It’s time for the best ride of the year again! The weather forecast for Friday looks just about perfect!
There are 2 ride distances, and hot cross buns at Wungong Dam as a reward. All the details are on the event in the closed SPR group. Please respond if you are coming so that we can make sure everyone gets a hot cross bun!
This week will see the club hold its Annual General Meeting immediately after the main ride on Saturday 28 February at 9:00am, as per usual at DÔME Westralia Plaza. Please make an effort to be there as everyone’s contribution is valuable and if you want a say in how the club moves forward you can do that by helping to select this year’s Committee. A list of candidates was posted – here.
To make sure that everyone gets back safely and in time for the AGM we will run two main routes this week and alter the start order slightly as we have done in previous years. All the details are in the Ride Coordinator item below.
Groups will gather in separate zones of the carpark, with Fast, M1 & M2 on the west side (as per normal), and M3, M4 and Transitionals in the middle row of the carpark.
Please note:
Hills rides revert to 7:00am starts as well this weekend!
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
If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.
1. Peel District CC Summer Criterium #8 (1 Mar)
2. WCMCC Herne Hill Road Race (8 Mar)
3. Peel District CC Hilly TT & BBQ 2026 (22 Mar)
Juniors
Last Saturday was an awesome day out with the juniors! We started from Coode Street car park in South Perth and made our way to Kalamunda, completing four repeats of the Zig Zag. It was an incredible achievement by all the children who rode that day — a real display of determination and teamwork.
Well done to Hugh, who won the handicap race on the final climb of the Zig Zag!
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). We will focus on rolling and bunch riding.
Saturday: This Saturday, the club will hold elections for the new committee at DÔME in the city. To allow all members to participate, there will be no 10:30am training session. All juniors (U11, U13 and U15) are asked to meet at the Coode Street carpark in South Perth (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VAYMEqX9A4pXndRKA) at 7:00am. From there, we will head to Kings Park for ~1hr, before making our way to DÔME for the AGM, which will begin at 9:00am.
Please check our WhatsApp SPR junior channel for any last minute call.
CX series resuming in the end of March ! Here is the calendar: https://wacyclocross.org/racing/calendar/
We are planning some CX training sessions. We will communicate more details soon.
From the Ride Coordinator
Please note that Sunday short, long, ‘super’ long, social & coffee rides will start at 7:00am.
On Monday we have the Public Holiday North ride.
All riders note the different start this Saturday. Due to the AGM, we will have two main routes. The aim is to get everyone away quickly and back to DÔME safely. The two main routes are:
Groups will gather in separate zones of the carpark, with Fast, M1 & M2 on the west side (as per normal), and M3, M4 and Transitionals in the middle row of the carpark.
Note:
Order of departure will be –
Saturday 28th February
(*) 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 March
Monday 2nd March
Tuesday 3rd March
Wednesday 4th March
Thursday 5th March
Friday 6th March
The club’s AGM is happening at 9:00am this Saturday (28 February) at DÔME Westralia Plaza, and importantly it is your chance to help set the direction for the club through the election of the Committee for 2026. Please do your best to attend the meeting as voting will be in-person and we want as many people as possible to have their say.
There are multiple candidates for the officer positions of Treasure and Vice President, as well as more General Committee nominations than we have places. Thank you so much for the strong show of support in people putting up their hands to support the club.
There are some choices to make. Candidates are presented in alphabetical order below. Voting for the officer roles will be by a show of hands and for the General Committee positions will be via a simple paper ballot.
Members should have just received an email with information about each candidate. If you believe you are a current member but didn’t receive an email please get in touch via vp@southperthrouleurs.com.au
For the officer position of President
Peter Mah will be elected unopposed.
For the officer position of Secretary
Carol Dowse will be elected unopposed.
Candidates for the officer position of Vice President
Andrew Ballam
Iain Dow
Candidates for officer position of Treasurer
Laurensia Rosana
Shirley Vine
General Committee Candidates
Mike Barry
Danielle Collins
Phil Davidson
Mark de Castro
Adrian Emilsen
Giovanni Firmani
Jon Hanson
Amanda Nabi
Gary Pennefather
Ben Thorman
Claire Tyrrell
Shane White
If you haven’t seen world class track racing live then you haven’t lived! If you have, then you’ll want to experience it again. And guess what…in a couple of weeks’ time world class track racing is coming to Perth. Over three electrifying nights, the UCI Track World Cup will boast high-speed, high stakes racing with a packed program of elite men’s and women’s racing across sprint and endurance disciplines.
Featuring Olympic and World Championship events, national teams from around the world, and medal races every night, the World Cup is where global stars are made and rivalries are sharpened.
The 2026 UCI Track World Cup will be in Perth at the Midvale SpeedDome 6-8 March. You can find out more and purchase tickets here – 2026 UCI TRACK WORLD CUP
AGM Reminder
Annual General Meeting will be held on 28 February at 9:00am, as per usual at DÔME Westralia Plaza. Nominations for Committee positions are still open until Sunday (22 February). You can nominate by emailing admin@southperthrouleurs.com.au, or if you would just like some more information on what is involved, please have a chat to myself or any of the other current Committee members.
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 DOG HILL ROAD – Baldivis – Road Race (22 Feb)
2. Peel District CC Summer Criterium #8 (1 Mar)
3. Peel District CC Hilly TT & BBQ 2026 (22 Mar)
Juniors
Last Saturday we battled the warm temperatures and managed to survive! It was a longer than usual ride with the heat, so well done to everyone who came. You got fitter for sure after that session!
Well done to Hugh Thomson who competed the Perth Mountain Bike Club summer XCO series in Joondalup!
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). We will focus on rolling and bunch riding.
Saturday:
We will meet our advanced riders (U15 and U13) in the morning at 8am at the Coode St car park in South Perth (https://maps.app.goo.gl/KcRfGe1tpQXKeZP16) to go to the Perth hills ! This is the course: https://connect.garmin.com/app/course/429266657. The plan is to reach the top of the Zig Zag by 9.30am and wait for the younger juniors for some hill climbing practice.
For our young ones (U11 and U9) and beginners we will focus on hill climbing. The plan is to tackle the iconic Zig Zag climb twice (see picture below). Located just outside the city, the Zig Zag is famous for its breathtaking views and is a must-ride for any cyclist. The road is closed to traffic by boom gates until 11am, making it a perfect training ground. However, this means we need to start earlier than usual—so let’s meet at the sightseeing car park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/TfZxyREwib4B87RC8) at 9.30am. This ~3 km section provides a great opportunity to practice both climbing and descending. We’ll be going up and down twice, focusing on technique and control.
At the end of the ride we can have treat in Kalamunda at the Mason & Bird cafe’ (https://maps.app.goo.gl/KnAgfBXcGyPzVS6F7)
Important Notes:
Please check our WhatsApp SPR junior channel for any last minute call.
CX series resuming in the end of March ! Here is the calendar: https://wacyclocross.org/racing/calendar/
From the Ride Coordinator
A heads up that Sunday short and long hills, social hills & coffee rides will start at 7am from the 1st March. Giovanni’s extra long hills training group will continue with their 6am start.
Do you know your role in the bunch?
Every rider in a group ride is responsible for the success of the group: everyone knows the route, calls out hazards, and passes on information. They also must ride in a predictable manner and “hold the line”.
Front riders are to judge whether the bunch can get through lights, call a roll-through, signal directions and remember to pedal when going downhill! Rear riders are to check and call whether it is safe to change lanes and call “car back” or “bikes back” as needed.
Stronger riders are to moderate speed to match the middle abilities of the bunch or take longer turns at the front or into the wind. Slower riders are also required to work to maintain the average of the group (which can be tough but beneficial for your fitness – isn’t that why we do this?)
Sure, we have ride leaders, and you must listen to them, but they are only one part of the bunch. A good group should require minimal input from the leader as everyone works in cohesion. That’s the group I want to ride in!
Saturday 21st February
(*) 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 February
Monday 23rd February
Tuesday 24th February
Wednesday 25th February
Thursday 26th February
Friday 27th February
If you have ever been around the city on a Tuesday morning in early March and wondered what all the people with the clipboards were doing, now is your chance to find out. The first Tuesday in March is referred to as Super Tuesday and on that morning a bicycle transport tally is done all over the country.
The activity is run by bike advocacy group Bicycle Network to collect data about active transport for use in planning and advocacy work. They are still seeking volunteers to assist with this year’s count, so if you are free between 7:00-9:00am on Tuesday 4 March and are keen to be involved you can register here. Volunteers also get to direct a $70 donation to a club or charity of their choice as a reward for their time.
Annual General Meeting will be held on 28 February at 9:00am, as per usual at DÔME Westralia Plaza. Nominations for Committee positions are still open for another week. You can nominate by emailing admin@southperthrouleurs.com.au, or if you would just like some more information on what is involved, please have a chat to myself or any of the other current Committee members.
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. Peel District CC Summer Criterium #7 (15 Feb)
2. WCMCC DOG HILL ROAD – Baldivis – Road Race (22 Feb)
3. Peel District CC Summer Criterium #8 (1 Mar)
Juniors
Thanks for the support of the parents last week and in the sessions before. This program would not be possibile without your help
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). We will focus on rolling and bunch riding.
Saturday:
There will be a session for our advanced riders (U15 and U13) early in the morning at 7am from Coode St car park in South Perth (https://maps.app.goo.gl/KcRfGe1tpQXKeZP16). There will be plenty of riders, so just look for me and if you cannot find me, give me a call or send me a message via whatsapp. This is the course of the ride: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/429386895. Depending on the numbers and the level of fitness of the participants we might consider to join one of the adults ride.
For our young ones (U11 and U9) and beginners we will focus on endurance. We will ride the following 28km loop from Shelley https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/409639124. We will meet at 10.30am in Shelley (https://maps.app.goo.gl/5XVxoCXkesdeC92X6). Beginners can ride with us for the first 4km along Riverton Dr and then go back to the start.
Please check our WhatsApp SPR junior channel for any last minute call.
Racing coming up
Peel District CC Summer Criterium #7 (15 Feb)
From the Ride Coordinator
Appreciation to everyone in SPR kit or wearing something green last Saturday! Let’s keep it going.
Saturday’s main ride is Morley Dr – we may encounter one or more traffic lights along the way! Be prepared for the call of “split”. Once the group has split, the lead group are to soft-pedal until the split riders have re-joined and call “all on”. Safety is the priority and we don’t want riders recklessly running red lights out of fear of being dropped.
Saturday 14th February
(*) 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 15th February
Monday 16th February
Tuesday 17th February
Wednesday 18th February
Thursday 19th February
Friday 20th February
Time flies when you’re having fun…and just like that it is time for the AGM again. This year’s Annual General Meeting will be held on 28 February at 9:00am, as per usual at DÔME Westralia Plaza, but members will receive formal reminder of that in the days leading up.
As required in our constitution all Committee positions are declared vacant at the AGM and a new Committee will be voted in. If you are keen to help run the club please consider putting your hand up to get involved. There are 4 officer positions (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) as well as up to 11 general Committee positions. You can nominate by emailing admin@southperthrouleurs.com.au, or if you would just like some more information on what is involved, please have a chat to myself or any of the other current Committee members.
Nominations will close Sunday 22 February 2026. This year will also see us return to in-person voting, so please make the effort to attend the AGM and make your vote count!
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. Peel District CC Summer Criterium #6 (08 Feb)
2. WCMCC WANGARA Criterium (08 Feb)
3. Peel District CC Summer Criterium #7 (15 Feb)
Juniors
Awesome training last week with some sprints, chasing exercises and games in the end. Well done to everyone who came!
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). We will focus on rolling and bunch riding.
Saturday:
There will be a session for our advanced riders (U15 and U13) early in the morning at 7am from Coode St car park in South Perth (https://maps.app.goo.gl/KcRfGe1tpQXKeZP16) where the whole SPR club meets. There will be plenty of riders, so just look for me and if you cannot find me, give me a call or send me a message via WhatsApp. This is the course of the ride: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/429386895. It is a ~45km ride and we will return to Coode St car park.
For our young ones (U11 and U9) and beginners we will take it a bit easier after a some hard weeks of climbing and sprint sessions. So we will meet at 10.30am in Shelley (https://maps.app.goo.gl/5XVxoCXkesdeC92X6) for a leisure ride in the Canning River park and finish the ride at Tribute Cafe (https://maps.app.goo.gl/oZSBDdgCxNcRkRSJ8). This is the course of the ride: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/430317858
Please check our WhatsApp SPR junior channel for any last minute call.
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
This weekend brings us Step Up Saturday. If you feel that you need a challenge in your group rides, then Saturday is the day to test it out!
Riders, please arrive promptly so that your Ride Leaders can adjust groups based on numbers.
Kudos to Main 4: last Saturday every rider was wearing an SPR jersey! 
And they were looking good. So everyone, get out those SPR jerseys and let’s ride like a team (in green of course)!
Saturday 7th February
(*) 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 8th February
Monday 9th February
Tuesday 10th February
Wednesday 11th February
Thursday 12th February
Friday 13th February
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
(*) 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
Monday 2nd February
Tuesday 3rd February
Wednesday 4th February
Thursday 5th February
Friday 6th February
There are road works in Fremantle this coming weekend which will impact the Saturday Early Bird ride, and may still be an issue for the Tuesday ride. Ahead of the impending closure of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge on 1 February, the Canning Highway and Stirling Highway intersection will be closed for major construction works between 9pm this Friday (23 January) and 6am Tuesday (27 January).
The Saturday Early Bird (and the Tuesday ride, if needed) will continue on Stirling Highway and then turn left in Marmion Street, all the way to North Lake Road where will turn left and re-join Canning Highway and the regular route. Please stay alert to the changes.
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 really an enjoyable ride last Saturday and I was very happy to meet our new little riders. I really hope you all had a good ride!
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) for a skill session along Shelley and Rossmoyne foreshore. Temperature forecast for the day is pretty high, so check the WhatsApp channel for any last minute decision, in case weather conditions would be too hot for a ride.
Saturday: weather forecast for this coming weekend looks favourable for another ride in kings Park. So, we will meet again at the DNA tower car park in Kings park at 10.30am. This time I would like to challenge our children with a couple of repeats up Mount St. As per SPR tradition an ice cream is awarded to the children who will be able to complete the climb. The with as many scoops as the number of times they will manage to complete the climb. Hope to see you there!
Racing coming up
Peel District CC Summer Criterium #6 (08 Feb)
Peel District CC Summer Criterium #7 (15 Feb)
From the Ride Coordinator
Pick your ride groups wisely! These people are going to be your teammates for the ride and you will be wanting to work together to make the ride as smooth, safe and enjoyable as possible. If gaps open up in your roll throughs, or riders are not rolling through, then please look around and moderate your pace to keep the group together. Don’t forget to call “clear” and “last wheel”.
Saturday 24th January
Sunday 25th January
Monday 26th January
Tuesday 27th January
Wednesday 28th January
Thursday 29th January
Friday 30th January
SPR 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.
The weekend just gone saw the Westbridge Funds 2026 AusCycling Road National Championships kick on. After the successes and participation during the week there were plenty of SPR riders doing their thing on the weekend. Too many to mention individually, but special mentions to long time SPR members Bec Kelly and Elar Kalda for taking out their respective categories in the Gran Fondo, and to SPR Legend Jarred Anderson who put in an epic ride in the breakaway in the Elite Men’s Road Race, getting some TV time for the club!
Our resident journalist, Claire Tyrell, has captured the feeling of the weekend in her write up of her own experiences below…thanks Claire!
There are many special things about having the AusCycling National Road Championships in your town, and for us amateurs, the Gran Fondo is right up there! The event consists of a 13.6-kilometre circuit through and surrounding Kings Park, which (and I don’t use this word lightly) is an iconic part of Perth. The chance to ride with my friends and fellow SPR members on closed roads in Perth was simply too good to pass up. I rocked up to the start line feeling not as fit as I have been but relatively prepared, thanks to the regular training sessions from Peter Mah. Peter – we cannot thank you enough for the time and dedication you put in to training us all for this event and more. The idea of pedalling up Malcolm Street six times was fairly daunting, but I’d recently been riding the hills in Adelaide so I told myself it wasn’t that bad. At the start line all the women went off together, about 83 of us across seven age groups. This was in stark contrast to the men, with more than 750 of them lining up to race. (We’re used to it, us ladies, and we hold our own!) I held on to the bunch for longer than I did last year, but only because it didn’t really get hard until Malcolm Street. A fairly sedate (by my standards anyway) roll to the bottom of the major climb allowed me to sit on for almost a full lap. I was happy enough with that effort, and once the first climb was over it was time to recalibrate. I looked around to see a few familiar faces, men and women – by that time we’d swept up some of the blokes. Jodie Chipper was a standout companion throughout the race. We took turns shielding the wind from one another and played to our strengths. Jodie is an absolute powerhouse riding into the wind and I am super grateful for her efforts hurtling down May Drive and along Mounts Bay Road. (I did do some work don’t worry!) We stayed together for most of the race, broken up by the occasional pack of riders only to find each other’s wheels again. The subsequent five laps were varied, some fast, some not so, depending on how many people I had rolling with me. The headwind along Mounts Bay Road proved challenging and slowed down everyone’s average speed markedly. While fitter, last year I averaged 33.3km/h around the course. This year it was closer to 31km/h. I got around the six laps with no mishaps, only my screaming legs and lungs. But hey – that’s bike riding! After the finish line I gave up cycling for about two minutes and sat on the kerb to give my aching muscles a break, but promptly snapped out of it. I was super impressed with my close friend Rebecca Kelly, who took out first in her age group – a national champion!! I knew she was a champion already 😊 Congratulations to all the SPR riders who participated in the fondo – hopefully more of you will get the chance next year.
The Tour Down Under gets underway this weekend. If you are headed over and want to stay in touch with the rest of the crew make sure you are in The Rouleurs Run Radelaide Facebook Group.
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 Splendid Park Criterium (18 Jan)2. WCMCC Bibra Lake Criterium (01 Feb)
3. Peel District CC Summer Criterium #6 (08 Feb)
4. WCMCC WANGARA Criterium (08 Feb)
5. Peel District CC Summer Criterium #7 (15 Feb)
And if you are headed to Adelaide…
1. Norwood CC TDU Criteriums (18 Jan)
2. Norwood CC Criteriums p/b MAAP and Specialized (21 Jan)3. Norwood CC Presents Nightshift by Black Sheep and Focus (22 Jan)
Juniors
Junior rides resume on this Saturday, 17 January. We will meet at the DNA Tower car park in Kings park at 10.30am for a ride along a portion of the course where the elite riders competed for the road nationals last week and try to experience the same emotions they had. Hope to see you there!
From the Ride Coordinator
At SPR, we require all riders to familiarise themselves with the planned route before joining a group ride. Not knowing the next turn can increase the risk of accidents — for you and others in the group.
Saturday 17th January
Sunday 18th January
Monday 19th January
Tuesday 20th January
Wednesday 21st January
Thursday 22nd January
Friday 23rd January