Race report by Brendan
Well I guess I will start with the trip down, what a terrible day to be driving anywhere, pouring rain, gale force winds with a hint of hail. I considered turning around many times but about half way to Pinjarra there was a Truck crash or fire and the road was blocked and we were forced to turn around and back come the thought of just keep driving back to Perth. But knowing I need the race miles in the legs for Grafton in 4 weeks we went the backway with 50 other cars and lost a good half hour but still arrived in plenty of time.

After the necessary registering and catching up with a few people I haven’t seen in a while I made my way back to the car to set up the bike in the rain, did I mention the wind?? You can see the tone of the day really.. I initially put on my deep dish wheels but during my warm up I decided against it and changed back to my shallow ones. With most groups going off to torrential rain and hail we were lucky I guess as it wasn’t raining when we set off but the road was that wet it didn’t really matter. As I was second scratch (second last to go) with a couple of Plan B riders and Brookes McMurdo ones plus others I knew it would be a tough ask to hold off the scratch group let alone get up for a win as the first few groups had over half an hour head start…

We set a furious pace and on the first hill I immediately found out the legs didn’t want to play (something to do with the 900kms in the last 9 days training for Grafton) I struggled through for turns with the group and missing a few but I noticed I wasn’t the only one. Russel Brookes (Who went on later to win) was on a mission and strong as and drove us over the hills at over 40 ave which taking in the huge side winds and rain gives you the idea… Within 20kms we had someone giving us time checks behind and front and we were gaining fast on the next 2 groups and actually holding off the scratch group so I tried my best to recover between smashing through turns with everyone and just hoped my legs would come good.

By the first turn towards Donnybrook we only had a minute to catch 3rd scratch group but they had also caught there front group making a rather large group and with some strong regular ATTA riders in there our task was becoming harder, for the next 10 odd kms we had only closed down another 10 odd seconds and Donnybrook was fast approaching and driving into the head wind we all dug deep knowing that if we could just catch them we could hold off the scratch group. By the turn around in Donnybrook we had approx 30secs to make up and could see our prey but with a short few kms of a tail wind the big group were on a mission to hold us all off. We basically sprinted full gas out of Donnybrook with a tail wind hit the turn left and back into the side winds and finally caught them shortly after.

Once caught they pretty much sat up with only a couple interested in working so Russell Brookes smashed an attack with Jordon (plan B) chasing and I knew it was the break not to let go but just didn’t have the speed to bridge the gap so settled in with the group encouraging others to work so we could catch them back up, but with only a few and many just sitting on it was doomed so once I recovered I surged quite a few times to offload as many as possible prior to the hills on the return to Collie. Scratch caught us just prior to the mentioned hills but weren’t doing a high speed and pretty much guessed Russel and Jordon would probably catch the front groups and go on to win (which they did just).

On the main hill, well the one the hurts the most pretty much sorted everyone out and my legs said no more and the scratch group rode off in the distance and I got together with a couple of people and we worked solidly together all the way home to be about 4 mins behind the winner and scratch getting to within a minute of Russell’s winning time. We had a few front guys sitting on us on the way home for 10 odd kms and then proceeded to try to out sprint us for like 25th spot after we had dragged them through the winds, talk about disrespectful! So after we crossed the line I ensured I told them my thoughts 🙂

So a very tough day out but glad to have done what I did with what I had off a very hard mark, full credit to the winner for a strong ride who proved he was the strongest on one of the hardest day of racing I have done in years.
The other SPR riders were within a chance up to the closing kms when our group and scratch caught most of them with Stu and Nicole riding strongly on the day too. My mate from Kal Ryan rode the whole race in a rain jacket and from the start picture you can see why….

Thought I’d set this post up to help people organising lifts to the race.

Report by Julian 

I had a good sleep in on Saturday so was keen for hills session.  Ten of us gathered for the ride, with Brendan the only one I knew – a sure sign we’re getting lots of interest in the rides.  The newer riders had come across the web site and were pretty impressed with the general layout and organization of the club, which means we’re doing something right.  Obviously a big part of this is the work by Peter, and shows being off the bike has its benefits. 

We tackled the Kahuna first with Brendan setting a good pace on his recovery ride.  After dodging some chickens before the climb started, I sat with him on the climb and was serenaded by gradient calls at various points.  He let me have the points then turned around and went home. We also lost another early rider so that left 8 for the last three climbs. 

On the Roleystone climb John made a couple of good attacks but wasn’t sure of the finish.  He did a couple of laps at the roundabout allowing Michael and I to catch up.  I managed to outlast Michael on the last hill.  We lost another two riders at the regroup, which left 6 of us to complete the course. 

The observatory climb was very uneventful but the last hill was anything but.  John made the first attack and I managed to wheel him in and decided to keep going.  In the last 600 m I noticed the gap was getting noticeably smaller and I was soon passed by Dean and John.  John spent all his tickets in the chase so I got by him again but Dean held on for glory, helped by the confusion that the 50 km/h sign on the left hand side of the road had been removed.  Hopefully it will return soon as it was hard to concentrate on the finish line without it there.  Adding to the drama, Michael got a puncture courtesy of a staple, so he had been tailed us in after making the change.  We caught up with Mark D at the top, who had slept through his alarm but still managed to get out.  

We then headed for coffee at the café down the road from Paris Brest, based on Matthew’s recommendation and it was well worth it.  The service was very prompt, 3 marshmallows were supplied with the large hot chocolate and the sandwiched Michael and Ben had looked pretty good.  I would recommend it again and it has plenty of space for us.  The wait staff were easy on the eye but lacked french accents! 

On the way down we had a bit of drizzle and the new SPR jacket was fantastic in keeping out the wind.  The last stretch was a struggle for me as my Trek is in desperate need of a service after a few weeks of commuting in the wet.  All the more reason to get a second bike, which has now been agreed to by her indoors. 

The KOM points are listed below and the table has been fully updated. 

KOM 1 – 1. Julian,  2. Brendan,  3. Michael,  4. Dean,  5. John

KOM 2 – 1. Julian,  2. Michael,  3. Matthew,  4. Dean,  5. John

KOM 3 – 1. Julian,  2. John,  3. Michael,  4. Dean,  5. Matthew

KOM 4 – 1. Dean,  2. Julian,  3. John,  4. Matthew,  5. Michael/Ben 

Footnote:  I can’t make Cyclosportif this weekend and will also be unavailable for the Sunday ride.  Will anyone be heading out to keep points??

Last call for riders for this Sunday’s Cyclosportif event in Byford.

Teams must

be

registered by tomorrow night.

All

info HERE

Cheers

ride report by peter.

only a handful of riders braved the weather this morning and i was not one of them.  well i was out, but neatly rugged up and in the car with the heater turned up.  it was cold this morning and wet too.

actually i just looked at the photo and there was 13 riders and we picked up yas along the way to make 14.  my disastrous year on the bike continues and even though i was only sick a few weeks ago, i have got it again.  i think it is swine cold.  a bit less aggressive than swine flu.  anyway, i said that i was going to turn up if anyone wanted their kit so i decided to play “official photographer” as well.  these poor guys braved the elements so at least the pictures let you know who they are.  whether they are brave or crazy is up to you.

besides the hail just north of freo, it was an uneventful ride.  and with only 2 kits being delivered at the coffeeshop it could have been a nice sleep in for me too.  however, ben got his muffin and choc milkshake at the coffeeshop, so at least someone came away happy today.

also, i updated the theme that the webpage uses and this made some minor changes to the way things look.  the biggest change would be the way the page tabs now work at the top of the screen. let me know if you like/dislike anything about it.

YouTube Link

Update: Now you can sing-along…

I know you don’t understand
how could I spend five grand on a bike?

think that’s absurd
well there’s only one answer and there’s only one word

it’s performance – i don’t think you understand
riding with finesse is more than track stands

i got a word of advice for all ya hipsters
go-an-get ya self some brakes and some shifters

i dropped two g’s on my dura-ace
cat one race and i’m setting the pace

my brakes are tuned up i can stop on a dime
when i’m in the pack i’m always holding my line

my bike is so light it’s dialed in just right
i got my seat raised at just the right height

so i can pedal with proficiency don’t mess with my cadence
i pedal to the beat, how you think i made this?

it’s all about performance
that’s the name of the game

i pump up my tyres, and i oil my chain
performance, that’s the name of the game
and i always ride through the pain

all you hipsters think your so tricky
with the messenger bag on the back of a fixy

pedaling quickly down the hill
don’t blow out your knees and take the spill

an anodized chain, cards in ya spokes
how can you ride, your pants are a joke

barely get your hands on your handle bars
looking kind-a-shaky when your weaving through cars

you think it makes you look like courier
it really just makes you look girlier

stainless-steel frame from 1988
you might as well use it as an anchor-weight

it’s all about performance
that’s the name of the game

i pump up my tyres, and i oil my chain
performance, that’s the name of the game

carbon fork, carbon stem, an aluminum frame
god i got-a-get a carbon frame

24/7 i’m in nothing but spandex
cutting through the wind cause i’m aerodynamic

and when i slam it and it makes you look insert
now i’m eating up hills like my name was eddy mercs

with my endurance you don’t stand a chance
my cardiovascular fitness level’s right up there with lance

doing what i can to shave of the seconds
i shave my legs, my girl – she doesn’t get it

i ambricate(?) my skin but i’m never doping
electrolyte smoothies every morning for my focus

i smoke my opponents anytime anywhere
you try to hang on me i’ll have you pedaling squares

it’s all about performance that’s the name of the game
i pump up my tyres, then i oil my chain

performance, that’s the name of the game
and i never feel the pain

it’s all about performance that’s the name of the game
i pump up my tyres, then i oil my chain

performance, that’s the name of the game
and i always ride through the pain.

Enjoy!  – Snuggles… 😉

Report by Julian

We all had a good soaking on the Saturday ride and given the predicted rain for Sunday morning I was not looking forward to the ride. I must admit to waking early and listening for rain on the roof just to give me an excuse to stay in bed. However, come 6 am the alarm went off and I noted it was dry outside and checking the BOM radar, the complete absence of any rain-bearing clouds was pretty obvious. There was no excuse – the ride was on. At the car park almost 30 riders had gathered for the 100 km round trip and it was good to see almost a full field of the regulars. The strength of competition meant that any points won today would be thoroughly earned.

Peter barked out the route and we were soon off. We picked up a couple of strays on the way, Davina, Jack and Mike B, to further strengthen the group and soon we were climbing Welshpool Rd. Unusually for winter, there was a head wind on the climb but this didn’t bother the front runners. Brendan and Adrian set a good pace with Stu (back on the road bike today) and Mike working their way though the field. Above Lesmurdie Rd, we hit another group and this made working out positions a little difficult. I held on to 6th place for the climb but ahead the points were keenly contested. Brendan was in front at the top of the hill, although I gather there was not much of a challenge. Mike, Adrian Stu and Oliver filled the minor placings.

KOM 1 – 1. Brendan, 2. Mike Bonner, 3. Adrian, 4. Stu, 5. Oliver

The re-group at the end of Welshpool Rd gave everyone a chance to catch their breath. The short cut group then established themselves and we were off through Carmel and Bickley. On this run I noted (as did others near me) a decent rattle coming from my front wheel. A loose spoke was suspected as the culprit so I decided to go easy on the down hill sections. We all maintained a good pace and at the base of the second climb at Mundaring Weir Rd there was a fair bit of positioning. We bade farewell to the café sprinters and settled in for the climb to Asher road. By half way, Mike, Brendan and Sam had put a decent gap into the group. Stu, Adrian and I in turn had cleared out from everyone else, after dropping Peter, Alistair and Ben after the main part of the climb. I misjudged the finish point and took off too early only to be confronted by the last hill. Needless to say Stu and Adrian got around me pretty easily. Sam got the points at the head of the field. The rest of the group followed closely behind and therefore we only a short break.

KOM 2 – 1. Sam, 2. Mike Bonner, 3. Brendan, 4. Stu, 5. Adrian

We were back on the road towards Mundaring soon and made a fast pace down the hill. I sat back although the front wheel didn’t feel too bad. At the bottom of the valley I found myself near the back of the field and so began to pick off riders on the way up. Just as I caught Ben, a very timid car driver came around me but decided not to overtake Ben. For about 200 m I found myself with my own support vehicle and felt like was like leaning over to hear race instructions from team management but the road cleared ahead and the support vehicle finally went on its way. I snuck way from Ben but Stu, also coming from behind, took me well before the final sprint. Up ahead, John put in a good effort to claimed third, wedging himself between Brendan/Mike and Sam/Oliver.

KOM 3 – 1. Brendan, 2. Mike Bonner, 3. John, 4. Sam, 5. Oliver

The re-group was just away from the Mundaring Truffle and Wine festival site, where I reckon 90% of Perth’s 4WD vehicles had gathered. There were a few nervous moments as we started the descent with the cars getting a bit close but we soon forgot about them as we did the bonus hills through Darlington and then Ridge Hill Road. I can’t recall who had the flat at the top of Ridge Hill Rd but this gave us time to split the group into those who went up the zigzag vs. those who stayed on the original route down to, then up Kalamunda Road.

The final climb saw Mike, Brendan and Stu gain an early break, despite Mike sledging Brendan about his dislike of this hill. I made a break from the main group determined to get some points out of the day and rode solo. Up ahead, Stu dropped off the back and I briefly entertained thoughts of third but the legs had other ideas. Brendan claimed the last sprint, and then said farewell Mike who kept on going.

KOM 4 – 1. Brendan, 2. Mike Bonner, 3. Stu, 4. Julian, 5. John

The rest of us regrouped at the roundabout and were soon joined by the zigzag crew. In a break from tradition we decided to forego the regular coffee and headed straight back to the ride start. The group was still about 20 strong and a good fast descent of Welshpool Rd was followed with a nice tail wind back to the river. A few riders peeled off on the way and at the end of 102 km we made our way into the Boatshed Café. There was just enough room for us to sit but in the end I decided I was too close to home and left before the coffees arrived. Any feedback on the performance of the café would be welcome.

the jackets and undergarments arrived today.  looks like saturday may be windy and wet.  good weather for jackets as they seem quite shower proof.

so if your order contained any of the following –

• jersey
• knicks
• bib & brace
• wind vest
• undergarment
• spray jacket

then drop me an email here and we can arrange a time for you to pick it up from my house (after hours) or from the city (work hours).

hopefully the rest (arm and knee warmers) will arrive this week and we will do a coffeeshop distribution as everyone has now paid.