We are very lucky here in Western Australia. Being the most isolated city in the world certainly has it’s benefits when the entire planet is gripped by a pandemic. With only two roads into the state and very few airports to control, the spread of the virus has been contained quite efficiently. What it has highlighted, however, was just how bad our ports are controlled, so i guess that will be an area that will get some scrutiny in the future.
What does that mean for us? Well, we got to open the club earlier than if we were in another state. We didn’t have restrictions on how far we could ride even when we were under stricter control. We actually could get out and ride.
But we also need to be realistic. Victoria and NSW are still having outbreaks and as a country or even state, we are a long way from seeing the end of this. In the event of another outbreak in this state, we need to be flexible enough and smart enough to quickly get it under control. That means that in the future, we may need to again change what we are doing with the club. For now, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while we can and look after yourself, and if you can, someone else as well.
The Rules – just a reminder that it isn’t business as usual.
- Social distancing still applies. This means no handshakes, hugging, high fives, down low too slow, or general touching is allowed. Please refrain from touching other peoples bikes, and allow space for people to gather before the ride.
- The start locations in the carpark for Saturday will change slightly. See below for more detail and a new map, but basically, we need to ensure we don’t exceed the 100 person limit, by separating into two distinct groups.
- No spitting, snotting or sneezing within the group. If you need to, move to the back of the group, but please look behind you to make sure that it is clear of traffic. That is all traffic, not just bikes. We don’t want some dash-cam footage of someone blowing their nose on a car the first day back.
- No “hand of god”. Like most thing in life, any interaction requires two-way consent between adults. If someone is struggling and you want to push them, you both have to be comfortable with being touched. I’m not going to speculate on the risks involved with hand to jersey contact, but before you push someone, ask them first. If they are not comfortable with any contact, then don’t do it.
- The coffee shop is open, but please be aware that they may not be able to seat everyone. The post ride coffee is a long standing tradition with cycling, but in this new post-COVID world, there are some sacrifices that need to be made. The hospitality industry in general is suffering, so we need to give our support, but if you are just getting a coffee, then consider a takeaway, so that table space can be saved for those ordering a bit more. Hospitality businesses are under stricter regulations than cycling clubs, so please understand that the seating arrangements are what are mandated by the restrictions and you cannot move tables to suit how many mates you want around you.
- Personal hygiene becomes very important in the spread of virus so make sure that you either wash your hands whenever you can or carry a small container of hand sanitiser. Limit your exposure to common surfaces (chairs, tables) and don’t be sharing items.
SPR Mayeur kit – We are taking the final steps to being able to open orders for the new SPR kit. The sample kit should arrive soon so we can sign off on the materials and colours. In the meantime, a sizing kit has been made available at R&D Speedshop in Claremont. All sizes in the three styles are available to try on so that when orders open, you will be ready to pounce.
The Mayeur Clubline range includes standard fit, slim fit, and aero fit unisex jerseys, as well as standard and long cut bib shorts, with mens and womens chamois. A range of gilet, skin suits, arm warmers and jackets are also available.
Whilst the sizing range covers everything from kids and 2XS to Grande sizing, Mayeur is passionate to make sure everyone in the club has a garment that works for them. In the event you fall outside the range, get in touch with the team at Mayeur and they’ll look after you.
Criterium Circuit at Yanchep – Community consultation is being sought for a new cycling facility at Splendid Park. Northern Beaches Cycling Club have worked hard to get the proposal this far – A 1.5km dedicated road circuit for training and racing. Imagine tearing around a uni-directional, 5 metre wide circuit, complete with the option of high banked corners comparable to an indoor track! And a 200m long false flat sprint finish (NBCC website)
Please show your support by completing the survey here
ToMR EOI – Expressions of interest are now open for anyone wishing to be in an SPR team for the Tour of Margaret River. Most people are aware of the event and what is involved after all the club has had multiple teams entered for a number of years now. If you are interested, have a read of the previous post and register yourself so we can start sorting out teams. As we are going through a period of uncertainty, we will most likely have less teams rather than more teams to account for a potential reduction in numbers closer to the event. Therefore get your name in quick if you are keen to race or keen to help volunteer.
Saturday Start Locations – In order to adhere to the new gathering regulations, we need to slightly change the meeting points of the groups. There is a 100 person gathering limit and when all groups are combined, we often exceed that when everyone is waiting for the start. There was a discussion about different start times for different groups, but what we settled on was moving half the groups to different sides of the carpark. This is not ideal as there are usually more cars using the eastern most parks, but we will just have to work around that for now. We understand that the COVID risk isn’t high, but it is more about how the club is viewed from outside. So, please congregate in the assigned locations, so we can continue to hold group rides in the future.
From the Ride Coordinator – Never thought I would say this so quickly after our return but here it is anyway. Finally, the weather gods look to be smiling on us for this weekends ride after last weekends “showers”. Whilst we will have some stiff Nor Easterlies to contend with at least it will be sunny. Enjoy your cycling whatever you do.
Saturday 20th June
- 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 over winter
- Development group – novice shelley 36.06km spr saturday
- Transitional 1/2 – trans cresswell 40.21km spr saturday
- Fast/main – morley drive 50.77km spr saturday
Sunday 21st June
- 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 22nd June
- Ride starts under the Narrows (Sth Perth side) at 5:30am
Tuesday 23rd June
- Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
- Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
- Development group – interval training kings park
Wednesday 24th June
- Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
- Interval training – stock road repeats
Thursday 25th June
- Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
- Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
- Development group – interval training kings park
Friday 26th June
- Ride starts under the Narrows (Sth Perth side) at 5:30am