Ride Routes 17th – 23rd February

It’s that time of year again.

We will be shortly put out the notice for the club’s annual general meeting. This has always been important in the life of SPR, for a at least two reasons. First, from the very beginning (read “in our constitution“), our club has valued the principle that the Committee serves according to the will of the members. So whilst we have Committee members, myself included, who have served for many years — it is an important part of the life of the club that all positions are vacated and filled based on a annual general meeting at which all members participate.

The second reason in to my mind is that the AGM stands as the opportunity for change and a time for new people to get involved in the formal part of the life of the club. This year we have several Committee members who have put in a number of years and have decided not to stand for Committee again. So if you interested, please reach our to myself, our Vice President, our Secretary or any Committee member to discuss.

The SPR Committee is proud of the club that is the South Perth Rouleurs, and what we collectively contribute to the cycling community. If you would like to be involved, either on the Committee or on any of our Subcommittees, now might be the perfect time.

Keep an eye out for the formal notice of the AGM coming up on 16 March 2024.

Finally, please have a read below regarding the Saturday Fast 1 / Fast 2 groups.

Daniel

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

More details here.

 

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

1. W.A. State Criterium Championship

2. RCCC Renae’s Race 2024 (next weekend)

 

Juniors Ride — Looking ahead to the weekend, the weather forecast looks a bit cooler with a predicted max temperature of 35 degrees. The plan is to meet slightly earlier to beat the heat, at 10am, and to engage the kids in some high-tempo cycling sessions, with the aim of sparking their interest in joining the junior race on 25/Feb near the Perth International Airport (Renae’s Race at Driver Risk Management on Gorgan Rd).

The perfect spot for these practice sessions is the Shelley and Rossmoyne area along the Canning River. We’ll convene at the “Shelley Beach Park” at 10am near the public toilets (location: link). Our itinerary includes a warm up ride to Rossmoyne, followed by some focused training:

  1. Interval Training: We’ll alternate between 20 seconds of high-intensity cycling (aiming for speeds of 25/30km/h) and 40 seconds of rest, repeating this cycle five times.
  2. Paceline Practice: Riding single file, we’ll take turns leading the pack, maintaining a speed of over 20km/h.

Afterwards, we’ll cycle back to Rossmoyne for more practice, this time focusing on rolling techniques. Finally, we’ll return to Shelley Beach Park at a relaxed/recovery pace. If necessary, we’ll split the group into two for more personalized attention.

The session will last approximately 1 hour and we will ride around 15km.

For those interested in registering for the race, here are the details: link. I recommend opting for Junior B grade, with a registration fee of only $5 for the juniors. However, please note that your child will need a full racing license, which you can check and obtain here: link. Keep in mind that in any race, junior bikes must adhere to gear limitations. For U13 (your category), the maximum allowed roll-out distance is 5.5m.
we’ve done some calculations based on different wheel sizes and tire widths to determine the optimal gear setup for compliance (see attached pic).

If your child’s bike has gears exceeding these limits, the commissaries will allow the derailleur to be blocked out using the limit screw. If you’re unsure how to do this, we’d be happy to demonstrate.

From the Ride Coordinator — The Fast1 and Fast2 Saturday groups provide the opportunity for a solid training ride, and the chance for continuous improvement. For these groups to be sustainable, we need to regularly have around 15 starters per group. We’ve noticed a drop off in size in F1, and a reluctance to move forward when calling out the first groups. People seem nervous about being in F1 or F2, probably because nobody wants to be dropped in the first 5km. We’ve had a discussion about how to address this, and decided on a six week trial of the “Fast First Fifteen”.

We call the fast/first group, and wait till we have 15-ish riders before sending them off. The group needs to look around and set a pace that works for most. It’s OK if some can only do occasional turns in front – it’s a training ride after all.

As always we welcome feedback, so feel free to speak to your ride leaders or a committee member with observations and suggestions.

Saturday looks like being a bit chilly by recent standards, with a minimum temp in the teens and a max in the 20’s. Sunday on the other hand is, well, less chilly. Take plenty of water, protect yourself from the sun and have fun.

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 17th February

Sunday 18th February

Monday 19th February

Tuesday 20th February

Wednesday 21st February

Thursday 22nd February

Friday 23rd February

Ride Routes 10 – 16th February

I would like to send a shout-out to Sophia Sammons and the whole team at Cycling Development Foundation.

The Warrnambool Women’s Cycling Classic is part of the AusCycling National Road Series, and the longest one day classic in the Australian calendar. Sophia was in the breakaway and took out 4th!

Check out the results here – 44s off the winning time of 4h02:39 over 155.7 km. More photos and some video on Facebook here, here and here.

A huge result! Well done Sophia.

CDF Team
Sophia Sammons
Warrnambool Women’s Cycling Classic

SPR Chicks Social Dinner — After the success last year success, SPR Chicks thought why not do it all again… you’re invited to a chicks midweek dinner to catch up and mingle. Como Hotel on Canning Highway. Thursday 15th Feb 6pm.

If you haven’t seen the invite on facebook email women@southperthrouleurs.com.au if you would like to come along.

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

More details here.

 

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

1. PDCC Stan Fennell Memorial Criterium

2. WCMCC Neerabup – Mather Dr – Graded Road Race

3. W.A. State Criterium Championship (coming up 18 Feb)

 

Juniors Ride — Unfortunately, we’ve made the decision not to run juniors this week. With the weather forecast extreme, it look like it will be too hot 🥵. Check back next week!

From the Ride Coordinator — It’s gonna be a cooker this weekend . If you’re going to ride, please be prepared – take plenty of water/electrolyte, apply sunscreen, and expect to get hot. I’ve chosen shorter rides wherever I could. There may be a decision on Saturday for M4 to do a shorter alternate route as they are starting later, so please listen carefully to your ride leaders. A request again for cooperation at the start on Saturday so that we keep group sizes to around 15 riders from the get-go, including Fast and M1 groups. Better to have the right size group, and adapt the speed to suit the riders, rather than rolling with larger or smaller groups, both which compromise safety of the riders.

As we move into February, days are getting shorter, so front and rear lights (with charged batteries) are becoming a necessity for 5.30am rides.

On Sunday the long and short groups head out in the same direction and do similar hills, but they split early on Great Eastern Hwy at Belmont Ave. Please study the routes so that there are no surprises.

Ride safe and try to stay cool!

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 10th February

Sunday 11th February

Monday 12th February

Tuesday 13th February

Wednesday 14th February

Thursday 15th February

Friday 16th February

Ride Routes 3rd – 9th February

This year, as is now the custom, a large contingent of SPR folks travel to Adelaide to follow both the women’s and men’s Tour Down Under. 

Particularly special was the crew being able play groupies for two local WA riders who have both ridden with the club, these being Darcie Richards who rode with the Australian National Team and Bora rider Sam Welsford who went on to win 3 stages of the Men’s Tour Down Under.

PS If you’re interested, keep your eye out on the blog or reach out later in the year, and we will connect you with other Rouleurs heading to the Tour Down Under.

 

SPR Ride Leader Profile – Julia Christensen — In our continuing series about getting to know our ride leaders a little better, we remain focused on the newest of our leaders who joined us last year. This week we hear from Julia Christensen who will be familiar to those that have travelled to the TDU over the last few years as well as any of our members who regularly ride M3, M4 and transition.

So Julia, how long have you been riding with SPR?
2 years. First group ride with Development in Jan 2022. (and now ride leader extraordinaire !! What a great effort)

What do you like most about the club?
There’s a group and a ride to suit most abilities. SPR is particularly welcoming and inclusive for a complete novice like myself to start in Dev and progress through the groups. I also love the range of social events, and the club’s organisational ability to help us enjoy events like Gracetown and TDU together.

What is your favourite SPR ride route and why?
Hard to pick one… the company, traffic and weather make it a good ride.

What is the best ride you’ve ever done?
Also hard to pick… TDU this year with SPR was pretty amazing with some interesting and challenging routes, getting close to the race, the buzz on Willunga Hill & possibly the best ham & salad roll ever at Lobethal.

If you could invite two people to dinner, who would they be and why?
I literally have no idea   :joy:

(We secretly hear she was tossing up between the queen and king of Willunga Hill – Sarah Gigante and Richie Porte but got distracted with the thought of that roll at Lobethal again)

What’s an “out of Lycra” fun/interesting fact that you would like to share?
My other interests are a little diverse… I also play golf, love gardening, and play drums in a Scottish pipe band.

How cool is that – in 2 weeks we have discovered a person from Switzerland who doesn’t like hills, now we have a drummer in a Scottish pipe band in our midst.  What will we discover next week hiding amongst our ride leaders!? Stay tuned to find out…..

(Thanks Greg!!)

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

More details here.

 

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

1. RCCC 2024 Henk Vogels Snr Memorial Criterium

2. WCMCC Splendid Park – Yanchep – Graded Criterium

 

Juniors Ride — Get ready for the first Junior ride of the year at Canning River Park! We’ll gather on 3/Feb/24 at 10:30 am in front of Lo Quay cafe near Shelley Bridge (map).

Our ride along the scenic Canning River will take us to the Pump Track in Kent Street Weir Park for some balancing and bike handling practice.  MTB or BMX bike will be more suitable for this ride. However even a road bike will do the job in the Pump Track.

We’ll wrap up our ride at Lo Quay cafe.

Parking is available around the area: car park here or along the river here.

A rough course of the day is here: Canning River Reserve (juniors).

From the Ride Coordinator — Often in group rides we need to pass another group, who may themselves be riding in two lines on the road, as we often do ourselves. There are good and bad ways of doing this – as we’ve seen recently. We should always be respectful of the group we’re passing, and only do so when there is enough room to fit three lines of bikes safely on the road for the duration of the passing manoeuvre. The person near the front (could be the ride leader) should call “Passing in single file”. This gives both groups a heads up. The group stops rolling, and the right-hand line moves past the slower group, while the left hand line remains behind the slower group.

When the front rider has cleared the slower group by 5 or 10m, they pull over to the left, the rider behind passes them, pulls over left, and the group resumes a normal roll-through. When the right-hand line of the faster group has cleared the left-hand line of the same group, the left line moves past the slower group, continuing the roll-through. Clear as mud? Lets try it!

A reminder again to help at the start by ensuring all groups comprise around 15 riders – including Fast & Fast-2. Please move up when called.

Lastly, a warning about bike theft which has been rearing it’s ugly head recently. It can happen really quickly. Bike locks are a great deterrent. Even clipping your helmet strap through your wheel & frame helps – I do it at all coffee shops.

Enjoy the rides, and the cooler weather that’s coming, and the coffee!

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 3rd February

Sunday 4th February

Monday 5th February

Tuesday 6th February

Wednesday 7th February

Thursday 8th February

Friday 9th February

Ride Routes 27th January – 2nd February

If you have any interest in cycling it will have been hard to miss the news this week that the Road Nationals are coming to Perth for 2025, 2026 and 2027.

This is big news.

Not just because local pro cyclists the likes of Cassia Boglio, Luke Durbridge, Sam Welsford and Jai Hindley get to race in front of a home crowd.

Not just because it is wonderful to see our political leaders get behind the sport of cycling — thank you to the WA Government, City of Perth and the many local members who have helped to make it happen.

Not just because it is wonderful to have the support here in WA from the national cycling body — thank you Marne and team from the AusCycling national office, and huge kudos to local AusCycling manager Matt Poyner (who I note kicked off proceedings at the launch but managed to avoid most of the photos!).

All that and more. From an SPR perspective, we love it and can’t wait!

But we also think that it is bigger than all that. Our club has four core values: Safe, Inclusive, Organised, and Social. We have hundreds of individuals and families that participate in our group rides every day of the week. We have dozens of riders that take part in local community racing throughout the season. We are continually introducing new riders to the sport, continually looking for ways to make cycling safer and better supported, continually look for better ways to develop junior riders in the a safe and enabling environment.

And an important part of all of that is having government and community support for the sport of cycling, and an understanding of the sport when we have those conversations.

We think that having up close racing, whether it is in the Perth CBD, through Kings Park or out in the Perth hills (route to be announced!) will be wonderful for WA, hugely enjoyable and bring a new level of understanding of the sport of cycling for everyone involved.

Bring it on.

For everyone heading out on SPR’s Public Holiday Ride, or racing in RCCC’s Australia Day Criterium, enjoy.

Finally, take some time to read Mark’s ride route write-up below – there are some important discussions around safety and group selection that it will be good for everyone to take note of.

Daniel

 

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

More details here.

 

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

1. RCCC Australia Day Criterium 2024

 

Juniors Ride — Thank you for everyone who has joined us across 2023 for our Juniors Rides. No ride this week but see you in 2024! Rides resume 3 Feb 2024.

From the Ride Coordinator — There has been a fair bit of discussion recently on the speed of the main groups on Saturday rides – particularly at the front end, with Fast, Fast2, M1 and M2. Concerns have been raised over the pace, and the variety of capability in any one group, with requests to “Fix the Problem”. If only it were that simple!

We understand the concerns, and are in regular discussion on this, as it impacts our cornerstone policies of being Safe, Inclusive and Organised. Whatever improvements are made, they will still rely on cooperation from all the riders.

Some areas where everyone can have a positive effect are:

  1. Pick an appropriate group. If you feel like a strong workout, ride with a stronger group – don’t expect that everyone in your regular group also wants to push harder on the day. Conversely if you’re not up to it – drop back a group.
  2. Move up when called at the start. If the organiser calls for more riders to join the group about to leave – go! It may mean riding with different people, but hey, that’s often a good thing. The alternative ends up with some groups too small, and others too big – Neither are good. 15 is ideal.
  3. Tune in to the riders in the group. Keep the speed at a pace that all/most of the group can roll with, and slow down after moving across when you get to the front of a roll-through. Simple – but ignored way too often.

Holmes Rd on Saturday – the wind is due to change from Easterly to Westerly during the day – lets hope it waits till we’re in the coffee shop – Enjoy!

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 27th January

Sunday 28th January

Monday 29th January

Tuesday 30th January

Wednesday 31st January

Thursday 1st February

Friday 2nd February

Ride Routes 20 – 26th January

Australia Day is here again. I wish everyone the best for your celebration of the Australia Day Public Holiday.

For any who choose to make cycling a part of that, we have some good riding options, with SPR’s Public Holiday Ride and RCCC’s Australia Day Criterium.

In other news, the SPR Committee is pleased to kick off this week the latest round of Ride Leader profiles. Kudos.

Daniel

 

SPR Ride Leader Profile – Daniel Eigenmann — Most people who regularly ride with SPR are well aware of the importance of our volunteer ride leader programme in delivering our clubs core values of safety, organised, inclusivity and social. Our group of dedicated ride leaders regularly volunteer their own time , sometimes compromising their own riding objectives, to help guide us safely back to the coffee shop whilst having a bit of fun along the way (noting that fun can mean different things to different people). But behind the person delivering the ride briefing, did you ever wonder things like what’s the best ride they have ever been on, what their favourite SPR ride route or perhaps what they like most about the club? Well in a new section of our weekly blog, we are going to find our a little bit more of the people wearing the green and grey ride leader jerseys and we will start with our most recent recruits – the Class of 23.

Our first new recruit will be familiar to those who regularly ride Main 3 on a Saturday – Mr Daniel Eigenmann.

So Daniel, how long have you been riding with SPR?
 My first ride with SPR was on the 26th of November 2022. (Wow that is recent!)

What do you like most about the club?
 Riding in a group. Keeps you accountable (and honest) – but more importantly – gives you a chance to meet a lot of new people with the same passion for riding.

Daniel, do you have a favourite SPR ride route and why?
 I don’t really have a favourite ride. What I like most is that the ride route each week is decided for me by SPR. I honestly don’t care. I just take it one Saturday at a time! Whatever will be, will be!

What is the best ride you’ve ever done?
 The best ride is when the weather is nice, the wind has taken the day off, and I’m riding with friends. Doesn’t matter where we ride, as long as we can share a coffee at the end.

Outside of riding. if you could invite two people to dinner, who would they be and why?
 Both my parents. They both passed away in Switzerland. I had been living in Australia for years and didn’t spend enough time with them (in person or on the phone) whilst I still had a chance. Totally my fault though!

And finally, what is an “out of Lycra” fun/interesting fact that you would like to share?
 I grew up in Switzerland and came to Australia as an expat with Nestle in the early 90s. I only started cycling in May 2019. I may be Swiss, but no, I don’t like hills. I just tried to get to the top as quickly as I can, to get it over with! A little bit like ‘Leg Day’ at the gym. You never look forward to it, but you feel great once you’re done!

Thanks for sharing Daniel. Who would have thought, a person from Switzerland not liking hills !!

More importantly though, a big thanks on behalf of all club members for volunteering to be a ride leader! And whilst we are into acknowledgments, thanks for being the first ride leader to share!!

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

More details here.

 

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

1. PDCC 23-24 Summer Criterium

2. WCMCC Dog Hill Road – RR Baldivis

3. RCCC Australia Day Criterium 2024

 

Juniors Ride — Thank you for everyone who has joined us across 2023 for our Juniors Rides. No ride this week but see you in 2024! Rides resume 3 Feb 2024.

From the Ride Coordinator — I was beginning to forget what it’s like to ride after 8am without overheating! Minimum temperatures back below 20 degrees are most welcome. There are always a few in the group that aren’t familiar with the route on day, so if you’re at the front of the group and there’s a turn coming up, it helps to signal early, and speak to the riders in front to avoid surprises.

On Saturday we’re doing Canning Vale and Welshpool. Some turns that sometimes get mistaken are 1. Left from Canning to North Lake; 2. Left at the roundabout to stay on Nicholson Rd, before crossing Roe Hwy, and 3. Right from Nicholson into Albany highway.

Sunday long hills is a bit of a tester – Brookton, Peet Rd twice plus Patterson and Mundaring Weir Rd! All great climbs. Short hills does the amazing Irymple loop at the top of Brookton which dips in and out of the valley, and the tricky descent of Kahuna (Mills Rd East) – take extra care of traffic and sharp bends – the road looks very different when descending. It’s still going to be over 30 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, so take plenty of water, apply sunscreen and enjoy the rides.

*** Please note change to Saturday’s Fast/Main route due to road closures ***

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 20th January

Sunday 21st January

Monday 22nd January

Tuesday 23rd January

Wednesday 24th January

Thursday 25th January

Friday 26th January – Australia Day Public Holiday

Ride Routes 13 – 19th January

Summer racing is not over, but the highlight that was the Roues Chaudes Twilight World Champs did wrap up this week just gone.

I would like to offer huge congratulations to the SPR crew who raced over the whole series, and to the Race Subcommittee for encouraging the green participation.

I have not seen the final series leaderboard yet (prior to the last round is here), but special mentions go to:

  1. John Ingham – won this week and took our the D Grade series, and
  2. Jace Collingridge for taking second in B Grade in the final race of the series.

Thank you to RCCC for the series and well done for the everyone from SPR who pinned on a number.

If you have not raced before, but are interested – please do get in touch – we have good support for anyone who wants to try crit racing.

Daniel

B Grade Podium
D Grade Podium

 

 

The Easygoing Earlybird — Earlybird rides starting at 5.30am have been limited to the realm of fast riders… till now! If you are looking for a midweek “easygoing earlybird” ride, there is now a 35.3km mostly flat ride on Wednesdays, transition to main 3 pace, starting under the narrow bridge in South Perth. The details are on the SPR blog each week. It is envisaged this ride will go over the summer months when there is still some light at 5.30. 

The earlybird group after last Wednesdays easygoing earlybird with the faster riders on the balcony behind.

The Easygoing Earlybird

Free parking is available at the start location until 8am. Hope to see some more riders at the lineup soon.

On a related note, many may not be aware that prior to events that require big kilometres quickly or long-distance training, there is a “Night Owl” ride, an unofficial river loop before the earlybird. With a Night Owl + early bird + Saturday ride + extra river loop from Dome, one can clock up 160km+ before morning tea.

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. Registration costs $350 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. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

There is a minimum $200 to fundraise per person/couple, though we hope to raise $5000 this year. Why not join the SPR team of riders via this link.

More details available here. For more information contact Carol if interested – we have limited hotel accommodation for those who prefer a bed to a swag.

We’re ready
2023 Crew
What a team
“Breakfast high”

 

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

1. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium

 

Juniors Ride — Thank you for everyone who has joined us across 2023 for our Juniors Rides. No ride this week but see you in 2024! Rides resume 3 Feb 2024.

From the Ride Coordinator — The BOM says it’s going to be a bit hotter, and a bit less windy than last week on Saturday. Benara Rd is always a good option in the Easterlies, so lets give it a crack. We had some fairly uneven group sizes last week, so lets try again to even things out at the start.

Long and short hills on Sunday are identical for the first 45km. Short comes back directly via Hummerston, whereas long does a loop up Wallnut, down Patterson and back via Repatriation. It might be a good idea for both groups to regroup just after the climb at the left turn at Fern road, to ensure everyone goes around the same way – Clockwise.

Remember to take plenty of water – and freeze a bottle overnight to keep it cool for longer.

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 13th January

Sunday 14th January

Monday 15th January

Tuesday 16th January

Wednesday 17th January

Thursday 18th January

Friday 19th January

Ride Routes 6th – 12th January

Many of you will have seen the tragic news this week of the death of Melissa Hoskins. The news has come as a shock for everyone who knew her, and this pain has been felt within our local cycling community, including family and friends of Melissa within SPR.

Melissa was both an elite professional athlete, having been a member of the Australian Cycling Team and a two-time Olympian, as well as a wonderful, compassionate and caring person whose down to earth laughter and genuine smile will be sorely missed by all that knew her.

Her loss is a tragedy. On behalf of the club, I extend our deepest sympathies to Melissa’s family and friends.

Rest in peace Melissa.

Daniel

Kate Bonner @ Road Nationals 2024 — If you’ve ridden with SPR for any period, you will know that Kate is a serious athlete who is not to be taken lightly – particularly in the hills.

And this week sees her competing at the Road Nationals in Ballarat, with the Individual Time Trial done and dusted with a time of 47:25.55 over 28.6 km. This put her 18th of 23 starters – a huge results in a national-level field – behind Grace Brown’s winning time of 40:51.30. Full results here.

Well done Kate!

PS Kate is racing again in the Elite Women’s Road Race on Sunday (104.4 km or 9 laps or the 11.6 km course) – see here & here. Good luck!

SPR Festive 500 2023 Wrapup — Congratulations to all 46 our members who completed our Festive 500 Challenge for 2023.

Our prize winners are:

  • Male and Female rider with the most kilometres each win a pair of Shokz headphones.
    • Peter Mah 1,264.31km and
    • Lauren Humpherys 731.53km
  • Male and Female rider with the most elevation $100 99 Bikes voucher:
    • Stuart Gee 10,170m and
    • Lauren Humpherys 5,629m
  • Random Prize Draw
    • 1st place $100 99Bikes voucher David Lantzke
    • 2nd place $50 99Bikes voucher Greg Murray (Just Mo)
  • 5 prizes of $20 Dome vouchers Bill Darby, Maurice Herrmann,  Nick Watcher, Mark de Castro and Ed Halvey

If you have won a prize please email the club at  festive500@southperthrouleurs.com.au by Friday 12th January to organise collection.

 

The Chemo Kid | Festive 500 2023 for Brain Cancer Research — I spoke earlier this week with Jimmy and he reports that his Festive 500 is successfully done and dusted. Despite the challenges of cancer treatment, he managed to knock it off with a couple of days to spare and went on to do 691km in total. He had lots of support from the SPR crew throughout the week, in particular Tod Trower, Tedman Wong, Claire Rapson. He asked me to express thanks to all those who were very generous with their time as they hung around to give him a wheel or provide company on the road. Thank you!

On the fundraising front it’s been far more successful than Jimmy ever imagined. The total is $26,852 at the time of writing. An amazing result.

Jimmy offers his sincere thanks to the club and SPR community (amongst many others) for the support in spreading the word. Kudos all.

Here are a few photos from Jimmy’s Strava page.

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. Registration costs $350 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. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

There is a minimum $200 to fundraise per person/couple, though we hope to raise $5000 this year. Why not join the SPR team of riders via this link.

More details available here. For more information contact Carol if interested – we have limited hotel accommodation for those who prefer a bed to a swag.

We’re ready
2023 Crew
What a team
“Breakfast high”

 

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

1. NBCC Splendid Park Criterium

2. RCCC Twilight World Champs #5

 

Juniors Ride — Thank you for everyone who has joined us across 2023 for our Juniors Ride. No ride this week but see you in 2024! Rides resume 3 Feb 2024.

From the Ride Coordinator — More warm weather and Easterly winds this weekend, so we’ve got Hale & Ridge Hill Rd on Saturday, which gets all the headwinds and climbing over and done within the first half, and then a fair tailwind home.

The ideal group size for Saturday main group rides is around 15 riders – enough for a good roll through, but not too big to make it difficult for cars to pass, or to get through traffic lights.

For this to work, two things need to happen. The group needs to be evenly matched so that everyone can share the roll through’s, and there needs to be cooperation with the ride leaders calling out the groups at the start. Let’s all help with both to ensure a safer and more enjoyable ride for all.

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 6th January

Sunday 7th January

Monday 8th January

Tuesday 9th January

Wednesday 10th January

Thursday 11th January

Friday 12th January

Ride Routes 30th December – 5th January

I’ve had these photos for a few weeks now (there’s been a lot going on), but I wanted to share them today. One of the things that stands out to many people who ride with SPR is the friendships that develop in the midst of riding lots of kms together.

The photo above was taken on an impromptu SPR Short Hills farewell ride for Daniel Godden several Sundays back. Daniel has ridden with the club for the last 3 years including at least two TOMRs. He’s been a great rider, SPR regular, and team mate and we’re sorry to see him go… if you haven’t already, wish him well as he moves to Adelaide in the near future.

Enjoy the holidays, not to mention the Festive 500.

Daniel

 

Details last week.

The Chemo Kid | Festive 500 2023 for Brain Cancer Research — Check out the post last week to read about Jimmy’s story and the amazing fundraising he is doing in the midst of a very difficult cancer story.

Canteen 2024 — Canteen is on again 9-11 March 2024 to raise funds supporting young people impacted by cancer. The 300-400km ride from Bassendean to Busselton over 2.5 days caters to all levels of cyclist with five groups, from slower no hills to faster with hills. The organisation is superb and riders are kept safe with support vehicles front and back of each group. Registration costs $350 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. You start and finish in Perth…it does not get easier that that! 

There is a minimum $200 to fundraise per person/couple, though we hope to raise $5000 this year. Why not join the SPR team of riders via this link.

More details available here. For more information contact Carol if interested – we have limited hotel accommodation for those who prefer a bed to a swag.

We’re ready
2023 Crew
What a team
“Breakfast high”

 

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

1. RCCC Twilight World Champs #4

2. NBCC Splendid Park Criterium (next week but enter now!)

 

Juniors Ride — Thank you for everyone who has joined us across 2023 for our Juniors Ride. No ride this week but see you in 2024!

From the Ride Coordinator — With Festive 500 well underway there may be some takers for the Night Owl on Saturday – an unofficial river loop before the earlybird. Keep an eye on the SPR Facebook group for any takers.

The main ride does an old favourite – South St – with Stock Rd climb to loosen the legs early in the ride. There are a lot of traffic lights on this route, and we’re asking that everyone please obey the rules of the road, and honour the core values or SPR; #1 being safety. If there is a split at the lights – call it loud and early so that the front group can sit up and wait for the others to catch up. There will be a lot of tired legs this weekend, so lets make it easy for those that get left behind by doing the right thing.

Have fun, and stay safe for the last rides of 2023, and the first of 2024.

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 30th December

Sunday 31st December

Monday 1st January – News Years Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 2nd January

Wednesday 3rd January

Thursday 4th January

Friday 5th January

Ride Routes 23rd – 29th December

As you can imagine, this week’s blog has Christmas on the mind. There is some bittersweet in the mix also, more of that below.

First up, we are again running the SPR Festive 500 Challenge. And as if just the opportunity to ride 500km over Christmas is not enough, we have thrown in some prizes.

Starts: 24 Dec 2023 12:00 am 

Ends: 31 Dec 2023 11:59 pm

It is an individual Challenge to ride# at least 500km in 8 days.

# Road, Gravel, Mountain Bike Ride, Virtual Ride are all included.

IMPORTANT: The prizes are for SPR Members only 💚 and you must join up to the Challenge Hound leaderboard to be in the running for the prizes. We will be emailing members tomorrow (Friday 22/Dec) with the Challenge Hound link and you need to link to your Strava. If you don’t receive the email by tomorrow night, reach out on festive500@southperthrouleurs.com.au and we will get you sorted.

Sign up before 26 Dec to be in the running to win prizes!!

Did I mention that prizes are for current SPR members only?? If you are not a member, why not join up now??

Memberships | South Perth Rouleurs

Now I mentioned bittersweet, and it is. Many of you will know that Jimmy, a club member who has been riding with SPR for a few years now, was diagnosed with brain cancer in October. I have my own cancer story, and as confronting as that was for me, I am certain that what Jimmy is in the middle of is no comparison — whilst treatment is going OK, Jimmy’s report speaks of the harsh reality of the disease — no cure and an average survival of between 12 and 24 months.

But the thing is this — in the middle all that, Jimmy is keen to use the Festive 500 as a focal point for good. Please have a read below of what he is doing himself and for the ways you can contribute to the fundraising he is undertaking. Not to mention that you’re likely to see him out on more than a few SPR rides between Christmas and New Year. Respect and much love.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

 

The Chemo Kid | Festive 500 2023 for Brain Cancer Research — In October I was diagnosed with brain cancer, resulting in immediate surgery and I am now undergoing daily chemo and radiotherapy. I have been fortunate that I’m tolerating treatment well so far, however my prognosis is not good and is in line with other brain cancer cases. There is no cure and the average survival is between 12 and 24 months.

Through this journey I’ve learnt that there are very few treatment options and while there are some promising advancements globally, there is a particular lack of availability (including clinical trials) of treatment options in Australia, leaving brain cancer patients with little choice and even less hope.

Which brings me to the Festive 500. I’d like to use my story to raise funds for brain cancer research, attempting to complete the Festive 500 while also undergoing daily radio and chemo treatments. While I’ve completed the Festive 500 previously, I will be in the final weeks of this treatment cycle, when fatigue and other side-effects will be mounting. I expect it will be a real challenge and I intend to document progress with brief videos and posts from rides on socials.

My motivation is simply to help in a small way to ensure my son’s generation have options, rather than the current stagnant treatment status quo.

Go here to donate: MY CAUSE

Go here for rides/updates: Strava Fundraiser “Club”

Jimmy

SPR Xmas Awards 2023 — Thank you to all who voted, and kudos to our award recipients. If you have not already, do check out the our write-up here – 2023 SPR Christmas Ride and Awards.

 

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

<it’s Christmas, racing next week!>

 

Juniors Ride — The final junior ride of the year is scheduled for Saturday, December 23rd. As the weather forecast predicts warm temperatures, we kindly ask you to meet at 9:30am.

During the ride, we will review drills such as paceline, bunch rolling, and track standing. Additionally, we will have some fun games at the beautiful Wireless Hill Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/iNmo9hz55FbVDp5B6).

Please remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

From the Ride Coordinator — Who’s gonna make the gravy? (for the PK fans) Yes – it’s that time of the year, with some extra sunshine for good measure. The heat is going to make the Festive 500 a little more challenging, so please remember to hydrate and slip-slop-slap throughout the week for those doing extras later in the day.

On Saturday we’ll be doing one of my favourite routes – Not just because its (almost) Christmas, but because the perfect wind has been forecast – an unusual Southerly. Ever since they widened and resurfaced Jandakot Rd, it’s changed the feel of the ride completely – making it quicker and safer. But there are a few more roundabouts than usual, so please take extra care, slowing for the approaches if you need to.

Due to prior commitments and availability we won’t be doing the organised Christmas Day ride that we’ve done in the past. Having said that, keep an eye on the SPR Facebook Group as there may well be people keen to ride on Christmas morning.

We will be having a Public Holiday ride on Boxing Day, for those keen to add to those Festive 500 tallies.

IMPORTANT: We have changed the start time of our Sunday Hills rides back to our summer time of 6am. Take note‼️

Saturday 23rd December

Sunday 24th December

Monday 25th December – Christmas Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 26th December – Boxing Day Public Holiday

Wednesday 27th December

Thursday 28th December

Friday 29th December

2023 SPR Christmas Ride and Awards

Thank you to all the Rouleurs who participated in Saturday’s Christmas Ride and Annual Awards process.

Each year, SPR recognises some of the cyclists and participants who help to support the club or inspire others with their cycling achievements.  Here’s a summary of this year’s awards:

Most inspirational rider – Jordan Brock

Many people may not know that Jordan is one of the main reasons SPR has a ride every day of the week.  He showed dedication and commitment in the early days of the club to make weekday rides ‘stick’.  Jordan is also a known character as a ride leader over many years and made a huge contribution to the club – he is an inspiration to what builds this club.

Most improved rider – Tedman Wong

Ted has thrown himself into a massive training effort in 2023… with performance improvements to match. He has shown amazing dedication, commitment and consistency that has been key to his improvement. He was right in there when training for the Tour of Margaret River.  To top that, he has always been a character and cheerful on the ride with the most positive and infectious outlook.

Good Samaritan – Giovanni Firmani

The club has had plans in place over a number of years to do juniors programmes and has found it to be challenging. Giovanni took on the task this year, first qualifying as a coach, working through AUS Cycling requirements in order to work with juniors. He has been pioneering in establishing a juniors programme with a variety of rides and cycle-based activities that inspires juniors. Congratulations Giovanni on making this happen.

Epic moment or equipment – Jane Yang (accepted by her husband Maurice)

Jane has had many epic moments. This year she is recognised for this award when she fell at the water tower challenge food stop and bent her derailleur. The reason for falling off her bike was she forgot to unclip her shoes when she went to grab some lollies on the table.

Ride Leader – Greg Jones

Greg is “The Ride Leader’s Ride Leader”. Always calm, reliable and stepping up if the numbers are low. He has been a fundamental part in organizing rides and is a huge exemplar of what it means to be an SPR Club member. He is “The Coordinator of Safety”, always consistent and considerate of the people he rides with. A clear communicator ….and fun too.

Volunteer – This year the award goes to the SPR Chicks Committee – Amy Currie, Mandy Coles, Michelle Bonner, Belinda Evans, Meegan Fyfield

The SPR chicks committee have done an amazing job this year putting on a number of diverse, interesting, informative and successful events for the “chicks”. Great rides and off the bike events this year.

Best Race Contribution (female) – Claire Tyrell

Claire Tyrell has been with the club for quite a few years and has had a couple of setbacks with injuries, but has persisted and worked really hard to race the Tour of Margaret River as well as a lot of other races this year. She is one of the most supportive people to have on a ride.

Best Race Contribution (male) – Matt Rice

Matt Rice has shown a huge leap in form to become an absolute weapon on the bike this year. He raced in the Tom Lowry and got smashed, came back to have one of the strongest races of his life in the Collie Donnybrook, B grade in crits and raced strongly in the Tour of Margaret River.

President’s Award – Steve Burns

This award is no surprise with the amount of work Steve puts into organising racing events, notably the Tour of Margaret River (ToM). He makes the impossible happen with 90 entries in the ToM so all levels of abilities could compete, filling late dropouts – it is a huge effort and investment of time. But he is also there throughout the year supporting morning training, other individual training programmes,

Steve is Mr Race Guy – he is a legend.  One cannot but admire and respect his commitment to the Club – such passion and for his tireless and incredible work for the club and its riders behind the scenes to make things happen. He makes riding and racing so much better for everyone – guiding and encouraging everyone as a ride leader, and as a fellow club member when not ride leading. Thank you Steve.

Club Participant (selected by the President) – Meegan Fyfield

Meegan is also quick to step up and help – whether it is ride leading, supporting the water tower, Chicks support, filling any gap where needed, she is there for people and a wonderful representative for the Club.

Prize drawer for the awards survey – Tim Pesch

Best dressed bike / rider female – Michelle Bonner for her satin Christmas pyjamas

Best dressed bike / rider male

Tony Lendrum for cycling in a full Santa suit

The website for the South Perth Cycle Club