Tradition is something that comes after time and routine. Defined as the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life. In most of our cases, people get used to a particular thing and the expectation is then set that it will happen often.
A legacy is the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life. Often they are interlinked as someone’s legacy become a tradition over time.
Tomorrow is the 13th Annual Vice Presidents Good Friday 3Dams ride. A mouthful of a title, but it encompasses both the tradition and legacy of this event. For starters let me explain what it is. The 5Dams ride was a Westcycle event that ran for many years (even before they were Westcycle). It consisted of a 250km course through the Perth hills and visited 5 main dams in the area. As this was quite a challenge, they also ran a 3Dams event which visited, you guessed it, 3 dams in the area over a 150km course.
One year (probably 13 years ago), our vice president at the time, Julian Johnson, was preparing for the 5Dams which was on after Easter. So he and a few others did the 3Dams course as a warmup for the actual event a few weeks later. The next year, they decided to ride the course again, regardless of whether it was prep for 5Dams. And the next year again. That is how it became a tradition, and it is Julian’s legacy that he has left the club.
Andrew, as the current vice president, has picked up the mantle and the tradition continues. Like most traditions, it has also developed over time. There is now an organised stop at Wugong Dam for morning tea, and it is tradition to wear any SPR national kit you own. For those that have represented the club and country, there isn’t always a good chance to wear this kit, so it has been decreed that it is acceptable for this ride.
The club has been running since 2009 and over the years there have been a lot of things that have been developed as the club developed. For example, there are probably not many people still riding with the club that understand why the Saturday morning ride is defined by Fast and Main. Early in the clubs inception, there was only one group on a Saturday, but as we grew, we needed to split as some people were too fast. If we called it the slow group, then no-one would go in the second group, so we defined it as main and differentiated the other group as fast. This most probably should be considered a tradition, but at the moment, we are just setting the first few groups off as a size split rather than defining that they are fast. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a fast ride, but over time, even traditions can change.
Other Information
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.
Upcoming Racing
1. ATTA Easter Monday 39km at Gidge (6 Apr)
2. Tiger Tracks Gravel 2026 – Day 1 – Time Trial (11 Apr)
3. Tiger Tracks Gravel 2026 – Day 2 – GRoad Race (12 Apr)
4. ATTA 160km Championship at Northlink (19 Apr)
Juniors
What an incredible weekend of racing at the first CX event! Well done to all the juniors participating!
The training program for this week is:
Saturday (4/4): we will meet in Shelley at 10:00am: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FyEWHKw9HQ6A28WAA
The weather looks ideal for an endurance ride (28 km): https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/409639124
Beginners are welcome to ride the first 5 km along Riverton Drive before turning back. We will all regroup afterwards at Tribute Café in Shelley. If your child is attending for the first time, please ensure they are accompanied by a parent or guardian, as there may not be enough coaches available to supervise all riders.
For organisational purposes, please let us know if you plan to attend—especially if it’s your first time.
Please check our WhatsApp SPR junior channel for any last minute call.
Events coming up
CX series. Check the calendar here: 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
Plenty of riding available this Easter long weekend to help counteract the anticipated excessive chocolate consumption.
Please keep in mind that we are trying to keep group sizes to around 15-16 max riders. There are many benefits to keeping groups at this size – mostly to improve manageability and reduce the chance of getting split at the lights. Remember, running red lights is a practice that is not condoned by our club.
We also need to maintain a safe distance between separate groups. If groups come together at the lights, then the second group must soft pedal to allow a gap to redevelop.
Enjoy the long weekend and get some k’s in while the weather is good!
Saturday 4th April – Easter Saturday
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 Canning Vale https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/8730009
Fast & Main: Maddington
http://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/87299857
(*) 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 5th April – Easter Sunday
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am
Social River Loop – approx. 50km
Short Hills (Social): Goose Zigzag https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/128725569
Short Hills: Goose Zigzag https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/128725569
Long Hills: Zania Darl Mund Dodd Obs
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/29757746
Monday 6th April – Easter Monday (Public Holiday)
Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am
south stock 33.76km SPR Monday
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am
Easter Monday Public Holiday:
Public Holiday South 57.64km SPR Special
Tuesday 7th April
Ride starts under the Narrows (City side) at 5:30am
Two groups – solid roll through vs relaxed pace
SPR Tuesday 36.37km (river ride)
Wednesday 8th April
Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am
No drop recovery ride
SPR Wednesday 35.3km (2023 Edition)
Thursday 9th April
Ride starts under the Narrows (City side) at 5:30am
Three groups fast paced roll-throughs
SPR Thursday 37.26km (cott & freo)
Friday 10th April
Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am