06/04/2013

By Rob Monk

Warragul Cycling Club contested their “annual” Hill Climb Championship on Saturday. This year was the first time since 2009 that the club has held this race.  Lots of rain in 2010 resulted in land slips and the race was not held.  The 2011 and 2012 editions of the race were held up Mt. Tassie as part of the Gippsland Hill Climb Championships.

This year saw the return of the race to a local hill with a different format.  Rather than the mass start seen in previous years, the format was that of a time trial.  Riders were started at 30 second intervals, with the slower riders starting first and the fastest starting last. This means there is always someone in front you should be able to catch, but someone behind chasing you.  Unlike a regular time trial where raw power is the determining factor, the addition of a slope means the rider who is lighter tends to triumph as power to weight really comes into play.

The climb up the Yarragon – Leongatha Road is 7.2km long with an average gradient of 4.9%.  A good time is anything under 20 minutes.

First off was Cathy Cooper who would complete the climb at an average of 13.4kph.  The fastest time was posted by James Henry who completed the climb in 18:16 (23.6kph).  Cyrus Monl gean 30 seconds ahead of James and just managed to stay in front by the end of the climb.  Jack Walk was third in the open category with an average speed of 19.3kph.

Third fastest overall up the hill was a tie between Glen Marriott and Brett Rollinson who both clocked 20:26 (21.1kph).  They share the Masters123 Championship. Scott Keeble was third in the Masters 123 category averaging 19.9kph.

In the Masters 456 Category Ross Henry showed his form by posting a time of 20:30 (21.1kph) . Pete Whelan (20.4kph) was second and Pete Finlayson (20.3kph) was third in this category.

Kate Prestidge won the women’s section in a time of 21:55 (19.7). Louise Clark (17.0kph) was second with Adele Whelan (14.9kph) third.  Breaking the women’s race into age group categories, Louise Clarke came first in the Elite category, Kate Prestidge in WM123 and Robyn Baker (14.2kph) was first in  WM456.

Bill Frew (12.6kph) was the masters 7+ Champion.

Quite a few riders were passed by those behind them, while others failed to be caught.

Next weekend there is a scratch race at Shady Creek on Saturday at 2.00pm and many club members are doing the Baw Baw Classic on Sunday.

Our next championship race will our road race to be held on 25th May at our Larner Park couse.

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Tags: hills, time trial, yarragon hill

Baw Baw Shire Council is advising residents of road closures in the Yarragon hills area.

The roads are closed due to landslips caused by the rain the region has recently experienced.

Road closures are operating at the following locations:

• Yarragon-Leongatha Road, between Old Yarragon Road and Allambee-Childers Road.
• Mirboo-Yarragon Road, between Yarragon-Leongatha Road and south of Mortons Lane.
• Yarragon South Road, between Roberts Road and the shire boundary.
• Childers Settlement Road, between Allambee-Childers Road and Deadend Track.
• Rosatos Road between Moe South Road and Coalville Road.

The Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Councillor Diane Blackwood said the Council was working hard to repair these roads.

“A road safety audit was conducted on all of these roads and the necessary works are being undertaken so that we can reopen the roads and get back to business as usual as soon as possible,” said the Mayor.

“Rosatos Road is expected to be open before Easter, with Yarragon South Road and Mirboo-Yarragon Road expected to be open soon after, weather permitting.

“Investigations are required at Childers Settlement Road and Yarragon-Leongatha Road to assess the extent of the damage.

“Until we receive the results of the investigations, we are unable to determine when these roads will reopen, however initial estimates are that the roads will be closed for several weeks.

“We understand that these road closures are inconvenient for some of our residents, however these measures are necessary for ensuring community safety which is our first priority.

“We appreciate your patience while we work to ensure safe roads for all motorists.”

For updates on road closures, please telephone Alan Nicholls on 5624 2411 or 0428 242 509.

The original notification is on the Baw Baw Shire Council Website.  As of April 2012, the Yarragon-Leongatha Road is still impassable.

Tags: yarragon hill

23/05/2009

Warragul Cycling Club members assembled at Yarragon on Saturday to contest the Club Hill Climb Championship. Race director Shane Stiles decided to liven things up by combining the graded scratch races with a handicap as well to make sure that everyone had someone to chase while going up the hill.

First away were D graders Cy Monk and Tammy Patrick with 10 minutes head start on scratch. They set a solid tempo staying together for the first 4 km of the 7 km climb. At this point Cy picked up the pace a little and Tammy could not hang on.

Next away were C grade who had 7 minutes head start on the scratch men. Karen Munro set a solid tempo that Paul Kennedy and Lawrence Maskill were unable to follow.

The B graders had 3 minutes on scratch and set off at a solid pace from Yarragon to the bottom of the hill. As soon as the road kicked up Simon Baxter and James Lalor surged and Rob Monk, Neil Walker and Jason decided to set their own pace rather than be drawn into a chase from the bottom.

The scratch men stayed together for the first 2 km of the climb before James Henry got into a rhythm that no-one else could follow. He left Shane Stiles in his wake while Geoff Thompson and Tristan Marut were dropped by Callan Barker as he tried to move over to Stiles. Paul Yeatman struggled on his own for much of the climb but still set a pb (ride detail follows).

At the usual finish line James Henry had passed everyone in the field except Cy Monk. Cy kept going to win by a minute from James in the handicap race.

James recorded the fasted time of the day and was crowned Club Hill Climb Champion to go with his Club Road Championship he won a few weeks ago. Shane Stiles recorded the second fastest time of the day with Callan Barker in third.

In B grade James Lalor won from Simon Baxter with Rob Monk in third spot more than a minute and a half back.

C grade was taken out by Karen Munro from Paul Kennedy and Lawrence Maskill. D grade was won by Cy Monk from Tammy Patrick.

The race started at the 60km sign in Yarragon on the Leongatha Yarragon Road, and finished about 700m after the turn into Allemby Childers Road (about 750m from the KOM line).

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Tags: championships, hills, yarragon hill

28/04/2007

Mountain Month continued for Warragul Cycling Club members on Saturday. The race consisted of a two stage timed tour. The first race was on the relatively flat terrain of the Cloverlea circuit. From there, riders headed up the six kilometre long climb that is the Yarragon Hill. The combined time for the two races would determine the winner on the day.

In D grade Pam Benstead showed good form in both races. Junior rider James Lalor took out the first race in a sprint finish from Pam with Cy Monk a distant third. Tammy Patrick punctured which slowed her down. On the hill climb it was James and Tammy who set off at a solid pace that Pam did not try to match. Tammy maintained it to the top to win this stage. Pam passed James one third of the way up the hill and went on to take out the fastest time of the day.

In C grade Trevor Rollinson, Callam Barker and Steve Muggeridge staged an epic battle on the climb. All three finished close together on the flat stage so time gaps on the climb would be all important. Callam set the pace and Steve and Trev had to try to hang on. Callam’s surges at the three and five kilometre marks on the climb were enough to drop Steve and Trev. Steve and Callam finished level on overall time but Callam was awarded the race as he won the mountain stage.

B grade staged a lively race on the flat as Rob Monk and Paul Yeatman knew there only hope was to get some serious time into the field before the Yarragon hill ascent. Clint Hick looked strong and was keen to get up the road but when Rob made his move with 5km to go Clint was made to chase by the rest of the field. Yeatman and Col Brown were dropped as Clint, Brett Rowlinson and Matt Kennelly caught Rob within a kilometre of the finish. Matt surprised the bunch with a quick counter attack that gave him the race. Brett chased hard to get second while Clint took the time bonus for third. On the hill climb the riders spread out after one km and the gaps continued to widen after that. Clint first, Brett second, Col third, Paul forth (clawing his way back with many surges after being the first to be dropped), Rob fifth and Matt had nothing left after winning the first race and finished a distant sixth.

The A graders all finished the flat race together so the hill climb would determine the final order. Rolan Elson from the Latrobe City Cycling Club showed the locals how to climb and took out the win. In second spot was Dave Shanahan also from the Latrobe City club. Geoff Thompson took third spot.

Next week is the Warragul Cycling Club Championship race. The race will determine the club champions in the Open Mens, Masters, Juniors and Women’s sections. All members of the club are encouraged to attend what should be a great race around the Lillico-Christies Road circuit. Racing starts at the Lillico tennis courts at 2.00pm. Be there.

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Tags: cloverlea, hills, scratch, yarragon hill

17/04/2004

Strong south-westerly winds and patchy rain deterred many from bringing the bikes out to race on Saturday afternoon for Warragul Cycling Club’s Baw Baw warm-up race up the 6.5km Leongatha Road climb, better known as the Yarragon Hill. Yet thirty-one cyclists braved the elements to complete varying laps of the Parkers Road circuit before heading into Yarragon to tackle the Hill.

A grade featured numerous attacks on the Hill from Jason Kruger and Matt Malacarne, but each attack was thwarted by John Salton. In the final kilometre Matt again attacked, allowing a gap which was capitalised by Scott Keeble, who overcame Thomas Sandner to take out the win. Thomas was followed by Matt who finished in third.

Brett Rollinson attacked the B grade field on the downhill into Yarragon in order to gain a short time advantage over the group prior to the hill climb. His gallant attempt was covered by more natural climbers Chris Beales and Tim Lee who slowly outpaced the remaining B grade group, eventually leaving a two-man finish. Chris had enough fuel to overcome Tim in the final metres to take out the win. Pete Bailey rolled across the line for third place shortly after.

A very casual start by C grade was highlighted by the group being passed by D grade in the first few kilometres. Only when the raced turned into the full brunt of the south westerly headwind on Parkers Road did the group improve on their intensity. Later, Luke Hanley led the way up the Hill on his home territory, keeping a steady tempo. He gradually wore down the stamina of those sitting on his wheel, and with 500m remaining realised he was on his own. He was followed by Glenn Fisher in second and Rob Monk for third.

The sprightly D grade bunch not only caught C grade without much effort, but proceeded to pass them and provide a wind break. When C grade eventually moved on, the wind played havoc for newly promoted Roger Matheson, Dave Axford and new rider Ashley Schoer – the latter retiring early. Damien Brown proved strongest on the Hill, holding off Bill Frew to claim his first win. Allan Hauxwell took out third place.

The E grade bunch was spared the trauma of the Yarragon Hill climb, but not from the wind. They battled two laps of the Gainsborough circuit, with Jo Hanley taking out the King of the Mountain points for the hill and overall line honours ahead of improving youngster Josh Guppy and Wendy McLean.

There will be no club race next week due to the Baw Baw Classic on Saturday. The Sale-Bairnsdale race is scheduled to be held on Sunday, 25th April and will be attended by those die-hard racing enthusiasts who cannot climb hills.

Results – Yarragon Hill Climb 17th April 2004

A grade – 3 Laps Parkers Rd + Yarragon Hill

1. Scott Keeble
2. Thomas Sandner
3. Matt Malacarne
4. Jason Kruger
5. John Salton

B grade– 3 Laps Parkers Rd + Yarragon Hill

1. Chris Beales
2. Tim Lee
3. Pete Bailey
4. Ross Henry
5. Steve Sandner

C grade– 2 Laps Parkers Rd + Yarragon Hill

1. Luke Hanley
2. Glenn Fisher
3. Rob Monk
4. Dean Logan
5. Paul Yeatman

D grade– 2 Laps Parkers Rd + Yarragon Hill

1. Damien Brown
2. Bill Frew
3. Allan Hauxwell
4. Dave Axford
5. Roger Matheson

E grade bunch ride – 2 Laps Gainsborough

1. Joanne Hanley
2. Josh Guppy
3. Wendy McLean
4. Norm Baberton
5. Marcia Chapple

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Tags: cloverlea, scratch, yarragon hill

27/09/2003

12 committed cyclists endured wet and windy conditions to compete in the Yarragon Hill Climb. This race starts with a number of laps around the relatively flat Cloverlea circuit and finishes with a relentless 6km climb up Yarragon-Leongatha Rd. AFL fans used the grand final as a soft excuse to avoid the challenge. Many of the riders competing were using this event as a warm up to the Baw Baw classic.

A-Grade riders Thomas Sandner and Scott Keeble rode with the handicap of Geoff Thomson?s accidental movements to the front. Despite the urge to try and drop Thomo, the trio stayed together for 3 steady laps of Cloverlea. Thomas attacked at the bottom of the climb leaving Thomo behind with a swooping magpie. Young Scott was caught taking a drink and had to push hard to regain the safety of Thomas’s rear wheel.

Thomas was unable to break the rubber band to Scotty with several more determined efforts. Scott teased his veteran opponent with a helping push when his gears wouldn?t change and followed up with an attack of his own.

Realising that neither rider was going to get away, the pair crept up the rest of the climb playing games with each other to gain second wheel. Thomas led out the sprint allowing Scott to shift into the big gears and swing past for a 2 second victory. Thomo almost caught the playful pair crossing the line 19 seconds later.

B and C grade combined for a start with 6 competitors. B grade completed 3 laps of Cloverlea and C grade 2 laps before making the climb. The bunch remained together for lap 1 despite a couple of riders ingesting some dubious green water along Parkers Rd. During lap 2 Colin Brown paid for his time up front when he and lone C grader Michael Pridmore lost contact.

Colin displayed poor arithmetic when he missed the turn for lap 3 and went on to Yarragon with Michael. Colin was first up the hill in a race against himself and Michael followed to win C grade.

The rest of B grade completed all 3 laps and approached the climb together. Chris Beales and Tim Lee powered away from the field on the ascent. Tim rode at his limits, keen to test himself before his first attempt at Baw Baw. Chris also rode hard, keen to either get away from Tim or leave him breathless, anything to stop the questions about Baw Baw. Chris notched up another victory, using his years of experience to outsmart Tim in a sprint finish. Gavin Lane made the top 1 minute later to claim third place with Pete Bailey snapping at his heals.

Rod Atkinson was so eager to get out of the rain that he broke the gun for the D grade start. With dry clothes in mind, all 3 riders shared the work to complete 2 laps as quickly as possible. As with the other grades, all riders were together for the start of the climb. With little advantage of sitting on, this race was decided by pure climbing ability. Rod Atkinson proved his ability to win by a little over 2 minutes to Kym Fisher who prefers a sprint finish. Greg Williams made the ascent to third another 2 minutes down.

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Tags: cloverlea, hills, scratch, yarragon hill