History of the Century Ride
From a letter from Woodbridge historian and cyclist Ken White:

2012 Feedback: How did it go? Any suggestions for improving the event?
From a letter from Woodbridge historian and cyclist Ken White:
With Rowan Burns as bicycle coordinator for the five Councils
boarding on the Derwent I was the organizer of the first Century Ride
that tied in with The Century of Federation 2001, The Australian mint,
Canberra, gave us all a metal memento of the event. I would have to
look it up but we had something like 100 to 120 riders. In 2001 we were
knocked out by this support. We had to get more mementos.
The
route I planned in 2001 was just as flat one can get in this region.
In this instance, and at that time, it was a huge commitment to ride
100ks for about 90% of those riding that day.
The route was Salamanca to Richmond then Tea Tree to past Pontville and return via Brighton and the InterCity Bike Track.
Each
rider was greeted on their return and the looks on their faces was our
payment. The greeting at the end of the ride is very important and as
this happened on the recent BT ride it went a long way to its success.
The
memento did no come with a keyboard:-) Along the top of the memento are
the words, "The links in the chain." In many parts of Australia
century celebrations were enacted – hence another link in the chain of
events.
2012 Feedback: How did it go? Any suggestions for improving the event?
Great.
It was my first event and found it to be be very well organised. I enjoyed the experience and will certainly participate in future rides.
The event was great. I was sick though.
Enjoyed ride, information regarding start times not clear...
"Weather perfect, beautiful still autumn day, what could be better?
Not having joined in on an organised ride before I enjoyed it very much. I did, however, have no idea how long it would take. Nor that there would be a water and cake stop on the way. Some indication as to time (even though I know this varies greatly) to complete the ride would be handy in the pre-ride information. I went over prepared for a much longer day in the saddle. "

This is a great ride and I really like the course. The only area for improvement I can see is perhaps the use of a lead vehicle. At the head of the 100 km ride there is usually a large group of 20-40 riders that does not thin out very much until Back Tea Tree road or going over Grass Tree Hill. If other road users were aware that this is a special BT ride, or at least an organised ride, then they might be a little more accommodating about being stuck behind a large group.
"Enjoyed the new century course,except the cambridge to Malcolms hut rd some very impatient drivers about!!" Good ride, however felt a bit short changed with the 50km ride being less than 50 Good to see lots of people out enjoying themselves. Well organised and great fun. It was a great day out on the bike. Richmond fair made the traffic pretty heavy at times but I don't know if I would want the ride route changed Excellent. Enough signs, good course, great weather. Tough enough course for me to know I had worked hard. "Overall it was a very good ride. Course was very good , and marshalling was good for the first 2 thirds of ride (till Grasstree hill road). Was a bit confusing on the way back through Geilston bay/Rosny point , for people not familiar with the area. Thanks for organising , very happy with the day on the whole." I really enjoyed the ride, thank you to all those involved in organising the event. great, my first ride, really enjoyed it, I'll be back! Generally well organised and a beautiful day for it - only downside was the lack of signs supporting the route through Gielston Bay. I thought it went very well, it was fun and a good way to publisise cycling. All good I rode the half century ride. The drink stop was in a good position, plenty of climbs although the distance was only 42 ks. "Loved it. More signs would be good. Big ones at significant intersections were good. Smaller and more frequent indicators (even just a balloon every few km) to reassure me on unfamiliar roads would be wonderful. Indicators should be more frequent when there are many intersections - eg the section from East Derwent Highway to Kangraroo Bay." our group had a good day. Probably the route back through geilston bay is a bit average, but it's safe so that's a bonus. "I had a ball, thank you. Not being from Hobart though, I did find navigation to be problematic, and offer the following suggestions:
It would have been nice to have finished with a sausage sizzle or something similar, to wind down and meet others. Went well, partricularly the split start, a lot of similar 50k riders at 11.00 am "Very well, I enjoyed the opportunity to ride on roads I would normally feel apprehensive about tackling. Having a bunch of riders made it feel safer and more collegial. I understand it is difficult, but it would be great if Tas Police could be convinced to at least close Grasstree Hill Rd. for a few hours, it would improve the enjoyment of that section immensely! After all they close roads for Tugga Tasmania, why not a bicycle event?" |
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