Today was the day for everyone at Twinnies to go their hardest, the rain held off, dry track, little wind and no excuses to getting caught at the red lights. In all we had 71 starters today racing in both the non-competitive and the ladies and mens competitive race.

Podium Winners 3rd Place Isaac, 1st Thomas, 2nd Dan

With Paul Woodger throwing out his challenge to complete the course in 30 mins or less- he donned an aero helmet, fitted pink streamers to the handle bars, the basket was discarded in favour of a front light. Did he achieve his goal …. Yes in 26.05 minutes and raised  $244 towards the Conquer Cancer Ride- thanks everyone for donating.

Pauls Challege completed the course in 26:05 minutes

Some observations from today – three competitors were seen entering transition (T2) unclipping their helmet before racking their bike – a really big no no.

Another observation from someone in the field who has allegedly seen the inside of a penalty box at Mooloolaba for drafting – so he has some experience- two groups were scene riding along Leisure Drive, one could have assumed they were on a group ride they were that close- really disappointing. These people know the rules, todays race was the one where you should be going you’re hardest – fairly, not drafting. The club pays for the police to control the intersections with traffic lights, so that the your race is not impeded.We might/should have draft busters out their each week ensuring those that fail to follow the rules are penalised.

A couple of trophies were handed out for those that can’t be at the Presentation tonight;

Isaac Hough Under 18 Winner

Louis Oram – Under 18 Runner Up

The age category winners and fast split times will be updated following tonight’s presentation .

For those looking to fill that early Saturday morning slot, many Twinnies members meet in the car park opposite McDonalds, Coolangatta each Saturday morning at 06:30am NSW time for a run to Bilinga Surf Club and back, then there’s optional swim across the bay from Greenmount to Cooly followed by coffee.

Thanks everyone for a good year, the competitors both old and young, the parents of our junior members, our Volunteers and a special thankyou to our Sponsors. And Jayde Aleman who takes absolutely fantastic photos. Give yourselves a big pat on the back. You are all part of a big happy fitness family, who are quick to support those that need it. And don’t forget the sledging, it’s all part of the fun and friendship.

Stu Crawford

Twin Towns Triathlon Club

More Wet Weather

Mad dogs, Englishmen and 50 Twin Towns die hard Tri-athletes braved the miserable weather this morning. Some had to do it to make sure they qualified for Club Champs next week, and the others….. what can you say. All in all only one fall in bike leg, Hollie was nursing a sore wrist. The one highlight of this mornings Tri was the breakfast sponsored by Lara and Joe Kelly, who will soon be returning to Northern Hemisphere where Joe would like to kick off a tri club like ours.

Australian National Triathlon Champion – Tracey Foyster with Wendy Wise

So what happen since last week,

1)Tracey Foyster is now an Australian National Triathlon  Champion, she has promised to put her experience into a few words, so look out for it…

2) Young Isaac Hough, came 12^th in his age group at the NSW State Triathlon Championships.

3) Tracey Foyster, Laura and Joe Kelly were the victims of crime when their cars were broken into outside the South Tweed Indoor Pool, fortunately for Tracey she had activated her ‘find my iphone’ software and was able to track the phone to a local address. That when the cops got involved and knocked on their door. Read about it here in the Daily News.

The Club championships for the Intermediates was held today, Lucy McPhie won the Girls category and first home in the boys was James Mourant taking 1 minute of his best time, with Will Styman home in second place.

1st Male Intermediates James Mourant	Lucy McPhie 1st Female Intermediates
Will Styman 2nd Place Male Intermediate – Will Styman	400 Club Races – Paul Summerfield

Milestones:
Paul Summerfield completed his 400^th race today

Random Draw prizes
Kingscliff Cycles – Jenny Scaysbrook
Cannabil Clothing – Joe Mollica
Palm Beach Supercycles – Glen Lance
South Tweed Cycles – Guy Davoren
Storm Cycles – Kevin Bannerman
Studio 4 Vouchers to – Ian Curnow, James Mourant, Hollie Robbards
Palm Beach Drink bottles to : Michelle Jones and Dave Fines.

Doctor Bike:
Paul again raised the important issue of bike lights. Rosco Ferguson was marshalling at Amaroo and Fraser and said that the early riders can hardly be seen, riders need to take every available opportunity to ensure they can be seen. Have a look at this youtube video put together by the Traffic Accident Commission of Victoria which highlights the dangers of being distracted and taking your eyes off the road.

He also mention clothing  that can be worn in the rain, Cannabil Clothing have Windstopper Jackets for about $30 which will help to keep you a little drier, cycling caps worn under your helmet will stop water running into your eyes, and clear or yellow lens sunglasses. Booties are also available to keep the sand and grit out of the buckles on your shoes.

Marshalls for 9th March

Woodlands & Leisure Drive Roundabout – Mary-Ann Shuker
Amaroo & Fraser Drive Intersection – Paul Summerfield

So, what happening in the lead up to next weeks club champs, 1st place is still on 488 pts,  2nd on 440 pts, 3rd on 434, 4th on 431, 5th 403, 6th 401 and 7th on 397 points. Were any of these people racing today????

Next week Club Championships are being held, along with the non-competitive normal race -ALL RIDERS MUST HAVE OPERATIONAL FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS – NO LIGHTS = NO RACING.

Trev warming up on the pool deck

Anatidaephobia is the fear that somewhere in the world there is a duck watching you

It’s impossible to hum while holding your nose closed

If you touch your tongue when yawning, it can stop the yawn

Four is the only number that has the same amount of letters as its actual value

Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated

Stu Crawford
Twin Towns Triathlon Club

‘Some one must have been praying… to have a dry race after all this rain’ Mike Fraser- Chairman Twin Towns Services Club. What a week, with the rain starting before we even finished last weeks race to clear overnight, we were truly blessed, lets hope Tweed Council can get out and fill ALL THOSE POTHOLES, I have it on really good authority that if you hit one, it hurts.

With last weeks weather attempting to hang around, our numbers were down slightly today, Tracey Foyster decided that she wanted to get right away from the rain and raced down in Tasmania today in the Australian Championships in fair weather conditions with a morning shower or two with a temperature range of 16-23deg Celsius. Well it paid off – Tracey won her age group and is now a NATIONAL CHAMPION, well done, Jeff Collier from Tweed Valley Triathletes- a current world champion also won his age group.

Clive, Col & Pete

Nominations for the Club championship are still open, you just need to have completed 12 club races to qualify- one week left. We are also providing  the option of a normal race for those that just want to have a go and be on the finish line to cheer everyone home. The happy Police will be controlling both sets of traffic lights!

Here is a little teaser – current points scores  after last weeks race
1st  468 pts
2nd 425 pts
3rd 406 pts
4th 405 pts
5th  403 pts
6th 386 pts
7th 382 pts.

So who’s who in the race to the line……

That leads on to the Presentation Dinner, there will be no tickets available at the door, contact Julie Bloor via social@twintownstriathlon.org.au  or find her on twinnies facebook page if you want to purchase a ticket or have any special dietary requirements.

Jamie, Ruth, Danny and Paul

Here is a link to a GOPRO video of the Intermediate course filmed today by Web Master Peter Nelson, if you look closely you may even find Pete trying his hand at movie directing. Not to sure he should give up his day job just yet. He has promised to give us some move clips next season.

Doctor Bike Junior’s Club championship challenge generated a fair bit of  facebook chat during the week, looks like Ben Saunders is preparing to off load (drop) some cash for a worthy cause, it would be good to see him back around the course before this season closes. Dr Bike moved his position today to observe riders travelling around the fast down hill left hand corner of Amaroo Drive and Ash Drive. He observed quite a few riders going wide around the corner, some with their inside pedal down. He talked about setting yourself up to be near the centre of the road as you pass the top drive way of the shopping centre, looking over your shoulder to see if there are any cars behind, staying wide as you approach the corner, coming in close and staying close to the gutter as you ride up and over the hill. If in doubt about any riding techniques there are plenty of people in the club more that willing to offer advice. You just need to ask.

Chris, Pete, Amy and Dave

Ol Bull Dave with Youngish Bull George

Here’s Johnny Warren pumping Dr Bike Paul Woodger for some ‘go faster’ tips

Random Draw Winners

Palm Beach Supercycle Drink Bottles – Guy Davoren, Craig Stubbs
Paul Monahan – Cannabil Clothing
George Levett – Palm Beach Super Cycles
Ian Curnow – South Tweed Bikes
Jamie Stoddart – Kingscliff Cycles
Peter Serone, Des Gooda and Terry Simpson – Studio 4
Warren Copping – Storm Cycles

Marshalls for next week
Woodlands /Leisure Drive Roundabout: Damien Sillars     Amaroo/Fraser Drive Intersection: Kate McLennan

Then we moved on the the Annual General Meeting, which was presided over by Twin Towns Club Chairman – Mike Fraser. First point of business was Mike announcing that one of our members had been nominated for Honorary Life Membership of Twin Towns Triathlon Club after over 10 years of dedicated service. This nomination was approved by the Board of Twin Towns Services Club, and that person is Val Lambard.

That lead on to the normal business of an AGM, with nominations received for all the positions and none contested. Mike Fraser announced the new committee as;

President: Val Lambard
Vice President: Heidi Sowerby
Treasurer: Jim Collins |
Secretary: Mary-Ann Shuker
Time Keeper/Records: Doug Neil
Committee: Julie Bloor, Julie West, John King, Guy Davoren & Stuart Crawford.

L-R – Stuart Crawford, Heidi Sowerby, Val Lambard, Mary-Ann Shuker (kneeling), Julie Bloor, John King, Doug Neil, Julie West, Jim Collins. Absent – Guy Davoren

See here for links to the Twin Towns Triathlon Presidents Report 2012 and a Twin Towns Junior Triathlon Club AGM Report 2012.

General Business raised the issues of timing chips – the committee has approached a number of people of recent times to look at timing chips or re-writing our timing program. Chris Goldstone a former member wrote the current program some 20 odd years ago. He has agreed to re-write the program into a windows based system which provides a number of benefits. 1. We are not restricted to our current dot matrix printer, 2. We can get our timing splits with the correct date, 3. We will have the opportunity to upload our race times to the internet, 4. We will have the functionality to incorporate timing chips, 5. We will have the ability to have bar codes to register.

Back to some interesting and some what worthless facts

Impossibilites
1)You can’t count your hair.
2)You can’t wash your eyes with soap.
3)You can’t breathe when your tongue is out.
   Put your tongue back in your mouth you silly thing, of course you can.

Ten things I know about you.
1) You are reading this.
 2) You are human.
 3) You can’t say the letter ”P” without separating your lips.
 4) You just attempted to do it.
 6) You are laughing at yourself.
 7) You have a smile on your face and you missed No.5.
 8) You just checked to see if there is a No. 5.
 9) You laugh at this because you are a fun-loving person & every fun loving person does it too.
10) You are probably going to send this to see who else falls for it.

Stu Crawford
Twin Towns Triathlon Club

Four races left at Twinnies before we can have a well earned Saturday morning sleep in, today we had over 90 competitors, with still new people turning up and an old familiar face Josh Alexander. The weather gods continued to test out our riding skills on wet roads and then 100% humidity on the run leg- it certainly beats the heat or wind.

There has been some movement in the members point score, with 1^st and 2^nd within a point or two, then 3^rd-7^th are stepping on top of each other, as I said last week, a flat tyre, miss a race or have a blinder and things will certainly be interesting. Nominations are still being accepted for the club championships- there has been a few birthdays since last year, moving people into different age categories- interesting times to be had on 9^th March.

The Juniors had their last race of this season which culminated in a heavy down pour, then it was under cover for their breakfast wrap up and presentation.

Milestones:

Jo Colja 100 Club Race member

A number of club members will be participating in the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer is a 2-day bike ride, over 200 kilometres, throughout Queensland’s scenic countryside. See your emails for a link to donate money. If you don’t get the weekly emails, send a message to Contacts.

Tony Keen, a representative of the Twin Towns Runners and Walkers Club is offering any members the opportunity to race with them in the Gold Coast Marathon being held over the weekend of 6-7^th July. If you’re interested, contact Tony through their website

Liz & Des

Isaac Hough

Doctor Bike Junior was at marshaling this morning on Amaroo Drive and made a number of observations, firstly with the early riders and low light, all riders need to be aware of their presence on the road for the motorists, early riders – turn on your front and rear lights, if it starts raining ALL RIDERS turn on your rear lights. When it starts raining, everyone needs to adjust their riding style – stay off the white painted surfaces, take care when turning and braking. A number of people having been taking about bike seats, Paul said most bike shops have a test ride program where they measure your pelvis width and recommend a number of seat.

Our last breakfast of the season will be held on 2^nd March, sponsored by Joe and Laura Kelly. This is also the last opportunity to get some points.

Paul’s Challenge

Can Paul Woodger ride the Twinnies Course in 3o minutes or less on Angela Reids bike??

Paul is helping to raise money for the Conquer Cancer Ride, on 9th March- Club Championships, Paul is attempting to ride the course in 3o minutes or less using Angela Reid’s bike…. Can he do it, make sure you’re around to see it. I’d love to see some streamers off the handle bars and a basket and lets not forget some pegs on the wheels to make that ‘go fast’ sound. Hit you wallets and money boxes and support a worthy cause

Marshalls for next week 23^rd February
Woodlands Dr/Amaroo Dr Roundabout – John King           Amaroo Dr/Fraser Dr intersection – Julie Bloor

Random Draw Winners
Jim Collins – Kingscliff Cycles, Dave de Closey- Cannabil, Lewis Saunders- Palm Beach Supercycles, Terry Simpson- South Tweed Cycles, Vicki Lawes – Storm Cycles, Drink bottles from Palm Beach went to Joe Mollica and Kent Holmes.

Presentation Night
Tickets are on sale now, check with Julie Bloor what discount you are entitled to. $1 off for every race completed. Conditions apply – see Julie if you want to read the ‘terms and conditions’

Wierd Fact:

During your lifetime, you will produce enough saliva to fill two swimming pools. Actually, Saliva is more important than you realize. If your saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it.

Don’t forget to hang around to the AGM following next weeks race

Stu Crawford
Twin Towns Triathlon Club

With only 4 races left for Twinnies season, the weekly point score results are no longer on display, the inside mail is that with a couple of good races, a flat tyre of two there could be some movement in the top 7, so  go your hardest and leave nothing in the tank.

What started off as a noice morning, turned a little wet out on the bike course with some fairly heavy precipitation on what Matt Lance described as one of the most technical sections of the course, from Glen Ayr onto Ash and down to Amaroo Drive.

Some of our members have been out and about around the country racing in a variety of locations
last weekend we reported on Chris Moore, Dave DQ deClosey, Thomas Faircliffe, jetsetter Gary Steele, supported by Paul Woodger whose team came in 2nd, venturing out to the flood effected Goondiwindi for Hell of the West Triathlon, Dave has promised to put pen to paper and give us his impression of his first HOW. My apologies, for not mentioning Carl Schuetze who finished in just over 5 hours a member of the DGC program. Brendan Brooks was part of Paul’s team and recorded a super fast split.

Then there is coach Des Gooda and Ruth Tutton, who went on a road to trip and ventured down to sunny Canberra on the Australia Day weekend to get away from our cyclonic weather and participate in the Australian Sprint Championships with placings of  8^th Des, and 12^th Ruth. Then last weekend they headed even further south to Tasmania to test the water temperature with Ruth placing 4^th and Des 2^nd. Well done

There was in incident of lost/stolen/misplaced property yesterday, Chris Moore has found a pair of sunglasses, he has them at Storm Cycles and will post a pic on Facebook  Then there was a missing pair of shoes, and allegations that someone may have hidden them or as it was suggested that I may have moved them out of the rain. Alas, stop looking the owner who shall remain unnamed failed to prepare property and had actually left them in his bag. Here’s the shoes, now work out who owns them????

Lost/Stolen/Misplaced ?? 1 pr Really bright Shoes

Doctor Bike Junior
Spoke on race wheels and how effective they are..race wheels do make a difference but that difference comes at a cost, there are a number of cheaper alternatives to the well know carbon race wheels, by getting you bike serviced, the chain and gears cleaned on grit and some good race tyres can all make a difference, when getting new tyres- make sure you take them for a couple of rides prior to the race to remove and of the protective coatings. Then there is the Hiring option, where most good bikes shops will provide and install the race wheels ranging in price from $150

And a big pat on the back to our resident snapper, Jayde Aleman was out around the course last week snapping away, those candid images are available for viewing on his facebook page.

Who’s bum is this?? Nice turn!

Next week is the final race of the Juniors season, lets hope they have good weather and plenty of cheering from the Seniors.

Milestones
Stuart Crawford completed 150 club races

Stu Crawford after completing 150 Club Races

Presentation Night
If you are wanting to join us for presentation night. The cost is $45 and you will get $1 off for every race you have done up until the 26th January. This is a wonderful night and a chance for us all to catch up at the end of another fantastic season. It is on Saturday 9th March at Visions function room at Twin Towns at 6:30 NSW time. The tickets will be on sale until the 23rd of February. Please let Julie  Bloor know when purchasing your ticket if you have any special dietary requirements.

Marshalls for 16^th February

Darlington/Woodlands Drive Roundabout – Paul Woodger
Amaroo/Fraser Drive intersection – Gerard Robards

Random Draw winners
Cannabil – Tracey Foyster,  Palm Beach – Ian Curnow, SthTweed Cycles – Joe Ward, Kingcliff Cycles – Alex Gilks, drinks bottles from Felt, Palm Beach and Perry Homes went to Julie West, Phil Salter, Joe Kelly and Danny Khazen

Fact
Typing ‘typewriter’ only uses letter from the top line of the key pad – who still uses typewriters ??, the sentence, “the quick  brown fox jumps over the lazy dog” uses every letter of the alphabet.

Warning: According to Julie Bloor, to avoid mishaps in the transition area and a day in hospital, have some brekky before racing or contemplate an embarrassing face plant. Jules, hope your recovering and being well looked after.

Julie chillaxing in hospital

Stu Crawford
Twin Towns Triathlon Club

What difference a week makes to Twinnies, from ex-cyclones, knock out winds, horizontal rains, trees up rooted, flooded roads and those blackouts!!!!, then to wake to a perfect morning for 81 competitors- with no rain, no wind and just a hint of humidity. We were missing some regulars with a number heading out to Goodiwindi for the ‘Hell of the West’, Dave DQ de Closey, Gary Steele, Thomas Faircliffe, Chris Moore and possibly the best bike mechanic known to man- Doctor Bike Junior Paul Woodger we wish them all the best, swimming in the Botanical Gardens and a modified bike course due to local flooding. Dave DQ has promised to pen a few words on his first HOW tour.

Who noticed the speed camera warning sign at the bottom of Botanical Circuit, lets hope you didn’t break the speed limit, and then there was that bloke driving a beautifully presented people mover with 02 WAX number plates with what looked like a private investigators surveillance camera snapping away at  various locations in Banora Point. Rest assured, I check out his credentials, he’s legit and produced his current, ‘working with ‘Seniors & lycra triathletes’ identification card. His surveillance shots will soon be uploaded to his Facebook page Jayde Aleman so start snooping in a couple of days

The weekly handicap nominees for the month of January were; Hollie Robards, Paul Somerfield, Isaac Hough and Paul Somerfield, and the winner of the $100 Twin Towns Voucher was, you guessed it , with a 50% chance of winning was Paul Somerfield. Congratulations

MILESTONES:

Congratulation to Peter Williamson on  completing his 100 race today.

Pete Williamson completing 100 Club Races

As our season comes to an end, nominations for club championships being held on 9^th March  are being taken, if you are interested, please nominate your age group next Saturday when registering. To be eligible to compete in the club champs, you must have completed a minimum of 12 races. We will be holding a non-competitive event – normal Saturday race for those interested.

Tickets are available for Club Presentation Dinner – price $45, less $1 for every race completed up until the end of February. Stand by for more details as they come to hand.

RANDOM DRAW WINNERS

Palm Beach Supercycles – Stuart Crawford, Kingscliff Cycles – Sera Graham, Cannabil- Will Styman, South Tweed Cycles – Ian Curnow, Storm Cycles – Glen Lance, Drink bottles to George Levett & Peter Williamson

Doctor Bike Jr – Paul Woodger shared his wealth of knowledge today on bike maintenance following a wet ride. The need to give your bike a ‘gentle’ hose to wash of the grit and sand, wiping over the rims with baby wipes or metho to clear the build up, that can be transferred to the pads thereby reducing their efficiency. The importance of dropping some oil lube into the cable ends and connectors. Remember when in doubt, call into one of our sponsors – Kingscliff Cycles, Storm Cycles, South Tweed Cycles or Palm Beach Supercyles and have their mechanics give your prize a joy a service.

CURRENT POINT SCORES AFTER RACE 20

One of our youngest juniors feeling a little intimidated as he passed through with the cheering tunnel!

MARSHALLS FOR NEXT WEEK 9 FEBRUARY
Darlington/Woodlands Drive Roundabout – Darren Jones
Amaroo/Fraser Drive intersection- Julie West

Can you read this?

I cdnuolt blveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in what oredr the ltteers in a word are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is that the

First and last ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a
Taotl mses and you can still raed it wouthit a porbelm. This
Is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by

Istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?

On a final note, it was pleasant to here that friendly support being shared amongst fellow competitors on the run course as you pass someone heading  out or home – thanks Kev.

Stu Crawford

Twin Towns Triathlon Club

Severe weather warnings in force for Northern NSW and SE Queensland, evacuation centres opened, helicopters sent from Sydney in preparation for evacuations, Tweed Valley Triathletes cancelled their race, but still 54 die hard Twinnies members  turned out to go through the motions, and then how about those juniors that dragged their parents down so that they could race in miserable conditions. Three cheers to everybody OZZIE OZZIE OZZiE  OY OY OY

Fact: “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi” is a cheer or chant often performed at Australian sport events. It is a variation of the Oggy Oggy Oggy chant used by both association football and rugby unionfans in Great Britain from the 1970s onwards. It is usually performed by a crowd uniting to support a sports team or athlete. The alternate is for an individual to chant the line “Aussie, Aussie Aussie!” and the crowd to respond with “Oi! Oi! Oi!”. Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

But it was Australia Day, a day we hear from Sam Kekovich promoting lamb and Dick  Smith encouraging us to support ozzie farmers and buy Australian products.  It is a wide brown contrasting land we live in, with bush fires in one corner, tornadoes and flooding rain in another. Today we celebrated with a healthy breakfast once again put together by the girls, ramping it up a bit with banana mini pancakes, muesli yoghurt fruit cups and the coffee supplied by Rory Curtis’s The Good Guys. Tony Latter and Angela put together a great show  demonstrating and providing coffee from the Mapp Coffee machine and juicer. Head down to The Good Guys and get a great special on the coffee machine this weekend.

Angela & Tony preping for breaky

As reported last week, Twinnies is a family friendly group of people, for the past couple of years we have had the pleasure of Joe and Laura Kelly visiting from Canadian. Their visa is due to expire and they will be leaving us returning to Canada. To help remind them of their stay here, the lovely smiling lady Di Lance from Cannabil Clothing presented they with an Australian Bike jersey.

Laura & Joe Kelly with their Cannabil Ozzie jerseys

Milestones:
John Warren completed his 500^th race, having represented the club in numerous races in Australia as well as racing for Australia in a number of overseas Olympic distance events.

John Warren 500 Club Races

Wendy Wise completed her 400^th race, a past president and avid supporter of Twinnies and loves to welcome every new person, “I haven’t met you yet, I’m Wendy Wise…” She also has competed at events around the country and represented Australia a couple of years ago on the Gold Coast.

Wendy Wise with Doug Neil after completing her 400 club race

Random Draw Winners
Warren Copping – Palm Beach Supercycles Light, Peter Stowe – South Tweed Cycles, Mr Kevin Bannerman –Cannabil Clothing, Ryan Stoddart – Kingscliff Cycles, Doug Neil- Palm Beach Supercycles, Kay Ball – Storm Cycles

Marshalls for 2^nd February
Darlington Dr/Leisure Dr Roundabout – Shelly Roy
Fraser Dr/Amaroo Dr Intersection – Dave Proudfoot

It was refreshing to see that at the conclusion of the weekly presentation, one normally quite and reserved member found it necessary to publicly apologise for his uncharacteristic behaviour last week. Apology accepted

Stu Crawford
Twin Towns Triathlon Club

Another great day for racing at  Twinnies, with 80 odd members and 3 visitors braving the conditions today which were warm  humid conditions again!!!, wouldn’t it be nice to have a tail wind all the way, or at least on the homeward leg along Darlington Drive- just for a change.

The calm before the storm – Scott Collins

FACT: Fanatical St George support Andrew Hunter stated the Olympic Distance pool measured at 50.02 metres holds 1,350,000 litres of water and was last emptied in 2005 following the flooding of Banora Point.

Twin Towns Triathlon Club is a family friendly club, or at least that’s what I thought. There is always a bit of sledging going on and friendly competition, but today I was threaten, whilst on the run with ,”….I’ll see you in court”.  I believe this was due to the honest and open reporting in last week’s post.  Mr Kevin ‘call me the Rock’ Bannerman a former president of this club apparently had spoken to his lawyer regarding his portrayal as a whinger!  Anyone who knows the ‘rock’ will understand his threatening and demeaning nature, so be warned, don’t say anything he doesn’t like or you’ll be taken off his Christmas card list.

Michael Sargent & Brendon Brooks

Doctor Bike Senior – Roger Campbell and Doctor Bike Junior – Paul Woodger were absent on official duties. Paul held the first of his hot laps classes around the course yesterday morning with 6 attentive triathletes keen to pick up a few pointer from an expert. Paul will be holding more classes, keep an eye out on our Facebook page for more details.

Next Saturday is Australia Day and we will be holding our monthly breakfast – this breakfast is being sponsored by Rory Curtis’s The Good Guys. Tony Latter- Rory’s 2IC will be in attendance, showing off the MAPP coffee machine, rumour has it that you will be able to sample a coffee.

Phil Klien, Rob Gillies & Glenn Lance

Random Draw Winners
Gerard Robards – Storm Cycles, Sera Graham – Cannabil Clothing, Jenny Scaysbrook – South Tweed Cycles, Angela Reid – Kingscliff Cycles, Danny Warner- Palm Beach Supercycles

Marshalls for 26 January
Woodlands Dr/Darlington Drive Roundabout – Carl Schuetze
Amaroo Dr/Fraser Drive intersection – Glenn Payne

 Point Score Leaderboard after 18 Races

Another of life’s little titbits of trivia

In the 1400′s a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb.
Hence we have ‘the rule of thumb’

Stu Crawford
Twin Towns Triathlon

With the temperature heading towards 30deg  and in the grip of a Total Fire Band across NSW 83 intrepid triathletes battled the hot and at times windy conditions at Twin Towns Triathlon, then we had someone who swam an extra two laps today because they could??   FACT: Andrew Hunter confirmed the length of the pool has been surveyed to 50.02 metres. And who whinged about trying their hardest last week, getting handicapped and only went up three points on the score board?,(plus the guaranteed 15 points) here’s a hint, he wears road safety coloured runners, and has always got a point of view!

Kev ‘the Rock’ Bannerman contemplating his current point score standing

As we get to the end of the season, some formalities kick in, on Saturday 23 February; we will be holding the Annual General Meeting following the race. If you are interested in getting involved, have some suggestions please take the time to complete a nomination form available at the registration table next week.

Each week we have provided a collection tin on the registration table for any spare change, an executive decision has been made to donate the contents to the Red Cross for the Tasmanian Bushfire Relief Fund, thanks to all those that donated.

A little bit of rivalry between this father and daughter team, Go Hollie

Dr Bike Jr was back on the stage, this week with a maintenance tip, the brake pads front and rear have grooves, these indicate wear, if you can’t see any grooves, its time to get some new pads. Some more on wear, the rims also have wear indicators, some times its dots, or groove line. With tyre pressures in the range of 120psi, there is a lot of force working to push the edge of the rim out. If  your not sure, get your friendly bike mechanic to check them out.

Dr Bike took a ride to the top of the hill and made a number of observations, he commented on quite a few people riding up Fraser with their head down, this restricts your breathing,  lift your head and suck a few extra breaths in, he then headed to the corner of Glen Ayr Dr and Ash Drive, the left hander with the Pink crosses indicating the centre of the road, he saw quite a few people hitting the corner way to fast, forcing them to cross over the pink crosses, then many rode up the centre of the road, creating a potential problem if a car is, and did today come down the hill towards the riders, others were seen to ride around the corner with their inside pedal down.

Listening intently to Doctor Bike for some training tips

For those interested in a little special tuition  Dr Bike Jr will be at the Club Car park on Friday afternoon at 5:30pm for a ‘Hot Lap’ around the course, not sure if he’ll be pushing, doubling but the offer is there if your interested.

RANDOM DRAW WINNERS
Storm Cycles – Danny Warner, Palm Beach Supercyles – Craig Broadhurst, Palm Beach Bottle – Jamie Stoddart, Felt Bottle- Jenny Scaysbrook, Sth Tweed Cycles- Hollie Robards, Cannabil Clothing – Tracy Foyster, Kingscliff Cycles – Steve Jaeger.

MARSHALLS FOR 19^TH JANUARY
Woodlands/Darlington Drive Roundabout – Nicole Bowker
Fraser Dr /Amaroo Dr intersection – Joe Kelly

Matt Lance and his shy mate Hugo

Wierd Fact: Skepticisms is the longest word that alternates hands when typing!

Just a side note: Bill Chaffey, current world champion Para triathlete, headed to Penrith yesterday to compete in the inaugural Australian para-triathlon, with world class athletes such as Louise Sauvage, Erik Horrie and John Maclean, Bill came home first in a time of 1hr 2′ 58″ beating John by 9′ 08″. That’s another one for the trophy cabinet. For those that don’t know, back in 2005 Bill was having his last training ride before heading to Forster for the Ironman event and was hit by a truck near the Heavy Vehicle checking Station at Chinderah. See the article in firstoffthebike.com

Stu Crawford
Twin Towns Triathlon

Hot, Hot, and Hot was the word going around the drink station today, the pool was considerably warmer (hot) than our first race earlier this season way back on the 8 September and we were blessed with little to no wind.

We had a awesome roll-up for Twinnies  first race of 2013 with just on 100 regulars plus 5 newbies, with the end of season just a couple of races away, many are expected to increase their training program for a final hit-out at the Club Championships on the 9th March, then Kingscliff Triathlon on 10th March and Mooloolaba Olympic Distance Race a week later on 17th March.

Milestones:
Julie Bloor joined the 100 race club

Julie Bloor 100 Club Races

The December Point score winner was Warren Copping , Warren received the Russel Evans Memorial Towel for leading the point score at the end of December.

Warren Copping- winner of the Russ Evans Memorial Towel

The four weekly handicap winners for December were Scott Styman, Tracey Foyster, Dan Smith and Matt Sonter, our stand in President Val Lambard called on Doug ‘Scratcher’ Neil to step up as the barrel girl. Doug, dug deep into the barrel(foam cup) and drew the winner……….. and the $100 club voucher goes to Scott Styman. Scott was unable to collect his prize as he was on Junior Triathlon Duties.

Doctor Bike Jr –Paul Woodger was attempting to disguise himself whilst skulking around the bike course wearing a distinctive Palm Beach Supercycle Kit and riding a mountain bike. Apparently it was all for a research paper he was preparing to deliver at today’s presentation- his observations were; people were not riding up hills in the easiest gear, many were seen to be struggling just to get to the top and then finish. He made the following recommendations; descend in your big chain ring, taking the opportunity to relax and lower your heart rate. During this period of recovery you need to ensure you keep your legs turning over.

Steve West & Paul Woodger

Random Draw Prizes
Palm Beach Supercycles – Ruth Tutton, Storm Cycles- Hollie Robards, Palm Beach Supercycles voucher- Ian Curnow, Kingscliff Cycles – Ashton Saunders, Cannabil Clothing – Lewis Saunders

Marshalls
Darlington Dr & Woodlands Dr : Peter McPhie
Fraser Dr & Amaroo Dr: Doug Neil

Thanks to all those people that have volunteered to marshall throughout the season, with only 9 races left I have finally managed to fill the roster, if anyone has any suggestions to how to get all the spots filled  earlier in the season I’m all ears, drop me a line

Point Scoreboard standings after race 16

If you’ve made it to the bottom of the page, you might like to have a look at some more photos from the Club Teams Challenge as well as the Christmas Party

A life lesson, “Accept that some days that you are the pigeon and other days you are the statue”
Stu Crawford
Twin Towns Triathlon Club