SPRINTING SPRING FEVER
A.K.A. THE Jude SAGA
Oh yes folks...here it is ... an intimate view into
the lives of the Bandidos. How do legends and super sports people participate together and
get along? So many questions, so many races, so much heavy breathing....and yet...so many
answers.
Read on to discover the meaning of life
[or at least Zen and the Art of Bycycle Hammering]
SHORT CUTS
From: PB *
From: CV *
From: NuggetyPhil *
From: Waz *
From: Steve *
From: Waz *
From: PB *
From: PC *
From: PB *
From: Marcus *
From: ElScrib *
From: ElScrib *
From: Johnny Rotten *
From: Laino *
Sent: Monday, 3 September 2001 8:00 AM
Subject: Jude
Hi Bandidos AND Bandettes.
What a contradiction the weather was on the week-end rides! Sloshing in our shoes on Saturday and then enjoying magnificent sunshine on Sunday.......AND a big roll-up on both days.HOWEVER the point of this e-mail is to say that while we all tend to get a "little" focused on the "pointy" end of the rides, that is, who's going to win the Green or Spotted Guernsey's, spare a thought for our Bandette, Judith.It hit home while I was "resting" at the top of Humphries Rd. yesterday......Judith came pedalling in (ahead of John as I recall? Hope I'm not doing John an injustice here) and I thought to myself, "what an example this lady shows to the rest of us". I take my Helmet off to you Judith......you did a hard slog through the rain on Saturday, and then bounce back and barrel up the KOM on Sunday.....GREAT EFFORT..............Regards .....P.B.
Sent: Monday, 3 September 2001 8:58 AM
Subject: Re: Jude
P,
And a timely comment too, pete. Judith's riding is fantastic regardless of gender. I, for instance, couldn't ride sunday because I was too sore and pretty well exhausted. Given the comments flowing aorund the second group of bandidos on saturday morning once we turned for the home journey from port melbourne, I think we're fast becoming a two part group.
I'm increasingly having trouble keeping up when the speed comes on and, to be honest, I just don't need that sort of ride. I'd be happy to work with a second bunch if there is some coordination of the ride in advance, but I can't say I like being dropped and then grinding the return journey by myself.
I'm interested in any comments from others.
C.
Sent: Monday, 3 September 2001 9:30 AM
Subject: Re: Jude
this has been raised before but nothing ever changes.
we agreed a social (nothing over 32km/hr) ride to mornington every now and then would be good but it never happens. i agree with clive. We need designated points where those who want to go hard can go and the others can cruise.
Sent: Monday, 3 September 2001 10:10 AM
Subject: NEW IDEA : Jude
Some good points there folks... however personally i dont think the big hitters have gone far enough !!!
"what?" (do i hear from my fellow back markers )
now hear me out folks ...
I think for Saterdays *AND* Sundays
We should start racing straight out from Reserve Road
...and keep hammering (whilst obeying the rules of the road naturalment)
The last person left alive gets the jersey of the day
Hazzah the Wazzah
Subject: Re: Churn or Cruise
Yep I agree with you Clive. There are some days when I would prefer to do some steady aerobic riding rather than these incredible surges that really test out the lactic acid system. From what I read, it seems that it is probably more beneficial as well as being more enjoyable. Given a number of newer faces that have joined in over the last few months, I think it would be a lot more helpful to them (and for PB to us as well).
Maybe on the return leg from Port Melbourne say at about the St Kilda Esplanade, we could split up into two groups - one for the surges and sprints, the other for a steady ride. Possibly something similar for the Sunday ride as well for those who don't want to push the pace from Seaford back to Mordialloc.
Sent: Monday, 3 September 2001 10:41 AM
Subject: PROPOSED AMMENDED BANDIDO RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Hello folks... me again...some serious ideas for the Bandido Members, Commitee and Hanger On'ers
Firstly I acknowledge the Bandido right to hammer in accordance with our differing states of condition and arousal
so how about these ammended rules ...
1. If a member has a flat or mechanical failure, all members on the ride attend to the problem and a tactical decision is made
2. If a member is in physical distress, (heart , asthma attack , regurgitation etc) the above also applies
Some tuning of Saterday and Sunday
SATERDAY
1. Everyone rides together to Port Melbourne on Saterday before hammer time
2. A decision is made en route for a slower no green jersey pack for the return trip (so we dont get a split up set of buggered lonely riders)
3. Everybody waits at Le Knicks before continuing to Mordialloc (ie slower riders can regroup and unfitter sprinters get their breath back)
4. There is a 5 minute wait at Mordialloc (in place already)
SUNDAY
1. Everyone rides together together to Frankston before hammer time
2. A decision is made en route for a slower non Aus Time Trials pack for the return trip (so we dont get a split up set of buggered lonely riders)
3. Everybody waits at top of Humphries (in place already) before returning to Frankston via Mt Eliza
4. Everybody waits at 1st Frankston Servo before returning to Mordialloc
Huzzah the Wuzzah the Process Queen
Sent: Monday, 3 September 2001 5:00 PM
Subject: Jude (mark 2 version)
FELLOW BANDIDOS AND BANDETTE, I didn't realize what a raw nerve I hit with my e-mail re. Judith!!!!!!! I must say that I agree with 99% of all the comments except for Denis's one that I carry a ruck-sack full of bricks.( I don't mind if Elvis has to carry the bricks!!!.......But us Mature-age riders need to be looked after, not handicapped). It appears IMPERATIVE that we address this matter URGENTLY. Whilst I acknowledge that I'm one of the worst offenders in the competitive thrust, I'd hate to see our group become fragmented or lose members because our competitiveness has "gone over the top". I agree that we need to change the designated "Sprint Zones" to less trafficked areas AND we need to regroup at certain points for a break.....On Saturdays, a wee stop at Port Melbourne would be sensational as I have nearly ruptured my bladder on several occassions, last Saturday being a prime example!!!!! The idea of having then, perhaps two groups (1.the mad sprinters and 2. the keen riders) should be seriously considered. Like-wise on Sundays, those that don't want to bust their gut up Humphries Rd., could ride through to Mt. Eliza and we could all meet up there (possible wee stop?????) before riding back to Beaumaris. I have to say, that Sunday 4 weeks ago when I rode back to Beaumaris with you all after the KOM, that blitzing along the Highway at 35-40 kph. against the wind was not my idea of enjoyable riding.....particularly when I had another 35 km. to ride back home to Pearcedale after coffee.For what its worth, when I normally split off at Frankston I do around 15 km. home at about 32kph average which includes riding up the Mooraduc Rd./Golf Links Rd. Hill (3km) and that's more than fast enough. I certainly don't endorse the frenetic ride from Frankston to Beaumaris after a reasonably strenuous hill-climb! SOOOOOOOO, I guess our "Directors" need to take this on board and act promptly to ensure that EVERY BANDIDO/BANDETTE feels comfortable with where we're heading and they're getting enjoyment out of their riding and their Membership of the Bandidos..............over to you ...............P.B.
Subject: Re: Jude
Well said everyone. About time someone said it. My theory is if you want to race, join a club. That's what they are for, competition in a controlled safe environment. I didn't realise that the competitive spirit within some of the Bandidos was soooooooo strong. I am finding it harder and harder to stay to stay with the group as it rips into it about half way back from Port Melb. on Saturdays. Spare a thought for mere mortals amongst us.
Subject: Jude saga mark 3
HI BANDIDOS AND BANDETTE.
This is the most remarkable e-mail response to what I thought was an innocent comment/e-mail! On reading all of the responses, it would appear there are two very opposing points of view. So my suggestion (and it appears to be generally proposed by most), is that without having any hard and fast RULES, (Laino), each week those who want to take a slightly slower pace, work out among themselves who's going to ride back as a group behind the "speedsters" and possibly shorten their ride slightly to enable a similar arrival time at Beaumaris for coffee. BUT I do believe that for safety reasons, the suggestions of 1. Disqualification for moving into the second lane is a good one, (PROVIDED there's no blocking or baulking)....and 2. that perhaps a sprint up near the Yarra where it's straight, the road surface is good and generally no traffic would be a smart move.This may be in addition to, or possibly replace, one of the existing sprints. I'm not fussed either way!
HOWEVER, let's not get our nicks in a knot over an issue that can be easily resolved with a minimum of fuss.
It's been mentioned again in "despatches" about having ALTERNATIVE rides from time to time......Perhaps we should try to plan one once a month?? (weather permitting)
Well Kiddies, see you on Saturday morning...................Regards P.B.
Subject: Warning BANDIDO's Warning!
OK fella's,
Here's my 20 cents worth.
Firstly, I suggest we be guarded with our responses to a genuine issue within the group, or risk the alienation of a reasonable percentage of our numbers.
Nuggetty Phil suggested gaining the opinion of anyone with racing experience. May I be so bold as to offer mine, having raced for some years.
I think you see where I'm coming from. If we are going to have sprints then lets choose, first of all, that they be held on a quiet piece of road. I haven't been in a race sprint yet where I was also competing with cars. A couple of ideas for relocation points are; under the Bolti bridge. About the only time you see cars there is during the week. Weekends are deserted. The final sprint could be placed at the pedestrian lights at the top of the hill before coming down to Reserve Rd. From memory it's almost always uncongested and I have never stopped at those lights ever! The run in, as I'm sure you're aware, is pretty damn quick.
A possible solution for the splitting theory could be keep the race under control until 1 or 2 km's from the actual sprints. Those that want to sprint will still hit those blistering speeds, it will just encourage tactics, a more cunning plan from the sprinters. And after all you Stuies, Marios, and Zabels are spent that will still allow others time to catch up. But having said all that I would second the suggestion that those of us, me included, who love to hammer, should probably go and vent the adrenalin in a race. I love to sprint and ride myself into the ground as much as the next masochist but let's try and keep l'esprit de corps out of the gutter!
Lets not become like the hell ride, with a complete disregard of the law and the safety of others.
The Bandidos started out as a great thing lets not allow it to fall apart. My whole reason for coming along on your rides was to have a great socialise. If I want to make my legs burn with lactic and my lungs scream for air I can do it training on my own or in a race. If it's about fitness then we can still do that riding together. Wasn't it about getting fit and being social?
Again I say,
Vive les Bandidos
Subject: the mass debate
Date: Thursday, September 06, 2001 6:03 pm
THE MASS DEBATE
I'm sure there must be some hidden meaning there, but seeing I'm just one of the regular wankers, I'm a bit confused as I am about the Saturday sprint debate.
As a "hasbeen" sprinter my thoughts turn to changing Sundays rules. My suggestion is that we organise the spotted dick jersey over three hills, the second and third after PB goes home at Frankston for breaky.
I suggest that the second hill is at Col de Mentone near the Mentone Hotel and the third at the Col de Black Rock which is about a K past Ricketts Point.
Don't laugh!!!! These Cols are every bit as challenging as that mere Humpries hump, particularly after the speedster get into action after Frankston.
Come you sprinters, vote with me and swap your green for red & white.
El Scriborino
Subject: Big Discussion
Date: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 1:03 am
El Scriborino has his say.
I find this all very interesting because although competitive to my back teeth, joining the Bandidos was an attractive prospect because of the social scene and learning that I could enjoy cycling for the pure activity. Racing gave me the competitive rush that I craved.
The two bunch ride is a great alternative.
Saturday
All start at the same time, the slower bunch turns earlier to ride backto Mordy. The improvers in that bunch can continue with the scorchers as they improve form. Once the slow bunch is caught somewhere between Ricketts and Mordy, turn back and join all for coffee.
Sunday
Meet at the same time, return after climbing Oliver's Hill and hopefully meet back for coffee at approx same time.
Having read some of PB's comments, I think it has achieved some much needed discussion. I've been very concerned how after almost 6 months off the bike, I was going to cope riding with what has become a group of very highly trained group.
As I'm on the comback trail I'd be happy to co-ordinate the second bunch within the next 6 weeks. I'll include some general coaching into the program if wanted.
If we start and finish together we achieve most of our goals.
Food for thought.
El Scrib
Subject: Re: Big Discussion
Date: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 1:09 am
Leon and other subscribers,
Firsly, the safety problems at Black Rock and Mordialloc could be resolved by invoking a rule (to add to the lengthy manuscript already in existence)
disqualifying a rider who enters the 'second' laneway during the sprint. I have a penchant for the Black Rock sprint as it is particularly fast (ie downhill).
Secondly, as Judith and I are primarily social riders, we would be keen to adopt Leon's 'A' team / 'B' team proposal. Over the distance of the ride, this would probably only mean the 'B' team turning 1 kilometre short of the proposed distance. On Sunday, I am confident that the 'B' team would get back to the tea house if they declined the extra distance from the top of Humphries Road to Mount Eliza - go straight back to Nepean Highway and return to Beaumaris.
Such a proposal gives the injured, not so fit and novices a chance to break in. In the current environment, only freaks like PB can get any satisfaction during their initiation.
Having said all that, I hope I never lapse to the state where I am forced to ride with Alistair and Phil Anderson in the 'B' team.
Food for thought.
Johnny Rotten
Subject: Re: Big Discussion
Date: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 11:14 pm
What a load of bull.... JR , youre no more a social rider than Richard and Al are shy, quiet, introverts.
As soon as you get your fitness back you'll be in there trying kick everyone's ass again. Its also not so long ago that Judith was 1st up
Arthurs Seat and doing her turn in the rotation all the back to Beaui.
She'll be back too.
Your not going to be short changed by not participating in the "racing". If you don't like climbing Humphreys road, don't climb it.
Turn back early if you don't want to be part of the high speed return leg.
If you want 2 groups that's fine.
We will always meet back at the coffee shop same time, Saturday and Sunday to tell lies and talk crap.
Stop all this crap and just get out and enjoy yourself, whatever form that
takes.
That's all
Laino (X - KOM)