All posts by Daniel Harvey

Ride Routes 14 – 20th December

Hi all,

The crit season is in full swing with both Peel and Roues Chaudes running races during the week just gone.

Check out some photos below, and kudos to both Woj and Elar who podiumed. Also shoutout to Woj, Elar and Bec who have points in the Twilight World Champs points table after race 2 (full table below).

Don’t forget to dress up for our Christmas Ride this Saturday. And please read Ride Coordinator’s post below on the ride routes for this week (a little different).

Finally, I would like to acknowledge Tom Goerke, who has served as Club Secretary for the past several years. He has recently stepped down from the SPR Committee to make space for other volunteer commitments. Tom remains on the Race Subcommittee. Thank you for all your contributions Tom!

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

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

1. RCCC Summer Criterium #2

2. WCMCC Herne Hill – Summer Graded Road Race

3. RCCC Twilight World Champs #3

Juniors Ride โ€” As mentioned earlier in the blog post, this Saturday is the SPR Christmas Ride, and we will celebrate with some awards for our members at Dome in the city. For the first time, two awards will be presented to our juniors.

So, our ride will start from our usual spot in Shelley (https://maps.app.goo.gl/7QGqdMNEiPny8uxg6) at 8am and head to the city for the awards presentation.

You can find the course details here:ย https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/322645452

From the Ride Coordinator โ€”

All riders note the different start this Saturday. Due to the Christmas Ride & Awards, we will have two main routes. This is similar to what weโ€™ve done the past few years. The aim is to get everyone away quickly and back to Dome safely, so that you can enjoy the festivities and presentations.

The two main routes are:

  • Fast and Main 1 will do Creswell and Herdsman. Remember there are roadworks being carried out on the Hotham Bridge and the southbound lane is closed.
  • Main 2, Main 3 and Main 4 will do Stock and Shelley
  • Transitional will do Trans Mosman

Groups will gather in separate zones of the carpark, with Fast and M1 on the West side (as per normal), and M2, M3, M4 and Transitionals in the middle row of the carpark (as per the old marshalling layout).

Note:
Main 2, 3 and 4 should arrive for an earlier departure than normal.
M1.4 becomes a no drop ride as they are last to leave on the Cresswell & Herdsman route.

Rollout schedule:
Main 2.1 โ€“ Stock & Shelley
Main 2.2 โ€“ Stock & Shelley
Main 3 โ€“ Stock & Shelley
Main 4 โ€“ Stock & Shelley
Fast โ€“ Cresswell & Herdsman
Main 1.1 โ€“ Cresswell & Herdsman
Main 1.2 โ€“ Cresswell & Herdsman
Main 1.3 โ€“ Cresswell & Herdsman
Main 1.4 โ€“ Cresswell & Herdsman (note this becomes a no drop ride)
Transition โ€“ Trans Mosman

Donโ€™t forget your Xmas bling! See you at the Awards.

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

Saturday 14th December

Sunday 15th December

Monday 16th December

Tuesday 17th December

Wednesday 18th December

Thursday 19th December

Friday 20th December

Ride Routes 7 – 13th December

Hi all,

We’ve had a great start to the summer crit season with the RCCC Twilight Series underway and another Peel crit this weekend. Not to mention West Coast Masters. SPR members have placed in the results (photos below!) and seen some “nearly podium” action (first across the line but … *wince*). There is lots of racing to come, so get in touch if you’re interested.

If you have not already, please nominate and vote in our annual SPR Peoples’ Choiceย Award Nominations – we’re keen to receive as many votes as we can, so please get involved. The awards will be presented next Saturday after the ride.All the details below.

Quick update on the Italy Trip (see last week’s blog): Eight people have already registered their interest in the Italian Alps cycling trip 16-30thย August 2025. Donโ€™t want to miss out โ€“ register now.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

SPR Christmas Ride & Awards โ€” See original full post here, and nominate people for the awards using the link below!

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

1. PDCC 24-25 Summer Criterium Race 2

2. WCMCC Bibra Lake Criterium

3. RCCC Twilight World Champs #2

Juniors Ride โ€” We will meet at our usual spot in Shelley (https://maps.app.goo.gl/J8s279de4uSsaCkTA) on 7/12. However, this time we will start our ride atย 8am. We will ride up and down Riverton Drive for some to practice some skills and tactics.

From the Ride Coordinator โ€”

Step Up Saturday for December is this weekend. Have a go!

Itโ€™ll be a bit windy this weekend, so remember sharing is caring! Share the ride & share the roll throughs to make the ride smooth & fun for everyone. The whole point of a roll through is to make the ride easier for the whole group. Work as a team to make this achievable and so much more enjoyable!

Donโ€™tย forget our Christmas ride is on the 14th so start planning your Christmas bike bling and outfits!

PS The new layout for marshalling in the carpark is shown below, with every group moving up to the start point.

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

Saturday 7th December

Sunday 8th December

Monday 9th December

Tuesday 10th December

Wednesday 11th December

Thursday 12th December

Friday 13th December

Ride Routes 30th November – 6th December

[ I’ve not had space to collect crit results yet ๐Ÿ™ ]

The Italian and Swiss Alps are calling all cyclists and partners. Ever wanted to conquerย Passo dello Stelvio (image above),ย Passo del Gavia + Mortirolo out of Bormio, or out of Lake Como Lugano loop,ย Passo Agueglio,ย Giro del Lago di Como,ย Madonna del Ghisallo + Muro di Sormano. And why not try theย Albula pass + Julierpassย in Switzerland out of St Mortiz. This is a centre based, escorted trip includingย allย transfers – nothing left to plan.

Only sixteen places are available for this trip 16th to 30th August 2025 – the tour starts and finishes at Milan Airport and includes 1 night Milan, 5 nights Bormio, 2 nights St Mortiz and 6 nights Lake Como. Bring your own bike or hire a high spec road bike or road e-bike – this trip suits all levels of cyclist with the road e-bike option.

The cost is $6,250 per person double occupancy; single supplement $1900, quality bike hire $900. This is excellent value for a fully supported trip with a van for luggage/bike transfers, sag wagon, mechanic and a European guide. 

Full itinerary here

Please register your interest to participate via this non-binding EOI.

SPR Christmas Ride & Awards โ€” See original full post here, and nominate people for the awards using the link below!

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

1. RCCC Ascent Summer Criterium #1

2. RCCC Twilight World Champs

Juniors Ride โ€” There will be noย juniorย ride on Saturday. I will be busy with an ultracycling event in Pemberton (more than 280km ride). If I manage to survive it, we will catch up again on 7 December ๐Ÿ™‚

Events coming up for juniors:

  1. WA State Track Championships (6 – 8/Dec)ย 

From the Ride Coordinator โ€” From this Sunday (1 December) until 2 March 2025 the following rides will start at 6am:

  • Short Hills (Social)
  • Development Group – Coffee Ride.

Donโ€™t forget to follow the new layout for marshalling in the carpark, with every group moving up to the start point.

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

Saturday 30th November

Sunday 1st December

Monday 2nd December

Tuesday 3rd December

Wednesday 4th December

Thursday 5th December

Friday 6th December

Ride Routes 23rd – 29th November

Hi all,

IMPORTANT – If you would like to come to the SPR Christmas BBQ this Sunday, see the RSVP link below or FB event. There is still time to RSVP!

Summer racing has begun with a number of criterium races last weekend and more this weekend. Checkout the racing calendar below for all the details.

This week I want to highlight the 4F Twilight Criterium Series for Women and the work 4FIVE+ does supporting women’s racing. I’ve included podium photos below and want to call out the cover photo of first time crit racers. Thank you 4FIVE+.

Kudos to the SPR members in placings:

  • Lina Tirado – 4th place, D Grade
  • Nikki Pursell – 3rd place, C Grade
  • Corrie Johnstone – 2nd place, B Grade
  • Team “Where Are The Green Sheep?” – 3rd, Team Placing (Round 1)
  • Nikki Pursell – 4th, 45+ Ladder (Round 1)
  • Rebecca Key – 5th, 45+ Ladder (Round 1)

Check out the full results and points standing after Round 1 on Facebook.

A reminder that our EOI is still open for the Nationals in January – see here for all the details and how to submit your interest.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

PS I don’t think I’ve seen published results for the NBCC or WCMCC crits – please let me know if you see them.

SPR Christmas Ride & Awards โ€” See original full post here, and nominate people for the awards using the link below!

SPR Christmas BBQ 2024 โ€” RSVP using the link below, see you there.

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

1. 4F Twilight Criteriums 2024 – Round 2 (Saturday!!)

2. PDCC 24-25 Summer Criterium Race 1

3. WCMCC Splendid Park – Yanchep – Summer Season 2024-25

Juniors Ride โ€” We will meet at our usual spot in Shelley (https://maps.app.goo.gl/J8s279de4uSsaCkTA) on 23/11 at 10.30am. We will ride up and down Riverton Drive for some to practice some skills and tactics.

From the Ride Coordinator โ€” From this Sunday (24/11/2024) until March 2nd 2025 the following rides will start at 6am:

  • Short Hills
  • Long Hills.

Note, The start time(7am) for Short Hills (Social) remains unchanged this week.

Donโ€™t forget to follow the new layout for marshalling in the carpark, with every group moving up to the start point.

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

Saturday 23rd November

Sunday 24th November

Monday 25th November

Tuesday 26th November

Wednesday 27th November

Thursday 28th November

Friday 29th November

Ride Routes 16th – 22nd November

Hi all,

Lot’s going on right now! This weekend we see the start of crit season, together the Westral Wheelrace (probably the best spectator event on the track in Perth calendar) and not to mention the SPR chicks have a ride Sunday.

First up, the Westral Wheelrace. This is a big day at the track, and well worth the time heading out to the SpeedDome this Saturday from a spectator point of view. A good time to arrive is 10am – do SPR Saturday then head out, perhaps even using the loop out to Midland as Saturday extras. There will be plenty happening alongside the racing program – think coffee van, massage tables, bike shop exhibitors and the historical bike expo.

If you make a day of it, the 4F Twilight Criterium Series for Women kicks off in the evening (details below).

Second, the SPR Chicks Swan Valley Ride returns this Sunday, kicking off at 8am at the Guildford War Memorial for a leisurely cruise that includes coffee and the Swan Valley. All the details on the Facebook event here.

Check out the photos below from our 2024 French Alps trip, don’t forget that the kit order closes this weekend, and make sure you RSVP for our Christmas event.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

SPR French Alps Trip 2024 โ€” 13 cyclists, 16 days, 740 Km, 19,000m elevation starting in Geneva and finishing in Nice. It was a mammoth cycling venture for these Main 2 riders who recently traversed the Route des Grand Alpes in France.

Many thanks to our two ride leaders, Christophe Borrel Ducroz, cat herder from SPR and Aigars Paegle, founder and tour guide from HC Tours company. They worked tirelessly to get everyone home safely and without injury, even though illness did mess with the smooth sailing of the tour.

The finish was at a fabulous hotel overlooking the ocean at the port of Nice. Check out a selection of photos below.

For all those cyclists out there who think this is too much for them, such feats are not confined to the likes of these tough and seasoned cyclists. John and I cycled up Alp dโ€™Huez after the French Alps, me on an e-road bike. It was really fabulous.

So, to all those cyclists who want to try an iconic alp, they are within your reach (2025 anyone?๐Ÿ’š).

Carol

New Kit Day โ€” Say hello to the 2025 SPR club kit!!

The kit shop is open until 17 November so get in quick:

https://www.mayeur.cc/collections/south-perth-rouleurs

The new standard jersey is the same cut and quality as the recent Tour of Margaret River kit.

The 2025 range also sees the addition of a women’s specific jersey. If you would like to try one for fit I will have one of each size of women’s jersey at Dร”ME Westralia Plaza after the ride on Saturday.

SPR Christmas Ride & Awards โ€” See original full post here, and nominate people for the awards using the link below!

SPR Christmas BBQ 2024 โ€” RSVP using the link below, see you there.

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

1. 4F Twilight Criteriums 2024 – Round 1 (Saturday!!)

2. NBCC Summer Crits

3. WCMCC Bibra Lake Criterium

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Juniors Ride โ€” No junior ride this weekend as we will support some of our kids at the Westral Wheelrace and the 4F Criterium – Round 1.

From the Ride Coordinator โ€” One of the reasons we like to keep the size of Saturday groups to around 15 riders, is to limit the physical length of the group on the road. Longer groups are a greater disruption to traffic, and more susceptible to being split at lights. One way to help maintain a compact group is for those on the front to delay accelerating when coming out of corners.

Itโ€™s time to think about your hydration requirements given that the temperatures are starting to creep up. Enjoy your time on the bike.

Donโ€™t forget to follow the new layout for marshalling in the carpark, with every group moving up to the start point.

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

Saturday 16th November

Sunday 17th November

Monday 18th November

Tuesday 19th November

Wednesday 20th November

Thursday 21st November

Friday 22nd November

SPR Nationals 2025 EOI

On the back of a huge Tour of Margaret River, SPR is putting out the call for members interested in riding in the team events at the upcoming Nationals in January 2025.

Running alongside the elite events, these events provide local AusCycling clubs the opportunity to compete on the same closed courses as the elite races, ride with your club and compete with other WA clubs in a points competition.

The opportunities for club-based team racing are:

  1. Team Time Trial (Clubs), Wednesday 8th January, details here
  2. Masters/Club Criterium, Friday 10th January, details here

Have a look at the details linked above and the courses below to see the way both events are structured around club-based teams.

So, two things:

  1. To express your interest in being part of the the teams SPR is putting together, please using the EOI link below
  2. Riding both of these events will require current SPR kit (latest TOMR kit OK), which is new and for which the order closes this weekend (see latest blog and order online here). Get in and order now!

Donโ€™t forget that non-elite riders (most of us!) also get to ride the Road Race course as part of the Gran Fondo, which is based on individual entry.

The nationals is going to be a superb summer of racing.

Daniel

Ride Routes 9 – 15th November

TOMR 2024 was another success for SPR, with 14 teams entered into the event. This was once again the largest entry by any club. Congratulations to all the riders for their efforts and making our club proud, and a big thank you to the volunteers.

For many riders training started back in June with many laps of Kings Park, in the dark mornings and weekend ventures into the hills. A team event format with 6 riders per team, this year involved a different format and routes than previous years. The change of scenery did not change the elevation and day one was an interesting mix of tactics and leg power. Day two was the brutal stage of Balingup to Greenbushes, packed with 2 challenging climbs. Day 3 set out from the Margaret River Chocolate factory across undulating terrain with many tired legs in the bunch.

SPR was fortunate to have Seth Dunwoody, a professional rider, who will be riding for Bahrain Victorious in 2025. Although only 18, he demonstrated power with some unbelievable watts and a stunning break away 10kms from the finish to win stage 2. Our mens 1st team won the B Grade division, whilst our Womens 1st team got silver in B Grade.

All in all the event had many individual stories and personal triumphs and it was great to see the friendships that were forged or strengthened across the 3 days of racing. Event the team BBQ on Sunday, involved dancing and singing with riders relaxing from another great TOMR.  

You can find the full results here, but SPR highlights include:

  • SPR M1 – Gold, Open Division B
  • SPR W1 – Silver, All Female Division B
  • SPR M7 – Silver, Open Division J
  • Andrew Highfield – Yellow Jersey Winner (overall GC), Male 60-64
  • Seth Dunwoody – Stage 2 Gold, Open Division B
  • Jodie Chipper – Stage 2 Silver, All Female Division B

Having fielded 14 SPR teams, it was also amazing to see SPR members involved with a number of other teams (shout out to Aurora Pedalaris, Steel Hearts, 4F Femmes, Giant Mandurah, Cowaramup Cycling Club, Denmark Mighty Helpful to name a few), with some great podiums in the mix:

  • Alejandra Rojas Jordรกn – Polka Dot Jersey Winner (overall KOM), Female 30-39
  • Stuart Gee – Yellow Jersey Winner (overall GC + overall KOM), Male 65+
  • Adam Ralph – Polka Dot Jersey Winner (overall KOM), Male 50-54
  • Kate Bonner – Gold, All Female Division A (part of Giant Mandurah team)

Well done to everyone who participated, and in particular to the Race Subcommittee and volunteers who made it all possible.

New Kit Day โ€” Say hello to the 2025 SPR club kit!!

The kit shop is open until 17 November so get in quick:

https://www.mayeur.cc/collections/south-perth-rouleurs

The new standard jersey is the same cut and quality as the recent Tour of Margaret River kit.

The 2025 range also sees the addition of a women’s specific jersey. If you would like to try one for fit I will have one of each size of women’s jersey at Dร”ME Westralia Plaza after the ride on Saturday.

SPR Christmas Ride & Awards โ€” Each year SPR recognises riders / volunteers who were outstanding in their support of the club or inspired others to pursue their cycling achievements. There are multiple awards each year, six based on responses to this survey – the People’s choice.

The SPR Committee also identifies club members who have contributed to the Club or demonstrated impressive achievements. A new award in 2024 recognises the Most Improved Under 18-year-old from the SPR Juniors Programme established this year. We invite the juniors, their parents and the SPR Juniors Coordinator to join us at the Dome after their own ride for the presentation of this new award.

There is a $30 Dome coffee voucher for one lucky responder to the survey as well as two vouchers for the best dressed bike/ riders on the day. See the T&Cs for the competition here.

Awards will be presented at Dome after our Annual Christmas Ride on Saturday 14th December 2024. We are again grateful to DOME for hosting the awards ceremony and the support they give the Club throughout the year. For this event you are invited to purchase food and drink/coffee directly from the restaurant as usual.

Any queries to comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Nominate people for the awards here!

SPR Christmas BBQ 2024 โ€” Christmas is fast approaching so the SPR Committee is pleased to announce its Out-of-Lycra Christmas celebration will be on the Perth Foreshore for the first time, next to the meeting place for Saturday rides.

This is a time when we celebrate the support families give to their cyclists.

Bring your preferred BBQ food, blanket and drinks to relax next to the river. We will be located near the playground and there will be activities for the kids so please register via this link so we know how many are to expect.

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

1. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium – Race 1 of 2024-25 Summer Season

2. NBCC Summer Crits (17/Nov)

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Juniors Ride โ€” Next Saturday we will have a gravel ride in the Pickering brook area. This is the course:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/311747844

It is a mix of tarmac and gravel (~9km: a portion of the Munda Biddi). Then we will end the day at Core Cider for lunch all together.

The appointment is at the car park near the Pickering Brook general store (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4EWBiqJyNpcssJtG6) at 10.30am. We will ride for approximately 1 hour and return to the car park. We will then drive to Core Cider (https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ahfYMXEsrPLndrt5) for lunch.

For this type of ride a MTB or gravel bike is required.

For organisation purposes at Core Cider, if you could confirm your presence at juniors@southperthrouleurs.com.au, it will be greatly appreciated.

From the Ride Coordinator โ€” Please be aware of the following Sunday start time adjustments planned for later this month.

From November 24th the Short and Long Hills rides will start at 6am.
From December 1st the Short Hills (Social) ride will start at 6am.

Communication is the key to a safe and successful group ride. When you are the rider at the front, you must call out all hazards(e.g. parked car, potholes) and indicate route directions, and following riders must pass it back down the group. Calls from the back of the group must also be passed to the front of the group. Remember that it can be even more difficult to hear in windy conditions.

Donโ€™t forget to follow the new layout for marshalling in the carpark, with every group moving up to the start point.

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

Saturday 9th November

Sunday 10th November

Monday 11th November

Tuesday 12th November

Wednesday 13th November

Thursday 14th November

Friday 15th November

Ride Routes 2nd – 8th November

SPR Christmas Ride & Awards โ€” Each year SPR recognises riders / volunteers who were outstanding in their support of the club or inspired others to pursue their cycling achievements. There are multiple awards each year, six based on responses to this survey – the People’s choice.

The SPR Committee also identifies club members who have contributed to the Club or demonstrated impressive achievements. A new award in 2024 recognises the Most Improved Under 18-year-old from the SPR Juniors Programme established this year. We invite the juniors, their parents and the SPR Juniors Coordinator to join us at the Dome after their own ride for the presentation of this new award.

There is a $30 Dome coffee voucher for one lucky responder to the survey as well as two vouchers for the best dressed bike/ riders on the day. See the T&Cs for the competition here.

Awards will be presented at Dome after our Annual Christmas Ride on Saturday 14th December 2024. We are again grateful to DOME for hosting the awards ceremony and the support they give the Club throughout the year. For this event you are invited to purchase food and drink/coffee directly from the restaurant as usual.

Any queries to comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Nominate people for the awards here!

SPR Christmas BBQ 2024 โ€” Christmas is fast approaching so the SPR Committee is pleased to announce its Out-of-Lycra Christmas celebration will be on the Perth Foreshore for the first time, next to the meeting place for Saturday rides.

This is a time when we celebrate the support families give to their cyclists.

Bring your preferred BBQ food, blanket and drinks to relax next to the river. We will be located near the playground and there will be activities for the kids so please register via this link so we know how many are to expect.

SPR’s Jon Hanson in Kings Park

ATTA Early Bird Series โ€” ATTA is running their Birds in the Park 17km Time Trials in Kings Park on the following dates:

  • Kings Park – 17th December – 17km
  • Kings Park – 24th December – 17km
  • Kings Park – 31st December – 17km
  • Kings Park – 14th Jan – 17km
  • Kings Park – 21st Jan – 17km

ATTAโ€™s Summer Season for 24/25 will have a different look and a slightly delayed start this year due to the re-surfacing works going on in Kings Park.

Just imagine the PBs once the new surface on Lovekin Drive is ready.

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

1. The Tour of Margaret River

2. No other options this weekend ๐Ÿ™‚

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Juniors Ride โ€” Some rain is predicted on Sat morning. however, it looks like the weather is fine after 7am, so the junior ride will go ahead but only if the roads will be dry. The plan for this weekend is to step up our effort with a long ride (~34km). You can find the course here:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/316755070

Most of the ride will be on a bike path. The only part open to traffic is along Riverton Dr (Rossmoyne and Shelley). We will have to pay some care and attention when crossing Nicholson Rd and Spencer Rd.
For the newcomers and younger juniors I would suggest to follow us up to Kent St weir pump track and return back to the start along the same way. In this case the round trip is just ~12km. Depending on the availability of other coaches/leaders, one coach might be able to escort you back.

This time the appointment is at 10am given the longer distance we have to ride and we expect to complete the ride in 2 hrs. We will meet at the usual spot here:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PjV2bpCKULHewoUR9

An SPR coach/leader will be at the appointed regardless the weather conditions, but if it will rain or the roads will be wet, the ride will be cancelled.

From the Ride Coordinator โ€” Itโ€™s Step Up Saturday! So make the leapโ€ฆ. There will probably be smaller group numbers due to a big weekend of racing. Good luck to our 14 ToMR teams and to the hardworking SPR vollies.ย 

Roads may be wet as there is a chance of early showers on Saturday. Take care on corners & roundabouts. Make sure calls are passed up & down the group. 

Long Hills may have some roadworks to negotiate at the intersection of Sevenoaks & Hamilton Sts on the way back to Vic Park.

Donโ€™t forget to follow the new layout for marshalling in the carpark, with every group moving up to the start point.

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

Saturday 2nd November

Sunday 3rd November

Monday 4th November

Tuesday 5th November

Wednesday 6th November

Thursday 7th November

Friday 8th November

Ride Routes 26th October – 1st November

SPR Christmas BBQ 2024ย โ€” Christmas is fast approaching so the SPR Committee is pleased to announce its Out-of-Lycra Christmas celebration will be on the Perth Foreshore for the first time, next to the meeting place for Saturday rides.

This is a time when we celebrate the support families give to their cyclists.

Bring your preferred BBQ food, blanket and drinks to relax next to the river. We will be located near the playground and there will be activities for the kids so please registerย via this linkย so we know how many are to expect.

Tour de Cowaramup 2024 โ€” This was the inaugural year for the Tour with a smaller number than usual participating being the busy spring season due to clashes with other rides. One constant is the fun and comradery over the whole weekend; how can you go wrong when you finish at a winery with a full-on festival feel. There is of course the support of and for the local region with fundraising for cancer being a focus. Look out for the event next year.

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

1. MCC Midland Traders 100

2. TOMR training ??? ๐Ÿ™‚

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Juniors Ride โ€” For Saturday we will meet at the usual spot in Shelley for some skill practice along Riverton Drive. The appointment is at 10.30am here:ย https://maps.app.goo.gl/1taDLpmJ1oc6ZMhe6.

From the Ride Coordinator โ€” Summerโ€™s on the way, make sure youโ€™ve got sunscreen & plenty of water this week. Itโ€™s also that time of year when reticulation systems are switched on again. Itโ€™s being mentioned because the combination of reticulation & roundabouts are probably one of the biggest causes of incidents in our group rides. Especially in the early morning weekday rides. As we all know, roundabouts are tricky enough when dry! Remember to stay in your lane when going through a roundabout. Do not cross into the other lane.

This week our main ride is Freo & Canning Vale. We havenโ€™t ridden this route since March. Please review the map. Enjoy the tailwind on Albany Hwy!

Donโ€™t forget to follow the new layout for marshalling in the carpark, with every group moving up to the start point. Feedback from last week was positive regarding this change.

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

Saturday 26th October

Sunday 27th October

Monday 28th October

Tuesday 29th October

Wednesday 30th October

Thursday 31st October

Friday 1st November

Ride Routes 19 – 25th October

[ Gravel Worlds write-up this week. New car park layout for our Saturday start. New gravel ride this Sunday. All the details below. ]

2024 Bolero UCI Gravel Worldsย โ€” On the back of the Gran Fondo Worlds write-up last week, I am excited to give you all a summary the SPR presence at the Gravel Worlds last week. Thanks to Damon for doing the work of tabulating details of SPR riders in the mix, and thanks to a few other Facebook feeds (thanks Vanessa!) for some epic photos and details of the experiences.

Damon’s comment was that whilst our positions were generally in the lower half, when you see how we did as Australians, we had a few podiums!!! Knowing many of the individuals involved, these results represented a huge investment in training and everyone should be very proud of the achievements.

So, here we go (full results here):

  • Marcus van Dalen – Mens 60-64, 78th/81 (1st Aussie)
  • Tony Moore – Mens 60-64, 84th/91 (2nd Aussie)
  • Vanessa Johnson – Womens 55-59, 16th/35 (1st Aussie)
  • Jake Harper – Mens 55-59, 121st/138 (4th Aussie)
  • Damon Sunderland – Mens 50-54, 192nd/223 (3rd Aussie)
  • Dave Manners – Mens 40-44, 153rd/232 (1st Aussie)
  • Kurt Leitch – Mens 40-44, 162nd/232 (2nd Aussie)
  • Daryl Puyales – Mens 35-39, 202nd/233 (2nd Aussie)

Please let me know if I’ve missed anyone! Kudos all ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป๐Ÿ’š

To give you a sense of the racing from Vanessa:

With the run of sunny days, the course ran drier and faster than during recon. A good start, a tight technical first 5km that took its share of casualties, fighting to stay in the second bunch, a bit of droppage as we hit the first set of climbs (Belgium not flat). Settled into a brisk moving group, which ebbed & flowed for most of the race. Fighting on the climbs, sending the descents where the traffic allowed, loving the party crowds & shout-outs on course. Attacked the cobbles & the bike held up well – carnage all around. Put the foot down in the last 10km to finish up fastest ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ W50+, 16th in age group. It’s been great to see the strength-skill-size of the women’s bunch grow over the past three years.

I’ll end with a few photos. Well done to all.

Daniel

Gravel Ride Restarting โ€” Join us for our first trial gravel ride on Sunday 20 October! Weโ€™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 โ€“ If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. WCMCC Herne Hill Memorial Handicap

2. MCC Midland Traders 100 (27/Oct)

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Juniors Ride โ€” The plan for this week is to meet in Kings Park to practice descending and climbing skills.

Let’s all meet at the DNA car park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uoet1CC6jzQpviVS7) at 10.30am. As usual, we can end our ride with a treat at the Botanical Cafe or at the nearby Kings Park Kiosk

From the Ride Coordinator โ€” Attention SPR riders!

This Saturday we are changing the way we marshal and depart the carpark for our Saturday rides. The change will affect the M2, M3, M4 and Transition groups. M2 will gather behind M1 at the river end of the carpark and M3 will meet where transition were. M4 will gather where M3 used to be and Transition will now be where M2 met. All groups will leave the carpark from the same point (where first 15 gather) by following each other along a circular route through the carpark. Please pay extra attention to your ride leaders.

We have scheduled a new ride route for Short Hills on Sunday – Khna Patt Palm. Sunday Long Hills riders have the option to do Khna Turner Obs this weekend. The condition of Turner Rd is infamous and it shouldnโ€™t be ridden at speed (if even possible!). Looking forward to getting feedback from you afterwards.

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

Saturday 19th October

Sunday 20th October

Monday 21st October

Tuesday 22nd October

Wednesday 23rd October

Thursday 24th October

Friday 25th October