Notices
WANT TO RIDE WITH OUR CLUB?
All are welcomed.
Just read our ride rules first, fill in the form on the
Riding Enquiry page and you'll
be sent instructions, next ride info and where we meet.
The form is to help us decide which of our four groups would best
suit you.
During the cooler months, our rides are only around 70K but hilly, to compensate for the shorter
distances, and around 100K from September through to April. We also have a few hilly rides around
150K that are scheduled in the mix.
Check our Ride Calendar for distances and destinations.
So if you like hills, then we may be the club for you.
If you're a Beach Roader, be prepared for something quite different.
Only 6 or so rides of our 82 different routes could be considered flat.
You may be suprised!
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 X-MEMBER MICHAEL GALLAGHER IN
BEIJING PARALYMPIC GAMES
Michael, only a member for a short time until the AIS acknowledged he had bigger fish to fry,
successfully competed in the Beijing Paralympic Games.
He came home with two medals, a gold and bronze.
The club congratulates him on this amazing achievment.
The most remarkable thing about Michael is that he's only been riding seriously about 4 years!
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ANNUAL Mt DANDY CHALLENGE / BBQ 2008
This ride renamed as "The Peter O'Callaghan
Mt Dandenong Challenge" from 2009.
Today we had our annual Mt Dandy Challenge ride followed by the traditional BBQ on this last Sunday in
February. Weather was totally opposite to what you'd expect but then we do live in Melbourne.
Riders set off in dry conditions but as the climbing started, the outlook was ominous. Light rain
began to fall but the roads were already very wet which put a dent in members looking at beating their
best time. The Wall descent was wet but the famous hair pin bend saw all riders
 navigate through there (and Elbow) safely. The roads were once again dry along
Burwood Hwy and Forest Rd but half way up the 1:20, wet conditions reappear with solid rain falling as we
descended the Tourist Rd from Olinda to Montrose.
Riders were welcomed with coffee and a light snack at the rides completion, relieved to get our of their
wet cycling clothes as it wasn't exactly a hot day. When all were accounted for, the BBQ began feeding
hungry riders and their families. Only mishaps to report is a broken rim by Daniel and rear wheel issues
with Bev as such couldn't complete the full course.
 The raffle is becoming a popular event with the best range of items seen. We may need a
larger table next year! EVO had a selection of electric bikes for members to try which was a lot of fun.
MDBC sincerely thanks all businesses listed in the left column, who donated products for the
raffle and provide members with benefits throughout the year.
A huge thanks to the committee members, their partners and everyone who helped make the day a success.
These occasions only occur due to the voluntary efforts of members giving up their time.
Thanks Everyone.
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 AUDAX ALPINE CLASSIC, BRIGHT 2008
Brief
Summary - Warmer than last year but tolerable.
200K: 23 members, 140K:
3 members,
130K: 5 members, 70k:
2 member,
Volunteers: 5 members
Total:38 members (slightly down on previous years)
The club can happily report all members got
through the day safely with the quickest member in a time of 7hr 20min for the 200K option.
Well done to all riders who completed one
of Australia's toughest organized rides.
MDBC
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MARYSVILLE RIDE 2008
 Between
Croydon and Launch starters, a massive turn out of members and visitors for our annual
 Marysville
ride. Some may have felt a little cool at Marysville but in fact it was perfect for this ride. Profile
confirms this to be the clubs hardest ride but only just harder than our Donna ride. This ride held
every year two weeks prior to the Alpine Classic, doesn't get any easier but it's a good indication
where you're at for the Alpine Classic. Basically, if you can't complete this, you may find the
Classic fairly difficult.
 It
boasts over 2700 meters of climbing over 172K with a shorter option of 125K starting and ending at
Launching Place. From Warby, you continue to Reefton, Cumberland Junction, over and down to Marysville,
through the Black Spur to Healesville then returning to Croydon.
Well Done all
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ALPINE DELIGHT 2007
 As with last
year, there was no shortage of MDBC members taking part in the Audax Alpine Delight which starts at Bright,
over Hotham to Omeo and return.
Club results saw 7 members out of 24 complete the full 200K option with the remaining finishing the
100K edition with 4 who decided not to risk the weather at Dinner Plain returning to Bright and riding
up Buffalo after lunch. One other member rode Buffalo the next morning.
Well done to all riders who took on Hotham in one of Victoria's great climbs and descent.
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About the Club
 Our club is a
relaxed club with only a few formal rules that relate to safety. Rides are well planned and follow a
different route every week. Each rider is given a map and directions. Most rides pass through the rural
and semi rural areas east and north east of Melbourne. Rides are generally around 70k in winter and up to
160K plus through the warmer months which include some good climbs and corresponding descents.
There are 3 - 4 groups starting at 10 to 15 minute intervals and (depending on rider
numbers) so you can ride with others with similar  ability. At some point during the ride there is a mandatory stop at a
bakery or coffee shop and a short cut option, combined with the staggered start, usually allows all
riders to meet up for coffee. While there is no formal competition, many riders are naturally competitive.
For some there is a personal challenge to stay with faster riders or beat their best time on a climb
or descent. They then take it easy for the bunch to regroup.
Ride calendar is programmed to prepare riders for annual rides held by
other clubs like Around the Bay Bicycle Victoria,
Alpine Delight and Classic
Audax, Otway Challenge, etc, which many of our members take part in.
Club Quick Facts
- Usually 4 ride groups.
- 83 different ride routes.
- In 2007, club rides totalled 4627K.
- Most rides are undulating to hilly.
- Social events throughout the year
- Large representation every year at Alpine Classic, Alpine Delight,
Around The Bay In A Day, Otway Challenge, etc.
Members have access to our comprehensive web site providing:
- Almost Daily Updated MDBC News
- Ride Maps & Directions
 Profiles of club rides- Elevation / Gradient details of our regular climbs
- Notices of Coming Events
- Last Minute Ride/Event Changes
- Member Photos
- MTB Page for members who hit the tracks
- Maintenance Articles
- Ride Reports
- Special Articles on Riding Skills, Health, Nutrition and General Issues
And much much more!
PETER O'CALLAGHAN
 It is with great sadness Peter passed away Wed 3rd June
after a short battle with cancer.
He was the face of Middle Distance Bicycle Club, always willing and ready to assist any member or
visitor to the club.
CLICK HERE for Peter's Tribute Page
You can add your tribute to Peter's page by sending it by
email to
Joe De Losa.
Middle Distance Bicycle Club
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