By Nathan Rzepecki

After a short discussion at Saturdays mornings transitional ride it was decided a group of us were interested in going on another Sunday morning ride. It wasn’t posted on the site that this was going to happen because from my short experience it seems people know this to be a every second week type of event. However I think some of the transitional riders want to keep this going on a weekly basis. Also in line with the Saturday rides and the advanced group starting time we also decided to meet for 7am not 6:30.

Before arriving we did not have a route planned. Tracy was keen to do a hills ride but today had chickened out of doing it. (wasn’t all that keen myself for that one today) After throwing up a couple of suggestions we agreed on doing a similar route to last Sundays ride. South Perth to Fremantle and back.  However because of the Triathlon we altered the return route.

Anyways down to the report. Having let the advanced group head off couple minutes before us we headed down Dougkas Ave towards Mill Point Road and Canning Hwy. Remembering the first section of the route from the week before it was trouble free. Negotiating the narrow path up over the bridge over Great Eastern Highway a breeze. Once on Rutland Ave we greeted a well known friend called headwind so we doubled up and took turns in sharing the lead. Having only five riders this meant there was some constant switching but this worked well.

Apart from a car exiting a driveway in Laithlane trouble free run down to the crossing of Welshpool Road with an easier crossing of the U turn crossing than last week. On our merry way down Railway Pde it was obvious by this point the pace was quicker than last week averaging around 27km/h. Right turn over the train line onto Wharf St and up to the lights at Albany Hwy. This following section was the only section of the route none of us were completely sure on.  But as we travelled through we all called out and travelled the exact route from the previous week no trouble. Pace was steady through until we reached Riverton Dr North.  A familiar route to anyone who has been on the Saturday morning novice ride. From here right through until the turn on the small incline on Null Creek Rd we practised our Roll Through. I think it still needs some work but eventually we will get it right. Was an improvement on Saturday though. I for one need to learn to back off enough after pulling in front.

One mention here will go to Shaw. Who clearly made the announcement no sprint up Majestic (Why is it called this when its named Bull Creek Rd????).  However not feeling like it I hung back and watched him sit right behind David and surprise surprise  he stands up and starts to sprint. Tracey also decided she wanted to have a go but was too late. So much for sticking together.

From here it was the short trip to Mount Henry Bridge where we made the left turn to follow the Freeway cycle path up to Farrington Rd. Thumbs up to the 4WD that actually stopped and let us get onto the road at the round about before we even arrived. We doubled up down here with myself and Shaw leading. Tackling the hill onto the approach to the lights at North Lake road I did break too big a gap on the climb which was a bad move on my behalf. The red light did allow us to regroup before the turn onto North Lake Road. Was a short roll until the left turn onto Winterfold Rd and this time I dropped into a high gear and stayed with the group as Tracy jumped me and lead us up the hill. At the top of the hill and following last weeks experience I said all can go for glory on the down hill towards Carrington St.  Following my lead I did and when I stopped at the light the rest of the group was right behind.

A quick right turn into Clontarf Road and over the crest we could finally see water which meant we were close to Fremantle. Keeping close together this time our entry into Fremantle and managing the traffic was much better than last weeks broken pack,

After our stop at the cafe for coffee, red bull and a short rest it was back on the road for the return trip. Doubling up we navigated through Fremantle keeping well together. Crossing Stirling Hwy we turned left into Preston Point Rd and followed mostly the route I know to be the City of Perth Great bike Ride route. Here we split into single line and pushed through the head wind again navigating our way round to Point Walter Reserve where I watched one golfer take a not so Tiger Woods swing. I don’t know where he was aiming but I know I ducked as I heard the ball bouncing off a number of trees.

Down the winding hill and onto Burke Dr the wind met us again. Doubling up I took the lead with Dave again however our pace was dropping and I pulled off to the back. At this point I was wearing tired after not really eating much for the last day my energy levels were on their way down. From this point sorry to say I sat at the back and got into a cruise mode knowing I still had a good 30kms before home. Instead of taking Canning Hwy Shaw lead us on a path along the river.  Our pace was back to around 27km/h again here. This brought us out onto Melville Beach Rd. After the Turn onto Dee Rd it was a left onto Fraiser Rd the right onto Kintail Rd for the 3km journey too canning bridge. Following the cycle path down the length of the Freeway the pace was picked up to between 30 ~ 35km/h for the majority of the stretch. Each (other then myself) taking a turn at the lead. David doing well for a good stretch until we passed under the narrows.  From here it was a smooth ride about 27 ~ 30 km/h back to South Perth.

Was only a small group this week and the distance was roughly 66 – 67kms. Our average speed for the round trip was just over 26km/h according to my trip computer. We do plan to continue this next week. I’m sure Shaw and I will be in it. No Route planned at this stage. Peter may have one for us to tackle.

Route map here. Just exclude my travel to and from South Perth.
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/australia/we/bayswater/353126490660947495