Ride Routes 19 – 25th October

[ Gravel Worlds write-up this week. New car park layout for our Saturday start. New gravel ride this Sunday. All the details below. ]

2024 Bolero UCI Gravel Worlds — On the back of the Gran Fondo Worlds write-up last week, I am excited to give you all a summary the SPR presence at the Gravel Worlds last week. Thanks to Damon for doing the work of tabulating details of SPR riders in the mix, and thanks to a few other Facebook feeds (thanks Vanessa!) for some epic photos and details of the experiences.

Damon’s comment was that whilst our positions were generally in the lower half, when you see how we did as Australians, we had a few podiums!!! Knowing many of the individuals involved, these results represented a huge investment in training and everyone should be very proud of the achievements.

So, here we go (full results here):

  • Marcus van Dalen – Mens 60-64, 78th/81 (1st Aussie)
  • Tony Moore – Mens 60-64, 84th/91 (2nd Aussie)
  • Vanessa Johnson – Womens 55-59, 16th/35 (1st Aussie)
  • Jake Harper – Mens 55-59, 121st/138 (4th Aussie)
  • Damon Sunderland – Mens 50-54, 192nd/223 (3rd Aussie)
  • Dave Manners – Mens 40-44, 153rd/232 (1st Aussie)
  • Kurt Leitch – Mens 40-44, 162nd/232 (2nd Aussie)
  • Daryl Puyales – Mens 35-39, 202nd/233 (2nd Aussie)

Please let me know if I’ve missed anyone! Kudos all 💪🏻💚

To give you a sense of the racing from Vanessa:

With the run of sunny days, the course ran drier and faster than during recon. A good start, a tight technical first 5km that took its share of casualties, fighting to stay in the second bunch, a bit of droppage as we hit the first set of climbs (Belgium not flat). Settled into a brisk moving group, which ebbed & flowed for most of the race. Fighting on the climbs, sending the descents where the traffic allowed, loving the party crowds & shout-outs on course. Attacked the cobbles & the bike held up well – carnage all around. Put the foot down in the last 10km to finish up fastest 🇦🇺 W50+, 16th in age group. It’s been great to see the strength-skill-size of the women’s bunch grow over the past three years.

I’ll end with a few photos. Well done to all.

Daniel

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 Herne Hill Memorial Handicap

2. MCC Midland Traders 100 (27/Oct)

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — 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 10.30am. 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 — Attention SPR riders!

This Saturday we are changing the way we marshal and depart the carpark for our Saturday rides. The change will affect the M2, M3, M4 and Transition groups. M2 will gather behind M1 at the river end of the carpark and M3 will meet where transition were. M4 will gather where M3 used to be and Transition will now be where M2 met. All groups will leave the carpark from the same point (where first 15 gather) by following each other along a circular route through the carpark. Please pay extra attention to your ride leaders.

We have scheduled a new ride route for Short Hills on Sunday – Khna Patt Palm. Sunday Long Hills riders have the option to do Khna Turner Obs this weekend. The condition of Turner Rd is infamous and it shouldn’t be ridden at speed (if even possible!). Looking forward to getting feedback from you afterwards.

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

Saturday 19th October

Sunday 20th October

Monday 21st October

Tuesday 22nd October

Wednesday 23rd October

Thursday 24th October

Friday 25th October