All posts by Claire Tyrrell

Ride Routes 19 – 25th April

Leave a comment

Tiger Tracks has grown from a little-known event to a key fixture on the gravel race calendar. 

And it’s all down to the dedication and commitment of 4F founder Vanessa Johnson, who established the event in 2023. Vanessa’s husband Julian contributed significantly too, as well as the hard-working volunteers and committee members who give their time to support the event. 

When Tiger Tracks began, it attracted 105 riders. That number has since grown to 155, across two days. 

Based in Jalbarragup, the event starts with an 18km individual time trial on day one, which draws some strong riders and is a primer for the second longer day. This year, some of our SPR members including Rebecca Kelly smashed the time trial, with a bit of rain ahead of the event making the course smooth and fast. 

Tiger Tracks’ main event features on the second day, when riders can enter either the 40km Little Tiger event or the 80km Big Tiger. 

Being the eternal optimist I am, I entered the latter version. 

Conditions on the day were near perfect, which provided me little excuse but to just get out and do it – I was hesitant as I haven’t been doing as much riding as I normally would. I prepared my gravel bike, complete with 45mm tyres, and was ready to go. As suspected, I was dropped by most of my speedy mates on the first climb (bye, Bec!), so I settled in for the ride. 

Riding the event, it is difficult to believe that Jalbarragup is so close to Nannup, where the ominous Seven is held each year. 

The 80km course included about 1000 metres of elevation – that distance in Nannup, just 20km away, would have had about double that amount of climbing. 

I was not complaining – the course suited me.  

I rode most of it alone, enjoying the encounters with the volunteers on the corners to direct me (thank you Andrew Williams!), and just soaking in the tranquility. I remembered why this style of riding has become so popular in recent years, with the damp, hard-packed surface providing what those in the scene call champagne gravel. 

When it came to the second lap, I did not hesitate to continue. This vastly differed from my first Tiger Tracks in 2023, when a sore back combined with corrugations led me to pull out halfway. Though I was largely riding at my own pace, the pain and fatigue kicked in with about 10km to go, which told me I was doing something right. 

I finished strongly, with another rider on my tail giving me the impetus to step on the gas. 

Andy was also waiting patiently at the finish line, which of course spurred me on! I crossed the line with a smile on my face and a hunger that was quickly filled with a burger at the race village, otherwise known as Darradup Fire Station. 

The community feel of this event was palpable, with the volunteer bushfire brigade stepping in to help and money raised going to their cause. I couldn’t help but think that Vanessa’s presence in the town has been a welcome addition and something that has brought the community together. 

I’ll be sure to return to Tiger Tracks in future, and ride my gravel bike more as the weather cools. 

For a more detailed look at the results and the riders who entered, see Vanessa’s blog on the 4F website. 

Rebecca Speirs @ Tiger Tracks
Rebecca Kelly @ Tiger Tracks
Claire Tyrrell @ Tiger Tracks
Andy Lilley @ Tiger Tracks

📸 Photo credits go to Neil McLagan Photography

Tour of Margaret River EOI — As we start planning for Tour of Margaret River 2025 (racing from 31 October to 2 November, with accommodation from 30 October to 3 November), we’re doing things a little differently this year.

To help shape how we approach the event, we’d like to gather early input via an Expression of Interest before deciding whether to host an information night, and before looking to lock in commitment or even consider teams.

We also would like to gather interest from our members and the broader SPR community in terms of contribution to the costs and preparation for the event. Do you have a business and would see value in contributing as a sponsor? Are you a coach, trainer or sports specialist and interested in contributing? 

If yes to any of these questions, please let us know in the form below!

Thanks

💚

TOMR Expression of Interest

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. MCC Stan Gurney VC Memorial Criterium (25 Apr)

2. WestCycle Brigadoon Super Challenge (27/Apr)

3. CCC Tom Lowry Memorial Road Race (3 May)

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — On Saturday 19/4 we ride from Mt Henry Bridge to Kings Park for our advanced riders. To make the course more manageable for beginners and younger children, we will meet them at the Narrows Bridge. Below are the details for the ride:

Meeting Details:

Advanced Juniors
Location: Under Mt Henry Bridge (https://maps.app.goo.gl/GnnpdbkYLkH4pZjD8)
Time: 10:00 am

Beginners
Location: Narrows Bridge (South Perth side) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/cyrbz5UJjoWWL8cg6)
Time: 10:20 am

Full Course: You can view the full course here: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/345915048

If the children are feeling too tired, we can adjust the ride to stop at Kings Park for a drink at the café on top ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/jLPpFCahYrhoYBop7) before heading back.


From the Ride Coordinator — Time to get out those extra layers with the first taste of a wintery morning coming this Saturday. On the plus side, we have plenty of rides to burn off the choccies this weekend.

On Monday we have a revised version of the PH North route. It goes via Wanneroo instead of Alexander and through Kings Park instead of Claremont. Please download and review the file. On ANZAC Day the route is Public Holiday South.

Calling “split” and having groups abide by the practice of soft pedalling after it has been called is an extremely important part of riding safety at SPR.  Knowing that you will not be left behind at a red light is a huge incentive to not running red lights. A practice that is not condoned by our club.

Just a reminder to Main & Short Hills riders that there are some roadworks on Midland Rd.

[ Editors note: Dome is open all weekend except Good Friday ]

Saturday 19th April

Sunday 20th April

Monday 21st April – Easter Monday Public Holiday

Tuesday 22nd April

Wednesday 23rd April

Thursday 24th April

Friday 25th April – Anzac Day Public Holiday

Ride Routes 5 – 11th April

Leave a comment

Hi all,

Today’s blog see’s part 2 from our very own Claire Tyrrell covering Sophia’s professional career. Enjoy!

Sophia is heading to Europe to race in the next few months. If you would like to support her (which would be amazing), head to her fundraising page here. You can also get along to the Spartans Paris Roubaix on the Big Screen organised by Adrian Emilsen – all funds raised go to support Sophia’s upcoming travel to Europe.

Best of luck to everyone heading south for the Tiger Tracks Gravel this weekend.

Finally, SPR Chicks is running another skills session – check out all the details on the SPR Chicks Facebook page here.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

Sophia Sammons (part two)

Sophia Sammons, 19, signed with Australian domestic development outfit Praties Cycling Team last year, after riding with Brad Hall’s Cycling Development Foundation. 

She’s had a strong start to 2025, under new coach Nick Owens. Sophia came fifth in the inaugural ProVelo Super League in Adelaide. She rode a strong race in the AusNats in Perth, breaking away early but cramping in the final turn. 

Sophia spoke to Claire Tyrrell recently about her professional career. (If you missed part one, see here)

So you’re with Praites cycling this year. Where will that take you? 

Yep. I’ll do all Pro Velo races with them, which is five or six races in total around Australia. And hopefully I can do a Europe stint, I’m not sure if it will be with them or not.

Have you raced in Europe before? 

Yep. In Belgium last year. It was good. It was a bit of a shock to the system. There are like 125 girls in a race, which is crazy, but it was really good. It was good fun. 

I survived. I managed to finish pretty much all of them, but I think I still need to work on positioning in a bunch, that’s really crucial, and I still find it really hard, but hopefully something I can improve on this year, especially with the new team I’m on.

What’s your ultimate goal? What kind of rider do you see yourself as? 

Time triallist. I love a good breakaway. Hopefully GC, but we’ll see how it goes. Otherwise, I’d be happy to work as a domestique but just fulfill any role, really.

And who are your role models? 

I don’t actually look up to anyone really. I want to make my parents proud most of all.

Could you talk me through your experience at the Nationals? 

Nationals was really fun. I wasn’t really expecting it. I wanted to do well, obviously I didn’t have a plan in place of how I was going to do that. 

A lot of people told me, “Breakaway or early breakaway is the way you’re going to win that race”. It was about getting into that early break that everyone wants to get into. I sat off the back pretty much the entire first lap to try to get a feel for it going up Malcolm Street, I was in the top 15 to 20 wheels, which was really good. 

Coming into King’s Park, I was still in those top 15 to 20 wheels, and I see this girl in front of me move through the side, and I follow her wheel, and she actually attacks the bunch. I just follow her wheel, which is really handy, really good luck, I think which most of cycling comes down to I reckon. It was a good group, and I think they really underestimated us, really left it to the last minute, and it was just too little, too late. 

I was feeling really good throughout the entire race as well. I was really keen, and I was telling myself, “I think I can win this race”, but I cramped up the final climb coming into King’s Park. And yeah, I couldn’t do anything after that. I just had to kind of limp home. But yeah, still an amazing experience.

And what did you learn from it? What would you do differently?

I don’t know. I’ve been struggling with this cramp for a while. I think maybe I just have to try more things, more sodium, more liquids. Otherwise, I think doing less work within that bunch and trying to be the person who does the least amount of work, because they often end up doing the best in the finish.

What about outside of cycling? 

I work at Ride Advice, and Steve is really great there. He helps me a lot with everything, which is amazing. 

I’m not doing uni at the moment. I tried, but I dropped out twice, so I think I’ll just try cycling for this year, and see how it goes. I did Bachelor of Science, which I didn’t like and then I tried a Bachelor of Commerce, again, didn’t like it. If push comes to shove, I’ll join the police force.

*If you’d like to support Sophia’s European campaign, see her Australian Sports Foundation page. 

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. 4Five+ Tiger Tracks Gravel (this weekend!)

2. WCMCC Splendid Park Criterium

3. PDCC Hilly TT & BBQ 2025 (13 Apr)

4. MCC Stan Gurney VC Memorial Criterium (25 Apr)

5. CCC Tom Lowry Memorial Road Race (3 May)

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — Saturday (29/3) – 10:30 AM
📍 Meeting point: Under the Mt Henry Bridge (https://maps.app.goo.gl/rFwTfCrdmiqznMrv8)
🔹 Route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/337069988

  • Start by riding along the freeway PSP to the Farrington exit (~5 km, circled in the map).
  • The group will split for fast-paced training, continuing to the Willeri Dr exit (for ~7.5 km).
  • After a short break, we’ll ride back, regrouping at Farrington Rd before finishing together in recovery mode.
  • Young riders and beginners can join, but I would recommend them to ride back to Mt Henry bridge when we reach Farrington Rd (for a total distance of ~10km). In this case your child MUST be accompanied by a parent all the time. There will be no support on your way back.

🚗 Parking Information:
There’s a large car park under the bridge and near the nearby park. If no spots are available, consider parking in the surrounding streets or at Deep Water Point. Be sure to allow extra time to park so you’re ready to start at 10:30 AM

From the Ride Coordinator — It’s Step Up Saturday this weekend, giving you an opportunity to challenge yourself by moving up a group (or two)!

At time of writing, the weather is looking a bit iffy for Saturday morning, with possible early showers & a strong easterly. If roads are wet, be cautious on corners & roundabouts, and avoid painted lines.

One issue that has come up over the past week involves pulling away from lights or stops, especially with big groups. No point in having the front riders at full speed before the last of the bunch have stopped talking…err, clipped in! A good tip shared among the ride leaders is that front riders should moderate their pace by soft pedalling for as many seconds as there are ride pairs!

Don’t forget to wear any SPR green!

Saturday 5th April

Sunday 6th April

Monday 7th April

Tuesday 8th April

Wednesday 9th April

Thursday 10th April

Friday 11th April

Ride Routes 29th March – 4th April

Leave a comment

Hi all,

Thanks for everyone who participated in our AGM last weekend. I will post a Committee update in coming weeks. Here’s to 2025 💚

For today’s blog I am super-pleased to introduce part 1 from our very own Claire Tyrrell introducing Sophia Sammons. Sophia started riding with SPR on Sunday Hills and now is putting in a lot of work aiming to make a career on the bike (if you follow her on social media you will see she is out in the hills a lot more than Sunday morning :)).

Enjoy part one this week and part two coming next week.

Sophia is heading to Europe to race in next few months. If you would like to support her (which would be amazing), head to her fundraising page here. You can also get along to the Spartans Paris Roubaix on the Big Screen organised by Adrian Emilsen – all funds raised go to support Sophia’s upcoming travel to Europe.

Also check out the Juniors photos later in the blog — huge kudos to Paige Verbiesen for taking our the win in the Junior Girls U9 division in the WA Cyclocross Kids Party in the Park 2025 – all the results here. Not to mention lots of photos from Toby Brown here.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

Sophia Sammons (part one)

Perth cyclist Sophia Sammons has gone from strength to strength, placing fifth at the recent ProVelo Super League in South Australia as well as in the National Championships Road Race. 

This promising young rider started her cycling journey with the South Perth Rouleurs. 

Claire Tyrrell spoke to Sophia recently to find out more about her background, her ambitions, and how she got to where she is today. 

Where did you grow up? 

I was born in the Dominican Republic. My parents met in Equador, but lived in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic for a little bit. I moved to Australia pretty much right away, to Perth, then to Melbourne, then to Perth. I was really little at the time, so all I remember is Perth. 

How long have you been cycling?

This is my third year now. I was a (middle distance) runner before. 

Running is a sport where you really need to understand how to hurt. 

What attracted you to cycling? 

I got injured (an ankle tendon). It was the motion of running that I couldn’t do, but I was allowed to pedal. My dad had a bike that I used, a gravel bike. 

I actually really hated cycling when I first started doing it as rehab, but eventually I started to like it more than I did running. I was considering being a triathlete or even a duathlete, but I actually enjoy cycling too much to do running. So now I’m a full time cyclist. 

What made you go from hating cycling to enjoying it? 

Around the same time, I had a really bad eating disorder, so I think I really liked (that) it’s a longer sport, therefore I’m burning more calories. That really enticed me to want to be able to do more and more. 

Did cycling help you overcome that eating disorder? 

My parents put their foot down at one point, and literally told me I was not allowed to train, so I couldn’t do any running, any cycling. And then I think after that, I still had that love of cycling, even when I got better. And it just kind of carried on from that.

I think cycling has been that thing where I can appreciate my body and myself for something other than its looks, for being good on a bike, being strong and powerful, being able to do all these things.

When did you realise you wanted to take your cycling to the next level? 

I think just because I enjoyed it so much. I love the challenge of getting better, so I think I was like, “Oh, I can get paid for being able to do that”, so it was mainly that kind of drive to be able to want to do this thing full time, pretty much. 

I think when Brad (Hall) started coaching me, so that would be in October 2023, he kind of made me believe that I could go somewhere in this sport, that I was better than what I thought I was.

How did you come to ride with SPR? 

It was after rehab when I got my first road bike, I wanted to go into the hills, but I couldn’t go by myself, mainly because I didn’t know where I was going I was about 16 or 17 and I found the SPR hills ride on a Sunday, and I did the long ones or short ones if I had work in the morning. 

It was just a great way to really push myself up the hills and be able to ride with other people, even though I didn’t know that many people within cycling.

I think it was my dad who recommended it.

Can you tell me about your experiences riding with the club? 

It was really, really positive. I really enjoyed it. We’d go hard up all the climbs, and it was really satisfying, you know, beating quite a few of the people at the climb, being the first one, and everyone was really encouraging, saying, “you’re really good at this, and you’ve got what it takes”. So yeah, I really did enjoy it. 

*Read the next installment of the SPR Blog to learn about Sophia’s professional career. 

SPR Italy Trip 2025 — We’ve had a great response to the EOI and the trip is on! Two places left in fact! Details below including link to EOI.

Updated post in the blog last week and EOI here.

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. 4Five+ Tiger Tracks Gravel (5-6 Apr)

2. WCMCC Splendid Park Criterium (6 Apr)

3. PDCC Hilly TT & BBQ 2025 (13 Apr)

4. MCC Stan Gurney VC Memorial Criterium (25 Apr)

5. CCC Tom Lowry Memorial Road Race (3 May)

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — Saturday (29/3) – 10:30 AM
📍 Meeting point: Under the Mt Henry Bridge (https://maps.app.goo.gl/rFwTfCrdmiqznMrv8)
🔹 Route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/337069988

  • Start by riding along the freeway PSP to the Farrington exit (~5 km, circled in the map).
  • The group will split for fast-paced training, continuing to the Willeri Dr exit (for ~7.5 km).
  • After a short break, we’ll ride back, regrouping at Farrington Rd before finishing together in recovery mode.
  • Young riders and beginners can join, but I would recommend them to ride back to Mt Henry bridge when we reach Farrington Rd (for a total distance of ~10km). In this case your child MUST be accompanied by a parent all the time. There will be no support on your way back.

🚗 Parking Information:
There’s a large car park under the bridge and near the nearby park. If no spots are available, consider parking in the surrounding streets or at Deep Water Point. Be sure to allow extra time to park so you’re ready to start at 10:30 AM.

Finally, check out some photos from the Kids Party in the Park last weekend!

From the Ride Coordinator — Communication is another aspect of a successful group ride. Calling out hazards is everyone’s responsibility and those calls should be shared throughout the group.

Don’t forget to wear club kit for the main ride on Saturdays. It doesn’t have to be the latest version: vintage, TOMR, anything SPR will be appreciated.

This Sunday will see the running of the Perth Hills Gran Fondo (URL : https://piet.com.au/perth-hills-gran-fondo). Please ensure you pass any groups safely as part of our Sunday ride.

Saturday 29th March

Sunday 30th March

Monday 31st March

Tuesday 1st April

Wednesday 2nd April

Thursday 3rd April

Friday 4th April

Ride Routes 1st – 7th February

TDU 2025 Did Not Disappoint

By Claire Tyrrell 

The mission to Adelaide for the nation’s biggest cycling race is always worth the effort. 

And this rang true this year more than ever, given it was the 25th Tour Down Under. 

A keen group of South Perth Rouleurs travelled across to the South Australian capital for the TDU this month, including myself, Amanda Nabi, Andrew Ballam, Julia Christensen, Adam Britten, Tom Goerke, Ben and Alison Thorman. Other club members included Andrew Williams, David Mennary, Ray and Nola Smith, Doug Pavlovich and Mark Sinclair, Simon Jones, Serena Smith, Michael Barry, Elar Kalda, Jarred Anderson and Paul Prottey.

We were even joined by interstate SPR members Sam and Liam Walker, who ventured from Victoria for the fun. 

The schedule varied for each of us (and some rode their bikes more than others – I’m looking at you Ben!), but largely we followed the race as best we could. This year’s tour involved three women’s stages and six men’s stages (there’s strong speculation they will include a fourth women’s stage next year, thank goodness). 

The event provided ample spectating opportunities, including packed start lines, KOM and QOM points brimming with atmosphere and exhilarating sprint and hilltop finishes. We witnessed WA gun Sam Welsford blast across the line for three spectacular stage wins – the lead outs from his Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe teammates were impeccable. 

For me, a highlight was seeing young climber and polka dot jersey winner Fergus Browning’s parents watch their son claim the King of the Mountain points as he pedalled towards Mt Lofty – their pride was palpable. 

Another standout moment was when Ray Smith pointed out a koala perched in a tree on the way to McLaren Vale for the fifth stage of the men’s race – thanks Ray! 

Some of us were fortunate enough to rub shoulders with some of cycling’s greatest athletes, including Mark Cavendish who made a special trip across for the event. I sadly did not get to meet Cav, though I’m still glowing from my picture with Peter Sagan at the 2017 TDU!

The McLaren Vale stage is always an absolute standout of the TDU, because it involves a full day out with my SPR buddies and a brilliant view of the race from Willunga Hill. Once again, Andrew Ballam organised a fantastic ride out to the hill that included a stop to watch the start and a prime position on Willunga Hill. We got to watch the pros ride the hill twice, with the second time marking the end of the stage. 

It was a thrilling finish, with Ecuadorian Ineos Grenadier rider Jhonatan Narváez battling it out to win the stage and claim victory in the TDU. 

The long ride back was made a lot easier for me thanks to the fine company of Andrew Ballam – this guy deserves a medal for all the work he does organising rides at TDU and for his patience helping the back markers. 

This year marked his and Amanda’s 12th Tour Down Under – and may there be many more. 

I know there will be for me! 

RCCC Australia Day Criterium 2025 — We had a fabulous turn-out at the Australia Day crit this past week. Steve brought the SPR Van (kudos) and we had both supporters and racers out in force. Huge congratulations to Alastair and Nikki for their podiums 💚💪🏻.

  • 🥉 Nikki Pursell – 3rd, C Grade Women
  • 🏆 Alastair Brook – 1st, D Grade Men

This was Alastair’s first criterium so well done. And Nikki has been working on race strategy all season, and it looks like it is working!

Only a few crits to go this summer season, so reach out if you’re interested.

SPR Italy Trip 2025 — We’ve had a great response to the EOI and the trip is on! Two places left in fact! Details below including link to EOI.

Updated post in the blog last week and EOI here.

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. RCCC 2025 Henk Vogels Snr Memorial Criterium

2. WCMCC Neerabup Graded Road Race – Summer of 2025

2. PDCC 24-25 Summer Criterium Race 3 (9/Feb)

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — This weekend we will focus on climbing and we will meet at the DNA tower in Kings Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/PUdiAZSDHZGmardQ7) at 10.30am on Saturday morning. The weather looks favourable for Saturday but do not forget the sunscreen and some water. For the young ones and newcomers we will practice some skills in a small car park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/aUG6JRwVPXVB2o3p6) and we will test our legs with only one climb. Please note we will all meet at the DNA tower car park at 10.30am.

During the ride I will need to split the group. I will give you more details on Saturday, but just remember that we will all end the ride at the Cafe (Botanical Kiosk Kings Park) next to the Kings Park visitor Centre (here are the coords https://maps.app.goo.gl/GCE4mYdwPE3trkyt5)

SPR Juniors – Kyle @ Australia Day Crit
SPR Juniors – Kyle @ Australia Day Crit

From the Ride Coordinator — Keep an eye out for some of your Ride Leaders in their new white jerseys.

This week we are doing Murdoch & Freo for the Main & Fast groups. Due to the continuing bridgeworks, the route will be modified on the day. Stay on Preston Point Road until it hits Canning Hwy where we will turn right. From Canning Hwy we will turn right onto Stirling Hwy, cross the bridge, and then turn left onto Tydeman Rd to continue the route as planned.

Saturday 1st February

Sunday 2nd February

Monday 3rd February

Tuesday 4th February

Wednesday 5th February

Thursday 6th February

Friday 7th February

Ride Routes 12 – 18th October

[ Gran Fondo Worlds write-up this week by Claire. Keep your eye out for a Gravel Worlds update soon. Not to mention Peel Classic. Also new gravel ride announced below. Finally, we’re short one M2/M1.4 rider for TOMR – get in touch. Daniel ]

Denmark 2024: Gran Fondo Worlds — They say it’s about the journey more than the destination, and in my case this rings true for the 2024 Gran Fondo World Championships. 

My journey to get to the start line this September in Aalborg, Denmark started in September 2023 at Amy’s Gran Fondo in Lorne. I trained my hardest while battling chronic back pain. I was happy with my efforts on the day but was well off qualifying – 7th of just 14 in my age group. 

For those unfamiliar with the gran fondo worlds process, your aim is to get into the top 25 per cent of your age group to qualify. 

Amy’s was the earliest race in the series so I had another chance – the Tour de Brisbane in April. This race was far more suited to my style of riding, and by that time I had less back pain (it was still there, but had drastically reduced since Amy’s). 

The punchy, twisty, rolling course included the infamous Mt Coot Tha, a long and steep climb up to the TV stations just out of Brisbane. Luckily for me, by the time I hit that section of the course I was far enough ahead in my age group to stay in the top 25 per cent. 

I was full of emotions as I crossed the line and realised I’d made it into the top quarter of my age group. I was going to Denmark! 

The awesome thing was I could share it with my friends too: Andrew Lilley (my coach and confidant), Rebecca Kelly (my best mate and all round legend), Greg Murray, Lily Handoyo, Yael Gardner had all qualified at Brisbane with me. 

The subsequent four months included as much training as I could squeeze in my hectic lifestyle, which let’s face it, wasn’t enough. 

The rain didn’t help – after a long dry summer it bucketed down in Perth, forcing me onto Zwift, which I like all riders have a love hate relationship with. 

I made it to the start line in one piece, but deep down knew I hadn’t done nearly enough preparation to get through the 152km course at any kind of competitive pace. 

It didn’t matter – I was happy to be there. 

My age group (35-39) started with the young guns (19-34) so the pace was hot from the outset – I held on to the madness for 40 minutes, or roughly 24km, before I popped. And when I say popped, I completely popped. The remainder of the day encompassed getting caught by groups in other age groups, hanging on for a bit, then dropping off the back. 

I rode most of the course largely alone. 

It was beautiful though and I was very happy to have the opportunity to race my bike in another country. The encouragement from cycling-mad locals on every corner helped immensely. 

I finished with a time of 5h12m42s, averaging 29.34km/h and placing 43 of 45 starters in my age group. This is much slower than I would have liked, but the smiling face of Andrew Lilley when I rolled in to the finish made me forget all that.  

He’d finished the race much earlier than me, with a cracking time of 3h57m (averaging 38.65km/h!), and had time to shower, buy me a sandwich and meet me at the finish line. He’ll never know how much it meant to me to have his support, through the entire worlds journey (Editors note: Unless of course he reads the SPR blog).  

Congrats to my fellow SPR members who smashed the world champs: 

  • Lily Handoyo, 
  • Yael Gardner (medio fondo)
  • Andrew Lilley
  • Raymond Smith
  • Lauren Humphreys
  • Belinda Alcock 

I sincerely apologise if I’ve forgotten anyone. More info on who competed and the results can be found here: https://www.sportstiming.dk/event/13162/participants

Cycling really does take us on some incredible journeys! 

Claire

Gravel Ride Restarting — Join us for our first trial gravel ride on Sunday 20 October! We’ll meet at the Bellevue RSL at 5:45 am for a 6:00 am start. This ride is perfect for experienced riders, and the pace will be a steady minimum Main 1. Our initial route is designed to gauge interest in forming a regular gravel riding group. The route details is here.

As we see more riders joining, we’ll plan additional routes and gradually increase the distance. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some gravel trails and meet fellow cycling enthusiasts. We hope to see you there!

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. WCMCC Chidlow – Age Group Championships

2. MCC Midland Traders 100 (27/Oct)

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — This Saturday, we will focus on endurance training and take advantage of the pleasant weather forecasted for the weekend. The ride will start from our usual spot in Shelley and head to the Heathcote Reserve in Applecross following this route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/256338775

We will take a break at the reserve for a drink before returning the same route. The entire ride is approximately 23 km and should take around 1.5 hours including the stop.

The meeting point is here https://maps.app.goo.gl/dPMmqNw1fLCo715r6 at 10.30am.

See you there!

From the Ride Coordinator — The next few weeks will see our new ride leaders take their observed ride leads. Please welcome them!

Here’s some refresher tips for riding in formation:

  • Riders should pair off 2 by 2
  • Try to maintain about a 30-50cm distance from the rear wheel of the rider in front of you
  • Keep your handlebars level with those of the rider next to you
  • Ride at an even steady pace
  • Close up gaps between riders as quickly and smoothly as possible
  • When possible ride one metre clear from the gutters and parked cars

(Kudos to you if you recognise the source!)

Please note, the development group currently runs 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Saturday 12th October

Sunday 13th October

Monday 14th October

Tuesday 15th October

Wednesday 16th October

Thursday 17th October

Friday 18th October

Ride Routes 24 – 30th December

Thank you to everyone who made it out last Saturday for our Christmas Ride. It was a most excellent morning, and very to good to recognise some amazing club members. I will write up the awards next week.

This week we have another guest post for our very own Claire Tyrrell. Most of you will recall SPR’s Adam Ralph’s Everesting efforts back in 2020… well, Jack Thompson takes this to another level. Seriously.

Reminder to all SPR club members, don’t forget to sign up for the SPR Xmas 500 – there are prizes to be had just for doing what you would be doing anyway right… festive kms. If you’ve missed the details, get in touch on xmas500@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Daniel

Jack cycles far, and high

Ultra-cyclist Jack Thompson is calling on Perth cyclists to join him as he completes his toughest cycling achievement yet.  

Claire Tyrrell

It is a generally accepted truth that no matter how good you are, there is always someone better. In cycling this would roughly translate to the idea that despite your mammoth efforts on the bike, there is always someone out there riding further and harder than you. 

However, this may not ring true for Jack Thompson. 

The Perth ultra-cyclist has clocked up an incredible 29,078 kilometres this year alone, over 1,425 hours. 

But the most impressive thing about Jack’s pedal strokes in 2022 is the sheer volume of elevation he has accumulated – 982,746 metres as of December 20. 

And of course, he won’t stop there. 

Jack set himself the task of completing one million metres of elevation, as well as 52 Everesting efforts over the course of the year. Most of us have heard of Everesting, but to break it down, Jack has climbed 8,848 metres or more in one ride on one hill at least once each week during the past 12 months. He’s carried out the task mostly on local roads in Spain, as well as France, the United Kingdom and America. 

But that wasn’t enough for the keen cyclist, as he explained to me from his new home of Girona. 

“[At the start of the year] I thought, ‘maybe I’ll Everest once a week for a year’ and then I thought ‘that would still leave me with six days doing nothing’ each week, so I thought ‘why don’t I target one million metres, which is 20,000 metres a week’,” he said. 

Achieving this lofty goal would give Jack two Guinness World Records – his first achieved last year for his fastest ever completion of the Tour de France course (10 days). 

What goes up must come down – Jack on a descent during an Everest

The why

A spiel about Jack’s feats would not be complete without delving into the reasons he chooses to push himself to extremes day-in-day-out. 

In a nutshell, the ultra-cyclist is no stranger to mental anguish. 

Growing up with obsessive compulsive disorder, Jack has experienced bouts of depression and drug addiction, before the call to the bike became too strong. He quit his job as a project manager in 2015 to pursue a full-time career in ultra-endurance cycling, riding tens and thousands of kilometres each year. As he explained in 2019, cycling provides the euphoria he feels everyone is chasing and keeps him on a straight path. 

When asked about his million metre goal, he said it aligned with his penchant for routine.  

“I really like routine and structure, and every day I know exactly what I have to do,” he said. 

“It was a bit of a test for me, because I have done nothing that lasts a year before – so much can happen in a year, and I like the idea of setting myself a challenge that’s really difficult.” 

Jack also raises money for charities close to his heart through his bike riding, including Kids Helpline, StrongMinds, Outride and Youth Focus. 

The event

Jack has flown to his hometown of Perth on the cusp of 2023 to complete his challenge at Reabold Hill in City Beach. He is calling on Perth cyclists to join him as he conquers the millionth metre. 

Join Jack at Wembley Cycles at 8.30am on Thursday December 29, for a coffee and a leisurely ride out to Reabold Hill – just five repeats of the climb will get him to the million mark.

Youth Focus will receive a $5,000 donation from Jack, plus any other funds raised on the day will go toward the charity’s Hawaiian Ride for Youth. 

Register for the event via the Facebook event or by emailing john@wembleycycles.com. 

Donations are welcome but not mandatory. 

Not all of Jack’s Everests were completed on Tarmac
Tour Madeloc in France – where Jack completed his final Everest of 2022

 

  

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

Sorry, no can do this week. It’s Christmas, Festive kms will have to do – and there are plenty of options… 😎💚

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Well this weekend is significant for two reasons. 1. It’s Christmas on Sunday, and 2. The Festive 500 starts on Friday. Some added spice this year with the SPR Xmas 500 Challenge – with prizes up for grabs. Forecast for Saturday is good, a bit cooler, with not much wind. Perfect for those extra k’s. Lots of talk already about people doing the awesome foursome on Saturday; Night Owl, Earlybird, Main Ride, and Bin Chickens extra lap. How badly do you want it???

On Sunday we have Mr Bonners Christmas Cheer very social ride. If you’ve never done it you’re missing out.

There will likely be *lots* of extra rides over the Christmas / New Year period – keep an eye out on the SPR Facebook Group.

Saturday 24th December

Sunday 25th December – Christmas Day

  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 6:00am (‼️SUMMER TIME‼️)
    • Short – <not Christmas Day>
    • Long – <not Christmas Day>
  • Rides start at Coode st carpark at 6:00am (‼️SUMMER TIME‼️)
    • Development group – <not Christmas Day>
    • Short Hills (Social) – <not Christmas Day>
  • All rides start at Coode st carpark at 7:00am

Monday 26th December – Boxing Day (Christmas Day Public Holiday)

Tuesday 27th December – Boxing Day Public Holiday

Wednesday 28th December

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Midweek Transitional – <returns March 2023>

Thursday 29th December

Friday 30th December

Ride Routes 7 – 13th August

Cycling is a huge part of Sam Walkers’s life, and she’s giving back to the club by being on the committee.

Here, we find out a bit more about Sam.

Name: Sam Walker
Position: Club Secretary

1. What bike do you ride?

2019 Cervelo S3 but I do like getting on my 2015 Liv Envie every now and then.

2. What brought you to cycling and to SPR? 

Liam and I had just returned from living in Kalgoorlie after 2.5 years, so we were looking to do something together and get some fitness back. A Google search of cycle clubs in our area led me to SPR in Nov 2012 and the rest is history.

3. How long have you been with the club? 

Since Nov 2012. But officially a member from 2013, I think.

4. What is your most memorable experience on the bike? 

Oh wow… far too many, but stepping on to the podium in third place for the TT at the 2018 Masters Champs was pretty special.

Also riding in the SPR women’s team with Annemiek van Vleuten the same year.

5. Why did you choose to be on the SPR committee and what do you hope to achieve as part of your role? 

Previously I was working FIFO so I wasn’t able to commit time to the club, but I’m currently studying full time and based in Perth so it was a good opportunity to join the committee this year. I’ve been a member for a number of years and think the club does a lot for its members and knowing how much work others have done in the past to ensure the club continues to run and provide for its members, it seemed only fair to jump in and help out and not leave it to the same people year after year.

6. Can you tell me a bit about your life off the bike? 

I’m studying my MBA full time and previous to that, worked FIFO as a commercial manager for a gold mining company. I’d been doing that for the last 6ish years.

I live with my husband Liam, who also rides. I also enjoy hanging with friends, eating good food and wine and travelling overseas when we’re not locked down.

From the Ride Coordinator – Well we were hoping for the best last weekend but actually got a pretty raw deal from the girls and boys at the BOM. Chapeau to those hearty souls who got out for the main and gravel rides last weekend in that weather (yes believe it or not there were some who ventured out). This Saturday looks OK – at least for the morning so we might get a ride AND a coffee in before it turns.

So this weekend’s main ride route has been the most affected by road works over the last 18 months which was about the last time we scheduled it on. Initially there were changes to lanes and a new roundabout along Belmont Avenue, then road resurfacing along its namesake, followed by a new bridge over the Roe highway on Kalamunda road and finally more road resurfacing along Midland Road. It’s had more work done on it than a Hollywood actor/actress!! Whilst there’s a few witches hats dotted along its length, we think it’s time to put Abernethy Rd back in circulation. If you haven’t ridden it before, please do yourself a favour a take a look at the ride route following the link below.

Saturday 7th August

Sunday 8th August

Monday 9th August

Tuesday 10th August

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 11th August

Thursday 12th August

Friday 13th August

Ride Routes 17th – 23rd July

A loyal club member and regular rider, Shirley Vine stepped into the role of club treasurer last year.

Here, she answers some questions about herself.

Name: Shirley Vine
Position: Club Treasurer

1. What bike do you ride?

I ride a purple Giant Liv with matching purple bar tape. When my friend purchased a bike shop, I wanted to be her first customer and she gave me a terrific deal as it was a demo bike.

2. What brought you to cycling and to SPR? 

I’ve been cycling my whole life. My three brothers and I always had bikes. We even brought our ‘tracker’ bikes with us when we emigrated from England in 1973. I have always ridden to school, ridden to work and competed in triathlons for many years. I was a long distance runner prior to taking up triathlons. After completing the Ironman, I joined SPR. My husband kept encouraging me to join as he signed up straight away when we moved to Perth. 

I started in Development and was only a Saturday morning rider for ages. After my first Monday ladies recovery ride, I was motivated to start riding more regularly to improve my cycling skills.

Now I am a main 2 rider and try hard in main 1.4 when not ride leading. SPR has become my cycling family.

3. How long have you been with the club? 

I joined SPR around 2013.

4. What is your most memorable experience on the bike? 

I’ve got so many it’s hard to narrow it down. I love being a ride leader, have competed in lots of races and events, criteriums, road races, gran fondos, Three Dams, Five dams, events in Brisbane, Darwin and am signed up for my 2nd Tour of Margaret River this year. I have no short twitch fibres in my muscles so prefer long distance events. I am learning how to ride faster and after feasting on this year’s Tour de France am more motivated than ever.

If I have to pick one memorable experience, I’d like to look back on my first criterium, an SPR event at Technology Park. I was beside myself with fear and trepidation. Cathi Dixon was the nominated mentor and I was dropped at the start line because I couldn’t clip in quickly enough. In my mind I was telling myself not to worry I would catch them, they would see and I got lapped twice haha. Cathi was teaching me what to do at each corner and because I was dropped I had her all to myself at the back. How funny it was. If you just keep turning up you improve and get stronger from every ride. I have overcome so much fear, I can even ride in the dark and can’t count the fun and enjoyment I have experienced finishing so many races and events, let alone the wonderful friends I have made.

5. Why did you choose to be on the SPR committee and what do you hope to achieve as part of your role? 

I have worked as a volunteer in many and varied organisations including on the committees for years and years. I was the treasurer at the Belmont RSL prior to joining the SPR committee where I learned the MYOB system of finance operations. I loved it. So I thought I would learn the Xero system by volunteering for SPR as its treasurer.

My aspirations were to improve my finance skills. I really like it and enjoy being part of running our organisation.

6. Can you tell me a bit about your life off the bike? 

Off the bike I am many things. I am married to Iain, (husband of the year). We are currently on our second honeymoon in quarantine. We have a son, Finley, his lovely wife Kimi and our 2 grandies Luna & Roland.

I work as the property department manager and in-house counsel for Retirees WA and oversee the management of 18 retirement villages stretching from Geraldton to Busselton. I am the Vice Chair on the East Perth Community Group and a volunteer rep with Lifeline. The community visitor scheme works to eradicate loneliness in the community. I was visiting Ruby, a 90 year old lady who had no family and she requested a visitor who likes to play scrabble and keep score. I was visiting her weekly for a couple of years, but she recently passed away so I am having back to back scrabble tournaments with Iain ha ha. Guess who wins?

SPR Women’s Health Talk & Afternoon Tea – Female cyclists can often encounter health issues that require careful monitoring or maintenance. Come join Dr Rachel McCormick and PhD Scholar Serene Lee to discuss these issues and how they can be managed to lessen the impact they can have on your cycling and health.

The club will be putting on afternoon tea!

Now fully subscribed – thanks everyone for supporting the club – but for more information see the full post here.

SPR Tour de France Dinner – The SPR Committee is pleased to announce that we are this year again holding our Tour de France dinner. This year at Chez Pierre.

Sorry, sold out. And with the recent lockdown, this has been re-scheduled to . Thursday 5th August (after the Tour has finished but the best we could do!). Enjoy the night!

From the Ride Coordinator – There is a saying “A week is a long time in politics”. In football terms it’s “lets take it a week at a time”. In this pandemic environment it looks as though lots can change rapidly between weekend rides so let’s just “live in the moment” and appreciate that this weekend we are able to ride in groups and share a coffee at the end. When you overlay the fact that the rubbish weather we have been experiencing may just stay away long enough to enjoy our main ride, then let’s hope we see many people out for the ride.

As for the route, well the light winds predicted mean we can pretty much choose any route and it won’t be wind affected too much so we will head south again this weekend on one of our more popular summer rides – South St.

Hoping we see you out there because you never know what will happen in a weeks time.

Saturday 17th July

Sunday 18th July

Monday 19th July

Tuesday 20th July

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 21st July

Thursday 22nd July

Friday 23rd July

Our ‘Ben Ben’ (à la Ride Routes 10 – 16th July)

I am sure I was not the only one who became emotional as Ben O’Connor stormed to victory on stage nine of the Tour de France. 

As the 25-year-old Freo product broke away from Columbian Sergio Higuita up the Col des Saisies, an immense pride permeated through the WA cycling community. 

This was after he’d dropped climbing great Nairo Quintana and Canadian Michael Woods, not to mention the entire peloton and the maillot jaune. 

Sleep could wait – this kid was making history. 

When commentator Robbie McEwan read out SPR member Cathi Dixon’s poem about the young-gun, my pride was amplified – go ‘Ben Ben!’. 

I interviewed Ben for The West (or here) in 2019, and he told me: “When you are young you know if you are going to be good at something and with riding I knew”. 

Out of context, such a statement could be construed as arrogant, but Ben was far from it. 

He knew his strengths and he set his sights on becoming a GC contender in the Grand Tours. 

He has performed well in the past, riding into the top 10 of the Giro – but never until now has he garnered so much attention. 

The young rider’s face was splashed across mainstream media following his win – finally Australia was paying attention to this beautiful sport. 

Even our Premier congratulated him at his daily COVID presser – a refreshing reprieve from the dispiriting public address. 

Has cycling finally made it into the hearts and minds of mainstream Australians? 

Maybe drivers will even start treating us better on the roads.

Time will tell, but I certainly hope so. 

SPR Women’s Health Talk & Afternoon Tea – Female cyclists can often encounter health issues that require careful monitoring or maintenance.  Come join Dr Rachel McCormick and PhD Scholar Serene Lee to discuss these issues and how they can be managed to lessen the impact they can have on your cycling and health. 

The club will be putting on afternoon tea!

Now fully subscribed – thanks everyone for supporting the club – but for more information see the full post here.

SPR Tour de France Dinner – The SPR Committee is pleased to announce that we are this year again holding our Tour de France dinner. This year at Chez Pierre.

Sorry, sold out. And with the recent lockdown, this has been re-scheduled to . Thursday 5th August (after the Tour has finished but the best we could do!). Enjoy the night!

From the Ride Coordinator – So for my fellow couch peletonians – what a week it’s been at the TdF. Despite the lockdown easing, the weather gods have smiled on us couchies watching Le Tour as it’s been too wet to ride in the mornings (Those on Zwift are the exception). And what inspiration have we seen from our local lads – Turbo and Beno. There’s enough inspiration there to do 2 rides on a Saturday. (Oh wait some amongst us already do!). Anyway, now it’s our turn to get out there this weekend and we hope those weather gods look after us by clearing the rain early enough for our Saturday ride and closing the window late on Sunday. Cross your fingers it happens. Whatever cycling you can fit in this weekend, please make sure you look after yourselves and your fellow riders.

Saturday 10th July

Sunday 11th July

Monday 12th July

Tuesday 13th July

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 14th July

Thursday 15th July

Friday 16th July

Ride Routes 26th June – 2nd July

A man who hardly needs an introduction – a true mainstay of SPR – Dean Roser. A super smooth ride leader and a friendly face I never get tired of seeing. Dean – aka “silver fox” is a true club favourite.

Here, I ask about the man behind the Bianchi.

Name: Dean Roser
Position: Training and Development

1. What bike do you ride?

It depends, either the Focus Izalco Max for the road or the Cervelo Aspero for the gravel. But my true love is my Bianchi Oltre, you can’t beat Italian passion. And no, I don’t need a MTB, my wife might have something to say if I brought home another bike.

2. What brought you to cycling and to SPR? 

Cycling has always been something that I enjoyed, but wasn’t a priority for a long time. Perhaps it was a midlife crisis that brought me back to cycling :-). Why SPR, the Sunday hills ride of course. There hasn’t been many of those that I have missed. Though now that I have the gravel bike, the hills are dirtier, partly because I keep falling off.

3. How long have you been with the club? 

I started doing the hills rides in around 2012 which then increased to the Tuesday and Thursday rides as well. I joined the club in around 2013 or 2014. I can’t remember, early onset dementia.

4. What is your most memorable experience on the bike? 

There are just so many, mainly because just being on the bike is always a pleasure when you’re out and about with your mates. Though getting the gravel bike I felt like I was 12 again, that was exciting, I still have the grin.

5. Why did you choose to be on the SPR committee and what do you hope to achieve as part of your role? 

Being on the committee is just a small way of trying to give back to the club.

6. Can you tell me a bit about your life off the bike? 

If I’m not riding, then I’m taking pictures of birds and flowers, or I’m gardening, or making things for the home or playing with the dogs. We have two French Bulldogs, they are good apartment living dogs apparently. I suppose I go to work occasionally, it just gets in the way of riding my bike.

SPR Tour de France Dinner – The SPR Committee is pleased to announce that we are this year again holding our Tour de France dinner. This year at Chez Pierre.

Sorry, sold out. Enjoy the night!

From the Ride Coordinator – OK, how cold was it this week!! Those brave souls heading out on one of our mid week rides would know exactly how cold it can get riding here in Perth in the winter. And those overnight temps don’t look like improving too much for our main ride with current forecast sitting around 5 as the minimum Friday going into Saturday so make sure you rug up if you’re doing the ride Saturday. This weeks ride route takes us through Subi, so watch out for the road works and the heavier traffic around the Hay St/Rockeby rd intersection so please be patient if their is some slowing there.

Unfortunately Sunday looks to be similar to last weekend with a wet day forecast. And that might be just as well too with the start of Le Tour for the next 3 weeks and the grand depart for the #couchpeleton also scheduled on for a Saturday evening start. Whatever riding you do, enjoy it and look after each other. Especiallyif you are sitting on the couch watching the TV. 😁

Saturday 26th June

Sunday 27th June

Monday 28th June

Tuesday 29th June

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 30th June

Thursday 1st July

Friday 2nd July