Report by Reg Julian

I must admit to being quite apprehensive on the ride down to the car-park on Sunday. The word was out that Phil Anderson would be joining us for the ride today and I was quite concerned that the size of group would be much more inflated than usual, making for a nervous day directing the group. Peter and I had discussed possible routes earlier in the week and Mundaring Weir was one of the options considered. By Thursday Peter had decided that we would climb the scarp to Darlington, then cruise through to Mundaring, followed by the long haul along Mundaring Weir Rd back for coffee.

When I reached the car park I was pleasantly surprised. Numbers were around 50 across the three groups and a few riders who were testing out the Malvern Stars were getting fitted up. Phil Anderson had indeed turned up and was happy being introduced to all and sundry and posing for photos, maintaining a smile all the way. Peter suggested that the transition and intermediate groups would head out with himself and Phil to give these groups a chance to ride with cycling royalty. The advanced group would start about 5 mniutes later and would catch up with the intermediates after the first climb. That was the cunning plan.

Once the first riders had decamped we sat around the car park, not knowing what to do. I suggested someone tell a few jokes but no one volunteered. Jarrad tried to recite some Oscar Wilde and after 4 ½ minutes I’d had enough and suggested we head off at a steady pace. Jonny and I led the group out and before too long we sitting on 32-35 km/h. After our turn at the front I was reminded by Carl that this was not quite the steady pace he had anticipated. Sheepishly I agreed and apologised by being overwhelmed by the occasion. I retreated to the back to discuss national English curricula with Mike Bonner, hopeful in the knowledge that the next generation of SPR bloggers will follow correct grammatical and spelling instructions.

Soon the first hill was on us and after an incorrect right turnwas corrected, the group began the string out. Up ahead we saw Peter on the side of the road cursing his mechanical abilities. A lost front chain ring meant a rescue call to Kate was made and unfortunately his day was over. (Your luck will change soon I’m sure!). The rest of us settled into the climb with the sexy one making his customary run to the front. I think there were about 6 of us for the final run to the line with Mike B getting ahead of me in the last section. I held out Jarrad, Jerry and Stu in the minor placings.

KOM 1. Mike B, 2. Reg Julian, 3. Jarrad, 4. Jerry 5. Stu

We regrouped and sent the intermediate group out to Gt Eastern Highway. Phil then joined our group for the rest of the ride and Lennie also decided to join us. No sooner had we started before the second climb up Ryecroft Rd was upon us. Again the group strung out early and a group of 7 or so broke away. Dan put in a great climb here and was rewarded with a second behind Mike. Phil, Jerry and I fought it out for the rest of the points and as expected Jerry and I were out-sprinted.

KOM 2. Mike B, 2. Dan, 3. Phil, 4. Jerry 5. JJ

At the re-group I gave instruction for the next section but couldn’t remember the names of the roads to turn on. Therefore I was sent to the front to lead the way. I was joined by Mike and we made a pretty good pace up the rise to Mundaring. Behind us there was very little chatter, indicating that everyone was going a bit hard. We were all together in Mundaring and I went to back of the group, giving instruction along the way to regroup at Asher Rd. Once the descent started I was a bit too far back from the front group for my liking and was not helped by a dog running out onto the road near the bottom. This caused 4 of us to break suddenly and contact was lost. On the climb out I put the foot down and was given some encouragement from Davina and Lisa but resigned myself to be out of the points. Bec and I kept each other company up to the top and we finished about 9th and 10th I think. Stu took the points.

KOM 3. Stu, 2. Phil, 3. Mike B, 4. Jerry 5. Jonny

All that was remaining was the descent into Piesse Brook, followed by the usual climb. At this stage Phil was concerned about the lack of coffee shops in the area but we reassured him a caffeine hit was less than 15 minutes away. A few of the down-hillers took up the pace and Brodie and I sat back a little to see how it would pan out. At the start of the climb, we were joined by Phil and Jonny and sat in the mid 20’s. We passed a couple of riders who were pretty shocked to see Phil Anderson ride past. They asked if they could tag along and soon there was good train going up the hill. The ride was made all the more enjoyable as there were no cars today. As the hill flattened out Stu went to the front and I took second wheel. I had no idea how many were behind and by the time was hit the last rise I went out past Stu and was swamped by Mike, Phil, Brodie Jarrad and Jerry. I tried to catch Jerry and Phil on the final stretch but there was nothing left. My time of 7.40 was reasonable but not as impressive as Jerry and Jarrad, who joined the sub 7.30 club. Jerry’s time of 7.23 was very impressive and Jarrad 7.26 was also respectable. Jerry and Stu had started a fair way back and picked everyone off pn the way up.

KOM 4. Mike B, 2. Brodie, 3. Jarrad, 4. Jerry 5. Phil

We retired for coffee at the merchant and had a good chat about Le Tour and Phil’s trips that he organises. Coffee was a bit slow today but they were busy and the owner did apologise to me so it looks as though they still want us. Heading back out we settled down along Canning Road but the pace quickened as we started the Lesmurdie Rd descent. Once we hit Welshpool it was on and low to mid 80’s were the order of the day. This stretch was the highlight of the ride for me as I sat close behind Phil to see how smooth he rode and it was very impressive to watch. At the bottom he complained that we needed some decent hills in Perth to come down (we all agreed) and compared Welshpool Rd to a driveway!

The trip back to the car park was done at a steady 40 km/h pace with Brodie taking the first sprint and Jonny (I think) taking the second. It was interesting to note that a usual Sunday ride averages about 27-28 km/h and todays ride averaged 31.5 km/h! I think the excitement got to everyone but on such a great day it was well worth the pain. On reaching the car park Peter was waiting for us to get the run down. A couple more photos were taken and the Malvern Stars returned. If you’re reading this Phil thanks for taking the time to ride with our group and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
 

Report by Reg Julian

A much smaller group today for the ride up into the hills, with about 20 of us gathered in the car park. The routes were set and we were off at an easy pace into a pretty strong easterly. The turns were short on the front today, due to the wind and the most important job of the leaders was not to shield everyone else from the wind but to notify others behind of all the glass in the road. How we managed to get passed the airport without a puncture was beyond me.

After cutting through past Rosehill golf course Heiko answered a call of nature and the rest of us keep going. He said he would catch up. However, as the last of the group crossed the railway line, on went the bells and down came the gates. Knowing how long the Sunday morning train usually is, I let the group go and went back to help Heiko get back to the group. We then rode together into the wind doing 20-30 sec turns in front and sitting on about 35 km/hr. By the time we hit Ridgehill Road the group was still nowhere to be seen but there was a re-group at the bottom of the zig-zag. This enabled us to catch our breath and I was able to send the transition group up the zig-zag and delineate the split between the intermediate (going up Kalamunda Rd) and advanced (going up Gooseberry Hill Rd) rides. I thought the instructions were clear but a few riders managed to go the wrong way, but were soon sorted out.

By the time we reached Gooseberry Hill Rd I as beginning to regret the chase with Heiko and also the extra glass of red at my 19th wedding anniversary dinner the night before. Up ahead the leaders were getting further away and I decided to hang on and just try and get up the top in one piece. I couldn’t see positions in front but at the top the points were split as follows:

KOM 1. 1. Mike B, 2. Stu, 3. Jonny, 4. Brodie 5. Jarrad

Back down the zig-zag and pretty soon we were on Kalamunda Rd going up again. This time I was really suffering and barely struggled to get above 11 km/hr. Again, I’ve no idea of how it panned out in front, apart from the final points and feel free to elaborate or embellish the story in the comments.

KOM 2. 1. Mike B, 2. Stu, 3. Brodie, 4. Heiko 5. Jonny

We regrouped at the bus stop and Brett and Carl took an early coffee. I was ready to join them, but after a banana, a bit to drink, sitting in the shade and some encouraging words from Jarrad and Heiko, I was ready to go (in hindsight I can thank them very much). Meanwhile, the sexiest man in the club, Brodie, was working on his tan in the sun.

We went on in single file through Kalamunda and Lesmurdie and the pace picked up towards Pickering Brook. With every km I was starting to feel a bit better and by the time we turned into Glenisla Road (parting with Stu who decided to go straight ahead) I was actually looking forward to another climb. A few of us had noted the wind direction and commented that a fast time on the final climb could be on the cards. Brodie and Heiko decided they would go for it and I would also try and hang on for the ride. The descent into Bickley Valley was a bit tricky with the cross winds but everyone got through safely and as we hit Mundaring Weir Rd everything was all systems go.

Brodie got us all off to a good start and kept the pace up for the first section, with Jarrad and Heiko lending a hand. We weren’t helped by a couple of yobbo P-plate drivers who decided to get a bit close when overtaking. Just after the house with the big wall, Mike B, who started a bit behind pushed ahead and I followed into second place. It was about here the group split up and Mike, Brodie and myself were out by ourselves by the time we reached to flatter part. I went to the front and maintained a 39 km/h pace until the final rise. Looking at the clock It was going to be pretty quick so I put the foot down for the last rise but was overtaken by Mike and Brodie at the end. Behind us, Heiko and Jarrad claimed the rest of the points.

KOM 3. 1. Mike B, 2. Brodie, 3. Julian, 4. Heiko 5. Jarrad

Now for the important bit. Brodie and I stopped the clock at 7.24 – both PBs and in the upper echelons of the SPR hill climb times. Mike B managed 4 seconds quicker with a time of 7.20 and thus can now lay claim to the quickest SPR rider on the climb (Ryan I’m sure you’ll be out next weekend!). Certainly the conditions were favourable but it was great time nonetheless. I didn’t get to hear if any other PBs were set. If so, please e-mail me the details so the table can be updated.

Heiko David and I had other arrangements so we left before coffee. The wind was really picking up on Welshpool Rd and was right at our backs so we really pushed it down the hill. Heiko managed 91.6 km/h and I pipped him with 92.4 km/h. Dave had a rather sedate 88 km/h! We were joined by Dale for the trip home and sat on 45+ km/h for most of the way. We split on Berwick St and I headed off home feeling much better than when the ride started.

Report by “Regular” Julian

With Russell away this weekend I was asked by Peter to lead the intermediate group – no problem I thought, an easier ride than usual but still at a good pace and a chance to catch up with a few of the riders I hadn’t seen for a while. That was the theory anyway.

The first thing that struck me at the car park was the sheer size of the group. The second was when were set on our way about 99% of them appeared to be in the Intermediate group. Maybe this wouldn’t be too easy after all. There was an inevitable split at the first lights then I went up and down the group looking for loyal assistants to help with the masses. Paul, Alistair, Nev, Lisa and Lennie were amongst those to offer help – thanks to all of you. By the time we were about to turn into Canning Highway I decided to let the group get split by lights and that we would re-group at the top of Stock Rd and again at the end of South St. Most of the group made it through the lights and I was left with about 10 others. We made our way down Canning Highway to the freeway and I was somewhat concerned by the lack of pace. It was at the lights that I discovered I was with the transition group – thanks Scott for letting me know. So all in all it wasn’t the best of starts – losing the whole group within the first 5 km.

I bade farewell to the “transitioners” and went solo to catch the others. Up ahead I could see the group has split but we brought back together in Alfred Cove. Then it got really messy with the right hand turn into Burke Drive. From behind it appeared as though there was a lack of communication between the back and front, telling people they were clear to go into the right lane. Consequently, with the big group, traffic was brought to a standstill as everyone tried to get across to the turn. We all made it safely across and the pace picked up a little heading towards Point Walter. I sat back to make sure it everyone stayed on but by the time we hit Stock Rd hill it got ugly again. We were really strung out by the hill and one young lad dropped his chain. Toby stayed with him to get him going again and a group of about 20 were brought back together at the Canning Highway lights. The rest of the group had pulled in a bit further on and after crossing Leach Highway were back to the big group. Again I went ahead to let the stronger guys know that they could go ahead on South St and a few of us would pull the others through. Nev took care of this group and Paul, Alistair and I made sure all was OK at the back. Once on South St we split into three groups and Toby helped me out at the back. No group really got away as the lights were not favourable and as the last group approached the freeway we were all getting back together.

Up ahead I noticed some riders on the side of the road and my immediate thoughts were that someone had a flat. However, when I reached the scene I discovered that there had been a sudden stop, a clash of wheels and Tim was looking very worse for wear with many cuts and grazes, a ripped shirt and knicks and a helmet pretty much broken in two. At this point I sent the rest of the group on the way with Alistair to let the front guys know what had happened. 12 of us remained behind with Tim to make sure all was OK. Daniel made a call to Peter and Kimbo was dispatched as the rescue vehicle. With Tim picked up and OK the rest of us started out along South Street then I took them on a short cut along Vahland Ave and Corinthian Rd, coming out on Riverton Bridge. The pace was pretty easy and everyone started to relax a little. We even got a bit of an insight into Lennie and Jonny’s personal life! We passed Stu on the bike path, who was out doing a solo ride and got a puncture and Paul stayed back to help him. The rest of us got back onto Manning Road and at the turn into Kent St we were caught by some of the group who’d kept going. We were on the home stretch now and safely made it back to Peter’s where the breakfast feast awaited.

A big thank to everyone who helped with the preparations for the breakfast, especially to Peter and Kate for accommodating such a huge group. It’s always good to catch up after a ride and without kid’s sport this weekend (a rare treat for me) I really enjoyed being able to stay back enjoy the festivities.

And now for an editorial comment (Sorry Mr. B and Captain Poser for starting a sentence with “And”).

The group today was too big to organize and would have benefitted from a split immediately after setting off, or dividing into two and going two different routes. Yes this involves a bit more organization and planning but would result in a more enjoyable ride (especially for the leaders!). A few riders have been stepping up lately to lead or help lead groups and I’m sure there would be plenty of volunteers. I also understand that actual numbers for the Intermediate group will vary each week and there may not be a need to do this all the time. Accidents will happen on group rides and we were lucky today that only one person came off. The thought of someone coming off at the front of pack of 60 plus riders is not a pretty one and safety should be of the utmost concern on the group rides. I offer this opinion to start a discussion and would welcome further comments – especially from the regular Intermediate group riders. I’m sure the new committee would be happy to take on board the comments and work towards a resolution that will encourage more riders to be a part of the South Perth cycling family. Also good luck to those on the freeway bike hike tomorrow – please take care!

Report by “Regular” Julian

In keeping with this week’s tradition of getting the report out before the last cyclist has left the coffee shop, I offer the following muse from today’s travels in the hills.

A group of about 25 set off today, with no major incidents apart from a chain ring coming off (see Transition Group report). After the split we continued down to Brookton Highway and the advanced group gathered in the right lane. Rider after rider peeled off to the left and in the wash up we were left with 9 riders – Mike B, Northern Districts Nick, Captain Poser (yes the white shoe covers were out again today), Lisa, Tom, David, Johnny, Brodie and myself. Lisa was even contemplating sabotage on a couple of riders in order to gain a point or two.

The moans of anguish were audible as we turned into Carawatha Rd for the first climb. Jarrad and Brodie set a fair pace but by half way up they’d spent their chips. Mike and Nick had broken away and Johnny and I feasted on the carcasses of the two initial breakaways and Brodie held on for 5th.

KOM 1. 1. Mike B, 2. Nick, 3. Johnny, 4. Julian, 5. Brodie

With only 9 of us the re-group was very short and no sooner had we descended off the hill than we were slugging it out on Carradine Rd. I hadn’t been up here for a while and in my absence the road surface had certainly not improved. Trying to find a smooth line was difficult and in the wash up Mike and Nick got away again, with Brodie hanging on strongly. Jarrad, Johnny and I waged our own battle and I was pipped on the line by a fast finishing Jarrad

KOM 2. 1. Mike B, 2. Nick, 3. Brodie, 4. Jarrad, 5. Julian

We headed off to Soldiers Rd for the big descent and Ryan passed us the other way on the 5 dams ride. As we flew down the hill we passed a few other riders and as we re-grouped before Peet Rd, Jerry and Chris came past and were given plenty of encouragement. Onto Peet Rd and the group split very quickly. Mike and Nick broke away with Jarrad trying to follow. Approaching Urch Rd Jarrad starting going backwards and I got passed him. Up ahead, Mike had cleared out so we pretty much all rode solo to the school with nothing noteworthy to report, apart from Brodie’s relationship guidance advice at the regroup, which he was happy to dispense (maybe there’s a reason he’s single!)

KOM 3. 1. Mike B, 2. Nick, 3. Julian, 4. Johnny, 5. Jarrad

After the obligatory water and food stop at Karragullen, we cruised through as a group to Pickering Brook, then on to Carmel and into the Bickley Valley. Once we hit the Weir Rd the pace quickened but soon enough my efforts of 100 km yesterday finally took their toll and I pulled out. Tom and I settled into a steady pace whilst up ahead Jarrad, Johnny and Brodie battled for third. David and Lisa finished quite close behind and we were all glad to be at the finish.

KOM 4. 1. Mike B, 2. Nick, 3. Brodie, 4. Jarrad, 5. Johnny

Johnny teamed up with the intermediate group for the trip home and Mike also took an early shower. The rest of us headed to the Merchant for refreshments. We met Kel and Tim on the couch and spent an enjoyable 20 minutes refueling.

Back on the bike for the trip home, with the humidity quite high, we made our way down Lesmurdie and Welshpool Roads without incident. Jarrad sprinted off to Roe Highway but was stopped by the lights. No need for a re-group at the school today and soon enough we were at the next sprint point in East Vic Park – Brodie won this won but without competition. Finally, Jarrad and Brodie fought out the South Pert sprint after sitting on Lisa and Johnny towards the hill. I then headed home happy with another 100 km plus ride under the belt.

Report by Julian 

Valentines Day 2010.  A group of lovestruck cyclists gathered in the car park (no doubt after leaving home with a kiss from their loved ones).  The mood was jovial today, despite the 37°C forecast and the increasing easterly winds.  The 3 ride routes were explained and we all then set off towards Great Eastern Highway and Orrong Road.  There was no driver rage today along Mill Point Road, which made a nice change and I settled myself in the middle of the pack, calculating that I would be far enough back to do have to do any work at the front on the way out. 

We bade farewell to the transition group at Crystal Brook Road and soon the positioning began for the first climb.  Lisa made an early break but there was no interest in following her.  The rider in the Cape Columbia shirt (sorry didn’t catch your name) was the first to offer affections to the group by leading us out into the wind up the hill.  The pace was not on and a large group was still together when we reached the service station at the top of Crystal Brook Rd.  Cape Columbia man dropped off after a sterling effort and the pace quickened as Mike B came to the front.  Chris Heiko, Johnny and I joined him and set about sorting out the points.  I thought we’d dropped Johnny on the second to last hill but he had one last effort to catch Heiko and I.  Mike and Chris got a small gap but this was covered on the last downhill before the sprint to the top.  Chris attacked first and had the line in his sights when the big German slipped up the inside (read that again with a straight face!) and took the points.  The rest of the advanced group and the intermediates steadily came in afterwards and we re-grouped at the end of Welshpool. 

KOM 1.  1. Heiko,  2. Chris,  3. Julian,  4. Mike B  5. Johnny 

We went through Carmel with Toby and Doug taking non-existent bonus points on the hill off Welshpool Rd.  A good descent into the Bickley Valley was followed by the splitting of the group and a sudden grinding to an almost halt as the Advanced group began the Observatory.  By half way up the famous five from the first climb had the points in their keeping, although the order was far from settled.  Mike B stamped his authority leaving Chris about 50 m back as he turned into Patterson.  I was a further 50 m back and Heiko the same distance behind me.  I don’t know how far Johnny was being Heiko but let’s say it was 50 m to keep things consistent.  Heiko reckoned he was a chance to catch me and I thought I could get Chris.  However, it was all dreaming – with the line approaching the gaps did not change and points were split as follows: 

KOM 2.  1. Mike B,  2. Chris,  3. Julian,  4. Heiko,  5. Johnny 

The obligatory toilet stop was followed by a request to stop for water at Pickering Brook from Heiko.  No one else needed water but we decided to keep Heiko happy.  It turns out most of his water was being poured over his head to keep cool (and wetting the rider behind him – which more than once was me!).  Down the observatory and into Pickering Brook was uneventful (apart from planned water stop where Heiko pointed out several others filled their bottles) and pretty soon we were back into the Bickley Valley evading gum nuts and avoiding the rotting stench of a dead kangaroo.  As we approached Mundaring Weir Rd stop watches were set in readiness for the climb. 

It started a bit slower today, as the lead group had to give way to on-coming car but pretty soon we were into the rhythm.  Johnny and Morrison had turns on the front in the first part of the climb and Chris and I then took over.  Near the big fence house Heiko came around us with Mike B in tow and the pace immediately quickened.  The four of us pushed until the road flattened out and this time it was Heiko’s turn for give some group love.  He went to the front and pushed us up to the mid 40’s.  By the time of the last rise I knew we were in for a good time so kept the big ring working and put in an effort for the line.  Mike B covered this pretty well and went on to take the points.  Chris pipped me on the line and Heiko was a few seconds back.  Brother Dan broke into the top five and gained a point. 

KOM 3.  1. Mike B,  2. Chris,  3. Julian,  4. Heiko,  5. Brother Dan 

The times were pretty special. Heiko was well pleased with his 7.43, as were Chris and I with 7.32.  We estimated Mike to have a 7.29 and will update the table accordingly.  The 7.21 posted by Ryan last year may look shaky in the coming weeks if the current form of the climbers keeps up before it gets too cold.  (Note that the times table will be updated this week with all the PB’s from today). 

Surprisingly at the re-group there were no takers for an early coffee.  I suspect this was because Peter took control and didn’t give anyone the choice and because going down the zig zag is great fun.  There were great views today and it was well worth the pain of another climb.  We all headed out together onto Kalamunda Rd and through the lights for the last ascent.  The group broke early with the famous five back together again for one last fling.  This rapidly became the famous 3 as Heiko and Johnny slipped on the pace and soon was 2 as my legs gave out.  Up ahead I could see Mike getting ahead and behind I noted Heiko putting getting ahead of Johnny.  About 1 km from the top I sat up and Heiko joined me.  We pushed together until the last stretch when I decided to offer one more piece of love and let Heiko take third.  To his credit he slowed on the line to allow me to catch him but I was more than happy to claim 4^th.  

KOM 4.  1. Mike B,  2. Chris,  3. Heiko,  4. Julian,  5. Johnny 

Mike B led home those who didn’t have the time to stay on, whilst the rest of us retreated to the Merchant for some well earned sustenance and a great deal of eye-candy (good job you weren’t there Lorraine!!).  After sufficient hydration we decamped for the journey home.  The temperature climbed 5°C from top to bottom of the Welshpool Rd descent and the last stretch was made only bearable by the tail wind.  A few riders turned off through Vic Park and the final sprint happened but I can’t recall who got it sorry.  All I can say was that I was happy to get home after good hit out

Those of you who’ve been out on the Sunday hills ride know and love the challenge of setting a time on the climb on Mundaring Weir Road into Kalamunda.   In the past few months there’s been a number of new PBs set and a few  more names have cracked the mystical 8 minute barrier.  This is despite half of the official end point (one of the the 50 km/h signs) being removed before Christmas.  I’m about to do an update of the table to reflect these performances and would like assistance in getting it all correct.  I’ve kept a couple of times from old blog write ups and will add these to the table, but for completeness, if you want your best time included on the honour board, please send an email to Julian or add a comment.   I’ll then update the list and post the new table.  Remember no time is too long  – be proud of the climb and your participation in the Sunday rides.

Cheers,  Julian

Report by Julian 

A good turnout of about 25 riders for the ride today.  Mike B again arrived on time again today and I commented that it must have been a New Year resolution to be punctual.  He said that he’d started with the novice Sunday group to make sure they all got away OK, and it’s great to see people helping out with the establishment of new groups.  Peter set the route today, up the normal Kahuna route, rather than the original route, owing to the ATTA time trial taking place, followed by climbs of Roleystone High School, the Observatory and Lawnbrook.  

We started out in a jovial mood.  Pete and Mike B set the pace early and peeled off to allow everyone else their turn.  At Cannington, things changed dramatically with the easterly wind picking up and this got stronger the closer we got to the scarp.  We picked up Roleystone Matt along the way and he and I led up to Roe Hwy, when the wind was howling.  Peter made sure everyone knew where the re-group point was and pretty soon we were strung out on the lower part of the climb.  NDCC Nick was the first to attack and gapped the rest of the field.  Stu, Mike B, Chris, Jarrad and Brother Jules led the chasers and it stayed this way until just over half way through.  I picked up Jules and attacked as he tried to hang on to my wheel.  Having dropped him, Jarrad was the next target, and I was joined by a rider in yellow (I apologise for not knowing your name).  We overtook Jarrad and I made a break just after the koala park entrance to come in 5^th.  Up ahead, Stu had caught Nick and held off both him and Mike for the win.  Chris held on for 4^th after being dropped by the front 3 towards the top. 

KOM 1.  1. Stu,  2. Nick,  3. Mike B,  4. Chris,  5. Julian 

At the re-group Melvyn, Simon and Christophe kept going up Mills Rd for an early coffee, whilst the rest of us caught our breath and prepared for the Urch Rd descent.  I was towards the back of the field for this and didn’t get down as quickly as usual.  Up ahead, I noticed a group of 6 or so has got away and were making their way towards Peet Rd.  Back in the pack, Chris and I began to work our way forward.  Brother Dan gave Carl a push to help him along at the start of the climb and nearly caused him to take out Mike B from behind.  I can only conclude it was an attempt to eliminate the completion so that Dan could get some points.  

By the time I hit Peet Road Chris and I had a bit of work to do.  Mike B was up ahead trying to chase the leaders down but I was unsure of how many were in front.  Chris and I worked together to pick off one of the front runners who dropped off (again apologies for not knowing name here) and by the time we got to the roundabout Mike B was in our sights.  We also had a clear view of who was ahead and counted 5 riders at the front, plus Mike B.  This meant points were out of the question so we both held back and cruised up to the school.  We were passed by Gregor who put in a big effort up the hill.  I understand there was some confusion about the finish line here and Stu got the points ahead of Jarrad, Nick, Brother Jules and Tim.  We’ve talked a lot about getting the finishing lines marked for some climbs and the Roleystone High climb would be good place to start, as there is often confusion regarding the finish (officially at the driveway entrance to the school. 

KOM 2.  1. Stu,  2. Jarrad,  3. Nick,  4. Brother Jules,  5. Tim 

We made our way to Karragullen servo for water and headed up to Pickering Brook.  This is where Part 1 of the story ends as I had to get home early today.  So whilst the rest of the group turned right, I turned left, heading for Welshpool Rd.  I was joined by Jill, who was taking a short cut to Kalamunda and I bade farewell to her when I turned left at Welshpool.  Part 2 of the story, with all the action from the final climbs, will follow shortly.

Report by Julian 

Another big crowd today for the inaugural SPR 4 ride Saturday.  President Peter, fresh from his eastern states sojourn arranged the groups expertly and dispatched the advanced group early for their trip out to Canning Vale and across to Welshpool Rd via Crystal Brook Rd. So early were we dispatched that of couple of riders missed out on the start and made their own way to coffee.  The idea of the advanced group splitting at the start was to limit the initial size of the main group and to prevent splits at lights.  This move spectacularly backfired at the first light on Mill Point Rd, where a small group did not make it through. To be fair however, once we got going it was easier getting through the lights on Canning Hwy. 

Ben and I led the group out at the start, mainly to get our turn at the front out of the way before the head wind kicked in.  We hit Leach Hwy and I eased back to let others have their turn and noticed a big gap at fifth wheel.  I turned around to see Judd easing back to let me in – with a comment about not wanting to do any work.  I made a mental note of this and kept going.  The pace increased a little down Murdoch Drive  and once we hit South St the pace really picked up with Mike B, Chris, Brendan, Jarrad amongst those setting it up.  The group began to splinter and soon there were about 15 of us left at the front. 

Going into Warton Rd the roadworks resulted in a single line and the pace slowed a little, but once we got back into dual lanes the rolling started and even Judd had to do his bit.  We reached Albany Hwy and Brendan resisted the urge for McDonalds this week.  Carrying on over the highway, we were immediately stopped by the Bunbury to Perth train but once this cleared we were again off at a fair clip.  The slight incline up to Crystal Brook Rd sorted things out again and there were about 8 of us together when we turned to head down Crystal Brook Rd and Mike B further spiced things up by attacking.  No one seemed interested in the chase but when Jarrad went as well the group lifted and reeled then in.  We continued to hit it hard down the hill and into Welshpool Rd but missing the lights at Roe Hwy resulted in the group getting back together. 

The tail wind back into town was a welcome relief and there was nowhere to hide with everyone to doing their bit to maintain the pace at about 50 km/h.  The usual lights at Leach Highway and Shepparton Rd slowed things down but overall it was a quick ride home.  There were the usual attacks and counter attacks coming into Vic Park and Judd made his move to the front just before the downhill stage to the Causeway.  Going into Riverside Drive there were a couple of moves and in the end Brendan won the sprint from Jarrad and Chris. 

The intermediate group had already arrived, which meant the queue for coffee was longer than usual.  However, we all agreed that this was a minor inconvenience and the split of the advanced group was well worth it.

Well it looks like being  a  Barry Crocker weatherwise this weekend – strong Easterlies on Saturday and 41°C on Sunday.  The choice of rides for both days was difficult but I’ve decided to go for a coast ride on Saturday.  The logic behind this is that the winds will be gustier near the hills and the last time we were out on Hale Rd in strong winds it was a bit hairy.  Therefore, we can enjoy a tail wind along Leach Hwy or South St, then struggle back thorough Peppy Grove and Dalkeith and onto Mounts Bay Rd. 

south perth rouleurs saturday ride 09 (risley & south st)

For those who aren’t heading to the Crits, on Sunday, we’ll tackle Gooseberry Hill first then back down the zig-zag and up Kalamunda Rd.  From there it could be an early coffee or a trip out to Carmel then back up Mundaring Weir Rd, depending on the weather .  I think this one was listed just before Christmas but I’ve chosen it again so if we pull out early, at least we’ll have had a good climb first.

south perth rouleurs sunday ride 08 (gooseberry & kalamunda & bickley)

Peter’s back next weekend so this is my last week of Guest Programming.  I look forward to seeing a big turnout for both days and good luck to everyonewho is competing on Sunday.

Julian