As we get to the end of January we can look back on what a great month it is for cycling in Australia Road Nationals in Perth, the Tour Down Under, and this weekend Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. We don’t know how many Rouleurs will be in Geelong this weekend, but we certainly had great participation at Nationals and the usual suspects headed to Adelaide for the TDU. The picture above shows 7 time TDU stage winner, and former barista at DÔME Westralia Plaza, Sam Welsford photo bombing a group of Rouleurs at the start of Stage 4 in Brighton. Unfortunately the weather this year meant that the traditional Willunga Pilgrimage didn’t happen (extreme fire danger saw the hill excluded from the stage) but we are sure it will be back bigger and better in 2027 – start planning now!
2026 and 2027 international trips – Don’t forget to register your interest if you are keen on either of the planned international trips featured on the blog earlier this week. You need to complete the EOI if you are interested.
Tour of the Blackwood 2026 — Registrations for the Rotary Tour of the Blackwood River 28 March 2026 are now open. The Full Tour meanders some 130km through stunning countryside between beautiful Bridgetown and the magical townsites of Balingup and Nannup, and features over 2000m of climbing including a Category 4 ascent toward the finish line. There is also a 65km distance (elevation ~841m) or 30km. New in 2026 is a gravel 88km adventure ride – ebikes included. This is an excellent event, with a great community atmosphere and well-marshalled roads- definitely one to consider. If interested you will need to book accommodation as soon as possible as limited availability. For more details about the event including accommodation please check out their web site https://www.blackwoodtour.info/. Registration fees go to support community awareness regarding youth mental health. So SPR can connect interested participants, please register your interest and that of your partner via this EOI.
Upcoming Racing
If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.
1. WCMCC Bibra Lake Criterium (01 Feb)
2. Peel District CC Summer Criterium #6 (08 Feb)
3. WCMCC WANGARA Criterium (08 Feb)
4. Peel District CC Summer Criterium #7 (15 Feb)
Juniors
It was awesome to see the kids climbing Mount St for twice last Saturday. Well done to everyone!
The program for this week is:
Wednesday: we meet in Shelley at 5.30pm near the Shelley beach park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/5XVxoCXkesdeC92X6). Depending on the numbers we might run a skill session along Shelley and Rossmoyne foreshore or have a leisure ride to Kent St Weir Pump Track and return.
Saturday: weather forecast for this coming weekend looks a bit warm (37 degrees max temperature) so please make an effort and meet at 10am in Shelley (https://maps.app.goo.gl/5XVxoCXkesdeC92X6) for a group riding skill session. We will finish the ride at Tribute Cafe (https://maps.app.goo.gl/oZSBDdgCxNcRkRSJ8).
Racing coming up
Peel District CC Summer Criterium #6 (08 Feb)
Peel District CC Summer Criterium #7 (15 Feb)
Just a reminder that we have a lot of donated kit which could be provided to junior riders (bibs and jerseys) and 3 pairs of road shoes (size 40 EU). The sizes are mostly Adult XS. They can be tried for size by arrangement with Giovanni – juniors@southperthrouleurs.com.au
From the Ride Coordinator
At SPR, we encourage riders to have a degree of self-sufficiency to cover: punctures, loose bolts, etc, that may arise whilst on a group ride.
Saturday 31st January
- Ride starts under the Narrows (City side) at 5:30am
- Early lap – earlybird 40.93km spr special
- All rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am
- Development group (*) – novice shelley 36.06km spr saturday
- Transitional 1/2 (*) – Trans North Lake & Shelley 40.50km SPR Saturday
- Fast/Main – Stock & Shelley 49.51km SPR Saturday
(*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 1st February
- Rides start at Coode St carpark at 6:00am (SUMMER TIME)
- Short – Khna Patt Palm 71.25km SPR Sunday
- Long – Khna Trnr Obs 98.01km SPR Sunday
- ‘Super’ Long Hills (SeVen training) – 136.31km https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/429425152
- Identical to the long hills up to the intersection with Mundaring Weir Rd, where the ‘Super’ Long turns right to go to Mundaring and then return to Kalamunda via Gooseberry Hill
- Rides start at Coode St carpark at 6:00am (SUMMER TIME)
- Social River Loop – approx. 50km
- Short Hills (Social) – Khna Patt Palm 71.25km SPR Sunday
Monday 2nd February
- Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am
Tuesday 3rd February
- Ride starts under the Narrows (City side) at 5:30am
Wednesday 4th February
- Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am
Thursday 5th February
- Ride starts under the Narrows (City side) at 5:30am
Friday 6th February
- Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am