We are fast approaching Easter which used to signify a change in the weather. I remember coming back from Easter holidays and starting to wear vests under the jersey and sometimes armwarmers. Lately, though, the seasons seem to have slid back a bit and this week of very warm weather is a good example of it. Late March and a string of +35 degree days means that although we have left Summer behind, the lingering heat is still hanging around. Not having to put on 3 layers of clothes before riding is a blessing, but we seem to alternate between roaring, hot easterly winds, or still high humidity days. Bring on the real Autumn.
The one thing that hasn’t changed is how dark it is in the morning. The sun is not up until almost 6:30am this week and that means that full front and back lights when coming out on the earlybird rides. As such, this is your yearly reminder that it is club etiquette to ensure that your lights are not flashing when riding in a group situation. Commuting to the start of the ride many people have their lights on flashing to increase their visibility with traffic. Fully understandable, but when riding fast in close quarters with other people, a flashing light serves as a distraction that can cause issues. Even worse is when we start to get a bit of morning moisture in the air, and glasses start to fog up. The flashing lights will refract off the condensation on the glasses and basically blind you.
So, be respectful and when we remind you during the ride, please do the right thing. I have had people in the past argue, or complain that we are treating them like babies. However, the group’s safety is my biggest concern, not your fragile ego, so if you don’t want to turn them to solid, you are welcome to ride on your own.
Photo: Shelby Carstens
Other Information
SPR Family Treasure Hunt
This Saturday maybe think about doing something slightly different and bring your family along to the bike ride treasure hunt. This is a great opportunity to get the family to experience bike riding together. Total distance is only 17kms and you have to solve clues to find the next location. There are supported check in stations along the way and a morning tea to finish off.
Registrations are via the following link – https://entryboss.cc/races/29654
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 previously. 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
1. Peel District CC Hilly TT & BBQ 2026 (22 Mar)
2. ATTA 80km Championships – NorthLink PSP (22 Mar)
3. Liquor Barons Numbat Cup Series #1 (29 Mar)
4. Good Friday 20km at Champion Lakes (3 Apr)
Juniors
Our rising star James delivered another amazing effort last Saturday by completing Main 2 ride and showing off great skills uphill. Well done !
Kudos to our little juniors Hugh and Luke who engaged in a sprinting competition before getting to the cafe last week. It is so great to experience your enthusiasm and joy for riding !
The program for this week is:
Saturday (14/3): I invite the U15 and U13 juniors to ride with the adults, Peter Mah will look after them. We will meet at the Coode Street car park in South Perth (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VAYMEqX9A4pXndRKA) at 7:00am. For the U11 and U9 riders please remember to register for the family fun activity the “Come and Try” treasure hunt organised by SPR. Registration open at 7am for a start at 7.30am. Here is the link for the registration: https://entryboss.cc/races/29654
Wednesday (25/3): we meet in Shelley at 5.30pm (https://maps.app.goo.gl/f13aSogDHvX3fJzt9). We will focus on bunch riding skills and sprints along Riverton Drive. Bring your front and rear lights.
Please check our WhatsApp SPR junior channel for any last minute call.
Events coming up
21/3/2026 SPR treasure hunt: Family-friendly cycling treasure hunt organised by South Perth Rouleurs: form teams, follow clues to Perth landmarks and enjoy a relaxed social ride. Registration and details here: https://entryboss.cc/races/29654
CX series resuming in the end of March!
Here is the calendar: https://wacyclocross.org/racing/calendar/
Our first CX training will be on Saturday the 11th of April at 11am in Garvey Park, Ascot (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fn59Et58XzgEqX8U8).
From the Ride Coordinator
At SPR we encourage riders to stay behind stopped vehicles at junctions. Sneaking up the side to gain a few meters can potentially slow down the group, because the vehicle gets stuck behind the rider(s) who are now in front.
Saturday 21st March
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
Transition: Trans Cresswell https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/87300040
Fast & Main: Alexander Drive https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/87299655
(*) 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 22nd March
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am
Social River Loop – approx. 50km
Short Hills (Social): Khna Patt Lawn https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/129340493
Short Hills: Khna Patt Lawn https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/129340493
Long Hills: Khna Trnr Obs Hum https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/87300363
Monday 23rd March
Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am
south stock 33.76km SPR Monday
Tuesday 24th March
Ride starts under the Narrows (City side) at 5:30am
Two groups – solid roll through vs relaxed pace
SPR Tuesday 36.37km (river ride)
Women’s Only Training Session at 6:00am (1hr)
Wednesday 25th March
Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am
No drop recovery ride
SPR Wednesday 35.3km (2023 Edition)
Thursday 26th March
Ride starts under the Narrows (City side) at 5:30am
Three groups fast paced roll-throughs
SPR Thursday 37.26km (cott & freo)
Friday 27th March
Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am