as we now have over 50 riders signed up for the 200km challenge, i have decided to split the group in half.  this is mainly for safety reasons as later in the day when the traffic picks up, we don’t want to have a large group on the road.  the bigger group also allows us to spread the abilities a bit better so that the stronger riders are not being held up and the weaker one are not feeling out of their depth. 

both groups will start at 6:00am at the coode st carpark, but the second group will start a few minutes after to allow a bit of separation on the road.  the group must stay together as this is not a race, and the idea is to help people to finish the challenge.  to that end, we will not be rolling through as this just tends to get faster and faster.  just have a couple of people on the front that can drop to the back after a while so share the load.

the groups will be lead by myself, julian and brett l for group 1, simon, christophe and daryl for group 2 and mark s for the 100km challenge.  these people will ensure that the group will stick together and acts safely through out the ride.  they will also be recording the top 5 people in their group to the top of the water tower each lap.

please make sure that everyone knows the ride route so have a look at the original post here.  there is one change that may differ from the usual tuesday morning ride as we head back through applecross after the majestic hill.  we turn off the strand early and take gairloch st to reach duncraig rd sooner.  this is to stop the blind left hander that may involve more traffic later in the day.  also, make sure you are aware of the route from raffles back to coode st, as this is not a normal route for us.

now the club is providing some food and drink at the halfway point, but due to a lack of any volunteer help the rest stop will be back at my place.  on the second lap of the 200km ride, the group will cross canning bridge and continue up canning hwy until it reaches ryrie ave (next turn after thelma st lights).

we have purchased bread rolls (with jam or vegemite), jam doughnuts, fruit cake, bananas, cookies, coke and water.  please bring your own doggy bag if you want to carry your left overs for the last couple of laps.  this is only for the halfway point, so make sure that you have some gels etc for during the ride and ensure you have breakfast before we start.

lights, excess clothes, etc can be left at my place at the rest stop and collected after the ride if necessary.

see you in the morning.  (this is a club event, so wear your spr kit if you can)

the groups are as follows.