Ride Routes 12 – 18th October

[ Gran Fondo Worlds write-up this week by Claire. Keep your eye out for a Gravel Worlds update soon. Not to mention Peel Classic. Also new gravel ride announced below. Finally, we’re short one M2/M1.4 rider for TOMR – get in touch. Daniel ]

Denmark 2024: Gran Fondo Worlds — They say it’s about the journey more than the destination, and in my case this rings true for the 2024 Gran Fondo World Championships. 

My journey to get to the start line this September in Aalborg, Denmark started in September 2023 at Amy’s Gran Fondo in Lorne. I trained my hardest while battling chronic back pain. I was happy with my efforts on the day but was well off qualifying – 7th of just 14 in my age group. 

For those unfamiliar with the gran fondo worlds process, your aim is to get into the top 25 per cent of your age group to qualify. 

Amy’s was the earliest race in the series so I had another chance – the Tour de Brisbane in April. This race was far more suited to my style of riding, and by that time I had less back pain (it was still there, but had drastically reduced since Amy’s). 

The punchy, twisty, rolling course included the infamous Mt Coot Tha, a long and steep climb up to the TV stations just out of Brisbane. Luckily for me, by the time I hit that section of the course I was far enough ahead in my age group to stay in the top 25 per cent. 

I was full of emotions as I crossed the line and realised I’d made it into the top quarter of my age group. I was going to Denmark! 

The awesome thing was I could share it with my friends too: Andrew Lilley (my coach and confidant), Rebecca Kelly (my best mate and all round legend), Greg Murray, Lily Handoyo, Yael Gardner had all qualified at Brisbane with me. 

The subsequent four months included as much training as I could squeeze in my hectic lifestyle, which let’s face it, wasn’t enough. 

The rain didn’t help – after a long dry summer it bucketed down in Perth, forcing me onto Zwift, which I like all riders have a love hate relationship with. 

I made it to the start line in one piece, but deep down knew I hadn’t done nearly enough preparation to get through the 152km course at any kind of competitive pace. 

It didn’t matter – I was happy to be there. 

My age group (35-39) started with the young guns (19-34) so the pace was hot from the outset – I held on to the madness for 40 minutes, or roughly 24km, before I popped. And when I say popped, I completely popped. The remainder of the day encompassed getting caught by groups in other age groups, hanging on for a bit, then dropping off the back. 

I rode most of the course largely alone. 

It was beautiful though and I was very happy to have the opportunity to race my bike in another country. The encouragement from cycling-mad locals on every corner helped immensely. 

I finished with a time of 5h12m42s, averaging 29.34km/h and placing 43 of 45 starters in my age group. This is much slower than I would have liked, but the smiling face of Andrew Lilley when I rolled in to the finish made me forget all that.  

He’d finished the race much earlier than me, with a cracking time of 3h57m (averaging 38.65km/h!), and had time to shower, buy me a sandwich and meet me at the finish line. He’ll never know how much it meant to me to have his support, through the entire worlds journey (Editors note: Unless of course he reads the SPR blog).  

Congrats to my fellow SPR members who smashed the world champs: 

  • Lily Handoyo, 
  • Yael Gardner (medio fondo)
  • Andrew Lilley
  • Raymond Smith
  • Lauren Humphreys
  • Belinda Alcock 

I sincerely apologise if I’ve forgotten anyone. More info on who competed and the results can be found here: https://www.sportstiming.dk/event/13162/participants

Cycling really does take us on some incredible journeys! 

Claire

Gravel Ride Restarting — Join us for our first trial gravel ride on Sunday 20 October! We’ll meet at the Bellevue RSL at 5:45 am for a 6:00 am start. This ride is perfect for experienced riders, and the pace will be a steady minimum Main 1. Our initial route is designed to gauge interest in forming a regular gravel riding group. The route details is here.

As we see more riders joining, we’ll plan additional routes and gradually increase the distance. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some gravel trails and meet fellow cycling enthusiasts. We hope to see you there!

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

1. WCMCC Chidlow – Age Group Championships

2. MCC Midland Traders 100 (27/Oct)

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Juniors Ride — This Saturday, we will focus on endurance training and take advantage of the pleasant weather forecasted for the weekend. The ride will start from our usual spot in Shelley and head to the Heathcote Reserve in Applecross following this route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/256338775

We will take a break at the reserve for a drink before returning the same route. The entire ride is approximately 23 km and should take around 1.5 hours including the stop.

The meeting point is here https://maps.app.goo.gl/dPMmqNw1fLCo715r6 at 10.30am.

See you there!

From the Ride Coordinator — The next few weeks will see our new ride leaders take their observed ride leads. Please welcome them!

Here’s some refresher tips for riding in formation:

  • Riders should pair off 2 by 2
  • Try to maintain about a 30-50cm distance from the rear wheel of the rider in front of you
  • Keep your handlebars level with those of the rider next to you
  • Ride at an even steady pace
  • Close up gaps between riders as quickly and smoothly as possible
  • When possible ride one metre clear from the gutters and parked cars

(Kudos to you if you recognise the source!)

Please note, the development group currently runs 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Saturday 12th October

Sunday 13th October

Monday 14th October

Tuesday 15th October

Wednesday 16th October

Thursday 17th October

Friday 18th October

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