Group communication
29 January 2010
Happy New Year to all Tarbabies, past, present and future.
A Steering
group recently met to “freshen up” the Tarbabies. We looked at our
current structure, culture, safety, development, ride routes and events and
after considerable brain storming, have made a number of changes to many of
these. This communication is important as it highlights many of these changes
which will affect the way we conduct our rides in
future.
Culture & Structure
Onslow
Tarbabies continues to be an entirely voluntary organisation
comprising around 350 in the Yahoo e-mail group. We have no formal structure or
organisation (so how did this message come about you might ask?). Our focus
continues to be on fitness, fun and safety with a strong community and social
emphasis. We will continue to foster developing new riders and returning riders
with our Development Squad running from the New Year until June when the riders
will be incorporated into the standard groups.
Traditionally, our rides have been structured to build preparedness
for the Taupo Cycle Challenge at the end of November. However many of our riders
are motivated by other criteria from social networking to using our rides as
part of their race training.
Safety
Probably the
most serious component of our ethos. We have a large number of riders who join
us with vastly different riding abilities.
New riders are welcome to
join us although we insist on just a few requirements:
- New riders must be
competent at riding their bikes – we are not geared to teach you how to ride and
operate your bike
- you must be conversant
with the Tarbabies rules and ethos
- Please do not attempt to
lead a group until a Leader has cleared you. This is purely so that we can be
sure you are competent to perform this important role and also understand the
culture within the small groups.
- All riders participating in
Tarbaby rides must be conversant with our ethos and safety.
Therefore in future they will not be re-iterated at pre-ride briefings other
than any areas which have been seen to be lax in recent rides. Briefings will
welcome new riders and assign them to groups, highlight the previous points,
describe the route and any specific route risks.
- Groups will be smaller in
future – no more than 12. We would like to encourage participants to mix with
different groups in order to get to know more people. NO LESS than two riders
should stop and assist another rider suffering punctures or mechanicals,
although if your group is small it may be preferable for the all of you to stop.
Don’t ride with the group if your tyres are worn or full of broken glass – you
will potentially cause inconvenience to other riders and
- Groups and riders will be
classified (most riders can self classify) as A, B, C, D or E grades - probably
with numerous sub-grades – i.e. B2, B3 to cope with numbers. Group leaders may
ask you to go up or drop back to another group in the interests of keeping a
cohesive ride together. You are perfectly free to drop back a group of your own
volition but a group leader must be satisfied that you are proficient enough to
move up a grade.
- Riders participating in
Sunday group rides will make every possible effort to make it to the pre-ride
briefing and bunch sorting. If you cannot make it in time and want to join once
the ride is under way, no group should exceed 12 once you have joined on. You
should also check with the group Leader at the time.
- Another round of group leader
instruction evenings will be arranged by Peter Garty by early
March.
- Due to dwindling
participation in the Individual time trials, the frequency of these will
diminish. However the Team Time trials will continue although there is concern
that this is run on an inherently dangerous course, but we have considered that
the enjoyment had by all during these events was on balance worth the
risk
- Alan Moss will run a series of Criteriums on a new residential (empty industrial estate) road off Alexandra road around the back of the Trentham Military camp. Many of you on last Sundays ride will have ridden around it and you’ll see that it is ideal for Crits’. Criteriums are a great way of building intensity and although you experience a world of pain during the ride, the satisfaction on completion is immense.
Ride Routes
The steering
group has put together a number of exciting new rides and events to change the
landscape somewhat. You will be hearing more about these soon but in brief a
revised schedule will include the following:
- No more
Titahi Bay rides since everyone used to get
lost
- a lot less “around the
bays” rides
- Korokoro makes a comeback
after being off limits due to road works for some time. It will be used as a
precursor to rides on to Moonshine, Whitemans Valley and Eastbourne (reasonably
safe ride now across from Kennedy-Good bridge to Eastern Hutt /Gracefield or via
Petone) also good for Development squad and old blokes.
- We anticipate using
Whitemans Valley a lot more as it offers quiet
country roads with a variety of ride options
- Whenua Tapu, Plimmerton
will be incorporated into the schedule
- There may be deviations
circuiting east and west of Tawa main road
- There will be new ride
variations around central Wellington – these involve
plenty of hills!!!
- a new northern circuit
taking in Newlands and Grenada
- In extreme weather, hardy
souls can take on Makara and the five fingers which are the roads, (all
cul-de-sacs) leading off the main road you are familiar
with.
- To change the social
scenery somewhat we will occasionally start rides from Pauatahanui, finishing at
one of the cafes back there. The occasional ride start in Featherston might also
be seen however groups would also leave Khandallah in the usual
manner.
- Mid-winter rides in July and August will be shorter with more hill work being included.
Overall, we
hope that these measures will help to re-invigorate the rides, make them safer
and more enjoyable. Remember that we are the sum of all of our parts, so the
more everyone contributes, the more enjoyable your experience will be. We are
always keen to hear your suggestions but please don’t direct them to the group
as we don’t want to clutter everyones e-mail systems
2008 OTB's "Tour de France"
Report 3 Friday July 26, 2008 4:26 PM (photos below)We had planned to replicate the Makara Time trial day and course here some place but seems we are just plain unlucky. The course we located is rolling country lanes studded with burgundy vines, no roadside glass at all, courteous drivers who are only too happy to wait for you to finish whatever you are doing in you own good time and the killer was the temperatures at 33-35deg which were threatening to send us scurrying for the bar. However sense prevailed and we did the course before reverting to the bar to quench a well earned respite.
The day before the tour arrived in at Huez, we decided to test the legs on the route through Col De la Croix de Fur from Bourg D’Orsains. This involved a 29km long ascent at average gradient of around 8% - the scenery is absolutely stunning but took us around 2 hours (depending on who you talk to…) with a quick photo stop at Col Du Glandon next door. Not sure if the TV perspective gave De la Croix the credit it deserves but it certainly put the acid on us, with the sun baking down hard and having to negotiate many unruly foreigners on the road to the top, its gradient must rank it up there amongst the toughest.
The decent down to Bourg is REAL fast and with the absence of vehicles around would have allowed for some “ball busting” rides from the tour riders – we however had had ours smashed by the ascent to the top of either side of Croix de Fur so prudence was the winner on the day.
Yesterday the tour came to Alpe D’Huez where Westie attacked and smashed Shane on turn 5 of the ascent – ha ha! But seriously, accommodation was full so we had to “bum it” next to a dam somewhere up the valley from Bourg D’Orsains. Making use of the “alternative route” to Huez, we made a very scenic ascent to the summit (pic attached) and were ensconced in our lair with a bunch of rowdy Norwegians on “champions corner” by about 10.30. After defending our lair until all day, Sastra finally made a show at about 5.30 and the bunch along with Julian in the Groupetto some 40 minutes later.
To experience the D’Huez finale of a tour is something else that can’t really be put into words and must be comparable to some of the famous sporting event highlights known to us all. The fever pitch that crescendos up and down the twists and turns of the Col is tangible and nothing I can say could do justice to it. We had the advantage of perfect weather and placement and a couple of weeks of training to get us in the right frame of mind. Is it worth it? Most definitely but only you can make that call if you get the opportunity.
Today, its off early toward Paris and the final stage. We are in Beaune having ridden some beautiful grape growing and sampling the amazing local fare in surprisingly, the campground restaurant.
We hope to bring you a last sample of the OTB TdF from Paris but will no doubt see you again in short order.
Missing you all lots but not the weather….
Shane, Westie and Diesel (now Dessel)
Report 2 Monday, July 21, 2008 4:26 PM (photos below)
Today, Le Tour came to town!
Report from Westie, Shane and Diesel in Nimes, France.
Yesterday we realised that the Romans, when building the city of Nimes, had not obtained the dimensions of camper vans when working out how wide their streets should be!!! Save as to say that there are a couple of local cars missing wing mirrors….
Nimes really is OLD and there are not many streets that are straight and we think they used the only ones in the city to run the tour though for the sprint.
We started the day with a lazy sleep in and quiet breakfast followed by a trip to the sea. The “sea” was St. Marie de la Mur some 57km away on flat, yes flat terrain and with a strong tail wind. After languishing at the beach and tearing Westies eyes away from the beach (bikini tops it seems are optional here), we started back for Nimes to watch the tour arrive. This was a real workout back into a strong and hot wind which has us all panting for a cold one by the time we reached the RV. After suitable refreshments, we headed into town about 2 hours before le tour was expected.
The excitement in the air was tangible with the whole city turned out for a show to the world. Le Tour juggernaut is a marvellous, amazing spectacle to behold. The show goes on for hours before the riders get into town but finishes in a magic disappearing act in less than an hour afterwards! We watched Julian go by us at the 350m to go mark and he looked like he was in a good position to jump from but as it turned out – that freakish Aussie beat everyone again! Oh well there is always tomorrow Jules at Digne les Bains which is where we are headed off to in the morning to catch them on the entry to the Alps.
Not so hot today – Max about 40deg! Oh well, maybe it will improve tomorrow.
On Location for the finish at Digne Les Bains.
Cycled in from about 15km away into a furnace wind to watch the sprint for the finish at the 1km roundabout. Julian looked like he was in a good position on the wheel of Milram and Colmbia. The towns all turn out en masse for their local spectacle and was difficult to get anywhere near but the excitement is infectious nevertheless. After the finish we cycled back in the furnace wind (36 deg but felt like 46deg) to RV and drove back to Sisteron which is an absolutely beautiful little town nestled in the Rhone Alps. Where did Julian finish anyway?
Whipping up to the start at Embrun…
Up at dawn (well when we could get Shane out of the scratcher), to head off for the start at Embrun. Looked promising but ended up hosing down with us getting particularly wet and cold. Julian signed in at last moment so still in the running we hope.
Hoofed it off to Bourge de Orsains driving over the Col de Lauteret – we are absolutely staggered at the scenery – and the decent for 25km!!! Not pretty if you ever contemplate riding it – think again, then again, then again!!! Bad road surface for a decent and just plain evil to ride up it.
Been raining ever since we were in Embrun today and not looking too flash for our attempt on Alpe D’Huez tomorrow. Utterly spectacular scenery when you can see it it through the rain and cloud.
All the best
Westie, Shane and Diesel.
eport 1 17 July (Photos below)
Bikes and riders arrived in one piece after 48 hours travel (including 5 hour layovers in each of Singapore and Paris!!!) although one of Westies wheels needed some TLC but in general bike boxes worked very well.
After collecting RV in Marseilles we headed off to Bedoin some 120km away at the foot of Ventoux. Thankfully daylight here lasts till well after 10pm so we were able to get bikes sorted for morning “gentle shake down” ride. One should note here that there are “NO FLAT RIDES” in this part of France. It is obligatory here to start your day with a shot of caffeine at small town café and is easy to while away time watching the day go by. Suitably loaded we ended up riding up Gorge de l‘Nesque which skirts around one side of Ventoux. This is an awesome ride and not too steep at around 2.5% avg. Dropping down the other side into Lavender country we had lunch at Sault. Towns here are all very similar but strikingly unique in their own way. Sault is no exception with a mixture of old and new buildings but all built in a similar ancient architectural theme. Deciding that we felt quite good, we headed up Ventoux to Chalet Renee which sits at the top of the tree line, 6km from the summit. This in itself is a stunning ride and classified as easy uphill although for 19km! We then descended to Bedoin down hair raising road blowing all the other cyclists off in our wakes. Later we regretted not continuing to the summit as the weather was perfect for it.
Two days later we ascended Ventoux from Bedoin with a very strong Ventoux wind blowing and with clouds threatening. This road starts out at a modest 4.5% for the first 5km, then changes dramatically to an unrelenting 9% avg for next 10km to Renard. Added to our discomfort was a head wind which came screaming over the top of the mountain. At Renard, I was so cold I had to put my jacket on before continuing to the summit which cloud made totally unsighted – in fact just 50-100M visibility most of the way. In one stretch, the wind would assist you then turn the corner and its in your face with you trying to turn pedals.
At the top it was a struggle to ward off hyperthermia with temp hovering around 7deg but way below this in the wind. The three of us made it up in our own good time but didn’t hang around after the last, so quick pics taken and descended to warm up again.
Yesterday we ventured across Provence to ride up the Gorge d l’Ardeche – 40km each way and we thought an easy ride! Note earlier point – there are NO FLAT rides here! This was possibly our hardest ride yet as it runs at 40km each way but LOTS of up and down hills skirting the gorge. This in itself would have been ok except the temperatures we were riding in topped out at 37deg!!!
Generally temperatures here have been around 30deg and very tolerable.
Today its off to start the chase of le Tour to see the finish at Nimes tomorrow then Digne Les Bains and Alpe D’Huez so will drop you a line later.
Regards to all especially Stu and watch out for the invisible cars Frank.
Shane, Westie and Diesel.
2008 Le Race Report by Iain Paintin
Le Tarbabies on Tour - third and final chapter
Tarbabies on Tour, Update of the tour after the second week (23 July 2007) (photo below)
Tarbabies on Tour, a letter from France (16 July 2007) (photos below)
The 16th July was a rest day for the tour so Pete James and I decided to do part of the TdF stage 9 route from Val d’Isere to Briancon. For this trip we decided to start at the top of col de L’Iseran, and go over col du Telegraphe, and col du Galibier and then finsh by going up Alp d’Heuz instead of heading to Briancon as the tour does.
It was a big day and we had to stop a couple of times for a beer as it was quite hot again. Found a number of Kiwi’s and Aussies to chat with along the way. Gave the Aussies heaps as they lost 3 of them from the tour in stage 8, “where’s Robbie” could be heard ringing all the way up the mountain.
Alp d’Heuz took me 1hr 5 minutes right to the top, total trip took us 7 ½ hours, 185km’s and 3300m of ascents, 2 beers and lots of food! link to Polar info from the ride
The boys had a hard time with Gavin being the designated driver for the day, lots of detours and heavy traffic as they all drove to Alp d’Heuz. They got there only ¾ hour before we did and cycled to the top. Hot hot day with a max temperature of 36C
Malcolm Perry
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Day1
Arrived in Milan after 33 hours of
traveling. A light ride in the outskirts of Milan around a lake near Lake Como
to stretch the legs and find that two of the bikes were damaged in transit.
Fortunately a wrong turn took us to a cool Italian bakeshop in the middle of
nowhere!
Day2
1200 m of climbing (including another wrong turn by
Allan and Gavin adding an additional 600m and an extra visit to the French
Italian border)
Day 3
1500m climbing including a visit to the Comet de
le Roselend (part of the tour stage for today)
Today off to Tignes to see
the Tour stage, Fantastic weather here with clear blue skies and 33 degree
temperatures.
Placing's so far:
1st Allan Moss
2nd Gavin
Cho
3rd Malcolm Perry
Au Revoir for now,
Ride for Cancer raises $160,000 (December 19th 2006)
The Onslow Tarbabies, last night handed over a cheque for $160,000 to
Child Cancer following a year long fundraising campaign that culminated with
the Round Taupo Cycle Challenge on 25 November.
Accepting the
cheque at a function at the Posties Whistle in Khandallah, CCF New Zealand
Chairman Denis Kirkcaldie said “we have been absolutely blown away by the
generosity and hard work of the Tarbabies in raising this amount of
money”. He went on to say “we were
pretty excited when the Tarbabies first approached us saying they hoped to
raise $80,000, to now present us with a cheque for $160,000 is beyond all our
expectations, and theirs too I suspect”.
CCF Central
Division Manager Rhonda Walmsley said the some of the money had already covered
the purchase of a car for a Family Support worker and CCF family use, plus was
going towards the appointment of an additional Family Support worker for the
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| Rhonda also handed the Tarbabies a small wooden sword signed by Child Cancer face of 2006 Connor Hourigan and her family. The sword is a limited edition miniature of the one Connor used to ‘fight the monster’ in the national public appeal this year | |
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Email from Bob Knighton to all Tarbabies
From: Bob
Knighton [mailto:bknighton@childcancer.org.nz]
Sent: Wednesday, 20 December 2006 12:15
p.m.
To: Deborah
Ryan
Cc:
denis.kirkcaldie@gmail.com
Subject: Onslow Tarbabies thank
you.
Dear Onslow Tarbabies,
You have really astounded us with
your efforts over the past ten months. When we were first approached by Gary and
Debbie we could not have envisaged such a result. (Possibly they didn’t either).
As you go away on your Christmas holidays please keep in mind that you have made
a very positive impact in the lives of children with cancer and their
families.
When my wife and I undertook our
‘cancer journey’ with our nine month old son over 30 years ago there was no
Child Cancer Foundation and we were very much alone. The effect on our family
was almost devastating, financially and emotionally. As someone who has walked
the journey alone I can appreciate and am continually impressed with the range
and quality of the support services the Child Cancer Foundation offer and the
commitment that no family will ever walk the cancer journey
alone.
Your very considerable efforts have
funded a family support worker who is able to visit families in their home
(using the vehicle you provided). Your funds will help support other programs
such as initiatives to help the siblings of those affected by childhood cancer.
We will be able to support education initiatives for our local oncology staff to
ensure our children get the best possible care at all times. The effect on
families from your efforts will be both positive and far reaching and on their
behalf we thank you. We are mindful that when they express their appreciation to
us they are thanking the large unseen team, which includes you, who make our
work possible.
Last night we presented the Onslow
Tarbabies with a small
wooden sword. This was used in our 2006 annual appeal when four year old Connor
Hourigan asked the nation “Will you help me
fight the monster”. A few extra swords were produced and presented to
outstanding ‘Monster fighters’. Your sword is signed by the Hourigan family on
behalf of all the families affected by childhood cancer. The staff here have also signed
it as representatives of the Child Cancer Foundation.
Denis and Rachel Hourigan expressed
their disappointment they could not be present but have said what a wonderful
group of people you are.
The families and staff wish you and
your families a very peaceful and happy Christmas.
Bob
R. G.
(Bob) Knighton
Funding Development
Manager - Central Division
Tel: (04) 389
2620 Fax: (04) 389 2690
Email: bknighton@childcancer.org.nz
www.childcancer.org.nz
New Car for Cild Cancer: (November 2006)
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Gala
Dinner: (October 200)
Our special
PWC Gala
Dinner
was held on
Thursday 5th October at the Wellington Club. This
was an absolutely
outstanding evening with our special guests Sarah Ulmer and Ron
Cheatley who
both gave quite different but equally enlightening insights into the
world of
competitive cycling. The
whole ambiance at
the Wellington Club contributed greatly to the evening’s
success and our
professional auctioneer certainly helped achieve some fantastic prices
for our
limited number of very special auction items. Our special
thanks to
Pricewaterhouse Coopers for sponsoring Sarah. The evening raised
$16,000.
Thanks to all those that attended and our generous Sponsors.
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Criterium
(July 2006)
On Sunday
23rd July the OTB’s had a special criterium
around the streets of
Direct from her success in Dancing with The Stars, Lorraine Downes showed her continued commitment to child cancer, waving the flag for the children’s races and adding a lot of glamour to the event. 197 riders ranging in ages from 2 to 50+ took part in a series of races which started with a mini ride for 2-6 year olds. An extra special participant in the mini ride was Connor Hourigan, the four year old face of Child Cancer for 2006, who with her family came all the way from the Wairarapa to take part.
Winners of the three adult races were Shane Eagar (Grades D and E), Tim Robinson (Grade C) and the very impressive Aaron Rusden (Grades A and B).
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Limited Edition 2006 Jersey. (July
2006) The
long-awaited limited edition
2006 OTB jersey is now available
for order. Press Release (May 2006) St
Laurence OTB Cycle for Child
Cancer Launch function - KPMG, Victoria Street, Wellington. Thursday 11
May. The
Onslow Tarbabies
(OTB), a well known local
road cyclist group, last night successfully launched the St Laurence
OTB Cycle for Child Cancer. This fundraising initiative was
born
from a desire to use the considerable connections within the Tarbabies
group to give something back to the community. They have planned a
number of events to raise up to $80,000 for the Child Cancer
Foundation, culminating with an individually sponsored ride in the 30th
Anniversary of the Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge in November. The
programme of events includes a local criterium to be held in Porirua in
July and a gala dinner in October with some very special
guests. The
star of last nights launch was
four year old
Connor Hourigan. Connor, in remission from her cancer, is the monster
fighter featured in Child Cancer's 2006 appeal campaign. The
100 strong audience were
entertained with an
address by Don Tricker, Senior Advisor High Performance Coaching at
SPARC, and introduced to the elements of the campaign, including a
limited edition cycle shirt to be worn by every Tarbaby riding the
Taupo challenge. "We
can't believe how generous
everyone has
been", says Mike Bazalo, president of the group. "We knew that if every
single one of us was prepared to make small sacrifices during the year
that the potential fundraising power of the group was huge. But the
generosity of organisations such as St Laurence, who is principal
sponsor, Gen-i, who has offered to cover the cost of making the
jerseys, and radio stations Classic Hits and More FM who have given so
much air time for us to promote the cause, has been phenomenal". "Having
Connor and her mum here
tonight was the
perfect reminder as to why we are all committed to this and of the
wonderful work that the Child Cancer Foundation do. Anything we can do
as a group to help them is worth our efforts", Mr Bazalo said. The
group also launched their new
web site which
has all the details of the St Laurence OTB Cycle for Child Cancer plus
other information on the Onslow Tarbabies group. Photos from the Launch Night (taken by Colin Rhodes)
