Event Reports

Here you will find reports of all MUCyc’s events to date. If you are still unsure about what we do and what it is like to come on one of our rides, the reports below should help.

Event 12 – Social Road Ride: Saturday 25th August

An elite selection of four riders turned out for the Two Bays ride. Whilst the turnout was poor for unknown reasons the pace on the way out was certainly not. The group enjoyed the idyllic conditions completing the ride to Mt Eliza and Two Bays climb comfortably. A headwind kicked up on the way back that threatened to splinter the group however calm heads prevailed and strong turns at the front from all riders ensured that the distance of 100-125km was covered with some measure of comfortability. Kudos for Hugh for fighting through the wind and covering the distance despite not being able to put many k’s in the legs in recent weeks and also to Banksy for working hard to make sure he helped pull the group through the strong headwind

Event 11 – Social Road Ride: Saturday 18th August

A good turnout of 10+ riders set out for the first test of the Two Bays climb. Whilst the climb itself didn’t prove too difficult the pace at the front put some riders in difficulty. An excellent bunch ride with all riders working well together and stronger riders taking pulls at the front.

Event 10 – Social Road Ride: Sunday 17th June
Ride Leader: Hughie
Distance: 80km return
Weather: Cloudy turning Fine, no wind, and much warmer than the last couple of weeks!.

Today the group travelled to Frankston along Beach Rd, Station St and Nepean Highway. The trip out was fun as the group managed to join up with a large peloton and catch a free ride most of the way. There was no wind so the trip back was also pleasant, and after rest stops at Frankston and Mordialloc the pace picked up. Some pursuits, sprints and group riding made it interesting on the way home.
Event 9 – Social Road Ride: Sunday 10th June
Ride Leader: Hughie
Distance: 70km return
Weather: Cold to begin with, but sunny and not too windy.

7 riders met at 7:45am and set off to Carrum, Shaun and Charlie leading the way. The pace was hot and the group broke up for a section, but regrouped at Mordialloc for some lollies (Thanks Alon!) and a drink before making the return trip.

Event 8 – Social Road Ride: Sunday 3rd June

Ride Leader: Hughie
Distance: 70km return
Weather: Cold but fairly still.

Again riding to Carrum, the group returned at a cracking pace with a long train forming. Despite the speed, the group stayed together for the whole ride.

Event 7 – Social Road Ride: Sunday 27th May

Ride Leader: Hughie
Distance: 70km return
Weather: Slight Headwind on return.

7 riders met at 7:45am and set off to Carrum in the still conditions. James and Shaun set a good pace on the way out, and the lead was shared well all the way to Carrum. After a pitstop at Mordialloc, new MUCyc riders Will and Steve did some serious driving at the front of a growing bunch, into the wind. The group averaged 30km/hr over the total distance of 70km.

Event 6 – Social Road Ride: Sunday 20th May
Ride Leader: Hughie
Distance: 50km return
Weather: Fine and sunny.

A group of 6 riders met up at 7:45am and rode to Mordialloc with a nice tailwind. The group averaged 40km/hr on the way out but the wind slowed everyone to 28km/hr or so on the return. The group stuck together really well and was not passed by anyone for the whole ride. Despite the forecast of showers, the sun was out and it was a nice morning to be out riding.-Hughie

Event 5 – Fairfield Boathouse: Road & MTB ride and BBQ
A group of about ten riders turned out to greet a beautiful sunday morning at fairfield boathouse, by the yarra. Leo took out a bunch for a MTB workout, while Cam headed up Ali and Tim along the challenging turns of the Kew Boulevard (who both did valiantly despite not having clip-ins :D ), followed by some sweet laps of the Hawthorn velodrome. MUCyc then owned all the BBQ’s at FF and kicked back for a well-earned relaxing arvo.

Event 4 – Sunday 1 April
The MAD Ride was a special day of rides, held in the Macedon Ranges.
It offered a choice of a 60km road route (suitable for mountain and road bikes), 110km road route (favouring road bikes and hybrids) and a 65kmMountain bike route.
Melbourne University had two representatives in the MTB, and five in the road ride. While at 6am the weather in Melbourne looked dreary, by 8am in Woodend the weather was spectacular, and the riders enjoyed the spectacular views, when they had the energy to look up from the road. The 110km course had some challenging climbs, but some rewarding descents and fun flats where bunches formed. The quickest home were Cam and Hugh averaging 28km/hr, while Andrew G, Andy L and Ross were close behind. The event was very well organised, and the munchies along the course and at the finish were well received. It would be great to see more MUCyc members participating next year. – Hughie

MAD ride

Event 3 – Tuesday 27 March 5:00pm
What: Commuter/Social Ride suitable for Mountain bikes, Hybrids and Road bikes
What: Social group ride along Johnston St, around Kew Boulevard, along Yarra Trail to Richmond Boulevard, a few laps of Hawthorn Velodrome, then returning to uni for the Pub Night along the river and Swanston St .
Ride Leader: Hughie

There was a small but enthuisiastic turnout for this event. We covered 33km, and showed some members some new courses to train on. The hills of the Kew Boulevard were well received, but the real excitement came with the 35km/hr return to uni along the river against all the commuter traffic. Hugh and Cam cranked it out on the mountain bikes to get everyone back to uni for the Pub Night.
Event 3A – Tuesday 27 March 5:00pm
Henry offered a trials session with tips on bunny hops, wheelies etc. There were no takers, but if you are interested in taking part in the future shoot him a msg or call him on 0413386077


Event 2 – Tuesday 27th March 6:15pm
What: Movie and Pub Night
What: Screening of “Overcoming”, the tale of Team CSC’s efforts to defeat Lance Armstrong in the Tour de France. Also, Pool competition with prizes, door prizes, discounted drinks and general good times.

Event 1.5 Sunday 25 March 7:45am
Road Ride – Beach Road to Carrum
Ride Leader: Hughie
Distance: 60km
Weather: Slight Headwind on the way out, otherwise fine and sunny.

Despite the potential confusion with daylight savings, a good group 8 riders was achieved. It was an inspiration when the group slowed to wait for two of the female riders, to learn that they had in fact blazed ahead. The group set a solid pace to Mordialloc, for a quick rest, before continuing to Carrum, and returning at an average of 4okm/hr + on the return trip. -Hugh

Event 1.4 – Hill climbing, Mt Dandenong 18 March.
Dist:90km
7 Great Guys and 3 Gorgeous Girls made it to the summit of Mt. D on Sunday. After a chilly start we reached the base via a relaxing and moderate ride down canterbury and boronia rd. However the 1in20 climb was taken with more haste, with KOM rights going at around 16mins 30secs. After a short regroup stop at Sassafras, the group took it easy and managed to clump together for the rest of the climb. The weather turned up its charm at Sky High…enough for everyone to warm up and a fun chat before the descent.
The undulating route back home proved to be a menace. Fortunately two groups naturally formed with one going a bit harder than the other. Well done to everyone who turned up and managed the 400m ascent. Credit also to the two riders who left with us at the start but took it at their own pace to Mt. D.
-Leo

Event 1.3 – Sunday 11 March 8:00 am
Dist: 100+km
Good ride all round. Around 14 riders showed up, three of them girls which was good to see. The trip to Frankston and back was in constant cross winds. Well done to all, with long pulls on the front by everyone managing to average 33km/hr.
-Leo

Event 1.2 – Sunday 4 March, 7:30am
Road Ride – Beach Road to Frankston 100+km
Weather: Incorrectly predicted.

The turnout was around ten riders on an overcast day. The weather was kind, considering the forecast of showers. The ride was advertised as ’social’ but it turned out to be a lot less social, with members from triathlon and the fitter riders of MUCyc deciding to make it a hard day in the saddle. Unfortunately it meant that we dropped some riders, however we reconvened at Mordiallic. Pat on the back to the beginners who still pushed on and hanged on for as long as possible. After a casual ride up Oliver’s Hill the bunch continued to try to destroy itself with some local riders adding to the paceline – further highlighting the importance of drafting.
Some topics discussed on the ride included: Why Campagnolo is better than Shimano, and how girls “naturally break” during racing let alone in breakaways…let alone wearing bibs…let alone, the toilet seat is not down…all possible reasons why women races are shorter than mens’.
-Leo

Event 1.1 25 February 7:30am
Road Ride – Beach Road to Mordialloc
Ride Leader: Hughie
Distance: 50km+ return
Weather: Slight Headwind on the way out, otherwise fine and sunny.

James and Hugh lead the group on the way out, and everyone stayed together well. On the return trip, the pace was almost doubled with many riders forming a peloton and achieving speeds of 50km/hr+ woth the help of the tailwind and drafting. Nathan and Cam busted their guts at the front to keep the pack moving along.
Special mention should go to Andy who had got up early after a late night to come out for the ride, and also Simone who was the only female rider, but had no problems mixing it with the boys.
-Hugh

Andrew, Andrew G, Nathan, Simone, Cam, James, Shaun taking a break at Mordialloc

MUCyc was set up in North Court on Thursday and Friday of O week. Membership sales were very good, with sales for the 2 days totalling 80+ (double 2006’s total membership for the year), which means MUCyc is definately on track for a big year in 2007.

Leave a comment