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Date - Saturday, 21th August 2010 Pop was renowned for his attention to detail, his preparation of the Allard Park cinder track is one example [similar to tennis court gravel], he would water, rake and roll the surface and no one would be permitted on the track for at least three hours to allow it to settle. Everyone could tell the difference if someone else had prepared the track on a Saturday. Pop was the Handicapper, scratch races were for Championships and selection events, every Saturday was a Handicap at Brunswick and the common goal of any young competitor was to make it to A grade and work their way back to Scratch. That's what Pop would tell you and his words encouraged all to give it their best effort. Pop's daughter was interested in the bikes and he was drawn into becoming an active committeeman through her. Pop took over the president’s role when some Brunswick members convinced the relatively unknown Pop to put his name forward as President of the Club. The then (unpopular) current President was so annoyed that he did not nominate and Pop, a footballer, became the president unchallenged! Pop as a non-rider then went on to preside over the club for twenty years in the role as president. Pop was organizing racing in 1953 and in 1982 was still a pivotal person for Brunswick and Victorian racing. All handicaps were meticulously handwritten using carbon paper. Pop was aided by a fantastic memory for riders and always gave great encouragement of riders of all ages perfect gentleman. “I remember well my first meeting with Pop Stewart. It was my first ever bike race as a 14 year old at Mickleham Rd. Pop was the handicapper, he put me off limit and I finished last, but I remember well his encouragement to come back the next week and try again. I guess I'm still coming back for more 40 odd years later, I owe him a lot!!!! I think one of Pops great qualities was his equal treatment to all, whether you were an Australian Champion or riding off limit, he had time for everyone. Pop was a long serving handicapper with Brunswick and also was handicapper for the VACU (Pre VCF and CSV) for several years. He was a great servant to both Brunswick and Victorian Cycling.”
Richard McCorkell Special thanks to Alan Grindal, Alf Walker, Richard McCorkell and Cam Mcfarlane for their stories. Format: Handicap Circuit: Pastoria Directions: From Melbourne travel up Calder Freeway till you reach the second Kyneton turn off. Once you exit the freeway turn right at the roundabout and then left on Saleyard Rd. Route Map Parking: Assembly at Saleyards Toilets: Saleyards Registration: Sign-on approx 9 AM to 9:45AM. Briefing at 9:55 AM. Start 10 AM Distance: 84Kms (4 Laps) Entry fee: $10 for volunteers or $20 for non volunteers. No $50 or $100 notes accepted. Prizemoney: $500 (1st to 10th plus Fastest Unplaced) Entries: CLOSED Map: Kyneton Provisional start-list and times
Current Entries Handicap scratchings need to be made by 12 noon the Friday before race day. Any DNS riders on the day failing to do so will be expected to pay the entry fee at the next Combine race. |
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