where to start. there is so much information, advice and opinion floating around at the moment that it is worth stopping and taking stock of our current situation. over the weekend the committee had a lengthy discussion and we posted our advice for group riding and coffee-shop interaction. basically stop snotting and touching and if you have travelled recently or been in contact with someone that now has the virus, stay away. the next day we developed a strategy which showed just how we would deal with this pandemic moving forward. after much discussion we landed on level 2 as it fell in line with the national guidelines. the next day westcycle posted their advice and using our strategy guidelines, suggested that all clubs need to be at level 3 (riding is ok, but no coffee-shops). As such we have taken that position and although we are still running group rides, our recommendation is that you do restrict any physical social interaction afterwards.
in some people’s opinions, this does not go far enough and we are being told that we should cease all group rides all together. this is contrary to all federal and state level advice as well as the national cycling organisation. however, this is not just blindly following the government advice but making an informed decision and trying to find the right balance.
while the more populated east coast of australia is starting to see an increase in the number of cases reported, there is some benefit in being the most isolated capital city in the world. unfortunately, it is also the home of many cash-up bogans who didn’t want to give up their bali holiday. so, at the moment, the majority of cases in wa are coming from people that have travelled and returned with the virus. looking at the stats for each state in this abc.net article (updated daily), nsw, vic and qld have had a dramatic increase in the number of cases with nsw going from 22 to 267 in two weeks. wa is lagging, but there is no reason not to expect that we will follow the same trajectory. as such, we think that we have about a week before the number of cases contracted locally begins to rise. as we start to see that change, the committee will discuss the best options for the club and communicate immediately. bearing in mind that as this level of isolation could be mandated for months, we are cautious to not over-react.
so, in the meantime what is the risk for riding? in an article from bicycling.com, there is a section about the risks of transmission from sweat, spit and snot during riding. it also covers what to do if you do get hit by someones spit and how long they think the virus (which is not airborne transmitted) can live outside a host. just be aware that this article is written for an american audience and different rules for social distancing apply (50 people, while in australia it is currently 500 people).
there is also an argument that in the event of an accident, you will further overwhelm a health care system that is under pressure. i totally agree, but we are not there yet and when that time comes, indoor would be the safest option.
at the end of the day this comes down to personal choice and if you have family that are elderly or vulnerable, then you need to make the decision as to how you conduct your daily life. not just cycling, but using public transport, using areas that have shared spaces and who you do come in contact with. while we do think that the current risk of transmission while cycling is low, we are also aware that the situation can change rapidly and we will endeavour to react accordingly.
so while you still see the ride routes listed out for the coming week, we are starting to develop an online option for those that want to begin isolating now. this may be the norm moving forward so it may pay to get your equipment and memberships ready for when it becomes the only option available. the spr indoor riders collective (sprirc) is being established with the first ride coming this saturday for those that don’t want to head out (see below). as the situation changes we will work towards making more rides available throughout the week.
annual general meeting – The South Perth Cycle Club Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been postponed due to social distancing rules being applied to indoor gatherings. However, while we sort out a date to hold the AGM, feel free to nominate for a position within the committee. Initial indications are that the club will need at least 2 new committee members for 2020. Please see the previous post for more info.
new spr kit design – as outlined in the previous post, the design for the new spr kit has been finalised. the kit committee has been working closely with Mayeur to come up with a design that encompasses the clubs main elements whilst presented within an understated style. next steps will be a social event/sizing party to ensure that people order exactly what they need.
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.
watertower challege 2020 – it’s back. after a number of years hiatus, we will be running the watertower challenge in september. you can choose between the metric (100km) or imperial (160km) challenge visiting a number of watertowers around the suburbs of perth. form a team of 3 and challenge yourself. more info on our facebook events page.
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 have been canceled as per our corona virus pandemic strategy.
spr indoor riders collective (sprirc) – For those who wish, there will be Zwift ride set up for Saturday morning. I’ll invite those who follow me on Zwift, and for anyone who wants to join in, they can get in touch via the zwift app (search for Julian Johnson SPR) and add me to your following list, so I can add you. The ride course is the Sand and Sequoia on Watopia and it starts at 7 am. You can also just join in with the group at the start. We’ll do 3 laps in total, the first lap we’ll make sure everyone gets on and roll around at 2-2.5 w/kg. This will pick up to 3 for the second lap and all in for the last 20 km. Total distance will be 60 km
from the ride coordinator – Wow. What a crazy time we live in. To think that this time last week, the thought of not scheduling a main ride seemed a distant consideration. Fast forward 7 days and it has occupied the deliberations of the committee constantly in the ever changing world we live in. Right now, I’m happy to report that we are still riding but without the coffee shop experience afterwards. We know this is not everyone’s choice so we are also setting up alternatives to those that may be uncomfortable with the conventional form of riding. Whatever option you choose, you can rely on this club committing to being true to itself around inclusion and providing options for as many of its members as possible. Enjoy whatever you choose and stay healthy.
saturday 21st march
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 – cancelled
development group – novice shelley 36.06km spr saturday
transitional 1/2 – trans shelley 40.59km spr saturday
fast/main – canning vale & welshpool 49.74km spr saturday
sunday 22nd march
rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am
note: sunday rides now start at 7:00am from mar to oct
development group – coffee ride
short –wlsh weir 62.23km spr sunday
long – wlsh obs kal 90.32km spr sunday
monday 23rd march
ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am
cancelled
tuesday 24th march
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
cancelled
wednesday 25th march
ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am
cancelled
thursday 26th march
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
cancelled
ride starts frasers ave at 5:45am
cancelled
friday 27th march
ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am
cancelled