there is an article in the fairfax online paper that talks about a certain uk police approach to cycling safety. it contained the following quote that i thought was very interesting.
“Cyclists don’t cause us, as an organisation, problems, that’s because they aren’t causing our communities problems, they aren’t killing nearly 100 people on our region’s roads as mechanically propelled vehicles currently do. Statistical analysis shows they aren’t to blame, innocent in the majority of KSI [killed and seriously injured] collisions. The figures speak for themselves … drivers, don’t let your prejudices get in the way of the truth …”
it is encouraging to see that a police organisation is actually trying to get road users to understand the issue, rather than just blame the victims. cyclist are the more vulnerable road users and it is easy to just say that “maybe you should ride there” or “if you get hit it is your own fault”. well no. as much as the cyclist needs to take responsibility for riding on a busy road, the motorist needs to take responsibility for actually being in control of their vehicle. not only concentrating on where they are going but also understanding the limits and limitations of their vehicle when overtaking others. i know that i am preaching to the converted, but regardless of actual legislation (come on colin, give us a law), it would be good to see this type of understanding spread to other road users.
ride leader sponsor – the ride leader sponsor for october is Discover Cycling. Founded and run by SPR member Leigh Outschoorn, Discover Cycling is a boutique cycle coaching provider who works with you to develop a personalised training program to achieve your cycling goals.
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.
race licences – there are a couple of different types of licences that you can get when you become a member of spr. a recreational licence and a racing licence. recreational licences are for those that really only do the club training rides and want a bit of insurance coverage. it covers a full year from the time you purchase it. a race licence covers you for both training and racing and is necessary if you want to pin a number on. race licences are only valid for the calendar year which means that they expire at the end of december. however, the 2017 licences can be purchased from the 1st october and will then give you 15 months of coverage. if you are looking at upgrading to do some racing next year, or need one to do next weeks beverley race, then this weekend is the time to join or renew.
ride leader pilot program – as mentioned previously, we have kicked off the ride leader pilot program. this is to ensure that we have a consistent message across all the groups. there are a few more practical assessments that will be run over the coming weeks and as such we will need some of our regulars to help out looking after groups. don’t worry, it is just about keeping people together and you may find that you enjoy it and want to learn more.
the beverley – the beverley race is not a new thing. it is the reincarnation of the original beverley to perth race that was held for many years (see article from 1904 – feedzones had sherry back then). however, the modern race will be a basic out and back handicap race similar to the collie-donnybrook. a handicap race gives the “slower” riders a head-start and the “faster” riders have to catch up. therefore everyone is in the same race and everybody has the same chance of winning. if you are looking for a pre-tomr hit out, then there are not many left, so check out previous post for more details and links to registration. rego has been extended to tuesday next week, so no excuses. if you are not racing, then the all powerful race committee is looking for volunteers to help resurrect this classic event. there is a lot of history here and there is the potential to make this as popular as the collie race. check out the previous post about volunteers as we appreciate all the help we can get. events don’t just happen by themselves, and we need the club to pitch in and help out.
spr kit orders – the latest round of kit orders close tomorrow night. kit is for members only, so join up if you want to order. check out the previous post for more details. make sure that you have spr kit if you are going to race for spr in the tour of margs.
tour of margs spr riders – the spr teams for this years tour or margs have now been announced. we are however, still looking at a few reserves as there is always some issues that take riders out close to the event. if you are interested, please let the all powerful race committee know via email. when changes do happen, we generally reshuffle the teams to make sure that they are as balanced as possible. this is a great opportunity for anyone to be a part of a great team event. ask anyone that has been involved in the race the past few years, and it has little to do with the results and more to do with the trip.
ride routes – so it looks like winter is here to stay. 4 degree mornings and another wet weekend are on the cards. however, this weekend there is also a prediction of +30km/hr winds. this makes riding both interesting and potentially more dangerous. be spatially aware of what is going on around you. don’t cross wheels and make sure that you give everyone enough space. your duty of care is not just to yourself, but also to those you are riding with.
saturday 1st october
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 mosman 40.39km spr saturday
fast & main groups – rebold & cottesloe 50.91km spr saturday
sunday 2nd october
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 – wlsh weir 62.23km spr sunday
long – wlsh weir kal 101.71km spr sunday
monday 3rd october
ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am
south stock 33.76km spr monday
tuesday 4th october
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 5th october
ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am
interval training – stock road repeats
thursday 6th october
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 7th october
ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am