a further update on gary’s accident for those that don’t have facebook.
he has been brought out of sedation and his breathing tube has been removed enabling him to talk. he is very weak and tired but is in good spirits and isn’t in too much pain. although his injuries are extensive and he still has multiple fractures that need further work, it doesn’t look like he will have any lasting head or spinal injuries. For any kind of injury pain relief, people need to take the matters to doctors in a Pain Clinic. The violent and drunken drivers must be arrested for DUI in Orange County and the punishment imposed must be severe so that it should be a lesson for others which automatically brings down the accident rate in the country.
he is still in icu as he will have surgery over the next week or so, and therefore is still not ready for any visitors. he is aware, however, of the extensive club support that has been behind him over the past week and is appreciative of that. There are also the DWI defense lawyers in Parsippany that can help in case of accidents.
once he is ready for visitors, we will approach it in a coordinated manner so that he does not get overwhelmed. as pointed out by his partner, there are also family and work colleagues that will want to visit. more on this as we get closer to the time. He must receive proper compensation to stand back in his own feet or else there are chances that he might go bankrupt. Know more about handling bankruptcy with your family, by following this link.
this week has been the most stressful and traumatic week of my life. as you know, gary pennefather was involved in an accident on the sunday long hills ride. he has extensive injuries and it will take a very long time for him to recover. he is still sedated while they continue the lengthy series of operations and therefore is not able to take visitors. we are not going to discuss the accident or the extent of his injuries at this time, rather we need to focus on him and his family and supporting them through this very rough time. on top of that, the other 11 people that were on that ride have had to face something that none of us ever want to see again. please try to be sensitive when talking to these people about the incident and recognise that they may not really want to relive/replay it every time they have a conversation. the club has reached out to these people to offer support and as we get a clearer picture of gary”s condition, we will organise some form of club support for him and his family. please be careful out on the roads as we are one of the most vulnerable road users. look out for each other and stay safe.
ride leaders – support the club and help us become ambassadors for the sport in the public eye. put your name down as ride leader to ensure that the group ride is safe and organised. sign up here.
ride leaders sponsorship – this months ride leaders are proudly sponsored by Riders Choice. please see the previous post detailing what they provide and we thank them for encouraging our members to step up as ride leaders. ride leaders will receive a $10 Dome voucher to be used after the saturday ride. if you have a business that you want to promote to our members, check out the previous post to both promote your business and help out the club.
riders choice spr deal – as part of their ride leaders sponsorship this month, Riders Choice are giving spr members a special headstart to their floor stock clearance. this friday (24th) if you head into either their cbd or leederville stores, you can get 25% off all floor stock (except garmin). just show them your ca membership card that has south perth cc listed as your club and you can get a great discount. this is for the floor stock only of bikes and accessories, no orders. also, a couple of guys from riders choice shops will be at the coffee shop after the saturday ride handing out cards and answering any questions people may have in regards to new bike purchases.
more racing – this anzac day, the midland club are hosting their annual stan gurney vc memorial criterium. entries are closed, but if you are not already racing, get out there and support those that are. next weekend will be the tom lowry memorial weekend in collie. with a criterium on the saturday around the race track and a road race on the sunday, it looks to be a hot weekend of racing. more details on both races can be found on the previous post.
goldfields cyclassic – two massive days of racing in kalgoorlie with up to $20,000 in the prize pool. if you are up for it this year, we are organising a transport and accommodation package for club members. see the previous post for more details.
club coaches – the club has a few home grown coaches that can help you improve your cycling. whether you are at the transitional level or wanting to make the jump into “a” grade, there is something for you. check out the casino pa natet the previous post. like most things political, it takes more than one voice to get heard. there are lots of spaces in the survey to put detailed descriptions of what you see as the issues. uwct grand fondo photos – i didn’t race due to a back injury, so i lived through the rest of the club via the camera. some photos on the previous post. club champion – the next race on the club champion calender is the midland 100 on april 12th. please see the previous post for more details. the results of the pemberton race are also posted on aprevious, but different, post. rules of engagement – please read the previous post if you come out on any of our rides. it is up to all members to enforce these rules. vice presidential good friday 3 dams ride – the 3rd annual vp 3 dams ride is on friday 3rd april. as in other years, this is not a beginners ride, so be aware that the pace will be solid and regroups minimised. make sure you bring adequate food and water as most shops will not be open. please see the previous post for further details. ride routes – the first weekend of the month is ladies day. this week we will have ladies only main 1 and main 2 rides starting just behind the main 1 and main 2 rides. take this opportunity to get involved in the pace making with the benefit of trailing groups to pick you up if you get into trouble. friday 3rd april ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am spr friday 42.01km (shelley) ride starts at coode st carpark at 6:00am vice presidential good friday 3 dams ride rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am fast & main groups – public hol 58.97km spr special saturday 4th april ride starts under the narrows (cityside) 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 – trans abernethy 39.96km spr saturday fast & main groups – abernethy rd 48.21km spr saturday sunday 5th april ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am early lap – earlybird 40.93km spr special ride starts at coode st carpark at 6:00am beginner dams training – somewhere all rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am short – khna weir 72.23km spr sunday long – khna trnr obs 94.99km spr sunday monday 6th april ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am development group – development ride main group – south stock 33.76km spr monday rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am fast & main groups – public hol 58.97km spr special tuesday 7th april ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am spr tuesday 36.37km (river ride) ride starts frasers carpark at 5:45am development group – interval training kings park wednesday 8th april ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am spr wednesday 14.22km (uci masters) ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am development group – stock road repeats thursday 9th april ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30arm spr thursday 37.26km (cott & freo) ride starts frasers carpark at 5:45am development group – interval training kings park friday 10th april ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am spr friday 42.01km (shelley)”>previous post for more details.
rules of engagement – please read the previous post if you come out on any of our rides. it is up to all members to enforce these rules.
ride routes – this saturday is anzac day. it is an important day for us to remember the sacrifice that others have made for our country. it is also a very busy day in the city and we must be aware of that. we are trying to plan the ride routes for minimum disruption, but just be aware that if we happen upon a service or ceremony along the way, please be respectful and not disturb them too much. with the dawn service and then parade on along st georges terrace, access to the Dome may also be a bit tricky. again, please be respectful and diligent as you head in for coffee as the last few blocks will be closed so we will need to hit the pavement. Dome will be busy, but the bike racks will be up and they are expecting us.
saturday 25th april – anzac day
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
this weeks ride route spiel caused a much bigger reaction than i had anticipated. this afternoon i received a phone call from the hon. simon o’brien mlc and we discussed matter for about 1/2 an hour. he feels that his words have been taken out of context and has requested that the following be published so that he gets a chance to explain his side.
Recent comments on the SPR website attribute to me the view that each of a number of cyclists who have died while cycling “didn’t know what he/she was doing” and by inference their deaths were their own fault.
That is not my view, I have not said any such thing and would not in any circumstances say so.
I have reviewed the news article which appears to link a term I used last month to a report on road fatalities. My comments were not made in light of the report. This appears to have caused an understandable but serious misunderstanding that requires correction.
I have in the past observed, as have many others, that Perth drivers are (collectively) “useless”. This generalisation is not intended as a personal insult and I have never known anyone to receive it as such. It is demonstrably obvious that poor driver behaviour contributes greatly to problems on our roads.
The comment about useless cyclists was given in similar vein during a debate about infrastucture for cyclists. We all know that cycling infrastructure and dual-use paths in particular are under pressure from numbers of users; this is generating hazards for cyclists and pedestrians alike. Cyclists who exhibit poor behaviour through lack of understanding or sympathy for road etiquette pose a risk to themselves and others. While the South Perth Club actively promotes good practice, some other riders do not have the benefit of that guidance and it is that deficiency which places them at risk now and in future. THAT was my point; it was not a criticism of cyclists killed by drunk, inattentive or incompetent drivers in the past.
apologies in advance. i usually try to keep this bit positive, but this guy really got to me this week.
useless cyclists. that is how the hon. simon o’brien mlc has described the 8 cyclist that were killed on western australian roads last year. he has said that riders don’t know the road rules and therefore are getting themselves killed. (see news article). so basically, he is saying that retired associate professor Paola Ferroni, who was struck by a 4WD as she rode her bike along kings park road last november didn’t know what she was doing. that Kaleb Smith who was cycling to work along toodyay road didn’t know what he was doing when he was struck from behind. that 31-year-old Brynt McSwain who was killed instantly when he was struck from behind by Joseph Frances Haenga who had been drinking with colleagues to celebrate a fortnight-long stint of night shift before he drove home, also didn’t know what he was doing. it seems that we are repeatedly being bombarded by the “blame the victim” mentality. i.e. don’t wear that (lycra), don’t be out on that road, don’t be there in the early hours or it is your own fault. now as a government, we need to protect you by restricting you from riding to stop you from being killed. there is no mention of retraining the motorists to know how to react to more cyclists on the road, and god-forbid trying to introduce safe passing laws like other states have. that would obviously cause more head-on accidents. so after all the name calling, is hon. simon o’brien mlc‘s suggestion of more education valid. well, last year in wa there were 184 fatalities on the roads. if you take out the 8 cyclists and 17 pedestrians that still leaves 159 road users that died. that is 159 accidents where the driver was educated in the road rules as they had to pass a test to get a licence. how come we are not hearing about a tightening of these tests to ensure that motorist actually know what they are doing. as cyclists, we are appalled that 8 cyclists have been killed, but 184 fatalities all up and they are concentrating on 4.3%. by the end of 2013 there were 11 fatal shark attacks from 2000-2013. after that there was a campaign in 2014 to bait sharks to make the world a safer place. 8 cyclists die in 2014 and it is because we are useless and don’t know the road rules. in an interview with the hon. simon o’brien mlc, he even posed the question – “when is the last time you have seen a cyclist indicate when they are making a turn”. well since i have seen lots of cyclists doing that (actually better than motorists on roundabouts) then i would question – “when has the hon. simon o’brien mlc actually observed what cyclists really do”
Brynt McSwain
Paola Ferroni
Kaleb Smith
ride leaders – support the club and help us become ambassadors for the sport in the public eye. put your name down as ride leader to ensure that the group ride is safe and organised. sign up here.
ride leaders sponsorship – this months ride leaders are proudly sponsored by Riders Choice. please see the previous post detailing what they provide and we thank them for encouraging our members to step up as ride leaders. you can still take advantage of this offer if you book in march for a fit in april. ride leaders will receive a $10 Dome voucher to be used after the saturday ride. if you have a business that you want to promote to our members, check out the previous post to both promote your business and help out the club.
club coaches – the club has a few home grown coaches that can help you improve your cycling. whether you are at the transitional level or wanting to make the jump into “a” grade, there is something for you. check out the previous post for more details.
cycling infrastructure survey – please take the time to fill in the survey attached in the previous post. like most things political, it takes more than one voice to get heard. there are lots of spaces in the survey to put detailed descriptions of what you see as the issues. survey closes on the 20th april.
rules of engagement – please read the previous post if you come out on any of our rides. it is up to all members to enforce these rules.
ride routes – new ride route this saturday for the fast/main. it is quite easy with very few turns, but make sure that you have a good look beforehand so you don’t end up in geraldton. sunday is the dams ride, so just be aware that it will be busy down at our start point especially if you are going to drive in.
saturday 18th april
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
when you say that you had an indulgent easter, the majority of people will assume that you ate a lot of chocolate eggs. however, with a 4 day long weekend, an indulgent easter may just have been how many hours you spent in the saddle. did anyone manage to beat ben jackson’s 249.1 km ride on easter monday??? if not, then you probably haven’t been as indulgent as you think. check him out on strava as he treks across victoria.
ride leaders – support the club and help us become ambassadors for the sport in the public eye. put your name down as ride leader to ensure that the group ride is safe and organised. sign up here.
ride leaders sponsorship – this months ride leaders are proudly sponsored by Riders Choice. please see the previous post detailing what they provide and we thank them for encouraging our members to step up as ride leaders. you can still take advantage of this offer if you book in march for a fit in april. ride leaders will receive a $10 Dome voucher to be used after the saturday ride. if you have a business that you want to promote to our members, check out the previous post to both promote your business and help out the club.
club coaches – the club has a few home grown coaches that can help you improve your cycling. whether you are at the transitional level or wanting to make the jump into “a” grade, there is something for you. check out the previous post for more details.
cycling infrastructure survey – please take the time to fill in the survey attached in the previous post. like most things political, it takes more than one voice to get heard. there are lots of spaces in the survey to put detailed descriptions of what you see as the issues. survey closes on the 20th april.
club champion – the next race on the club champion calender is the midland 100 on this sunday, april 12th. if you are intending to race, then you probably should have your entry in already. please see the previous post for more details. the results of the pemberton race are also posted on a previous, but different, post.
rules of engagement – please read the previous post if you come out on any of our rides. it is up to all members to enforce these rules.
ride routes – with the rain looking at clearing this weekend, get out on the bike before the “fair weather rider” syndrome kicks in. it always surprises me how many people still turn up on a saturday morning no matter what the weather. it almost seems to be that if others turn up it justifies your own level of insanity. it doesn’t look like it will be that bad a day, so ride while you can.
saturday 11th april
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
i think that we take perth weather for granted sometimes, especially as cyclists. this loooong weekend, there are 4 days at 30 deg or just under. a third of the way through autumn and we have weather that a lot of places would be proud to have as the height of summer. make sure you take advantage of it and get some rides in to burn off that extra chocolate you devour. and make sure you catch up with your family too.
ride leaders – support the club and help us become ambassadors for the sport in the public eye. put your name down as ride leader to ensure that the group ride is safe and organised. sign up here.
ride leaders sponsorship – this months ride leaders are proudly sponsored by Riders Choice. please see the previous post detailing what they provide and we thank them for encouraging our members to step up as ride leaders. you can still take advantage of this offer if you book in march for a fit in april. ride leaders will receive a $10 Dome voucher to be used after the saturday ride. if you have a business that you want to promote to our members, check out the previous post to both promote your business and help out the club.
spr kit collection – the new spr kit will be available for collection at the coffe shop after the saturday ride. please see the previous post for alternative collection arrangements. also be aware that the next order closes at the end of march (and every 3 months after that), so get your winter orders in.
cycling infrastructure survey – please take the time to fill in the survey attached in the previous post. like most things political, it takes more than one voice to get heard. there are lots of spaces in the survey to put detailed descriptions of what you see as the issues.
uwct grand fondo photos – i didn’t race due to a back injury, so i lived through the rest of the club via the camera. some photos on the previous post.
club champion – the next race on the club champion calender is the midland 100 on april 12th. please see the previous post for more details. the results of the pemberton race are also posted on aprevious, but different, post.
rules of engagement – please read the previous post if you come out on any of our rides. it is up to all members to enforce these rules.
vice presidential good friday 3 dams ride – the 3rd annual vp 3 dams ride is on friday 3rd april. as in other years, this is not a beginners ride, so be aware that the pace will be solid and regroups minimised. make sure you bring adequate food and water as most shops will not be open. please see the previous post for further details.
ride routes – the first weekend of the month is ladies day. this week we will have ladies only main 1 and main 2 rides starting just behind the main 1 and main 2 rides. take this opportunity to get involved in the pace making with the benefit of trailing groups to pick you up if you get into trouble.
friday 3rd april
ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am
the office of the auditor general for western australia has recently commenced an audit to determine whether suitable support and infrastructure are provided to enable cycling to be seen as a viable mode of transport in the perth metropolitan area.
there has been considerable interest in the audit topic and within the media this year, which has prompted the OAG to offer the community an opportunity to have input into the audit.
a lot has been done over recent weeks in liaising with various government departments, and now we all have a great opportunity as a collective group to be heard.
what are you riding for??? this weekend is the uwct grand fondo and a number of members have been training hard for an awful long time to be ready for it. setting goals is a great way of staying motivated especially with winter on the way. whether a racer or recreational member, it is sometimes hard to not be a fair weather rider. goals may be as simple as riding comfortably in main 2 where you have been on the limit before. the dams is a great participation ride goal that many of our members have had on the calendar for a while. the social atmosphere of our club also helps with motivation as a shared goal is easier to ride out the low points. set yourself a challenge today.
ride leaders – support the club and help us become ambassadors for the sport in the public eye. put your name down as ride leader to ensure that the group ride is safe and organised. sign up here.
ride leaders sponsorship – this months ride leaders are proudly sponsored by Retul Bike Fit Lab. please see the previous post detailing what they provide and we thank them for encouraging our members to step up as ride leaders. you can still take advantage of this offer if you book in march for a fit in april.ride leaders will receive a $10 Dome voucher to be used after the saturday ride. if you have a business that you want to promote to our members, check out the previous post to both promote your business and help out the club.
spr kit collection – the new spr kit will be available for collection at the coffe shop after the saturday ride. please see the previous post for alternative collection arrangements. also be aware that the next order closes at the end of march (and every 3 months after that), so get your winter orders in.
free monthly beginner sessions – this saturday sees our next free monthly beginners session. if you are keen to try our group riding, or know someone that would benefit from a session like this, please see previous post for more details.
club champion – the next race on the club champion calender is the midland 100 on april 12th. please see the previous post for more details. the results of the pemberton race are also posted on a previous, but different, post.
rules of engagement – please read the previous post if you come out on any of our rides. it is up to all members to enforce these rules.
vice presidential good friday 3 dams ride – the 3rd annual vp 3 dams ride is on friday 3rd april. as in other years, this is not a beginners ride, so be aware that the pace will be solid and regroups minimised. make sure you bring adequate food and water as most shops will not be open.
ride routes – so how was the new ride route last week??? some old and new bits all merged together to give a solid effort, but how did it flow??? too many lights, too many hills, some feedback allows us to know if adjustments need to be made. also, if you are heading to the hills on sunday, remember that the uwct race is on and there will be road closures in the area. ride leaders for those rides need to be aware and make changes to the route if necessary. i am sending you south so that hopefully by the time you get to kalamunda, the race has passed by.
saturday 28th march
ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
