Well done to all competitors who entered the 5 peak challenge, without you there is, no event. A big thanks to all of our officials and marshalls too. Without all the volunteers most things would not get done so thanks to all.
5 PEAK CHALLENGE RESULTS

Five Peaks Handicap
Story by Rodney Foster

The Adelaide Hills Veterans Cycling Club conducted a handicap over its 37km “Five Peaks” course, starting in Flaxley.

Race Director and Handicapper, Steve Hemmings, was presented with the task of evening out variables such as age, gender, terrain, weather and past performance to set up a race that gave the majority of starters a chance to be competitive. Add to this mix two new unknown riders, and the scene was set for an interesting morning.

Dutchy Wieringa from Mt Barker and Macclesfield resident Peter Dean were sent away first with other riders following at 90 second intervals. The route took the riders down into Macclesfield and then up the first peak that is Stamps Road. Peter Dean, in his first ride with the club, shot out to a surprisingly good lead of two minutes by the time he turned north on to the road to Mt Barker. Less than seven minutes saw the entire field pass through this point, yet unusually, no working groups had formed, as everyone seemed determined to set their own pace.

Keith Barnes from Nairne was the first over Church Hill Road, the second of the peaks. The field became even more compact as it worked its way up the third peak to Flaxley, but perennial back marker Paul Bell had clearly started his charge through the field. As they turned in Macclesfield towards the dreaded 22% gradient of Retort Hill, the other new rider to the club, Stirling’s John Allison, was leading Rostrevor resident Graham Lewis by 30 seconds, with 15 seconds to Dean and another 15 seconds to Bell. Most of the rest went through within the next 3 minutes.

The fourth peak, the infamous Retort hill, was the point at which everyone was expecting the back markers to take over the race leadership. As the riders hit the steepest aspect many dismounted and walked, whilst those who managed to keep riding fared little better in terms of speed. As more riders hit the hill, the field closed up providing an unusual sight for spectators. The first riders over the hill had a distinct advantage, as they were able to get up to speed again and put some distance between themselves and those still on the hill. Allison was the first over, followed by Lewis.

The riders battled on over more intermediate hills and valleys and some of the roughest bitumen surface in the district until they emerged at the exit of Whites Road, well on their way up the final peak to Flaxley. At this point the race was decided with John Allison taking a maiden victory over Graham Lewis and a rampaging Paul Bell taking third and fastest time.

The Five Peaks Challenge, a tightly contested event, had taken its toll on the riders’ energy levels. All are now looking forward to a faster flatter criterium next week at the industrial estate in Mount Barker.


Next Sunday will be Starting at TASC Communications, Mt Barker Industrial Park. Click on the link below to find out more.
NOMINATIONS FOR EVENT TO STEVE by 9pm Thursday: ahvcc.info@gmail.com

Coming Events

5th October AHVCC Criterium
0900 Start Mt Barker MAP

12th October MOUNT 2 MURRAY
0900 Start YMCA RECREATION CENTRE MOUNT BARKER
ENTRYFORM

19th October AHVCC Stamps Rd Scratch
0900 Start Flaxley MAP

RIVERLAND OPEN

26th October AHVCC HANDICAP
Start 0900 Hawards Vineyard MAP
(CLUB LUNCH & PRESENTATIONS)
This will be the final event for our winter series. Lunch & presentation will follow after event. Bring the whole family!

Stay tuned for Summer Series Info.

AHVCC PO Box 1702
Mount Barker SA 5251