All posts by Daniel Harvey

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

Ride Routes 12 – 18th February

You know we want you there … don’t forget! SPR Club Photo. 7:00am 12 Feb before the Saturday ride. That’s this Saturday.

We are delighted to have the photo taken by none other than the Mr Zac Williams – Perth local and cycling photographer extraordinaire. Check out ZW Photography for more.

Please muster from 6:45am so that we can take the photo promptly at 7:00am and get the rides underway.

Important: We’d love to have as many members in the photo as possible, but there are some requirements to make the cut. In the interests of an amazing photo, uniformity is key – you know it looks better when we’re all in the same kit.

So, the rules:

  • Current Mayeur club kit only (no exceptions)
  • No bikes in the picture
  • No helmets
  • No sunglasses
  • No ride leader jerseys

Updates: We’ve had some queries back and forth from a few of you so here are some updates: First, if you don’t have the current jersey do ask around – if a loaner gets you in the picture (so to speak) who is going to complain 😎. Second, please wear plain black knicks if you don’t have the SPR knicks – we may move you round (back row anyone?) to get the best visual but we can work with that.

Mandy McEvoy

Committee updates – Most of you will know Mandy, but I would like to formally welcome her into the committee role of Membership & Communications (who would have guessed!).

Mandy has agreed to step up and take on this role until the AGM as Claire Tyrrell has needed to take a step back.

I would take the opportunity to that Claire for her contributions. We have been very thankful for the skill she brings to writing, and hope we can feature her again in the future. Thanks Claire!

Equally, as most as you will have noticed, Mandy has been adding much colour and flair to our social media presence – both on Facebook and Instagram – as well as supporting Amanda and the Women’s Interests subcommittee. Welcome Mandy.

Lights – Quick reminder regarding lights. The days are getting shorter again – keep this in mind as you head out to our EBRs.

 

 

 

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

1. 4Five+ Sanctuary Summer Series #3

2. WCMCC Wangara Criterium

 

From the Ride Coordinator – Was riding along Bourke Drive this week during one of the clubs training rides and our small but committed band of SPR riders came up behind another larger group of cyclists. From a fair way back we could see this group was squeezing 4-5 abreast across single lane and half wheeling. Unbelievably for a group involving myself 🤣, we were actually going faster than the group ahead and it wasn’t going to be long before we would need to call out “bikes back” and pass the group ahead. Before we made that call and before the group ahead could hear us, someone from our group spoke out to all of us, suggesting “let’s show this group how we ride at SPR and how it should be done”.  We then made the call to the group ahead, rolled around them in single file and quickly regrouped again ahead of the other group.

You might be questioning why I am telling this story, you may be even thinking “yeah that happens all the time in my rides as well”. Well, having ridden in Perth now for the last 6-7 years, it’s my view that those that have ridden with SPR understand the importance of ride etiquette to the safety of the group, especially the need to make calls, (bike/car back/ahead etc).  This ride etiquette is yet another point of difference for our club, is crucial to our core values of organised and safe and another reason why so many Perth riders choose to ride with us on our group rides. If you haven’t read it in a while, check it out here. If you’re new to the club, it’s talked through on our development rides and if you’re coming back to the club after an absence please reacquaint yourself with the expectations that we have on riding with us. It’s so much more enjoyable getting back to the coffee shop in one piece to share the story that you just helped create on the ride compared with nursing a broken bike or body back home because you or someone else didn’t make a call at the right time.

Saturday 12th February

Sunday 13th February

Monday 14th February

Tuesday 15th February

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

Wednesday 16th February

Thursday 17th February

Friday 18th February

Ride Routes 5 – 11th February

The SPR Club Photo date has been locked in. 7:00am 12 Feb before the Saturday ride.

We are delighted to have the photo taken by none other than the Mr Zac Williams – Perth local and cycling photographer extraordinaire. Check out ZW Photography for more.

Please muster from 6:45am so that we can take the photo promptly at 7:00am and get the rides underway.

Important: We’d love to have as many members in the photo as possible, but there are some requirements to make the cut. In the interests of an amazing photo, uniformity is key – you know it looks better when we’re all in the same kit.

So, the rules:

  • Current Mayeur club kit only (no exceptions)
  • No bikes in the picture
  • No helmets
  • No sunglasses
  • No ride leader jerseys

Safety first – Over the past several weeks we have unfortunately had several rides come down in the same place, and so the Committee would like to highlight this from a safety perspective.

Here is the situation: Our Thursday rides are – by design – on from the start. This is a good thing, except when this runs up against water on the road coming through an off-camber roundabout at full speed.

The issue that makes this time of year more problematic is the timing of early morning reticulation, which is the reason that water is on the road when we go through on our EBRs. We will see if this is something that can be addressed – we know that we are not the only cyclists doing early morning river loops – but that will take time and is only a request we can make.

So here is what we are asking.

Please – particularly on Thursday rides – neutralise the pace leading into and going through this roundabout.

If everybody knows, and everybody does this, the result will be a safer ride that still involves as much pain and pace overall.

Point Walter Mountain Bike Facility – The City of Melville is designing a mountain bike track at Dyoondalup Point Walter Reserve and want your feedback.

Have a read of all of the information and provide feedback online via their website here.

This current feedback closes 4.00pm Monday, 7 February 2022 so don’t delay.

Mobile phones – As a club, we love a good photo, video, even better. And we love it when you share it on SPR socials.

One thing though, taking photos and videos with your mobile phone, particularly on a group ride is a bad idea. Not to mention that the law has something to say about it.

Something to keep in mind please.

Lights – Quick reminder regarding lights. The days are getting shorter again – keep this in mind as you head out to our EBRs.

 

 

 

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

1. WCMCC Herne Hill Road Race

 

From the Ride Coordinator – OK, quick quiz (and there’s definitely more than 1 answer to this one): You know it’s summer in Perth when…..? If your answer is “This is the 3rd weekend in a row where the temperature for our Saturday ride has been 39 degrees or above” – then you get the bragging rights and a gold star/ribbon to go along with it. Yes folks, it’s going to be another warm one so please please prepare yourself well if you are going to ride this Saturday with us. Plenty of energy gels (if that is your thing) . I was going to say hydralytes again but I understand they are in short supply due to panic pandemic buying. But of course, please bring plenty of water and slip slip slap again!!

Just a reminder for everyone who is riding our Friday recovery ride that this week (4th February) is our first ride in the abridged version that we will be trialing for next few months. Please familiarise yourself with the new route if you intend to ride it (below) as we don’t want to have any carnage at the High Rd lights. Just a heads up, parts of Riverton Drive has some road works. Looks like the infamous “bunps” are finally being addressed after a long time of having to call out during the roll throughs. Please be aware and slow down through that section. We will also be gathering at a different spot to start the ride with the mini carpark under the south side of the narrows now dug up leaving only the narrow path to gather on. So we will now be gathering at the car park opposite on the Riverside to launch from.

Saturday 5th February

Sunday 6th February

Monday 7th February

Tuesday 8th February

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

Wednesday 9th February

Thursday 10th February

Friday 11th February

Ride Routes 29th January – 4th February

There is no time to wait if you want to secure early bird rates for the Tour de Gracetown (TdG) by Monday 31 January. Check out this link for registrations and information on the event, Saturday 22 October 2022 which offers three distances: 107km; 86km or 65km.

To register for the longer distance join team SPR. The TdG is a great opportunity for those newer to cycling to work towards this event over the year. It is also a wonderful weekend away with fellow cyclists and partners who are encouraged to come along. There will also be two social rides on the Sunday after the event.

Contact Carol via comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au if you have any queries, want to enquire about a team for the shorter distances or have questions about accommodation for the event for yourself/partner or as a support person. Accommodation costs $75 per person for three nights or $150 for a double room.

Check back later tomorrow for the link to book accomodation.

Book accomodation on the shop here.

Getting dropped with SPR – There has been some feedback and discussion recently around group selection and the art of getting dropped with SPR (😎). So I thought it would be helpful to re-visit some our thinking as a club to ensure everyone gets the most out of our rides.

First up, almost all of our rides are intentionally **drop** rides.

It’s not that we want to leave you out on your own (though you should check the route), it’s that we have lots of groups out of the road and know that if you do get dropped there will be a group behind you, which you can join when they catch you, and which might be more suited to your capacity on the day. Our last Main ride (and Development / Transitional) are no-drop rides so that we don’t abandon you.

Have a read of our Club Training page for all the details. A key comment, ever so diplomatically put, notes that you may need “to drop back to a slower group behind you on the road if you have been overly ambitious in your original group selection.

Here’s some perspective:

First, we are keen for you to move up groups and stretch yourself. That’s what training and group riding is all about. And feel free to sit at the back of the group and sit out of the roll through if/when you need to. As a guide, its probably not ideal that you spend 99% of every ride that way, but sitting out of the roll through is definitely OK. If you have questions about this, and how to do so safely, ask a Ride Leader or reach out online.

Equally, we know that everyone has that day when they want to take it that little bit easier. As a guide, pay attention to the group if you don’t normally ride with them, and don’t tear everyone else’s legs off because you think you’re taking it easy. Again, look to the Ride Leader if you’re unsure.

See you out on the road.

Lights – Quick reminder regarding lights. The days are getting shorter again – keep this in mind as you head out to our EBRs.

 

 

 

Free Track Sessions – We may need to defer to the experts on whether sessions at the track count towards your Festive 500, but other than that, if you (or your children) have ever thought about giving track cycling a try, then this is for you.

Midland Cycle Club is offering both Junior and Senior cyclists Three (3) Free Sessions at the Track with a fitted Track Bike. In particular, this is a good opportunity for Dad’s / Mum’s in our sport to encourage their kids to come and try cycling in a safe and controlled environment, namely being the Velodrome.

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

1. 4F Sanctuary Summer Series #2

2. PDCC Summer Criterium Series 2021-22 #6

From the Ride Coordinator – So a couple of updates for everyone on some of our regular rides that are not our main ride on Saturday.

Firstly, after taking a well earned break over Christmas and also the prolonged Australia Day period, our monthly Sunday gravel ride will return in the last week in February just in time to train for those considering the epic SeVen (Five or Three) event in May. I’m sure those competing in that event will want to get more than a monthly ride in, but hopefully these training days will help augment your other training for that event. So just confirming, the monthly SPR gravel ride will return on February 27th and will continue past the SeVen event throughout winter (pending its popularity of course).

For those devotees of our Friday Recovery ride we will also be trialing an amended route throughout February and March to the long standing route that will take out the ever increasingly dangerous intersection at the corner of Nicholson Rd and Bannister Rd that has seen a number of near misses on the ride route due to faster moving traffic coming down the hill on Nicholson Rd. You can see the modified version here. After the Shelley sprint the route will now turn left onto High Rd and continue to the end of this road before rejoining the existing route at the Nicholson Rd roundabout. The route is roughly 4kms shorter and the route length of 38kms is also more appropriate for what we are trying to promote as a genuine recovery ride after the Thursday RL ride. We will be trialing the new route and distance from February 4th until the end of March at which point we will review the future of the route with the the committee and membership.  So if you are in anyway nostalgic about the changing of routes, you may want to join us tomorrow for the last ride along the old route (including the Willeri bump and Bannister Rd) as it will be the last one for at least a few months.

Finally, an early heads up, for those who ride regularly on Sunday, stay tuned for some new ride routes being uploaded and chosen over the coming weeks. The ride lead subcommittee and some of our members have been busy over the summer in mapping some new ride routes. So whilst they are not yet loaded, we are just trying to whet your appetite for some new rides in the very near future. Stay tuned.

Saturday 29th January

Sunday 30th January

Monday 31st January

Tuesday 1st February

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

Wednesday 2nd February

Thursday 3rd February

Friday 4th February

Ride Routes 22nd – 28th January

A very small group of the SPR chicks

As I went looking for the photo above to remind you all about our SPR Chicks Monthly Coffee Ride coming up again Friday week, I decided to see how far back the “SPR chicks” name goes.

It turns out, it goes back a reasonable way – this second photo dates back to 2013. And whilst we have lots more women riding with us today, all of these faces will be familiar to many of you – even if we have lost some to the eastern states 🙁

All the details:

  • SPR Chicks Monthly Coffee Ride
    Friday 28 January, 6 – 7am
    Meet under Narrows (cityside)

This is an easy conversational paced ride (approx 25 km/hr on flat) with new/beginner riders & all types of bikes welcome. The ride finishes with coffee at Botanicals Cafe in Kings Park for 7am.

Facebook event here.

Quick reminder regarding lights. The days are getting shorter again – keep this in mind as you head out to our EBRs.

 

 

 

Free Track Sessions – We may need to defer to the experts on whether sessions at the track count towards your Festive 500, but other than that, if you (or your children) have ever thought about giving track cycling a try, then this is for you.

Midland Cycle Club is offering both Junior and Senior cyclists Three (3) Free Sessions at the Track with a fitted Track Bike. In particular, this is a good opportunity for Dad’s / Mum’s in our sport to encourage their kids to come and try cycling in a safe and controlled environment, namely being the Velodrome.

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

1. RCCC Australia Day Criterium

2. SheRace WA Come & Try Criterium Session (part of Australia Day crit)

3. WCMCC DRMC Criterium

From the Ride Coordinator – OK, I think I spoke too soon last week when I was “waxing lyrical” about the perfect weather we were expecting (& gratefully received) for the weekend riding. I hinted that those that like it hot need not worry because the forecast was for a few days in the middle of the week that were hot. What I didn’t anticipate though was for yet another recording breaking heatwave to hit so quickly after our recent Christmas baking! And I’m sorry to say – it’s definitely here for this weekend.

It would be stating the absolute obvious to say that if you are intending to ride this weekend please please please make sure you look after your hydration needs. To this end, everyone is a little different but in high 30s temperatures (which it’s likely to be during our rides because of the high overnight temps ) you’re going to need to plan for a little extra.  Maybe this weekend it’s time for the frozen water bottles and/or the hydralyte supplements to get you through. Maybe it’s the extra large water bottles x 2. Whatever it is that helps you get through the heat, please give it some thought before you ride this weekend.

Speaking of hot – I think I’ve mentioned over the last few weeks that a club expectation around respecting each other is a key element of the ride etiquette that we expect all riders to abide, regardless of who you are. So the hot weather can more easily bring out tensions/frustrations when riding as we get more tired and irritable (especially if you’re struggling to sleep in between). We would just ask every rider to be aware of this ongoing but especially over this weekend when riding on our rides. We all have different motivations for riding and sometimes mistakes can be made but please make sure we treat each other with the respect we all deserve. Keeping cool and keeping your cool go hand and hand this week. Enjoy!

Saturday 22nd January

Sunday 23rd January

Monday 24th January

Tuesday 25th January

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

Wednesday 26th January – Australia Day Public Holiday

Thursday 27th January

Friday 28th January

Ride Routes 15th – 21st January

This week a shout-out to women’s racing in Perth. We had a most excellent turn-out at the Tour of Margaret River, with opportunities at all levels for racing.

And now in January, we have some more excellent opportunities.

First up, 4F is running a Summer Criterium series – starting this Saturday – and running over three Saturdays (15/Jan, 29Jan and 12/Feb).

Then RCCC is running a SheRace WA Come & Try criterium session as part of the Australia Day criterium on 26 January.

SPR has three teams entered in the 4F series, so head out to Midvale SpeedDome to this Saturday afternoon from 4:30pm (first crit at 6pm).

And don’t forget our SPR Chicks Monthly Coffee Ride coming up next on Friday 28 January.

Free Track Sessions – We may need to defer to the experts on whether sessions at the track count towards your Festive 500, but other than that, if you (or your children) have ever thought about giving track cycling a try, then this is for you.

Midland Cycle Club is offering both Junior and Senior cyclists Three (3) Free Sessions at the Track with a fitted Track Bike. In particular, this is a good opportunity for Dad’s / Mum’s in our sport to encourage their kids to come and try cycling in a safe and controlled environment, namely being the Velodrome.

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

1. 4F Sanctuary Summer Series #1

2. PDCC Summer Criterium Series 2021-22 #5

3. WCMCC Wangara Criterium

From the Ride Coordinator – Well what a summer we have had so far. Took a little while to kick into gear but we reached overdrive over Christmas and New Year, just in time for those pushing through for the Festive 500.

For those that like your riding temperature hot, you won’t have to wait very long before our next wave of heat kicks in but for those that like it “just right” or perhaps a little cooler then this weekend is the one for you. With the forecast for Saturday in the high 20’s and Sunday in the low 30s we are expecting some strong numbers again this weekend. 

With numbers expected to be big this weekend, you can do your best to prepare yourself for the ride. Everything that the club expects from those that ride with us is detailed here, in the ride etiquette page. Apart from the obvious things like keeping your bike in good order and obeying the road rules, bringing a positive attitude really contributes to the group as well as a sense of fun. I know there are some serious riders with some serious goals but our rides are not races and the person next to you can really help you out so perhaps consider them part of your team for the time you are out there as opposed to someone I can smash during the ride.  The importance of listening to your ride leader was the theme of last weeks post, this one’s about what all riders can bring to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the rides and we all have a part to play in that.

Saturday 15th January

Sunday 16th January

Monday 17th January

Tuesday 18th January

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

Wednesday 19th January

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Mid-week – <not this week>

Thursday 20th January

Friday 21st January

Ride Routes 8 – 14th January

It has been most excellent to see lots of green at the crits recently. Even better that I know many of the faces are new to racing and/or criterium racing.

Not to mention that the C Grade podium at the most recent RCCC Twilight Criteriums (#5) was all green. Well done to Daryl Puyales (1st), Mike Harper (2nd) and Shae Watmore (3rd).

Nicely done.

Festive 500 – Now I can’t be sure (not every SPR member is a member of the the SPR Strava club) but I am pretty certain line honours go to Marcus Van Dalen on 1,007km, followed by Stefanie Van Amerongen on 803.6km, elPrez on 701.3km and Jake Harper 700.0km.

And again, I can’t be certain but it looks like around 60 SPR members got over the line with 500+kms.

Well done. Seriously festive.

[Update #1]: I did say it was difficult. Go on Marcus, join the SPR Strava club 🙂 Line honours updated to reflect the Festive 1,000 result from Marcus Van Dalen. I did say we had some seriously festive km going on. I remember talking to Marcus at Christmas – it seems he kept to the plan!

Free Track Sessions – We may need to defer to the experts on whether sessions at the track count towards your Festive 500, but other than that, if you (or your children) have ever thought about giving track cycling a try, then this is for you.

Midland Cycle Club is offering both Junior and Senior cyclists Three (3) Free Sessions at the Track with a fitted Track Bike. In particular, this is a good opportunity for Dad’s / Mum’s in our sport to encourage their kids to come and try cycling in a safe and controlled environment, namely being the Velodrome.

Criterium racing this weekend – There are some good options, with racing this weekend and the twilight crit series continuing.

1. WCMCC Criterium (Motorplex)

2. RCCC Twilight Criteriums # (Perth Airport)

For women racers, entries have closed for the 4Five+ Sanctuary Summer Series being held 15/Jan, 29Jan and 12/Feb (with more details here). SPR has a number of teams entered. Enjoy!

From the Ride Coordinator – 2022 got off to a flying start last weekend as the groups searched high and low for those elusive TV Stations ( I swear I saw them once many years ago 😁) Numbers were really good considering it was the 1st January.

We are back to full swing this weekend and expect group numbers to increase again  with those coming back from their holidays and perhaps those that have a cycling goal as part of their New Years resolution. It’s important for all of us to reflect and recognise that we have a “broad church” across our membership base and everyone has different motivations for riding. Some of us ride for the social aspect, some of us to push harder for a new goal, for many of us it’s part of heathy lifestyle choices. But whatever motivation that you have for riding with SPR, please be aware that one of our core values as a club is to get you back back to the coffee shop/or your home in one piece. To this end, we have something unique relating to organizational safety that is the envy of other cycling clubs and one which many  have tried to emulate – our troup of wonderful, dedicated and often passionate ride leaders who in many cases sacrifice their own goals and ride preference to focus on safety whilst we are all out there enjoying ourselves. In the coming weeks we will be calling for any members who may want to assist along the way, but we thought it would be a good start to the year to acknowledge just what they do week in and week out as volunteers. So perhaps this weekend, if you enjoy your ride – give them some acknowledgment. You may want to shout them a coffee if you loved the ride. But for many, it’s just simple thanks that keeps them fronting up again and again throughout the year. So if you think about it – just let them know that you appreciate what they do because without them our clubs values of organised, safe, social and inclusive  would be just that more difficult to achieve.

Saturday 8th January

Sunday 9th January

Monday 10th January

Tuesday 11th January

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

Wednesday 12th January

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Mid-week – <not this week>

Thursday 13th January

Friday 14th January

Ride Routes 1st – 7th January

So here is hoping that you all have had a wonderful Christmas week, with friends and family, not to mention downtime and riding (sometimes but not always one and the same thing), and perhaps even a cycling gift or three. Perhaps use the downtime to ponder the n+1 rule 🙂

The photo above was taken from the Bonner’s Christmas Special, which has become a very popular way to start Christmas Day, with 100-ish riders joining us for a very casual loop out to Cottesloe and back.

Thank you to all who have been part of SPR for 2021. I for one am enjoying some leave and downtime. It has truly been an interesting year, with WA in the main shielded from the impacts of COVID-19 and the lockdowns that have been very much a part of life in other parts of Australia. For each of you, I trust that the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 is a restful time, with time to relax, and space to reflect on the many good things life in our city has for each of us. Cycling may only be part of life, but certainly for me it is a hugely significant part – everything from time spent with friends, time away from the stuff that often crowds my life, time to stretch myself racing, and not to mention the opportunity to maintain my health & fitness. I know for many of you it is the same.

Enjoy your New Year. Feel free to join us for our New Years Day rides (normal Saturday – Dome is open).

Then join us again for the Public Holiday rides on Monday.

Dome is open Saturday – Just a reminder that Dome will be open Saturday (New Years Day) after the ride. No surcharge.

I can’t promise Toby will be there so this picture may have to suffice. But the coffee will be fresh and the breakfast menu ready and willing to be of service.

See you there.

Festive 500 – Personally, I started well and then an old back injury flared up putting my Christmas riding on hold 🙁

It seems many at SPR have not been similarly afflicted, and have put in some serious kms.

One day to go, and we have some 34 SPR members who has clocked the 500 already, with Mr Vice President, in at number 35 and saving himself 8km for the final day.

First place so far goes to Jake Harper on 639.9 km. Keep in mind though, late minutes changes are not unusual. You have to ride the kms by the end of tomorrow (New Years Eve) but you have some space to upload to Strava after the end – it has been known for riders to delay uploading that last ride to avoid late minute challengers heading out for an extra ride. You have been warned 🙂

Masks Again – Unfortunately, COVID is still with us, and as most of you will have seen, we need to bring out our masks again for coffee after the ride.

It should only be for a couple of days, but don’t forget 🙂

Free Track Sessions – We may need to defer to the experts on whether sessions at the track count towards your Festive 500, but other than that, if you (or your children) have ever thought about giving track cycling a try, then this is for you.

Midland Cycle Club is offering both Junior and Senior cyclists Three (3) Free Sessions at the Track with a fitted Track Bike. In particular, this is a good opportunity for Dad’s / Mum’s in our sport to encourage their kids to come and try cycling in a safe and controlled environment, namely being the Velodrome.

Criterium racing this weekend – There are some good options, with racing this weekend and the twilight crit series continuing.

1. PDCC Summer Criterium Series #4 (Garden Island)

2. RCCC Twilight Criteriums #5 (Perth Airport)

For women racers, entries are open for the 4Five+ Sanctuary Summer Series being held 15/Jan, 29Jan and 12/Feb (with more details here).

From the Ride Coordinator – At this time of year, I’m always reminded of the words from that famous Lennon song “…another year over and a new one just begun…” and for our SPR main rides you can’t get any earlier than the 1st of January. As the 1st this year falls on news years day, we thought we would run our normal ride programme for this week. We are a little uncertain as to how many riders will turn up so we have scaled back the number of ride lead groups accordingly but we still think that we will have enough on the day for those eager to work off the Christmas pudding or have eaten too many ham/turkey/chicken sandwiches over the last week. So for those that are not planning a big night the night before and/or who are not somewhere else in the state, come join us for what is usually the most quiet traffic conditions that you will experience on one of our rides throughout the whole of the year.

Saturday 1st January

Sunday 2nd January

Monday 3rd January“New Years Day” Public Holiday

Tuesday 4th January

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

Wednesday 5th January

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Mid-week – <not this week>

Thursday 6th January

Friday 7th January