Kermesse Saturday 27th March

[The Ferret]

Gentlemen,

If my mail is correct (and we all know the answer to that) delegates of Cycling NSW will inspect the Kooragang circuit when they attend this State Open, paying particular attention to the condition of the road surface. It is understood that the low numbers in A grade last year (12 starters) contributed to this. Certain State A graders had stated that they would not travel that far from Sydney to ride such a goat track.

Some late mail just in (from last night's club meeting) suggests that these delegates will also inspect the Friday night finish for safety after young Jamie van Netten alerted many individuals to the potential for danger.

 Turtle is said to be distraught, having broken another frame. He was quoted as saying he usually got two broken collarbones out of every frame, so naturally he feels cheated.

The Big Headed Warrior is planning his next holiday on Turtle's next bike purchase. Shalom

Your friend

The Ferret

[Metro Commuter]

Ferret,

One has to question the sense in having CNSW attend KI, and who has invited them to inspect the Friday night finish.

The problem is not with the finish, but how finishers are managed (which, as Jamie perhaps demonstrated, they are not).  It is utterly useless having someone yelling instructions from the finish line, as you simply can not hear them.  You need clear instructions to be given by the Commissaire before each grade starts, a designated "not to turn before" point, and someone monitoring when a grade that has finished can turn.

In terms of finishing options, I would have thought the real risk is higher finishing speeds, and a headwind finish would be the preference.  But I do not agree the southerly finish is inherently more dangerous than a northerly finish - the northerly finish has a poorer surface, close spectators and cars, and an intersection in the potential sprint zone.  The northerly finish also has potential for finshed riders crossing the path of those in the final sprint, whereas the southerly finish the potential conflict is not with those sprinting but perhaps travelling quickly.

[hilljockey]

a designated "not to turn before" point

That's a good idea.

[Aidro]

I agree that i think that the surface at Kooragang is dangerous.. But where else to go? I think holding a state open at Kooragang certainly doesn't show off Newcastle in a good light..

[crank-yanker]

Never mind the road surface, what about that scenery

[Metro Commuter]

Why not Seaham?

[hilljockey]

Already on the HD radar.  Shame the clubs are not amalgamated then more people could work toward a range of race locations.  The off road circuit would be best, but appears to need massive amounts of $$$$

[drv31t]

If the clubs were to come together, is there land that is available to produce an off road circuit? If so, a government sports grant is an option. Sure, it won't cover the cost of the circuit, but it would be a start. Obviously, the more the circuit is used, the quicker it becomes an asset. Then the options are unlimited to improve & modify the area to make it a high class circuit. This will help it grow into a recognised circuit that others will travel to, and will want to race on.

[hilljockey]

As I understand it, the site has been picked for a long time (ex Gretley colliery behind Wallsend) and representations to various levels of government have been repeatedly made.

[Robbo]

Last time I raced (yes I know its been a long time) there was CLEAR instructions on the do not turn before point. What happened to this? and I thought us old blokes were supposed to be the ones with fading memories (shut up Dot Boy/Girl).

As for the off road circuit, as usual the majority of the work for this has been left to representatives of HD. Sure Ray Millis & Metro have provided some assistance, but the boffins of KOCC are in their usual position playing hide n seek. As a result Greg has worn himself out and the project needs someone to pick up the batton & take it further. Bet it wont be someone from the KOCC Executive!

Off road circuits, junior teams to travel away, senior teams doing the same, all can be a lot easier in a combined fashion. We have all argued this before now, hopefully one day sanity will prevail and it will all come together for the benefit of all.

[Metro Commuter]

Robbo,

Fair comment.  What the Steering Committee should do, and I have expressed this view before, is become a seperate Incorporated Association then enter in to binding agreements with those Clubs (including non-racing clubs, say like the Triathalon Clubs) that might wish to use the off-road course when (if?) it becomes available, and this might require some contribution from those Clubs in the running of the new Association.  It would be a "bold move" for a club to contribute nothing, then expect to be able to reap the rewards down the track.

FWIW, my input, as sporadic as it has been, was not as a rep for KOCC.  The KOCC rep is, as far as know, J-Rat Wood (who has done a great job and has tried very hard to increase the engagement of KOCC in the process).

The whole process would be a whole lot easier if we had one club...

MC

[Robbo]

I agree Metro, and I was aware of Jarret's involvement, but my frustration with some within KOCC clouded my judgement in my last post. That said, I have a couple of mates at KOCC who I was hoping to get a bite out of but alas that hasnt happened as yet. I hope the executive over there becomes more active in things outside the 'feather your own nest topics' otherwise it may well come back to bite them.

[The Ferret]

Robbo,

Last time you raced, you had to lacquer your bamboo rims. Shalom. What about attending your drinking hole at Jewels Tavern for a pot with the Chief Executive of KOCC at your TOK..........that might start the ball rolling?

Metro,

As I understand it, Cycling NSW officials had heard that the general road surface condition was sub-standard, or potentially unsafe. They were going to look at the HD finish just as part of assessing the whole course, as a result of receiving notification by the Commissaire of young Jamie's 3 month holiday. They were not alerted to a **** course by HD son.

J Rat,

Where are you son? You have one romance and forget the bike..........

Your friend

The Ferret

[Metro Commuter]

F,

That is not correct, with respect. 

As I understand it, the communication from someone from your club predated young Jamie's suspension, and it was a live issue for your club well prior to that.

All I am saying is where there might be a problem why the fire truck would you invite the numpties from CNSW to express their view - I can not think of a race held at KI where there was not some adverse comment in the Commissaire's Report, and in circumstances where the Chief Commissaire on the day (not a local) made no comment to organisers. 

What if CNSW say KI is too dangerous to race? KOCC and HVVCC would have no where to race...oh, I see, perhaps there is some method in HDCC's madness.  No need to merge then...

MC

MC 

[The Ferret]

Metro,

The Ferret had not considered this angle, the naive individual that I am. Imagine the starters at the crits and Black Hill then............

Your friend

The Ferret