thursday morning, 5:30am, 22 deg, light winds. perfect riding conditions. the picture attached was from this weeks thursday training ride. it may not look like it, but if you do a count, there are over 80 people in this photo and a few more still coming down the path. numbers like this mean that we need to be aware of our group sizes on the road. if we allow the groups to remain too large, we take up more space, roll throughs can be more difficult, we get cut off at the lights, and cars can get more impatient. the ride leaders make an effort to split the groups to keep you safe, so please listen to them and follow directions when given. we are not there to tell you what type of rider you are, so if you don’t want to be in the third group, make sure you line up closer to the bridge.
come and try – this weekend at the RCCC crit at the driver training centre, there will be a “come and try” ride for any one that wants to see what crit racing is about. There will be both a men’s and women’s session with experienced riders to guide you around. follow the calendar link below to get more info on the event and times for each session.
crit racing – there is racing available throughout summer – pretty much every weekend. this sunday RCCC and West Coast Masters are both running a criterium. an updated program with links to the events HERE. for a bit more info on why crit racing could be for you, check out the previous post.
spr race mentors – the race mentors will be your go to for questions, queries and advice so you can dip your toe with some support. if you think you want to be a race mentor to help those that are curious about racing, then you can sign up to help out. check out the previous post for more information.
mercantile lane closure – some of you may remember that the pedestrian bridge over mercantile lane fell down last year. this is the back lane that we take to get from mounts bay rd to st georges terrace. as of 20th dec it will be closed again to facilitate the rebuilding of that foot bridge. no idea how long it will be down for, so you will need to take the next road (william st) to hook back around to the cafe after the ride.
sunday start locations – as numbers increase over summer, we are looking at how we can manage the groups on a sunday morning. as such we are implementing a start location system to give us an idea of how big the groups are. we can then split them before they leave the carpark to ensure that the groups are a safe size on the road. see the previous blog post about where to meet and the new start time.
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.
spr juniors – juniors, juniors, juniors. my boys were a bit dissappointed last week as they were the only two that turned up to the juniors ride. they had to drown their sorrows in pancakes and bacon at the coffee shop afterwards. yes school has started, but make sure that the kids ride is part of your weekly routine.
from the ride coordinator – Great to see so many riders out last weekend enjoying the ride. We had some positive feedback from M3 and M4 about their rides which suggests that the introduction of M4 has been a success. With numbers swelling, so are the group sizes, which can bring its own challenges. The chances of things like splits at lights increase and communicating becomes a key to getting everyone back safely. Each group seems to have its own “etiquette” when it comes to communication but in my view, communicating up and down the line in the group is the cornerstone to enjoyment and safety. Whether it’s your hands or your voice, big group sizes call for strong communication. Next time you see the pro’s riding in an event, watch closely how they communicate. Obviously they think it’s OK to call, so should we.
saturday 8th february
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
juniors – kings park juniors 23.72km spr saturday
development group – novice shelley 36.06km spr saturday
transitional 1/2 – trans cresswell 40.21km spr saturday
fast/main – tv stations 50.29km spr saturday
sunday 9th february
rides start at coode st carpark at 6:00am
note: sunday rides start at 6:00am from nov to feb
development group – coffee ride
short – khna weir 72.23km spr sunday
long – khna can mills 94.55km spr sunday
monday 10th february
ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am
south stock 33.76km spr monday
tuesday 11th february
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
spr tuesday 36.37km (river ride)
wednesday 12th february
ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am
interval training – stock road repeats
thursday 13th february
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 14th february
ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am