Dates for longer rides

To add some variety I'm putting out some dates for rides that might come in handy for getting some miles in your legs.
These rides will run every 2 weeks and will both start at 7am from their respective starting points. This start time will allow anyone wanting to ride there plenty of time without having to drag themselves out of bed too early; plus it will be bloody cold! Pace will be what it will be but I don't expect Warp 7, more something around 30 average.

The rides are the 5th of July from the Maccas at the Calliope Crossroads. This way the loop can go either way with a variety of options, including Haddock ;-) Distance will vary but anywhere from 60 to 100. As these rides near final details on loops will surface, this is more for you diary.
19th July Turkey Beach. The starting point is the carpark right just off the highway before the railway crossing. There's a 70k loop in there and the road is pretty quiet which is a bonus.
2nd August Maccas at the Calliope Crossroads.
16th August Turkey Beach.
30th Maccas at the Calliope Crossroads.

A Rare Insight

A look inside the closing stages of a race as teams jockey for position to get their sprinters to the line. Just take a look at how fast the people on the side of the road blur by as these guys fly past.
http://pulptastic.com/video-will-change-way-look-competitive-cycling-forever/

Gran Fondo Update

The big day in September is rolling ever closer and will be here before you know it. Below is the basic map and elevation of the ride. Please don't panic about the steep 'up' you see as it's actually over quite a distance and really isn't all that bad, honest. As you can see once we are up and over the range there isn't a lot of climbing left to do bar some coming into Mt Morgan and just the other side of it. Happy to say we will be going down the 'normal' road from Mt Morgan and not the Razorback we used last year. The ride will finish in Rockhampton once again at the Tropic of Capricorn information centre just as you come into town on the left. Distance will be all but 240k's.

Couple of things to note. If you aren't feeling super confident about the hills gear your bike appropriately, I would advise a 11-28 or similar on the back if you're in this basket. This ride is only for road bikes and no TT bikes are allowed. As I've mentioned before generally we ride in a bunch with the stronger riders pushing the wind on the front. There's a fair chance there will be a second group that will travel a little quicker but this is still something I'm kicking around; very dependent on numbers.
Lastly if you are thinking about coming along please contact me to let me know if you haven't already, even if you're not 100% yet. This isn't locking you in but just an expression of interest.

Mark

TdF Fantasy Cycling League

Just when you thought July could not get any more exciting, here is a challenge to keep your brain active during those boring daylight hours between stages.  Why be at work with matchsticks holding your eyelids up when you could be contemplating your fantasy...fantasy cycling team that is!  Join the TSCG Tour de France Fantasy League and compete with the best minds in..in..in..anyway it shouldn't be hard to beat Berg.  Just go to TSCG Fantasy and join up - the details are below:

Competition Name:  Tannum Sands Coffee Grinders
Competition Password:  Grinders2014
TdF starts on Saturday 5th July so get your teams in before the start.  The competition table can be found here: TSCG Fantasy League.  Everyone is welcome, you don't have to ride to participate.

The Turkey Run

For those wanting an alternative to the Saturday Dam Ride, there will be a Turkey Beach ride this Saturday (21st June).  The ride will leave the Turkey Beach Rd and Bruce Highway intersection car park at 6:30am.  The ride is approximately 47kms if you leave from the car park.  If you ride from Tannum and meet the group at the car park then you can rack up a 100km ride.  Course Map.

In other exciting news, it seems that night works will begin next week to "shave" the lumps in the John Oxley bridge.

MS Ride Fundraising Sausage Sizzle

The MS Brissie to the Bay ride is on the 22nd June and several TSCG riders are making their way down to support this great cause.  Fundraising efforts are continuing and you can sponsor the team at the sponsorship page [click here - TSCG]. 

To assist with fundraising, Garry is putting on a sausage sizzle at the rotunda, northern side of the surf club, this Sunday 15th June, following the Sunday Stroll ride.  This should be approximately 8:30am.  Bring the family & friends down for a hearty breakfast and show your support for the team.