Dedicated or Delusional. The predicted weather for today said it would rain. We knew it before we left the house today, but about 11 of us met up under the Narrows anyway. There is always that hope that the Bureau of Met had got it wrong, hope that the rain predicted for Perth was actually just going to hit Rockingham, hope that it won’t be as bad as predicted. As discussed on Ted Lasso, Season 1 Episode 10, it’s “the hope that kills you”.
Well it was pretty much as predicted. A light shower as we left the Narrows was just the taster and made sure that we knew what was in store later on. As we reached the lights at Christchurch, it was clear that some had already decided that the taste was enough and had headed home. As we pressed on, the group broke up a bit with some pushing on a bit harder, probably to get home faster. For others, like myself, falling off the back and constantly chasing back on at lights meant a few sections of solo riding fighting the crosswinds coming off the ocean.
From that point on, though, the main rain front came through and any bit that wasn’t wet, was now totally drenched. I had an AssSaver on my bike and it did not, in fact, save my ass. Our only saving grace is that it was not cold. Most of us had short sleeves on as it was close to 19 degrees when we started. Besides not being able to see clearly with rain coming down and road spray coming up, and the cross winds along Cottesloe, it was actually not a bad ride. It is a different experience riding in the rain, and not necessarily for everyone. I have always hated the indoor trainer, and would rather get wet, then be stuck indoors.
Years ago, I used to make the statement “You don’t look at the weather report to work out if you will ride. You look at the weather report to work out what you will wear while you ride”. I may not have lived up to that quote for a while, and I really did have to think hard about not just heading back to bed, but today might be a step for me to be more committed to what I want to get out of cycling.
Other Information
2026 and 2027 international trips –
PR is again looking to organise trips overseas after the success of ones to the Italian & Swiss Alps 2025 and The Grand Alps France 2024.
Please complete this brief EOI for either or both tours
Note: no SPR member nor the club benefit from the organising of these trips – it is intended to extend the cycling experience with fellow cyclists
Tour de Cowaramup 18th Oct –
The Tour de Cowaramup charity road bike event is on again this year on Sunday 18 th October. Three distances 60km (piccolo), 85km (medio) and 130km (gran) with funds going to assist men suffering from Prostate Cancer.
Start/ finish: Juniper Estate
Register for early bird $105 until 30 April 2026; normal entry $125 until 30th September, late registration $145-$180. If no SPR team already established when you go to register, please set up a SPR team based on the distance eg SPR-Gran, SPR-Medio or SPR-Piccolo so others can join you.
We will look to book accommodation for three nights at the Leeuwin Apartments as per last year, cost to be advised; in Friday 16 th October out Monday 19 th October; shorter stay if preferred for the same price. You can register your interest for accommodation via this EOI.
For further queries please contact Carol or Danielle via comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au.
Upcoming Racing
1. Midland – Stan Gurney Criterium (25 Apr)
2. WCMCC Rockingham Criterium (26 Apr)
3. WACX Numbat Cup #3 Fishmarket Reserve (3 May)
4. ATTA Season Close at Champion Lakes (10 May)
Juniors
Well done to the 4 SPR junior we recognised at the CX race yesterday! The CX events are a perfect environment to have fun and make the children very comfortable with racing without any presure. The event in general a great success as always and thanks to Adrian Emilsen for supporting the juniors with his presence at the race.
The training program for this week is:
Saturday (25/4): we will meet at the DNA tower car park in Kings Park at 10:30am for a hill training session, followed by a visit to the State War Memorial to pay our respects in observance of Anzac Day.
Please check our WhatsApp SPR junior channel for any last minute call. If you are not in the group chat, please let me know if you would like to be included.
Events coming up
25/4/2026 Stan Gurney VC Memorial Criterium open to juniors too: https://entryboss.cc/races/30288
CX series. Check the calendar here: https://wacyclocross.org/racing/calendar/
Thursday 30/4: Come and Try: Obstacle course
From the Ride Coordinator
ANZAC Day long weekend. This Saturday & Sunday look like having good weather. There is the possibility of rain & thunderstorms returning on Monday. The public holiday ride will be the North edition.
On Saturday, between 6.30am – 11.00am, be prepared for a detour on Birdwood Parade between Gallop Rd & Carroll St, and Waratah Ave between Birdwood Pde & Hobbs Ave for the ceremony at Nedlands War Memorial.
There will be other road closures in the city on Saturday; the ANZAC parade is due to start at 9am.
Once again, Sunday long hills can modify their descent by continuing along Canning Rd to the Pomeroy roundabout and then take Pomeroy down to Welshpool.
Saturday 25th April
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 Reabold 38.69km SPR Saturday
Fast & Main: Scarborough Beach & Hale 51.21km 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 26th April
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am
Social River Loop – approx. 50km
Short Hills (Social): Welsh Patt Lawn Stanhope MVale 77.10km SPR Sunday
Short Hills: Welsh Patt Lawn Stanhope MVale 77.10km SPR Sunday
Long Hills: Welsh Fall Forrest Patt Lawn Zigzag 89.7km SPR Sunday
Monday 27th April – ANZAC DAY 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
Public Holiday North 60.70km (2025ed) SPR Special
Tuesday 28th 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 29th April
Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am
No drop recovery ride
SPR Wednesday 35.3km (2023 Edition)
Thursday 30th April
Ride starts under the Narrows (City side) at 5:30am
Three groups fast paced roll-throughs
SPR Thursday 37.26km (cott & freo)
Friday 1st May
Ride starts under the Narrows (South Perth side) at 5:30am