Report by Julian 

Back for a Sunday ride – my first in 4 weeks – and I was keen to see how much climbing form had deserted me in the time.  Thanks to Peter and Mark DC for writing up the last few weeks rides in my absence.  Mark was relieved to see me at the start as it meant there was no pressure on him to get the ride reports out this week.  There were just on 20 of us ready for the 5 climb ride via Canning Dam, but the Elite Group of Paul, Greg, Christophe, Declan, Simon et al. already had a short cut sorted before leaving.  With the easterly blowing there were relatively short turns on the front today (some shorter than others!) and after a trek down Albany Highway the Elite group turned off to take on the Kahnua.  The 10 of us remaining headed further out and were soon turning in Carawatha Rd for the first ascent.  The climb was nice to me today as I took an early lead and made a steady pace to the top without any attacks from behind.  Chris kept up his recent form to take 2^nd and was followed by Brodie, Mark and Peter.  Mike, Lisa, Tim, Marc S and Phil, (not in that order) followed behind and the re-group was only long enough to allow emptying of a couple of bladders. 

The quick descent was rapidly followed by the rough climb of Carradine Rd.  Peter made an early attack and was followed by Tim.  Chris, Mark and I followed behind and about 2/3s of the way up I decided to bridge the gap and left the others to fight out 4^th and 5^th.  I went past Peter and Tim and Peter hung on my wheel and was annoyingly close as the finish approached.  About 150 m from the finish Peter made his move up the inside and I was cooked.  Again the re-group was shortish and was only extended by Peter’s motivational talk to Lisa about continuing the ride.  Happily the 10 of us stayed together for the next climb, the long but no too steep climb up Albany Highway to Canning Dam turn off. 

As we started up Albany Highway we remained together but as the pace quickened, one by one the riders started to drop off.  About 1.5 km from the finish, Mark DC, Brodie, Tim, Phil and myself were left.  Phil was unsure of the finish and made an attack but was hung out to dry.  Tim also tried to go but was wheeled in by Mark DC and Brodie who fought it out to the line.  I caught Brodie about 200 m out and up ahead Mark outlasted Brodie for the points.  Phil hung on for 5^th. 

The sun was out and wind had dropped as we made our way to Canning Dam, then down to Araluen.  Mark DC set a fair clip down the hill and Peter and Lisa brought up the rear.  We regrouped at the bridge and began the 4^th climb up to Karragullen.  After the initial climb, Peter came to the front and said there were 5 of us together and he was about to change that.  With a smile on his face he attacked and the 5 became 3 pretty quickly.  Enjoying the moment I made an attack and this resulted in Tim dropping off.  On the last rise before the left hand turn I attacked again but soon realised I was at my limit and dropped the pace, allowing Peter to get back on my wheel.  We stayed like this until the last climb to the finish when I got away from Peter to take the points.  The battle for 3^rd and 4^th was very hotly contested with Chris and Time sprinting for the line.  I had some concerns they wouldn’t pull up before Brookton Highway but both managed to slow in time.  Time took 3^rd by less than a half wheel and Mark DC took 5^th.  We gathered at the service station to allow for food and drinks to be taken on – Jelly snakes have never tasted so good. 

By this stage there were a few tired bodies and the sun quite strong.  Mark DC and I chatted up the front about recent rides – a couple of weeks ago we’d raced each other of Kwinana Freeway after work not knowing until we broke off who the other was and we happy with the pace set.  We also talked about the last climb and our season ambitions of a sub 8 time for Mark and a sub 7.50 for me but decided that today would not be the day, given the temperature and four climbs already done.  Everyone else did their turns up front and before long we were heading down into Bickley Valley for the final ascent. 

The climb started OK with Mark DC deciding to go straight to the front.  I got passed Mark on the first steeper part and stayed in front maintaining a fair pace.  I looked behind at one stage to see three others hanging on – revealed later as Mack DC, Peter and Brodie.  I kept my head down and by the time we hit the flatter section only Mark and Brodie remained.  I kept the lead and upped the pace to see who would drop.  The others two held on and I figured I try one last attack to get them off.  By this stage I thought my speedo hadn’t dropped below 26 km/h so figured it was going to be a good time so kept attacking and hoped for the points.  Alas on the final rise Brodie and Mark came around and I couldn’t hold them off – with Brodie taking the points just.  As we passed the sign I looked down in disbelief at my time.  The scream of delight from Mark in front confirmed that my stopwatch wasn’t broken.  Mark and Brodie stopped the clock at 7.45 and I did a 7.46 – a 10 sec PB for me and 25 sec PB for Mark.  Needless to say we were both pretty happy.  Peter and Tim came in 4^th and 5^th.  Unfortunately I had to be home early for my son’s cricket so couldn’t celebrate at coffee.  I suffered a few leg cramps going along Lesmurdie Road but kept the pain away by staring at my stopwatch. 

As a footnote, the points table has been fully updated and the final ride for the month next weekend should be interesting.  Five riders are within 10 points of each other at the top so the KOM is wide open.  Let’s hope we get a good turnout as it goes down to the wire.  Also, Peter and I have discussed the hill climb times and this will be updated with recent performances included.

Report by Julian 

It was my first Sunday ride in 4 weeks and I was looking forward to getting out and stretching the legs.  A challenging new course had been plotted by Peter, with trips up Kalamunda Rd and Gooseberry Hill, and there were 25 of us gathered in the car park at 7am.  The ride introduction was very quick, due to the approaching shower, and we were soon off but managed to miss most of the rain.  

We set out along Gt Eastern Highway and at one of the lights in Rivervale, had the first of several encounters with aggressive car drivers.  This particular driver thought it would be really smart to rev the car and spin the wheels from the lights to show off to us all.  Problem was he was in a Kia people mover and looked like a complete idiot when he fish tailed off the lights.  Hint for next time – try getting a car that actually looks like a hoon car before behaving like one.   

We continued along the Highway with Alistair and Peter leading us out and then on towards Guildford, when Heiko and Tim took over.  It was great to see a South Perth club ride being led by an Englishman and a German.  We turned into Kalamunda Rd to head for the hills and Brett and I found ourselves leading next.  As we approached the hill Brett bade me farewell and the climb began in earnest.  I was feeling petty fresh and the legs weren’t hurting from the roundabout episode on the Saturday ride so I kept a good pace going.  Looking behind, Alistair also was going well.  About 2/3’s up I dropped Alistair and turned around only to see Mike go past on a good attack.  Forgetting we still had several climbs to go, I reeled him in and we stuck together up to the petrol station before I made an attack.  Mike didn’t follow so I cruised up to the bus stop to claim the spoils.  Alistair held out Jerard for 3^rd and Brother Jules held out Tim and Peter for 5^th. 

Climb 1 – 1. Julian,  2. Mike B,  3. Alistair  4. Jerard,,  5. Brother Jules 

The shortcuts were established at the re-group and some of the first timers decided to call it quits.  By the time we set off for the Welshpool Rd climb there were 15 of us through and the instruction form Peter were clear.  The climb started at the top of the Lesmurdie Rd roundabout so anyone who could make a break down hill would hold the advantage once we hit Welshpool Rd.  Davina set an early pace down the hill, followed by Peter, Dan and a few others.  By the  time I hit Welshpool Rd I was a fair way back with a bit of work to do but was still feeling good and was confident of picking off everyone on the climb.  I made my way past Brett, Heiko (still in the big ring), Davina and Dan and on the second to last hill caught the front six.  At this point Peter launched an attack and Brother Jules went with him.  I set out after them, with Jerard, Alistair and Tim closely following.  Peter spent his tickets early and pulled out and it became a three way tussle between Brother Jules, Jerard and myself.  I managed to hold out Brother Jules (and as I found out later cost him a new bike!) with Jerard close behind.  

Climb 2 – 1. Julian,  2. Brother Jules,  3. Jerard,  4. English Tim,  5. Alistair 

We then headed off towards Pickering Brook, with the sun out and the apple trees in blossom.  Davina fell off the back and said not to wait.  Peter went back to check she was OK and Heiko and I sat back as well.  We caught the pack on the Repatriation Rd detour and it seemed everyone was enjoying themselves.  Melvyn was happy to be in touch after deciding against an early short cut and we hit Patterson Road in a fairly big group.  Peter missed the side loop as he was checking on Davina was up ahead as the pack set about bringing him in.  Mike B and Tim made a break before the top of the first rise, whilst Alistair, Jerard Brother Jules and I held back for the final climb.  Mike held it together well and was not caught but we claimed Tim before the top.  

Climb 3 – 1.Mike B,  2. Julian,  3. Jerard,  4. English Tim,  5. Alistair 

A quick regroup before we headed down the hill into Bickley Valley for the Mundaring Weir Rd climb.  Alistair dropped his chain after the first turn but was quickly back on.  The rest of us made steady pace until the climb started and a few breaks were made.  Peter tried an early attack and was followed by Mike and I.  About half way up Peter began to drop as Mike pushed on but I managed to hold his wheel and went around him again before the final rise.  We picked off a couple of Stadium tri club guys and in the last bit I was starting to hurt but Mike kept encouraging me from behind and let me take the points (thanks Mike). My time of 8 minutes flat wasn’t a PB but considering my legs I was pretty happy.  

Climb 4 – 1.Julian,  2. Mike B,  3. Brother Julian,  4. Alistair,  5. English Tim 

Once everyone finished it was decided to forego Gooseberry Hill and head straight for coffee.  Paris Brest was fairly quiet so we ended up there. Just on 9.30.  At 10.05 the coffees arrived and I later calculated that we could have ordered coffees, gone down the zig-zag and back up Gooseberry and still made it back before they we served.  There were a lot of high spirits at coffee with discussion focusing on leg hair removal, testosterone gel and male appendages (no females in the group). 

Then the fun started.  We decamped at about 10.30 and went up to Railway Rd.  A few of us got through the roundabout OK but Mr Dickhead in a Range Rover decided that a few cyclists weren’t going to hold him up so he entered the roundabout, cutting a few people off, then decided to do a right hand turn on the roundabout, scattering what was left of the group.  A few choice words were  exchanged before we set off again.  One we hit Canning Road we sat in single file and let the traffic flow.  This was not good enough for several cars coming the other way, who decided we were a nuisance and roundly abused us for being on the road.  Coming down Lesmurdie Road we were again showered with abuse (again by a car coming the other way!). 

We got down off the hill without further incident but encountered another Neanderthal in Berwick St, who didn’t abuse us directly, but rather tooted his horn until he had our undivided attention, then shot his middle finger up as we rode past.  Very classy.  The ride finished with Brother Julian taking the final Maccas sprint.  We then went out separate ways at Bunnings and hopefully no one had their feelings hurt anymore by car drivers on the way home.  At least English Tim has a very positive experience to take back with him about the behavior of Australian drivers.

Report by Julian 

With the wind easing and only a light shower or two predicted, a very healthy turnout of 22 riders set off just after 7am from the car park for a 5 climb ride.  The roads were still damp from the early showers but this didn’t dampen the spirits.  The leaders set a good pace along Manning Rd and Albany Highway whilst I was content to sit at the back and talk to Peter, Stu, Kim and a couple of others who ventured down with us.  The spirits were sorely tested through Gosnells and Kelmscott and the rain became heavier but there weren’t many (although there were some) thoughts of turning home. 

The left turn into Carawatha Rd gave everyone a chance to tackle the first hill.  In previous posts I’ve made no secret of my dislike of this first short sharp hill and today it didn’t disappoint.  On the early part I made my way of the field and started to reel in the front six when I put in an effort and my back tyre slipped on the white line.  I just managed to stay upright but had to stop regain balance.  To make matters worse when I re-started, one of my shoes wouldn’t sit right in the pedal.  Resigned to finishing towards the back I cruised up the last bit of the hill and set about finding out who had done what on the climb.  Matthew had just edged out Ben for the points. 

The descent before Carradine Rd was taken fairly easily, due to the wet road and before to long we were on the roughest part of the course.  Mark D who as usual was at the front on the descent complained once he started climbing, as this is his least favourite hill on the Sunday rides.  Wanting to atone for the first hill I went to the front and was joined by Steve and Byron.  Byron made a couple of attacks on the climb but we reeled him in each time.  Coming up to the intersection I kept my eye on him over my right shoulder and the ever cunning Steve decided to take me on the left in the last 200 m and held out until the end.  

By this stage the rain had cleared and at the re-group the sun managed to peep through.  We did set off for the infamous Peet Rd climb with the bonus downhill jaunt on Soldiers Rd.  Again we took it easier down the hill, partly because of the wet road and partly to avoid bushwalkers and a couple of ducks.  Mark D also nearly came unstuck dodging a magpie but in the end we all made it safely down.  We stopped at Brookton Highway so Judith could change a flat and we managed to upset one of the local ladies who didn’t grasp the concept of being able to pass by us on the other side of the road. 

With all problems sorted we started up Peet Rd.  Having conserved energy on the first climb I decided to attack early and before Urch Rd had put a fair amount of space between the rest of the group.  I decided to keep going and by the time I got to the roundabout I figured I was pretty safe.  Once I reached the school I was able to watch the battle for second as Damir held off Matthew and Byron.  Melvyn finished the climb without the kid on the BMX following him in this week and Kim wanted to claim a point for finishing 17^th.  Another puncture (I can’t remember who had it) meant the re-group was a little longer than normal and we also stopped at Karragullen for water in and water out.  

The trip to Pickering Brook was pretty cruisy and we were all still together.  The observatory climb started with Ben Damir and I getting away before Stu, Matthew and Byron reeled us in.  The tension rose as we neared the last part of the climb and Damir attacked first, Ben and Stu chased him down and I managed to get Stu just before the line.  Ben’s victory meant that there was a different winner for each of the first 4 climbs.  Kim came in 15^th and was again disappointed to learn that no points were awarded for this position!

 The drier road on the downhill section to Lawnbrook Rd meant that this descent was a bit quicker than the others, but everyone soon grouped up on the early part of the climb.  Ben, Damir and I cleared out and once Damir dropped off near the top, I figured it was been Ben and I.  However, we didn’t reckon on a burst from Steve and towards the final roundabout he came flashing by.  Ben set off to wheel him in but we both slowed by a car on the roundabout.  We again picked up the pace and had almost got him when Byron came past us.  Ben summoned up a last effort and managed to catch him and I held off Steve.  The closeness of most of the climbs today indicated the great competitive nature of the points system. 

 Once we regrouped (the original 22 were all together still – a fantastic effort) we made our way to the Merchant for coffee.  However, it was pretty full there and we decided to try Paris Brest.  Given the size of the group, the typical service at Paris Brest and an 11.30 am deadline I had to meet, I decided to forego the social side of the ride and headed directly home.  I’m sure we will be told if anything exciting happened with the group on the trip back. 

KOM Summary. 

Climb 1 – 1. Matthew,  2. Ben,  3. Damir,  4. Byron,  5. Dan 

Climb 2 – 1. Steve,  2. Julian,  3. Byron,  4. Matthew,  5. Stu 

Climb 3 – 1. Julian,  2. Damir,  3. Matthew,  4. Byron,  5. Steve 

Climb 4 – 1. Ben,  2. Julian,  3. Stu,  4. Damir,  5. Matthew 

Climb 5 – 1. Ben,  2. Byron,  3. Julian,  4. Steve,  5. Stu 

Next week is the State TTT and there will be a few of us there.  The Sunday ride will still be on so please can someone keep track of the points and send them through to me (e-mail details on Points Classification Page).

Report by Julian 

A good gathering this week despite the forecast of showers and it was something old something new with a few old faces returning, together with a couple of newer riders.  Pre start discussion focused on bowel movements so it could only get better from here! 

Nothing exciting to report on the trip out along Orrong Road and Welshpool Rd.  We picked up Mike B along the way and everyone was in good spirits.  Once the climbing started Mike, Steve and Matt broke away and set the pace.  Matt dropped off up new Lesmurdie Rd and was overtaken by Ben and myself.  There was also a couple of other groups on the road but no problems were had on the climb.  At the end of the climb Mike claimed the points from Steve (NB. points summary will follow at end this week) 

We bade farewell to Brendan and headed off to the Observatory.  The wet roads meant the initial descent was kept in check and there were also a few gum-nuts on the road.  Starting the second hill, Matt and Steve set the pace and were soon joined by Mike and I.  We dropped Matt and I was determined to hang on this time.  By the time we reached the turn to the finish, we were still together and then Mike attacked.  I tried to go with him but Steve dropped off and gave me a push to keep going.  I dropped off about half way to the top and contented myself with second.  The rest of the group followed in good time and were still in high spirits at the re-group.  Stu was happily telling war stories from the Timor ride, which kept us entertained.  Peter gave a pep talk about the Mundaring Weir Rd climb and we were soon off through Pickering Brook, again taking it easy on the wet roads. 

The climb to Kalamunda was hotly contested.  Oliver and Alistair kept the pace early until Mike, T-Mobile Alistair (my new name to differentiate the two Alistairs) and myself put a space in the field.  We kept a good pace up the hill with Mike doing most of the work and in the last 100 m T mobile Alistair slipped around to claim the points.  My time of 7.55 was a 1 second PB and has fully justified my decision to get a new bike.  Jerard was very happy at the top as he claimed a point (and is now ahead of Ryan on the table!).  

Stu and Mike D left us for early coffee whilst the rest of the group went down the zigzag quite cautiously, due the amount of gravel on the road.  Big Matthew had a puncture on the descent but waved us on.  Back on Kalamunda Rd Matt and Steve peeled of home leaving the hard core to tackle the final climb.  Mike B and T-mobile Alistair broke away early as I started to struggle.  Ben came past me but I managed to hold his wheel and get my second wind.  We caught T-mobile Alistair and the three of us swapped positions until Ben made a break just before the roundabout.  Summoning one last effort I reeled him in and finished off the climb.  Oliver, who had 2 sixth finishes put in a good last climb to claim a point and make the day worth while. 

We initially headed for the Merchant but Jerard said Paris Brest was quiet so we ended up there.  Service again was very slow (30 minutes to get ordered) but it gave us plenty of time for discussion.  Paul, Peter, Jerard and Lorraine (who joined us at the café) sat up one end and discussed all thing Garmin, whilst the rest of the wondered what all the fuss was about.  Having refueled, on the stroke of 10.45 we were off and we left Kalamunda in the sunshine.  By the time we were down the hill a light mist was falling and this kept up pretty much all the way home.  The strengthening westerly wind also slowed us down but a good work out was had by all.  

KOM Summary. 

Climb 1 – 1.Mike B,  2. Steve,  3. Julian,  4. Ben,  5. T Mobile Alistair 

Climb 2 – 1.Mike B,  2. Julian,  3. Steve,  4. Ben,  5. Matt 

Climb 3 – 1. T Mobile Alistair,  2. Mike B,  3. Julian,  4. Ben,  5. Jerard 

Climb 4 – 1.Mike B,  2. Julian,  3. Ben,  4. T Mobile Alistair,  5. Oliver

Report by Julian

 There were about 15 of us gathered at the car park for the Sunday ride.  No doubt the City to Surf kept the numbers down and thankfully the temperature was a couple of degrees warmer than Saturday.  Despite the low numbers a couple of new faces were present and introductions were soon made.  Stu came down to see us off on his way to get the paper.  He had returned bloodied and bruised from Timor – courtesy of stray dog (no doubt more will be told about that) and had a chat for a few minutes before we motivated ourselves to got going.  We picked up Mike Bonner on Douglas Ave and soon were taking turns on the front on the way down Manning Rd and Albany Highway. 

I kept myself amused by telling Alistair (a Kahuna virgin) about the difficulty of the climbs ahead, to the extent that he approached Mills Rd with some trepidation.  The climb began and I decided to put my new bike to the test and went to the front.  Joe, Damir and Matthew followed and soon we were joined by Mike.  Mike and I broke away about half way up, before Mike dropped me on the last of steep bits.  I held it together on the final bit but the damage was done.  Matthew, Judd and Joe followed in behind with everyone else making their own pace.  At the top, the sprint group went directly to coffee, resulting in the group being reduced to about 12.  

KOM 1 – 1.Mike B,  2. Julian,  3. Matthew,  4. Judd,  5. Joe 

As usual, the Urch Rd descent was quick and the Peet Rd ascent slow.  I’m slowly getting to detest this hill less and today it felt pretty good.  Together with Mike, Steve (back on his first hills ride in over 6 months), Matthew, Joe (I think that was it) the pace was up on the way to the roundabout and the final climb to Roleystone.  I made a break half way up and dropped everyone except Mike. And he made me pay on the last section, leaving me behind.  Steve finished fast but I managed to hold him off for second.  The highlight of the re-group was watching Melvyn coming up the hill, closely followed by a kid on a BMX in jeans and a hoodie.  It looked set for a gripping finish and didn’t disappoint.  Melvyn got it by half a wheel, to the general cheers of the rest of the group and the hoodie kid rode off in search of new challenges.  

KOM 2 – 1.Mike B,  2. Julian,  3. Steve,  4. Matthew,  5. Joe 

We set off down to Brookton Highway and turned right for the descent almost back to Albany Highway.  At the bottom Judd and one other didn’t fancy another climb up the Kahuna so they headed back home.  The rest of up re-grouped for the more challenging of the 2 Kahuna ascents.  The steep sections quickly sorted out the group with Mike, getting away from me with Steve behind also getting a small break on the rest.  Alistair found his climbing legs and put in a good effort but couldn’t get to Matthew.  Pretty much everyone made it up the hill without much suffering – even Peter didn’t look too shattered at the top despite recent illness.  

KOM 3 – 1.Mike B,  2. Julian,  3. Steve,  4. Matthew,  5. Alistair 

Melvyn decided his triumph at Roleystone would not be bettered so he left us with his head held high, whilst the rest of us headed towards Kalamunda.  One good thing about having three climbs close together is that the longer ride to the last climb is a good chance to get the legs feeling better and to talk to others.  Daniel and Joe, two of the new guys were enjoying themselves and Brett and Anna were also hanging in there.  Peter and Steve dropped of the back for a chat and Carl followed them.  We all came together at Pickering Brook for the last hurrah through Bickley Valley before the final climb. 

One we hit Mundaring Weir Rd I decided to put the foot down and try to set a time.  Damir and Alistair followed but after the first part of the climb I managed to shake them.  I then noticed the shadow of Mike Bonner behind me and tried to maintain the pace.  Kindly, Mike decided to sit in behind me and so by the last little rise to the still absent 50 km/h sign, I was feeling pretty wobbly.  Predictably I was spat out by Mike in the finishing run but managed a 7.59, which I was pretty happy with.  The others followed in various intervals until at last we all reached the roundabout. 

KOM 4 – 1.Mike B,  2. Julian,  3. Alistair,  4. Damir,  5. Matthew 

A vote was taken and we headed off for coffee at the Merchant, where Simon and Brett had just settled in after finishing a mountain bike ride.  We sat outside and once again enjoyed very good service – my hot chocolate, ordered after Carl’s take way coffee arrived first, although points were lost as there were no marshmallows.  They also let themselves down by having mostly male wait staff this week. 

An uneventful descent back to South Perth followed with riders dropping off at regular intervals to head home.  By the time we arrived back the boatshed we were down to 4 and a very good ride was had by all.  The winter rides have now concluded and with spring starting next week everyone’s thoughts should turn to hills, hills and more hills.  I look forward to seeing big groups out in the next few weeks as the warmer weather returns.

Report by Julian 

I had a good sleep in on Saturday so was keen for hills session.  Ten of us gathered for the ride, with Brendan the only one I knew – a sure sign we’re getting lots of interest in the rides.  The newer riders had come across the web site and were pretty impressed with the general layout and organization of the club, which means we’re doing something right.  Obviously a big part of this is the work by Peter, and shows being off the bike has its benefits. 

We tackled the Kahuna first with Brendan setting a good pace on his recovery ride.  After dodging some chickens before the climb started, I sat with him on the climb and was serenaded by gradient calls at various points.  He let me have the points then turned around and went home. We also lost another early rider so that left 8 for the last three climbs. 

On the Roleystone climb John made a couple of good attacks but wasn’t sure of the finish.  He did a couple of laps at the roundabout allowing Michael and I to catch up.  I managed to outlast Michael on the last hill.  We lost another two riders at the regroup, which left 6 of us to complete the course. 

The observatory climb was very uneventful but the last hill was anything but.  John made the first attack and I managed to wheel him in and decided to keep going.  In the last 600 m I noticed the gap was getting noticeably smaller and I was soon passed by Dean and John.  John spent all his tickets in the chase so I got by him again but Dean held on for glory, helped by the confusion that the 50 km/h sign on the left hand side of the road had been removed.  Hopefully it will return soon as it was hard to concentrate on the finish line without it there.  Adding to the drama, Michael got a puncture courtesy of a staple, so he had been tailed us in after making the change.  We caught up with Mark D at the top, who had slept through his alarm but still managed to get out.  

We then headed for coffee at the café down the road from Paris Brest, based on Matthew’s recommendation and it was well worth it.  The service was very prompt, 3 marshmallows were supplied with the large hot chocolate and the sandwiched Michael and Ben had looked pretty good.  I would recommend it again and it has plenty of space for us.  The wait staff were easy on the eye but lacked french accents! 

On the way down we had a bit of drizzle and the new SPR jacket was fantastic in keeping out the wind.  The last stretch was a struggle for me as my Trek is in desperate need of a service after a few weeks of commuting in the wet.  All the more reason to get a second bike, which has now been agreed to by her indoors. 

The KOM points are listed below and the table has been fully updated. 

KOM 1 – 1. Julian,  2. Brendan,  3. Michael,  4. Dean,  5. John

KOM 2 – 1. Julian,  2. Michael,  3. Matthew,  4. Dean,  5. John

KOM 3 – 1. Julian,  2. John,  3. Michael,  4. Dean,  5. Matthew

KOM 4 – 1. Dean,  2. Julian,  3. John,  4. Matthew,  5. Michael/Ben 

Footnote:  I can’t make Cyclosportif this weekend and will also be unavailable for the Sunday ride.  Will anyone be heading out to keep points??

Report by Julian

We all had a good soaking on the Saturday ride and given the predicted rain for Sunday morning I was not looking forward to the ride. I must admit to waking early and listening for rain on the roof just to give me an excuse to stay in bed. However, come 6 am the alarm went off and I noted it was dry outside and checking the BOM radar, the complete absence of any rain-bearing clouds was pretty obvious. There was no excuse – the ride was on. At the car park almost 30 riders had gathered for the 100 km round trip and it was good to see almost a full field of the regulars. The strength of competition meant that any points won today would be thoroughly earned.

Peter barked out the route and we were soon off. We picked up a couple of strays on the way, Davina, Jack and Mike B, to further strengthen the group and soon we were climbing Welshpool Rd. Unusually for winter, there was a head wind on the climb but this didn’t bother the front runners. Brendan and Adrian set a good pace with Stu (back on the road bike today) and Mike working their way though the field. Above Lesmurdie Rd, we hit another group and this made working out positions a little difficult. I held on to 6th place for the climb but ahead the points were keenly contested. Brendan was in front at the top of the hill, although I gather there was not much of a challenge. Mike, Adrian Stu and Oliver filled the minor placings.

KOM 1 – 1. Brendan, 2. Mike Bonner, 3. Adrian, 4. Stu, 5. Oliver

The re-group at the end of Welshpool Rd gave everyone a chance to catch their breath. The short cut group then established themselves and we were off through Carmel and Bickley. On this run I noted (as did others near me) a decent rattle coming from my front wheel. A loose spoke was suspected as the culprit so I decided to go easy on the down hill sections. We all maintained a good pace and at the base of the second climb at Mundaring Weir Rd there was a fair bit of positioning. We bade farewell to the café sprinters and settled in for the climb to Asher road. By half way, Mike, Brendan and Sam had put a decent gap into the group. Stu, Adrian and I in turn had cleared out from everyone else, after dropping Peter, Alistair and Ben after the main part of the climb. I misjudged the finish point and took off too early only to be confronted by the last hill. Needless to say Stu and Adrian got around me pretty easily. Sam got the points at the head of the field. The rest of the group followed closely behind and therefore we only a short break.

KOM 2 – 1. Sam, 2. Mike Bonner, 3. Brendan, 4. Stu, 5. Adrian

We were back on the road towards Mundaring soon and made a fast pace down the hill. I sat back although the front wheel didn’t feel too bad. At the bottom of the valley I found myself near the back of the field and so began to pick off riders on the way up. Just as I caught Ben, a very timid car driver came around me but decided not to overtake Ben. For about 200 m I found myself with my own support vehicle and felt like was like leaning over to hear race instructions from team management but the road cleared ahead and the support vehicle finally went on its way. I snuck way from Ben but Stu, also coming from behind, took me well before the final sprint. Up ahead, John put in a good effort to claimed third, wedging himself between Brendan/Mike and Sam/Oliver.

KOM 3 – 1. Brendan, 2. Mike Bonner, 3. John, 4. Sam, 5. Oliver

The re-group was just away from the Mundaring Truffle and Wine festival site, where I reckon 90% of Perth’s 4WD vehicles had gathered. There were a few nervous moments as we started the descent with the cars getting a bit close but we soon forgot about them as we did the bonus hills through Darlington and then Ridge Hill Road. I can’t recall who had the flat at the top of Ridge Hill Rd but this gave us time to split the group into those who went up the zigzag vs. those who stayed on the original route down to, then up Kalamunda Road.

The final climb saw Mike, Brendan and Stu gain an early break, despite Mike sledging Brendan about his dislike of this hill. I made a break from the main group determined to get some points out of the day and rode solo. Up ahead, Stu dropped off the back and I briefly entertained thoughts of third but the legs had other ideas. Brendan claimed the last sprint, and then said farewell Mike who kept on going.

KOM 4 – 1. Brendan, 2. Mike Bonner, 3. Stu, 4. Julian, 5. John

The rest of us regrouped at the roundabout and were soon joined by the zigzag crew. In a break from tradition we decided to forego the regular coffee and headed straight back to the ride start. The group was still about 20 strong and a good fast descent of Welshpool Rd was followed with a nice tail wind back to the river. A few riders peeled off on the way and at the end of 102 km we made our way into the Boatshed Café. There was just enough room for us to sit but in the end I decided I was too close to home and left before the coffees arrived. Any feedback on the performance of the café would be welcome.

Report by Julian 

A good crowd turned up today for the first ride of a 5 Sunday month.  Absentees were expected due to the Pinjarra race but about 20 of us lined at 7 am for Peter’s instruction.  The coffee shop sprinters agreed on their shortcuts and we were off.  The temperature was brisk without being too cold and the earlier sunrise meant the sun was on us not long after reaching Albany Highway. 

Everyone did their bit at the front and we maintained a good pace.  We bid farewell to the sprinters who decided to tackle the Kahuna and head straight to coffee and before much longer the main group turned into Carawatha Rd for the first climb.  I’m not too fond of this climb – too short and steep for my liking – so I sat back and watched the action from behind.  Herve, Matt, Cam, Ryan and Ben set the pace and Ryan got the sprint on the line.  I got to the top on about 20 psi of rear tyre pressure and changed the tube, with great assistance from Mark D, who photographed the event for posterity.  When I was ready to go everyone had reached the top and was well rested, except for one rider who had an equipment malfunction at the Brookton Highway lights and turned back. 

KOM 1 – 1. Ryan,  2. Matt,  3. Ben,  4. Herve,  5. Cam 

The quick descent was followed by the rough climb up Carradine Rd.  A group of 6 stayed together for the first bit before Ryan, Matt, Al and a couple of others broke away.  Tim was not impressed with the road surface, given this was his first climb on this hill.  Ben and I made steady progress and picked off those in the front group who got dropped.  At the line, another close sprint was had with Al pipping Ryan on the line. 

 KOM 2 – 1. Al,  2. Ryan,  3. Matt,  4. Julian,  5. Ben

 Another re-group at the top was followed by a cruisy ride to Soldiers Rd.  Ryan and Matt took off to get a head start on the decent whilst the rest of us followed behind.  A couple of gravel sods left by earthworks provided minor discomfort for some but the rest of the down hill was pretty fast.  We made sure all were on before we turned into Brookton Highway and on to Peet Rd for the third climb.

 The climb began with Ryan, Matt and young Alistair getting a gap on Ben, Al and I.  On the slight drop to the roundabout, Ben and I worked to bridge the gap and soon there were 6 of us chasing 5 positions.  We dropped Matt on the small climb to the final roundabout but as we settled before the final climb, he had caught back up.  Young Alistair made the first move and was quickly covered by Ryan.  I broke away from the others on the final section and caught Alistair.  I noted that Ryan was slowing slightly and made a last attempt to catch him.  To my surprise he slowed at the speed limit sign and I flashed past and said the finish line was at the school entrance.  This was confirmed later by Peter so I claimed the spoils.  At the regroup we discussed the painting a line on the road to note the finish, which in turn led to sex in marriage and somehow, by the time we departed for Karragullen, the conversation has morphed into the merits of drinking urine.

 KOM 3 – 1. Julian,  2. Ryan,  3. Al,  4. Matt,  5. Ben

 Everyone re-fuelled at the service station and the trip to Pickering Brook went well.  Ben and I sat on the front and the group held together.  Even the cars were giving us a wide berth and there was no abuse at all.  We cruised through Pickering Brook and at the start of Patterson Rd Ryan, Damir, Herve, Cam and Al broke away.  I rode across the gap but no one else followed so the 6 of us fought it out.  Al was the first to crack and dropped off before the last climb.  Cam made an attack a long way out and was hauled in by Ryan.  There was no mistaking the line this time as Ryan took the points. 

 KOM 4 – 1. Ryan,  2. Julian,  3. Damir,  4. Herve,  5. Cam

 At the re-group there was a group consensus to get to Kalamunda via the usual climb up Mundaring Weir Rd rather than the more challenging Lawnbrook Rd, which was the planned route.  The quick decent of the observatory hill was followed by a good pace through Bickley Valley.  By the time we hit the climb, Ryan Damir and I had got away and started the climb ready for a good time.  We did turns at the front, then on my turn near the big wall house on the right I picked up the pace slightly and was surprised to find I’d dropped both Ryan and Damir.  I tried to maintain the pace but slowed towards the end and finished with an 8.08.  If anyone else of the newer riders timed the climb, let me know and you’ll be added to the list.  Mark D had a good final climb and picked up a point for his efforts. 

 KOM 5 – 1. Julian,  2. Ryan,  3. Damir,  4. Matt,  5. Mark D

 Peter, Alistar and I had to get back early so we headed off straight from the roundabout.  We were soon joined by Ben, who had gone to the Café but said the queue was out the door and people were complaining about the slow service.  The four of use, all in the SPR uniform, then headed for home.  My top speed on Welshpool Rd was 78 km/h but Peter would have gone a shade quicker I think.  The four of us took turns on the front until Orrong Rd, where I broke off to head off to a netball lightning carnival.  Farewells were said here and a very enjoyable SPR Sunday ride had ended.  I hope everyone made it home OK and that the sprints were keenly contested.  I also look forward to hearing about the Pinjarra results.

 Report by Julian 

Apologies for the delay with this report.  I’ve been at a conference for the last 3 days and haven’t had the chance to write up the ride.  The ride highlights are summarised in point form, with the KOM points at the end.  The KOM table has been updated and the July winner anointed.  The competition was fierce for points on Sunday and let’s hope it continues this way into August.  For those who can’t race on Sunday, the regular ride will still be on. 

• About 30 riders gathered for the ride.  Some new faces and a few old ones returning.
• F*ckenberg virgins were asked to identify themselves at the start of the ride.  I put my hand up and was not alone.
• One puncture near Curtin Uni.  The group broke up here into the coffee shop sprinters and the climbers.
• The F*ckenberg climb is worse than Chookenberg in my opinion – but is still a great challenge and I did enjoy it and stayed above 10 km/h for the whole climb.
• A great descent of Churchman Brook road was punctuated with primal screams from Melvyn.
• Urch Rd climb was a good challenge
• Lots of leisurely talking from the top of the Kahuna through to Pickering Brook.  I think Davina took the chequered flag on the Veterans course.
• A fast sprint up to the Observatory.  Stu by half a wheel from me with Jerry half a wheel behind.
• Peter not having the energy to describe the final climb to Kalamunda.  (Once your kids turn 5 Peter they’ll have a cast iron constitution and family sickness will be a thing of the past!)
• Over 20 at the Café for the great social scene and the chance to hear our names pronounced with a strong French accent
• A very quick descent of Welshpool Road, with cars actually holding us up.
• Ernest discussion about whether salamanders are reptilian or amphibian
• Davina getting a puncture on Welshpool Road.
• Just on 100 km of very enjoyable riding and a good time was had by all. 

KOM 1 – 1. Oliver,  2. Lindsay,  3. Julian,  4. Alistair,  5. Jerry 

KOM 2 – 1. Julian,  2. Oliver,  3. Tim,  4. Jerry,  5. John D 

KOM 3 – 1. Oliver,  2. Julian,  3. Stu,  4. Lindsay,  5. John D 

KOM 4 – 1. Stu,  2. Julian,  3. Jerry,  4. Oliver,  5. John D 

KOM 5 – 1. Stu,  2. Oliver,  3. John D,  4. Julian,  5. Jerry 

Mundaring Weir Rd Climb PB – Oliver 8.08 (Peter do you have the table so I can update this?)