All posts by Daniel Harvey

Ride Routes 8 – 14th April

It has been some good riding. Last week the 2023 Edition of the SPR Water Tower Challenge and this week the Vice President’s ride – plus the rest of the Easter Public Holiday gourmet selection. Enjoy.

Kudos to everyone that participated. And many thanks to Steve, the Race Subcommittee and volunteers for making it happen on the day.

I, for one, enjoyed the new course – thank you to Andrew Ballam and Steve Burns for putting it together – though I must admit that I almost committed the cardinal sin. As I pulled in to the second feed zone, my Di2 refused to shift out of the little ring… I guess I forgot check the battery 😱… the good news is the rear derailleur continued shifting until the finish line. I think I learned my lesson.

Until next time. Enjoy some finish line photos below.

Read below for news of CanTeen 2023 and the upcoming Goldfields Cyclassic.

Don’t forget we have a Public Holiday this Friday, or come on the 10th Annual VP’s Good Friday Ride.

Daniel

Team Chile
Team Columbia Group A
Team 2 giants and a little lady
Team Columbia Group B
Team Why Vegetables
Team Quokkas
Teams XRR
Team Chris, Jonny, Liam
Team Belson-Cristophe-Michael
Team Coffee Chillers
Team Algebra
Team Carbon Offsets
Team Roy Hill
Team Vertical Limit
Team Epic
Is that a Water Tower
Team Fab 4/2
Team EBPB
Team Late Comers and H2O Boys
Team AvengHERs

Goldfields Cyclassic — The Goldfields Cyclassic is a very special cycling experience with a history going back to 1928. It is a 2-day graded handicap race from Kalgoorlie to Leonora on the long weekend 3 -4 June 2023; 132km to Menzies day 1, 100km to Leonora day 2. Flat out and furious, how can you resist. In 2023 the event organisers will host a separate mens and ladies handicap race on day 2.

For those looking for a ride there is the Community Challenge where teams of 2 to 4 share the 132km distance.

Registrations early bird finishes 21 April: race $160, community challenge $40 and both include return bike transfers Perth to the event and dinner Saturday night in Menzies. You will need an AusCycling race all disciplines licence to enter the race or a standard AusCylcing lifestyle licence for the community challenge.

Transfers: the charter flight package costs $400 and includes all transfers. Fly up Saturday and return from Leonora Sunday. This is heavily discounted and seats are limited so recommend to book when registering. Saturday night accommodation in Menzies is not included in the package.

For a more leisurely version you can take the train to Kalgoorlie or drive, up Friday back Monday, though you will need to book accommodation in Kalgoorlie Friday and Sunday and Saturday night in Menzies.

Accommodation: if taking the charter flight, you will need to book a night in Menzies for the Saturday night. For all accommodation options check out https://www.cyclassic.com.au/registration-travel/

Please contact Andrew Ballam vp@southperthrouleurs.com.au if interested in racing or Carol comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au for the community challenge.

More information is available at https://www.cyclassic.com.au/

CanTeen 2023 — SPR fielded its largest team of 22 cyclists this year with many new participants and so many returning ones. What a wonderful experience with amazing support from across Perth and the towns through which we cycled on our way to Busselton. Safe with escort vehicles, feed at every stop by the local communities and all for a great cause.

The SPR team raised $22,000 to support young people with cancer in WA. Some of the cancer survivors recounted their journey – a very moving experience for everyone. One of our own SPR members Anita Young is an event organiser extraordinaire working throughout the year to make this event happen. 

Team SPR 2023
Post breakfast high

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

Well actually, not much is happening this weekend… plenty of group rides though 😉

1. 4Five+ Tiger Tracks Gravel – Day 1 (of 2) (early warning)

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Plenty of opportunity in the coming days to catch up with km and it looks like mostly great riding weather throughout the long weekend – fingers crossed the rain stays away for those doing the VP ride on Friday.

Mornings are getting darker again, so please ensure your front and back lights are fitted and batteries charged for early starts. Avoid flashing back lights when riding in groups, as they can be very distracting for riders close behind.

Saturday takes us back to TV Stations which we haven’t done for a while, and some new riders may not have ridden. Sunday short hills is one of our newer rides – Kahuna Irymple & Canning Mills. It adds a stunning new loop at the top of Kahuna with some pinch climbs tempered by beautiful vineyard views. Please take extra care on the descent of Mills Rd East. There is only one lane, and we need to respect the drivers with whom we share the road. Ensure you have sufficient following distance to cars and other bikes.  While the group will regroup at the top of climbs, the ride does not have a water refill stop so please make sure you carry what you need for a 72km ride.

The 30km Shelly Transitional rides are on again, starting at 10am on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from March till November.

Note that the 5.45am Tuesday and Thursday Kings Park Development Rides have been removed from the schedule as they are no longer happening.

Saturday 8th April

Sunday 9th April

Monday 10th April – Easter Monday

Tuesday 11th April

Wednesday 12th April

Thursday 13th April

Friday 14th April

Ride Routes 1st – 7th April

I will be brief in this week’s blog post due to limited time, but did want to welcome our new Committee following out AGM last Saturday.

I am pleased to announce the Committee for 2023 as follows:

  • President – Daniel Harvey
  • Vice President – Andrew Ballam
  • Secretary – Tom Goerke
  • Treasurer – Shirley Vine
  • General Committee Members – Steve Burns, Mark De Castro, Amy Currie, Carol Dowse, Maurice Hermann, Greg Jones, Danielle Collins, Giovanni Firmani

To my mind, this represents both stability and evolution – both important aspects of a good leadership team for a community organisation. I welcome new members Maurice and Giovanni to committee as well as acknowledging the ongoing commitment of existing committee members who are continuing.

For those who requested copies of the AGM reports, these will go out by email today. I comment more in my AGM report on both the work of the committee and the achievements of SPR as a club collectively. 2022 was a good year.

For those participating in the Water Tower Challenge this weekend, enjoy. I believe we have the weather sorted.

Don’t forget we have a Public Holiday this Friday, and especially the 10th Annual VP’s Good Friday Ride.

Daniel

2023 Committee (*)
AGM Speeches
AGM 2023

PS It was not intentional, but both new committee members were not present for the photo 😥

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

1. WA Cyclocross Numbat Cup One

2. WCMCC Bibra Lake Criterium

3. 4Five+ Tiger Tracks Gravel – Day 1 (of 2) (early warning)

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Last Sunday was the first time in a while I’d ridden in a downpour. There were fewer riders, but the rain passed and we were dry by the time we got to coffee. This week there is no threat, so we expect higher numbers again. This means we need to maintain our discipline with group sizes. You can help on Saturday by considering the group size when deciding whether to move up to the start group, or to wait for the next one. Think about how you’re feeling on the day, and select a group that you think you’ll be able to roll with as an equal participant rather than surging off the front, or hanging on for dear life at the back. You’ll all enjoy the ride a lot more if you’re of similar strength.

Our committee and subcommittees have been listening to feedback on all club rides, and have decided to trial a new Wednesday ride in place of the Stock Rd training. Several routes were tested, and the one chosen is 35km, starting below the Narrows bridge on the SOUTH side, and ending at Raffles. Full route is here: SPR Wednesday 35.3km (2023 Edition)

There will be two groups; one at M1 pace and one slower. The trial will run for three months. Give it a go,and let us know what you think.

Saturday 1st April

Sunday 2nd April

Monday 3rd April

Tuesday 4th April

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

Wednesday 5th April

Thursday 6th April

Friday 7th April

Ride Routes 25th – 31st March

Good evening all,

So it has been an eventful week. The end of the crit season is upon us with the States this weekend. The Cyclocross season begins with Party in the Park – CX O’Day 23 this weekend (if you’re new to CX, do reach out – many SPR members are very experienced and would be happy to talk you through it all). And the start of the road season is imminent.

It’s all happening. And that does not cover the incident on our most recent Sunday Hills ride. More on that below.

But first I want to send out 💚 and kudos to SPR green on the podium with the PDCC 22-23 Summer Criterium Race 5 last weekend:

  • B Grade – Claire Rapson 1st

Plus a special mention to Elar Kalda, back on the bike and placing 6th after crashing out at the Perth City Criterium several weeks back.

Now to less enjoyable but equally important topics. Following our discussion last week regarding safety, we unfortunately had a relatively serious accident last Sunday descending Welshpool. The accident occurred at speed (70+km/h) on the main section of the descent, and resulted in three riders coming off. Two riders ended up in hospital with broken bones and some serious gravel rash. We are thankful that it was not more serious, and in particular offer thanks to the SPR riders who assisted at the scene and arranged transport and assistance.

The Committee met on Monday evening, and as would be expected, this event – and the safety implications – were discussed in some detail. Whilst some of what occurred last Sunday is still being ascertained, we do have a some thoughts I would like to share.

Firstly, whilst we have removed some routes from our Sunday Hills catalogue due to risks associated with descents, that is not our assessment in this case. Welshpool Road is a fast descent, but is also one of the safest on the SPR list, with an excellent surface, good visibility and lots of room for cars and bikes on the dual carriage way. Not to mention that it is the descent we use most by a significant margin, and this is the first accident of this type we have on record (and we have kept very good records since 2017).

Having said that, please take care when descending, particularly fast descents like Welshpool Road. Some comments with particular emphasis on Welshpool:

  1. Stay in the left lane (leave the right lane for other vehicles).
  2. Look ahead and maintain situational awareness of other riders in the group, and of the traffic in the right-hand-lane.
  3. Maintain a safe distance to the rider in front of you, allowing for the speed at which you are travelling.
  4. Stay left where possible, allowing other riders to roll past on your right to come to the front.
  5. Keep your hands on drops and fingers on the brakes, being careful to brake carefully (you do not want the brakes to grab at speed).
  6. Pay attention to you posture on the bike when descending fast, remembering to relax as this gives better control.

Please ride safely.

Final reminder that our AGM is coming up on the Saturday 25 March (with voting running online this week closing tomorrow night). Details will be in your email – get in touch if you have not received them.

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

Daniel

B Grade Podium
Women’s B

 

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

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

SPR Water Tower Challenge 2023

This is a fundraiser for the club and helps support our Ride Leader Program that both members and non-members enjoy 365 days a year.

 Party in the Park – CX O’Day 23 — Cyclocross is back in WA, time to inflate the 33mm tyres, lube the chain and remember what it is like to race in the red, on grass, hop over barriers whilst smiling.

Grades (Women and Men together)

CX Freshers (20mins), First time CX Racer – this grade is for you (we at WACX really hope that you will love cross as much as well all do.)

Keeping the US college theme going…
CX Sophomore (30 mins), Done a couple of CX racers (not more than seven) want to remember what is required and how much fun CX is.

CX Senior (40mins), Raced more than seven, please self seed at the start line.

The U13 will have the opportunity to ride the whole course, U9 will be doing the half lap (to save their parents backs!)

Licensing – All riders including U9 & U13 will need a Race Off Road which is $50 for the year – unfortunately no valid license no start in 2023.

Please plan ahead, please enter early – you have been warned.

Enter via EntryBoss https://entryboss.cc/races/15023

ENTRIES WILL CLOSE Friday 24th March.

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

1. NDCC WA State Criterium Championship

2. WCMCC Herne Hill Graded Scratch Road Race

3. WA Cyclocross Party in the Park – CX O’Day 23

 

From the Ride Coordinator — With the AGM on Saturday, we’d like to get everyone back to Dome by 9am, so we have one of the shortest (and oldest) rides, Canning Vale & Welshpool. Fingers crossed for green lights and not too many cross winds.

Many of the recent spate of crashes have occurred at roundabouts – both large and small, so please take extra care at the roundabouts on Nicholson and William Rd, before and after we cross Albany Hwy. Remember that the road camber (sideways slope) on roundabouts is almost always the wrong way – so slow down, give each other space, and enjoy the ride.

On Sunday we have our third and final Dams Training session open to all participants. Please work with the ride leaders to ensure a good experience for all.

Saturday 25th March

Sunday 26th March

Monday 27th March

Tuesday 28th March

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

Wednesday 29th March

Thursday 30th March

Friday 31st March

Ride Routes 18 – 24th March

We have a few things to cover in tonight’s blog. On serious note, please read though our piece on safety below – SPR take safety very seriously, and in view of some recent incidents (unfortunately including riders coming off during our rides) the Committee would like to put a focus on the subject in our blog tonight.

There is also a round-up of the amazing Perth City Criterium – if you love racing, you will know that the energy of inner city closed roads is a highlight. Also, for anyone that attended (as a racer or spectator) please fill this survey in. It will make a significant contribution to getting support for the event in future years.

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

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

See you out of the bike.

Daniel

Safety — We know that safety is a top concern for all of us when we hit the roads on our bikes. We want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to reduce the risk of harm to ourselves, other cyclists, and our beloved bikes. That’s why at SPR, safety is one of our core pillars, along with being organized, inclusive, and social.

You may not be aware of all the work that goes on behind the scenes to make our rides as safe as possible, so we want to take a moment to highlight some of the things we do.

First up, we have our Ride Leader Program. You may have seen these dedicated volunteers leading the way on our Saturday and Sunday rides. These ride leaders go through extensive training, both in theory and practice, to ensure they are equipped to handle any situation that may arise. We are constantly reviewing and updating our Ride Leader Program to make sure it’s as effective as possible.

Next, we have our route maintenance and review process. Our ride coordinators carefully select and review routes with safety in mind. We try to avoid right-hand turns across multiple lanes of traffic, and we take member feedback into consideration when planning our rides. Recently, we made a change to our Friday morning ride based on member feedback, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Rider briefings are a regular part of all our rides, whether it’s a weekday spin or a longer weekend route. We take the time to go over specific hazards and dangers, with a particular emphasis on current risks like damp roundabouts.

Finally, we capture crash statistics and review them regularly. We started recording crash data in 2017 and have since logged over 200 crashes. This information helps us identify patterns and understand the reasons behind crashes, which in turn allows us to take action to reduce risk.

All of this work is done by volunteers who are passionate about making our rides as safe as possible for everyone. But we also want to remind you that each of us has a responsibility to ride safely and be accountable for our own actions.

So the next time you’re out on a ride and hear your ride leader briefing about road conditions or obstacles, please pay attention and take heed. By working together, we can make our SPR rides safer and more enjoyable for all.

Perth City Criterium — We have to offer our thanks to Peel Districts Cycling Club, WestCycle, and AusCycling WA for putting on this inner city closed roads race! We loved it. Not to mention, Perth City Council and the Department of Local Government, Sports and Cultural Industries who contributed significant grant funding to enable the additional expenses

Well done to everyone that raced. Again, SPR had over 20 members racing.

We had lots of riders across the grades in both mens and womens, but it was the women who had podium success on the day. Well done!

We love your work 💚

  • B Grade – Corrie Johnstone 1st, Katrina McLennan 2nd, Rebecca Kelly 3rd
  • C/D Grade – Lauren Humphreys 1st, Claire Rapson 2nd, Jodie Chipper 3rd

Regretfully, we send out condolences to Toby and Elar – both looking well positioned going into the last lap before coming down. Recover well gents.

Full results are here and check out the photos below.

B Grade Podium
C/D Grade Podium
SPR Women in action
C Grade Men
Smiles before the pain
More smiles
💚
Ready
Mmmm

 

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

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

SPR Water Tower Challenge 2023

This is a fundraiser for the club and helps support our Ride Leader Program that both members and non-members enjoy 365 days a year.

  

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

1. PDCC Summer Criterium Race 5 & Club Championship

2. WCMCC Wangara Criterium

 

From the Ride Coordinator — From time to time while riding or racing in a group, you may hear someone call, “Hold your line!”. This means stay in the same part of the lane throughout the corner or roundabout. Take a group with two lines of riders and a roundabout with two lanes. Assume you’re going straight on; the left line needs to stay hard left (outside) all the way round, so that the right line of riders is not forced into the right (inside) lane. Similarly, going around a left hand bend, the right line needs to stay wide to give the riders in the left lane enough space to avoid the kerb.

Stay safe!

Saturday 18th March

Sunday 19th March

Monday 20th March

Tuesday 21st March

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

Wednesday 22nd March

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

Thursday 23rd March

Friday 24th March

Ride Routes 11 – 17th March

Good evening all,

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

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

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

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

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

And not to mention, we have ride routes.

Daniel

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

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

Kudos one and all 💚.

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

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

 

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

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

SPR Water Tower Challenge 2023

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

  

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

1. Perth City Criterium Championship

2. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium

 

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

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

We have good weather again this weekend. Enjoy.

Saturday 11th March

Sunday 12th March

Monday 13th March

Tuesday 14th March

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

Wednesday 15th March

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

Thursday 16th March

Friday 17th March

Ride Routes 4 – 10th March

1 Comment

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

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

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

Congratulations to:

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

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

 

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

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

SPR Water Tower Challenge 2023

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

  

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

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

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

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

1. MCC Burswood Criterium

2. Perth City Criterium Championship (12/Mar)

 

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

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

Enjoy the good weather this long weekend.

Saturday 4th March

Sunday 5th March

Monday 6th March – Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 7th March

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

Wednesday 8th March

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

Thursday 9th March

Friday 10th March

Ride Routes 25th February – 3rd March

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

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

SPR Water Tower Challenge 2023

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

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

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

Categories:

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

Make sure you read the full details on EntryBoss.

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

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

Ride or volunteer… get involved 😎💚

  

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

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

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

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

1. RCCC Renae’s Race 2023

2. WCMCC Speed Dome Criterium

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

5. Perth City Criterium Championship (12/Mar)

 

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

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

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

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

Saturday 25th January

Sunday 26th February

Monday 27th February

Tuesday 28th February

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

Wednesday 1st March

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

Thursday 2nd March

Friday 3rd March

Ride Routes 18 – 24th February

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

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

Daniel

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

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

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

Alternatively, meet us there at 5:30pm.

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

  

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

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

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

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

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

1. PDCC 22-23 Summer Criterium Race 4

2. WCMCC Bibra Lake Criterium

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

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

5. Perth City Criterium Championship (12/Mar)

 

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

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

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

Saturday 18th January

Sunday 19th February

Monday 20th February

Tuesday 21st February

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

Wednesday 22nd February

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

Thursday 23rd February

Friday 24th February

Ride Routes 11 – 17th February

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

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

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

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

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

Talk about options for racing.

Daniel

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

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

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

Alternatively, meet us there at 5:30pm.

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

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

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

  

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

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

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

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

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

1. NBCC State Criterium Series

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Saturday 11th January

Sunday 12th February

Monday 13th February

Tuesday 14th February

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

Wednesday 15th February

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

Thursday 16th February

Friday 17th February

Ride Routes 4 – 10th February

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

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

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

See the links below for registration and accomodation.

Register for the Tour de Gracetown

Book SPR-organised Accommodation

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

SPR Tour de Gracetown 2022 Recovery Ride

  

  

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

1. RCCC 2023 Henk Vogels Snr Memorial Criterium

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

 

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

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

Saturday 4th January

Sunday 5th February

Monday 6th February

Tuesday 7th February

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

Wednesday 8th February

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

Thursday 9th February

Friday 10th February