All posts by Daniel Harvey

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

Ride Routes 18 – 24th November

Another great Tour de Gracetown 2023 – well organised, ride distances to suit everyone, perfect weather and lots of socialising. The recovery ride on Sunday was rather “damp” but the heaters at the berry farm and wonderful food made up for that.

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. Westral Wheelrace 2023 – racing starts @ 9am

2. 4F Twilight Series 2023 – Round 1

3. NBCC Splendid Park Criterium

PS Our Saturday Main ride (Morley Drive) takes you most of the way there – feel to peel off on Guildford Road and head out to watch the racing 😉

Juniors Ride — We will meet up again this Saturday at 10:30am in Kings Park, specifically at the Roe Gardens Car Park (location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zwdgGKzdGLt1HdC6A). We’ll do the same training as before and wrap up the day at the Zamia cafe.

From the Ride Coordinator — Greetings from the land of the long white cloud. This place is so awesome you can even enjoy it without a bike! One thing I’ve noticed driving around the South Island for the last week, is how many bike packers and cycle tourists there are here. Most of them use flashing tail lights which make them highly visible from far away. A good reminder for me on the benefits of using a tail light during daytime, particularly when riding on your own.

We’ve had over sixty responses to our Ride Route Survey. It’ll be open for another week so jump in here if you haven’t done it yet – there are only 3 questions if you choose the brief option. **Spoiler Alert**
What we’ve learned so far is that you like smooth roads, don’t mind a few hills, but dislike traffic lights and busy roads. No surprises there! More to follow after we’ve closed the survey. You also like the Zigzag, which features in both Sunday hills rides – enjoy!

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

Saturday 18th November

Sunday 19th November

Monday 20th November

Tuesday 21st November

Wednesday 22nd November

Thursday 23rd November

Friday 24th November

Ride Routes 11 – 17th November

That is a wrap for the Tour of Margaret River 2023. I can most definitely say that it has been a truly enjoyable and memorable event. In talking to everyone that participated, I can also say that everyone – riders, volunteers, coaches – everyone had a ball.

I’ve included some podium photos below, but there are *lots* more on the SPR Facebook group if you want to capture the experience.

Each year SPR sets out to offer every member that wants to ride the Tour, an opportunity to do so. This year our teams were spread across the full range of divisions, something that I thinks gives a good indication that no matter your skill and ability, we found a way enable you to participate in what is arguably the biggest cycling race in Western Australia.

Join me in congratulating the SPR podiums at TOMR 2023:

  • Fastest Rider, Stage 2 Talison Road Race — Jodie Chipper, 3rd, Division WB (SPR W2)
  • Fastest Rider, Stage 3 Ekoi Grand Pursuit — Daniel Godden, 3rd, Division H (SPR M6)
  • Fastest Rider, All Female Team, 35-39 Age Group — Claire Tyrrell
  • Fastest Rider, All Female Team, 45-49 Age Group — Amanda Nabi
  • Fastest Rider, Open Team, Male 50-54 Age Group — Adam Ralph
  • Fastest Rider, Open Team, Male 60-64 Age Group — Mark De Castro
  • Division B, 2nd Overall Team — SPR M1 (Jon-Paul Grygorcewicz, Adam Ralph, Sam Mettam, Ben Bartley, George White, Ethan Aird)
  • Division H, 2nd Overall Team — SPR M6 (Jason Randall, Daniel Godden, Mark Derecourt, Adrian Emilsen, Ian McKellow, Alastair Brook)

I would like to send out particular love to our volunteers Michelle, Iain, Manou, Jane, Max, Meegan, Mirella, and Petra.

Special thanks to Peter Mah for his work training and coaching the Women’s Teams.

And finally, thanks to Steve Burns and Race Subcommittee (Amy, Tom, and Maurice).

💚

International Men’s Day (IMD) — IMD is 19 November this year and Shell’s SEEN Committee and the South Perth Rouleurs are hosting a ride followed by breakfast to celebrate IMD and the healthy culture that cycling brings to our communities.

The ride will be hosted by SPR Ride Leaders with breakfast and some bonus coffee vouchers supplied by Shell. The event will be a medium distance ride (40km) at a pace accessible to cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness (SPR Main 1/ Main 2 pace).

If you are interested in attending this ride, please RSVP on Facebook here.

Save the date. Shop link here.

 

Ride Route Survey — At SPR our core values are Safe, Inclusive, Organised and Social – they under pin everything we do.

A big part of this is our Saturday and Sunday group rides. Before we add or change routes, we like to get your feedback on what you like and dislike about our existing routes.We’ve created a quick survey on what you like and don’t like about our rides, and your most and least favourite routes. Please take five minutes to fill it out by following this link.

Your participation will help guide the club towards enhancing our weekend rides.

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

1. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium – Opening race for the summer season

2. 4F Twilight Series 2023 – Team Registration (actual racing starts next week)

Juniors Ride — Unfortunately, there is no Juniors Ride this Saturday. Check back next week!

From the Ride Coordinator — The ride route survey went out last week, and is still up and running. Many thanks to all those who’ve contributed so far. If you haven’t completed it, please head over here to have your say. It’ll only take a minute if you choose not to answer the more detailed questions, and it gives us the feedback we need to choose new routes that meet your expectations. If anyone has suggestions for new or revised Saturday or Sunday routes, feel free to send them to ride-routes@southperthrouleurs.com.au. GPX files or links to Garmin or Strava Routes are fine. We’ll review them, give feedback, then tweak and/or test those chosen before rolling them out.

Take time to smell the roses as you enjoy the rides this weekend while the legs recover from the months of TOMR training and last weekend’s racing.

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

Saturday 11th November

Sunday 12th November

Monday 13th November

Tuesday 14th November

Wednesday 15th November

Thursday 16th November

Friday 17th November

Ride Routes 4 – 10th November

International Men’s Day (IMD) is 19 November this year and Shell’s SEEN Committee and the South Perth Rouleurs are hosting a ride followed by breakfast to celebrate IMD and the healthy culture that cycling brings to our communities.

The ride will be hosted by SPR Ride Leaders with breakfast and some bonus coffee vouchers supplied by Shell. The event will be a medium distance ride (40km) at a pace accessible to cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness (SPR Main 1/ Main 2 pace).

If you are interested in attending this ride, please RSVP on Facebook here.

 

Ride Route Survey — At SPR our core values are Safe, Inclusive, Organised and Social – they under pin everything we do.

A big part of this is our Saturday and Sunday group rides. Before we add or change routes, we like to get your feedback on what you like and dislike about our existing routes.We’ve created a quick survey on what you like and don’t like about our rides, and your most and least favourite routes. Please take five minutes to fill it out by following this link.

Your participation will help guide the club towards enhancing our weekend rides.

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

1. Nope… everyone is at TOMR 😉💚

Juniors Ride — This Saturday, we’re upping our game with some hill climbing at Kings Park, surrounded by the beauty of the botanical garden. We’ll kick off at the Roe Gardens Car Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/zwdgGKzdGLt1HdC6A), then it’s down Cardiac Hill (Forrest Dr) and up Lovkin Dr to return.

The daring can opt for the bigger loop, going down Cardiac Hill again and then climbing May Dr. The appointment is at 10.30am.

We’ll cap off our adventure by unwinding at the delightful Zamia cafe

From the Ride Coordinator — With TOMR on this weekend we can expect fewer riders, which sometimes means a wider range of strengths in any group. Factor this in when setting the pace, and try to keep it at a level where all riders in the group can be part of “the roll”. The Saturday and Sunday routes this week are all ones that haven’t been ridden much in the last two years. Murdoch and Freo on Saturday is a mix of Monday and Public holiday routes, while both Sunday rides go up Canning Mills Rd, a great climbers hill. Long hills has some testing additional climbs and beautiful scenery, starting with Hill Rd (F’nberg) as you turn off Brookton Hwy.

It’s going to be warm, so please use sunscreen, and carry enough water. Both hills rides have a regroup at Pickering Brook General Store, where you can fill up bottles.

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

Saturday 4th November

Sunday 5th November

Monday 6th November

Tuesday 7th November

Wednesday 8th November

Thursday 9th November

Friday 10th November

Ride Routes 28th October – 3rd November

This week is a farewell of sorts. Not forever, but this Saturday is Julian Johnson’s final stint as a Ride Leader before he heads south more permanently.

Many of you will know that the club’s long-standing Vice President – responsible for the SPR Vice President’s Good Friday Ride, the use of zinc by cyclists and the reputation for gloriously mismatched kit – purchased a property in Nannup that promised excellent riding along with some not unpleasant views (see below).

For some time now, Julian and Vanessa have split time between Perth and Nannup, but with the perfect job offer coming his way, Julian is heading south to live and work.

All the best Julian!!

The view from Nannup

SPR Tour of Margaret River 2023 Kit Launch — This evening saw the launch of SPR’s TOMR kit for 2023, modelled by the club’s Mr Race Subcommittee himself, Steve Burns. There will be lots of green at TOMR this year 💚

 

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

1. MCC Midland Traders 100

Juniors Ride — No Juniors Ride this weekend unfortunately. Check back next week.

From the Ride Coordinator — More great weather this weekend, and it’s crunch time for those doing TOMR. Many of you will be tapering, so remember to pick your ride group to match how you feel like riding on the day, and drop down a group if you’re wanting an easier ride.

As it’s Julian Johnsons last regular Saturday ride, he had the honour of picking the route. This means you can thank Dr J. as you grind your way up Ewen St. Coincidentally that was the route I had picked a few weeks ago anyway – true story! It’s not quite the Stelvio that Julian was riding a few weeks ago, but a challenge nonetheless.

Remember to hydrate as the weather warms. I find it helpful to half fill a bottle, freeze it overnight, and then top it up with water in the morning. That way I can drink from it immediately, and there’s a block of ice to keep it cool for longer. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen.

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

Saturday 28th October

Sunday 29th October

Monday 30th October

Tuesday 31st October

Wednesday 1st November

Thursday 2nd November

Friday 3rd November

Ride Routes 21st – 27th October

So. I can’t say I thought I’d say this… but we are short riders due to COVID.

For this year’s Tour of Margaret River, we will have 15 teams (90 riders) including 2 women’s teams and several mixed teams, a record for SPR. It is going to be an excellent event, and I know riders across Western Australia (not just SPR 😎) are looking forward to it.

However, we’ve had several riders come down in the past few days with COVID and so we’re urgently looking for last minute substitutions. If that is you, or you know someone who might be interested, please get in touch with Steve via email on race@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Tour De Gracetown — The Tour De Gracetown is on Saturday 28 October. It is not only a well organised road cycling event with three distances to choose from, it’s a wonderful weekend away with fellow cyclists and partners. To top it off there is also a recovery ride on the Sunday with coffee at the Berry Farm.

Some accommodation is still available in Margaret River which you can book via the SPR shop; $75 per person in a twin share room. Contact Carol if you have any questions.

The cost is $125 for all distances if you register by 16 October (OK, so you’ve missed that… now $145).

We still have two spaces so if you are interested, please get in touch with Carol.

Women Talking Cycling — You may recall that Shokz sponsored our recent Womens event, and that we mentioned a competition last week. Well… SPR won first prize in the #tryshokzon social medial challenge which you would have seen us promoting last week. We only beat the South Pine Strides by less than ten likes (395 to 386)! 

Thank you to everyone who liked and shared our post. The Committee will be meeting shortly to decide how we will give these out as prizes. But, two lucky members who liked and shared our competition post will be getting a pair. If you want know more about Shokz check out their website. 

A special mention to Belinda for her competitive spirit and entering our club to get us selected for the competition. She also told me that half our ‘likes’ to win came from her staff members at work and students at Curtin University, so if you win a pair you have them to thank. 

 

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

1. WCMCC Herne Hill Memorial Handicap Road Race (plus End of Season presentations)

2. MCC Midland Traders 100 (coming 29 October)

Juniors Ride — Next Saturday, our junior group will meet at Wireless Hill Park to practice bunch riding skills and explore the nearby area. We’ll all gather at the car park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/is8CupgwtzfVVsmn8) at 11am.

From the Ride Coordinator — One of the reasons we like to keep the size of Saturday groups to around 15 riders, is to limit the physical length of the group on the road. Longer groups are a greater disruption to traffic, and more susceptible to being split at lights.

One way to help maintain a compact group is to delay accelerating when coming out of corners. A good rule of thumb is to count up to the number of riders behind you, before picking up your pace. So if there are 10 riders behind you, count to 10 after the corner before picking up speed.

Try it this week, and enjoy the rides.

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

Saturday 21st October

Sunday 22nd October

Monday 23rd October

Tuesday 24th October

Wednesday 25th October

Thursday 26th October

Friday 27th October