All posts by Daniel Harvey

Ride Routes 14 – 20th May

So the photo above is from several years back, but the pain, hard work and amazing scenery available this weekend at SEVEN is all brand new.

We wish all the best to everyone riding this weekend. SPR and friends in particular.

Go well.

SPR Tour of Margaret River Info Night — A reminder that we are holding an information night for SPR’s TOMR 2022! The Rouleurs participation was a serious highlight for 2021, and we are keen to have as much fun this year. Get involved!

Have you ever thought about participating in the Tour of Margaret River (TOMR) but unsure what it involves?

Maybe you have participated before and would like to find out more on how to prepare a training plan or find out about racing strategy, nutrition or other training options to make your 2022 event even better. Others may wish to participate as a volunteer. Find out more at the SPR Information Session Wednesday 18 May hosted by Melody Wheels in O’Connor 6.15pm – 8.30pm. Previous participants will be there to provide insights into their preparation and experience.

The “Tour” is a team race with over 100 teams of 6 participating in 2021. It is held over three days 4 – 6 November based around Nannup and designed with team time trials and individual road races. 

SPR is reaching out to those who have never thought to participate before or may be interested in competing in a well-matched mixed team. Please register for the information session via the shop for catering purposes – pizza provided.

If you are unable to attend but would like more information this can provided after the information session from Steve on race@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

SPR Ride Leaders riding to raise money for cancer research — A small group of SPR Ride Leaders are banding together this year to train, fundraise and ride to support WA cancer research for the Harry Perkins Institute by participating in the MACA Cancer200 ride in October.

Inspired by the many members who regularly participate in the Canteen ride; Bree Mitchell, Faye Dalglish-Jones and Greg Jones all have their own motivations and stories about how cancer has impacted them or their loved ones and have decided that 2022 is a year they want to make a difference. In a nod to their SPR club affiliation they have named their team for the event The SPRockets. If you feel you want to contribute to cancer research and support our ride leaders who support us every Saturday, you can visit their fundraising page at

https://www.cancer200.org.au/fundraisers/sprockets

Donations are tax deductible and go towards world class cancer research right here in WA.

Please support “Our own team” in their endeavours to help find answers for cancers.

Peel Womens and Junior Tour — Calling our SPR Chicks and Juniors, have you seen this exciting upcoming Event from Peel District Cycling Club?

Aimed at novice/intermediate racers this is a 3 discipline Event — with an ITT, Criterium and Road Race down at the Kwinana Motorplex Sunday 29 May.

Entry is $35 (with $5 transponder hire) with Grades from A – D. An AusCycling “Race – All Disciplines” license is required but 4-week free trial licenses are accepted.

Interested? Entry via the Facebook event or direct via Entryboss https://entryboss.cc/races/11021.

SPR Race Day Hoodie — With the weather getting colder, replace your SPR tee with and SPR Hoodie. Go on.

Unisex pocket hoodie. Regular fit, pullover hood, inset sleeves, kangaroo pocket. Heavy weight, 350 GSM, 80% cotton 20% polyester anti-pill fleece. Lined hood, tonal shoestring drawcord, sleeve cuff ribbing, preshrunk to minimise shrinkage.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

1. WCMCC Herne Hill Graded Scratch Road Race

 

 

From the Ride Coordinator — There’s definitely a change in climate this week. Hopefully the rain holds off and we have dry weather for the rides, but please be prepared in case we don’t. Running wider tyres and dropping tyre pressure by 10-15psi add grip in wet weather, so consider this your preparation for winter rides. And take it easy on corners – especially at roundabouts where the camber is usually the wrong way. Westerly winds mean we can go back to courses we haven’t ridden for a while – main groups can enjoy the ups and downs of Scarborough Beach & Hale on Saturday.

Many including myself will be away for SeVen in Nannup this weekend – and we hope to reinstate some Sunday gravel rides in the coming months. Watch this space.

Saturday 14th May

Sunday 15th May

Monday 16th May

Tuesday 17th May

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

Wednesday 18th May

Thursday 19th May

Friday 20th May

Ride Routes 7th – 13th May

Announcing the Tour of Margaret River 2022! The Rouleurs participation was a serious highlight for 2021, and we are keen to have as much fun this year. Get involved!

Have you ever thought about participating in the Tour of Margaret River (TOMR) but unsure what it involves?

Maybe you have participated before and would like to find out more on how to prepare a training plan or find out about racing strategy, nutrition or other training options to make your 2022 event even better. Others may wish to participate as a volunteer. Find out more at the SPR Information Session Wednesday 18 May hosted by Melody Wheels in O’Connor 6.15pm – 8.30pm. Previous participants will be there to provide insights into their preparation and experience.

The “Tour” is a team race with over 100 teams of 6 participating in 2021. It is held over three days 4 – 6 November based around Nannup and designed with team time trials and individual road races. 

SPR is reaching out to those who have never thought to participate before or may be interested in competing in a well-matched mixed team. Please register for the information session via the shop for catering purposes – pizza provided.

If you are unable to attend but would like more information this can provided after the information session from Steve on race@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

79th Tom Lowry Memorial — The traditional opener to the WA road racing season, the 79th Tom Lowry Memorial was held in Collie last Saturday with a small but dedicated group of SPR Members heading South East to contest one of two iconic Collie Cycle Club Events.

Our Members contested Men’s A (124km), Men’s B (88km), Men’s C and Women’s B/C (62km). Steve and Mandy took the SPR Van down to show the Club’s support, meeting up with a few other riders just out of Mandurah to convoy down. We had idlyic conditions, with light winds and mild temperatures over the undulating and scenic course — starting in the Motorplex, out onto the quiet country roads and back for an exciting lap of the Motorplex to finish.

B Grade Podium

SPR’s best results came from Men’s B with Mark Claydon 2nd, brand new Club member Andrew McDowell 3rd, Tim Pesch 5th and Sam Mettam rounding out the top 10. A small but fierce group contested Men’s A with Callum Millard-Webb finishing 6th and Dan Mijat, JP Grygorcewicz and John Carnicelli all over close together just outside top 10 within a second of each other after the 124km! A tight bunch of our racing men roped in SPR Founder & past president Peter Mah to race with them in Men’s C and controlled a lot of the race finishing just off the podium with BT first over for SPR in 9th. Mandy McEvoy and our Club Secretary Sam Walker were our only two female Member riders, Mandy completing her first road race and finishing 3rd in C Grade, racing combined B/C. Jane joined us in team support, which is always appreciated. 

Our Club thanks to the Collie Cycle Club, Colllie Motorplex and Event sponsors – Premier Coal and the CFMEU, we’ll see you all for the 97th running of the iconic Collie Donnybrook and return Saturday 20th August. Save the date as this premier event always sells out! 

Enjoy the Tom Lowry photos from Patrick Boere (PB Photography) and full race results can be seen here

Volunteers needed for SEVEN — We have a relatively late notice shoutout for 2 or 3 volunteers to man a checkpoint at SEVEN on 15 May 2022. The location is the Ellis Creek Checkpoint. It’s technically the hardest climb in the race, and you can see the checkpoint for most of the climb.

If we can have some volunteers we will be sending the SPR marquee, van and flags up there to cheer the riders on (SPR in particular!). This particular checkpoint only needs to be ‘peopled’ from 9:30am to 1pm, so it may suit non-riders who will be down supporting friends / family at the event.

Please get in touch with Steve on race@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Expressions of Interest for Training and Development Subcommittee — Earlier this year members voted to increase the size of the SPR Committee which gives us a few options to look at things that you deem important. Some of the things we constantly get feedback on is things like riding skills, safety on rides, training and preparation for events just to name a few. So with the extra bods now on the committee, we are (re) introducing a Training and Development Subcommittee to scope out the needs of the club and it’s members around these important areas.

We are seeking expressions of interest from 2-3 members to join 2-3 ride leaders for this important subcommittee. So if you a passion in this area and would like to make a contribution please send your expression of interest to development@southperthrouleurs.com.au. To give you an idea of the commitment required, it is planned that this group will meet for 90 minutes, every 6 weeks to initially scope priorities for the club in training and development.

*** Important: EOIs close next Tuesday 10th May ***

Thanks for your attention
Greg Jones

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

Not this weekend! SPR Hills ride anyone??

 

 

From the Ride Coordinator – More perfect weather this weekend – how lucky are we? Our ride leaders aim to facilitate a safe fun experience for the group, so that we can all enjoy a coffee together after the ride. Nobody wants to be left riding on their own, and sometimes this leads to pushing our luck at red lights to avoid being dropped by the group. We can help prevent this if we look out for each other. There is less temptation to shoot the light if we know the group will wait for us. If you think you won’t safely get through a light , call “STOPPING” before/while braking to warn the group. Call “SPLIT” If the group splits. Remember to pass the SPLIT message up to the front of the group ahead, who should then either pull over if there is a safe spot, or ride easy until the others are back on. Most times this is done, but given the potential consequences if we don’t, it’s worth reinforcing.

This week’s route is a relatively flat one with one small bump in the middle, and a nice downwinder along Morley drive.

Enjoy and stay safe!

Saturday 7th May

Sunday 8th May

Monday 9th May

Tuesday 10th May

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

Wednesday 11th May

Thursday 12th May

Friday 13th May

Ride Routes 30th April – 6th May

There are two things that I’ve been thinking about this past week, that I think speak volumes about SPR as a club, and by that I mean all of you — for what is SPR but all of us, and our bikes 😎

First, as you may have guessed, is the way we come together when bad things happen — the recent accident being a clear demonstration of what a great community looks like. (Jay and Jamie are both home and “on the mend” so to speak — quite a journey ahead, but on the journey)

Second, has been recent visits of old friends. People have lives, and for many that takes them across the country and further afield (Germany anyone?), but the seeing them when they return is just good — and the community that is SPR is part of that. Fair travels Liam, Ginny, Heiko and Louise.

Good luck to everyone travelling to Collie for Tom Lowry Memorial!

Enjoy your week,
Daniel

  • Ginny & Liam
  • Louise & Heiko

SPR Giro d’Italia Dinner — There are still a few (eight at last count) tickets left! Bring your family and friends to celebrate with SPR the Giro d’Italia at Bella Rosa on Monday 9 May 2022 6pm for 6.30pm start. We had a wonderful time at the Bella Rosa last year, and this year is sure not to disappoint!

Menu for $52 includes a two course meal, coffee and corkage (alcoholic drinks). 

Please have a read of the menu and get your tickets on the SPR shop now!

If you have any queries, please get in touch with Carol by email on comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au

Expressions of Interest for Training and Development Subcommittee — Earlier this year members voted to increase the size of the SPR Committee which gives us a few options to look at things that you deem important. Some of the things we constantly get feedback on is things like riding skills, safety on rides, training and preparation for events just to name a few. So with the extra bods now on the committee, we are (re) introducing a Training and Development Subcommittee to scope out the needs of the club and it’s members around these important areas.

We are seeking expressions of interest from 2-3 members to join 2-3 ride leaders for this important subcommittee. So if you a passion in this area and would like to make a contribution please send your expression of interest to development@southperthrouleurs.com.au. To give you an idea of the commitment required, it is planned that this group will meet for 90 minutes, every 6 weeks to initially scope priorities for the club in training and development.

Thanks for your attention
Greg Jones

 

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

1. Tom Lowry Memorial Road Race (entries closed)

2. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium

 

 

From the Ride Coordinator – After a wet week, it looks like we’re in luck again this weekend, with sunny Easterlies forecast both days, and Benara Rd to enjoy them on Saturday. To keep the rides safe for all, please help the ride leaders on the day by keeping group sizes in the 15-20 range, and make sure you match your pace to the majority of the group. Choose a faster group if you’re feeling frisky, and step back one if you’ve had a tough week. You’ll enjoy it more, and so will the group.

The standard SPR routes do get updated from time to time, so always download the latest one if you’re going to follow on your Garmin. Don’t make the embarrassing mistake I did last week, and follow a route that’s been superseded. 😬

Saturday 30th April

Sunday 1st May

Monday 2nd May

Tuesday 3rd May

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

Wednesday 4th May

Thursday 5th May

Friday 6th May

Ride Routes 23rd – 29th April

Bring your family and friends to celebrate with SPR the Giro d’Italia at Bella Rosa on Monday 9 May 2022 6pm for 6.30pm start. We had a wonderful time at the Bella Rosa last year, and this year is sure not to disappoint!

Menu for $52 includes a two course meal, coffee and corkage (alcoholic drinks). 

Please have a read of the menu.

Updated: Tickets available on the SPR shop now!

If you have any queries, please get in touch with Carol by email on comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au

SPR Short Hills Accident Update — Most of you will be aware that we had a serious accident on SPR Short Hills last Sunday (see earlier updates on Facebook here and here). The accident involved a head on collision of our riders with a car travelling on the wrong side of the road. Approximately 10 of our riders came down, with 3 hospitalised. Not only did it result in serious injury for several of our riders, but the accident was traumatic for everyone on the scene.

The good news — if that is the best word — is that our community and healthcare system responded quickly and our riders have received the very best of care.

Jay was airlifted by rescue helicopter to RPH. He sustained fractures to the neck, back and ribs as well as serious lacerations to his legs requiring plastic surgery and skin grafts. Jay will need to wear a brace for some weeks to allow his body to heal. SPR managed to connect with Jay again today to deliver a get-well hamper. I’m not sure about Jay, but my favourite item was the Sick Puppy Beer 😎

Jamie left the scene in an ambulance with serious lacerations to his leg and ankle. Thankfully there were no broken bones, with a small fracture to the ankle and quite deep lacerations to lower leg requiring attention from the plastic surgeon. Jamie was released from hospital yesterday but will be off the bike for quite some time. SPR again managed to connect with Jamie at his home today to deliver a get-well hamper.

Both Jay and Jamie asked me to pass on to everyone their deepest thanks for the way the SPR has offered support to each of them since the accident. And thank you from me — this type of caring and supporting response is truly one of the things I love about our club.

The final serious injury was Patrick Saccani-Williams. Patrick was treated at Emergency on Sunday but released that afternoon. He impacted his head in the collision, but he checked out OK and is very thankful that modern helmets provide good protection.

I also want to recognise the local couple who witnessed the accident, then rushed first aid supplies and blankets to the scene, and finally assisted by transporting (broken) bikes away from the scene. A number of you been in touch with me to ensure their assistance was recognised. And yes, SPR (thanks Di!) delivered flowers and a card to them earlier this week.

Finally, I would like to make a request to riders on the ride: We have details for most riders but are missing several — if you were on the ride could I please ask you to ping me an email on president@southperthrouleurs.com.au. This would be much appreciated, and will enable us to cover off several details. If anybody has any questions, please contact me directly by email.

Job Done — Huge congratulations are in order for SPR veteran Jim Flynn, who last Friday completed his epic Indian Pacific Wheel Ride adventure. 5,471 km from Fremante to the Sydney Opera House in 28 days — one week less than his base plan! Out of 16 starters he finished fifth. Only eight will finish.

My favourite quote from Jim:

“It is this human aspect of what is essentially a fairly solitary endurance event that has been the biggest surprise for me. It is this aspect of the ride that I will cherish the most and will look back with fondness for the rest of my life. It has made an amazing adventure even more extraordinary.”

Chapeau Jim!!

Enjoy some rest and recovery.

Starting out
Well wishes
SPR Veteran!
30th anniversary on the road!
Are we there yet? (YES!)

 

The epic Three, Five and Se˄en is being held on Sunday 15 May in Nannup. The shorter courses, 50km (Three) and 85km (Five) are on the same gravel, clay/mud, quartz grit and mica tracks as SE˄EN and have plenty of room to pass. These distances are still challenging and designed as preparation for taking on the full SE˄EN course in future years. 

With a 10 hour cut off time for SE˄EN to cover 125km, finishing is a triumph.

If interested check out accommodation around Nannup before registering for 2022 here (official website here).

If gravel rides sounds like something you would like to get into (for 2023!!), SPR can organise an information session around the end of May; bikes, training and preparation. Contact Carol comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au if interested.

📸 Photo credits Peter McDonald and official Seven website

 

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

Criterium 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 – Communication is critical in peletons. It begins before the ride with reading the blog, and knowing the ride route the group will be riding. There were a few close calls last week with riders heading in the wrong direction. If you know the group is about to turn, call it out and pass it on. Observations from the front AND back of the group need to be passed to all. We’re generally good at passing messages from front to back, but less so at passing them forward when there is news from the rear – typically “car-back”, “split” or “single file”. Lets focus on that this week so we can all have fun, stay safe & enjoy the Goldilocks weather.

With the last of the Easterly winds this weekend, we’re heading to Holmes Rd. There’s only one climb, but it has a bit of a sting. Once you’re over it, you can enjoy downhill, and then the tail wind home.

Saturday 23rd April

Sunday 24th April

Monday 25th April – Anzac Day

Tuesday 26th April

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

Wednesday 27th April

Thursday 28th April

Friday 29th April

Ride Routes 16th – 22nd April

I hope you all have a glorious Easter, including a break and all the kilometres your hearts desire. At least for part of that, SPR can help – starting with our gourmet assortment of ride options tomorrow for Good Friday, and throughout the extended weekend. Enjoy.

In case you have missed it, we have the 9th Annual Vice Presidents Ride (see the Facebook event) at 6am, a Medio option of the same at 7am (see Facebook event for details) – both including Hot Cross Buns at Wungong Dam. We also have our usual Friday EBR and Public Holidays rides. Spoiled for choice.

We spoke last week of Michael Bonner and Adam Ralphs’ journey east to participate in the UCI qualifier event at the Tour de Brisbane.

And they had a huge weekend. I have huge respect for each of these men, not only excellent athletes (a 2nd and a 4th anyone), not only respected leaders within the SPR community, but men who manage to fit words like jouissance in when describing their cycling. Kudo gents.

 

Committee 2022 Edition – First, an apology – with the wet weather we forgot to take an official Committee photo for 2022. This will be rectified 😎

That out of the way, I am very pleased to present our Committee for the year of 2022:

You will be familiar with Andrew, Sam and Shirley who are continuing in the Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer roles. Having steady hands in these roles is good for club and very much appreciated.

Also continuing on are Carol Dowse (Community Development), Steve Burns (Race), Greg (Training and Development) and Tom Goerke (General Committee). Thank you.

It is also my pleasure to formally welcome to the Committee Mandy McEvoy (Membership & Communications) and Mark de Castro (Ride Route Coordinator).

I will be announcing in upcoming weeks some new Committee members who have volunteered since the AGM. The Committee has also been discussing some changes to the roles in order to better serve the needs of members. Keep your eye out for the announcement in the next few weeks.

 

The epic Three, Five and Se˄en is being held on Sunday 15 May in Nannup. The shorter courses, 50km (Three) and 85km (Five) are on the same gravel, clay/mud, quartz grit and mica tracks as SE˄EN and have plenty of room to pass. These distances are still challenging and designed as preparation for taking on the full SE˄EN course in future years. 

With a 10 hour cut off time for SE˄EN to cover 125km, finishing is a triumph.

If interested check out accommodation around Nannup before registering for 2022 here (official website here).

If gravel rides sounds like something you would like to get into (for 2023!!), SPR can organise an information session around the end of May; bikes, training and preparation. Contact Carol comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au if interested.

📸 Photo credits Peter McDonald and official Seven website

 

 

Paris-Roubaix at The Local – For the seventh year in a row (minus 2020), Paris-Roubaix will be screened live at The Local Hotel, 282 South Terrace, South Fremantle.

Long time SPR member Adrian Emilsen is invites you to join him for a beer and some banter, to watch the 2022 edition of The Hell of the North live on the big screen in the Garage Bar.

Please note that this event will take place within the current Covid restrictions. Proof of vaccination is required.

Details on Facebook here.

 

Jim Flynn and the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride 2022 – Three weeks in for Jim on his IndiPac 2022 adventure and lots of kilometres already behind him, although some big climbs ahead.

See below for the progress update as at now and see his latest Facebook post here. Live tracking here.

Are we there yet???

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

<not this weekend!>

 

 

From the Ride Coordinator – This is your new ride-route-picker speaking. Thanks Greg for doing such a fantastic job of the route selections and blog updates for so long. Hopefully the transition is smooth while I get the hang of this. Feel free to contact me if you’re aware of any roadworks or other issues that could affect upcoming or existing route selection.

It’s looking like a great long weekend for riding – the weather is being kind to us, and there’s plenty of choice for everyone. With TWO public holidays we get to ride the standard plus the new one North of the river. Please familiarise yourself with this and all routes before heading out. The last thing we want is one rider in a group heading straight at an intersection, when the rest hang a right; it doesn’t end well…With days getting shorter, remember your front and back lights for early morning rides, and long commutes to the start of the 7am rides – make sure they’re working and batteries are charged. When it’s dark, and you’re riding in a group, a flashing rear light can be distracting for the rider behind you, so switch to a constant setting if you can.

Saturday is an old favourite – South Lake – should be fun if the wind stays Southerly. If you haven’t ridden this for some time, there have been some significant changes/improvements along Jandakot road. Mostly to make it better, but look out for a few new roundabouts.

Saturday 16th April

Sunday 17th April

Monday 18th April – Easter Monday

Tuesday 19th April

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

Wednesday 20th April

Thursday 21st April

Friday 22nd April

Ride Routes 9 – 15th April

1 Comment

It seems slightly crazy to me, but Easter is upon us already. Maybe it’s just me.

If you have time away with family or friends – enjoy. If not, then perhaps riding some extra kilometres is on your agenda – and well – SPR can help with that. Between our Annual VP’s ride, Public Holiday rides plus all the usual suspects, we’ve got you covered.

Enjoy.

The Tour de Brisbane is on this weekend, and apart from looking like an excellent ride, offers the opportunity of qualifying for the 2022 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Trento, Italy this September.

We wish all the best to SPR members Michael Bonner and Adam Ralph, who will be competing.

Check out the website for all the details (including live tracking).

https://tourdebrisbane.org/

 

The epic Three, Five and Se˄en is being held on Sunday 15 May in Nannup. The shorter courses, 50km (Three) and 85km (Five) are on the same gravel, clay/mud, quartz grit and mica tracks as SE˄EN and have plenty of room to pass. These distances are still challenging and designed as preparation for taking on the full SE˄EN course in future years. 

With a 10 hour cut off time for SE˄EN to cover 125km, finishing is a triumph.

If interested check out accommodation around Nannup before registering for 2022 here (official website here).

If gravel rides sounds like something you would like to get into (for 2023!!), SPR can organise an information session around the end of May; bikes, training and preparation. Contact Carol comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au if interested.

📸 Photo credits Peter McDonald and official Seven website

9th Annual VP’s Ride

Need I say more.

Read all the details here.

 

 

Paris-Roubaix at The Local – For the seventh year in a row (minus 2020), Paris-Roubaix will be screened live at The Local Hotel, 282 South Terrace, South Fremantle.

Long time SPR member Adrian Emilsen is invites you to join him for a beer and some banter, to watch the 2022 edition of The Hell of the North live on the big screen in the Garage Bar.

Please note that this event will take place within the current Covid restrictions. Proof of vaccination is required.

Details on Facebook here.

 

Jim Flynn and the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride 2022 – Three weeks in for Jim on his IndiPac 2022 adventure and lots of kilometres already behind him, although some big climbs ahead.

See below for the progress update as at now and see his latest Facebook post here. Live tracking here.

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

1. WCMCC Age Group Championships Wangara

 

 

From the Ride Coordinator – So with the amount of road works (planned and not planned) around our fair city, a lot of our ride routes continue to be challenged in regards to disruptions. Whilst  Metronet is a great contribution to our public transport system, it is causing disruptions to some of our northern routes around Bayswater station and will soon have an impact on some of our southern routes when Cockburn – Thornlie ramps up work as well. Added to this is the ongoing work to ramp Leach Highway over Welshpool road and regular maintenance required to upkeep roads. So if you haven’t seen some of your “favorites” for a while there’s a good chance it’s been impacted and work arounds will be required.

So the choice of route for this week (hopefully) ducks and weaves and circumvents some of the major routes but does take the busy road down to Freo and back. If you haven’t ridden it before, do yourself a favor and check it out before you ride so we can be as safe as we can when we are riding out there.

Enjoy!

Saturday 9th April

Sunday 10th April

Monday 11th April

Tuesday 12th April

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

Wednesday 13th April

Thursday 14th April

Friday 15th April – Good Friday

Ride Routes 19 – 25th March

Posting a few photos and shoutouts tonight. One of the many things I love about cycling is the choices we have to pick our challenge – whether a tour or a race, whether the course is flat or replete with climbs, whether close or far away – and meet the challenge in good company.

This week just gone we have had SPR members participating in lots of places. Check out photos from the Peaks Challenge and Tour of Blackwood this time, and expect some more from the Life Cycle for CanTeen ride next week.

Tour of Blackwood – First up, the 2022 Edition of the Tour of Blackwood. Just a tidy 130kms if you don’t mind. We had 14 SPR riders. It turns out that this year’s included some challenges, including heavy rain, lightning and kangaroos (who took down one rider) before hot conditions and strong headwinds made the final 40kms.

I am told it was a great day out (!!) with our riders proving their abilities over a demanding course with over 1,600m of climbing.

 

Peaks Challenge Falls Creek – Congratulations to Damon, Peter, Jake, Waeel & Diego. For any that are familiar, this is a difficult ride – neatly summarised as

235km | 4000m+ | 13hrs

You get the picture. Kudos.

Check out the highlights video here as well as a few more photos on Facebook.

Jim Flynn and the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride 2022 – I want it offer a huge shoutout to long-time SPR member Jim for his about-to-commence efforts (not that he hasn’t been training!) with him embarking on the IndiPac 2022 this weekend. Check out his Facebook post here for a few more photos.

Jim had intended on doing this in 2021 but the universe had other plans, so 2022 is the year. The ride involves some 5,500km from Perth to Sydney.

Wishing you all the best Jim!

Those of you who have been around a while will know that Jim has been a consistent contributor to club and the SPR blog dating back as early as 2011 – check out all his SPR posts here. Jim has promised me a write-up of this epic adventure.

You can follow Jim live online here (look for Jimbo):

https://indianpacificwheelride2022.maprogress.com

And the latest pictures from tonight 💪🏻😎

  • Team 2022
  • Jim is ready

 

AGM Nomination Reminder – Don’t forget that nominations for the SPR Committee close tomorrow (Friday 18 March).

Read the post here as well as Andrew’s post about a few changes up for a vote at the AGM.

Nominations to Sam by email on admin@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

 

 

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

1. RCCC CloudConnect Summer Criteriums #4

2. WCMCC Herne Hill Road Race

 

From the Ride Coordinator – OK OK, before I get bailed up at the coffee shop again after the ride, I promise this weeks ride will be a little more sedate after back to back hills at Mosman and Ewen over the last few weeks. This Saturdays ride “only” has the lumpiness of Stock Rd to navigate before meandering out into some nice roll trhrough territory along South Street, Nicholson and Albany Highway. This ones got “something in it for everyone” and is one of our most popular routes, especially with a South Easterly tail wind to finish with.

Enjoy.

Saturday 19th March

Sunday 20th March

Monday 21st March

Tuesday 22nd March

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

Wednesday 23rd March

Thursday 24th March

Friday 25th March

Ride Routes 12 – 18th March

This week I would like to come back to the AGM and put a shoutout for volunteers.

We have a strong committee, with a few of us who have been involved for many years. And you might think – “well if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” – I hear you, although let me tell you a different story.

We have a club that is doing some good things. We have clearly articulated values. Safe. Inclusive. Organised. Social. And we do the things the club does on the basis of those values. Our Ride Leaders choose to show up every weekend and help make our biggest rides for the week live up to those values. We support women in cycling, and are seeing more women than ever riding (and racing) with us. We seek to provide opportunities for members to participate in events (think Tour of Margaret River, Tour de Gracetown) and to get into racing. The list goes on.

Now here is what we don’t want. We don’t want to end up in a situation where our Committee all want to step back at once.

So here is the opportunity that presents itself. Get involved with a group of people who believe that cycling is a community sport that is enjoyable, and worth doing with like-minded others. Don’t feel like you have to take on the world. Do feel like you can join a team, and find ways to contribute without having to do it all yourself.

There is room for you to make a contribution. The headline photo above is our new SPR Club Photo (2022 Edition). I think it has come together just splendidly. But like the second photo just above, doing things well takes organisation and a little bit of work.

Come behind the scenes and see how this all works.

I’ve said enough. You will be welcome. There is a way for you to contribute, whether on the committee or one of our subcommittees. We have a solid group of existing Committee who want to continue – I am wanting to continue if you will have me – as well as space for new people to get involved.

Read our secretary’s formal post here.

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

AusCycling WA State Criterium Championships – This Sunday just gone saw the State Champs held.

If you missed the write-up with all the podiums, check it out on Facebook here.

 

From the Ride Coordinator – There was definitely a lot of conversation at the coffee shop after last Saturday’s ride (Shelley Mosman) that ranged from “never did that before” to “good to have that one back” but universally there was the theme of how challenging that route was. Probably because the “lumpiness” back ends that route as opposed to getting the hills out the way early. Well this week, the hill is slap bang in the middle and plenty of people think that this one is our most challenging. If you haven’t guessed it by now, yes it’s the infamous Ewen Street climb! This is one of the routes we schedule on once or twice a year, so if you haven’t ridden it before, then please do yourself a favour and check it out. For the rest of us, how can we forget it 😎

Couple of other things to note this week. First of these relates to our popular Thursday ride route. The committee, in consultation with regular riders have decided to permanently adopt the current revised route that takes us up Shenton Road due to safety considerations and the fact that the groupings will then only have to traverse one set of lights on West Coast highway. So despite the fact that Claremont Crescent will be open both ways, our Thursday ride route will be amended on line to reflect the change to include Shenton Rd.

A few other updates to some monthly ride routes. It seems we may have jumped the gun a little early in bringing back the SPR gravel ride last month with only a very small contingent riding.  As a club we were trying to create an opportunity for riders to train for SeVen when in reality, those training for that event will be doing longer rides than just the Heritage trail. As a result we won’t be scheduling another gravel ride until after the SeVen event in May and possibly when there’s a little more grip on the trail itself.

Finally, for those that have been asking about the resumption of the monthly mid week 10am development ride that we introduced last year, we are planning for this to return again when the weather cools down – so we are hoping to schedule it up for the second week in April and run it through winter. Please note that this was always intended to be a development ride at a slower pace and only scheduled monthly.  So for those interested the first of these will be scheduled on Wednesday 13th April leaving Coode Street at 10am at development ride pace and will be lead by one of our ride leaders. We will remind everyone again a few weeks out.

Saturday 12th March

Sunday 13th March

Monday 14th March

Tuesday 15th March

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

Wednesday 16th March

Thursday 17th March

Friday 18th March

Ride Routes 5 – 11th March

After we’ve had lots of photos of racing in recent weeks, I thought to share some which remind us of the beautiful mornings most of us ride in a number of days every week.

Open invitation – feel free to share your best morning photos on the SPR Facebook group or tag us on Instagram. You know we love cycling photos.

For most of you, I’m sure I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know… but morning rides are simply the best way to start the day. The biggest problem I have is forgetting to check what wind is doing in the morning – this time of the year I rely on the easterly at my back to get me to the 5:30am ride on time. And suffice it to say that if I forget to check and the wind is not at my back, I actually have to work hard to get to the start on time…

And while SPR Saturdays attracts the most riders, our mid-week morning rides come highly recommended. SPR Thursday and Little Ring Tuesdays in particular.

See you out on the bike.

The Rotary Tour of Blackwood is fast approaching – Saturday 12 March. Now in it’s 5th year it has quickly established itself as a challenging tour of one of our most spectacular regions of WA – the Blackwood River Valley.

The region was sadly affected by recent bushfires however the Event organisers confirmed last week, despite this and COVID-19 concerns pertaining to Events, it is on. We have more than 25 SPR riders registered and there’s still time to enter this Charity ride (3 courses to choose) supporting youth mental health by providing funding to Blackwood Youth Action Inc for at risk youth counselling in the region.

Entries close Wednesday 9 March so don’t snooze, see https://www.blackwoodtour.info.

For SPR specific queries please email race@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

 

AusCycling WA State Criterium Championships – This Sunday is the State Champs and entries close tonight midnight.

https://entryboss.cc/races/10077

From the Ride Coordinator – This weekend will see the return of some “old favorites” in relation to ride routes for both Saturday and Sunday rides. The long weekend usually means a little less traffic on the roads both days so the rides routes chosen for this weekend use some of our more busier roads. It’s also likely that given what’s happening with the pandemic at the moment we will also see very light traffic so it’s time to try our hand back on those roads.

For our main ride on Saturday, we will be returning to one of our original ride routes and that is Shelley Mosman. This ride route is almost the reverse of the classic river loop we do so for all those who regularly ride the EBR, they will be mostly heading back the way they came when they cross north of the river. We haven’t been able to schedule this one for well over a year due to the roadworks at the corner of High Street and Stirling Highway that has taken forever but they are now done and we have a whopping big roundabout to negotiate now with faster moving traffic so we wanted to test the waters when the traffic is hopefully light. If you are new to SPR in the last 12 months, please click the link below and check the route out before you go as you would not have ridden it with SPR.

Similar theme to both of Sundays ride choices which head up Greenmount Hill. Another busy road on a normal weekend. We hope that the light traffic conditions afforded by the long weekend make that one a bit more pleasant for riders.

Whilst we are on Sundays Hills ride, just a reminder that the Sunday Short Hills Social ride will revert back to a 7am start, whereas the faster short hills and the long hills ride will stay at a 6am start time. If you are a regular rider of Sunday Hills, please discuss with your fellow riders.

FootNote: the Sunday coffee ride is also reverting to back to a 7am start – so enjoy the extra hour in bed everyone.

Happy Labour Day long weekend.

Saturday 5th March

Sunday 6th March

Monday 7th March Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 8th March

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

Wednesday 9th March

Thursday 10th March

Friday 11th March

Ride Routes 26th February – 4th March

Entries close tonight midnight for Henk Vogels Snr Memorial & Renae’s Race.

There are nearly 200 entrants in this Sunday’s race, with over 30 SPR members across all women’s and men’s grades. We will have SPR van and tents out, so do come down to watch what should be an excellent morning of racing.

All the details below.

The Rotary Tour of Blackwood is fast approaching – Saturday 12 March. Now in it’s 5th year it has quickly established itself as a challenging tour of one of our most spectacular regions of WA – the Blackwood River Valley.

The region was sadly affected by recent bushfires however the Event organisers confirmed last week, despite this and COVID-19 concerns pertaining to Events, it is on. We have more than 25 SPR riders registered and there’s still time to enter this Charity ride (3 courses to choose) supporting youth mental health by providing funding to Blackwood Youth Action Inc for at risk youth counselling in the region.

Entries close Wednesday 9 March so don’t snooze, see https://www.blackwoodtour.info.

For SPR specific queries please email race@southperthrouleurs.com.au. 

Kit shop open – The Mayeur shop is taking orders for SPR kit. This order closes 1 March so get on it!

Go to the shop here.

 

 

Henk Vogels Snr Memorial & Renae’s Race – This event is RCCC’s biggest event of the year. And rightly so. It aims to celebrate the lives of Henk Vogels Snr and Renae Baker, one a man who dedicated much of his life to the promotion and love of cycling, the other a young lady taken way too soon by an insidious disease.

For those not familiar, I encourage you to read the history of the race here.

Enter online here, and follow updates on Facebook.

Many will be aware that there have been a number of coaching sessions offered for our female riders at RCCC and 4Five+ races over the summer. Men, now it is your turn. RCCC and GB Coaching are pleased to offer a skills session for C and D grade male athletes as part of the Henk Vogels Snr Memorial / Renae’s Race program.

Get tips on bike handling and cornering from two time Olympic Gold Medallist and ex-professional cyclist Graeme Brown. Enter here and follow on Facebook.

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

1. RCCC Henk Vogels Snr Memorial & Renae’s Race

2. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium

 

From the Ride Coordinator – So a couple of changes to signal this week regarding some of our ride choices. I’ll start with “the dirty stuff”!

This weekend (ie this Sunday the 27th February) sees the return of the monthly SPR gravel ride on the Heritage trail and optional Chidlow extension. We are reinitiating this ride after our summer hiatus to coincide with those that might be training for the SeVen event in May. This ride will be lead by one of our dedicated volunteer ride leaders and departs from the carpark opposite the Darlington post office at 7.30 on Sunday. Just a cautionary note, as it hasn’t rained up there in a while please make sure you choose you most “gnarly” of tyre choices because at this time of year it can be a little slippy. Probably perfect training for the SeVen event.

The second thing we would like to signal is the “unwinding” of the summer start times for our Sunday rides throughout March. So the regular riders of our Sunday coffee ride and the Sunday Social short hills ride will experience a move back to a 7am start time on the first weekend in March – which makes it Sunday the 6th March (or the long weekend if that is easier to remember). Please note that this is only for the coffee ride and Sunday Social Short Hills groups. We have had requests from members of the regular short hills and long hills groups to keep the start time at 6am for a further few weeks in March so that will remain at 6am. We managed these requests OK going into Summer where we had disparate start times for these groups so we should be able to manage coming out as well. But we wanted to signal the change out a few weeks ahead and hope that people are reading down this far and not skipping to the routes by now 😀 

I guess we will find that out in a few weeks time.

Saturday 26th February

Sunday 27th February

Monday 28th February

Tuesday 1st March

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

Wednesday 2nd March

Thursday 3rd March

Friday 4th March