Ride Routes 4 – 10th February

For tonight’s blog I want to share with you a perspective on our club, and the community that it represents. Something I think speaks volumes to what makes SPR the unique club that it is.

The story starts with our Ride Leader Slack channel. For those of you that may not know, we have a Slack dedicated to all things “Ride Leader” – everything from scheduling to ride routes to safety … the list goes on. Now during January we’ve seen an increase in numbers riding with us, particularly out on our main Saturday rides. And as a result, a number of our groups have needed to make adjustments, and some of these led to conversations amongst our Ride Leaders around issues such as group sizes, how to best split groups, what happens when groups split out on the road (and how do we bring them back together), how do we ensure good communication amongst riders in the group, etc.

My reflection on these conversations is one of admiration for the SPR Ride Leader team. Our club has four core values: Safe. Inclusive. Organised. Social. And to my mind, conversations like the one I described above demonstrate these values in practice.

For everyone that joins us, whether for one ride or for many, know this: You are welcome, and, you can contribute to seeing SPR values in action. Two things come to mind as I write: First up, keep others in mind as you ride. As group numbers are peaking, whether you are returning to a training routine or taking up group riding and the joy of cycling for the first time – keep in that that our members have a range of expectations on what the perfect Saturday ride looks like – whether that be social interaction, hard training for an event or other goal, easier rides on low intensity/recovery weeks, or simply looking to learn the skill of group riding in search of a healthier lifestyle. Different expectations can lead to friction out on the road, whereas recognising the diversity across our riders helps ease it.

In all these cases, our top priority is to bring everyone back to the coffee shop in one piece – in line with our #1 core value: Safety.

The second thing that comes to mind is this: Offer a shoutout to our Ride Leaders. This dedicated group share a common goal of helping to create an environment which encourages a safe, fun experience on every SPR ride. I encourage you to take every opportunity to support our Ride Leaders – whether that be by cooperating during the briefings and rides, acknowledging their efforts after the ride, or shouting them a coffee on occasion. The team volunteers their time, and you might be amazed at how much a small show of appreciation is valued.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

We announced SPR’s participation in the Tour of Gracetown (TdG) last week – read all about it in last week’s blog post.

We have now opened the SPR shop to allow you to book SPR-organised accomodation.

See the links below for registration and accomodation.

Register for the Tour de Gracetown

Book SPR-organised Accommodation

Contact Carol via comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au if you have any queries.

SPR Tour de Gracetown 2022 Recovery Ride

  

  

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

1. RCCC 2023 Henk Vogels Snr Memorial Criterium

2. WCMCC Herne Hill Scratch Road Race (2 Race Tour – 1st part)

 

From the Ride Coordinator — We’re in for a hot week, so please remember to prepare accordingly – carry plenty of cold water and wear sunscreen. I’d like to reiterate our president’s message above, that ride leaders are volunteers who give their time freely so that we can all have better, safer rides. They really appreciate it when the group listens, follows instructions, and it give positive feedback after the ride.

Note the small change in the Saturday Main group ride route; Collier Dianella. On Guilford Rd, immediately after crossing Tonkin Hwy, we turn left, cross the railway line, and then right onto Railway Pde. It’s safer this way, as there is a feeder lane for turning left from Guilford, so we don’t hold up traffic and avoid impatient drivers getting too close as has happened in the past. Stay cool and enjoy the rides this week.

Saturday 4th January

Sunday 5th February

Monday 6th February

Tuesday 7th February

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (city side) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 8th February

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Midweek Transitional – <returns March 2023>

Thursday 9th February

Friday 10th February

Ride Routes 28th January – 3rd February

After a fabulous cycling weekend in 2022 with a great mix of riding and multiple social events who would want to miss out on the Tour of Gracetown (TdG) on Saturday 28 October this year.

There are three distances: 107km; 85km or 65km and all cost the same to register; the $100 fee finishes 31 January rising to $125 so don’t wait. To register for the longer distance join the SPR team 1 or 2; for the middle 85km distance select SPR_Medio.

Register for the Tour de Gracetown

The TdG is a great opportunity for those wanting a well organised but challenging ride of 107km with 970m of climbing. For those newer to cycling there is time to work towards this event over the year. It is also a wonderful weekend away with fellow cyclists and partners who are encouraged to come along. There is a recovery ride on the Sunday after the event with coffee at the Berry Farm – the photo from the start of the 2022 ride is below. 

Accommodation for the event is in Margaret River, an easy walk to town which you can book via the SPR shop; $75 per person in a twin share room for three nights or $150 for a double room.

Contact Carol via comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au if you have any queries.

SPR Tour de Gracetown 2022 Recovery Ride

  

  

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

1. NBCC Splendid Park Criterium

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Last weekend saw the first of the Dams training rides, where we invited non members who were training for the upcoming Dams events to join our structured hills rides. Take-up was good, and we’ve had some great feedback on how we can improve the format. We’re processing that and will give details of the changes in next week’s blog.

The wind should be Easterly again on Saturday, so let’s have some fun on Benara Rd which we haven’t done for 5 months.

Sunday’s short hills ride (Darlington Zigzag) has changed from the way we used to do it, to improve safety on the descent. We now go up Victor, and down Coulston, instead of the other way around. We still do the U-turn on Darligton.

Enjoy, and look out for each other.

Saturday 28th January

Sunday 29th January

Monday 30th January

Tuesday 31st January

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (city side) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 1st February

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Midweek Transitional – <returns March 2023>

Thursday 2nd February

Friday 3rd February

Ride Routes 21st – 27th January

3 Comments

Many of you will have seen the announcement on social media of the Perth City Criterium. This is great news for cycling – whether you race yourself or participate in the sport for fitness and group rides. The event has serious funding from the our State Government (thank you!) and is being jointly organised by the two key organisations in cycling in Western Australia – AusCycling and WestCycle. Whilst full details are yet to be announced, the event will have a community focus as well as putting the spotlight on elite and women’s racing.

More from Mark below in Ride Routes, but we have partnered with WestCycle to offer training rides to Dams participants. Recognising that helping provide pathways into group riding (hills or otherwise 😎) is something SPR loves to do, the Committee felt it was a natural fit to select some targeted rides to offer to those in training for the Dams 2023.

We have the Australia Day Public Holiday coming up next week. That means a Public Holiday ride and an opportunity to race with RCCC. Whatever you choose, enjoy.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

  

Perth City Criterium
Dams 2023

  

Good Sports Forum – Strengthening South Perth Sporting Communities — The City of South Perth is hosting a Good Sports and Club Development Workshop on 15 February 2023.

The forum has drugs and alcohol focus, discussing how to manage alcohol and illegal drugs as well as promoting safe transport to and from club events.

If you’re interested in participating, see the link above, and feel free to get in touch with Tom or Carol to coordinate both inputs into and outcomes coming from the workshop from an SPR perspective.

By way of background, Good Sports is Australia’s largest and longest running health initiative in community sport. A program of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Good Sports aims to build stronger communities by championing positive change and helping to create family-friendly, thriving clubs.

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

1. WCMCC Wangara Criterium

2. RCCC Australia Day Criterium 2023

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Safety alert: Wet Roundabouts are a serious hazard for cycling bunches. Two in particular have taken a regular toll on SPR group rides, both occur on the standard river loop and have retic systems nearby that keep them moist year round.

They are:

  1. Hackett Drive, Crawley at the RPYC turnoff, and
  2. Duncraig Rd, Applecross, at the SPYC turnoff.

Please exercise extreme caution when approaching these, and consider them a “Neutral Zone“.

This Sunday sees the first of our Dams Challenge open training rides. Three of these training days are planned; 22 January, 26 February and 26 March. We’ve invited anyone training for the 2, 3 or 5 Dams rides, to join us for a training ride with SPR in a safe, organised, inclusive environment. We’ve had about 20 responses, and expect more to join on the day. We’ll split the groups at the start as needed to keep group sizes manageable for both short and long Hills rides. There may be some riders new to bunch riding, and unfamiliar with SPR ride etiquette and protocols. Please be patient and help where you can to make the riders feel welcome, and to keep the ride safe. We’ll apply any lessons learned from Sunday’s ride to the next two sessions in February and March.

Enjoy the weekend.

Saturday 21st January

Sunday 22nd January

Monday 23rd January

Tuesday 24th January

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (city side) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 25th January

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Midweek Transitional – <returns March 2023>

Thursday 26th January – Australia Day Public Holiday

Friday 27th January

Ride Routes 14 – 20th January

It’s that time of year again, with the Tour Down Under starting tomorrow.

For those that are/have headed over … enjoy.

For everyone else, you’re welcome to consider some passive aggressive sharing with the hashtag #notradelaide 😎

  

Annual General Meeting — It’s not until late March, but I want to flag our AGM so that you all get to start thinking about it early.

Each year at the AGM, all office holder and general committee positions are declared vacant. We do this to ensure that the committee is representative of our broad membership and the opportunity is there to see the committee evolve to meet our members’ changing needs.

Please do consider if the SPR committee is a place you might contribute to the rouleur community.

Positions on the committee include:

  • President
  • Vice-President
  • Treasurer
  • Secretary
  • Race committee representative
  • Ride Coordinator committee representative
  • Women’s Interest committee representative
  • Kit committee representative
  • Community Development committee representative
  • Training and development representative
  • Membership & Communications representative
  • General committee members

There is also an opportunity to assist the club on the following sub-committees, and new volunteers are always welcome:

  • Race sub-committee
  • Kit sub-committee
  • Community sub-committee
  • Women’s interests sub-committee
  • Training and development sub-committee

For details of our current committee see here.

If you are interested or have questions, please get in touch – either by email (president@southperthrouleurs.com.au or admin@southperthrouleurs.com.au) or via our Facebook page.

AusCycling Review — Many of you will know that several years ago, the national sporting body changed from Cycling Australia to AusCycling. At the time, the changes were problematic – there were good sides of the changes as well as some real problems.

Many of the issues remain – to the extent that many SPR members (particularly those who do not race – the majority of our members) see no real impact of AusCycling on their/our experience as cyclists.

We have a good local State Manager in Matt Poyner though the WA office is severely understaffed. We do also have a well-staffed WestCycle office (also a path to SPR membership, and an organisation with positive impact locally) though these two cycling bodies still have yet to establishing a good working relationship.

AusCycling yesterday announced a review of the new organisation – have a read on Facebook here (as you can imagine, some lively discussion already) and the formal news post here.

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

1. WCMCC Bibra Lake Criterium

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Some things are worth repeating, particularly when safety is at stake. Red lights mean stop. If you’re at the front of a group, then orange lights mean stop, and call it loudly so that the riders behind know to slow down. If for any reason the group splits due to a red light, then ride really easy until those left at the lights have caught up. If they know the group will wait up, they are less likely to shoot a light. It’s much easier to get a group through a set of lights if the size is kept below 15 riders.

Lets all help by cooperating at the start, to ensure we set ourselves up for success. Enjoy the good weather again this weekend.

Saturday 14th January

Sunday 15th January

Monday 16th January

Tuesday 17th January

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (city side) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 18th January

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Midweek Transitional – <returns March 2023>

Thursday 19th January

Friday 20th January

Ride Routes 7 – 13th January

Congratulations to all of you that completed or attempted the inaugural SPR Xmas 500 over the festive period with over 75 riders. It was certainly hard work and great fun to see what it is like to attempt pro hours and luckily we can all return to our day jobs for some rest. 

There were some great performances with Ted Wong brushing past an impressive 800km – great work Ted! 5 of our riders made it over 1,000km.

As with any event like this, there is always a bit of internal rivalry among the riders. This year, Pete Mah and Steve Burns were two riders who were closely matched in terms of their distances. Even though they didn’t ride together, their distances were very similar, which added an extra element of excitement to the event, with Pete’s 3am night owl performance being the difference.

The overall winners for most distance were:

Men – Elar with over 1,500km and 11,200m of elevation (a definite love of cycling)

Women – Jane Yang distance – $817km / Lauren Humphreys 4,717m of elevation

Congrats to our winners!

Elar Kalda – Distance & Elevation Winner
Elar Kalda
Jane Yang – Distance Winner
Lauren Humphreys – Distance & Elevation Winner

There were other prize winners:

R Smith                $100

A Lilley                 $50

J Randall              $20

N Lin Tun             $20

M Martins           $20

N du Plessis         $20

N Tsirigotis          $20

E McNulty           $10

W Choy                $10

P Barnes              $10

S Bektic                $10

H du Plessis         $10

A Yang                 $10

G Pennefather    $10

G Moore              $10

R Firth                  $10

T Persh                 $10

While not everyone was able to ride as far as Elar, there were still many riders who managed to complete 500km for the first time. This is a huge accomplishment and they should all be congratulated on their hard work and determination.

Thanks again to everyone who participated as it was a great success and everyone should be proud of their achievements. Whether you rode 500km or 1500km, it takes a lot of dedication and hard work to complete a challenge like this. Congratulations to all the riders and we hope to see you all again next Xmas! Watch out Elar you have set the bar very high!

  

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

1. PDCC 22-23 Summer Criterium Race 3

2. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium

3. RCCC Twilight World Champs @ DRMC Rnd 5

 

From the Ride Coordinator — From time to time while riding or racing in a group, you may hear someone call “Hold your lines!”. It’s a good reminder of safe riding practice in groups when going round a bend / corner, or going through a roundabout. What it means is “stay in the same part of the lane throughout the corner or roundabout. If there are two lines of riders, and the roundabout has two lanes, the left line needs to stay hard left (outside) all the way round, so that the right line of riders is not forced into the right (inside) lane. Similarly, going around a left hand bend, the right lane needs to stay wide to give the riders in the left lane enough space to avoid the kerb. In short – don’t cut the corner.

Don’t forget plenty of water, and sunscreen in your pre-ride checks. After a stinking hot week it should be a bit cooler this weekend – enjoy.

Saturday 7th January

Sunday 8th January

Monday 9th January

Tuesday 10th January

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (city side) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 11th January

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Midweek Transitional – <returns March 2023>

Thursday 12th January

Friday 13th January

Ride Routes 31st December – 6th January

I did promise to write up our annual Social and Race Awards this week… read on for all the details. And even a few select photos – although there are *lots* on Facebook already.

Hopefully you are all having a “relaxing” break for Christmas and the New Year. Clearly, “relaxing” includes riding ridiculous kilometres on the bike if the SPR Xmas 500 is anything to go by. As of this writing, we have 1,099kms ridden and 9,807m vertical metres climbed as the top of the leaderboard, and a significant number of rouleurs who have already completed 500km. Kudos.

Enjoy the rest of the break.

Daniel

SPR Social & Race Awards — Each year SPR recognises riders and volunteers for their achievements and contributions to all things cycling. Read below for the nominations for this year’s awards. Respect.

Most Inspirational Rider — Jayant Ashford. What an amazing story of recovery and persistence. We saw you on the ground after the horrifying crash on the short hills ride and at that time I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to walk again. Reading about how you got back on the bike despite all the injuries was remarkable. Racing in the ToMR this year was astounding. You have inspired us all.

Most Improved Rider — Amy Currie. Amy was a standout in this category and has won the award two years running. She has trained hard and made a huge transformation in her training & racing skills to represent the club & the country at the Masters Worlds for gravel. She gives everything a go.

Good Samaritan — Michael Bonner. Michael has won about every award in SPR and this year he is recognised for his selfless giving of time and support for other cyclists. He regularly helps me and others in our greatest moment of need, when in the red, about to get dropped, by slowing and offering his wheel, steadily dragging us back to the group! We call it the Mike Bonners Wheel Appreciation Club (MBWAC)! He is the Chicks favourite train!

Epic Moment or Equipment — Joint winners Mark de Castro & Belinda Evans. Mark de Castro, on ToMR stage 2, his bike was nearly written off by a rear ender into his derailleur and he managed to stay upright …and calm as always. He went on to change over to another bike removing many parts including the kick stand and bike carrier in the break. He finished the next stage that day and continued the next day.. on a different bike again – all the right size.

Belinda drank a 500mL can of V before a crit hoping to break-away on the first lap, only to lose her 200m lead by chucking twice on the first lap and missing a corner mid spew and skidding into a fence. Better luck next time V girl! PS Stick to drinking beer! 

Ride Leader Award — Laurensia Rosana. Laurensia is an awesome ride leader looking out for everyone! She gives clear instructions, ensures that everyone works together well in the groups, and meets at the regroup point. It is one of safest groups to ride with.

Volunteer Award — Steve Burns. Steve was a standout in this category and anyone who knows Steve will understand that this is truly well deserved recognition. Steve spends an extra 30hrs on top of full-time hours to ensure successful events…. It goes without saying! What a legend, so many hours, such passion, always working the bunch.

Special mention too for Michelle Bonner who is also recognised as a caring and resourceful Volunteer. She is a class above when it comes to helping out, the true club Mum.

Best Race Contribution (female) — Lily Handoyo. Lily has shown tremendous improvement competing this year in the ToMR. 

Best Race Contribution (male) — Sam Mettam. Sam has trained so hard this year and his performance in the TOMR is proof of this. The improvement is not only in the speed but also his approach. To watch Sam in crits now is very exciting!

President’s Award — Adrian Emilsen. Adrian is the epitome of what it means to be club member. He is a Ride Leader extraordinaire, regularly leading rides and respected by all. Adrian regularly offers up his “office” to run SPR events (thank you Melody Wheels), and is a strong contributor across the board when it comes to all things SPR. And a keen cyclist to boot. Adrian is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the SPR President’s Award for 2022.

Club Participant — Petra Bauer. It is a pleasure to award the Club Participant Award for 2022 to Petra. Petra is a much-loved Ride Leader, particularly when it comes to the Sunday Social Hills ride. She has a level head in all situations, is a keen contributor when it comes to choosing and improving our hills ride routes, not to mention an excellent Tour of Margaret River team member. Kudos Petra.

Best Dressed Award — Shirley Vine and Andrew Ballam. A picture is worth a thousand words – so they say – so I will let you check out the photos below.

Best Dressed – Andrew Ballam
Volunteer Special Mention – Michelle Bonner
Colourful 🙂
And well dressed!
Best Dressed – Shirley Vine
Most Improved – Amy Currie
Ride Leader – Laurensia Rosana
The Paparazzi
Looking good 🙂
Volunteer Award – Steve Burns
Epic Moment – Belinda Evans
Epic Moment – Mark de Castro

 PS Not everyone was there to receive their award, and I think I missed a few photos. Sorry!

  

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

1. RCCC Twilight World Champs @ DRMC Rnd 4

 

From the Ride Coordinator — 2022 done and dusted. We added some new ride routes for Sunday hills, and we’d like that to become a more regular thing. This week saw some massive miles ridden by our members with a few looking like topping 1,000km for the Festive 500. Despite that, it’s great to see SPR crash statistics showing significantly fewer than average spills for November and December. Keep it up – it means we’re paying more attention in groups, as inattention is by far the biggest cause of crashes.

Regulating the size of groups is also an important preventative measure, and it’s been great to see the cooperation from riders at the starts keeping group sizes to around 15. Another way to reduce risk is by riding with a group that matches your ability on the day. If you’re feeling strong, or want to push yourself, try moving up a group rather than pushing a group beyond their normal ability. It makes the ride safer and more enjoyable for all.

I copped a bit of flack for the hilly ride route last Saturday – so we’re going for a nice flat one this week – Alexander Drive – which we haven’t ridden since February! Enjoy, and have a safe, fun and festive new year.

Saturday 31st December

Sunday 1st January – New Year’s Day

Monday 2nd January – New Years Holiday

Tuesday 3rd January

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (city side) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 4th January

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Midweek Transitional – <returns March 2023>

Thursday 5th January

Friday 6th January

Ride Routes 24 – 30th December

Thank you to everyone who made it out last Saturday for our Christmas Ride. It was a most excellent morning, and very to good to recognise some amazing club members. I will write up the awards next week.

This week we have another guest post for our very own Claire Tyrrell. Most of you will recall SPR’s Adam Ralph’s Everesting efforts back in 2020… well, Jack Thompson takes this to another level. Seriously.

Reminder to all SPR club members, don’t forget to sign up for the SPR Xmas 500 – there are prizes to be had just for doing what you would be doing anyway right… festive kms. If you’ve missed the details, get in touch on xmas500@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Daniel

Jack cycles far, and high

Ultra-cyclist Jack Thompson is calling on Perth cyclists to join him as he completes his toughest cycling achievement yet.  

Claire Tyrrell

It is a generally accepted truth that no matter how good you are, there is always someone better. In cycling this would roughly translate to the idea that despite your mammoth efforts on the bike, there is always someone out there riding further and harder than you. 

However, this may not ring true for Jack Thompson. 

The Perth ultra-cyclist has clocked up an incredible 29,078 kilometres this year alone, over 1,425 hours. 

But the most impressive thing about Jack’s pedal strokes in 2022 is the sheer volume of elevation he has accumulated – 982,746 metres as of December 20. 

And of course, he won’t stop there. 

Jack set himself the task of completing one million metres of elevation, as well as 52 Everesting efforts over the course of the year. Most of us have heard of Everesting, but to break it down, Jack has climbed 8,848 metres or more in one ride on one hill at least once each week during the past 12 months. He’s carried out the task mostly on local roads in Spain, as well as France, the United Kingdom and America. 

But that wasn’t enough for the keen cyclist, as he explained to me from his new home of Girona. 

“[At the start of the year] I thought, ‘maybe I’ll Everest once a week for a year’ and then I thought ‘that would still leave me with six days doing nothing’ each week, so I thought ‘why don’t I target one million metres, which is 20,000 metres a week’,” he said. 

Achieving this lofty goal would give Jack two Guinness World Records – his first achieved last year for his fastest ever completion of the Tour de France course (10 days). 

What goes up must come down – Jack on a descent during an Everest

The why

A spiel about Jack’s feats would not be complete without delving into the reasons he chooses to push himself to extremes day-in-day-out. 

In a nutshell, the ultra-cyclist is no stranger to mental anguish. 

Growing up with obsessive compulsive disorder, Jack has experienced bouts of depression and drug addiction, before the call to the bike became too strong. He quit his job as a project manager in 2015 to pursue a full-time career in ultra-endurance cycling, riding tens and thousands of kilometres each year. As he explained in 2019, cycling provides the euphoria he feels everyone is chasing and keeps him on a straight path. 

When asked about his million metre goal, he said it aligned with his penchant for routine.  

“I really like routine and structure, and every day I know exactly what I have to do,” he said. 

“It was a bit of a test for me, because I have done nothing that lasts a year before – so much can happen in a year, and I like the idea of setting myself a challenge that’s really difficult.” 

Jack also raises money for charities close to his heart through his bike riding, including Kids Helpline, StrongMinds, Outride and Youth Focus. 

The event

Jack has flown to his hometown of Perth on the cusp of 2023 to complete his challenge at Reabold Hill in City Beach. He is calling on Perth cyclists to join him as he conquers the millionth metre. 

Join Jack at Wembley Cycles at 8.30am on Thursday December 29, for a coffee and a leisurely ride out to Reabold Hill – just five repeats of the climb will get him to the million mark.

Youth Focus will receive a $5,000 donation from Jack, plus any other funds raised on the day will go toward the charity’s Hawaiian Ride for Youth. 

Register for the event via the Facebook event or by emailing john@wembleycycles.com. 

Donations are welcome but not mandatory. 

Not all of Jack’s Everests were completed on Tarmac
Tour Madeloc in France – where Jack completed his final Everest of 2022

 

  

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

Sorry, no can do this week. It’s Christmas, Festive kms will have to do – and there are plenty of options… 😎💚

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Well this weekend is significant for two reasons. 1. It’s Christmas on Sunday, and 2. The Festive 500 starts on Friday. Some added spice this year with the SPR Xmas 500 Challenge – with prizes up for grabs. Forecast for Saturday is good, a bit cooler, with not much wind. Perfect for those extra k’s. Lots of talk already about people doing the awesome foursome on Saturday; Night Owl, Earlybird, Main Ride, and Bin Chickens extra lap. How badly do you want it???

On Sunday we have Mr Bonners Christmas Cheer very social ride. If you’ve never done it you’re missing out.

There will likely be *lots* of extra rides over the Christmas / New Year period – keep an eye out on the SPR Facebook Group.

Saturday 24th December

Sunday 25th December – Christmas Day

  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 6:00am (‼️SUMMER TIME‼️)
    • Short – <not Christmas Day>
    • Long – <not Christmas Day>
  • Rides start at Coode st carpark at 6:00am (‼️SUMMER TIME‼️)
    • Development group – <not Christmas Day>
    • Short Hills (Social) – <not Christmas Day>
  • All rides start at Coode st carpark at 7:00am

Monday 26th December – Boxing Day (Christmas Day Public Holiday)

Tuesday 27th December – Boxing Day Public Holiday

Wednesday 28th December

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Midweek Transitional – <returns March 2023>

Thursday 29th December

Friday 30th December

Ride Routes 17th – 23rd December

So the votes are in, and we have some awards to announce on Saturday.

Each year SPR recognises riders and volunteers for their achievements and contributions to all things cycling. This year is no different and I look forward sharing them with you.

And hopefully you all have been busy prepping for the our Annual Christmas Ride. You are ready right? Tinsel? Christmas jersey ready? Extra credit if the aerodynamics are poor but you sacrifice them for cause… just this once… there will be a prize for best dressed.

Join us at DOME after the ride for breakfast, coffee and the award presentations.

See you Saturday 🎄🎅

Daniel

 

 

Life Cycle for Canteen 2023 — The Canteen ride if on again next year, running 11-13 March 2023. The ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days is inclusive of all cyclists and ranges from 300km to 400km with or without hills. There are five levels all supported with vehicles front and back. Registration costs $340 per person and includes all meals, camp site or indoor spot to roll out a swag, transfer of gear and luggage each day and transport back to Perth. So you start and finish in Perth… simple! 

There is a minimum fundraising of $200 per person/couple that all goes to support young people 12 -25 impacted by cancer; it is a totally volunteer not-for-profit charity. Why not join the SPR Mixed team of 11 riders – the organisation is superb.

Details are on General Info and Registration OnRoad – Life Cycle for Canteen WA (lifecyclewa.com). Also have a read of the write-up from Team SPR at the Canteen 2022 Edition.

For more information contact Carol if you are interested comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au; we have limited hotel accommodation as an option to camping.

 

 

 

 

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

1. RCCC Cloud Connect Summer Criterium

2. RCCC Twilight World Champs @ DRMC Rnd 3

 

From the Ride Coordinator — It’s SPR Xmas breakfast and fancy dress time for bikes and riders – the one weekend my partner wishes she was a cyclist! To get everyone back to the DOME and ready for breakfast & prize giving within a shorter space of time, we will have two different Main routes on Saturday.

As we did last year, After M1.1 group leaves on Route A, M2.1 group will head out on Route B, and we alternate from there on.

Note:

  • Main 2, 3 and 4 should prepare for a slightly earlier departure than normal.
  • M1.4 becomes a no-drop ride as they are last group on route A.

Departure order is:
Fast – Route A
Fast2 – Route A
M1.1 – Route A
M2.1 – Route B
M1.2 – Route A
M2.2 – Route B
M1.3 – Route A
M3 – Route B
M1.4 – Route A (No drop ride)
M4 – Route B
Transition – Trans
Development – Dev

Remember that **all** Sunday rides start at 6am, INCLUDING the coffee ride.

Saturday 17th December

Sunday 18th December

Monday 19th December

Tuesday 20th December

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 21st December

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Midweek Transitional – <returns March 2023>

Thursday 22nd December

Friday 23rd December

Ride Routes 10 – 16th December

WIN $50 of cycling nutritional goodies.

Time is running out to nominate a fellow SPR cyclist for an award this year. It only takes a minute and you don’t need to nominate someone for every award; closes Tuesday 13 December midnight.

‼️Vote here!‼️

SPR Kit — The Kit Shop is open. Closes 9 December for deliver mid-January.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPR Christmas Party — Thank you to everyone who came out for our Christmas Party last Sunday. Just a few photos 😉

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

1. Roues Chaudes CC – AusCycling State Crit Series Rnd 2

2. WCMCC Speed Dome Criterium

3. RCCC Twilight World Champs @ DRMC Rnd 2

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Great cycling weather again this weekend, but then it warms up. Ride preparation should adapt to the weather. Hydration is critical, and cold water helps a lot.  For long rides, I freeze one bottle and put the other in the fridge. Add a few ice blocks to the fridge bottle in the morning – and there’s still nice cool water after 3 hours in 30+ degrees. For short rides, freezing a half-filled bottle overnight and then topping up in the morning works a treat. Before heading out in the morning, slip-slip-slap to protect your skin against UV damage.

Short hills on Sunday is a new route; mostly familiar but with an interesting back-route after the climb up Lawnbrook Rd across to Mundaring Weir Road via Grove, Stanhope and King roads. Take extra care on the new sections, particularly the downhill just before rejoining Mundaring Weir Road. Both long and short routes have refill stops at the servo in Kalamunda – so no need to carry extra.

Remember that **all** Sunday rides start at 6am, INCLUDING the coffee ride.

Saturday 10th December

Sunday 11th December

Monday 12th December

Tuesday 13th December

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 14th December

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Midweek Transitional – <returns March 2023>

Thursday 15th December

Friday 16th December

Ride Routes 3rd – 9th December

Good evening all. Just a few things to highlight this evening. First up, you can still get tickets for our out-of-lycra Christmas event in the shop – all the details below. On a related note, don’t forget to nominate someone for an award in our Social & Race Award Nomination survey below.

Next up, congratulations to Toby Brown for his win at the Westral Wheelrace last week! The Westral is the 2nd oldest Wheelrace in Australia, dating back to 1897. It is a handicap race over 6 laps (1,500m) with riders assigned staggering starts around the track according to their heats. Nice one Toby.

Lastly, on behalf of the Committee I would like to offer thanks to Mandy McEvoy for her contribution to SPR’s social media presence these past twelve months. Many of you will have seen Mandy’s announcement in her last post yesterday of her decision to step down from the Committee. Thank you Mandy 🙏🏻

See you at the races now that the Crit season is here – if that is your thing. Seriously, though – if you are interested in racing, whatever your level of experience, please get in touch with Steve by email on race@southperthrouleurs.com.

Daniel

 

The Rouleurs Run Radelaide — The Tour Down Under is a festival of cycling, first staged in 1999 and now the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere. There is The Race, The Challenge Tour, the buzz of the village and the overall electric atmosphere. Get amongst it, go to everything, get up early for a ride, catch the starts, the finishes, ride everywhere and swim at the beach. This is when the City of Churches becomes the City of Cycling.

If this is something for you, contact Andrew vp@southperthrouleurs.com.au to find out more or be added to the “The Rouleurs Run Radelaide” Facebook group. 

https://tourdownunder.com.au/

 

Tickets available here!

 

SPR Social & Race Award Nominations 2022 — Each year SPR recognises riders and volunteers for their achievements and contributions to all things cycling.

Please give a few minutes to nominate these individuals in a quick survey via this link. There is a prize of nutritional goodies for cyclists for one lucky responder so don’t delay.

The awards will be presented at our Annual Christmas Ride to be held on Saturday 17 December 2022 at Dome after the ride. Come along for the ride in Christmas dress – there is a prize for the best dressed bike and/or cyclist.

Any queries, get in touch with Carol at comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.

 

SPR Kit — The Kit Shop is open. Closes 9 December for deliver mid-January.

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

1. 4Five+ Twilight Series – Round 3

2. NBCC Splendid Park Criterium

3. WCMCC Wangara Criterium

4. RCCC Twilight World Champs @ DRMC Rnd 1

Announcement: We’ve needed to delay the Watertower Challenge until next year. Stayed tuned.

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Glorious weather this weekend, so we’re expecting good turnout for all rides. Main groups will do South Lake on Saturday. While the route is unchanged , the ride is quite different with ongoing improvements to Berrigan Drive and Jandakot Roads over the last few years.

Sunday long hills doesn’t have a late regroup point at a water stop, so make sure to top up with whatever you need in Kalamunda, after the first climb up Zigzag at about 32km. We’re always looking for ways to improve our ride routes, and for new routes to add to our repertoire. If you have suggestions for either, feel free to email these to ride-routes@southperthrouleurs.com.au. The Ride Leader group has initiated review sessions to consider suggestions, and recommend changes and new routes. We’d love to hear from you.

Remember the **all** Sunday rides now start at 6am.

Saturday 3rd December

Sunday 4th December

Monday 5th December

Tuesday 6th December

  • Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
  • Ride starts Frasers ave at 5:45am
    • Development group – interval training kings park

Wednesday 7th December

  • Ride starts Raffles bike path at 5:30am
  • Rides start at Coode St carpark at 10:00am
    • Midweek Transitional – <returns March 2023>

Thursday 8th December

Friday 9th December

The website for the South Perth Cycle Club