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No 56, January 2008
Editor: Jennifer Gilmore
Production: Keith Griffin
The views expressed in Chain Mail articles are those of the authors only and do not necessarily represent either the common views shared by a majority of Bike North members, or Bike North policy as formulated by the Bike North Executive Committee.
The 7th Bike North Century Challenge
Since 2002 Bike North riders have been lining up from 7am on the first Sunday in May to take the challenge to ride 100km or 100miles (160km). Our approach of riding in small teams of 2, 3 or 4 people provides a different riding experience than a normal BN day ride. You get to share your successes but also to receive support when times get tough, as you grapple with the physical and mental challenges of the day. Not to mention sharing those precious spare tubes when times get really tough.
We will run the BNCC on Sunday 4th May with just enough daylight to finish the event (sunset is 5:10pm) but with cooler temperatures to avoid overheating. It is also at a good time of the year to peak your riding fitness, which probably dropped a bit after those Christmas excesses. For those who are training for the BNSW Big Escapade, Tour de Hills, Loop de Lake or the Tour de Cowra, it is the next logical step before the winter sets in. Don't wait until the Gong ride, where you do a much less interesting ride with crowds of people, take the Challenge this May!
This year we offer some different challenges with some new routes, yet retain an original classic, which ought to spark interest across the full BN membership. In 2008 the options are:
- Hawkesbury Randonnée (175km & 3 main climbs) Wahroonga, Galston Gorge, Wiseman’s Ferry, Central Mangrove, Mt White, Wahroonga
- Classic 100 Loop (100km & 5 main climbs) Wahroonga, Galston Gorge, Berowra, Mt White, Wahroonga
- Beyond the Pie (60km & 1 main climb) Wahroonga, Pie in Sky, Hawkesbury River, Pie in the Sky, Wahroonga
I must stress that this is NOT a competitive event. It is designed to offer an alternative ride to extend you beyond your normal preferred distance and terrain. Most members of Bike North will be able to find a challenge to suit.
How do I participate?
The BNCC is only for Bike North members, but you can join and then ride. Tell your friends about the great event. The BNCC is a FREE event presented as a service to Bike North Members.
You must form a team of 2, 3 or 4 riders to participate. You form a team yourself through chats on the email or on rides. We don’t do this for you. If you don't know people then come along on some rides at your level of difficulty to meet people before the registration date.
Each team must pre-register for the event by Wed 23rd April using the BNCC Registration Form which will be available soon on the BN website (www.bikenorth.org.au).
All applications must be sent electronically to the Event Coordinator: (mjharts@bigpond.net.au) by the due date. There will be no entries after this day and no on-the-day entries.
How does it work?
The BNCC requires self-sufficient riding and navigation as each team follows a published route guide. Detailed route notes in the BNCC Ride Guide will be available soon from the BN website. Watch out in BN News for this.
Each group of 2, 3 or 4 (on at least two separate cycles) will start together but separate from all the other groups. You must attend the briefing at the times shown and you will be given your start time then. No briefing, no ride. Simple.
Your group must always stay together, within 20 metres or so. You will ride at the pace of the slowest rider on hills and all stop together when you stop. Therefore to avoid frustration groups should be made up of riders of similar ability.