“PPCC Communication”
September 2021
Hi all….Welcome to the September 2021 edition of the PPCC Communication.
July/August 2021:
Good numbers of riders out during these couple of months with a mixture of weather conditions. Still cold weather with winter clothing the order of the day both in July and August.
Good intentions by some to tackle the longer course but at the start line, how things change when the dark clouds start to appear in the south. Most of the rides have been with Gary and on several occasions, we’ve made it to the Coonamia Crossing only to turn left and head back into Pirie because of either rain over Napperby or strong winds. All is not lost….we complete the ‘tour of Port Pirie’ and if possible out to the airport to get around 30km up for the ride. In the past week we have had a taste of spring/summer weather with ‘warm’ mornings seeing riders turn up in their summer riding gear.
We have had interest from a new member of SAPOL Port Pirie to ride with our club. He has asked some questions but as yet we have not seen him or his ‘mate’ he is going to bring with him.
These last 2 months has seen a number of our club members with ill health but fortunately all look like they are well on the road to recovery. A big thank you to Kym for allowing the club to have their after ride coffee at his residence for a week while Kerry was in hospital in Adelaide.
Fortunately SA has done well with keeping this Delta strain of COVID at bay with restrictions being not that bad. We only had the 7 day lockdown and level 1 restrictions which are still in force now but being eased week by week. Discussions around coffee have been about vaccinations and it’s comforting to hear how many have had their 2 shots but we still have a few who have not lined up for their first. Unfortunately its looks like it’s moving rapidly to a ‘no Jab, no entry’ policy throughout Australia and the world so as to try and stop the spread of this virus.
We all still have a part to play so as to keep our ‘freedom’ so don’t forget social distancing, masks where required and most importantly washing and sanitising our hands. We’ve heard the conversation around the table on several occasions turn to…”it’s not here in Pirie”, but remember it is in SA and we are in the middle with ‘bookends’ being Pt Augusta and Pt Wakefield after the truck drivers from NSW caused many from those communities into 14 days isolation. We all need to do our bit and most of all if you feel unwell, stay away and get a COVID test just to be sure you are OK.
I read a good article on COVID and cycling put together by ‘Mulga Bicycle Tours’ 19th July 2021. I have only picked out the relevant points that apply to us as cyclists.
Your Safety and Wellbeing during COVID-19: (‘Mulga Bicycle Tours’ 19th July 2021)
”COVID-19 vaccines are beginning to be introduced throughout the world. However, current Australian Government advice is:
“... it is too early to tell if the COVID-19 vaccines will stop a vaccinated person from being infected with the virus. This means that a vaccinated person may unknowingly carry and spread the virus to others around them, including workers and others in their workplace.” (Safe Work Australia, 19 February, 2021)
This means even with the introduction of the vaccines we must continue to minimise the possibility of being exposed to the COVID-19 virus by continuing to practice physical distancing, washing and sanitising hands and checking in and out of venues.
As a business we have legal obligations to comply with public health orders and Work Health and Safety laws. These impose very specific responsibilities on us to ensure the health and safety of you and everyone who interacts with us. For the foreseeable future these obligations mean physical distancing, enhanced personal hygiene practices, such as washing and sanitising hands, regular cleaning and the use of personal protective equipment, such as masks, will remain part of our ongoing procedures.
Please take the following hygiene actions before and whilst on tour: (All relevant to us!)
Wash or sanitise your hands for at least 20 - 30 seconds, using soap and water or a hand sanitiser every time we stop for a refreshment break, before meals, when we arrive at our destination or after using the toilet.
Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands! Cover your nose or mouth with a tissue, then throw it away in a bin and wash or sanitise your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve.
Do not snort or spit, especially whilst on the bike.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Do not share bikes, helmets, drink bottles, glasses, crockery or cutlery other than with people you live with.
Please leave your helmet and gloves with your bike when we stop for a break. Never place these items on a table in a café, restaurant or a food table provided by Mulga.”
Mulga Bicycle Tours’ 19th July 2021, www.mulgabicycletours.com.au/cycling-tours/safety-during-covid-19
Whyalla Cycle Club – Mid North Ride - Gladstone - Caltowie - Gladstone 7th August:
The PPCC was represented by 3 riders in a field of 15 in this event put on by the WCC. Hugh Paterson was off the front with 2 other riders with JD and myself off next with a group of 4 Whyalla riders. To our surprise they were out at the ‘get go’ at 35 km/hr and they maintained close to that speed for the duration of the 55km ride. Comment of the day was from our club captain – “I thought it was going to be a social ride, it was a race!”
Successful race through the Mid North | The Flinders News | Port Pirie, SA – (Flinders News, Local Sport, 23 August 2021)
“The Whyalla Cycling Club organised a 55km scenic race that took place through Gladstone to Caltowie to Stone Hut and then back to Gladstone. The overcast weather with no rain and only slight breeze made it great cycling conditions for the riders.
A handicapped start for 15 senior riders in four groups had Commissaire, Ashley Evans signalled their starts asking them to be group wise, look out for each other and be road wise.
Wes Fisher was first over the line for the seniors with an 18 minute handicap. Emma Mardon hooked it and gained second place overall. Yovanni Machecha finished in third.
Will Symons rode on fire finishing fourth saying it was his best ride ever. Derek Siwek also looked sharp and alert and Peter Werner made a good comeback. Also in this mix was John Dennis from Port Pirie riding strong with Adrian Wilson.
Gregg Utting had a steady paced ride and from around midway had the company of the up and coming junior Ben Kade who in true Aussie spirit kept up with the action. Coming along next at times huffing and puffing up hills but never giving in was 'Fritz' Fargher.
The remaining three riders Danny Ronan, Greg Hayes and Courtney Moyle overshot the final turning corner missing the finish by a country mile.
For Port Pirie's Hugh Paterson, it was about taking on the challenge who said he wouldn't let it beat him and pushed on. His cycling mate from Pirie, Brenton Hoare dropped back from his group and worked with Hugh to help them get home safely in the true spirit of the ride.
This was recognised in the awards after the ride and Brenton humbly said he would always help a mate. (I don’t remember saying that. 
)
Club President Wes Fisher said it was a brilliant ride and he would like it to be an annual event.” (Flinders News, Local Sport, 23 August 2021)
Club Colours:
I’m still in discussion with ‘BlackChrome’ on the development of a new kit for the PPCC. It appears there has been an issue with emails back and forth between myself and the Black Chrome rep ‘Christian’ not making their destinations. All has been resolved and several designs are now with the ‘Black Chrome’ design team for development. Stay tuned.
PPCC AGM:
It’s getting close to that time of the year again where we have our AGM. Generally in November as our ‘year’ finishes on the 1st November. As per our constitution, you will be informed of the date as per the terms of the constitution in respect to time of notification. Remember, all positions will be declared vacant so here is your opportunity to hold a position and be involved in the ‘running’ of the PPCC.
Have your say:
This is your newsletter as well so email your article to me and I will add it to the monthly newsletters and our web site. Ie: Coming events, cycling news articles, items for sale/wanted etc. Please email me anything you would like to contribute’ .
Be safe, consider others and enjoy your riding.
Cheers,
Brenton
0417823057
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