At last a Novice Group ride report – something to do with having (nearly) finished tidying up the garden on our new house which has been the excuse for little riding and no reports for the past couple of weeks.

Just read the Intermediate group report the ongoing debate about what constitutes a good riding group size. I can relate this back (in a micro way) to the Novice group, having got used to a typical “N” group ride of around with 6-8 – I do confess to a bit of trepidation when I saw 11 eager faces in the car park looking expectantly at Carol and myself . . . . . was this going to be like herding cats ??

Really shouldn’t have worried though – apart from the regular girls who know the ropes as well as anyone; a couple of Transitioners had brought their own ‘N’ companions along for a try-out and spent time on the ride keeping an eye on them. Nothing better than a bit of one on one guidance on this ride and its so good to see people with experience investing energy & effort in helping others to gain capability and confidence.

Whilst a couple of others were Transitioners who just wanted to have an casino online ‘easy’ one today (clearly didn’t want to get too puffed as it might have affected their breakfast demolition performance) their experience does help steady the pack in the group roll throughs.

Typically the N group rides along at 25-28 on the way down to Shelley and the slower speed makes us more vulnerable (read irritant to car drivers) – so we decided to split up into 2 groups of around 6 & re-group at the start of Shelley. With Carol leading out the first bunch a couple of minutes ahead of our lot, the cars and ‘racing packs’ had no problem getting past, and I found it easier to communicate and keep the smaller group together . . . . so maybe that could be a standard m.o. for that section of road if the ‘N’ group numbers get up above 10-12 in the future.

The overall ride was very pleasant & happily uneventful (perfect weather eh ?) – although Tyrone had a saddle mis-function just after the turnaround at the end of Shelley, which after re-tightening the bolt (so that’s why I carry that heavy multi tool on my bike) we sat on 40 for most of the return trip to try & catch the others. – who won the sprint guys???I. . . . And then of course breakfast and thanks again to Pete for (i) your endless enthusiasm for keeping the Club heading in the right direction – we’re all major beneficiaries of that and (ii) for P & K and the food army beavering away in the kitchen – and as I said before . . . . . . we’re all major beneficiaries of that – too.

See you next week Mark S

Only half an ‘N’ group report from me this week since we split up almost immediately with Carol leading the main ‘N’ group out at a good zip along the ‘traditional’ route, & I stayed back with new rider Wendy (on her 20 kilo hybrid with balloon tyres) and rode at her pace. Inventing a few new shortcuts we managed to time it well, meeting up with the main pack at the agreed points without holding them up. Our overall ride distance back to the Belltower was still close to 36 klms (with a very relaxed average speed) whilst the others would have clocked the usual 40 klms + and guessing at around 25-27 kph average.

Riding slower than normal was a real eye-opener for me and it quickly became obvious that a few bunch riders are not aware of the lack of clearance they give when overtaking a slow rider – especially when the ‘overtaken’ is not part of their group. I made sure that I was sitting on the front when the ‘packs’ were coming through; and there were a few times when a passing rider almost kissed handlebars as they overtook me with only inches to spare; or even worse, 3 or 4 riders cut straight across my front wheel. Unsettling and unpleasant enough for me – but imagine the intimidation and fright when experienced by a less confident or new rider. There’s every chance that such a lack of awareness (stupidity) by the overtaker, could cause a slow rider to wobble out into the pack – leading to bandages and many $ spent on fixing frames and wheels. Could be that’s what happened re: the very bent bike wheel and group of forlorn looking cyclists hanging around the ambulance just south of Mt Henry bridge on Sat. That’s the second (cycling) ambulance that we have seen on the Novice in ride in three or four weeks.

Back to our duo ride, no huff and puff today; and whilst Carol’s team at 8-10 klms faster and in tight formation overtook us a couple of times, we just sat on our own pace and discussed cadence, cleats, tyres, Ultegras vs.105’s as Wendy’s on the prowl for a ‘real’ bike. Expect to see it gleaming in the carpark and Wendy saddled up in lycra n’ cleats and raring to go next Sat am.

Cheers Mark _S

Think this must have been the inaugural Intermediate Sunday Group Ride – presumably its just ‘happened’ before when some of the Advanced Group Sunday ‘hillies’ take an early short cut and head for the coffee shop.

For me, it was perfect with just the two climbs:- up Welshpool and then back into Kalamunda via the Wier Road for coffee. Being only my second hills ride in a year, (last one was the same route but with Drs. Wally & Paul about 4 weeks ago), I expected to struggle, feel pain and self question my sanity – well I did, and frequently, but maybe not as much as I thought I was going to.

I enjoyed that large pack feeling heading out with the Transitions, Intermediates & Advanced riding together for the first section. The Transitions split at the foot of Welshpool and the remainder headed up the hill and onto Carmel.

Managed to keep spinning and not come last up Welshpool Rd, having paced it up with a couple of guys recently ex-the Novice group – for sure they both did well in their first hills ride. With legs feeling like jelly, I was very glad to turn left with the other 7 Intermediates and head towards the Wier Rd whilst the Advance group hit the ugly hill climbing up to the Observatory – lucky them.

Back on the climb up the Wier Road, Doug and I paced each other and swapped turns, and despite a couple of very strong efforts put in by Doug, we still fell well back off the pack. At least we managed to overtake a couple of loners on the way up. Whilst clearly slower, than the others I was still happy with my time, speed and effort and it leaves plenty of room for improvement.

Coffee sitting outside at in the Tea Merchant – tasted good but the service was very slow. Kalamunda on a Sunday is always good for an opportunity to catch up with other riders met or known from past rides.

John and I headed home down the zig-zag whilst the others returned via Welshpool & Orong Rd. Last time I had to solo it along Orong and didn’t enjoy it at all with a few close calls from red-necked rev-heads, so was relieved to find a different and friendlier return route and have company (and a tow) for the ride home.

With legs continuously threatening to cramp up I was very happy to have the tailwind and downhills back into Perth and thankful that I could sit on John’s wheel almost to my door. Glad I took two bidons!
Thanks everyone for the ride and hope it becomes an Intermediate Sunday Regular.

Cheers Mark _S

Great riding weather with a bit of a coolish easterly keeping the early morning temps. down into the comfort zone. Eight starters this week (3 regulars, 4 new riders and a ‘ring-in’ from the Transitional group), so we headed out for the traditional Applecross and Shelley “N” group route. It always helps to have additional ‘experienced-group’ riders joining in particularly when it comes to getting the pack organised to pair up and roll through.

For the last couple of weeks the new riders have been a mixture of ‘young guns’ (mountain bikers or solo roadies), wanting to find out about group riding dynamics and protocols. Others have been riders who could be just starting out or coming back to their bikes after a lay off and are looking to get a bit of cycling fun, fitness and riding confidence into their lives. With a bit of flexibility we are able to easily accommodate both types on the Novice ride. The ‘young guns’ are usually there for a once off in the ‘N’ group and having learnt the basic tricks join the Transition group. For the others, the ride could be a new experience re: getting exposure into the fun of group riding, stretching fitness levels and possibly doing a bit more distance than normal but without burn out and feeling completely stuffed at the end – hopefully they’ll be keen to come back the following week.

After riding out through Applecross and getting to grips with pairing up, Carol’s taken the slower rider(s) on a deviation to avoid the Majestic Hill; whilst the others climbed it ok – we haven’t had a ‘walker’ for several weeks now. Re-grouping, we rode back to Canning bridge and onto Shelley for the roll throughs. This week the group cracked it almost immediately and although the pace into the head wind was only averaging 26 klm it worked well.

For the Shelley return, Carol lead the pack out with the faster riders and I sat back shepherding & encouraging anyone who’s not yet got the leg speed to keep up & Carol calls the usual sprint at the rise at the end of Shelley (sprint points this week going to new rider Zack).

On the Novice ride it is important than if one or more riders are substantially slower than the others, then the group splits for sections on the return leg and the ‘slower’ ones don’t feel intimidated or pressured about holding the others up. This allows the others to pick the pace up and stretch out their legs.

Chairman Pete suggested that we could avoid Majestic Hill in the official “N” group ride to reduce the overall distance down to 35 klms: rationale being that it could be less intimidating for ‘potentials’ who are checking the SPR site looking for a new ride. I’m happy either way, and suggest that the ride map is shown with the shorter route, however we can make a final call on the day either at the start, or check how things are panning out in the first quarter of the ride and make a decision on the fly. Obviously if the group’s feeling good then we can include Majestic – or alternatively if everyone’s had 4 weetabix and Vitamin tablets that morning, we could even head out for the Dalkeith / Cottesloe & return Ride we did last week. I think it would be good if we could do this route once a month just to maintain interest for the ‘N’ group regulars.

Feedback (being the breakfast of champions) is appreciated !

Cheers – Mark S

Having ‘done’ Shelley for the past several weeks we decided to venture out on the busier roads through Nedlands, Dalkeith and onto Curtin Ave. With 4 new riders – 2 of which had just come back from a weeks Mtb racing in Tassie (some novices!), we were up to 9 riders and all seemed well organised as we headed out onto Mts Bay Road.

The Intermediate group cruised past with words of encouragement as I stayed back with new rider Carol. The rest of ‘N’ team rode on ahead, paired up and were working well together as a pack and this set the M.O. for the remainder of the ride. Up the hill past Steve’s and the ‘Transitions’ came past with Chairman Pete and more words of encouragement.

Directing Carol down the Waratah Rd shortcut, I headed back & time-trialled it around the river to catch up with the pack where we collected Carol, re-grouped, and rode together along Victoria Ave, up and over Stirling Hwy and through the underpass. Climbing up to Scotch College, down a short section of Curtin Ave and the turnaround at Eric St – bit of a jumble crossing back from at the traffic lights from Barnfield onto Stirling road : I do this regularly with a couple of others which is ok, but it’s a bit dodgy with a group – apologies for that folks and we’ll come back via the underpass next time.

Heading back, Carol and I both took the shortcut this time; but I should have let the others know as half way around they were apparently sitting waiting for us (oops – apologies no 2).

Regrouped, back along UWA, onto the bike path by the brewery and saw 5 of the SPR fast group working in tight unison and hammering it as they headed east along Mts Bay Rd – very nice.

Discussion over coffee and we decided that if we have more newcomers we’ll do a Shelley and work through our ‘roll-throughs’ etc next week. Apart from a couple of mix-ups – I think the ride went OK and now that the regulars know the route and with a bit better communication from me it should be a bit smoother next time !

Cheers Mark S

5 starters for “N” group today and not much to say as everyone worked well as a team, swapping turns on the front into the headwind, keeping up a nice steady pace and rolling through really well in both directions along Shelley.
The groups cohesive confidence is growing, so providing everyones happy, we’ll look at more of a ‘Road’ ride next week starting over the Narrows, west along Mounts Bay Rd, along UWA, through Dalkieth via Jutland Parade, Victoria Ave across Stirling Hwy, up past Swanbourne Station, left onto Curtin Ave, left into Eric St and then return same route (except we’ll use the bike path returning back along Mounts Bay Road). Its a little bit shorter but includes a few more gentle rises to warm up the lungs and legs !
Its a very popular ride route & we’ll probably get overtaken by a few ‘racing packs’ so its important to stay nice and tight and call as they come through.
Have a good week and see you next Sat
Cheers Mark_S

With the desertion by many of last weeks “N” group into the new Transition Group we were back down to 8 riders. A month or two ago this would have been a large “N” group, how things are looking up.

Carol and Gwyn lead the way out into Applecross and sitting on a steady pace we climbed up Majestic without drama, didn’t get lost and started to get the hang of single line group riding on the return back to Canning Bridge.

Stopped for a quick tactical chat by the Rowing Club before heading on down to Shelley where the peleton doubled up nicely along the whole of Shelley. Everyone taking it in turns to roll off the front, re-join at the back and sitting back-in as we rode at a steady 28 kph into the easterly. Many happy faces at the turn around, so time to try out the roll-through on the return. With the tail wind making it a bit too easy, a few of the group found it tricky to ease up enough as they overtook to move over to the inside, leaving a gap or two or three. But by the end we started to look like we’d been doing this for years; although next week will be even better !

Carol called the sprint, as we climbed the final rise out of Shelley, and despite my best efforts Andrew smashed past to gap me by 10 metres at the finish line. Without DrR on board I thought I would be a dead cert for glory this week – fat chance as Andrew was clearly a ‘ring-in’ organised by Chairman Pete to keep the rest of us honest. Well done Andrew.

Singled up nicely on the freeway bike path, keeping the gaps closed and upping the tempo a bit for the final lead in to the Bell Tower. Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride, there were no ‘incidents’ at all and with an ave. speed around 24 kph (which allowing for the several slow sections) was good going considering a few had never ridden in a group ride before. Well done “N” team and I’m happy if your happy for same again next week !

Cheers Mark S

Yet another enjoyable Sat ride lead out by DrRonny with 14 starters including some new faces.  Heading south for Applecross and the Majestic Hill when DrR. offered a ‘hill-avoiding’ shortcut via the left, but most kept to the right (like lambs to the slaughter) and tackled it ok.

Back to Canning bridge and around the narrow bike path alongside the rowing club, where a couple of the group made a bad call by overtaking a pedestrian or two in the face of two oncoming cyclists who emphatically expeleted their displeasure . . . Could have been ugly, but the approaching cyclists were clearly experienced and everyone managed to sneak by and stay upright.   Just goes to show that we  need to always concentrate 100% on the narrow sections and if in doubt always give way . . . .

Group was a bit scrappy down the Esplanade and when we re-grouped just before Shelley, DrR decided with the couple of new faces that we should pair up, not roll through this time around, but work on our group riding skills to maintain as neat and a tidy a pack as possible.   This we did and it worked well sitting on a steady 26-28 all the way down to the end into a bit of an easterly head wind. 

The return back along Shelly was equally good with the pace up a bit, courtesy of the tail wind, and riding back past the rowing club in a safe single file this time.    Back on the freeway bike path heading north we had one puncture, and a bit later a ‘saddle malfunction’ – unfortunately as ‘sweeper’ I hadn’t come through yet (slowed up by the puncture repair)  and Tracy was left to fend for herself and solo-ed it back to the cafe.   Please remember if some one does have a ‘mechanical’ and others ride by, its always good to stop and offer support and company – that’s part of the pleasure and benefits of group riding.

 Thanks Dr R for another good ride and see you next week   – Mark S