the end of 2011 and how fast has it gone.  lots of new faces to the group and we are continuing to grow.  i will probably take some time out later to write a blog on the highlights and lowlights of the year.  a reminisce, or dragging up the past, perhaps.  some of the new faces may not be aware of our humble beginnings so i will also link back to some of the earlier blogs. 

will 2012 be bigger and better???  lets hope so, or even better, lets do something about it to keep the club active and engaging for the members.  got a friend that rides or commutes to work???  send them a link to our website or let them know what we provide for people.  there are thousands of people that ride in perth that have never ridden in a group or have had any contact with a club.  our members are the ones that need to be out there showing others that being part of a club is not just about racing, but rather being part of something that is linked by cycling as our common thread.  safe, organised, inclusive and social.  these are the things that make spr what it is and make people want to ride with us.

spr kit distribution – again at the DOME coffee shop after the saturday ride.  i will have my suitcases all packed, but with your gear.  if you want to organise any other time for collection, send me an email.

DOME discount – toby has organised that if you are wearing the SPR kit that has DOME on the front when you order, you will get a 10% discount.  this is only available at his shop in westralia plaza.

ride routes – overtaking other groups can be a hazardous situation that we all need to be aware about.  last week the transitional group was overtaken by our faster groups on the run back into town.  even though it is the designated fast section, we must also be aware of other road users and act accordingly.  no point just yelling and screaming for people to get out of your way, as they have as much right to be there as you do (i.e. when that car is honking it’s horn at us).  overtake when safe, single file preferably, and don’t cut back in too soon as you might clip a wheel.  there is a chance the groups may end up in this situation again.  be aware of it as well as your actions on the road as remember, this is a training ride, not a race.  lots of riding this long weekend, but seriously, if you don’t hate me after the long hills ride this sunday, you never will.  monday earlybird starts on the south perth side.

saturday 31st december

ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am

early lap – spr earlybird ride

all rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am

development group – spr saturday 35.48km (novice shelley)

transitional – spr saturday 40.72km (mosman park)

fast & main groups – spr saturday 50.23km (ewen st)

sunday 1st january

ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am

early lap – spr earlybird ride

all rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am

short – spr sunday 82.79km (brookton & weir rd)

long – spr sunday 101.29km (roleystone & observatory)

monday 2nd january

ride starts under the narrows (south perth side) at 5:30am

early lap – spr monday 46.74km (south & freo)

ride starts at coode st carpark at 7:00am

main group – spr public holiday 59.35km (shelley & freo)