Ride Routes 13 – 19th July

The term “Granfondo” was first used in Italy in 1971, originating with the Nove Colli race in Cesenatico, one of the oldest and most famous Granfondos. The term translates to “Big Ride” in English and refers to long-distance, mass-participation cycling events popular among amateur cyclists.

Why am I talking about this? I have some unfinished business with the Italian Granfondos. In 1996, I couldn’t finish the Nove Colli due to health issues. However, 28 years later, I challenged myself with the toughest Granfondo in Europe: the Sportful Dolomiti Race in Feltre, Veneto, Italy, on the 16th of June. This race features a grueling 200 km course with an elevation gain of 5000 meters, tackling several climbs in the Dolomites of Belluno. The final climb, Passo Croce d’Aune, leads to a monument dedicated to Tullio Campagnolo and concludes in Feltre’s charming Piazza Maggiore.

I made the decision to participate at the last minute. One week before my planned departure to Italy for a holiday, while finishing work, I wondered if there was a long-distance race in Italy during my stay. A quick online search led me to the Sportful-Dolomiti, and I thought, “Why not?” It was a rush to complete the paperwork. Italian competitions require a medical certificate and a UCI conversion of my AusCycling license. Luckily, I had recently done heart tests, so my GP had no problem signing off. AusCycling provided the necessary UCI code, and after a payment of just 90 euros, I was ready to collect my race package in Feltre, which included the event jersey. Considering the level of organization, the spectacular views, and the thrill of riding in the Alps, it was a real bargain.

The next challenge was my bike. In Italy I have an old (26 years old) Fondriest with a steel frame and challenging gear ratios (the easiest was 39×25). Fortunately, I had a new Campagnolo groupset I want to put together with my bike on my own, but given the short time, I opted for a local bike shop in Rome to assemble it. The transformation was astonishing. From an old bike, I ended up with a super nice vintage bike with decent gears for climbing the Dolomites. During the ride, I received many compliments on my bike.

I arrived in Feltre the day before the event to collect my race pack but stayed 10 km away with my family, who came to support me. I had to ride to the start, allowing my family to meet me at the finish. The night before the race, I suffered from stomach problems and bad weather. Despite not sleeping much, I was ready with my number pinned on the SPR jersey. As I reached the start in Feltre, the clouds cleared, and the temperature was pleasant. Nearly 4000 participants were ready to start at 7 am, and it took over five minutes to cross the start line due to the crowd.

The initial 40 km were not too difficult, but the pace was high, and I tried to conserve energy. After the first hard climb, the organizers slowed us down due to a terrible incident where a car hit three riders. The driver, late for church (this was her excuse), failed to stop at three checkpoints. Seeing the injured riders was the only negative part of the day. The news even made national TV. Despite the fast and technical descents, I managed well with my old rim brake bike.

Passo Duran was the hardest climb. I rode it with Ash, one of the three Australians registered, recognizable by his Baum bike. We kept each other company for three climbs, but he eventually pulled ahead on the last part of Passo Croce d’Aune, where I was exhausted. The last 4 km were extremely tough, with steep grades not lower than 10% and peaks around 15%. Adding to the challenge, a group of people humorously claimed “Dopo la curva spiana” (after the corner, it’s flat), but it was actually the steepest part!

The final descent and finish in picturesque Feltre were my rewards. I finished 924th out of over 1700 finishers and 131st in my age category out of 232. The whole experience was incredible: the spectacular views, the amazing food at the feed stations, and the available assistance. I highly recommend participating in this event if you have the chance to be in Italy in mid-June.

Giovanni

Call for Sponsors — SPR Tour of Margaret River 2024. The Tour of Margaret River three day cycling event has been a key success of the South Perth Rouleurs through the Clubs commitment to providing a well organised, safe and social ride experience. The hard work and dedication of each and every cyclist in the months leading up to the event and its race volunteers ensure a quality experience for all.

Interested in sponsoring? All the details here.

SPR Tour de France Dinner 2024 — Another truly lovely dinner at Chez Pierres on Tuesday just gone – enjoy watching the tour.

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. WCMCC Splendid Park – Yanchep – Race 1 of Winter 3 Race Tour

2. PDCC Harvey Teams Series – Round 3 (28/Jul)

Juniors Ride — Weather looks nice over the weekend, so we can meet again for another ride with the juniors. The plan for this week is to meet in Kings Park to practice descending and climbing skills. Let’s all meet at the DNA car park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uoet1CC6jzQpviVS7) at 11am. If the DNA car park is closed for constructions like last time, you can park here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SBc8kP44ZLpD5mQM7.

As usual, we can end our ride with a treat at the Botanical Cafe or at the nearby Kings Park Kiosk

From the Ride Coordinator — We all know communication is key to a safe and successful group ride. When you are the rider at the front, you must call out all hazards and indicate route directions, and following riders must pass it back down the group. Calls from the back of the group must also be passed to the front of the group. Remember that it can be even more difficult to hear in windy conditions.

Please note, there is no ride leader scheduled for development this weekend.

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our winter time of 7am. Take note 🥶

Saturday 13th July

Sunday 14th July

Monday 15th July

Tuesday 16th July

Wednesday 17th July

Thursday 18th July

Friday 19th July