roundabouts. so last week a person was killed when they were knocked from their bike at a roundabout in halls head. Gabriele Schiller-Brett was struck by a station wagon, dragged across the roundabout and deposited on the opposite kerb. the driver continued across the nature strip and back onto the road not stopping to see the damage they caused. the marks across the grass that can be seen on the picture above shows the path that the car, bike and victim took. it is impossible for someone not to realise that they had hit someone but this person took the cowards way out and continued driving. Ms Schiller-Brett later died in peel hospital. for us as cyclists, roundabouts represent one of the biggest risks when we are riding in traffic. as group, traffic entering the same intersection may have right away and the group will need to stop as required by the law. this can often cause confusion within the group as people don’t want to be dropped, but better to stop and chase then end up under a garbage truck. as an individual on the bike, roundabouts often form a choke point where bike lanes and shoulders miraculously disappear only to start again on the other side. in this case you are basically on your own and cars will often try to squeeze by. when i am riding on my own and approaching a roundabout like that, i check when it is safe, then move out to sit in the middle of the lane. it may piss some drivers off, but it leaves no space for them to try to squeeze by. in our group rides you need to be aware of the road and traffic conditions. there may be times that we need to ride single file and there may be times when it is safer for us to take the lane to stop drivers taking risks with our lives. make sure you are aware and don’t just leave it up to other people.
ride leader sponsor – the ride leader sponsor for april is Acanthus Green landscape and garden design and construction. part owned by spr member and Dome rider ben godridge, Acanthus Green is your one stop shop for to creating the perfect garden to compliment your home and enhance your life.
rules of engagement – please read the previous post if you come out on any of our rides. it is up to all members to enforce these rules.
kit crash replacement – we now have a crash replacement policy for your spr kit. if you damage your kit by some misadventure (on your bike) you can contact the kit committee and get a 30% discount on your replacement kit. please see the previous post for more details.
paris roubaix – a night out for all bike racing lovers! paris – roubaix , the third monument of the cycling season, at freo pub “the local” showing the race live on the big screens. come early from 7pm to indulge in some french flavoured food and to participate in the race orientated trivia quiz. wear your favourite vintage bike jersey to be in the running for one of a number of prizes. but please no lycra! see the facebook event for more detail.
spr road race champs – off the back of the crit championships will be the road race championships for 2016. there are a number of races identified that riders will accumulate point for. a change in the scoring system this year to try to allow those that have a go at ‘a’ grade a better chance of getting points. please see the previous post for more info.
midland 100 – quite a lot of spr members are taking part in one of the toughest races on the perth calendar. it may not be as long as some, but it is hard on a hard course. good luck to all those who have entered.
ride routes – so after a number of emails and conversations with garmin, it seems that the maps are working again. it also looks like we haven’t quite finished with the easterly winds. although the mornings have been spectacular recently with light winds and cooler temperatures. a few more weeks of this and we will be entering arm warmer and vest territory. a flatish course on saturday for all those that are racing the midland very hilly 100.
saturday 9th april
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
early lap – earlybird 40.93km spr special
all rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am
development group – novice shelley 36.06km spr saturday
transitional – trans canning vale 42.34km spr saturday
fast & main groups – canning vale & welshpool 49.74km spr saturday
sunday 10th april
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
early lap – earlybird 40.93km spr special
all rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am
development group – coffee ride
short – brktn weir 82.89km spr sunday
long – carr peet obs 97.72km spr sunday
monday 11th april
ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am
south stock 33.76km spr monday
tuesday 12th april
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
spr tuesday 36.37km (river ride)
ride starts frasers carpark at 5:45am
development group – interval training kings park
wednesday 13th april
ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am
interval training – stock road repeats
thursday 14th april
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30arm
spr thursday 37.26km (cott & freo)
ride starts frasers carpark at 5:45am
development group – interval training kings park
friday 15th april
ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am