Juniors Ride — There will not be our usual training ride on Saturday to support our juniors at the X-Speed junior race outside the SpeedDome, weather permitting (!!).
(*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 22nd June
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am (WINTER TIME)
[ Short post today due to time limitations. I know there is a green podium from the weekend just gone (kudos!) which I will track down. Not to mention racing success for Sophia Sammons in Europe this past week. Stay dry and see you on the bike. Daniel ]
If you’re a member of SPR, or ride with us, get involved and have some input into the new Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct at Burswood Park! If you want more information see my earlier blog post here.
There are four face-to-face drop-in sessions have been announced for planners to share information and take community feedback.
The four sessions are being held near Gate D at Optus Stadium.
SPR Australian Kit 2025 — Announcing the latest iteration of SPR’s Australian Kit!
If you have qualified for Gran Fondo or Gravel Worlds, or if you just want to represent your club on an international stage you’ll want to be getting the new SPR Australian kit (2025 edition) 💚
Orders will be open on the Mayeur shop Saturday 7th – Sunday 15th.
A 13-hour cut-off time keeps you moving through the excellent feed stations and the whole event is superbly run from start to finish. The Victorian Alps provide a stunning vista for a great day in the saddle and we’re looking to organise a trip across to this excellent event next year.
Of course, given the challenges faced on the course, familiarisation is key, so we’re also organising a week’s training camp around the same area around 6th – 13th December. This will be based in Bright, which is centrally located to ride all of the big climbs and just a great place to stay!
The training camp will be lead by SPR member David Morley and should be a great opportunity for anyone contemplating the Peaks themselves!!
For general guidance, the Camp will feature two riding groups, both looking to cover all three major peaks in Peaks Challenge (Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek), throughout the week, with surrounding link areas as well. There will be 3 main climbing days and three lighter days in between. Roughly speaking, climbing days are around 100-120km with approx. 2000m of climbing, with Group 1 aiming to ride at 25kph +/- 2kph and Group 2 at 22kph +/- 2kph (depending on conditions). Lighter days will be flatter and determined during the week, based on the needs of the groups. This is serious mountain terrain, with variable weather and long, challenging, climbs. Please do assess your suitability for this, before signing up!
Whilst these activities are not mutually exclusive, it is highly recommended that both are attended, particularly if this is your first time at Peaks Challenge.
EOI
At this stage, we’re looking to gauge interest in (a) the pre-event training camp and (b) Peaks Challenge 2026. Once we have the level of interest, we will consider the best mode of accommodation and transport for both activities and provide more details to those registering an interest.
Juniors Ride — This weekend we will have a third CX training session, run by myself with assistance from Tom and Oscar Barratt on Sunday (15/6/2025). The location is the same as last time: Garvey Park, Ascott. Session starts at 11am for roughly a hour, weather permitting.
SPR JuniorsSPR Juniors
From the Ride Coordinator — Looks like Saturday may be the best day to ride this weekend. However, be aware of debris and slippery conditions.
We are happy to include juniors in our ride groups if accompanied by a parent or guardian. There are a few talented ones amongst us already.
PS: We love what you are doing with the Juniors programme, Giovanni, and love seeing the youngsters out & about in their SPR green 💚
All of us can be like the cool kids, so we’ll see you in green too! 😉
Some reminders:
Carpark etiquette. Keep groups moving in the carpark. The start point of the ride, for every group, is at the top of the row.
Group etiquette. Should two groups come together, don’t jump from one group to another. Make use of red lights to allow the gap to widen and create space!
Saturday 14th June
Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
(*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 15th June
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am (WINTER TIME)
SPR Australian Kit 2025 — Announcing the latest iteration of SPR’s Australian Kit!
If you have qualified for Gran Fondo or Gravel Worlds, or if you just want to represent your club on an international stage you’ll want to be getting the new SPR Australian kit (2025 edition) 💚
Orders will be open on the Mayeur shop Saturday 7th – Sunday 15th.
A 13-hour cut-off time keeps you moving through the excellent feed stations and the whole event is superbly run from start to finish. The Victorian Alps provide a stunning vista for a great day in the saddle and we’re looking to organise a trip across to this excellent event next year.
Of course, given the challenges faced on the course, familiarisation is key, so we’re also organising a week’s training camp around the same area around 6th – 13th December. This will be based in Bright, which is centrally located to ride all of the big climbs and just a great place to stay!
The training camp will be lead by SPR member David Morley and should be a great opportunity for anyone contemplating the Peaks themselves!!
For general guidance, the Camp will feature two riding groups, both looking to cover all three major peaks in Peaks Challenge (Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek), throughout the week, with surrounding link areas as well. There will be 3 main climbing days and three lighter days in between. Roughly speaking, climbing days are around 100-120km with approx. 2000m of climbing, with Group 1 aiming to ride at 25kph +/- 2kph and Group 2 at 22kph +/- 2kph (depending on conditions). Lighter days will be flatter and determined during the week, based on the needs of the groups. This is serious mountain terrain, with variable weather and long, challenging, climbs. Please do assess your suitability for this, before signing up!
Whilst these activities are not mutually exclusive, it is highly recommended that both are attended, particularly if this is your first time at Peaks Challenge.
EOI
At this stage, we’re looking to gauge interest in (a) the pre-event training camp and (b) Peaks Challenge 2026. Once we have the level of interest, we will consider the best mode of accommodation and transport for both activities and provide more details to those registering an interest.
The whole trip including stops will probably take us 2.5 hrs.
This session is designed for our advanced riders. If a beginner or newcomer would like to join, please send a message at juniors@southperthrouleurs.com.au. A good option for less experienced riders is to join us for the first 5 km to Applecross and then return from there. Depending on the availability of other volunteers, I may be able to escort the younger or beginner riders back. However, please be prepared to return with your child independently if needed.
From the Ride Coordinator — Step Up Saturday this weekend! However only “Step Up” if you like the lumpy routes and can navigate from your Garmin! 🤣
Yes, we are doing a new route on Saturday – Holmes & Ridgehill. It will have lots of familiar bits but don’t get caught out by rote navigating. The onus is on everyone to review and download the route. There will be a 3-way stop light at the bottom of Ridgehill, Scott & Helena Valley Rds. So, practise caution when descending Ridgehill to the roundabout.
Some reminders:
Carpark etiquette: Can fast & main 1 groups move up through the carpark swiftly to allow groups behind to get out of the way of traffic. Your start point for the ride is at the top of the row and not halfway down the carpark!
Group selection: Can you roll through consistently in your group of choice? If you are unable, consider another slower group where you can do so and be a team player!
Getting to Dome from the East: Along Riverside Dr to Barrack St then left onto St.Georges Terrace to Dome.
Saturday 7th June
Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
(*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 8th June
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am (WINTER TIME)
[ Good morning all, thanks to everyone who attended our Giro Dinner and TOMR Information Night. Stay dry this weekend (!!) and see you on the bike. Daniel ]
A 13-hour cut-off time keeps you moving through the excellent feed stations and the whole event is superbly run from start to finish. The Victorian Alps provide a stunning vista for a great day in the saddle and we’re looking to organise a trip across to this excellent event next year.
Of course, given the challenges faced on the course, familiarisation is key, so we’re also organising a week’s training camp around the same area around 6th – 13th December. This will be based in Bright, which is centrally located to ride all of the big climbs and just a great place to stay!
The training camp will be lead by SPR member David Morley and should be a great opportunity for anyone contemplating the Peaks themselves!!
For general guidance, the Camp will feature two riding groups, both looking to cover all three major peaks in Peaks Challenge (Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek), throughout the week, with surrounding link areas as well. There will be 3 main climbing days and three lighter days in between. Roughly speaking, climbing days are around 100-120km with approx. 2000m of climbing, with Group 1 aiming to ride at 25kph +/- 2kph and Group 2 at 22kph +/- 2kph (depending on conditions). Lighter days will be flatter and determined during the week, based on the needs of the groups. This is serious mountain terrain, with variable weather and long, challenging, climbs. Please do assess your suitability for this, before signing up!
Whilst these activities are not mutually exclusive, it is highly recommended that both are attended, particularly if this is your first time at Peaks Challenge.
EOI
At this stage, we’re looking to gauge interest in (a) the pre-event training camp and (b) Peaks Challenge 2026. Once we have the level of interest, we will consider the best mode of accommodation and transport for both activities and provide more details to those registering an interest.
Juniors Ride — No ride on Saturday. The weather looks very bad 🙁
SPR JuniorsSPR Juniors
From the Ride Coordinator — Communication is a key component to a successful group ride. Calling out hazards is everyone’s responsibility and those calls should be shared throughout the group.
Don’t forget to wear a club kit for the main ride on Saturday. It doesn’t have to be the latest version: vintage, TOMR, anything SPR will be appreciated.
Saturday 31st May
Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
(*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 1st June
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am (WINTER TIME)
[ Good evening all, there are still tickets for our Giro d’Italia Dinner next Tuesday (details below). Sending kudos to everyone who participated in Seven last weekend (and lots of love to Adam and Corrie who came off 💚). See you on the bike. Daniel ]
SPR TOMR EOI / Kick OFF 2025 — As we start planning for Tour of Margaret River 2025 (racing from 31 October to 2 November, with accommodation from 30 October to 3 November), we’re pleased to announce that we will be holding an information night on Thursday 29 May.
SPR Giro d’Italia Dinner — The 108th edition of the classic grand tour Giro d’Italia starts 9 May in Durrës, Albanian and finishes on 1 June in Rome. The club is having a dinner on Tuesday 27 May at the Italian restaurant Bravo’s in East Vict Park to celebrate – fabulous food and friendly staff make it special.
Bring family and join friends for a classic Italian meal.
Menu $68.50 pp for a 3-course meal – fully licensed. Select your dietary requirements at checkout.
Juniors Ride — This week’s program involves a ride from Mt Henry Bridge to Kings Park for our advanced riders. To make the course more manageable for beginners and younger kids, we will meet them at the Narrows Bridge. Below are the details of the ride:
Beginners: Location: Narrows Bridge (South Perth side) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/cyrbz5UJjoWWL8cg6) Time: at around 10.50 am / 11:00 am (depending on our average speed coming from Mt Henry bridge)
Please let me know if you would like to join the ride at the Narrows Bridge, so I will make sure we will wait for you.
The weather forecast does not look great, but the morning should be OK. If predictions change I will let you know and eventually cancel the ride.
Racing. CX racing on Sunday! All the details and link to enter above.
CX training. Tom Barratt and his son Oscar confirmed another training session on 15 June 2025. We will have it at the usual place (Garvey Park in Ascot) at 11am.
Jerseys. Unfortunately the new jerseys for the kids have not arrived yet. As soon as I will have more info I will let you know.
From the Ride Coordinator — At SPR, we encourage all riders to familiarise themselves with the planned route before joining a group ride. Without that understanding you are putting the group at risk.
Saturday 24th May
Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
(*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 25th May
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am (WINTER TIME)
SPR Club Members will know that the club has been advocating for the improved training and development facilities for cycling for many years now.
That is not to say that Perth does not have excellent cycling facilities in many regards — the ongoing improvements to our PSPs are a great example. And I know that our members as residents of South Perth and the surrounding suburbs, benefit greatly from these investments into our community.
Equally, we have been very aware that from a sports perspective, there is a clear need to invest in the future of our sport to improve opportunities for participation as well as ensuring pathways for our young people to pursue cycling, from junior through to the elite level.
We were excited by the announcement by Rita Saffioti MLA in January about the facility in Burswood which would encompassing motor racing, sport including a criterium track as well as improved community facilities. The announcement was made whilst the Road Nationals were running, and included AusCycling CEO Marne Fechner who was over as part of the running of the nationals. From an SPR perspective, it has been wonderful to see engagement with AusCycling and WestCycle for this new facility.
The launch yesterday of consultation for the Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct is more great news on this front and I encourage all SPR members and the broader SPR community to get involved in the consultation to give voice to cycling as part of this important process.
From a club perspective, we see some of the important aspects of the new precinct being:
Racing. Running competitive sport racing, both criterium and road racing has become increasingly difficult in recent years, particularly in the inner city suburbs. The introduction of the proposed new criterium track will significantly lower the barriers to running regular racing within our community, and racing that can be conducted with almost no imposition on the broader community (think traffic management and the like).
Off-the-road training. A key aspect of introducing our young people to the sport of cycling is the ability to provide safe and consistently available training spaces and facilities. Whilst cyclists will always ride further afield — think of our cycling around the “river loop” and heading to the hills for a training ride — the ability to undertake training in a safe environment without cars is a huge enabler when thinking about parents being able to introduce their children to the sport of cycling.
Pathways to Elite Sport. We have had some amazing elite cyclists originate from Perth (check out the honour roll at Midland Cycling Club!), and we want to that this continues. A key part of finding athletes of this calibre and enabling them to pursue the sport of cycling is having the infrastructure to be able to provide pathways for participation — starting at the junior right through to the elite level. Having cycling facilities colocated with an off-the-road track will contribute hugely to providing these pathways — whether it be club facilities, AusCycling facilities or spaces for coaches to operate.
So this is great news, and I encourage all SPR members to participate in the process to ensure cycling get the community voice its needs as the WA Government plans the Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct.
Finally, I wish everyone participating in the Seven Gravel Race this weekend every success
See you out on the bike.
Daniel
SPR Giro d’Italia Dinner — The 108th edition of the classic grand tour Giro d’Italia starts 9 May in Durrës, Albanian and finishes on 1 June in Rome. The club is having a dinner on Tuesday 27 May at the Italian restaurant Bravo’s in East Vict Park to celebrate – fabulous food and friendly staff make it special.
Bring family and join friends for a classic Italian meal.
Menu $68.50 pp for a 3-course meal – fully licensed. Select your dietary requirements at checkout.
Tour of Margaret River Information Night — As we start planning for Tour of Margaret River 2025 (racing from 31 October to 2 November, with accommodation from 30 October to 3 November), we’re pleased to announce that we will be holding an information night on Thursday 22 May.
Unfortunately, due to logistical issues we’ve had to delay our information night. More details soon.
Juniors Ride — Thank you for everyone who came to the Juniors CX training last weekend! We had a great turnout and some excellent training (thank you Tom B 💚). Check out the photos below.
With myself and lots of people away this weekend for a race in Nannup, there will be no usual Saturday ride with the juniors.
However, try to take advantage of the nice and warm weather and get out with your kids for a ride on your own !
Note: There will be no road training on Saturday.
From the Ride Coordinator — At SPR, we encourage all riders to familiarise themselves with the planned route before joining a group ride.
Not knowing the next turn can increase the risk of accidents — for you and others in the group.
Saturday 17th May
Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
(*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 18th May
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am (WINTER TIME)
[ SPR Chicks write today from Claire (thank you!). See below for results from CX and Tom Lowry – special shout out to Shae! 💚 Also CX training this weekend, Giro Dinner and a save the date for SPR TOMR Information Night. Daniel PS Happy Mothers Day to any & all SPR Mums 💚 ]
“Think, feel, connect, move.”
These were the actions drilled into us by experienced coach Dave Morley, who kindly ran three skills sessions for SPR Chicks across March and April.
The 90-minute (plus coffee) workshops focused on various areas of cycling and proved beneficial for women across a broad range of abilities.
The impetus for the sessions came from Dave’s wife Dawn Morley, during one of the SPR Chicks sub-committees’ brainstorms.
It started with the idea of running one or two sessions, but positive feedback from the women who attended resulted in a total of three (with the potential for more down the track).
The first session focused on skills and drills, with riders navigating tight turns through cones in a car park as well as reaching out to touch the shoulder of the rider next to them.
Clipping in quickly was a skill in high demand, and a lot of the ladies in the club will now be better equipped to handle the rapid take-offs from the lights on Saturday mornings.
Our next session, in Kings Park, focused on descending and cornering.
We learnt how to push past our comfort zones in a safe way, enjoying the resurfaced roads of the park to gain some momentum.
“The only way to adapt is by overloading what you know”, Dave told us – he’s not wrong there.
We touched on climbing skills, and Dave used some memorable phrases to keep us entertained and focused. (Remember the three RMs ladies!)
Our final session, along Shelley, was a consolidation of all we learned during the first two Sundays.
We practiced bunch skills, including roll throughs. Where comfortable, riders put their hands on their partners’ shoulders.
We also got used to the feeling of controlling the bike out of the saddle, and even did some sprints.
The feedback from all the activities was extremely positive, and I can’t thank Dave enough for what he provided.
Thanks again Dave – you’re a legend!
And thank you to Dawn also, for making the sessions happen and for helping run them 😊
—
82nd Tom Lowry Memorial — SPR results below with a summary thanks to Lyle Robertson.
🥈Elar Kalda – B Grade
🥈 Shae Whatmore – D Grade
“Tom Lowry was a ripping day out with some good tough racing and aside from one light shower for only a few min we had near perfect weather. B-grade in particular was a nuclear pace for the first 25km before fracturing into multiple groups and a long hard grind to the finish line, but possibly one of the best races I’ve been part of. Shae Whatmore, returning to the bike managed 2nd in D-grade for SPR 💚and seemingly the admiration of many a C grade rider who were quick to come over in the pub and express awe in how he suffered to the end after being caught by C. Amazing ride!“
Tom Lowry 2025 ResultsTom Lowry 2025 – D Grade Podium
WA Cyclocross 2025 Numbat Cup
🏆 Oscar Winson – JB13
🥈 Paige Verbiesen – JG9
🏆 Oscar Barratt – YGM
🥉 Liz Verbiesen – WC
🥉 Rhianna Farrell – WELITE
🏆 Vanessa Johnson – WMA
If I missed anybody, please let me know!
SPR Giro d’Italia Dinner — The 108th edition of the classic grand tour Giro d’Italia starts 9 May in Durrës, Albanian and finishes on 1 June in Rome. The club is having a dinner on Tuesday 27 May at the Italian restaurant Bravo’s in East Vict Park to celebrate – fabulous food and friendly staff make it special.
Bring family and join friends for a classic Italian meal.
Menu $68.50 pp for a 3-course meal – fully licensed. Select your dietary requirements at checkout.
Check back later today for menu and tickets.
Tour of Margaret River Information Night — As we start planning for Tour of Margaret River 2025 (racing from 31 October to 2 November, with accommodation from 30 October to 3 November), we’re pleased to announce that we will be holding an information night on Thursday 22 May.
Juniors Ride — We’ll be holding another CX training session on Sunday, the 11th, led by Tom Barratt and likely joined by his son Oscar, the current state CX champion in his age category!
The format will be the same as last time:
Meet at Garvey Park at 11:00 AM
1-hour training session, followed by a picnic
The CX training session is a great opportunity for kids to develop their bike-handling skills in a safe, structured environment. The session is open to all levels, from beginners to more experienced riders—and parents are more than welcome to join in too!
Note: There will be no road training on Saturday.
From the Ride Coordinator — The end of the SPR Saturday ride for Fast and Main only will be adjusted to accommodate a state funeral. Please listen to your ride leaders and look out for pedestrians when using the pavement. Diversion details below:
At the Barrack Street traffic lights turn left off onto The Esplanade
At the Williams St traffic lights go straight across onto Mounts Bay Road
To access Mercantile Lane before the traffic island starts, cross over onto pavement between the first and second footbridges. The Wilson car park entrance (on the right) is an option.
NB: The stated road closures will be in place for most of the morning, so you may need to use an alternate route to leave after coffee.
Saturday 10th May
Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
(*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 11th May
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am (WINTER TIME)
So it seems like I’m collecting lots of photos of riders in green this week 🙂
Well done to everyone that got out on the bike last weekend. We had SPR members racing in the Stan Gurney VC Memorial Criterium (thank you Midland Cycle club – some photos below and more on Facebook here).
SPR managed two podiums at the Midland crit:
🏆 Kate Bonner – Womens A Grade
🥉 Simon Jones – Mens B Grade
🥈 Liz Verbiesen – Womens C Grade
We also had riders in the WestCycle Brigadoon Super Challenge over the weekend (photos below) and our Juniors participating in CX training with Giovanni and Adrian – thank you team 💚. Again, photos below.
This weekend we have a number of riders heading to Collie for the Tom Lowry Memorial Road Race. Wish them all the best in what is a classic race put on by Collie Cycling Club.
See you out on the bike.
Daniel
MCC Stan Gurney VC Memorial Criterium
WestCycle Brigadoon Super Challenge
Tour of Margaret River EOI — As we start planning for Tour of Margaret River 2025 (racing from 31 October to 2 November, with accommodation from 30 October to 3 November), we’re doing things a little differently this year.
To help shape how we approach the event, we’d like to gather early input via an Expression of Interest before deciding whether to host an information night, and before looking to lock in commitment or even consider teams.
We also would like to gather interest from our members and the broader SPR community in terms of contribution to the costs and preparation for the event. Do you have a business and would see value in contributing as a sponsor? Are you a coach, trainer or sports specialist and interested in contributing?
If yes to any of these questions, please let us know in the form below!
(*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 4th May
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am (WINTER TIME)
[ Guest post today from our own Tom Barratt – justifiably proud of Oscar’s achievement. And further on in the blog, hear how SPR has a Masters Cyclist of the Year. And for juniors – Adrian Emilsen is running a CX training session this Sunday. Daniel ]
WA TT Champs — There were lots of SPR riders at last weekend’s AusCycling State TT Championships. ATTA put on another fantastic event in near ideal conditions at Champion Lakes. There were some quick times laid down, and SPR & DOME riders made it onto the podium in lots of the age categories.
U11M 🏆 Oscar Winson 🥈 Riley Winson
U15M 🏆 Oscar Barratt
30-39M 🏆 Alec Vukovich
Masters 35-39F 🏆 Michelle Mclintock
Masters 50-54F 🥈 Nikki Pursell
Masters 50-54M 🥉 Allan Cooper
Elite F 🏆 Sophia Sammons 🥈 Kate Bonner
Elite M 🥈 Jared Anderson
Oscar also went on to set a new Junior men’s record for the 10km at an average speed of 41.9kph.
ATTA is a great community to get involved with, and more info on events can be found at www.atta.asn.au.
Apologies if I missed anyone.
Jared Anderson Elite MSophia Sammons + Kate BonnerOscar Barratt
Masters Cyclist of the Year — So it turns out we have a winner of the 2024 Western Australia Performance Awards. Congratulations Sam Flockhart!!
Tour of Margaret River EOI — As we start planning for Tour of Margaret River 2025 (racing from 31 October to 2 November, with accommodation from 30 October to 3 November), we’re doing things a little differently this year.
To help shape how we approach the event, we’d like to gather early input via an Expression of Interest before deciding whether to host an information night, and before looking to lock in commitment or even consider teams.
We also would like to gather interest from our members and the broader SPR community in terms of contribution to the costs and preparation for the event. Do you have a business and would see value in contributing as a sponsor? Are you a coach, trainer or sports specialist and interested in contributing?
If yes to any of these questions, please let us know in the form below!
Juniors Ride — This week there will not be the usual ride on Saturday. Instead we will have Adrian Emilsen leading a CX training session on Sunday morning. Here are the details:
Date and time On Sunday, 27 April at 11am Where: Garvey Park in Ascot (https://maps.app.goo.gl/RmoUMkGXcf3yQ96U6). Let’s meet in the car park next to the Kayak Club. Bike: bring your off road bike (MTB or gravel bike).
Adrian Emilsen has kindly offered to lead the session and share his expertise with us. We will have a skill session of ~1-hour CX followed by a picnic/BBQ with our families. It’s a great chance to ride, learn, and enjoy some quality time together.
From the Ride Coordinator — A friendly reminder about carpark/marshalling to help us all get out as quickly as possible, as we have a number of groups to get started. The fast group riders need to be quick off the mark so that all the other bunches aren’t held up and end up blocking the traffic in the carpark. All groups please move forward as the group in front does.
Let’s be a well drilled parade of green! 💚
Saturday 26th April
Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
(*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 27th April
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am (WINTER TIME)
Tiger Tracks has grown from a little-known event to a key fixture on the gravel race calendar.
And it’s all down to the dedication and commitment of 4F founder Vanessa Johnson, who established the event in 2023. Vanessa’s husband Julian contributed significantly too, as well as the hard-working volunteers and committee members who give their time to support the event.
When Tiger Tracks began, it attracted 105 riders. That number has since grown to 155, across two days.
Based in Jalbarragup, the event starts with an 18km individual time trial on day one, which draws some strong riders and is a primer for the second longer day. This year, some of our SPR members including Rebecca Kelly smashed the time trial, with a bit of rain ahead of the event making the course smooth and fast.
Tiger Tracks’ main event features on the second day, when riders can enter either the 40km Little Tiger event or the 80km Big Tiger.
Being the eternal optimist I am, I entered the latter version.
Conditions on the day were near perfect, which provided me little excuse but to just get out and do it – I was hesitant as I haven’t been doing as much riding as I normally would. I prepared my gravel bike, complete with 45mm tyres, and was ready to go. As suspected, I was dropped by most of my speedy mates on the first climb (bye, Bec!), so I settled in for the ride.
Riding the event, it is difficult to believe that Jalbarragup is so close to Nannup, where the ominous Seven is held each year.
The 80km course included about 1000 metres of elevation – that distance in Nannup, just 20km away, would have had about double that amount of climbing.
I was not complaining – the course suited me.
I rode most of it alone, enjoying the encounters with the volunteers on the corners to direct me (thank you Andrew Williams!), and just soaking in the tranquility. I remembered why this style of riding has become so popular in recent years, with the damp, hard-packed surface providing what those in the scene call champagne gravel.
When it came to the second lap, I did not hesitate to continue. This vastly differed from my first Tiger Tracks in 2023, when a sore back combined with corrugations led me to pull out halfway. Though I was largely riding at my own pace, the pain and fatigue kicked in with about 10km to go, which told me I was doing something right.
I finished strongly, with another rider on my tail giving me the impetus to step on the gas.
Andy was also waiting patiently at the finish line, which of course spurred me on! I crossed the line with a smile on my face and a hunger that was quickly filled with a burger at the race village, otherwise known as Darradup Fire Station.
The community feel of this event was palpable, with the volunteer bushfire brigade stepping in to help and money raised going to their cause. I couldn’t help but think that Vanessa’s presence in the town has been a welcome addition and something that has brought the community together.
I’ll be sure to return to Tiger Tracks in future, and ride my gravel bike more as the weather cools.
For a more detailed look at the results and the riders who entered, see Vanessa’s blog on the 4F website.
Tour of Margaret River EOI — As we start planning for Tour of Margaret River 2025 (racing from 31 October to 2 November, with accommodation from 30 October to 3 November), we’re doing things a little differently this year.
To help shape how we approach the event, we’d like to gather early input via an Expression of Interest before deciding whether to host an information night, and before looking to lock in commitment or even consider teams.
We also would like to gather interest from our members and the broader SPR community in terms of contribution to the costs and preparation for the event. Do you have a business and would see value in contributing as a sponsor? Are you a coach, trainer or sports specialist and interested in contributing?
If yes to any of these questions, please let us know in the form below!
Juniors Ride — On Saturday 19/4 we ride from Mt Henry Bridge to Kings Park for our advanced riders. To make the course more manageable for beginners and younger children, we will meet them at the Narrows Bridge. Below are the details for the ride:
If the children are feeling too tired, we can adjust the ride to stop at Kings Park for a drink at the café on top ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/jLPpFCahYrhoYBop7) before heading back.
From the Ride Coordinator — Time to get out those extra layers with the first taste of a wintery morning coming this Saturday. On the plus side, we have plenty of rides to burn off the choccies this weekend.
On Monday we have a revised version of the PH North route. It goes via Wanneroo instead of Alexander and through Kings Park instead of Claremont. Please download and review the file. On ANZAC Day the route is Public Holiday South.
Calling “split” and having groups abide by the practice of soft pedalling after it has been called is an extremely important part of riding safety at SPR. Knowing that you will not be left behind at a red light is a huge incentive to not running red lights. A practice that is not condoned by our club.
Just a reminder to Main & Short Hills riders that there are some roadworks on Midland Rd.
[ Editors note: Dome is open all weekend except Good Friday ]
Saturday 19th April
Ride starts under the Narrows (cityside) at 5:30am
(*) Please note that our Ride Leaders will adjust the composition and route for Development, Transition and Main 4 to suit people and conditions on the day.
Sunday 20th April
Rides start at Coode St carpark at 7:00am (WINTER TIME)
𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟭𝟮 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 | 𝟯-𝟳𝗽𝗺
