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HBF Freeway Bike Hike – Update

I have had a number of people tell me they are going to register or have registered and want to Join the “SPR Transitional” team.

Login to the website and there may be the option to join a team. I would try this out but because I am the creator of a team I think it shows me a slightly different login.

If this is not available to you then please send an email to freewaybikehike@trievents.com.au with your full and and tell them you wish to be associated to the “SPR Transitional” team and Nathan Rzepecki is the Team Captain (registration purposes only).

Please get onto this soon as the closing date is as below.
Online registration closes for all team participants on at 13/03/2010 3:00:00 AM (WA time).

I can add people but only as a new registration. So you will have to get the organisers to associate you to this team if are already registered as an individual.

Any further information on this can be found here.

Saturday Transitional Ride report 26/2/2009

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First Saturday ride back after missing the last two. Maintaining the trend we had around 25 riders today.  No Shaw though. I know you were planning to ride 200kms last Sunday. Did you get lost we haven’t seen you all week. Maybe tomorrow.

Due to the fact we were following the same route as the intermediate group this week we held back for a few minutes and let them get off down the road. This week everyone got out of the car park without a flat.  Good work all 🙂

Doubled up we headed down Mill Point Road towards Canning Hwy. Today the wind was quite gusty however the group was maintaining a pace of around 28km/hr. Over the causeway and past Burswood. For some reason virtually every set of lights we came across this morning went red or amber on our approach. So was a lot of stopping and getting clipped back in once rolling. Left off Great Eastern Hwy and onto Stoneham St past Ascot and over Garret Rd bridge. Another red light before the right turn onto Guildford road. Finally a green light as we rolled through the crossing of King William St and Guildford road. Home again already but no such luck. From this point on the traffic seemed to be in a bad mood this morning.  I think too many drivers had missed their Muzz Buzz coffee. Peter signalled for the roll-through to start. In all honesty for this section up until the left turn onto Lord St the roll-through was a bit of a joke. The gaps were large. People missing the call for last wheel (myself included, as Michael made me well aware. Enjoy the sprint 🙂 ) Maybe this had something to do with the wind as it just wasn’t anywhere close to how well it had been the last few weeks.

Once onto Lord St back to single file as the traffic was really poor. Double white lines means no over taking. However some Perth drivers seem to think this rule only applies when there are no cyclists. WRONG. Pace here was still up in the high 20’s and touching low 30’s.

Left at the round about and onto Benara Rd. This is where we picked up a tail wind and the roll through. The pace quickly picked up to low 40’s. The roll through was still a bit messy and after a reminder from Peter about working together on the roll through then things finally started to work well once the lights went green.  Everyone kept the gaps tight and we quickly made our way to the end where we went left onto Camboon Rd. Single file down this stretch. Another red light before crossing Morley Dr onto Wellignton Rd. I hate this road in the car because its so rough and its no nicer on the bike. Just as bumpy and full of man hole covers and the like. At the lights we doubled up in preparation for our short journey down Walter Road West and past my office. Bummer its still there. Left onto Coode St for the run down to Whatley Cres. There are a couple of hills on this stretch, Well they aren’t all that bad but some egos got awoken here and seems to been a sprint up and over the crest.  This group was quickly caught on the roll back down the other side. At the lights right onto Whatley Cres we got split so was a slow roll down until the others caught up. This was basically the home stretch. because of the lights the group was split into three groups. For those that got ahead earlier they were re caught going up and over the hill past the East Perth police station. Thanks to the lights got a clean roll all the way down to river side drive. As I pulled right onto river side drive I was waiting for the break and the sprint to the cafe. However only Steve broke free and took off 75meters or so ahead. I sat behind one rider before pulling along side. We pulled about a 25 -30 meter gap from the rest of the group but this week there was no sprinters. Maybe the wind had taken its toll. At the cafe had recorded an average speed of 28.2 which I thought was decent considering the wind this morning.

Tomorrow we have a 76km ride planned.  It is all flat. See here.  Hope to see you there. I have made the deal with Peter on my facebook that if we get an average speed of over or equal to 30km/hr tomorrow I will shout the first round at the pub. I think I’m safe however Peter reckons we can do 45km/h. So much for taking it easy and recovering from being sick 🙂 I think he just wants the beer.

Least I ended this rather un-eventful write up with a laugh.

By Nathan Rzepecki

PS Side note still waiting for some people to sign-up and Join me on the HBF Freeway Bike Hike. Currently I’m gonna be a loner in a team of 1. So I look forward to having a few additions to this SPR team before the team entries are cut off on the 12th March. See here for details.

Sunday Transitional Ride report 21/2/2009

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Ok after two and a half hours trying to work out why I have a bump in my rear tyre and when I sorted it and tried to inflate the tyre again the brand new tube had a puncture. Not bloody happy.  So I have given up and will take it to the shop tomorrow. I have a feeling the Thursday puncture shredded some of the side wall of the tyre and it might not be going on properly.  Don’t know but I can’t work out why it wont just go on. That is the afternoon half of this write up done now onto this morning.

Unlike yesterdays continued addition to this weeks tally of flats today we had none. We all rolled out of the Coode St car park puncture free. Thanks to Peters map all three groups were following the same route at least until the Zig Zags. We cruised along Great Eastern Hwy and right into West Pde keeping together well. Pace was around 30km/h. Thanks to the advanced riders in front who broke through the wind for us.

Right turn into Ridge Hill road and the reminder that you are up on a Sunday morning ready to self inflict some pain.  A flurry of clicking gear changes and the rpm rate increased as everyone took on their own challenge of the three climbs. I found these hills a little easier than two weeks ago so that was good managed to keep a speed of around 18km/h this time and was sitting on the back of some Intermediate riders who were having a good old chat on the way up. We hadn’t had much traffic up until here but it seems soon as we turned onto Ridge Hill Road the traffic followed. This didn’t appear to be an issue and the drivers were patient enough.

So the main group departed and left us to take on our easier climb up Zig Zags.  After the short briefing that this is a one way road and to watch out for gravel and cars we were off.  Tracey had already taken off down the road so I figured I would catch her up and kindly go straight pass.  The first hairpin was covered in gravel.  As I headed back past the three groups coming the other way I gave them the warning and continued on.  This week Ivan didn’t come with me and so I kept a pace of around 20 ~ 25 km/h up the hill this time while on the each turn looking down to the groups below.  At the top I pulled over and waiting for the others to catch up. After the hill round the corner from the Zig Zags I noticed my mothers car sitting waiting to take a photo. Pitty she took a photo but wasn’t of me. I think she was too slow and got Ivan instead. Another time maybe. So onward and upward towards Kalamunda. I had noticed some of the guys had kept going ahead and while waiting a little for the girls again I turned back to check where they had got to.  Tracy said she was ok and said to go on ahead she knew the cafe in Kalamunda we were stopping at. By this time a few riders had stretched out close to 1km up the rode I think. After regrouping everyone at the library we rolled into Hays street where it was a flood of SPR riders who had made their way up Kalamunda road and were going for a bit of extra pain before their coffee.

There were nine of us at the coffee shop so a few up on last week. I think it was agreed upon sorry if anyone was not happy with the choice but instead of going back down Kalamunda road we travelled down Canning Road until the round about right onto Pomeroy Rd.  The pace for this stretch was around 30km/h and on Pomeroy Rd I think we sat on around 35km/h

Past my old High School (10 years since I gone past there I think) and right onto Welshpool for the 6km roll down the hill to the lights at Roe Hwy. We did not try and set any land speed records. I was a little concerned about the bump in my rear wheel letting go and Ivan had a couple of chunks missing from his tyre also. The aim was to sit at around 55 – 60km but looking at my computer I reached 68.4km/h This wasn’t maintained or pushed because of the for mentioned.

At the lights of Roe Hwy we regrouped with 5 other SPR riders.  Well I know one was because I recognised them from Coode St. Sorry I don’t know your name so for the purposes of this write up the Brown jersey rider. We had planned on going straight down Orrong but because we were all keeping well together we took a slightly different path travelling through Welshpool. At some point Tracey pulled off as was planned and so did Michelle.  A couple of the Intermediate riders also pulled of at different stages. Once onto Berwick St there were five of us remained. I dropped back to check on Ivan and help him get back on. As we all do at some stage after cruising for a few kms he slightly struggled once it was time to climb a couple more hills.  Don’t worry mate happens to all of us. Once we were all back on was a straight forward cruise to Canning Hwy. I surprised myself with a couple quick sprints in this section.  Not to be a hero but to get inline because of cars. Seems the 12 course dinner at the wedding the night before had more energy in it than I thought. 🙂

So it was a left then a right into Mill Point Rd and a couple more kms to Coode street. A distance of around 60km and the average speed was 27.7km/h Thanks to some help from another rider on my trip home pushing me on I managed to bring my 82km distance up to an average of 28km/h.

Todays route http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/australia/we/bayswater/221126671869841450

A few people asked if I would write todays write up. I told them I would but if anyone else would like a go to do these write ups I’m sure Peter can set you up an account. I know Ronny will normally do one when he is along but if he is not there I just do it. Not sure if these questions were a hint of anything because I know I’m not the best writer so if others are wanting to give this a go don’t be afraid to ask Peter to make you a login.

This is just a bump for my previous post that has been buried with  the number of recent posts.

For all those that are interested. I have created a team on behalf of SPR for the Transitional riders. This is in no way limited to the transitional riders but the pace and distance is a good match for this group. Please read the paragraphs below for information on this event. More info click below.

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By Nathan Rzepecki

2010 HBF Freeway Bike Hike

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For all those that are interested. I have created a team on behalf of SPR for the Transitional riders. This is in no way limited to the transitional riders but the pace and distance is a good match for this group. Please read the paragraphs below for information on this event.

The inaugural event was held in March 2005. It was created as a unique fundraising event for the Asthma Foundation of Western Australia and has evolved into WA’s largest mass participation cycling event. After five years it is now a regular fixture on the WA sports and community calendar.

Now entering its sixth year the annual HBF Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma will launch the 25th Cycle Instead Bikeweek 2010 – the State’s annual week-long celebration of recreational and commuter cycling. The HBF Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma is Western Australia’s largest single day cycling event and the third largest cycling event in Australia. With more than 8,000 participants in 2009 the Asthma Foundation of Western Australia is expecting great things in 2010.

The event caters for beginners through to elite cyclists and includes three options to choose from; the 60km hike from Kwinana Train Station, the 30km ride through the Tunnel from Belmont Park Racecourse, or 10km City of Joondalup Family Ride from Greenwood Train Station with all three rides finishing in the City of Joondalup where there will be plenty of food, drink, music, prizes, entertainment, and much more!

This event represents a unique opportunity for participants to cycle on the southbound lanes of the Kwinana and Mitchell Freeways free from vehicles. It is also the only time the Graham Farmer Tunnel is open to cyclists as part of the 30km event starting from Belmont Park Racecourse, still a novelty to enjoy. The event caters for all types of cyclists from those who race to families with young children. We encourage you to look through this site and contact us with any questions or feedback you may have.

The event is to be held on Sunday 21st March 2010. Our team will be taking part in the 60km ride Kwinana to Joondalup 60km. Starting from the Kwinana Train Station Carpark. Our team is entered under the 60km (Group B – 30-35kph) and will start at 7:10am.  In previous experience of this event this group should keep us out of most issues and rider congestion.

Ok the quick run down of information.

  • Click Register
  • When asked what type of entrant you are select team.
  • You will be presented with a box to search for the team.  Enter in this box “SPR Transitional” click search
  • The team name should be found and you can select this team to join.

You will be required to pay for your own registration. According to the site you are not considered a fully fledged team member until payment has been made. The total cost is $63.00 $9.90 less if you are a HBF member and $5.50 for insurance which is optional.

There is all the information you will need to know on the event at http://www.freewaybikehike.com.au I plan on catching the train up there in the morning but once we reach Joondalup we will probably make the return trip to Perth. Those that don’t want to can catch the train or make your own arrangements.

I think that is all the information I need to supply. This is a fund rasing event so people are encouraged to get sponsors for this. Like the City of Perth Great Bike Ride event donations / sponsorship can be done online. See the website for more details on this.

Anyone needing more information can contact the organisers or myself.

Regards

Nathan Rzepecki

Sunday Transitional Ride report 14/2/2009

Transistional ride report 14/2/2010

There really is not a lot to say about today’s ride. We left Coode Street with the main group and sat on their tail down Great Eastern Highway and for the long stretch down Orong Rd. At Crystal Brook road six of us pull right and made our way up Crystal Brooke Rd until the base of the hill where it was right onto Kelvin Rd.

This was a straight forward ride with a nice tail wind the pace was between 30 and 40 km/h. Apart from a few sets of lights this was straight forward. Right into Jandakot Rd and we kept up our roll though. This actually ran really well. Good Job All. Right onto North Lake road and this is where Mark left us. From here it was a straight forward ride through to Canning Hwy.

I think some were tiring a little here because the pace had dropped a few kms. Deb did take over the lead a few times but seems to tire quickly and so I jumped back in front. Lights at Canning Hwy and we made the turn for a short trip left into Dunkley Ave. We then followed the the normal Tuesday morning route. From here was a quick left and right into Kintail and down to the Raffles. Instead of going on the road I made the call to stick to the bike path and take it all the way down to South Perth. The pace was a steady 30km/h and I was hoping someone would give me a break and take the lead. It wasn’t until we reached the narrows I realised we had dropped Michelle and Deb. However some random cyclist thanked me for doing all the hard work for them down the fwy. No worries. Realising only two of us were left we just cruised back to Coode St.

Was very un-event full ride but an average speed of 27.7 km/h so I am happy with that considering we had no real break. By the time I got home I have covered 91kms so was glad to be home before it got really hot. Just before Bayswater Train station I saw Mark pass me so they must have finished with Kalmunda and were heading home.

By Nathan Rzepecki

Transistional Ride Report – Sunday 7th Feb 2010

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By Nathan Rzepecki

Must have been Natalia Cooper lying about rain because numbers were down to just five again for the transitional ride this morning. All three groups headed of as one out of the car park this morning and down Mill Point Road towards Great Eastern Highway.

Peter noticed that the group wasn’t falling off the back as maybe he thought we would. He made a suggestion that we all stick together and then split at Helena Valley Road. At the intersection of Great Eastern Highway and Stoneham Street no-one turned left so the decision was to stick with the main group until Helena Valley Road. Keeping in line down the back along side of one of the more advanced riders the group was working well with no one getting dropped off the back and the pace keeping at around 30 – 35km/s. I will take a pot shot but it was slightly entertaining. We got held up by a train on West Pde. I have not seen 15 or so guys run up a hill to take a comfort stop apart from on a pub crawl making room for the next pint.  We only left South Perth 15 minutes or so before.  How much water are these guys drinking. 🙂

So after the train had finally past everyone was back on and off we rolled. At the T junction of Military Road and Helena Valley Road the Advanced and Intermediate group turned left and we headed for the hills. After the split there were only five of us. We had one other rider but they did a U-turn and headed back for the main group. Leading my fellow riders down Helena Valley Road towards the round about introductions were made for the new riders. (Sorry I suck with names and can’t remember, Remind me in the comments.).  Before turning right into Ridge Hill road I made the comment don’t sprint this first hill because for some there may be worse to come so just take your time.  By the time I looked up the road a couple of riders were already half way up the first hill. But as I dropped back the gears to the tallest lot ready to make my own assault I was already passing those that shot forward.  Having done this stretch a month ago and wanting to die I noticed this time it was not so bad. Once I travelled what seems three individual small climbs I waited at the base of the Zig Zags for the remaining four riders to roll in.

All made it to this point without too much trouble. Having been a local resident in Kalamunda up until just a few years ago I thought it best warn them that the Zig Zags is actually a one way road and that the direction was down. So keep left and listen out for any calls of cars coming. Also on the hairpins can be covered in a bit of gravel from boy racers.  Especially on a Saturday night. So off we headed up the bendy road. We maintained a pace of around 15 ~ 20km/h I think and reached the top in about 15 minutes. Peter was right this route was by far the easiest way up. From here you can easily see South Perth from where he had just come. Seems so much further than it felt riding it.

Onwards to Kalamunda. This section is still up-hill but its not that bad. Kept checking behind making sure hadn’t dropped anyone. Once I reached the Library I looked back and saw one rider in a white shirt which I hadn’t noticed had fallen behind. Now we were all together rolled into Hays street and into the Cafe for a break and coffee. Popular spot this cafe because there were around 20 -30 other bikes resting against walls and poles around the place.

After sharing stories over coffee it was time to get back on the road and head down the hill. Turning right onto Canning road and then left at the round about it was simple, for the next 2 or three kms.  Head down and pedal. Leading the group down Kalamunda road I was taking the brunt of the wind. As much as I tried I couldn’t reach the speed limit of 70kms. The highest I was able to reach was 68km/h. From this point on it was Virtually Flat and un-eventful back to South Perth, We stayed doubled up down Madia Vale Road and Dundas Road. The new road and bridge that is not on the map yet Shaw had a blow-out.  Not surprised. The side of the road was covered in so much rubbish I was waiting for the same thing but you couldn’t have missed it his wheel just went bang. We moved off the road and onto the cycle path which we probably should have done back at the junction.  Will remember for the next time we pass through there. After Shaw replaced his tube and exhausted himself inflating the new tube I pointed out I had an Air canister. My bad I forgot I had it because I have never used it. But its ok Shaw in two weeks when you have another flat I will remember and hand it to you. 🙂

Turning onto Abernathy Road we followed this all the way through Belmont. Past the Sunday markets at Belmont Forum to Great Eastern Highway. Single file on Great Eastern Highway but the drivers today seemed to want to kill some of us and a couple came very close. Just before reaching the lights at the Graham Farmer Fwy called for us to double up.  Make the two lane changes we needed to do a little safer. I was thinking of getting across the lane and onto the path at Burswood but didn’t have enough time to cross three lanes.  We were squeezed at the merge over the causeway again by drivers that just couldn’t wait a couple extra seconds. Back onto Mill Point Road and home too Coode St carpark.  Another good Sunday ride and a different route than we have done before. Average speed of just over 26km/h so not bad considering the climbs in there. Didn’t slow our overall speed too much. See you all on Tuesday and next weekend. For the two new riders please let me know your names in the comments so I remember for next time.

Transition Ride Report Sunday 31st January

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By Nathan Rzepecki

After a short discussion at Saturdays mornings transitional ride it was decided a group of us were interested in going on another Sunday morning ride. It wasn’t posted on the site that this was going to happen because from my short experience it seems people know this to be a every second week type of event. However I think some of the transitional riders want to keep this going on a weekly basis. Also in line with the Saturday rides and the advanced group starting time we also decided to meet for 7am not 6:30.

Before arriving we did not have a route planned. Tracy was keen to do a hills ride but today had chickened out of doing it. (wasn’t all that keen myself for that one today) After throwing up a couple of suggestions we agreed on doing a similar route to last Sundays ride. South Perth to Fremantle and back.  However because of the Triathlon we altered the return route.

Anyways down to the report. Having let the advanced group head off couple minutes before us we headed down Dougkas Ave towards Mill Point Road and Canning Hwy. Remembering the first section of the route from the week before it was trouble free. Negotiating the narrow path up over the bridge over Great Eastern Highway a breeze. Once on Rutland Ave we greeted a well known friend called headwind so we doubled up and took turns in sharing the lead. Having only five riders this meant there was some constant switching but this worked well.

Apart from a car exiting a driveway in Laithlane trouble free run down to the crossing of Welshpool Road with an easier crossing of the U turn crossing than last week. On our merry way down Railway Pde it was obvious by this point the pace was quicker than last week averaging around 27km/h. Right turn over the train line onto Wharf St and up to the lights at Albany Hwy. This following section was the only section of the route none of us were completely sure on.  But as we travelled through we all called out and travelled the exact route from the previous week no trouble. Pace was steady through until we reached Riverton Dr North.  A familiar route to anyone who has been on the Saturday morning novice ride. From here right through until the turn on the small incline on Null Creek Rd we practised our Roll Through. I think it still needs some work but eventually we will get it right. Was an improvement on Saturday though. I for one need to learn to back off enough after pulling in front.

One mention here will go to Shaw. Who clearly made the announcement no sprint up Majestic (Why is it called this when its named Bull Creek Rd????).  However not feeling like it I hung back and watched him sit right behind David and surprise surprise  he stands up and starts to sprint. Tracey also decided she wanted to have a go but was too late. So much for sticking together.

From here it was the short trip to Mount Henry Bridge where we made the left turn to follow the Freeway cycle path up to Farrington Rd. Thumbs up to the 4WD that actually stopped and let us get onto the road at the round about before we even arrived. We doubled up down here with myself and Shaw leading. Tackling the hill onto the approach to the lights at North Lake road I did break too big a gap on the climb which was a bad move on my behalf. The red light did allow us to regroup before the turn onto North Lake Road. Was a short roll until the left turn onto Winterfold Rd and this time I dropped into a high gear and stayed with the group as Tracy jumped me and lead us up the hill. At the top of the hill and following last weeks experience I said all can go for glory on the down hill towards Carrington St.  Following my lead I did and when I stopped at the light the rest of the group was right behind.

A quick right turn into Clontarf Road and over the crest we could finally see water which meant we were close to Fremantle. Keeping close together this time our entry into Fremantle and managing the traffic was much better than last weeks broken pack,

After our stop at the cafe for coffee, red bull and a short rest it was back on the road for the return trip. Doubling up we navigated through Fremantle keeping well together. Crossing Stirling Hwy we turned left into Preston Point Rd and followed mostly the route I know to be the City of Perth Great bike Ride route. Here we split into single line and pushed through the head wind again navigating our way round to Point Walter Reserve where I watched one golfer take a not so Tiger Woods swing. I don’t know where he was aiming but I know I ducked as I heard the ball bouncing off a number of trees.

Down the winding hill and onto Burke Dr the wind met us again. Doubling up I took the lead with Dave again however our pace was dropping and I pulled off to the back. At this point I was wearing tired after not really eating much for the last day my energy levels were on their way down. From this point sorry to say I sat at the back and got into a cruise mode knowing I still had a good 30kms before home. Instead of taking Canning Hwy Shaw lead us on a path along the river.  Our pace was back to around 27km/h again here. This brought us out onto Melville Beach Rd. After the Turn onto Dee Rd it was a left onto Fraiser Rd the right onto Kintail Rd for the 3km journey too canning bridge. Following the cycle path down the length of the Freeway the pace was picked up to between 30 ~ 35km/h for the majority of the stretch. Each (other then myself) taking a turn at the lead. David doing well for a good stretch until we passed under the narrows.  From here it was a smooth ride about 27 ~ 30 km/h back to South Perth.

Was only a small group this week and the distance was roughly 66 – 67kms. Our average speed for the round trip was just over 26km/h according to my trip computer. We do plan to continue this next week. I’m sure Shaw and I will be in it. No Route planned at this stage. Peter may have one for us to tackle.

Route map here. Just exclude my travel to and from South Perth.
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/australia/we/bayswater/353126490660947495