the weather has finally turned and although we are still getting some gorgeous days, the mornings are pretty brisk. don’t let this deter you from coming out. as long as it is still dry, then cold weather is just another aspect of cycling. for those that are relatively new to cycling and may have only started over summer, now is the time to get arm warmers and vests. an undergarment won’t go astray either. soon you will also need full gloves, knee warmers (transitioning onto full legs), bootie covers, full wind jackets, headband with ear warmers, buff for the neck and a winter cover over the helmet (to stop wind from getting in). then when wearing all that, you head out on a ride and overheat on the first effort. 🙂
ride leader sponsor – our ride leaders for may are proudly sponsored by return sponsor Melody Wheels. they are a wheel building specialists in the same way as one might distinguish a medical specialist from a GP. they do precision wheel building and wheel repairs, and that’s the only thing they do.
entertainment books – this year the club has decided to sell the every popular entertainment books as a way to raise funds. even better there is now an app available so you don’t need to carry vouchers with you. there is also a cool function where you can see a map of your location and all the available offers in the area. check out the previous post for more details and links to registration.
group ride etiquette – as you are aware, your actions in a group ride can have consequences for other on that ride. your inaction can also have consequences. our training and development officer, rob, recently put together a post highlighting the important points that you need to know. have a look at that post so you understand or even as a refresher.
volunteer roster – there are a number of events over the course of the year that rely heavily on volunteers. we usually put a call out close to each event, but generally get the same people each time. this only lasts so long before people get a bit burnt out and stop helping. we have close to 400 members in our club and should be able to share the load easily across the year. the race committee is putting together a list of event and positions needed that you can volunteer for. some are not till much later in the year so you have lots of time to prepare. have a look at the previous post and let the club know that you can help out.
giro d’italia dinner – out first “out of lycra” event is on mon 22nd may to celebrate the first grand tour of 2017. the giro dinner is open to members and their partners but is limited to just 70 places. check out the previous post for more details and how to order your tickets.
tour of margs 2017 – as per previous years we are looking at putting multiple teams in for the tour of margs in november. this is a 3 stage teams based race with a team time trial and 2 road races. expressions of interest will be open soon as it is something that most people need to train up for. check out the previous post for more details, but we would like people to be committed if they say that they want to do it this year.
a plan for safer cycling – the city of south perth and the town of victoria park have been awarded funding for the development of a joint bike plan through the wa bicycle network (WABN) grants program. the aim of the joint bike plan is to understand the needs of the cycling community and seek to further develop existing cycling infrastructure across our two neighbouring local governments. the plan will also identify opportunities to improve the cycling network and provide better connections in these areas. check out the media release and provide feedback via the links. this is your chance for local government to hear from cyclists that use not only paths but also the road.
cyclocross – for those unfamiliar with just what it is, well it is fun, but hard technical fun. high heart rate, smash yourself, get off your bike and run up stairs type fun. however, you also need to make sure that your cleats are not full of sand and can actually disengage BEFORE you almost hit the barrier. next race is on the 28th may.
saturday start locations – we have revamped the group start locations on saturday morning. please have a look at the map so you know where your group will congregate. this makes it easier for ride leaders to give you a briefing before the ride starts. see the previous post for more details.
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hursday training ride – this week we implemented a new system of splitting the thursday group ride to keep the size manageable. we think that we have come up with a good way of splitting the groups, but we need you to be honest about your own abilities. have a look at the strava segment for the ride so you know where you sit. there is nothing to stop you stepping up to challenge yourself, but this will at least provide a guide as to how much more challenging it will be.
dirty dozen – this sunday there will be a special ride planned. not an official spr ride but rather a farewell of sorts for sarah and sarah as they are soon moving to victoria. in true fitton style, the ride route is not one for the faint hearted. in less than 90kms you will climb over 2000m. kind of like being in the alps, but with shorter climbs. more info can be found on the facebook page or you can see/upload the route here. it is not a simple course, so make sure that you have a look beforehand. as specified on the facebook page, this is an unsupported ride with no scheduled regroups unless worked out by the participants. the start is 7am at dome kelmscott, but a group will leave coode st at 6am to head down that way. sunday may be a little wet, so it may be the very dirty dozen.
ride routes – i have made a small change to the ridgehill rd route. instead of coming back via kalamunda rd, the course now hooks back up midland road and back along helena valley road. kalamunda road has some tight sections and heavier traffic, two things that do not bode well for groups of riders.
saturday 13th may
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 – ridgehill rd 50.55km spr saturday
sunday 14th may – mother’s day
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 – kal goose 67.63km spr sunday
long – kal obs goose 97.40km spr sunday
monday 15th may
ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am
south stock 33.76km spr monday
tuesday 16th may
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
spr tuesday 36.37km (river ride)
ride starts frasers ave at 5:45am
development group – interval training kings park
wednesday 17th may
ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am
interval training – stock road repeats
thursday 18th may
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
see previous post for ride groups
spr thursday 37.26km (cott & freo)
ride starts frasers ave at 5:45am
development group – interval training kings park
friday 19th may
ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am