slippery, like glass, when we then have rain, one turn around a corner and if your front wheel hits a white line or slimy bit of road the wrong way it's all over. I have left a whole lot of the skin from my face on the tarmac this way, take my word for it.

Yes maybe that's it. However in the nat park there are never trucks and also not one car today. Maybe it was a bit slippery though but the way tjese guys normally tear around the bends I didn't think safety was ever high on their list.

I expect the coffee shops did their shirts today and again tomorrow!

Ta.

[Paul Every]

I am another who rarely rides in the rain for safety reasons.

Some motorists don't appreciate that you require a greater braking distance, there is a generally reduced visibility, white lane markings/pedestrian crossings are slippery, the metal plates sometimes used during road repairs are very dangerous, accumulated oil on the road, etc.

Add the pleasantries of spray coming off your front wheel hitting you in the face, a greater liklihood of punctures and wet clothes with a wind chill factor proportionate to the speed you are cycling.

The extra accumulation of dirt on your chain and gears has to be cleaned off otherwise it will cause additional wear on the componentry on subsequent rides.

Why would I ride in the wet when I can go for a run and splash along some muddy trails.

[catgirl]

I am in for my second although after last years ride I didnt think I would be up for it again! After seeing all the flat tubes last year (esp at the start) I encourage everyone to get tuffys or at leats take a couple of spare tubes and a good pump!

[thomo]

People riding Sydney to Gong on Sunday have a safe ride.

Enjoy yourself!!!!

[Mouse]

Thanks thomo!! I am heading out on Sunday for my first gong ride, very excited actually Riding with some work mates from St Vincents. Looking forward to a few beers at the pub at the end too

[nite_time_runner]

frankie17, on Oct 3 2009, 02:05 AM, said:

Surely the biking world is not full of softc#*@ks. How many will I see out tomorrow as I go my usual way running RAIN HAIL or SHINE.

Some are, some aren't. Its about managing the risk, and making your safety. Once thats done, the fun begins!!

On Monday morning, my FB status was " Happiness is not a warm puppy (or pool)- its riding in the driving rain, soaked and loving it! I am 5 years old again!"

Edited by nite_time_runner, 30 October 2009 - 11:39 AM.

[Colin]

Enjoy...

Not doing it this year, the $200 entry fee mandatory charity donation bit too much for a ride to the Gong.

Good memories of last year's out and back ride.

[Mouse]

frankie17, on Oct 3 2009, 01:05 AM, said:

Is it that they don't want to dirty up their pretty bike outfits? Or don't want to have to dry off their bikes before all the titanium oxide rusts!
....
Surely the biking world is not full of softc#*@ks.

It's about safety for me. If I have a race coming up I won't ride in the wet in case I come off. It's got nothing to do with being soft, will always race in the rain but will choose the trainer over a wet road before a race anyday!

[Dutchie]

Great conditions, great ride, had heaps of fun today!!!

I think I'm hooked

[Mouse]

Yep - totally agree Dutchie! Was an awesome day today. Perfect weather, though arms and legs got a little burnt. Guess it's the start of those summer cycling tan lines

Beers at the end were exactly what I needed, and the nap on the train was fantastic. Only heard of one bad stack, at the bottom of the hill near Stanwell Park. Saw lots of smurfs - not sure who they were riding for but their outfits were great.

I will defo do it next year

[BoneyChic]

Mouse, on Nov 1 2009, 07:18 PM, said:

Saw lots of smurfs - not sure who they were riding for but their outfits were great.

Those smurfs (aka Team MacDog) had four sponsors - Puma (clothing) Billie Shoes (footwear) Derivan (their body paint) Training Mates (refreshments). I had plenty of time to read their shirts as they always seemed to be around me after Stanwell Park. Was so pleased when they stopped to regroup again just before the finish.

Enjoyed my 3rd Gong ride this morning and was riding as part of my work team. Believe it or not, those hills ARE getting easier.

Will definately be back next year for No. 4

BC

Edited by BoneyChic, 01 November 2009 - 07:45 PM.