Ride Routes 5th – 11th June

Today, we have another wonderful SEVEN story to share with you. This one comes from Nicki du Plessis, and is an inspirational read. Enjoy!

As you may have heard or read by now, SEVEN is a very special event. Not only does it offer many of the challenges any all-round cyclist can hope for, it also offers breathtaking vantage points and majestic views that stretch for miles. As I have often quipped to anyone that will listen, if offers very vivid glimpses of utopia – picturesque landscapes that one can only dream of.

Anyway, as I have probably used up all the poetic licence any cyclist worth their VO2 max can bear, SEVEN offers a range of challenges across 3 unique courses fondly referred to as THREE (approx. 50km and 1100m climb), FIVE (approx. 85km and 1700m climb) and SEVEN (approx. 124km and 3800m climb).

I entered THREE for the first time in 2020 without much training beforehand, and managed to finish the almost 52km route, including 1,020m elevation, in 4hrs and 7 minutes. I must admit it included several walking breaks, pushing my MTB up those pesky hills, but at least it gave me the opportunity to take in my surroundings, commiserate with other riders who were struggling with me and appreciate what preparation I will need if I wanted to attempt SEVEN one day…in the distant future…

This year I decided to enter THREE again with a mindset of not walking at all. In February, I started training cycling coach, Sarah Hunter, from Hunter PT, and together we worked on improving my power and making me stronger through a variety of indoor and outdoor, road and MTB cycling workouts.  My husband (Herman) and I also visited Nannup a number of times in the lead up to the event to complete training rides on parts of the actual course – this was invaluable as I felt well prepared, not just physically but mentally too.

When race day finally arrived, we were greeted by a beautiful day – not too hot or too cold – just right as Goldilocks would say.  As I had set myself the target of completing the event in under 4 hours I was somewhat disappointed when I reached the first hill and got off the bike to walk the last little effort – did I mention that I do take a while to warm up – that’s my excuse anyway!

Once the first serious ascent was out of the way I felt more relaxed and comfortable, and tried to make up for lost time by completing the descents as quickly as possible by relying on my Scott Spark’s trusty full suspension and just going for it – with a slight degree of caution of course!

When I reached the 32km mark, I was slightly disappointed when I cycled over Reveley bridge which signalled that I had exited the forest plantations and was now on my way back to Nannup. The worst of the hill climbing was behind me although I still encountered a few little short, shart “surprises” along the way – but as I was heading home I was focussed on completing the race in under 4 hours.

When I reached the single track, I realised I had clear air ahead of me and just tried to smash it out as fast as I could in order to reach the finish line.  I am happy to report I finished in 3 hours and 17 minutes and 3rd female in my age group.

Next year I will be attempting FIVE, the 85km route, and who knows what 2023 holds… perhaps I will be ready to tackle SEVEN, after all as a Dad told his little girl when she asked how many hills were left, “it’s all downhill; except for the uphill bits!”

Photo credit: Race finish photo by Daniela Tommasi Photography.

Swan Valley Fondo – The Swan Valley Fondo is back as part of the WestCycle WA series, and coming up on Sunday 13 June 2021.

Gather a few like-minded cyclists and create a team or just jump in yourself.

Read the full post here, and reach out to Carol on the Community Development email address (comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au) if you have any questions.

Kit Order Closing Soon – The current order is closing soon – midnight on 7 June to be specific.

Check out all of our kit, including the new range of socks, with a special mention to the SPR Chicks socks.

And for those of you waiting on an order delivery, you should have received an email letting you know that orders have arrived and are available for pickup at R&D Speedshop (unless you had it posted, of course).

From the Ride Coordinator – Chapeau to those 8-9 brave souls who ventured out into the weather last Saturday for the main ride (you know who you are 👏👏 ) You were probably still cleaning the gunk off the bike by the time the second front hit on Sunday but that doesn’t take away from your adventurous spirit.

This week it’s looking a lot better so hoping those that are yet to brave a chilly morning or anyone spending too much time as part of the couch peloton for the Giro/Dauphine double, can come riding with us this week.

I looked back on when we last scheduled this ride (Alexander Drive) and it was end of June 2020 as we were climbing out of the national lock down and getting back to our “COVID normal”. Whilst lots has changed in the world since then, it appears 12 months on, we are still literally a breath away from lockdowns and/or potential worsening health so we should appreciate the opportunity to ride when we can.

Speaking of such, this weekend the club is providing a plethora of choices to ride starting with the monthly Saturday Hills ride (note start at 6.30 from the car park) and finishing with the long weekend public holiday ride on Monday. It’s a great state we live in, so let’s ride to celebrate it. Whatever ride you choose to do this weekend make sure it’s a safe one, enjoy it and be thankful we can share it with others.

Saturday 5th June

Sunday 6th June

Monday 7th June

Tuesday 8th June

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 9th June

Thursday 10th June

Friday 11th June