MS Gong Ride 2023 - 05/11/2023 (Cancelled Due to Weather)

[AndrewCowley]

Yep. The route is all wrong given the type of cyclist the event attracts.

They need multiple routes. A once a year wobbler route that skips the RNP. And a route for experienced cyclists that takes in the RNP, and to further assist with keeping the wobblers away, is longer. This route should take in the same streets in Wollongong that were used for the World Championships. Once you come out of the RNP, it should be the World Championship course, without all the repeats.

No chance of it occurring though. It'd cost the organisers too much time, effort and ultimately money. There would also be pushback from the RTA and locals about 'their' roads being closed. La la la all the usual crap.

At the end of the day, Sydney does have an event that's great for experienced / seasoned road cyclists. Despite the Gong ride having a decades long legacy, it's no longer that event.

[g-boaf]

Yep. The route is all wrong given the type of cyclist the event attracts.

They need multiple routes. A once a year wobbler route that skips the RNP. And a route for experienced cyclists that takes in the RNP, and to further assist with keeping the wobblers away, is longer. This route should take in the same streets in Wollongong that were used for the World Championships. Once you come out of the RNP, it should be the World Championship course, without all the repeats.

No chance of it occurring though. It'd cost the organisers too much time, effort and ultimately money. There would also be pushback from the RTA and locals about 'their' roads being closed. La la la all the usual crap.

At the end of the day, Sydney does have an event that's great for experienced / seasoned road cyclists. Despite the Gong ride having a decades long legacy, it's no longer that event.

I was chatting with the famous Fergus G of Haute Route some years ago and they were thinking of an event in Australia, but the impression I got it was just all too difficult, too hard to get people to fly down and locally too difficult to get approvals even though it would be a massive event in terms of people, potential to bring in money for local businesses and hotels, etc. Shame.

Meanwhile you look at the local towns in Italy, France and so on, they embrace these events - the local governments put on massive hospitality and really roll out the red carpet. Accommodation is booked out, local eateries are very busy, local businesses get lots more money coming in, etc.

I remember from being in a club, one of the major race events we used to run was on public roads even in a very quiet spot it was a drama to get approvals and even with them and all the people to control the traffic we'd still have troubles at times with cars or motorbikes.

[peter]

Probably due to lack of interest and general anti-cycling sentiment, causing resistance and push back. The last UCI event at Wollongong was not an easy feat.

Many see cycling as a problem rather than solution: building infrastructures that get little use, street parking swapped for bike path, slow cyclists blocking traffic, using roads without paying rego, breaking road rules without consequence, or even fat man in lycra is an eye sore. Nothing positive in their mind.

[trailgumby]

that's the type of crowd you can expect if you join the later wave

Indeed. I call them "windscreen wipers" because they swing left and right all over the road cleaning everyone up!

[andrei]

Exactly. The Spring Cycle does as you say. It's a casual 50km jaunt from point A to point B in Sydney, using a lot of shared paths, with no intention of being aimed at anything other than casuals, families etc...

Unfortunately just got word that's been cancelled this year.

I'm not a seasoned veteran, nor a weekend wobbler either hopefully Enjoyed both rides last year, did get held up but not as much as others, although the lovely weather may have played a good part in my enjoyment.

the descent is nothing for most of us who are familiar with Bobbo and RNP.

but there are many casual riders who have never had the opportunity to ride such a descent, and all of a sudden, they have this opportunity to go silly fast, it's thrilling, it's exhilarating .. until it isn't ..

Didn't find the descent nor other riders too bad, there were a few trying to push it and get around but personally just stuck to a group and speed I was comfortable with and just kept my eyes out.

[peter]

Unfortunately just got word that's been cancelled this year.

"Due to the rising event costs and declining events sponsorship revenue"

What would be the major costs? Advertising, park use, road closures, police and traffic services, barricades, signages?

[AndrewCowley]

I don't doubt that the costs for events like these have skyrocketed. Insurance would be another cost.

[peter]

Received riders pack last week, so check your mailbox or contact the organiser if you have not got them.

[peter]

Rode to Nasho to take a looksee on Sunday, the road work at National Falls is still going on.

Searched for an update, they made it sound like earlier work has completed, now it's another repair. Actually it was non-stop since late 2021.

During construction, McKell Avenue will be closed between 6am Monday and 6pm Friday and will reopen on weekends, from Friday 6pm to Monday 6am. A detour will be in place at Farnell Avenue/Audley Road. We expect repairs to commence in October 2023, and completed by mid-2024, weather and site conditions permitting.

[andrei]

Received riders pack last week, so check your mailbox or contact the organiser if you have not got them.

Only just got mine yesterday, postmarked 12th October

I was actually thinking about it the other day and worried I'd already got it months ago and filed away somewhere for safe keeping.

Rode to Nasho to take a looksee on Sunday, the road work at National Falls is still going on.

Ah thanks for the idea, was wondering what to do next weekend, going down Lady Carrington Drive and back up the hill to Waterfall would be great training for the climb

https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/th ... sitor-info

[andrei]

Rode to Nasho to take a looksee on Sunday, the road work at National Falls is still going on.

Rode up the hill today, from the other side appears to be quite a long straight downhill leading to a small section of single lane.

https://imgur.com/a/n5ihbnm

[peter]

Thanks for the photo update, 6 more sleeps.

[familyguy]

So that's on a DOWNHILL section, with the LH lane closure? Better watch out for that, it will catch a few out. Thanks for the photo/advance warning.

[andrei]

So that's on a DOWNHILL section, with the LH lane closure? Better watch out for that, it will catch a few out. Thanks for the photo/advance warning.

Correct, yes that's looking downhill, left lane closed, maybe a little over half way or three quarters down.

Quite a long straight run up, but they had the left lane closed off with witches hats so hopefully should be plenty of warning.

[trailgumby]

Unfortunately just got word that's been cancelled this year.

"Due to the rising event costs and declining events sponsorship revenue"

What would be the major costs? Advertising, park use, road closures, police and traffic services, barricades, signages?

Yep, all that. However, the major consideration was that the event partner CSM had over-committed themselves with other events and were simply not putting the effort in to get Spring Cycle up and running profitably because they had stretched themselves too thin.

[g-boaf]

Rode to Nasho to take a looksee on Sunday, the road work at National Falls is still going on.

Rode up the hill today, from the other side appears to be quite a long straight downhill leading to a small section of single lane.

https://imgur.com/a/n5ihbnm

Hopefully everyone will be properly briefed on that before the start.

[peter]

Think I will ride to Sutherland and join the group from there.

[peter]

Registration is still open a day before the event, a probable indication of significantly reduced participation.

6:00am - sold out
6:30am - 85%
7:00am - 80%
7:30am - 55%

[AndrewCowley]

Fleur has not done her job then. Bad Fleur.

[AndrewCowley]

Well in any case, today is the day and the weather is bad. Feel for all those people who trained and prepared. Hope those who do ride stay safe.

[familyguy]

They've cancelled it as at 6:05am.

[sertse]

It's the right call, especially with the type of riders the Gong attracts. Even as some-what active rider I was delaying to the latest possible start time.

[andrei]

They've cancelled it as at 6:05am.

Just saw the FB annoucement while at the station. Shame as it seemed like the weather might be clearing up later.

[familyguy]

I was near the start site sitting in the car wondering if I would brave it. Decision was made for me. Next ten minutes saw a LOT of riders returning past me. It would have been chaotic being anywhere but the front wave. Just heading home now and its gwt4ting heavier.

[andrei]

Just heading home now and its gwt4ting heavier.

Yes probably the right decision for now, just have a feeling it'll probably clear up later. Anyway proud of myself for making it as far as the station at least