{"id":19072,"date":"2018-04-11T23:54:02","date_gmt":"2018-04-11T23:54:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.longrides.bike\/?page_id=19072"},"modified":"2018-04-25T07:29:18","modified_gmt":"2018-04-25T07:29:18","slug":"fnq-oppy-2018-aka-bloody-nora-weekend","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.longrides.bike\/?page_id=19072","title":{"rendered":"FNQ Oppy 2018 (aka Bloody Nora Weekend)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Throughout this great nation of ours, all good Audaxers respectfully dub one sacred weekend in March as the “Fleche Opperman All Day Trial”.\u00a0 In 2017, FNQ Audaxers attempted due diligence, renaming the event “Fleche’s Big TrOppy” and “Fleche’s Little TrOppy”.\u00a0 But in 2018, it became known as “Bloody Nora Weekend”.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Oppy is supposed to be a Trial.\u00a0 The combination of our first FNQ wet season in years, flooded roads and looming cyclones led to a perfect storm of potholes and pitfalls for our eight local teams.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Four Big TrOppy and four Little TrOppy teams signed up for the challenge.\u00a0 Here are their stories:<\/p>\n

Coasting North<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Graham, Tony, Ken, and David took a punt on south-easterly winds and flat coastal roads, and set themselves an epic target of 510km.\u00a0 The team started in\u00a0 Innisfail, headed south to Cardwell\u00a0 and returned north (just before the highway was cut) with side visits to four (out of five planned) beaches along the way.<\/p>\n

While this tour sounded idyllic in theory, the team reported 24 hours of heads down, being blinded by spray from the wheel in front.\u00a0 They rode through hours of torrential rain, and even managed to spot a cassowary and an echidna, albeit without the glee such wildlife spotting\u00a0 usually brings.\u00a0 They held on grimly throughout the night doggedly trusting that the wheel in front of them would remain in a vertical plane despite cane tracks, pot holes and the usual road obstacles that come with inclement wet season rain.\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Amazingly, everyone managed to stay upright, and only one puncture occurred during their awesome ride.\u00a0 After a minor flood-related course alteration, they arrived in Port Douglas perfectly on time for breakfast having completing 507km with an average moving speed of over 30km\/h.<\/p>\n

Cairns Strava Crew<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>You can’t fault Cairns Strava Crew for their efforts at preparation.\u00a0 Prior to turning a pedal, they had deeply pondered course options to suit likely prevailing winds, had team jerseys printed, and organised replacement riders as likely starters dropped out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>After a slightly late start from the Highest Road in Queensland sign, it was then all downhill for the team of Warren, Damien, Joel, Andrew and Keith –\u00a0theoretically speaking.\u00a0 The combination of water, potholes and wind took their toll, as two riders swan-dived into the bitumen coming down the Palmerston Range and onto the coastal roads.<\/p>\n

Undeterred, Warren, Keith and Andrew arrived in Port Douglas after 360km, having learned a few valuable lessons.\u00a0 The Oppy in FNQ in cyclone season is worth a medal (even if retro-ordered), and orange nicks in wet weather require you to either ride with good friends or wear some black ones underneath.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Team Floppy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another outstanding effort award goes to the remaining members of Team Floppy – Wil and Chris.\u00a0 Despite other prospective team members failing to make it to the starting line, this determinedly Floppy\u00a0\"\"duo decided to ride their course anyway.\u00a0 The team had opted for a Tablelands-based journey, which placed them firmly in Nora’s flood zone.\u00a0 Few brevet cards in the history of Audax can claim so many on-course alterations, as Wil and Chris constantly manoeuvred to dodge swollen rivers and closed roads.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

As the day progressed, and the public roads between the Tablelands and the coast progressively flooded and closed, Wil and Chris took their epic journey off-piste to travel down the range (in the dark !) and join the crew in Port Douglas for breakfast after their amazing 362km adventure.<\/p>\n

The Extremes<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Extremes – Jess, Paula, Mary Ann and Gayle – lived up to their name, going to extreme lengths in planning, training and preparation.\u00a0 With\u00a0 on-road support provided by Andy, our sights were set on an Audax Queensland Women’s record.\u00a0 With such a build-up to the event and after days spent constantly checking the weather forecast, our team tried to look unfazed at their starting point in the wind and drizzle at the Highest Road sign.<\/p>\n

We were still smiling at the first control, despite a slippery descent\"\"<\/a> in howling winds and swirling rain.\u00a0 The smiles continued through several further damp controls, although gritted teeth were definitely becoming more visible as the day wore on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The weather got more extreme as night fell, and the team arrived in Mareeba.\u00a0 \u00a0A flare-up of a knee injury, news of multiple flooded roads, reduced options for course changes and awesome images on the BOM site greeted us at our 250km control at McD’s.\u00a0 The locals watched on with amazement as four Extremely soaked cyclists sipped hot drinks and contemplated their options.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

With the road to the coast via Rex Range already closed, a local police\u00a0friend offered to lead us out through a back road.\u00a0 The offer was time-limited – he was officially closing the road after we went through.\u00a0 Our adventure continued in our support vehicle with a helter-skelter drive along dirt tracks and through nearly flooded creeks following our\u00a0official good Samaritan.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Waz was waiting for us with a hot meal at our overnight stop in Mossman, where we drank red wine to drown our sorrows (the only thing still above the high water mark at that point) and contemplate the 2019 Big TrOppy.\u00a0 Well done to Team Extreme on a great effort in phenomenally challenging conditions, and thanks to our support crew – Andy and Waz.<\/p>\n

Hawaii 5-0<\/strong><\/p>\n

They appeared in Port Douglas in 2017 as Hawaii 4-0, resplendent in their specially acquired floral jerseys.\u00a0 In 2018, Deb, Lloyd, Peter and Brian were joined by Drewe and became Hawaii 5-0.\u00a0 Fortunately for Drewe, that wonderful floral jersey was still for sale online at the same amazing never-to-be-repeated discount price.\u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Ever mindful of the weather and rising water levels, Hawaii 5-0 left Atherton and scorched across the Tablelands.\u00a0 They flew across Bushy Creek, crossing well before the waters engulfed the causeway, and down the Rex Range to Port Douglas.\u00a0 By all reports, \"\"<\/a>they were sipping refreshments and congratulating themselves on a job well done as Nora worked her way towards the coast.\u00a0 There was a slight hitch in plans as the road closures behind them meant their support vehicle could not get through, and bags of pyjamas and night time goodies would not be delivered.\u00a0 But with a bit of creative borrowing, the team made it for Sunday breakfast, in mostly matching jerseys and absolutely event-appropriate socks.<\/p>\n

And in a show of the generosity of spirit that characterises FNQ Audax, Drewe kindly volunteered this piece of cycling wisdom:<\/p>\n

“Video evidence of my foaming bottom has surfaced and my team members believe it should be distributed far and wide so that other Audax riders never have to suffer the indignity of being sprayed with\u00a0arse foam<\/a>.”\u00a0<\/em>(A not to be missed link !!)<\/p>\n

The Waiters<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite the pre-ride withdrawal of their captain, Mal, The Waiters continued their diligent training and preparation for their Petit day out.\u00a0 Steve, Joe, Bob and Rex put in the big training kilometres and\u00a0\"\"then found further time to prepare suitable breakfast attire.\u00a0 The Waiters started in Atherton and followed a winding course to Walkamin, before tackling the (only) route from Mareeba to Mt Molloy and Port Douglas.\u00a0 They sensibly crossed Bushy Creek before the floodwaters became an issue, and arrived in Port Douglas in time to join Hawaii 5-0 for evening festivities.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

On Sunday, there was momentary concern as team members made a hasty departure from the scene immediately after checking in at the finish with Mal and Pat.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>However, all was revealed (including…. “The Waiters??<\/em>“) when they returned soon afterwards.\u00a0 \u00a0These boys sure know how to dress for the occasion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Small and Dainty<\/strong><\/p>\n

Small and Dainty made their second appearance at the Little TrOppy, with Zoe replacing brother Toby in the 2019 edition of the team, and joining Kim, Nola, Mark and Jordan.\u00a0 The team left Atherton and cruised via a few back roads to Mt Molloy, just in time \"\"<\/a>to see Hawaii 5-0 riding away from the pub to beat the floodwaters threatening the road to Port Douglas.\u00a0 So they did what all good locals do when a cyclone or any other crisis appears on the horizon – they\u00a0had a beer.<\/p>\n

The Small and Dainty crew swear that they didn’t stay long at the pub, and it was soon afterwards that they arrived at Bushy\u00a0\"\"Creek, and that the water wasn’t that deep, and that the road wasn’t officially closed.\u00a0 And that it really was a Taipan that drifted around Mark’s ankles and caused that girly squeal and funny dance .<\/p>\n

After a quick cruise down the Rex Range, with the obligatory photo stop at the lookout, Small and Dainty tackled their major obstacle of the day – the legendary climb of Nola’s parents’ driveway.\u00a0 At the end of their 155km day, everyone made it up this epic climb with only a few minor stops and slips along the way.\u00a0 Overall, it was a relatively cramp-free adventure for the team in 2018, and they arrived in Port Douglas unscathed in the rain on Sunday.\u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Rose Between Thorns<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dallas (aka The Rose) joined Ian, Nick and Ivon (the other bits) with great plans of a leisurely day trip on the bikes from Port Douglas to Daintree and back.\u00a0 Lots of flat riding…… great tropical scenery…… stop-offs at iconic places…… perfect.\u00a0 They cruised north and spent a lovely morning exploring the Daintree Rainforest area and stopping off for lunch at the Village.\u00a0 Enter Bloody Nora.\u00a0 Lunch became a slightly extended affair as the rain bucketed down at tropical strength and visibility was reduced to only metres by sheets of vertical water.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The team pushed on for their return journey, ducking into a few coastal townships on the way back to Port Douglas.\u00a0 In FNQ, flat and coastal also means sugar cane tracks.\u00a0 At the 120km point, a particularly unpleasant angle of tracks spelled the end of Dallas and Ivon’s Petit day out.\u00a0 A passing motorist kindly gave Ivon a lift to Port Douglas, and he returned to collect Dallas and their bikes.\u00a0 Ian and Nick completed their ride, and Ivon recuperated enough to join them for breakfast on Sunday.\u00a0 Dallas had retreated home with a spectacular collection of bumps and bruises, but still amazingly cheerful about her next big ride.\u00a0 Well done to Rose Between Thorns.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the stories were shared over breakfast, and mountains of food were consumed, Nora continued her track towards the coast and the floodwaters kept rising.\u00a0 We all escaped Port Douglas as the Cook Highway was transformed into a waterfall wonderland and the road south was cut soon afterwards by the rising waters and rock slides.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Congratulations to everyone who took on the challenge of a cyclonic weekend on the bike, and thanks to all those who came to support the TrOppy cyclists during their rides and at breakfast.\u00a0 The Big and Little TrOppy of 2018 will remain one of the more memorable events to have graced the FNQ Audax calendar.\u00a0 See you all next year !!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

(12 April 2018)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Throughout this great nation of ours, all good Audaxers respectfully dub one sacred weekend in March as the “Fleche Opperman All Day Trial”.\u00a0 In 2017, FNQ Audaxers attempted due diligence, renaming the event “Fleche’s Big TrOppy” and “Fleche’s Little TrOppy”.\u00a0 But in 2018, it became known as “Bloody Nora Weekend”.   The Oppy is supposed … Continue reading FNQ Oppy 2018 (aka Bloody Nora Weekend)<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19106,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.longrides.bike\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19072"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.longrides.bike\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.longrides.bike\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.longrides.bike\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.longrides.bike\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=19072"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.longrides.bike\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19072\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19144,"href":"https:\/\/www.longrides.bike\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19072\/revisions\/19144"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.longrides.bike\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/19106"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.longrides.bike\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=19072"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}