it is starting to smell a lot like christmas. actually, walking through the city today, it was a seething mass of humanity. as it was also +30 degrees, it was starting to smell a lot like christmas. i do have a few last minute presents to buy, and i am sure that kate wants a lego toaster. she did mention it on facebook the other week, and you know that guys are not really good at reading between the lines. anyway, there are a few extra rides on this week with the public holiday on wednesday, but all other normal days will have their normal rides.
christmas ride – this saturday is the last saturday before christmas and as such we will be doing our usual christmas dress-up ride. for those of you that are celebrating your first christmas with us, this involves decorating your bike or yourself in a christmasy fashion. there are some pictures from last years ride here.
christmas challenge – similar to the easter challenge that i threw down, the person that rides the most between the first and last public holidays (25th dec – 1st jan) will get some type of chocolaty prize. also the person that rides the longest single ride will get a prize. all rides must be verified by STRAVA or garmin connect. think of it as a training incentive.
ride routes – bonus points for those that dress up and still do the earlybird ride. the main groups on saturday will detour and head straight up st georges terrace instead of riverside drive. yes, we will get caught by more traffic lights, but it is more about being a visual impact. wednesday’s public holiday ride will be preceeded by the normal uci wednesday ride.
saturday 22nd 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 40.86km (rebold hill)
fast & main groups – spr saturday 50.72km (rebold hill & cott)
the main groups will head across the causeway and up through the centre of the city. once we hit kings park rd we will then join up with the normal ride route.
sunday 23rd 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
short – spr sunday 82.79km (brookton & weir rd)
long – spr sunday 101.68km (carradine & canning dam)
monday 24th december
ride starts under the narrows (south perth side) at 5:30am
early lap – spr monday 33.72km (south & freo)
rides start at atomic cafe – mends st south perth at 8:00am
main group – WAR ride route (65kms)
tuesday 25th december
no rides on today
wednesday 26th december
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
early lap – spr wednesday 13.99km (uci masters)
all rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am
trans & main group – spr public holiday 59.35km (shelley & freo)
Here’s my attempt at formatting the Saturday Xmas ride for use with Garmin fitness GPSs.
After St George’s Tce, I’ve got it going up Malcom St to meet up with Kings Park Rd.
Let’s try that again…
Here’s the link:
http://connect.garmin.com/course/2554744
Great way to finish off the year almost (week to go). Was nice to see people dressed up in their xmas gear and having a good time.
On a less positive note there were a number of riders in main 2 running red lights along St Georges Tce and Hay St. The initial group at the start was quite small however we balloned into a very large group once we commenced the ride.
I know this has been mentioned before and may not be read by those involved (didnt recognise them and not in SPR kit), however it is extremely dangerous and doesn’t help us generate a positive culture with the motoring public.
If you dont want to be separated from your mate then ride next to them, dont wait for the group to stop at the light then come tearing from behind to catch up to the group in front.
Being a former crash investigator I’ve cleaned up my fair share of cyclists and made a few knocks on the door telling loved ones that someone is not coming home, just remember once you have seen something you cant unsee it.
Thanks to the three boys who dragged me around the River this morning on my first ever SPR Earlybirds ride.
Who would have thought I could ever be riding at bike at 5.30am, especially on a Sunday !!!?
It was a lovely time to ride, in great conditions and with three blokes who know how to ride smoothly and safely. I really enjoyed it and look forward to a few more of these as I travel the long road back to cycling fitness.
Stay safe SPR crew & have a good Xmas.
Great to have your company on Sunday morning Bill, but I don’t think there was any “dragging”…..everybody worked pretty hard 😉
Hope to see you back again soon and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Cheers,
Stuart.
For those that want to ride on Christmas morning I’m planning to be under the narrows bridge at 5:30am for the standard river loop then 7am at Coode St carpark for a little more in Kings Park (or a Shelley loop?). Just have to make sure I’m home before 9am otherwise I’ll be in trouble with the ladies in the house!
Merry Christmas everyone!!
Hey Stu.. I’ll be there if I can wake up.. I’m planning on 100km before Josh opens his presents 🙂
The Boss and I will be at Coode St for 7:00am. We’re keen on a Shelley Loop…King Park could prove a little painful for tired legs. I’ve hidden the Boss’s hair gel so we should be on time :-).
Stu – should see you there at 7am too!!
Shelley loop at 7am it is.
Ho Ho Ho!