There was no complacency on Sunday for those who thought that the one hour criterium race at Pakenham was going to be an easy walk in the park, especially if Bryan Wright has his way.

Competing in Division 1, Bryan said he was going to “ just roll along today and take it quietly,” as he had raced yesterday. But we all knew this was a tongue in cheek cliché and that we were in for one hell of a gruelling encounter. In great form, Bryan set the pace early, attacking and making everyone suffer. But, to the credit of most in the field, all competitors managed to hold on and even do some of the work in front. Brett Smart showed his fitness by initiating several attacks. His hard training over the last few weeks was paying dividends.

Rod Cheyne and Rob Green also contributed to the speed of the contest and closed down the gaps which were occurring often. At the 50 minute mark (with 10 minutes to go), Bret made his move.

Sensing that there was serious fatigue with the riders at the front, he hit the bunch hard, accelerating with Bryan hot on his heels. This move was just enough to break up the bunch. Although Rod and Rob made an effort to close the distance, it was too late. Both Bryan and Brett were working well together to keep the bunch at bay by sitting on 38km per hour.

Bryan then showed his superior class with one lap to go and broke away from Bret to win comfortably.

Results:

Bryan Wright !st

Brett Smart 2nd

Rob Green 3rd

Rod Cheyne 4th

Division 2 was a much slower affair. But each rider competed at their level of ability. Competitors were more content to share the lead, but at the same time, wary of each other.

Although a number of attacks were made, they were quickly nullified by the bunch. It was John Eddy, however, who took the initiative on the last lap. He opened up a 40 metre lead from the much improved Laurie Black and the ex.school boy champion Greg Minne, to win.

Results:

John Eddy 1st

Laurie Black 2nd

Greg Minne 3rd

Ian Jones 4th

The club's AGM meeting is being held at the Kernot Community Hall at 7pm on Feb 8th.  All members are encouraged to attend and participate in the club's affairs.

Steve Flower will step down as President.

Ray Rhodes will step down as Secretary/treasurer (etc)

Candidates are sought for all positions.

President

Vice President

Secretary/Treasurer

Public Officer

Web Master

Handicapper

Assistant Handicapper

Committee members

Racing Committee

The race programme has been updated with the summer races.

Any queries about the races or venues call Rob Green 5655 2507 or Steve Flower 5672 2147

New address

Lot 30C Redgum Road

Briagolong

Vic 3860

New Phone:  5145 5656

Email addresses remain the same

Dear Members,

It is with deep regret that I inform all Gippsland vets that Terry Watchhorn’s wife (Gwenda) passed away this morning at about 5.30am.

She is now at peace after a very long illness.

I will be sending a card on behalf of the club to Terry and his family.

Should you wish to also pass on your sympathy, Terry’s address is 56 Parr St., Leongatha 3953.

The funeral has not been finalized, but will most likely be later next week.

Rob and Jo Green.

The Gippsland Vets Cycling Club had its first real race for many weeks at Pakenham on Sunday, 27 November, 2011. Again it looked like no racing would take place, as torrential rain had been threatening for several days. So it was pleasing to have the opportunity to ride on a great criterium circuit at Pakenham with riders from the club and Eastern Vets. Although the field was relatively small, the standard of competition was very close. As some riders had not raced for several weeks, it was still going to be an interesting competition.

Bryan Wright, the strongest in the field dominated early by making several attacks in an effort to weaken as many riders as he could. It was not long before one rider felt the going a little tough, and he was the first victim. Most riders took turns of leading the bunch, but were cautious of an attack from Bryan, so it was essential to keep a little in reserve to counter his moves. With only a few laps to go of the 80 0metre circuit, Bryan made his most devastating attack and left everyone in the field, bar one, in his wake.

The final result was David Ryan, 1st, Bryan Wright 2nd, Rod Cheyne 3rd.

This race would have benefited every rider as tactics and racing fitness levels were realised and perhaps the result would be different next time.

Its that time of the year again so membership renewals are required.

Since the licence fee has gone up $10 for 2012, the club has voted to keep the membership costs the same as last year at $130, by reducing the club membership by $10, thereby holding the cost at $130.

2012 membeship requires a new application form with an extended disclaimer.  Please ensure that you use the new 2012 form as old forms will not be accepted.

Rob Green and Steve Flower both have the new style form.

Last Sunday, 1 October, 2011, was arguably the best racing with the most competitive group of riders so far this year at the Pakenham Criterium course. With the eight starters in Division 1, each rider was capable of a place. The first day of daylight saving was also one of the best days weather wise on this particular racing track. It was good to see new faces in the field, as there was some degree of uncertainty with regard to each competitor’s ability.

The one hour race started off with respect for each other as riders were unwilling to make the first move. Then the attacks began. Bryan Wright got the ball rolling by increasing the speed by 10kms an hour and putting his rivals on notice. It was clear from this point that to stay in the leading group was going to be quite difficult. Most riders did their share of attacks including Rob Harris, Rob Green, Rod Cheyne, Jeff Gerrish, Ian Miller and Gary Campbell. But it was Gary who was the first casualty to be dropped. Once a rider loses contact with the main bunch it is almost impossible to get back in the race. Several attacks were made consistently until the last 10 minutes, where riders found it difficult to break away from the rest of the field. With 2 laps to go of the 800 metre circuit, Ian Miller surged forward in an attempt to catch the bunch by surprise. Being ever alert, each rider quickly followed and it was not until the very last lap that Bryan Wright, Marcus Herzog and Rob Harris managed to gain a 20 metre breakaway. These 3 riders hung on to make the three final placings, with Marcus Herzog first, Rob Harris second and Bryan Wright third.

The race in Division 2 was an entirely different affair. The pace was reasonably slow as each rider was aware that if any attack was made it would be quickly covered and the bunch therefore were quite content to wait for the final lap and make the race into a sprint finish. In first place Robin Condie won comfortably, with John Eddy second and Laurie Black third.

All riders were extremely impressed with the racing standard and although they may not have gained a place, everyone gave it their best.

Don’t forget tonight’s the start of Summer Crits; racing starts at 6pm sharp!

 Racing cost $10/rider

No License no ride.

Tool bags, pumps, lights should be removed from all bikes and helmets. SPECIAL NOTE: If you have cable ties on your helmet for the magpies you will be fined & forced to enter the 2012 Toughen Up Series!!

Dropped riders to exit circuit when requested

Riders to leave the track immediately upon finishing, whilst staying left.

We also request you return race numbers immediately after racing , plus place getters must come & collect monies before going back to your car; additionally please exit the facility as quickly as possible so we can lock up.

Hi all......

As you may or may not be aware our Wednesday girl, Karen Munro has lost her 18 month battle with Lungcancer last friday....

The service will be held on friday in Warragul for anyone wishing to attend....

Karen Munro

MUNRO. - A Service to celebrate the life of Karen Munro will be held at Danny's The Venue, Logan Park (Showgrounds), Warragul on FRIDAY (Sept. 30) at 3 p.m. At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will proceed to the Velodrome for one final lap. A Private Cremation will follow No flowers by request A donation in lieu may be made to the Australian Lung Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the Service.

Any questions about upcoming racing or volunteers to assist call Rob Green 56552207 or Steve Flower 0438931672

The Gippsland Vets cyclists saw another day of exciting competition with a handicap event at Kernot last Sunday. The 41 kilometre course starting at the Kernot Community Hall proved to be a challenge with the windy conditions and undulating road. Michael Lynch and Ian Jones started well before the next group of riders joined the starting line and it became clear that to catch these two was going to be a huge effort. Although the three chasing groups were joined together by about the 7km mark, they were unable to chase down Ian Jones who eventually won the race by 5 minutes.

The chasing group worked reasonably well together and at this point they were only racing for the minor placings. As pride was at stake, all riders were still going to give their best to finish in the top three. About 4 kilometres from the finish, Gary Campbell took the initiative and attacked viciously leaving the field surprised. It was not long before Rob Green and Garry Lamb decided to chase him down.

They were joined in the pursuit by Bryan Wright who lead the chase group within striking distance of Gary Campbell. Ian Miller then took charge and joined Gary before the final kilometre. At the top of the last hill before the finish, there was Gary Campbell, Ian Miller, Rob Green and Garry Lamb all in contention. Ian lead the way with Gary on his heels, followed by Rob and Garry. This final kilometre down the hill was a game of tactics, but Gary Campbell had the power at the finish with a 50 metre burst to win by half a wheel, followed by Ian Miller, Rob Green and Garry Lamb.

The Pakenham circuit for the Gippsland Vets and guest riders proved to be a huge success on Sunday. Two divisions took the starting line, and it was anyone’s race, particularly in Division 1. This field was not only competitive but also very even in ability. History has shown with these competitors that if they all stayed together during the race, it was the rider with the most determination and best position would be the one to take the honours. However, there was a new rider in the field, Jean Phillipe Leclevcq, who was an unknown quantity. Most of the other riders knew what to expect from each other and there was the normal surges and attacks for most of the race by every rider. With two laps to go on the criterium circuit, Jean Phillipe took control and lead the bunch to the finish, taking first place. The minor placings were separated by only one bike length, with Dave Ryan second and Gary Campbell third.

1st Jean Phillipe Leclevq

2nd Dave Ryan

3rd Gary Campbell

Division 2 was a more sedate encounter where all riders managed to stay together with little fear from attacks by any individual. It was not until the last 150 metres, where riders started their final sprint. Again, another close finish saw John Eddy take first place, with a very pleased Laurie Black in second, and Ian Jones in third.

1st John Eddy

2nd Laurie Black

3rd Ian Jones

Due to Fathers day this Sunday, there will be no racing this Sunday.

Naturally we are disappointed at the poor level of entry for last Sundays Open event, especially as Steve and the boys pulled out all the stops to make it such a good event.

If there is going to be an event next year there are a number of issues that need to be considered.

- Is it just the wrong time of year, even though we have always enjoyed good weather for the event, visitors may expect worse?

- Should we opt for another date?

- The VVCC has a convention that other clubs do not run feature events on the same day, we know other clubs did run large events to coincide with ours, coincidentally we didn't get much in the way of entries from those clubs. Should the VVCC be asked to sanction clubs that breach the convention?

- Some input cites the course as too hard?

- it has been suggested that more advertising is required, however the event is in the handbook, every member has a handbook. Would more advertising add entries?

- should it be a scratch races series, perhaps run over the Woodleigh circuit?

- Should we canvas the bigger Metropolitan clubs and their members who didn't really support the event (apart from a strong scratch group presence) as to why their members didn't support the race, especially given they are actually the closest clubs with therefore the shortest distance to travel.

- Should we just take a 'holiday' from Open promotion and consider coming back in 2013 or some future year?

I'm sure there are other thoughts to be discussed as well, the next meeting is the time and place to do this, make your thoughts heard.

Some mention has been made of the failure of our Open to draw good numbers. I think we should concentrate on the positives ie the great feedback from those who attended!

The females were rapt in receiving flowers and Mandy Hosking raved about the  food. Jenny Farrow reckons it's the best race weekend going.

The strong scratch group say good testing circuit re Stefan Kirsch and Peter Howard.

Northern blokes liked it though they had a big one day before.

We need to push it a bit more!

Rod Cheyne

Thanks for the card and the kind words of condolence from the members of The Gippy Vets for the passing away of my dear Mum

Rod Cheyne

This multi distance cycle event has been organised by local rider Gavin Slavin and follows the usual format of entry fee and supply of event ride top etc.

The main street of Inverloch will be closed on Saturday 19th November and all riders will have support vehicles available.

There are major sponsers on board and all surplus funds go to a cycling and road users education foundation and local charities.

So sign up asap and help to get this worthwhile event o the map and ensure it continues for years to come.

I would encourage all riders and family to enter and ride a distance of choice and make this a great day for Gippsland cycling.

This could also be a major recruiting opportunity if the club has a presence at the event.

Look in www.basscoastcyclechallenge.com

Although the numbers were a little light, a show down was in store for all cyclists last Sunday at the Kernot venue.

The conditions proved to be very challenging, especially for the limit riders, as the strong northerly wind was about to test each individual.

The oldest in the race was Graham Nankervis who had the job off limit, but he was on his own. This is really hard work, as there is no one to share the work load. A new rider in the race, Ian Miller was in the next bunch. Ian was a unknown factor as he has not raced for several years. This made it difficult for the handicapper to grade. Two other groups followed making up the field. The last, and most talented rider, Bryan Wright was on his own and off scratch.

It was not long into the competition, that several riders found the going tough. The wind was having a major effect, especially the smaller groups and, of course, the limit riders.

Bryan, however, was in his element. He slowly, but surely, started to assert his supremacy on the field, by closing the gap on those in front. A mechanical mishap caused a loss of about one minute to one of the hard working groups, enabling Bryan to catch up and work together with them in an effort to chase those in front. With about 5km to go, there was only one rider to catch. Yes, it was the Ian Miller, the unknown factor. Bryan, by this time really started to hammer hard, and with a little help from Gary Campbell and at times others in the bunch.

But Ian managed to hold off the fast finishing pack by winning with 50 metres to spare. Gary just came over the top of Bryan to take second place.

Final placings were-

Ian Miller 1st

Gary Campbell 2nd

Bryan Wright 3rd and fastest time.

It is intended to have a handicap this Sunday 26th on the Kernot circuit (41km).

Starting at 10.00am

The greater the numbers, the bigger the prize money.

Hope you will be there. The weather is looking good.

Please let as many riders know as possible. Let’s make it a good turn out.

Enter on the day, but please be early to allow handicapper time to organize.