After a strong recommendation from Declan and some very positive interactions with the owners of ‘The Shed’we have decided to move our inaugural SPR Easter camp to Margaret River.

The Shed is used as accommodation for the Tour of Margaret River which a number of our member did this year.  The Shed has all of the facilities we need for the camp including kitchen, dorms, lounge area, heaps of room for bike storage, table tennis etc.

There is also 300 acres for people to pitch tents on for those who would prefer a tent paradise to the dorm beds.

Still working out the cost, but it will probably be around $20 per head per night.

One of the key benefits to this change is Brendon, the owner, is a cyclist and knows the area very well.  He will be able to sort us with routes etc which will make for a much improved experience for all.

The other key benefit is that we are now going to be in Margs.  So there are wineries, wineries, beaches and wineries and restaurants nearby for people who are not there purely for the riding.  There are also wineries.

Here is the link to The Shed’s information page and photos.

Please use the comments below to re-register your interest for the SPR Easter Camp in Margaret River:

Pt I

I’m not sure if this has happened before, a public holiday falling on a Tuesday.  Regardless, it presented the perfect opportunity to combine the normal Tuesday ride with the SPR Public Holiday ride for a sweet double.  100 kilometers before breakfast – brilliant.

So we gathered under the Narrows for the first loop at 5:30am.  The group was pretty big, but not quiet big enough to split.  Probably about 30 or so early birds.  That being said, I think we picked up a few along the way as the group seemed to get bigger the further along we went.

The turns were noticeably shorter this morning as we rolled through to Steve’s hill and Dalkeith.  Probably a result of a) lots of miles being done over the holidays and resultant sore legs; or b) Christmas  hangovers; c) both.

Nonethless, with a bizzare southerly blowing us along we made good time through to Christchurch.

Mosman hill did what hills do.

All accounted for we headed off down the other side and along to Freo.  The climb over Preston Point Rd after the bridge proved a bit much for some and we had a bit of a split there.

I’m going to take this opportunity for a big BITCH – they (whoever ‘they’ are) have completely rooted Dunkley Avenue.  What used to be a nice road has been destroyed with those stupid speed bumps which seem to do nothing but make the trip along there dangerous.

Anyway, after this, Majestic did what Majestic does.  

Flying Finn had a schleckanical during the sprint to the Raffles leaving Bolton to take the honours.

We regrouped at Raffles and then headed back to Coode Street with 20 minutes on the clock before the second ride was due to start.  

Carlos and I stopped at the servo for some Gatorade and then headed down to the start of the second ride.

Pt II

The group heading out for Pt II was bigger than Pt I.  Julian counted 48 riders as we headed to Shelley.  As expected with a group this size there were a couple of splits at lights on the way, but with a bit of active management from JJ we had everyone together as we started the run down Shelley.

The pace was pretty tame for the first part of the Shelley run until Mark H and Zac sparked things up, which stirred Jason on the shiny TT into action.  We averaged about 43km/hr along Shelly today – not surprising as we had a bit of a head wind.  In the final uphill sprint I managed to come over FF with a fast Big Bill finishing close behind.

After regrouping at Shelley, and working out the El Presidento had gone home to tend to his off offspring, we headed off for the Burke Street section.  Flying Finn and Johnny lead the way through to Canning Highway.

Burke Street was quick but pretty uneventful until we hit the hill at Stock Rd.

The hill at Stock Rd did what the hill at Stock Rd does.

After this we made our way down through Freo and along the coast.  We had a rapid ride up Marine Parade to  Cottesloe – FF drove the train down with a sweet tail wind assist.  Not much to see at Cott this morning.

Flying Finn left us at West Coast Highway as the rest of us pushed on to Dalkeith and Nedlands for the blast home.  The speed picked up early and stayed in the 40’s as we hit Steve’s hill and down to Mounts Bay rd.

In the sprint home Satoshi lead us along Mounts Bay at around 50km/hr.  As he started to fade Jason came through on the TT with Mark H on his wheel.  Bolton and I sat on the train as we headed to the brewery.  300m before the footbride Bolton jumped and took me to about 200m to the finish.  I managed to take the chocolates ahead of white blur (Zac – as if you couldn’t guess).

My ride data is here if you want a peek.

I wish holidays would last forever….

I have been scouting possible locations for our first Easter camp, and come up with one clear possibility so far.  There is great little spot about 8km out of Manjimup called Fonty’s Pool.  I visted it today and was pretty impressed with what I found.  You drive down into a valley through some orchards, a couple of truffle farms, nut farms and winery or two.  At the bottom of the valley you turn into Fonty’s.  It’s a sweet little caravan and campsite with a really large lagoon pool for swimming.

Here’s a picture I stole from their website:

As yet the camping area is still available.  So we have the opportunity to claim it for ourselves. As far as the camping facilities go there is a camping kitchen and fire area which is all in a open log cabin kind of thing.  There is a laundry, showers and toilets etc, all of which were spotlessly clean and modern when I was there today.

At the moment we can take out the whole camping area around the kitchen and fire place.  There are two powered sites and as many un-powered sites as we want.  The plan would be to take the two powered sites so we can put up some lights for the rest of the camp site and so people can charge their Garmins, phone etc.  Then people can take as many of the adjoining sites as we require.

Fonty’s is only 31km away from Pemberton.  This means that anyone who is planing on making the trip down for the Pemberton Classic, which is on the same weekend at the moment, can join us at the camp and use it as ‘base camp’ so to speak.  For those of us who arent planning on racing we can go along and watch on the day and join in the fun.

Manjimup is reasonably sized town.  There is a Subway, pubs, supermarkets etc.  So if you forget your butter you can stock up in town, or just pick up a Footlong.

The camp kitchen has cooking facilities and a large fridge so we don’t need to bring big eskies and cookers etc.

After lengthy discussions with people over the last couple of weeks we are no longer calling this a training camp.  It’s just the SPR Easter camp.  The reason for this is just because you can make it what you want.  If you want it to be a base camp for the Pemberton Classic – you can.  If you want to bring the family for Easter – awesome.  If you want to do 500km with a follow car – then we can do that too.

There is a 5 night minimum stay for the Easter weekend.  Thats Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday night.  I thought that might be a deal breaker, but really 5 nights is only $125 per site for the whole event.  So not a big deal if you have to miss a night or two.  There is also the possibility that you can share a site with someone.  Ie, you can have the site Thursday, Friday, Saturday then pack up and give it to someone coming for Sunday and Monday nights.  Also, I spoke to the owner today and if we do take the whole area we could work out a per head deal.  So anyway – 5 night minimum shouldnt be a deal breaker.

So some of the details:

Costs: Powered $35 per night, Un-powered $25 per night ($125 basically)

Where: Fonty’s Pool, Manjimup 3.5 hours south of Perth by car, or 40 minutes by helicopter.

Website: here

Map: here

Some other thoughts…

Need a tent? Rays Outdoor – Im gonna have to get one myself…

Food – you provide

Bikes – you bring everything you need. Spares etc

Support car – we share the work.  We will provide a flashing yellow light and a ‘Caution Cyclist’ sign.

Rides – will plan routes closer to the weekend – but expect around 100km per day and some hills!

Other accomodation – of course you can find accomodation elsewhere and join us for the rides and activities.  There are two 4 star cabins available still at Fonty’s for $250 per night for example.

WHAT WE NEED TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN…

Basically we need a minimum number of people to step up and say that “yes this is cool and we are doing it!’.  If enough people are keen then we basically start booking the camp site out.

At this stage though this is still an idea.  If anyone else can think of somwhere different to go etc then let us know.

So comments below – you keen? you up for the challenge? up for the fun?

Just a quick write up as I watch the Aussies fight back in the Ashes…

Good to see lots of Christmas spirit our this morning with many people decorating their bikes and themselves for the occasion.  Looked like Reindeer helmets were the popular choice this year.  I went with a splendid gold tinsel – recently confiscated from a nameless Subway store.

Not sure how many rolled out in fast group this morning.  I would say around 15 or so?  I thought Pete was coming with us, so didnt take any notice of numbers etc for the report.  Oops.

I did however notice Carlos and Mike B in the group – both sporting some pretty sweet red tinsel.

Pace was pretty solid down Riverside with Nico and Jason enjoying the time on the front with the head wind.  Can’t tell you how fast we wer going – no computer on my bike till Christmas day 🙂

Things heated up in Nedlands but everyone stayed together which was nice.  As we turned past Christchurch to head towards the hill I decided to go up the road solo.  Not because I wanted to get away, rather I wanted to stay in contact over the hill.  Gravity is not my friend, so I figured I would need about 20 seconds to be able to stick with the guys over the top. 

What I didnt know was Nico had called a regroup for the top of the hill – well if I had of known….

Anyway, after the hill we were back together for the most part down to Freo.  Of course the wind was now in our faces – and I can tell you tinsel aint aero!

The decision was made not to continue through Applecross but to go straight down Canning.  I don’t know who made the call, or if it was even discussed, we just went straight.  In hindsight, the detour back into Applecross to Majestic might have been the better option.  Canning served us up nothing but red lights, big potholes and traffic. Yuk.

Anyway, down to the Causeway and Josh starts talking about the sprint.  So I go early to end the conversation.  John B takes the bait and goes to the front from the Point.  I sit on his wheel till Nico comes around after the first lights all splendid and speedy on the TT machine.  Nico drags Ainsy (formerly known as Daisey) and myself along at 62km/hr towards the finishing line. (speed from Nico not me – no computer).

Ainsy jumps right, I jump left.  We go to the line and the gold tinsel takes the win over the no-Christmas-spirit Cervelo by about half a wheel.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

I’ve been talking about this for a while with a few people, and being inspired by Ronnie’s EOI yesterday I thought I would follow suit.

My old club in South Australia used to run an annual training camp in a town called Melrose in the Flinders Ranged.  Basically we would converge on the local show ground over the Easter long weekend and do some serious training, serious drinking and serious socialising in general. 

I was wondering if anyone would be interested in doing something similar over here.  My thinking at the moment is to find a place near Dwellingup for either the Easter long weekend next year, or the Queens holiday weekend in October.

Depending on where we select their would be camping/caravan or villa accommodation choices (that is hard to soft respectively).

Riding goals would be around 150km per day.  Support vehicle to follow to provide food, drinks, spares, protection from traffic and lifts back to camp as required.

You would provide your own food etc for each day.  Ie we wouldnt cater you have to do it yourself.  Communal camp fire sessions encouraged etc.

MTB and road bikes welcome – heaps of tracks for MTBing.  There are also lakes and stuff up there for canoes etc.

Families totally encouraged – the more the merrier IMO.  However, there may be a maximum depending on location.

Anyway…  this is a long way out – but the first one would take a fair bit of organising so I would need to get started in the new year.  Plus places for Easter are already booking out ( I know right? who is that organised…).

Comments below for your expressions of interest, suggestions of location, suggestions of when etc etc etc…..

This is Melrose where the Whyalla Cycling Club goes for their Easter camp:

The roster for Race 2 is below.  If you have offered to help out but havent been assigned a job please just fill in as required on the day.  At the moment there are still a couple of spots to fill – but im confident we can do these.

Thumbs up to everyone who has offered their time.  Special mention to Danny B – long time rider, first time volunteer! 🙂

Please sms me your email address and I will forward you your Volunteer Info Pack – 0404 545 729

This Sunday is the 2nd race of our criterium series at Tech Park.  As usual we will need a few people to put their hands up to help out on the day.  

From last time we learnt a few things that will help everyone who is volunteering for this week.  Firstly, we will divide the rego desk and the refreshment desk to help with the flow and ease the pressure when all the riders come in after the race to return their numbers and get a drink.

Secondly, we need to divide the marshaling duties a bit better.  Basically if you are riding in D or C you need to be available to marshal for A & B.  Likewise if you are riding A or B you should be helping out by marshaling the earlier grades.

This week we will also have a gap after C grade to do the presentations for D & C.  

Anyway, put your name below in the comments if you are available to help.  I will do a roster up in the next few days and send out the info packs to the volunteers soon after.

Event report by Toby & Peter

Wow!  What a fantastic day!  One of those days were everything seemed to come together just right.

Before we get into the write up we owe our thanks to the volunteers on the day who made it possible for the race to happen.  So thanks to the following people who stepped up to give us a hand on the day – Alana and Chris for registration desk duties; Mike, Meg, Rob, Shaw and Dave who were all on traffic control duties ; Brendan for general organisation and help; and everyone else who came early & stayed late for set up and pick up duties.  Thanks a lot team.

So the day started just before 7am for the organisers who were on sight to begin set up at 7am.  After a quick chat with RCCC boys we decided where everything needed to be and got into putting up tents, setting up desks, organising drinks, cameras etc.

At about 7:50am all the traffic controllers had been briefed and where in position armed with 2-way radios and ready to roll.

Alana and Chris had an interesting license filing system sorted out with Alana filing by surname and Chris filing by first name.  It all worked out. 

 So 8:00am and D grade was called to the line.  We had around a dozen starters in D grade.  A good mix of ages and abilities.  D grade was put on for people who hadn’t raced before but were keen to give it a try, and for any juniors that wanted to mix it up.  We were extemely happy to have Gary Suckling, a qualified coach, step up and ride with the guys.  It was fantastic to hear him offering advice on ride lines etc as the group raced around the track.  Shaw took the win ahead of Shao and Keiran.

C grade was next with a huge number of riders.  SPR had a good showing in C grade and we were pretty confident that the Green Team would be able to pull off a result.  Some big names were lurking in the pack – Zac, Mark H, Jen along with some first time crit racers including Nathan, Rob and Jamie.  Josh Clarke from ECU managed to roll Jen with his huge sprint in the finish and Daniel Foo came through for third.

B grade took the course with a massive field too.  I was racing in B grade too – but with my mind more on the days organisation I didnt realy give myself time to get warmed up and get serious.  I nearly forgot to nominate actually. Anwyay, the race got under way as we rolled out for the first lap.  We came around for the finish of the first race only to be stopped at the start line for some reason.  Turns out there was a truck on the course and the traffic marshalls had sprung into action and alerted everyone on course.  Brilliant job guys.  We stopped on the line for about 30 seconds until the race was given the green light to go ahead.  A few laps later i misjudged a corner and and finished my race.  Will let the other guys in B finish the race report.  Aaron Lee took the win ahead of Theo Yates who is on the comeback from a couple of weeks off the bike, and young Ben Wibberely is finding some form after a crappy winter of illness – he took a solid third in the end.

A grade had a good turn out with some pretty serious hitters lining up to take on the Tech Park course.  Sam Davis, Glenn Harris, Bradley Linfield, Sam Smith and our one and only SPR A grade contender Julian Jacobs – back from the dessert and looking to regain his form from last years crit season.  The heat was on in A grade both figuratively and literally, reducing the large field down to only 8 hardened finishers.  It came down to Harris, Davis and the young Linfield in to last couple of laps with the world champ Glenn Harris proving too strong on the day.  Well deserved win for him – and a very respectable 5th place for Julian.

We will be doing a couple of things differently for the next event which is on the 12th of December. 

Firstly, we will be having D & C grade presentations after the C grade finish.  We all want people to stay around for the presentations at the end, but we realise this isnt realistic so we will do two presentations next time.

Secondly, we will be spliting the rego and refreshment desks to make that job a bit easier.  It gets crazy hectic when everyone finishes their race and then goes straight to the desk to hand back their number and get a drink at the same time.

There will some other changes too, but nothing drastic as overall the day went extremely well.  If there are any other things you would like to see changed let us know and we will see what we can do.

Here are some photos from the day from Tony Lendrum.

volunteer information pack showing what is required from each position can be found here.

The flyer pretty much says it all – but start firing those questions in and Peter and I will start answering! 

These crits are events that everybody in our club can participate in – whether you are an A grade rider in a team or riding in the transitional groups you can come and have a go!

We will also be needing volunteers.  Not much, just a couple of hours of time to man a corner, rego desk or finish line.  This is a bit short notice we know – so we might be asking people directly if we dont get enough volunteers.  Basically we expect each member to volunteer for one of the events – that way we all get a ride 🙂

Support your club  – Lets race!