All posts by Daniel Harvey

Ride Routes 27th January – 2nd February

If you have any interest in cycling it will have been hard to miss the news this week that the Road Nationals are coming to Perth for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

This is big news.

Not just because local pro cyclists the likes of Cassia Boglio, Luke Durbridge, Sam Welsford and Jai Hindley get to race in front of a home crowd.

Not just because it is wonderful to see our political leaders get behind the sport of cycling — thank you to the WA Government, City of Perth and the many local members who have helped to make it happen.

Not just because it is wonderful to have the support here in WA from the national cycling body — thank you Marne and team from the AusCycling national office, and huge kudos to local AusCycling manager Matt Poyner (who I note kicked off proceedings at the launch but managed to avoid most of the photos!).

All that and more. From an SPR perspective, we love it and can’t wait!

But we also think that it is bigger than all that. Our club has four core values: Safe, Inclusive, Organised, and Social. We have hundreds of individuals and families that participate in our group rides every day of the week. We have dozens of riders that take part in local community racing throughout the season. We are continually introducing new riders to the sport, continually looking for ways to make cycling safer and better supported, continually look for better ways to develop junior riders in the a safe and enabling environment.

And an important part of all of that is having government and community support for the sport of cycling, and an understanding of the sport when we have those conversations.

We think that having up close racing, whether it is in the Perth CBD, through Kings Park or out in the Perth hills (route to be announced!) will be wonderful for WA, hugely enjoyable and bring a new level of understanding of the sport of cycling for everyone involved.

Bring it on.

For everyone heading out on SPR’s Public Holiday Ride, or racing in RCCC’s Australia Day Criterium, enjoy.

Finally, take some time to read Mark’s ride route write-up below – there are some important discussions around safety and group selection that it will be good for everyone to take note of.

Daniel

 

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

More details here.

 

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

1. RCCC Australia Day Criterium 2024

 

Juniors Ride — Thank you for everyone who has joined us across 2023 for our Juniors Rides. No ride this week but see you in 2024! Rides resume 3 Feb 2024.

From the Ride Coordinator — There has been a fair bit of discussion recently on the speed of the main groups on Saturday rides – particularly at the front end, with Fast, Fast2, M1 and M2. Concerns have been raised over the pace, and the variety of capability in any one group, with requests to “Fix the Problem”. If only it were that simple!

We understand the concerns, and are in regular discussion on this, as it impacts our cornerstone policies of being Safe, Inclusive and Organised. Whatever improvements are made, they will still rely on cooperation from all the riders.

Some areas where everyone can have a positive effect are:

  1. Pick an appropriate group. If you feel like a strong workout, ride with a stronger group – don’t expect that everyone in your regular group also wants to push harder on the day. Conversely if you’re not up to it – drop back a group.
  2. Move up when called at the start. If the organiser calls for more riders to join the group about to leave – go! It may mean riding with different people, but hey, that’s often a good thing. The alternative ends up with some groups too small, and others too big – Neither are good. 15 is ideal.
  3. Tune in to the riders in the group. Keep the speed at a pace that all/most of the group can roll with, and slow down after moving across when you get to the front of a roll-through. Simple – but ignored way too often.

Holmes Rd on Saturday – the wind is due to change from Easterly to Westerly during the day – lets hope it waits till we’re in the coffee shop – Enjoy!

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 27th January

Sunday 28th January

Monday 29th January

Tuesday 30th January

Wednesday 31st January

Thursday 1st February

Friday 2nd February

Ride Routes 20 – 26th January

Australia Day is here again. I wish everyone the best for your celebration of the Australia Day Public Holiday.

For any who choose to make cycling a part of that, we have some good riding options, with SPR’s Public Holiday Ride and RCCC’s Australia Day Criterium.

In other news, the SPR Committee is pleased to kick off this week the latest round of Ride Leader profiles. Kudos.

Daniel

 

SPR Ride Leader Profile – Daniel Eigenmann — Most people who regularly ride with SPR are well aware of the importance of our volunteer ride leader programme in delivering our clubs core values of safety, organised, inclusivity and social. Our group of dedicated ride leaders regularly volunteer their own time , sometimes compromising their own riding objectives, to help guide us safely back to the coffee shop whilst having a bit of fun along the way (noting that fun can mean different things to different people). But behind the person delivering the ride briefing, did you ever wonder things like what’s the best ride they have ever been on, what their favourite SPR ride route or perhaps what they like most about the club? Well in a new section of our weekly blog, we are going to find our a little bit more of the people wearing the green and grey ride leader jerseys and we will start with our most recent recruits – the Class of 23.

Our first new recruit will be familiar to those who regularly ride Main 3 on a Saturday – Mr Daniel Eigenmann.

So Daniel, how long have you been riding with SPR?
 My first ride with SPR was on the 26th of November 2022. (Wow that is recent!)

What do you like most about the club?
 Riding in a group. Keeps you accountable (and honest) – but more importantly – gives you a chance to meet a lot of new people with the same passion for riding.

Daniel, do you have a favourite SPR ride route and why?
 I don’t really have a favourite ride. What I like most is that the ride route each week is decided for me by SPR. I honestly don’t care. I just take it one Saturday at a time! Whatever will be, will be!

What is the best ride you’ve ever done?
 The best ride is when the weather is nice, the wind has taken the day off, and I’m riding with friends. Doesn’t matter where we ride, as long as we can share a coffee at the end.

Outside of riding. if you could invite two people to dinner, who would they be and why?
 Both my parents. They both passed away in Switzerland. I had been living in Australia for years and didn’t spend enough time with them (in person or on the phone) whilst I still had a chance. Totally my fault though!

And finally, what is an “out of Lycra” fun/interesting fact that you would like to share?
 I grew up in Switzerland and came to Australia as an expat with Nestle in the early 90s. I only started cycling in May 2019. I may be Swiss, but no, I don’t like hills. I just tried to get to the top as quickly as I can, to get it over with! A little bit like ‘Leg Day’ at the gym. You never look forward to it, but you feel great once you’re done!

Thanks for sharing Daniel. Who would have thought, a person from Switzerland not liking hills !!

More importantly though, a big thanks on behalf of all club members for volunteering to be a ride leader! And whilst we are into acknowledgments, thanks for being the first ride leader to share!!

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

More details here.

 

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

1. PDCC 23-24 Summer Criterium

2. WCMCC Dog Hill Road – RR Baldivis

3. RCCC Australia Day Criterium 2024

 

Juniors Ride — Thank you for everyone who has joined us across 2023 for our Juniors Rides. No ride this week but see you in 2024! Rides resume 3 Feb 2024.

From the Ride Coordinator — I was beginning to forget what it’s like to ride after 8am without overheating! Minimum temperatures back below 20 degrees are most welcome. There are always a few in the group that aren’t familiar with the route on day, so if you’re at the front of the group and there’s a turn coming up, it helps to signal early, and speak to the riders in front to avoid surprises.

On Saturday we’re doing Canning Vale and Welshpool. Some turns that sometimes get mistaken are 1. Left from Canning to North Lake; 2. Left at the roundabout to stay on Nicholson Rd, before crossing Roe Hwy, and 3. Right from Nicholson into Albany highway.

Sunday long hills is a bit of a tester – Brookton, Peet Rd twice plus Patterson and Mundaring Weir Rd! All great climbs. Short hills does the amazing Irymple loop at the top of Brookton which dips in and out of the valley, and the tricky descent of Kahuna (Mills Rd East) – take extra care of traffic and sharp bends – the road looks very different when descending. It’s still going to be over 30 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, so take plenty of water, apply sunscreen and enjoy the rides.

*** Please note change to Saturday’s Fast/Main route due to road closures ***

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 20th January

Sunday 21st January

Monday 22nd January

Tuesday 23rd January

Wednesday 24th January

Thursday 25th January

Friday 26th January – Australia Day Public Holiday

Ride Routes 13 – 19th January

Summer racing is not over, but the highlight that was the Roues Chaudes Twilight World Champs did wrap up this week just gone.

I would like to offer huge congratulations to the SPR crew who raced over the whole series, and to the Race Subcommittee for encouraging the green participation.

I have not seen the final series leaderboard yet (prior to the last round is here), but special mentions go to:

  1. John Ingham – won this week and took our the D Grade series, and
  2. Jace Collingridge for taking second in B Grade in the final race of the series.

Thank you to RCCC for the series and well done for the everyone from SPR who pinned on a number.

If you have not raced before, but are interested – please do get in touch – we have good support for anyone who wants to try crit racing.

Daniel

B Grade Podium
D Grade Podium

 

 

The Easygoing Earlybird — Earlybird rides starting at 5.30am have been limited to the realm of fast riders… till now! If you are looking for a midweek “easygoing earlybird” ride, there is now a 35.3km mostly flat ride on Wednesdays, transition to main 3 pace, starting under the narrow bridge in South Perth. The details are on the SPR blog each week. It is envisaged this ride will go over the summer months when there is still some light at 5.30. 

The earlybird group after last Wednesdays easygoing earlybird with the faster riders on the balcony behind.

The Easygoing Earlybird

Free parking is available at the start location until 8am. Hope to see some more riders at the lineup soon.

On a related note, many may not be aware that prior to events that require big kilometres quickly or long-distance training, there is a “Night Owl” ride, an unofficial river loop before the earlybird. With a Night Owl + early bird + Saturday ride + extra river loop from Dome, one can clock up 160km+ before morning tea.

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. Registration costs $350 per person and includes all meals, camp site or indoor spot to roll out a swag, transfer of gear and luggage each day and transport back to Perth. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

There is a minimum $200 to fundraise per person/couple, though we hope to raise $5000 this year. Why not join the SPR team of riders via this link.

More details available here. For more information contact Carol if interested – we have limited hotel accommodation for those who prefer a bed to a swag.

We’re ready
2023 Crew
What a team
“Breakfast high”

 

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

1. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium

 

Juniors Ride — Thank you for everyone who has joined us across 2023 for our Juniors Rides. No ride this week but see you in 2024! Rides resume 3 Feb 2024.

From the Ride Coordinator — The BOM says it’s going to be a bit hotter, and a bit less windy than last week on Saturday. Benara Rd is always a good option in the Easterlies, so lets give it a crack. We had some fairly uneven group sizes last week, so lets try again to even things out at the start.

Long and short hills on Sunday are identical for the first 45km. Short comes back directly via Hummerston, whereas long does a loop up Wallnut, down Patterson and back via Repatriation. It might be a good idea for both groups to regroup just after the climb at the left turn at Fern road, to ensure everyone goes around the same way – Clockwise.

Remember to take plenty of water – and freeze a bottle overnight to keep it cool for longer.

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 13th January

Sunday 14th January

Monday 15th January

Tuesday 16th January

Wednesday 17th January

Thursday 18th January

Friday 19th January

Ride Routes 6th – 12th January

Many of you will have seen the tragic news this week of the death of Melissa Hoskins. The news has come as a shock for everyone who knew her, and this pain has been felt within our local cycling community, including family and friends of Melissa within SPR.

Melissa was both an elite professional athlete, having been a member of the Australian Cycling Team and a two-time Olympian, as well as a wonderful, compassionate and caring person whose down to earth laughter and genuine smile will be sorely missed by all that knew her.

Her loss is a tragedy. On behalf of the club, I extend our deepest sympathies to Melissa’s family and friends.

Rest in peace Melissa.

Daniel

Kate Bonner @ Road Nationals 2024 — If you’ve ridden with SPR for any period, you will know that Kate is a serious athlete who is not to be taken lightly – particularly in the hills.

And this week sees her competing at the Road Nationals in Ballarat, with the Individual Time Trial done and dusted with a time of 47:25.55 over 28.6 km. This put her 18th of 23 starters – a huge results in a national-level field – behind Grace Brown’s winning time of 40:51.30. Full results here.

Well done Kate!

PS Kate is racing again in the Elite Women’s Road Race on Sunday (104.4 km or 9 laps or the 11.6 km course) – see here & here. Good luck!

SPR Festive 500 2023 Wrapup — Congratulations to all 46 our members who completed our Festive 500 Challenge for 2023.

Our prize winners are:

  • Male and Female rider with the most kilometres each win a pair of Shokz headphones.
    • Peter Mah 1,264.31km and
    • Lauren Humpherys 731.53km
  • Male and Female rider with the most elevation $100 99 Bikes voucher:
    • Stuart Gee 10,170m and
    • Lauren Humpherys 5,629m
  • Random Prize Draw
    • 1st place $100 99Bikes voucher David Lantzke
    • 2nd place $50 99Bikes voucher Greg Murray (Just Mo)
  • 5 prizes of $20 Dome vouchers Bill Darby, Maurice Herrmann,  Nick Watcher, Mark de Castro and Ed Halvey

If you have won a prize please email the club at  festive500@southperthrouleurs.com.au by Friday 12th January to organise collection.

 

The Chemo Kid | Festive 500 2023 for Brain Cancer Research — I spoke earlier this week with Jimmy and he reports that his Festive 500 is successfully done and dusted. Despite the challenges of cancer treatment, he managed to knock it off with a couple of days to spare and went on to do 691km in total. He had lots of support from the SPR crew throughout the week, in particular Tod Trower, Tedman Wong, Claire Rapson. He asked me to express thanks to all those who were very generous with their time as they hung around to give him a wheel or provide company on the road. Thank you!

On the fundraising front it’s been far more successful than Jimmy ever imagined. The total is $26,852 at the time of writing. An amazing result.

Jimmy offers his sincere thanks to the club and SPR community (amongst many others) for the support in spreading the word. Kudos all.

Here are a few photos from Jimmy’s Strava page.

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. Registration costs $350 per person and includes all meals, camp site or indoor spot to roll out a swag, transfer of gear and luggage each day and transport back to Perth. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

There is a minimum $200 to fundraise per person/couple, though we hope to raise $5000 this year. Why not join the SPR team of riders via this link.

More details available here. For more information contact Carol if interested – we have limited hotel accommodation for those who prefer a bed to a swag.

We’re ready
2023 Crew
What a team
“Breakfast high”

 

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

1. NBCC Splendid Park Criterium

2. RCCC Twilight World Champs #5

 

Juniors Ride — Thank you for everyone who has joined us across 2023 for our Juniors Ride. No ride this week but see you in 2024! Rides resume 3 Feb 2024.

From the Ride Coordinator — More warm weather and Easterly winds this weekend, so we’ve got Hale & Ridge Hill Rd on Saturday, which gets all the headwinds and climbing over and done within the first half, and then a fair tailwind home.

The ideal group size for Saturday main group rides is around 15 riders – enough for a good roll through, but not too big to make it difficult for cars to pass, or to get through traffic lights.

For this to work, two things need to happen. The group needs to be evenly matched so that everyone can share the roll through’s, and there needs to be cooperation with the ride leaders calling out the groups at the start. Let’s all help with both to ensure a safer and more enjoyable ride for all.

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 6th January

Sunday 7th January

Monday 8th January

Tuesday 9th January

Wednesday 10th January

Thursday 11th January

Friday 12th January

Ride Routes 30th December – 5th January

I’ve had these photos for a few weeks now (there’s been a lot going on), but I wanted to share them today. One of the things that stands out to many people who ride with SPR is the friendships that develop in the midst of riding lots of kms together.

The photo above was taken on an impromptu SPR Short Hills farewell ride for Daniel Godden several Sundays back. Daniel has ridden with the club for the last 3 years including at least two TOMRs. He’s been a great rider, SPR regular, and team mate and we’re sorry to see him go… if you haven’t already, wish him well as he moves to Adelaide in the near future.

Enjoy the holidays, not to mention the Festive 500.

Daniel

 

Details last week.

The Chemo Kid | Festive 500 2023 for Brain Cancer Research — Check out the post last week to read about Jimmy’s story and the amazing fundraising he is doing in the midst of a very difficult cancer story.

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. Registration costs $350 per person and includes all meals, camp site or indoor spot to roll out a swag, transfer of gear and luggage each day and transport back to Perth. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

There is a minimum $200 to fundraise per person/couple, though we hope to raise $5000 this year. Why not join the SPR team of riders via this link.

More details available here. For more information contact Carol if interested – we have limited hotel accommodation for those who prefer a bed to a swag.

We’re ready
2023 Crew
What a team
“Breakfast high”

 

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

1. RCCC Twilight World Champs #4

2. NBCC Splendid Park Criterium (next week but enter now!)

 

Juniors Ride — Thank you for everyone who has joined us across 2023 for our Juniors Ride. No ride this week but see you in 2024!

From the Ride Coordinator — With Festive 500 well underway there may be some takers for the Night Owl on Saturday – an unofficial river loop before the earlybird. Keep an eye on the SPR Facebook group for any takers.

The main ride does an old favourite – South St – with Stock Rd climb to loosen the legs early in the ride. There are a lot of traffic lights on this route, and we’re asking that everyone please obey the rules of the road, and honour the core values or SPR; #1 being safety. If there is a split at the lights – call it loud and early so that the front group can sit up and wait for the others to catch up. There will be a lot of tired legs this weekend, so lets make it easy for those that get left behind by doing the right thing.

Have fun, and stay safe for the last rides of 2023, and the first of 2024.

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 30th December

Sunday 31st December

Monday 1st January – News Years Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 2nd January

Wednesday 3rd January

Thursday 4th January

Friday 5th January

Ride Routes 23rd – 29th December

As you can imagine, this week’s blog has Christmas on the mind. There is some bittersweet in the mix also, more of that below.

First up, we are again running the SPR Festive 500 Challenge. And as if just the opportunity to ride 500km over Christmas is not enough, we have thrown in some prizes.

Starts: 24 Dec 2023 12:00 am 

Ends: 31 Dec 2023 11:59 pm

It is an individual Challenge to ride# at least 500km in 8 days.

# Road, Gravel, Mountain Bike Ride, Virtual Ride are all included.

IMPORTANT: The prizes are for SPR Members only 💚 and you must join up to the Challenge Hound leaderboard to be in the running for the prizes. We will be emailing members tomorrow (Friday 22/Dec) with the Challenge Hound link and you need to link to your Strava. If you don’t receive the email by tomorrow night, reach out on festive500@southperthrouleurs.com.au and we will get you sorted.

Sign up before 26 Dec to be in the running to win prizes!!

Did I mention that prizes are for current SPR members only?? If you are not a member, why not join up now??

Memberships | South Perth Rouleurs

Now I mentioned bittersweet, and it is. Many of you will know that Jimmy, a club member who has been riding with SPR for a few years now, was diagnosed with brain cancer in October. I have my own cancer story, and as confronting as that was for me, I am certain that what Jimmy is in the middle of is no comparison — whilst treatment is going OK, Jimmy’s report speaks of the harsh reality of the disease — no cure and an average survival of between 12 and 24 months. Discover exclusive deals at พบข้อเสนอสุดพิเศษจาก UFABET and elevate your betting experience today!

But the thing is this — in the middle all that, Jimmy is keen to use the Festive 500 as a focal point for good. Please have a read below of what he is doing himself and for the ways you can contribute to the fundraising he is undertaking. Not to mention that you’re likely to see him out on more than a few SPR rides between Christmas and New Year. Respect and much love.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

 

The Chemo Kid | Festive 500 2023 for Brain Cancer Research — In October I was diagnosed with brain cancer, resulting in immediate surgery and I am now undergoing daily chemo and radiotherapy. I have been fortunate that I’m tolerating treatment well so far, however my prognosis is not good and is in line with other brain cancer cases. There is no cure and the average survival is between 12 and 24 months.

Through this journey I’ve learnt that there are very few treatment options and while there are some promising advancements globally, there is a particular lack of availability (including clinical trials) of treatment options in Australia, leaving brain cancer patients with little choice and even less hope.

Which brings me to the Festive 500. I’d like to use my story to raise funds for brain cancer research, attempting to complete the Festive 500 while also undergoing daily radio and chemo treatments. While I’ve completed the Festive 500 previously, I will be in the final weeks of this treatment cycle, when fatigue and other side-effects will be mounting. I expect it will be a real challenge and I intend to document progress with brief videos and posts from rides on socials.

My motivation is simply to help in a small way to ensure my son’s generation have options, rather than the current stagnant treatment status quo.

Go here to donate: MY CAUSE

Go here for rides/updates: Strava Fundraiser “Club”

Jimmy

SPR Xmas Awards 2023 — Thank you to all who voted, and kudos to our award recipients. If you have not already, do check out the our write-up here – 2023 SPR Christmas Ride and Awards.

 

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

<it’s Christmas, racing next week!>

 

Juniors Ride — The final junior ride of the year is scheduled for Saturday, December 23rd. As the weather forecast predicts warm temperatures, we kindly ask you to meet at 9:30am.

During the ride, we will review drills such as paceline, bunch rolling, and track standing. Additionally, we will have some fun games at the beautiful Wireless Hill Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/iNmo9hz55FbVDp5B6).

Please remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

From the Ride Coordinator — Who’s gonna make the gravy? (for the PK fans) Yes – it’s that time of the year, with some extra sunshine for good measure. The heat is going to make the Festive 500 a little more challenging, so please remember to hydrate and slip-slop-slap throughout the week for those doing extras later in the day.

On Saturday we’ll be doing one of my favourite routes – Not just because its (almost) Christmas, but because the perfect wind has been forecast – an unusual Southerly. Ever since they widened and resurfaced Jandakot Rd, it’s changed the feel of the ride completely – making it quicker and safer. But there are a few more roundabouts than usual, so please take extra care, slowing for the approaches if you need to.

Due to prior commitments and availability we won’t be doing the organised Christmas Day ride that we’ve done in the past. Having said that, keep an eye on the SPR Facebook Group as there may well be people keen to ride on Christmas morning.

We will be having a Public Holiday ride on Boxing Day, for those keen to add to those Festive 500 tallies.

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 23rd December

Sunday 24th December

Monday 25th December – Christmas Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 26th December – Boxing Day Public Holiday

Wednesday 27th December

Thursday 28th December

Friday 29th December

Ride Routes 16th – 22nd December

This week I want to send a shout out to long-time club member and Ride Leader Jon Hanson, in his results at the Busselton Ironman several weeks back.

Huge kudos Jon!

In Jon’s words: “And now I’m an Ironman. A tough day out for me yesterday but managed 12 hours 40 for a 4k swim, 180k bike and 42k run. High point of the day was probably having my kids Tessa ( in socks) and Dougal run with me for a while on the last lap.”

Many will know that Jon’s results come of the back of a battle with cancer last year, and have represented Jon’s usual focus and determination, not to mention a significant commitment to training. Well done.

It is worth mentioning Shirley’s garnering of support for Jon in the form of a winning time competition… with bets ranging from the mid 11 hours through to high 14’s, the prize goes to Joseph Moses for picking the winning time.

After all that time training, it will be good to see Jon back out on group rides 💚

Daniel

 

SPR Xmas Awards 2023 — Each year SPR recognises riders / volunteers for their achievements and contributions to all things cycling. Thank you to all who voted!

The awards will be announced and presented at Dome after our Annual Christmas Ride this Saturday. Dress up yourself and your bike to win a prize of nutritional goodies valued at $50.

Any queries to Carol.

 

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

1. RCCC Cloud Connect Summer Criterium #2

2. WCMCC Kewdale Graded Criterium

3. RCCC Twilight World Champs #3

Juniors Ride — No juniors this week, but will be on 23/Dec. Check back next week!

From the Ride Coordinator — Because of the Christmas Cheer ride, and the SPR Annual Awards straight after, the start will be a little different, but similar to what we’ve done the last few years.
The aim is to get everyone away fast and efficiently and safely back to Dome, so that you can enjoy the festivities and presentations. There will be two main routes, again;

Groups will gather in the normal separate zones in the carpark, with Fast and M1 on the West side, and M2, M3, M4 and Transititionals on the East side.

We will alternate West and East starting zones, so that it looks like the list below.

This means that most groups won’t have to wait 1-2 mins between starts, and can queue up immediately behind the group in front as they will be heading off in different directions from the Mill Point Rd lights.

Note:

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

Start Order:

  1.  Fast – Cresswell & Herdsman
  2.  Fast 2 – as above
  3. Main1.1 – as above
  4. Main2.1 – Stock & Shelley
  5. Main1.2 – Cresswell & Herdsman
  6. Main2.2 – Stock & Shelley
  7. Main1.3 – Cresswell & Herdsman
  8. Main3 – Stock & Shelley
  9. Main1.4 – Cresswell & Herdsman   (note this becomes a no drop ride)
  10. Main4 – Stock & Shelley
  11. Transition – trans abernethy 39.96km spr saturday
  12. Development – novice shelley 36.06km spr saturday

Have a fantastic morning, and could someone please video stream the awards for those of us stuck at home with covid 😢

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 16th December

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
  • All rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am
    • Development group – novice shelley 36.06km spr saturday
    • Transitional 1/2 – <see above – Christmas special !!>
    • Fast, Main – <see above – Christmas special !!>
    • SPR Zwift – <not this week>

Sunday 17th December

Monday 18th December

Tuesday 19th December

Wednesday 20th December

Thursday 21st December

Friday 22nd December

Ride Routes 9 – 15th December

Not too much new this week, but I do want to highlight the voting for our 2023 SPR Social & Race Award Nominations.

SPR is a community sporting club with volunteering at its very heart. Whether it is our Ride Leaders, Committee or the dozen other ways that individuals contribute to the life of the club.

To help us recognise all of these contributions, please take a few minutes to nominate someone for an award. All the details below.

May your December be a good one, and here is to much riding over the festive season.

Daniel

 

SPR Xmas Awards 2023 — Each year SPR recognises riders / volunteers for their achievements and contributions to all things cycling. Please give a few minutes to recognise great deeds and epic fails by nominating individuals for various awards in a quick survey via this link. There is a prize of nutritional goodies for one lucky responder so don’t delay. 

The awards will be announced and presented at Dome after our Annual Christmas Ride on Saturday 16th December 2023. Dress up yourself and your bike to win a prize of nutritional goodies valued at $50.

DOME is hosting the awards ceremony again and supports the Club throughout the year by providing the perfect venue for so many cyclists. For this event you are invited to purchase food and drink/coffee directly from the restaurant as usual.

Any queries to Carol.

 

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

1. WCMCC Dog Hill Road Race – Baldivis

2. RCCC Twilight World Champs #2

Juniors Ride — After a short break, our junior ride in Kings Park resumes. Join us at the Roe Gardens Car Park (location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zwdgGKzdGLt1HdC6A) at 9:30 am. We’ll focus on climbing, descending, and cornering skills, followed by a Christmas celebration picnic 🎉🎄

Bring a mat and some snacks.

From the Ride Coordinator — Red lights mean STOP. Call “SPLIT” loudly if half of the group gets through as it changes, so that the front group knows that they need to ride easy until the rest have caught up. Riders should never feel pressured to shoot a red light out of fear that they will be left to ride on their own.

Good riding weather again this weekend, and the Easterlies winds are back.

Abernathy Rd on Saturday, which gives us a sweet tail wind home run along Bushmead and Guilford Roads. Short and long hills head out in different directions on Sunday, so there is not an option to fall back from long to short. Factor this into your choice before heading out, and enjoy the rides. And if you’re riding in a certain Main 1 group – make sure you congratulate ride leader Jon Hanson on his awesome Iron Man Achievement!

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 9th December

Sunday 10th December

Monday 12th December

Tuesday 13th December

Wednesday 14th December

Thursday 15th December

Friday 16th December

Ride Routes 2nd – 8th December

A few things to put out there tonight. First, check out tickets for the Christmas Party this weekend. Second, if you haven’t already… check out voting for the SPR Awards 2023.

Third, there are still a few places left for the fabulous customised French Alps trip in September 2024 with Christophe – a copy of the itinerary with elevations is attached (links below). There are mountains out there to conquer – don’t miss out.

A separate commercial trip for members/partners is offered for anyone who wants to do a cruiser cycle in the fabulous French and Swiss countryside; same start and finish as Christophe’s trip – itinerary also attached. If you are interested, please complete this one minute survey, no obligation expression of Interest.

Itineraries 1 / Itinerary 2

SPR Xmas Awards 2023 — Each year SPR recognises riders / volunteers for their achievements and contributions to all things cycling. Please give a few minutes to recognise great deeds and epic fails by nominating individuals for various awards in a quick survey via this link. There is a prize of nutritional goodies for one lucky responder so don’t delay. 

The awards will be announced and presented at Dome after our Annual Christmas Ride on Saturday 16th December 2023. Dress up yourself and your bike to win a prize of nutritional goodies valued at $50.

DOME is hosting the awards ceremony again and supports the Club throughout the year by providing the perfect venue for so many cyclists. For this event you are invited to purchase food and drink/coffee directly from the restaurant as usual.

Any queries to Carol.

Tickets and all the details here and on Facebook.

 

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

1. 4F Twilight Series 2023 – Round 3

2. RCCC Cloud Connect Summer Criterium #1

3. WCMCC Splendid Park – Yanchep – Graded Criterium

4. RCCC Twilight World Champs

Juniors Ride — No juniors ride this weekend. Check back next week!

From the Ride Coordinator — For a change instead of an Easterly, we have a South Westerly wind blowing on Saturday morning, so we can do Alexander Drive, and finish our ride with a tailwind through Dalkeith and Mounts Bay Rd – a bit of a rarity in summer months.

Thanks to all who completed the ride route survey. Responses are now closed, but feel free anytime to send any suggestions for new routes, route improvements or sections you’d like to see included in routes, to ride-routes@southperthrouleurs.com.au. This could be for any rides – Saturdays or Sundays, from Transitionals through to long hills.

Please note that as from this weekend, ALL Sunday rides start at 6am, including Carol’s Coffee Ride and Social Hills. Enjoy the cooler weather and stay safe as we head into the silly season (Start thinking about your Xmas ride outfit & bike decorations for the 16th December)

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides this week back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 2nd December

Sunday 3rd December

Monday 4th December

Tuesday 5th December

Wednesday 6th December

Thursday 7th December

Friday 8th December

Ride Routes 25th November – 1st December

This year SPR teamed up with the Shell’s local SEEN Committee to put on a ride followed by breakfast in celebration of International Men’s Day. The ride was held last Friday morning and followed a “lunch & learn” earlier in the week, with a theme centred around the promotion and maintenance of good physical and mental health. We believe cycling contributes strongly to both!

The lunch session provided and excellent discussion around mental health, with a presentation (among others) from SPR’s Greg Jones telling his story of suffering a heart attack, and the way this event led him to pay more careful attention to all aspects of his health. The topic is a close one for Greg, who had a close call several years ago suffering a heart attack whilst riding, receiving CPR from a fellow club member – likely saving his life – and thankfully has since made a full recovery.

The ride saw 70+ riders out on the road with some 25 joining us for breakfast afterward. See some photos below 💚

SEEN stands for Shell Equity & Empowerment Network, and I would offer thanks to Rebecca, Justine, and Anne from SEEN for their work putting the events together. Thank you also to Greg, our Ride Leaders on the day as well as Vanessa and Lennie for connecting us with the team at Shell.

Bright & early
Bright & early
Gathering
Shelley
Shelley
Breakfast @ Brew-Ha
Breakfast @ Brew-Ha
Breakfast @ Brew-Ha

SPR Xmas Awards 2023 — Each year SPR recognises riders / volunteers for their achievements and contributions to all things cycling. Please give a few minutes to recognise great deeds and epic fails by nominating individuals for various awards in a quick survey via this link. There is a prize of nutritional goodies for one lucky responder so don’t delay. 

The awards will be announced and presented at Dome after our Annual Christmas Ride on Saturday 16th December 2023. Dress up yourself and your bike to win a prize of nutritional goodies valued at $50.

DOME is hosting the awards ceremony again and supports the Club throughout the year by providing the perfect venue for so many cyclists. For this event you are invited to purchase food and drink/coffee directly from the restaurant as usual.

Any queries to Carol.

Tickets and all the details here and on Facebook.

 

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

1. 4F Twilight Series 2023 – Round 2

2. PDCC 22-24 Summer Criterium Race 1

2. WCMCC Neerabup Graded Road Race

Juniors Ride — No juniors ride this weekend. Check back next week!

From the Ride Coordinator — We’re still seeing crashes at roundabouts – particularly when there is water around, Slow down on the approaches and stay in your lane.

It’s going to be warm this weekend, so please take all the precautions needed. Sunscreen and plenty of water/electrolytes. One bottle in the freezer works well, and if you’ve been thinking about getting those Camelbak insulated bottles, now would be a great time to buy them. They really to make a difference when it comes to keeping drinks cold out there on the bike. Avoid wearing dark colours if you can too – marginal gains – but this is when we need them.

We’ve got Freo & Canning Vale on Saturday. Remember to turn left from South/Ranford onto Bannister Rd straight after crossing Roe Hwy – we usually carry on further to Nicholson or Warton. Long and short Hills start with Greenmount, with long going all the way up, and then left for a loop around Parkerville, while the short route turns right into Darlington, and down Coulston. Take extra care with the left turn from Darlington into Coulston, and warn others in the group who may not be aware of the turn on the fast descent. Other than that, try and stay cool, and stay safe.

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides this week back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 25th November

Sunday 26th November

Monday 27th November

Tuesday 28th November

Wednesday 29th November

Thursday 30th November

Friday 1st December