All posts by Daniel Harvey

Ride Routes 11 – 17th March

Good evening all,

Sending a shoutout Team SPR (officially “SPR Mixed”) who are heading off on the Canteen ride this weekend. They have done a huge job on the fundraising front (ranked 4th at last count so I here!). At this stage, it is just the riding part left to do. Enjoy the weekend!

Read below for a roundup of the MCC State Criterium Series from last weekend, including the results of the series. Some excellent results for SPR members in both women’s and men’s.

For those in Perth this weekend, it’s too late to enter, but I encourage you to come down on the day for the Perth City Criterium Championship – closed road racing in the City of Perth does not happen very often and should be a great event to watch!

A reminder also that our AGM is coming up on the Saturday 25 March (with voting running online the week prior). This means nominations close Friday week (17 March). If you are interested in getting involved, have a read of the blog post here, and get in touch (myself, Tom or any of the Committee).

And a reminder to register for our upcoming Water Tower Challenge. All the details below.

And not to mention, we have ride routes.

Daniel

MCC Criterium and State Criterium Roundup — Well done to everyone that raced last weekend in Midland’s State Criterium Series race. SPR had over 20 riders in this mix.

Congratulations to John Ingham and Gilbert Moore for picking up a podium spots D Grade – 1st and 2nd respectively. For the women, congratulations to Manou, landing 1st and Nikki Pursell 2nd in D Grade. And finally, well done to Amy Currie taking out 3rd in C Grade.

Kudos one and all 💚.

And with this race being the final in the series, we are proud to announce the SPR members who placed in the series overall:

  • D Grade – Manou 1st, Nikki 2nd and Belinda Evans 3rd
  • C Grade – 2nd, Amy Currie
  • D Grade – 1st, John Ingham and 2nd, Gilbert Moore
  • C Grade – 1st, Phil Barnes

 

SPR Water Tower Challenge 2023 — It’s back!! After some scheduling issues last year, we are pleased to announce that SPR’s epic adventure – available in both imperial and metric editions – has been locked in for Sunday 2 April 2023.

Read our previous blog post or sign up on EntryBoss now, and choose from two all new courses.

SPR Water Tower Challenge 2023

This is a fundraiser for the club and helps support the rider leaders programme that both members and non-members enjoy 365 days a year.

  

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

1. Perth City Criterium Championship

2. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Autumn is upon us, meaning that working lights are necessary for those early morning rides.

Group rides rely on many things to make them enjoyable. Two of those items are: good communication and smooth roll throughs (i.e. no surging).

We have good weather again this weekend. Enjoy.

Saturday 11th March

Sunday 12th March

Monday 13th March

Tuesday 14th March

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

Wednesday 15th March

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

Thursday 16th March

Friday 17th March

Ride Routes 4 – 10th March

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Women’s racing was in the spotlight on the weekend just gone with Renae’s Race 2023 Edition taking place on Sunday 26 February.

Many thanks to Roues Chaudes for putting on this excellent race, and thank you to all the women who competed, not least those in green 💚

It was a huge result with 13 Rouleurs competing in the women’s racing that was the highlight of day, and 4 club members making podiums across the grades.

Congratulations to:

  • D Grade – 2nd – Nikki Nicola Pursell
  • C Grade – 2nd – Claire Tyrrell
  • B Grade – 3rd – Rebecca Kelly
  • Renae’s Race – 3rd – Kate Bonner
  • Renae’s Race – 6th – Amanda Nabi

SPR 💚
Our Bec, making the others chase!
Looking good in green
Race day
D Grade Podium
C Grade Podium
B Grade Podium
Renae’s Race Podium

 

SPR Water Tower Challenge 2023 — It’s back!! After some scheduling issues last year, we are pleased to announce that SPR’s epic adventure – available in both imperial and metric editions – has been locked in for Sunday 2 April 2023.

Read our previous blog post or sign up on EntryBoss now, and choose from two all new courses.

SPR Water Tower Challenge 2023

This is a fundraiser for the club and helps support the rider leaders programme that both members and non-members enjoy 365 days a year.

  

Kit Shop Open — There are still a few sale items left, but we now have the new and improved SPR Series 2 Mayeur kit available for order.

www.Mayeur.cc/collections/south-perth-rouleurs

The shop is open now, with this order closing 5 March for delivery mid April.

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

1. MCC Burswood Criterium

2. Perth City Criterium Championship (12/Mar)

 

From the Ride Coordinator — From this Sunday (5th March) the Hills rides will start at 7am.

Red lights mean stop. If you’re at the front of a group, then orange lights mean stop. Make the call loud and clear, so that the riders behind have time to respond. If for any reason the group splits due to a red light, then ride really easy until the “All on” call is heard. Riders are less likely to run the lights if they know the group will wait.

Enjoy the good weather this long weekend.

Saturday 4th March

Sunday 5th March

Monday 6th March – Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 7th March

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

Wednesday 8th March

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

Thursday 9th March

Friday 10th March

Ride Routes 25th February – 3rd March

SPR Water Tower Challenge 2023 — It’s back!! After some scheduling issues last year, we are pleased to announce that SPR’s epic adventure – available in both imperial and metric editions – has been locked in for Sunday 2 April 2023.

Sign up on EntryBoss now, and choose from two all new courses.

SPR Water Tower Challenge 2023

Ride against the clock in teams of 3, through the Perth suburbs in search of water towers. You will likely find water towers that you never knew existed and visit suburbs you do not usually ride through north and south of the Swan River.

This is a fundraiser for the club and helps support the rider leaders programme that both members and non-members enjoy 365 days a year.

This open to all – SPR members and non-members.

Categories:

The SPR Water Tower Challenge is a participation event designed to challenge riders of any ability. Whether it is to traverse the course in the fastest time or just record a century, this event is for you. There are two routes to choose from: the imperial century (101 kms) and the metric century (160 kms).

Make sure you read the full details on EntryBoss.

And if you are not able to ride on the day, please consider helping out as a volunteer.

Get in touch with Steve via the race@southperthrouleurs.com.au email to sign up as a volunteer.

Ride or volunteer… get involved 😎💚

  

Kit Shop Open — There are still a few sale items left, but we now have the new and improved SPR Series 2 Mayeur kit available for order.

www.Mayeur.cc/collections/south-perth-rouleurs

The shop is open now, with this order closing 5 March for delivery mid April.

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

1. RCCC Renae’s Race 2023

2. WCMCC Speed Dome Criterium

4. MCC Burswood Criterium (Note venue change. Enter now for 5/Mar)

5. Perth City Criterium Championship (12/Mar)

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Last Friday’s SPR recovery ride had a slight route change to improve safety. We used to turn right from Manning Rd into Kent St, at around 32km. Instead, we now turn left just before Kent St, followed by two right turns, and then straight across Manning. See the route here. Feedback from all groups who rode last week was positive.

This Sunday sees our second of three open training rides. We’ve invited anyone riding the 2, 3 or 5 Dams rides, to join us for a training ride with SPR in a safe, organised, inclusive environment. We’ve taken some lessons from the first session and will aim to have more balanced groups in both long and short courses, to avoid long waits. Courses have been chosen to provide similar hill training to that which riders will experience in the Dams rides. Please cooperate with committee members/ride leaders at the start who will brief riders on how the ride will progress.

There are roadworks that will affect Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday early rides rides on Canning Beach Rd in Applecross just before Raffles, from 23 Feb to 21 April. This will probably result in a diversion via Moreau Mews onto Kintal for the last few hundred metres. Please avoid sprinting after the Yacht Club roundabout until these are complete.

Heads up – ALL Sunday Hills ride start times change from 6am to 7am from Sunday 5th March. That’s in two week’s time. Aaah – that extra hour of sleep at last.

Saturday 25th January

Sunday 26th February

Monday 27th February

Tuesday 28th February

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

Wednesday 1st March

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

Thursday 2nd March

Friday 3rd March

Ride Routes 18 – 24th February

A brief blog today. Enjoy the weather, and the riding/racing opportunities this weekend.

Don’t forget the open to everyone SPR Chicks event this Sunday.

Daniel

SPR Chicks Dinner at Dusk (Point Walter Edition) — SPR Chicks are heading to Dinner at Dusk – Point Walter on Sunday 19th Feb!

Due to the popularity and feedback from the last food truck night, this event is open all members and their families.

If you would like to ride across to Point Walter, pub ride style, meet at Coode St carpark for a 5pm departure. We’ll swing by Raffles and collect along the way, ideally getting to Point Walter for 5:30pm.

Alternatively, meet us there at 5:30pm.

Don’t forget sleeves if it’s cool, a blanket to sit on, and lights for riding home.

  

Kit Sale — MAYEUR have just added a limited range of spare ‘series 1’ SPR clubline kit to their webshop.

There’s limited sizes available, but it’s a great opportunity to grab a bargain on some of the original range, with the prices all reduced by 50%. All orders of the original range will be postage only.

www.Mayeur.cc/collections/south-perth-rouleurs

*The shop will open again for sale of the updated range on 18th Feb – 5th March, for delivery mid April.

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

1. PDCC 22-23 Summer Criterium Race 4

2. WCMCC Bibra Lake Criterium

3. RCCC Renae’s Race 2023 (Coming up 26/Feb!)

4. MCC Burswood Criterium (Note venue change. Enter now for 5/Mar)

5. Perth City Criterium Championship (12/Mar)

 

From the Ride Coordinator — More glorious cycling weather coming up – expect lots of people once again. We’ve seen a spike in crashes the last few weeks, so please stay vigilant – especially at roundabouts and corners. With so many riders gathering at the Coode St car park for the start, and the end of Saturday EBR its worth remembering the rules in place around the improved cycle path running through South Perth. Riders on the cycle path have right-of-way crossing Coode St as it approaches the car park. Many of our riders approach via Coode St, and there have been some close calls where riders on the road have not yielded to riders on the bike path. Lets do the right thing, and remind others in the group when approaching this crossing. Sunday’s short hills is a new route – which includes Turner rd (ridden by long hills last week), and a new stretch between Glenisla and Lawnbrook roads, along Palmateer Rd, and a return to Welshpool Rd via Pommeroy which many will have done in the other direction. As always, its best to familiarise yourself with the route, and load it into your bike computer before heading out on unfamiliar routes.

Friday recovery ride: There have been some issues with the right turn from Manning Rd into Kent St, with groups often splitting around this point. To improve safety, we’ve made a slight change. We will turn left into Drogheda Way, about 200m before the lights at Kent St, and then right at the roundabout and right again before crossing straight over Manning road at the lights. Updated route is here. Please treat this detour as a neutral zone.

Enjoy the rides this week, and look out for each other.

Saturday 18th January

Sunday 19th February

Monday 20th February

Tuesday 21st February

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

Wednesday 22nd February

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

Thursday 23rd February

Friday 24th February

Ride Routes 11 – 17th February

This year has seen a real increase in the local racing opportunities across the summer season, and it looks like we are going to finish the season with a bang. Within SPR, we’ve seen a real increase in race participation across the grades – many regulars plus lots of new participation – I want to send out thanks to Steve and the Race Subcommittee for fostering both a competitive spirit combined with support for those new to racing. As ever, please get in touch if you are interested or have any questions.

And if you take a look at the interim points for the AusCycling WA 2023 Criterium Series after Round 2 you will see the green well represented. Kudos all.

I would also like to send out thanks to Peel District Cycling Club, Roues Chaudes Cycling Club and Northern Beaches Cycling Club for putting on some most excellent racing. Thanks also to AusCycling and WestCycle.

Don’t forget we have another round of the State Criterium Series put on by Northern Beaches this weekend.

And coming up we some huge races coming up in March with the final in the State Criterium Series (Burswood Criterium – Midland Cycle Club), also Renae’s Race (Roues Chaudes) and the Perth City Criterium Championship (tickets open tomorrow).

Talk about options for racing.

Daniel

SPR Chicks Dinner at Dusk (Point Walter Edition) — SPR Chicks are heading to Dinner at Dusk – Point Walter on Sunday 19th Feb!

Due to the popularity and feedback from the last food truck night, this event is open all members and their families.

If you would like to ride across to Point Walter, pub ride style, meet at Coode St carpark for a 5pm departure. We’ll swing by Raffles and collect along the way, ideally getting to Point Walter for 5:30pm.

Alternatively, meet us there at 5:30pm.

Don’t forget sleeves if it’s cool, a blanket to sit on, and lights for riding home.

Coffee Shop Etiquette — Each and every Saturday, SPR descends on Dome Westralia Square en masse to enjoy the company and hospitality put on offer. I for one, enjoy the opportunity.

However, may I take this opportunity for a gentle reminder to think and be considerate. Keep in mind that whilst most locals know what 8:30am on a Saturday morning looks like at Dome, there are often travellers in town or others not used to our cycling habits. So please – stay dressed, think about the fact that there is a lot of lycra in one place and be considerate of the fact that Dome is a family friendly restaurant.

  

Kit Sale — MAYEUR have just added a limited range of spare ‘series 1’ SPR clubline kit to their webshop.

There’s limited sizes available, but it’s a great opportunity to grab a bargain on some of the original range, with the prices all reduced by 50%. All orders of the original range will be postage only.

www.Mayeur.cc/collections/south-perth-rouleurs

*The shop will open again for sale of the updated range on 18th Feb – 5th March, for delivery mid April.

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

1. NBCC State Criterium Series

2. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium (2 Race Tour- 2nd Part)

3. RCCC Renae’s Race 2023 (Coming up 26/Feb!)

4. MCC Burswood Criterium (Enter now for March!)

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Judging by the numbers we’re seeing in the groups, we’re in peak riding season. More riders out there means more concentration required on the bike to avoid the most common cause of crashes – inattention.

A reminder too to ensure your bike is well maintained – either by yourself or your local bike shop. Tyre, brake pads, derailleurs and shifters are the most obvious, but all bearings, cables, chains, and even the frame itself need regular checking. If you hear something strange on a bike in the group, let the rider know – they might not have noticed. If necessary pull over with them when it’s safe to do so, and investigate further. Better safe than sorry.

Saturday takes the main groups back to an old favourite – mainly because it’s short and flat – Canning Vale & Welshpool. Take extra care along William Road (after Albany Hwy), there are a few small roundabouts, and listen for guidance from the ride leader on when to go in single file.

Sunday’s Long Hills takes us up Turner Rd – a testing 2.5km climb on a mostly unused pitted old road in Roleystone with heaps of character. If you don’t mind venturing off the beaten track, give it a go.
Stay safe and enjoy the (slightly) cooler weather.

Saturday 11th January

Sunday 12th February

Monday 13th February

Tuesday 14th February

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

Wednesday 15th February

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

Thursday 16th February

Friday 17th February

Ride Routes 4 – 10th February

For tonight’s blog I want to share with you a perspective on our club, and the community that it represents. Something I think speaks volumes to what makes SPR the unique club that it is.

The story starts with our Ride Leader Slack channel. For those of you that may not know, we have a Slack dedicated to all things “Ride Leader” – everything from scheduling to ride routes to safety … the list goes on. Now during January we’ve seen an increase in numbers riding with us, particularly out on our main Saturday rides. And as a result, a number of our groups have needed to make adjustments, and some of these led to conversations amongst our Ride Leaders around issues such as group sizes, how to best split groups, what happens when groups split out on the road (and how do we bring them back together), how do we ensure good communication amongst riders in the group, etc.

My reflection on these conversations is one of admiration for the SPR Ride Leader team. Our club has four core values: Safe. Inclusive. Organised. Social. And to my mind, conversations like the one I described above demonstrate these values in practice.

For everyone that joins us, whether for one ride or for many, know this: You are welcome, and, you can contribute to seeing SPR values in action. Two things come to mind as I write: First up, keep others in mind as you ride. As group numbers are peaking, whether you are returning to a training routine or taking up group riding and the joy of cycling for the first time – keep in that that our members have a range of expectations on what the perfect Saturday ride looks like – whether that be social interaction, hard training for an event or other goal, easier rides on low intensity/recovery weeks, or simply looking to learn the skill of group riding in search of a healthier lifestyle. Different expectations can lead to friction out on the road, whereas recognising the diversity across our riders helps ease it.

In all these cases, our top priority is to bring everyone back to the coffee shop in one piece – in line with our #1 core value: Safety.

The second thing that comes to mind is this: Offer a shoutout to our Ride Leaders. This dedicated group share a common goal of helping to create an environment which encourages a safe, fun experience on every SPR ride. I encourage you to take every opportunity to support our Ride Leaders – whether that be by cooperating during the briefings and rides, acknowledging their efforts after the ride, or shouting them a coffee on occasion. The team volunteers their time, and you might be amazed at how much a small show of appreciation is valued.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

We announced SPR’s participation in the Tour of Gracetown (TdG) last week – read all about it in last week’s blog post.

We have now opened the SPR shop to allow you to book SPR-organised accomodation.

See the links below for registration and accomodation.

Register for the Tour de Gracetown

Book SPR-organised Accommodation

Contact Carol via comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au if you have any queries.

SPR Tour de Gracetown 2022 Recovery Ride

  

  

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

1. RCCC 2023 Henk Vogels Snr Memorial Criterium

2. WCMCC Herne Hill Scratch Road Race (2 Race Tour – 1st part)

 

From the Ride Coordinator — We’re in for a hot week, so please remember to prepare accordingly – carry plenty of cold water and wear sunscreen. I’d like to reiterate our president’s message above, that ride leaders are volunteers who give their time freely so that we can all have better, safer rides. They really appreciate it when the group listens, follows instructions, and it give positive feedback after the ride.

Note the small change in the Saturday Main group ride route; Collier Dianella. On Guilford Rd, immediately after crossing Tonkin Hwy, we turn left, cross the railway line, and then right onto Railway Pde. It’s safer this way, as there is a feeder lane for turning left from Guilford, so we don’t hold up traffic and avoid impatient drivers getting too close as has happened in the past. Stay cool and enjoy the rides this week.

Saturday 4th January

Sunday 5th February

Monday 6th February

Tuesday 7th February

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

Wednesday 8th February

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

Thursday 9th February

Friday 10th February

Ride Routes 21st – 27th January

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Many of you will have seen the announcement on social media of the Perth City Criterium. This is great news for cycling – whether you race yourself or participate in the sport for fitness and group rides. The event has serious funding from the our State Government (thank you!) and is being jointly organised by the two key organisations in cycling in Western Australia – AusCycling and WestCycle. Whilst full details are yet to be announced, the event will have a community focus as well as putting the spotlight on elite and women’s racing.

More from Mark below in Ride Routes, but we have partnered with WestCycle to offer training rides to Dams participants. Recognising that helping provide pathways into group riding (hills or otherwise 😎) is something SPR loves to do, the Committee felt it was a natural fit to select some targeted rides to offer to those in training for the Dams 2023.

We have the Australia Day Public Holiday coming up next week. That means a Public Holiday ride and an opportunity to race with RCCC. Whatever you choose, enjoy.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

  

Perth City Criterium
Dams 2023

  

Good Sports Forum – Strengthening South Perth Sporting Communities — The City of South Perth is hosting a Good Sports and Club Development Workshop on 15 February 2023.

The forum has drugs and alcohol focus, discussing how to manage alcohol and illegal drugs as well as promoting safe transport to and from club events.

If you’re interested in participating, see the link above, and feel free to get in touch with Tom or Carol to coordinate both inputs into and outcomes coming from the workshop from an SPR perspective.

By way of background, Good Sports is Australia’s largest and longest running health initiative in community sport. A program of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Good Sports aims to build stronger communities by championing positive change and helping to create family-friendly, thriving clubs.

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

1. WCMCC Wangara Criterium

2. RCCC Australia Day Criterium 2023

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Safety alert: Wet Roundabouts are a serious hazard for cycling bunches. Two in particular have taken a regular toll on SPR group rides, both occur on the standard river loop and have retic systems nearby that keep them moist year round.

They are:

  1. Hackett Drive, Crawley at the RPYC turnoff, and
  2. Duncraig Rd, Applecross, at the SPYC turnoff.

Please exercise extreme caution when approaching these, and consider them a “Neutral Zone“.

This Sunday sees the first of our Dams Challenge open training rides. Three of these training days are planned; 22 January, 26 February and 26 March. We’ve invited anyone training for the 2, 3 or 5 Dams rides, to join us for a training ride with SPR in a safe, organised, inclusive environment. We’ve had about 20 responses, and expect more to join on the day. We’ll split the groups at the start as needed to keep group sizes manageable for both short and long Hills rides. There may be some riders new to bunch riding, and unfamiliar with SPR ride etiquette and protocols. Please be patient and help where you can to make the riders feel welcome, and to keep the ride safe. We’ll apply any lessons learned from Sunday’s ride to the next two sessions in February and March.

Enjoy the weekend.

Saturday 21st January

Sunday 22nd January

Monday 23rd January

Tuesday 24th January

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

Wednesday 25th January

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

Thursday 26th January – Australia Day Public Holiday

Friday 27th January

Ride Routes 14 – 20th January

It’s that time of year again, with the Tour Down Under starting tomorrow.

For those that are/have headed over … enjoy.

For everyone else, you’re welcome to consider some passive aggressive sharing with the hashtag #notradelaide 😎

  

Annual General Meeting — It’s not until late March, but I want to flag our AGM so that you all get to start thinking about it early.

Each year at the AGM, all office holder and general committee positions are declared vacant. We do this to ensure that the committee is representative of our broad membership and the opportunity is there to see the committee evolve to meet our members’ changing needs.

Please do consider if the SPR committee is a place you might contribute to the rouleur community.

Positions on the committee include:

  • President
  • Vice-President
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Race committee representative
  • Ride Coordinator committee representative
  • Women’s Interest committee representative
  • Kit committee representative
  • Community Development committee representative
  • Training and development representative
  • Membership & Communications representative
  • General committee members

There is also an opportunity to assist the club on the following sub-committees, and new volunteers are always welcome:

  • Race sub-committee
  • Kit sub-committee
  • Community sub-committee
  • Women’s interests sub-committee
  • Training and development sub-committee

For details of our current committee see here.

If you are interested or have questions, please get in touch – either by email (president@southperthrouleurs.com.au or admin@southperthrouleurs.com.au) or via our Facebook page.

AusCycling Review — Many of you will know that several years ago, the national sporting body changed from Cycling Australia to AusCycling. At the time, the changes were problematic – there were good sides of the changes as well as some real problems.

Many of the issues remain – to the extent that many SPR members (particularly those who do not race – the majority of our members) see no real impact of AusCycling on their/our experience as cyclists.

We have a good local State Manager in Matt Poyner though the WA office is severely understaffed. We do also have a well-staffed WestCycle office (also a path to SPR membership, and an organisation with positive impact locally) though these two cycling bodies still have yet to establishing a good working relationship.

AusCycling yesterday announced a review of the new organisation – have a read on Facebook here (as you can imagine, some lively discussion already) and the formal news post here.

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

1. WCMCC Bibra Lake Criterium

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Some things are worth repeating, particularly when safety is at stake. Red lights mean stop. If you’re at the front of a group, then orange lights mean stop, and call it loudly so that the riders behind know to slow down. If for any reason the group splits due to a red light, then ride really easy until those left at the lights have caught up. If they know the group will wait up, they are less likely to shoot a light. It’s much easier to get a group through a set of lights if the size is kept below 15 riders.

Lets all help by cooperating at the start, to ensure we set ourselves up for success. Enjoy the good weather again this weekend.

Saturday 14th January

Sunday 15th January

Monday 16th January

Tuesday 17th January

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

Wednesday 18th January

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

Thursday 19th January

Friday 20th January

Ride Routes 7 – 13th January

Congratulations to all of you that completed or attempted the inaugural SPR Xmas 500 over the festive period with over 75 riders. It was certainly hard work and great fun to see what it is like to attempt pro hours and luckily we can all return to our day jobs for some rest. 

There were some great performances with Ted Wong brushing past an impressive 800km – great work Ted! 5 of our riders made it over 1,000km.

As with any event like this, there is always a bit of internal rivalry among the riders. This year, Pete Mah and Steve Burns were two riders who were closely matched in terms of their distances. Even though they didn’t ride together, their distances were very similar, which added an extra element of excitement to the event, with Pete’s 3am night owl performance being the difference.

The overall winners for most distance were:

Men – Elar with over 1,500km and 11,200m of elevation (a definite love of cycling)

Women – Jane Yang distance – $817km / Lauren Humphreys 4,717m of elevation

Congrats to our winners!

Elar Kalda – Distance & Elevation Winner
Elar Kalda
Jane Yang – Distance Winner
Lauren Humphreys – Distance & Elevation Winner

There were other prize winners:

R Smith                $100

A Lilley                 $50

J Randall              $20

N Lin Tun             $20

M Martins           $20

N du Plessis         $20

N Tsirigotis          $20

E McNulty           $10

W Choy                $10

P Barnes              $10

S Bektic                $10

H du Plessis         $10

A Yang                 $10

G Pennefather    $10

G Moore              $10

R Firth                  $10

T Persh                 $10

While not everyone was able to ride as far as Elar, there were still many riders who managed to complete 500km for the first time. This is a huge accomplishment and they should all be congratulated on their hard work and determination.

Thanks again to everyone who participated as it was a great success and everyone should be proud of their achievements. Whether you rode 500km or 1500km, it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to complete a challenge like this. Congratulations to all the riders and we hope to see you all again next Xmas! Watch out Elar you have set the bar very high!

  

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

1. PDCC 22-23 Summer Criterium Race 3

2. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium

3. RCCC Twilight World Champs @ DRMC Rnd 5

 

From the Ride Coordinator — From time to time while riding or racing in a group, you may hear someone call “Hold your lines!”. It’s a good reminder of safe riding practice in groups when going round a bend / corner, or going through a roundabout. What it means is “stay in the same part of the lane throughout the corner or roundabout. If there are two lines of riders, and the roundabout has two lanes, the left line needs to stay hard left (outside) all the way round, so that the right line of riders is not forced into the right (inside) lane. Similarly, going around a left hand bend, the right lane needs to stay wide to give the riders in the left lane enough space to avoid the kerb. In short – don’t cut the corner.

Don’t forget plenty of water, and sunscreen in your pre-ride checks. After a stinking hot week it should be a bit cooler this weekend – enjoy.

Saturday 7th January

Sunday 8th January

Monday 9th January

Tuesday 10th January

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

Wednesday 11th January

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

Thursday 12th January

Friday 13th January

Ride Routes 31st December – 6th January

I did promise to write up our annual Social and Race Awards this week… read on for all the details. And even a few select photos – although there are *lots* on Facebook already.

Hopefully you are all having a “relaxing” break for Christmas and the New Year. Clearly, “relaxing” includes riding ridiculous kilometres on the bike if the SPR Xmas 500 is anything to go by. As of this writing, we have 1,099kms ridden and 9,807m vertical metres climbed as the top of the leaderboard, and a significant number of rouleurs who have already completed 500km. Kudos.

Enjoy the rest of the break.

Daniel

SPR Social & Race Awards — Each year SPR recognises riders and volunteers for their achievements and contributions to all things cycling. Read below for the nominations for this year’s awards. Respect.

Most Inspirational Rider — Jayant Ashford. What an amazing story of recovery and persistence. We saw you on the ground after the horrifying crash on the short hills ride and at that time I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to walk again. Reading about how you got back on the bike despite all the injuries was remarkable. Racing in the ToMR this year was astounding. You have inspired us all.

Most Improved Rider — Amy Currie. Amy was a standout in this category and has won the award two years running. She has trained hard and made a huge transformation in her training & racing skills to represent the club & the country at the Masters Worlds for gravel. She gives everything a go.

Good Samaritan — Michael Bonner. Michael has won about every award in SPR and this year he is recognised for his selfless giving of time and support for other cyclists. He regularly helps me and others in our greatest moment of need, when in the red, about to get dropped, by slowing and offering his wheel, steadily dragging us back to the group! We call it the Mike Bonners Wheel Appreciation Club (MBWAC)! He is the Chicks favourite train!

Epic Moment or Equipment — Joint winners Mark de Castro & Belinda Evans. Mark de Castro, on ToMR stage 2, his bike was nearly written off by a rear ender into his derailleur and he managed to stay upright …and calm as always. He went on to change over to another bike removing many parts including the kick stand and bike carrier in the break. He finished the next stage that day and continued the next day.. on a different bike again – all the right size.

Belinda drank a 500mL can of V before a crit hoping to break-away on the first lap, only to lose her 200m lead by chucking twice on the first lap and missing a corner mid spew and skidding into a fence. Better luck next time V girl! PS Stick to drinking beer! 

Ride Leader Award — Laurensia Rosana. Laurensia is an awesome ride leader looking out for everyone! She gives clear instructions, ensures that everyone works together well in the groups, and meets at the regroup point. It is one of safest groups to ride with.

Volunteer Award — Steve Burns. Steve was a standout in this category and anyone who knows Steve will understand that this is truly well deserved recognition. Steve spends an extra 30hrs on top of full-time hours to ensure successful events…. It goes without saying! What a legend, so many hours, such passion, always working the bunch.

Special mention too for Michelle Bonner who is also recognised as a caring and resourceful Volunteer. She is a class above when it comes to helping out, the true club Mum.

Best Race Contribution (female) — Lily Handoyo. Lily has shown tremendous improvement competing this year in the ToMR. 

Best Race Contribution (male) — Sam Mettam. Sam has trained so hard this year and his performance in the TOMR is proof of this. The improvement is not only in the speed but also his approach. To watch Sam in crits now is very exciting!

President’s Award — Adrian Emilsen. Adrian is the epitome of what it means to be club member. He is a Ride Leader extraordinaire, regularly leading rides and respected by all. Adrian regularly offers up his “office” to run SPR events (thank you Melody Wheels), and is a strong contributor across the board when it comes to all things SPR. And a keen cyclist to boot. Adrian is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the SPR President’s Award for 2022.

Club Participant — Petra Bauer. It is a pleasure to award the Club Participant Award for 2022 to Petra. Petra is a much-loved Ride Leader, particularly when it comes to the Sunday Social Hills ride. She has a level head in all situations, is a keen contributor when it comes to choosing and improving our hills ride routes, not to mention an excellent Tour of Margaret River team member. Kudos Petra.

Best Dressed Award — Shirley Vine and Andrew Ballam. A picture is worth a thousand words – so they say – so I will let you check out the photos below.

Best Dressed – Andrew Ballam
Volunteer Special Mention – Michelle Bonner
Colourful 🙂
And well dressed!
Best Dressed – Shirley Vine
Most Improved – Amy Currie
Ride Leader – Laurensia Rosana
The Paparazzi
Looking good 🙂
Volunteer Award – Steve Burns
Epic Moment – Belinda Evans
Epic Moment – Mark de Castro

 PS Not everyone was there to receive their award, and I think I missed a few photos. Sorry!

  

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

1. RCCC Twilight World Champs @ DRMC Rnd 4

 

From the Ride Coordinator — 2022 done and dusted. We added some new ride routes for Sunday hills, and we’d like that to become a more regular thing. This week saw some massive miles ridden by our members with a few looking like topping 1,000km for the Festive 500. Despite that, it’s great to see SPR crash statistics showing significantly fewer than average spills for November and December. Keep it up – it means we’re paying more attention in groups, as inattention is by far the biggest cause of crashes.

Regulating the size of groups is also an important preventative measure, and it’s been great to see the cooperation from riders at the starts keeping group sizes to around 15. Another way to reduce risk is by riding with a group that matches your ability on the day. If you’re feeling strong, or want to push yourself, try moving up a group rather than pushing a group beyond their normal ability. It makes the ride safer and more enjoyable for all.

I copped a bit of flack for the hilly ride route last Saturday – so we’re going for a nice flat one this week – Alexander Drive – which we haven’t ridden since February! Enjoy, and have a safe, fun and festive new year.

Saturday 31st December

Sunday 1st January – New Year’s Day

Monday 2nd January – New Years Holiday

Tuesday 3rd January

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

Wednesday 4th January

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

Thursday 5th January

Friday 6th January