Tour Downunder

[Welsh Dragon]

Ok flights booked, we're on our way from WA !

[bianchi928]

for those going and taking their bike, maybe consider swapping your cassette to a 12-27 at least.
plenty of hills in SA and at times, you will need the 27 cog if only to be able to take on the hills on the easy.
i had a 12-25 on a compact and on one of my climbs from the backroads of strathalbyn, almost busted my knees in the process!

13-29 arrived last week

[StewieC]

One question - how do people get their bikes down to Adelaide? In particular, has anyone ever dealt with some of the companies that say they specialise in transporting bikes?

I'm interested in exploring this possibility as an alternative to flying, as I've heard that there is the possibility of having your bikes 'bumped' off the flight if there are already a number of bikes on it (and don't know about how you would transport the bike boxes/bikes at the other end apart from hiring a van). Generally prefer not to drive/take the train.

Thanks

[David_G]

One question - how do people get their bikes down to Adelaide? In particular, has anyone ever dealt with some of the companies that say they specialise in transporting bikes?

I'm interested in exploring this possibility as an alternative to flying, as I've heard that there is the possibility of having your bikes 'bumped' off the flight if there are already a number of bikes on it (and don't know about how you would transport the bike boxes/bikes at the other end apart from hiring a van). Generally prefer not to drive/take the train.

Thanks

Even if you're not keen on them from Sydney you could catch the Indian Pacific train to Adelaide, no way they will bump your bike. I think it's one overnight trip, I went on that to Perth once and the little cabins are fantastic. Dunno the price compared to flying, but it was a great adventure so I was well pleased.
If you're set on catching a plane, maybe you need to check with the airline about guarantees your bike will travel with you.

[Welsh Dragon]

Question re challenge ride which I can't work out from website-if you don't do the whole thing, i.e maybe the 79km one (Mount please to Tanunda), what are the options for getting back to the start area to collect the car, so I don't have to cycle 78km again-ha ha !

[Welsh Dragon]

Oh, I see there is a coach transfer but anyone tell me how my precious bike will be transported (along with everyone else's precious bikes!)

[bianchi928]

Oh, I see there is a coach transfer but anyone tell me how my precious bike will be transported (along with everyone else's precious bikes!)

Totally feel your stress regarding your bike. We are planning the logistics of getting back with our bikes as we speak however I saw this on the TDU site regarding coach transfers -

Bike care
Bikes will be treated with care. Each bike is individually protected using blankets or cardboard. You may be required to help with loading your bike. Depending on available bike storage space, you may be required to remove the front wheel and/or remove the pedals and turn handlebars.

The Santos Tour Down Under, the Event Manager and the Contractor will not accept liability for lost, damaged or stolen luggage or property (including bicycles) during loading/unloading and in transit. It is recommended that participants take out their own insurance coverage.


It's getting close now. The excitement levels are building, especially as they have started announcing who will be riding for the teams .

[RobRollin]

Well I will be coming over with a few other Tassie guys. We should organise another BNA ride as we did last year.

Last year we rode every morning around the Adel hills and intend on doing more riding next.

[Chuck]

Should see a different type of rider claim overall honours

[David_G]

Well I will be coming over with a few other Tassie guys. We should organise another BNA ride as we did last year.

Last year we rode every morning around the Adel hills and intend on doing more riding next.

Where did you meet up each day?

[Tale]

Channel Nine is doing the TV coverage this year (outbid SBS apparently). But the TDU isn't even featured in the "2012 Year of Sport" promo they're running during the cricket.

[gdt]

Oh, I see there is a coach transfer but anyone tell me how my precious bike will be transported (along with everyone else's precious bikes!)

In previous years:

On an enclosed truck, or on a car-hauling trailer behind the bus. The bike is put in, then carpet underfelt is placed over the top, draping over both sides, then the next bike, ... Some cardboard and ropes are thrown over the top if the bikes are on a trailer.

Best to remove water bottles, cycle computers and the like, as there are always a few of those discovered on the floor of the truck afterwards. You'll want those on the bus anyway.

The bus company have been doing it for years and do all of the BikeSA events as well. They take all of the care you should wish. They are insured, as you would expect considering that they wouldn't want to face the financial risk of loss of a million dollar cargo.

Of all the years I've used the bus service I've only ever had scuffed bar tape. It's a 10K km/year bike, so it's got far more cosmetic issues than that. But if that sort of wear and tear worries you, then you don't want the bus. But I've done worse putting my bike in my own car.

I've seen some people treat the bus drivers quite rudely, especially the year the buses were late because they were dispatched to rescue the hundreds of riders who DNFed when a strong headwind front moved through the course bringing hot winds to an already hot day. I had thought we were better than that, but some riders seem to have a strong sense of entitlement (so much so that the local newspaper had an editorial on the poor behaviour of people training for this year's TDU Challenge Tour).

[Welsh Dragon]

Thanks very much. I think its our only option really but we're very precious about our bikes.

Does anyone know if many people take the escpae route?! I don't think I can cope with 8% gradient for 2.5 km, I have to be realistic here!!!!

Oh, I see there is a coach transfer but anyone tell me how my precious bike will be transported (along with everyone else's precious bikes!)

In previous years:

On an enclosed truck, or on a car-hauling trailer behind the bus. The bike is put in, then carpet underfelt is placed over the top, draping over both sides, then the next bike, ... Some cardboard and ropes are thrown over the top if the bikes are on a trailer.

Best to remove water bottles, cycle computers and the like, as there are always a few of those discovered on the floor of the truck afterwards. You'll want those on the bus anyway.

The bus company have been doing it for years and do all of the BikeSA events as well. They take all of the care you should wish. They are insured, as you would expect considering that they wouldn't want to face the financial risk of loss of a million dollar cargo.

Of all the years I've used the bus service I've only ever had scuffed bar tape. It's a 10K km/year bike, so it's got far more cosmetic issues than that. But if that sort of wear and tear worries you, then you don't want the bus. But I've done worse putting my bike in my own car.

I've seen some people treat the bus drivers quite rudely, especially the year the buses were late because they were dispatched to rescue the hundreds of riders who DNFed when a strong headwind front moved through the course bringing hot winds to an already hot day. I had thought we were better than that, but some riders seem to have a strong sense of entitlement (so much so that the local newspaper had an editorial on the poor behaviour of people training for this year's TDU Challenge Tour).

[David_G]

I'm not gunna cope with a climb like that either, but I don't suppose there's any rules about stopping along it.
That'll be my strategy for sure.

[gdt]

If you really don't want to put you bike on the bus you could ride from Tanunda to Gawler and catch the train back to the city.

As for the hills, they're not a problem, their location late in the route is the problem. Lots of participants don't think through the route tactically and challenges late in the course seem to undo a surprisingly high percentage of riders. Obviously the thing to do is not to work at all in the long descent through Williamstown and get in water and food, but doubtless you'll see riders trying to set a land speed record and charging past the water stops. The Chain of Ponds is hilly and tight, but in these mass events there's so many inexperienced riders that there's often no hope of choosing an optimal line, so sitting up there and cruising along before Smith Hill might make some sense on the day.

I'll be taking my 10yo daughter and so we'll cruise the whole thing. We've done Menglers before and we have been training by having fast 70Km runs before doing Willunga Hill, so I'm pretty confident we'll make it in good time and without drama. If I wasn't taking her I'd be very inclined to get together a group to do the whole L'Eroica thing: dress retro, call in on some wineries on the way through, and arrive at the finish line bringing our own champers.

[David_G]

In my latest incarnation as road rider I've worked out that downhills are pretty much recovery periods, I'm sure I'll get there but how often I stop for a rest up the hills will be interesting.
I've toured the Barossa a few times before but always in a car, if you buy by the case it's about $10 to post home.
So when I need some time to revive I hope it coincides with a couple of them.
That'll sort out the problem od what to bring back as a souvenir as I'm going solo on this trip

[Cycotic]

If you really don't want to put you bike on the bus you could ride from Tanunda to Gawler and catch the train back to the city.

The Gawler train line is closed for repairs until April/May. There is a substitute bus service, but you wouldn't get your bike on it.

[RobRollin]

Well our tickets are booked and theres a few of us coming from Tas.

Here is a thread about a BNA ride

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=48216

[Welsh Dragon]

I think if I stop on that incline I'll never get going again !!

I'm not gunna cope with a climb like that either, but I don't suppose there's any rules about stopping along it.
That'll be my strategy for sure.

[Welsh Dragon]

What's the dress code for the legends dinner ? i.e. it says lounge suit but can someone expand on that for me ?!

[Max]

What's the dress code for the legends dinner ? i.e. it says lounge suit but can someone expand on that for me ?!

It's the sort of suit you might wear in a business context. Matching pants and jacket (not a sports jacket), long-sleeved shirt and tie.

Max


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[Welsh Dragon]

Thanks ! And Cocktail dress for women ?
Anyone got their tickets yet ?

What's the dress code for the legends dinner ? i.e. it says lounge suit but can someone expand on that for me ?!

It's the sort of suit you might wear in a business context. Matching pants and jacket (not a sports jacket), long-sleeved shirt and tie.

Max


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Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk. All typos are Auto-Correct's fault, not mine

[David_G]

Anyone got their tickets yet ?

Booked, paid, locked and loaded!
Better get the bag of fruit cleaned,
can't be seen looking like something the cat dragged in.

[Welsh Dragon]

Dinner tickets just arrived. Now...what to wear !

[you cannot be sirrus]

Dinner tickets just arrived. Now...what to wear !

http://www.squidoo.com/cycling-jerseys#module9393991