Gong Ride 2012

[SmellyTofu]

I wouldn't be mind being called Wayne Kerr as long as I was Miranda's husband.

I think there might be too many people who will try to race it but I guess you just ride on. I don't expect people to be nice just like not all drivers are nice during peak hour.

[simonn]

Anyone got a decent route for the ride back? Also, for from the bridge to St Peters and visa versa?

[rdp_au]

The ride is lovely but a few of the people suck...the Gong ride is up there with one of the least pleasant non-competitive mass rides in the country.

Got to agree with you there. The pro peleton of wayne kerrs are out in force

I have to say this is not my experience. I’ve ridden the event a number of times since the mid 80’s and have always found it to be a very positive environment. Of course, you do get quite a bit of testosterone fuelled foolishness at the start, but they almost always run out of steam and are easily passed well before we reach the RNP. I don’t treat it as a race (because it’s not), but apart from the slow going in the first few kilometres, have always been able to travel at a speed that suits me.

If you haven’t done it before, I’d certainly recommend it. Unlike the Spring Cycle, the route flows well and is largely free of choke points. You will be chaperoned down the hill at Stanwell Tops, but that’s really not such a big thing. On the positive side, the scenery is spectacular and it’s nice to be able to ride on roads closed to traffic while in the RNP. The very friendly volunteers also do a fine job in directing traffic on the shared segments.

[daniel.s]

I wasn't going to initially, but I've signed up for it again this year. I'm also planning on riding the return route.

[george-bob]

quick question, i am planning on doing the there and back ride (yikes!). what is the best route to come on the way back? basically follow the ride route backwards?

[rdp_au]

quick question, i am planning on doing the there and back ride (yikes!). what is the best route to come on the way back? basically follow the ride route backwards?

You won't be allowed into the RNP from the southern end as the road is closed to through traffic. At the top of Bald Hill you will need to turn left and continue up the hill to join the old highway at Helensburg. This rejoins the normal route at Waterfall.

Good luck.

[george-bob]

great! thank you very much it will be my longest ride by a looonnnggg way, but i am hoping i will be able to handle it!

[rdp_au]

I haven't ridden all the way back, but have ridden back as far as Stanwell Park when we used to live there. It is fairly tough. The strong nor'easter that often comes up and makes the ride down nice and fast, creates quite a headwind for the return leg. The pull from Austinmer to Scarborough is a solid climb, and there's a steep, but thankfully short section at Coalcliff. The climb up through Stanwell Tops to Helensburg from Stanwell Park is also steep, and goes on for about 4km . After that, it should get easier

[alexj]

Anyone in Sydney South is training for the ride in RNP or near? I am eager to join a group of advanced beginners or early intermediates. Riding in a group and climbing would be my main priorities.

[scotto]

i think im doing it this year, and might do our early usual start at 6am and avoid the pro peleton. the witches hats are out then and its a fast and quiet road that awaits you.

[Jace]

I have signed up this year for my first attempt. I have heard stories about some "overly enthusiastic" characters along the way so thats a concern but I am looking forward to it. Will be able to ride the 90 with no problems but I think the 180 is well beyond me at this point!

[coops]

I've signed up. I'm thinking of catching a train to the start, and doing a return leg that somehow ends up going m7 cway to get me home. Weather etc permitting.

I'm happy to have company if anyone wants to attempt the same. Also appreciate any route suggestions for gong -> m7. I've had one suggestion of picton rd then freeway.

- Chris

[Xplora]

How far is your possible route, coops?

[coops]

How far is your possible route, coops?

Looks like about 90 + 110
http://goo.gl/maps/OEmbQ

[Xplora]

How far is your possible route, coops?

Looks like about 90 + 110
http://goo.gl/maps/OEmbQ

LMAO you've done the ride with leximack and you've turned into an animal... doing the Gong ride to warm up, and then getting into the century to cool down eh?

[coops]

It somehow doesn't seem right to pay all this money and only do a ride the same length as an m7 FPR

It's only about 10% longer than doing the direct gong return leg you mentioned + has the advantage of getting me home again. If I do it I'll probably keep it pretty cruisy on the way back, stopping a couple of times etc.

[Spiza]

It somehow doesn't seem right to pay all this money and only do a ride the same length as an m7 FPR

It's only about 10% longer than doing the direct gong return leg you mentioned + has the advantage of getting me home again. If I do it I'll probably keep it pretty cruisy on the way back, stopping a couple of times etc.

Here you go Mr coops http://app.strava.com/rides/2969437

[coops]

Thanks Spiz!

[leximack]

Ahh, the full gong loop. That was an awesome ride. We need to do that one again

[daniel.s]

It somehow doesn't seem right to pay all this money and only do a ride the same length as an m7 FPR

It's only about 10% longer than doing the direct gong return leg you mentioned + has the advantage of getting me home again. If I do it I'll probably keep it pretty cruisy on the way back, stopping a couple of times etc.

Here you go Mr coops http://app.strava.com/rides/2969437

Looks good.

[Mugglechops]

That's a big day out. I have decided to ride the fixie this year so my planned ride to Nowra will probably end up stopping in Kiama.

[Fresh]

Just signed up, looking forward to it!

[find_bruce]

Apparently I am acceptable as part of the mobile support crew.

Better make sure my own bike is in good nick- broke 2 spokes today

[jimsheedy]

pulled out of the fitz 205 as a recent virus has left me lacking condition. Gonna do this instead for the first time. Should be right by then. Will do the return. Catching a ride home doesn't appeal.

[bigfriendlyvegan]

Apparently I am acceptable as part of the mobile support crew.

Better make sure my own bike is in good nick- broke 2 spokes today

Cool. Me too. I've been doing it for years. Keep an eye out for me and also Wayfarer (who is also a Dave) on the mobile support crew. I'm sure we'll pass each other multiple times on the way down. I usually catch the bus on the way back with the bike in the truck. I tried riding back once, but by the time I got down there and turned around to head back, the wind was horrid. Catching the bus is great after a 7 hour ride down is great (yes, it can take that long when you're stopping all the time).