Ride Routes 16th – 22nd November

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Hi all,

Lot’s going on right now! This weekend we see the start of crit season, together the Westral Wheelrace (probably the best spectator event on the track in Perth calendar) and not to mention the SPR chicks have a ride Sunday.

First up, the Westral Wheelrace. This is a big day at the track, and well worth the time heading out to the SpeedDome this Saturday from a spectator point of view. A good time to arrive is 10am – do SPR Saturday then head out, perhaps even using the loop out to Midland as Saturday extras. There will be plenty happening alongside the racing program – think coffee van, massage tables, bike shop exhibitors and the historical bike expo.

If you make a day of it, the 4F Twilight Criterium Series for Women kicks off in the evening (details below).

Second, the SPR Chicks Swan Valley Ride returns this Sunday, kicking off at 8am at the Guildford War Memorial for a leisurely cruise that includes coffee and the Swan Valley. All the details on the Facebook event here.

Check out the photos below from our 2024 French Alps trip, don’t forget that the kit order closes this weekend, and make sure you RSVP for our Christmas event.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

SPR French Alps Trip 2024 — 13 cyclists, 16 days, 740 Km, 19,000m elevation starting in Geneva and finishing in Nice. It was a mammoth cycling venture for these Main 2 riders who recently traversed the Route des Grand Alpes in France.

Many thanks to our two ride leaders, Christophe Borrel Ducroz, cat herder from SPR and Aigars Paegle, founder and tour guide from HC Tours company. They worked tirelessly to get everyone home safely and without injury, even though illness did mess with the smooth sailing of the tour.

The finish was at a fabulous hotel overlooking the ocean at the port of Nice. Check out a selection of photos below.

For all those cyclists out there who think this is too much for them, such feats are not confined to the likes of these tough and seasoned cyclists. John and I cycled up Alp d’Huez after the French Alps, me on an e-road bike. It was really fabulous.

So, to all those cyclists who want to try an iconic alp, they are within your reach (2025 anyone?💚).

Carol

The Team
Ride Leaders extraordinaire
The Triumphs on Col de I’Iseran
On Col de Ia Colombiere
And the And the sole women… Petra!!
The finish (overlooking Nice)
The scenery
The roads
The scenery
There was some traffic…
More traffic…
And more traffic…
Waiting…
Camaraderie (and food!)
John and Carol

New Kit Day — Say hello to the 2025 SPR club kit!!

The kit shop is open until 17 November so get in quick:

https://www.mayeur.cc/collections/south-perth-rouleurs

The new standard jersey is the same cut and quality as the recent Tour of Margaret River kit.

The 2025 range also sees the addition of a women’s specific jersey. If you would like to try one for fit I will have one of each size of women’s jersey at DÔME Westralia Plaza after the ride on Saturday.

SPR Christmas Ride & Awards — See original full post here, and nominate people for the awards using the link below!

SPR Peoples’ Choice Award Nominations 2024

SPR Christmas BBQ 2024 — RSVP using the link below, see you there.

SPR Christmas BBQ 2024

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. 4F Twilight Criteriums 2024 – Round 1 (Saturday!!)

2. NBCC Summer Crits

3. WCMCC Bibra Lake Criterium

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — No junior ride this weekend as we will support some of our kids at the Westral Wheelrace and the 4F Criterium – Round 1.

From the Ride Coordinator — One of the reasons we like to keep the size of Saturday groups to around 15 riders, is to limit the physical length of the group on the road. Longer groups are a greater disruption to traffic, and more susceptible to being split at lights. One way to help maintain a compact group is for those on the front to delay accelerating when coming out of corners.

It’s time to think about your hydration requirements given that the temperatures are starting to creep up. Enjoy your time on the bike.

Don’t forget to follow the new layout for marshalling in the carpark, with every group moving up to the start point.

Please note, the development group currently runs 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Saturday 16th November

Sunday 17th November

Monday 18th November

Tuesday 19th November

Wednesday 20th November

Thursday 21st November

Friday 22nd November

SPR Nationals 2025 EOI

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On the back of a huge Tour of Margaret River, SPR is putting out the call for members interested in riding in the team events at the upcoming Nationals in January 2025.

Running alongside the elite events, these events provide local AusCycling clubs the opportunity to compete on the same closed courses as the elite races, ride with your club and compete with other WA clubs in a points competition.

The opportunities for club-based team racing are:

  1. Team Time Trial (Clubs), Wednesday 8th January, details here
  2. Masters/Club Criterium, Friday 10th January, details here

Have a look at the details linked above and the courses below to see the way both events are structured around club-based teams.

So, two things:

  1. To express your interest in being part of the the teams SPR is putting together, please using the EOI link below
  2. Riding both of these events will require current SPR kit (latest TOMR kit OK), which is new and for which the order closes this weekend (see latest blog and order online here). Get in and order now!

Nationals Expressions of Interest

Order the new SPR Kit

Don’t forget that non-elite riders (most of us!) also get to ride the Road Race course as part of the Gran Fondo, which is based on individual entry.

The nationals is going to be a superb summer of racing.

Daniel

Ride Routes 9 – 15th November

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TOMR 2024 was another success for SPR, with 14 teams entered into the event. This was once again the largest entry by any club. Congratulations to all the riders for their efforts and making our club proud, and a big thank you to the volunteers.

For many riders training started back in June with many laps of Kings Park, in the dark mornings and weekend ventures into the hills. A team event format with 6 riders per team, this year involved a different format and routes than previous years. The change of scenery did not change the elevation and day one was an interesting mix of tactics and leg power. Day two was the brutal stage of Balingup to Greenbushes, packed with 2 challenging climbs. Day 3 set out from the Margaret River Chocolate factory across undulating terrain with many tired legs in the bunch.

SPR was fortunate to have Seth Dunwoody, a professional rider, who will be riding for Bahrain Victorious in 2025. Although only 18, he demonstrated power with some unbelievable watts and a stunning break away 10kms from the finish to win stage 2. Our mens 1st team won the B Grade division, whilst our Womens 1st team got silver in B Grade.

All in all the event had many individual stories and personal triumphs and it was great to see the friendships that were forged or strengthened across the 3 days of racing. Event the team BBQ on Sunday, involved dancing and singing with riders relaxing from another great TOMR.  

You can find the full results here, but SPR highlights include:

  • SPR M1 – Gold, Open Division B
  • SPR W1 – Silver, All Female Division B
  • SPR M7 – Silver, Open Division J
  • Andrew Highfield – Yellow Jersey Winner (overall GC), Male 60-64
  • Seth Dunwoody – Stage 2 Gold, Open Division B
  • Jodie Chipper – Stage 2 Silver, All Female Division B

Having fielded 14 SPR teams, it was also amazing to see SPR members involved with a number of other teams (shout out to Aurora Pedalaris, Steel Hearts, 4F Femmes, Giant Mandurah, Cowaramup Cycling Club, Denmark Mighty Helpful to name a few), with some great podiums in the mix:

  • Alejandra Rojas Jordán – Polka Dot Jersey Winner (overall KOM), Female 30-39
  • Stuart Gee – Yellow Jersey Winner (overall GC + overall KOM), Male 65+
  • Adam Ralph – Polka Dot Jersey Winner (overall KOM), Male 50-54
  • Kate Bonner – Gold, All Female Division A (part of Giant Mandurah team)

Well done to everyone who participated, and in particular to the Race Subcommittee and volunteers who made it all possible.

M1 Podium
W1 Podium
M7 Podium
Seth Dunwoody Podium
Jodie Chipper Podium
Alejandra Rojas Jordan Podium
Andrew Highfield Podium
Stuart Gee Podium
Adam Ralph Podium
Where we were riding…
Lounging about
SPR M8
Support crew
Tom and Seth 🙂
Relaxing…

New Kit Day — Say hello to the 2025 SPR club kit!!

The kit shop is open until 17 November so get in quick:

https://www.mayeur.cc/collections/south-perth-rouleurs

The new standard jersey is the same cut and quality as the recent Tour of Margaret River kit.

The 2025 range also sees the addition of a women’s specific jersey. If you would like to try one for fit I will have one of each size of women’s jersey at DÔME Westralia Plaza after the ride on Saturday.

SPR Christmas Ride & Awards — Each year SPR recognises riders / volunteers who were outstanding in their support of the club or inspired others to pursue their cycling achievements. There are multiple awards each year, six based on responses to this survey – the People’s choice.

The SPR Committee also identifies club members who have contributed to the Club or demonstrated impressive achievements. A new award in 2024 recognises the Most Improved Under 18-year-old from the SPR Juniors Programme established this year. We invite the juniors, their parents and the SPR Juniors Coordinator to join us at the Dome after their own ride for the presentation of this new award.

There is a $30 Dome coffee voucher for one lucky responder to the survey as well as two vouchers for the best dressed bike/ riders on the day. See the T&Cs for the competition here.

Awards will be presented at Dome after our Annual Christmas Ride on Saturday 14th December 2024. We are again grateful to DOME for hosting the awards ceremony and the support they give the Club throughout the year. For this event you are invited to purchase food and drink/coffee directly from the restaurant as usual.

Any queries to comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Nominate people for the awards here!

SPR Peoples’ Choice Award Nominations 2024

SPR Christmas BBQ 2024 — Christmas is fast approaching so the SPR Committee is pleased to announce its Out-of-Lycra Christmas celebration will be on the Perth Foreshore for the first time, next to the meeting place for Saturday rides.

This is a time when we celebrate the support families give to their cyclists.

Bring your preferred BBQ food, blanket and drinks to relax next to the river. We will be located near the playground and there will be activities for the kids so please register via this link so we know how many are to expect.

SPR Christmas BBQ 2024

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium – Race 1 of 2024-25 Summer Season

2. NBCC Summer Crits (17/Nov)

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — Next Saturday we will have a gravel ride in the Pickering brook area. This is the course:
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/311747844

It is a mix of tarmac and gravel (~9km: a portion of the Munda Biddi). Then we will end the day at Core Cider for lunch all together.

The appointment is at the car park near the Pickering Brook general store (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4EWBiqJyNpcssJtG6) at 10.30am. We will ride for approximately 1 hour and return to the car park. We will then drive to Core Cider (https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ahfYMXEsrPLndrt5) for lunch.

For this type of ride a MTB or gravel bike is required.

For organisation purposes at Core Cider, if you could confirm your presence at juniors@southperthrouleurs.com.au, it will be greatly appreciated.

From the Ride Coordinator — Please be aware of the following Sunday start time adjustments planned for later this month.

From November 24th the Short and Long Hills rides will start at 6am.
From December 1st the Short Hills (Social) ride will start at 6am.

Communication is the key to a safe and successful group ride. When you are the rider at the front, you must call out all hazards(e.g. parked car, potholes) and indicate route directions, and following riders must pass it back down the group. Calls from the back of the group must also be passed to the front of the group. Remember that it can be even more difficult to hear in windy conditions.

Don’t forget to follow the new layout for marshalling in the carpark, with every group moving up to the start point.

Please note, the development group currently runs 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Saturday 9th November

Sunday 10th November

Monday 11th November

Tuesday 12th November

Wednesday 13th November

Thursday 14th November

Friday 15th November

Ride Routes 2nd – 8th November

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SPR Christmas Ride & Awards — Each year SPR recognises riders / volunteers who were outstanding in their support of the club or inspired others to pursue their cycling achievements. There are multiple awards each year, six based on responses to this survey – the People’s choice.

The SPR Committee also identifies club members who have contributed to the Club or demonstrated impressive achievements. A new award in 2024 recognises the Most Improved Under 18-year-old from the SPR Juniors Programme established this year. We invite the juniors, their parents and the SPR Juniors Coordinator to join us at the Dome after their own ride for the presentation of this new award.

There is a $30 Dome coffee voucher for one lucky responder to the survey as well as two vouchers for the best dressed bike/ riders on the day. See the T&Cs for the competition here.

Awards will be presented at Dome after our Annual Christmas Ride on Saturday 14th December 2024. We are again grateful to DOME for hosting the awards ceremony and the support they give the Club throughout the year. For this event you are invited to purchase food and drink/coffee directly from the restaurant as usual.

Any queries to comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Nominate people for the awards here!

SPR Peoples’ Choice Award Nominations 2024

SPR Christmas BBQ 2024 — Christmas is fast approaching so the SPR Committee is pleased to announce its Out-of-Lycra Christmas celebration will be on the Perth Foreshore for the first time, next to the meeting place for Saturday rides.

This is a time when we celebrate the support families give to their cyclists.

Bring your preferred BBQ food, blanket and drinks to relax next to the river. We will be located near the playground and there will be activities for the kids so please register via this link so we know how many are to expect.

SPR Christmas BBQ 2024

SPR’s Jon Hanson in Kings Park

ATTA Early Bird Series — ATTA is running their Birds in the Park 17km Time Trials in Kings Park on the following dates:

  • Kings Park – 17th December – 17km
  • Kings Park – 24th December – 17km
  • Kings Park – 31st December – 17km
  • Kings Park – 14th Jan – 17km
  • Kings Park – 21st Jan – 17km

ATTA’s Summer Season for 24/25 will have a different look and a slightly delayed start this year due to the re-surfacing works going on in Kings Park.

Just imagine the PBs once the new surface on Lovekin Drive is ready.

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. The Tour of Margaret River

2. No other options this weekend 🙂

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — Some rain is predicted on Sat morning. however, it looks like the weather is fine after 7am, so the junior ride will go ahead but only if the roads will be dry. The plan for this weekend is to step up our effort with a long ride (~34km). You can find the course here:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/316755070

Most of the ride will be on a bike path. The only part open to traffic is along Riverton Dr (Rossmoyne and Shelley). We will have to pay some care and attention when crossing Nicholson Rd and Spencer Rd.
For the newcomers and younger juniors I would suggest to follow us up to Kent St weir pump track and return back to the start along the same way. In this case the round trip is just ~12km. Depending on the availability of other coaches/leaders, one coach might be able to escort you back.

This time the appointment is at 10am given the longer distance we have to ride and we expect to complete the ride in 2 hrs. We will meet at the usual spot here:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PjV2bpCKULHewoUR9

An SPR coach/leader will be at the appointed regardless the weather conditions, but if it will rain or the roads will be wet, the ride will be cancelled.

From the Ride Coordinator — It’s Step Up Saturday! So make the leap…. There will probably be smaller group numbers due to a big weekend of racing. Good luck to our 14 ToMR teams and to the hardworking SPR vollies. 

Roads may be wet as there is a chance of early showers on Saturday. Take care on corners & roundabouts. Make sure calls are passed up & down the group. 

Long Hills may have some roadworks to negotiate at the intersection of Sevenoaks & Hamilton Sts on the way back to Vic Park.

Don’t forget to follow the new layout for marshalling in the carpark, with every group moving up to the start point.

Please note, the development group currently runs 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Saturday 2nd November

Sunday 3rd November

Monday 4th November

Tuesday 5th November

Wednesday 6th November

Thursday 7th November

Friday 8th November

Ride Routes 26th October – 1st November

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SPR Christmas BBQ 2024 — Christmas is fast approaching so the SPR Committee is pleased to announce its Out-of-Lycra Christmas celebration will be on the Perth Foreshore for the first time, next to the meeting place for Saturday rides.

This is a time when we celebrate the support families give to their cyclists.

Bring your preferred BBQ food, blanket and drinks to relax next to the river. We will be located near the playground and there will be activities for the kids so please register via this link so we know how many are to expect.

SPR Christmas BBQ 2024

Tour de Cowaramup 2024 — This was the inaugural year for the Tour with a smaller number than usual participating being the busy spring season due to clashes with other rides. One constant is the fun and comradery over the whole weekend; how can you go wrong when you finish at a winery with a full-on festival feel. There is of course the support of and for the local region with fundraising for cancer being a focus. Look out for the event next year.

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. MCC Midland Traders 100

2. TOMR training ??? 🙂

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — For Saturday we will meet at the usual spot in Shelley for some skill practice along Riverton Drive. The appointment is at 10.30am here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1taDLpmJ1oc6ZMhe6.

From the Ride Coordinator — Summer’s on the way, make sure you’ve got sunscreen & plenty of water this week. It’s also that time of year when reticulation systems are switched on again. It’s being mentioned because the combination of reticulation & roundabouts are probably one of the biggest causes of incidents in our group rides. Especially in the early morning weekday rides. As we all know, roundabouts are tricky enough when dry! Remember to stay in your lane when going through a roundabout. Do not cross into the other lane.

This week our main ride is Freo & Canning Vale. We haven’t ridden this route since March. Please review the map. Enjoy the tailwind on Albany Hwy!

Don’t forget to follow the new layout for marshalling in the carpark, with every group moving up to the start point. Feedback from last week was positive regarding this change.

Please note, the development group currently runs 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Saturday 26th October

Sunday 27th October

Monday 28th October

Tuesday 29th October

Wednesday 30th October

Thursday 31st October

Friday 1st November

Ride Routes 19 – 25th October

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[ Gravel Worlds write-up this week. New car park layout for our Saturday start. New gravel ride this Sunday. All the details below. ]

2024 Bolero UCI Gravel Worlds — On the back of the Gran Fondo Worlds write-up last week, I am excited to give you all a summary the SPR presence at the Gravel Worlds last week. Thanks to Damon for doing the work of tabulating details of SPR riders in the mix, and thanks to a few other Facebook feeds (thanks Vanessa!) for some epic photos and details of the experiences.

Damon’s comment was that whilst our positions were generally in the lower half, when you see how we did as Australians, we had a few podiums!!! Knowing many of the individuals involved, these results represented a huge investment in training and everyone should be very proud of the achievements.

So, here we go (full results here):

  • Marcus van Dalen – Mens 60-64, 78th/81 (1st Aussie)
  • Tony Moore – Mens 60-64, 84th/91 (2nd Aussie)
  • Vanessa Johnson – Womens 55-59, 16th/35 (1st Aussie)
  • Jake Harper – Mens 55-59, 121st/138 (4th Aussie)
  • Damon Sunderland – Mens 50-54, 192nd/223 (3rd Aussie)
  • Dave Manners – Mens 40-44, 153rd/232 (1st Aussie)
  • Kurt Leitch – Mens 40-44, 162nd/232 (2nd Aussie)
  • Daryl Puyales – Mens 35-39, 202nd/233 (2nd Aussie)

Please let me know if I’ve missed anyone! Kudos all 💪🏻💚

To give you a sense of the racing from Vanessa:

With the run of sunny days, the course ran drier and faster than during recon. A good start, a tight technical first 5km that took its share of casualties, fighting to stay in the second bunch, a bit of droppage as we hit the first set of climbs (Belgium not flat). Settled into a brisk moving group, which ebbed & flowed for most of the race. Fighting on the climbs, sending the descents where the traffic allowed, loving the party crowds & shout-outs on course. Attacked the cobbles & the bike held up well – carnage all around. Put the foot down in the last 10km to finish up fastest 🇦🇺 W50+, 16th in age group. It’s been great to see the strength-skill-size of the women’s bunch grow over the past three years.

I’ll end with a few photos. Well done to all.

Daniel

Gravel Ride Restarting — Join us for our first trial gravel ride on Sunday 20 October! We’ll meet at the Bellevue RSL at 5:45 am for a 6:00 am start. This ride is perfect for experienced riders, and the pace will be a steady minimum Main 1. Our initial route is designed to gauge interest in forming a regular gravel riding group. The route details is here.

As we see more riders joining, we’ll plan additional routes and gradually increase the distance. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some gravel trails and meet fellow cycling enthusiasts. We hope to see you there!

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. WCMCC Herne Hill Memorial Handicap

2. MCC Midland Traders 100 (27/Oct)

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — The plan for this week is to meet in Kings Park to practice descending and climbing skills.

Let’s all meet at the DNA car park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Uoet1CC6jzQpviVS7) at 10.30am. As usual, we can end our ride with a treat at the Botanical Cafe or at the nearby Kings Park Kiosk

From the Ride Coordinator — Attention SPR riders!

This Saturday we are changing the way we marshal and depart the carpark for our Saturday rides. The change will affect the M2, M3, M4 and Transition groups. M2 will gather behind M1 at the river end of the carpark and M3 will meet where transition were. M4 will gather where M3 used to be and Transition will now be where M2 met. All groups will leave the carpark from the same point (where first 15 gather) by following each other along a circular route through the carpark. Please pay extra attention to your ride leaders.

We have scheduled a new ride route for Short Hills on Sunday – Khna Patt Palm. Sunday Long Hills riders have the option to do Khna Turner Obs this weekend. The condition of Turner Rd is infamous and it shouldn’t be ridden at speed (if even possible!). Looking forward to getting feedback from you afterwards.

Please note, the development group currently runs 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Saturday 19th October

Sunday 20th October

Monday 21st October

Tuesday 22nd October

Wednesday 23rd October

Thursday 24th October

Friday 25th October

Ride Routes 12 – 18th October

[ Gran Fondo Worlds write-up this week by Claire. Keep your eye out for a Gravel Worlds update soon. Not to mention Peel Classic. Also new gravel ride announced below. Finally, we’re short one M2/M1.4 rider for TOMR – get in touch. Daniel ]

Denmark 2024: Gran Fondo Worlds — They say it’s about the journey more than the destination, and in my case this rings true for the 2024 Gran Fondo World Championships. 

My journey to get to the start line this September in Aalborg, Denmark started in September 2023 at Amy’s Gran Fondo in Lorne. I trained my hardest while battling chronic back pain. I was happy with my efforts on the day but was well off qualifying – 7th of just 14 in my age group. 

For those unfamiliar with the gran fondo worlds process, your aim is to get into the top 25 per cent of your age group to qualify. 

Amy’s was the earliest race in the series so I had another chance – the Tour de Brisbane in April. This race was far more suited to my style of riding, and by that time I had less back pain (it was still there, but had drastically reduced since Amy’s). 

The punchy, twisty, rolling course included the infamous Mt Coot Tha, a long and steep climb up to the TV stations just out of Brisbane. Luckily for me, by the time I hit that section of the course I was far enough ahead in my age group to stay in the top 25 per cent. 

I was full of emotions as I crossed the line and realised I’d made it into the top quarter of my age group. I was going to Denmark! 

The awesome thing was I could share it with my friends too: Andrew Lilley (my coach and confidant), Rebecca Kelly (my best mate and all round legend), Greg Murray, Lily Handoyo, Yael Gardner had all qualified at Brisbane with me. 

The subsequent four months included as much training as I could squeeze in my hectic lifestyle, which let’s face it, wasn’t enough. 

The rain didn’t help – after a long dry summer it bucketed down in Perth, forcing me onto Zwift, which I like all riders have a love hate relationship with. 

I made it to the start line in one piece, but deep down knew I hadn’t done nearly enough preparation to get through the 152km course at any kind of competitive pace. 

It didn’t matter – I was happy to be there. 

My age group (35-39) started with the young guns (19-34) so the pace was hot from the outset – I held on to the madness for 40 minutes, or roughly 24km, before I popped. And when I say popped, I completely popped. The remainder of the day encompassed getting caught by groups in other age groups, hanging on for a bit, then dropping off the back. 

I rode most of the course largely alone. 

It was beautiful though and I was very happy to have the opportunity to race my bike in another country. The encouragement from cycling-mad locals on every corner helped immensely. 

I finished with a time of 5h12m42s, averaging 29.34km/h and placing 43 of 45 starters in my age group. This is much slower than I would have liked, but the smiling face of Andrew Lilley when I rolled in to the finish made me forget all that.  

He’d finished the race much earlier than me, with a cracking time of 3h57m (averaging 38.65km/h!), and had time to shower, buy me a sandwich and meet me at the finish line. He’ll never know how much it meant to me to have his support, through the entire worlds journey (Editors note: Unless of course he reads the SPR blog).  

Congrats to my fellow SPR members who smashed the world champs: 

  • Lily Handoyo, 
  • Yael Gardner (medio fondo)
  • Andrew Lilley
  • Raymond Smith
  • Lauren Humphreys
  • Belinda Alcock 

I sincerely apologise if I’ve forgotten anyone. More info on who competed and the results can be found here: https://www.sportstiming.dk/event/13162/participants

Cycling really does take us on some incredible journeys! 

Claire

Gravel Ride Restarting — Join us for our first trial gravel ride on Sunday 20 October! We’ll meet at the Bellevue RSL at 5:45 am for a 6:00 am start. This ride is perfect for experienced riders, and the pace will be a steady minimum Main 1. Our initial route is designed to gauge interest in forming a regular gravel riding group. The route details is here.

As we see more riders joining, we’ll plan additional routes and gradually increase the distance. This is a great opportunity to enjoy some gravel trails and meet fellow cycling enthusiasts. We hope to see you there!

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. WCMCC Chidlow – Age Group Championships

2. MCC Midland Traders 100 (27/Oct)

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — This Saturday, we will focus on endurance training and take advantage of the pleasant weather forecasted for the weekend. The ride will start from our usual spot in Shelley and head to the Heathcote Reserve in Applecross following this route: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/256338775

We will take a break at the reserve for a drink before returning the same route. The entire ride is approximately 23 km and should take around 1.5 hours including the stop.

The meeting point is here https://maps.app.goo.gl/dPMmqNw1fLCo715r6 at 10.30am.

See you there!

From the Ride Coordinator — The next few weeks will see our new ride leaders take their observed ride leads. Please welcome them!

Here’s some refresher tips for riding in formation:

  • Riders should pair off 2 by 2
  • Try to maintain about a 30-50cm distance from the rear wheel of the rider in front of you
  • Keep your handlebars level with those of the rider next to you
  • Ride at an even steady pace
  • Close up gaps between riders as quickly and smoothly as possible
  • When possible ride one metre clear from the gutters and parked cars

(Kudos to you if you recognise the source!)

Please note, the development group currently runs 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Saturday 12th October

Sunday 13th October

Monday 14th October

Tuesday 15th October

Wednesday 16th October

Thursday 17th October

Friday 18th October

Ride Routes 5 – 11th October

So I have news. Lots of you have been asking, and I am pleased to announce that it is very nearly new kit day. The Committee has this week signed off on the new kit design, and we just just finalising sizing and ordering details and you will be able to order online within the next week or two.

More detail soon. I say bring it on.

TdGracetown and TdCowaramup — There are now two rides out of Margaret River on the weekend of 12/13 October 2024; the TdGracetown on Saturday and the TdCowaramup on Sunday. Of course, you can do both rides for those who want a greater challenge or training for the TOMR. Both have a similar format: start/finish from the same location each being a winery, multiple distances/climbs and funds going to support local communities and charities. 

We still have accomodation available for another team! Would your TOMR team be interested in some extra training?? If yes, get in touch…

Register via these links: Sunday TdCowaramup; most SPR members are registering with this event, organised by Perth Integrated Health; note fee increase on 1 October. Saturday TdGracetown, a co-organiser of last years event with the same name. We recommend that you choose the one that best suites you. Please contact Carol or Danielle via comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au if you have any questions.

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. PDCC Peel Classic 2024 incl State Road Champs

2. MCC Midland Traders 100 (27/Oct)

The summer crit calendar has been announced!

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — No SPR junior ride this weekend. Check back next week – we will catch up next week on 12 October.

From the Ride Coordinator — It’s the start of the month so it is “Step Up Saturday!”

Take this opportunity to see where your riding is at and STEP UP and have a go at riding with that next group above your usual Saturday ride.

One of the reasons we like to keep the size of Saturday groups to around 15 riders, is to limit the physical length of the group on the road. Longer groups are a greater disruption to traffic, and more susceptible to being split at lights. Where a split does occur, call out “split”, so that the riders ahead can slow down and let the group reform.

Please note, the development group currently runs 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Saturday 5th October

Sunday 6th October

Monday 7th October

Tuesday 8th October

Wednesday 9th October

Thursday 10th October

Friday 11th October

Ride Routes 28th September – 4th October

There are now two rides out of Margaret River on the weekend of 12/13 October 2024; the TdGracetown on Saturday and the TdCowaramup on Sunday. Of course, you can do both rides for those who want a greater challenge or training for the TOMR. Both have a similar format: start/finish from the same location each being a winery, multiple distances/climbs and funds going to support local communities and charities. 

There is still some accommodation available in Margaret River through SPR for 3 nights; in Friday out Monday, shorter stay if preferred for the same discounted price. Please contact Carol or Danielle via comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au to put in a request.

Register via these links: Sunday TdCowaramup; most SPR members are registering with this event, organised by Perth Integrated Health; note fee increase on 1 October. Saturday TdGracetown, a co-organiser of last years event with the same name. We recommend that you choose the one that best suites you.

Cheers,
Carol

SPR Chicks Catchup — There is informal catch up this Sunday, mainly for those interested on being on the SPR Chicks Subcommittee, but also for those who are keen to chat about what we can do to make it more fun for the women in the club going forward. 

When: 3pm, Sunday Oct 29

Where: The Como Hotel, 243 Canning Hwy, Como. 

Anyone is welcome. RSVP on the Facebook event page or directly to our Women’s Interests Committee member Claire via women@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. X-Speed Junior Road Racing Rally

2. WCMCC Splendid Park – Yanchep – Graded Criterium

3. PDCC Peel Classic 2024 incl State Road Champs (6/Oct)

The summer crib calendar has been announced!

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — Huge congratulations to Claudia, Francois, and Morne for completing the 46 km gravel ride in Ballidu last Saturday in the U13 category!:tada::man-biking::woman-biking: An impressive achievement!

For those not racing at the X-Speed junior rally (https://entryboss.cc/races/22150), there will be a junior ride session this Saturday starting in Shelley.

The appointment is at 10am here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2xq6gQmarv9dH4sz8. We will focus on sprinting and paceline, riding for approximately ~1 hour.

From the Ride Coordinator — Communication is the key to a safe and successful group ride. When you are the rider at the front, you must call out all hazards(e.g. parked car, potholes) and indicate route directions, and following riders must pass it back down the group. Calls from the back of the group must also be passed to the front of the group. Remember that it can be even more difficult to hear in windy conditions.

Please note, the development group currently runs 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Saturday 28th September

Sunday 29th September

Monday 30th September

Tuesday 1st October

Wednesday 2nd October

Thursday 3rd October

Friday 4th October

Ride Routes 21st – 27th September

With the long weekend this weekend and some good weather, there are some great opportunities to get out on the bike. Between our Saturday rides, Sundays hills rides and Monday Public Holiday ride – all with what looks to be clear weather – you have no excuse not to get some decent kilometres in 🙂

I wanted to provide an update on our Tour of Margaret River preparation for 2024. The photo above is from our TOMR Tuesday Training in Kings Park several weeks back. We’ve been getting some great participation across our teams, so no matter what your training level is, you are most welcome to head to Kings Park Tuesday morning to join our training session.

With fourteen teams in full swing, it looks like it will be a great event. In talking with the Race Subcommittee, I do know that with changes in people’s circumstances there are several spots available if you are interested (Main1 / Main 2 level) – get in touch via race@southperthrouleurs.com.au for more information.

Some great results in the Dwellingup 100 run last weekend – the event had over 600 riders across all distances and categories. Several photos below, and check out the results via the event website and see Facebook for more photos. Special mention to SPR members in the placings:

  1. Steff Van Amerongen – 1st place, 40-49, 100km MTB
  2. Adelia Neethling – 2nd place, 40-49, 100km MTB

And last but not least, huge congratulations to Sam Walker who took home the bronze medal in the 2024 AusCycling Masters and Junior Road National Championships Time Trial for the Women’s Masters 3 category. By one second no less – 29:34.16 vs 29:35.30!! Check out the event, results and some photos on Facebook.

Finally, a shout-out to anyone heading to the Bike it to Ballidu (https://ballidugravel.com.au) this weekend for some gravel action. Enjoy.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

Dwellingup 100
Dwellingup 100

📸 Daniela Tommasi Photography

Racing this weekend – If you want to race, or get in on the action watching others race, read on.

1. Bike it to Ballidu

2. X-Speed Junior Road Racing Rally (28/Sep)

3. PDCC Peel Classic 2024 incl State Road Champs (6/Oct)

The summer crib calendar has been announced!

Summer Crit Calendar
Summer Crit Calendar

Juniors Ride — Unfortunately I will not be able to organise a junior ride on Saturday. I will be busy with a few juniors at Ballidu for the gravel event organised by WestCyle. If you are interested in participating in the event there is still time to register:  https://ballidugravel.com.au/. The event offers the possibility to join the 12km fun ride with a lot of games and activities organised for the kids. For kids over 10, you can get challenged with the 46km ride.

Looking ahead, X-speed has organized a junior race just outside the Velodrome in Midland next week on 28/9. You can find more details here: https://entryboss.cc/races/22150

From the Ride Coordinator — Pick your ride groups wisely! These people are going to be your teammates for the ride and you will be wanting to work together to make the ride as smooth, safe and enjoyable as possible. If gaps open up in your roll throughs, or riders are not rolling through, then please look around and moderate your pace to keep the group together. Don’t forget to call “clear” and “last wheel”.

Please note, the development group currently runs 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.

Saturday 21st September

Sunday 22nd September

Monday 23rd September – King’s Birthday Public Holiday

Tuesday 24th September

Wednesday 25th September

Thursday 26th September

Friday 27th September

The website for the South Perth Cycle Club