The event runs for 11 laps starting at the 615 meeting point and is conducted in pairs (this means 2 riders together). Riders shouldn't draft off other groups and must record their times for results and presentations after the exercise is completed.
2023 was another year where the Twisted Barnstorming Cup was part of the Tour Of November. Pairing where based on the points table with 1 and 2 taking on 3 and 4 and so on.
Much of the drama of 2022 was not repeated, there were no climate change protestors active, nor any sustained verbal abuse. In fact the allegations of cheating and drafting were at an all time low. Here are the times for each pair:
Tom / Dave J 53:02
Rob H / Eddie 54:57
Paul K / Seb 55:00
Chris / Frank 57:12
Rob S / Jeff 59:30
Glenn / Allan 60:23
Rodd / Bob 61:50
Rene / Ken / Greg 64:36
There were no new records this time but still some very strong efforts by all riders. Well done to all and keep up the training.
The 2022 edition saw no shortage of drama and excitement. An enthusiastic climate change protester placed sticks on the road, verbally abused riders, threw dirt and stones at some riders and caused plenty of disruption to lap times.
There were accusations of some pairs riding closely together at times during the exercise. The full committee have met and decided the penalties to be applied. Riders Chris, Jason, Tom, Dave J, Rob H and Rob S have all been deducted 2 points. (Rule 4.2)
In addition, riders Harry and Seb have each been deducted 1 point for verbally abusing other riders in order to gain a psychological advantage.(Rule 13.6.2b)
The times were sensational with 2 teams beating the old record. Here are the full results:
| Place | Riders | Time |
| 1st | Chris and Jason | 51:52 (record) |
| 2nd | Tom and Dave J | 52:24 |
| 3rd | Rob H and Rob S | 53:48 |
| 4th | Seb and Harry | 54:30 |
| 5th | Paul K and Jeff C | 56:53 |
| 6th | Eddie and Frank | 56:57 |
| 7th | Greg and Glenn | 59:39 |
| 8th | Ken E, Richard W and Bob E | 63:00 |
| 9th | Tony and Daniel | 69:42 (delayed by protester) |
Thanks to Rod for preparing and presenting the trophies. And congratulations to all riders for having a go in what one rider described as "the hardest training exercise we do."
Regal History
The Strava segment is "Full Lap Batman Entry" and can be used to work out total times if riders are unable to record the time themselves. Ideally each pair should keep a record of their total time for the 11 laps for comparison over coffee.
Many years ago, our forefathers, Rod and Steve, created an exercise that has become legendary in the Parramatta Park 615 Training Bunch.
In the early days it was known going as hard as possible for 11 laps and seeing if an hour could be defeated. Soon, Rod and Steve were pushing for 5 minute laps and cracking the 55 minute barrier, with just 2 riders.
Fast forward to 2017 and Super Coach Rene, inspired by the idea, started up the Twisted Barnstorming Cup: an 11 lap time trial done in pairs. Over the years the selection of pairs has varied from choose your own partner, to lucky dip, to picked by the Super Coach and even by placings on the tour table.
It soon became an annual favourite of many riders, all keen to train for 12 months to see how they can go in the cup.
The running in 2020 was part of the Tour of October. Here are how the teams went:
Here is the full honour roll with times for the 11 laps:
2017 Jason / Dave J 53:14
2018 Tom / Harry 53:49
2019 Jeff / Rob S 56:44
2020 Chris / Dave J 52:53
2022 Chris / Jason 51:52
2023 Tom / Dave J 53:02