Category Archives: Uncategorized

Ride Routes 27th August – 2nd September

Some of you may remember the view in the photo above. It was taken in 2014 at one of our Smashfest Criterium races, run in conjunction with Roues Chaudes Cycling Club.

I highlight this to acknowledge the work, energy and passion for cycling — racing in particular — that Daniel O’Donoghue brought to everything he did as President of the Roues Chaudes Cycling Club. This is significant as on the weekend just gone, Daniel finished up 13 years as President of RCCC.

In recent years, Daniel has been the driving force behind the Bayswater and Airport criterium races that have been a core part of the summer racing series.

Anyone involved in the behind the scenes of racing and sport in WA will also know that Daniel has worked tirelessly over many years to see the sport of cycling given a fair go.

For all the RCCC races I’ve personally participated in, on behalf of the races SPR members have participated in, and for all the races we’ve put on together as clubs — thank you Daniel.

La Vuelta inspired Family Day — Don’t forget that the club has our family day coming up on 4 September. This is an opportunity which we don’t very often for everyone from the club to catch up informally, out of lycra, and in a setting that allows families to participate in the safe and casual environment at Como Bowling Club.

The theme, La Vuelta inspired, is Spanish cusine including a Chicken and Spanish chorizo paella and Spanish Churros. Drinks can be purchased from the Bowling Club. The Bowling Club has excellent facilities including indoor cover if the weather turns against us.

We’ve aimed to keep ticket prices reasonable – in fact, this event is subsidised by the Club as we think that it represents an excellent opportunity to bring everyone in the club together.

Tickets available in the SPR shop here.

Sunday 4th September
Lunch 12 – 3pm 
Como Bowling Club


Collie-Donnybrook and Return Cycling Classic — Well said by Mandy in Wednesday Racing Recap, but worth repeating…

There was a sea of green on the roads (and plenty of other SPR members in other kit) dueling the handicapper and competitors to conquer the race. Plenty of best times and personal achievements and whilst we congratulate all, we will single out a few including our Committee’s Race Captain Steve Burns for a tremendous 9th, chiming ”now that hurt” and only being dropped by the main group with 15km to go … Rounding out the Top 10 across the line was Gary Boylan, proving riding towards 70 he’s still got it, that racing pedigree is just inbuilt ! Our congratulations to Kate Bonner, fastest woman on the day and 2nd woman across the line, great work Champ. 

Well done to the Collie Cycle Club, Western Australia, the Sponsors and tireless Volunteers who’re driving this historic Event towards a centenary !

WA State Fondo Series York Canola Classic — The York Canola Classic, to be held on 28 August 2022 — this weekend — is a picturesque mass-participation recreational ride hosted in the stunning Shire of York, approximately 90km east of the Perth CBD. Riders are invited to choose from a 93km or 52km distance option that will take you on a scenic journey from heart of the Town of York, through to the striking yellow canola fields of the Avon Valley Region.

To everyone, SPR or otherwise, riding this weekend — enjoy.

 

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

1. WCMCC Chidlow B Graded Scratch Road Race

 

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Looks like I spoke too soon about the sunshine last week … At least Sunday should be good, and we’ve go two of the lesser-used rides to enjoy – out Darlington Way. Last week we spoke about keeping group sizes to around 15 people. Another benefit of doing this for all rides, not just Saturday rides, is the effect at traffic lights. We don’t want anyone shooting red lights – It’s dangerous and against the law. Bigger groups always lead to a higher risk of the last few pushing their luck so as to avoid getting dropped. Lets remove the temptation by limiting group size, and assuring all riders that we will wait up for anyone dropped at a red light.

Expect fewer riders on Saturday with rain risk, so that means a wider range of capability in each group. Factor this in when setting the pace, and stay safe.

Saturday 27th August

Sunday 28th August

Monday 29th August

Tuesday 30th August

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

Wednesday 31st August

Thursday 1st September

Friday 2nd September

Ride Routes 20 – 26th August

I want to sent a shoutout to Greg Jones, the Development and Training Subcommittee and highlight the #Classof2022 Ride Leaders. Group rides are at the heart of the South Perth Rouleurs — we race, we time trial, we ride gravel, all that — but a defining characteristic of the club is regular, safe, organised training or group rides . Oh, and coffee. Though I’m not sure our Ride Leader course helps with that.

This is the first time we have run the Ride Leader course since the reigns were handed over from Rob Ramsden to Greg Jones, and I want to offer serious kudos to his work. And I would be remiss not to mention the entire subcommittee — thank you Michael Bonner, Meegan Fyfield and Bree Mitchell. Not to mention assists from Adam Ralph, Faye Daglish-Jones and Mark De Castro.

In any case, this weekend will be the first of the “observed rides” for our new Ride Leaders. With the weather looking good, we may even have some serious numbers out. So be kind, and remember that our volunteers are at heart of the rides we all turn up every day of the week for 😎💚

Finally, we have a number of riders (and the SPR van) heading down to the Collie Donnybrook the weekend. All the best.

Kudos all. See you out on the bike.

La Vuelta inspired Family Day — Don’t forget that the club has our family day coming up on 4 September. This is an opportunity which we don’t very often for everyone from the club to catch up informally, out of lycra, and in a setting that allows families to participate in the safe and casual environment at Como Bowling Club.

The theme, La Vuelta inspired, is Spanish cusine including a Chicken and Spanish chorizo paella and Spanish Churros. Drinks can be purchased from the Bowling Club. The Bowling Club has excellent facilities including indoor cover if the weather turns against us.

We’ve aimed to keep ticket prices reasonable – in fact, this event is subsidised by the Club as we think that it represents an excellent opportunity to bring everyone in the club together.

Tickets available in the SPR shop here.

Sunday 4th September
Lunch 12 – 3pm 
Como Bowling Club

SPR Chick’s Dinner — thank you to everyone who came out last night for the SPR Chick’s Dinner. It looked amazing.

Kit Order Open — It will stop raining soon, and we will all be able to ride outside again. Will you have enough kit?

The club kit shop is open. Orders will close 20 August to allow time for kit to arrive before the Tour of Margaret River.

Click here and fill your basket – Mayeur.

 

 

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

1. 97th Collie to Donnybrook & Return Cycling Classic

 

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Sunshine at last!! That means we should have more people turning up on Saturday. For the safety of all, we try to limit group numbers to around 15 riders. Please help the ride leaders by limiting/boosting group sizes as requested at the start, and also by making sure that the group you’re in matches your ability on the day. This way the roll throughs are smoother, and the load is shared by all. There are fewer surges off the front and fewer people being dropped, all which makes for a safer, more enjoyable ride and better training for those who want it. To celebrate the good weather we’re doing our longest (not by much) Saturday course; Collier and Malaga. This route was trialled and added some time ago, but has not been done by the club before. Much of it will be familiar from other Saturday rides, but please check out the link below and familiarise yourselves with the route. It’s a good habit to get into 😀

Saturday 20th August

Sunday 21st August

Monday 22nd August

Tuesday 23rd August

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

Wednesday 24th August

Thursday 25th August

Friday 26th August

Kit shop is open

It will stop raining soon, and we will all be able to ride outside again. Will you have enough kit?

The club kit shop is open. Orders will close 20 August to allow time for kit to arrive before the Tour of Margaret River.

Click here and fill your basket – Mayeur

Ride Routes 13 – 19th August

TREAT THE FAMILY TO A SPANISH FEAST FOR FATHER’S DAY

It has been a long time since SPR hosted a Family Day; the photo is a trip down memory lane from the last event. So what better way to celebrate again than a La Vuelta inspired Spanish style meal of nibbles, large serve of paella and churros with cinnamon and hot chocolate sauce. Adults $25; kids 13 or older are $13; other kids are free. Drinks can be purchased from the Bowling Club at very reasonable prices. This represents great value as it is subsidised by the Club.

So let us do the organising for you, and it doesn’t matter if it rains, we have it covered with indoor and outdoor spaces. 

Sunday 4th September

Lunch 12 – 3pm 

Como Bowling Club

Tickets and all the details in the SPR shop here.

SPR Chick’s Dinner — As you are probably aware we have the SPR Women’s Subcommittee up and running, and one of the events we have planned is a women’s only dinner!

When: Wednesday 17 August, 6pm
Where: The Como in South Perth

We would love as many women as possible to come along to this event, to catch up, meet new people (without lycra, strava, garmin and all the gadgets) and enjoy lots of laughter.  Please be aware there will be no QOMs, or PRs that evening but a lot of women gathering to encourage one another in a sport we all enjoy. 

Please see this link to register your interest:
https://facebook.com/events/s/spr-chicks-dinner/472747301358827/

Or, if you don’t have Facebook, can Amy on women@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

 

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

1. PDCC Winter Road Racing Series #5 – Doghill

2. WCMCC Mt Helena Graded Scratch road race

3. 97th Collie to Donnybrook & Return Cycling Classic (not this weekend but get your entries in!)

 

From the Ride Coordinator — We used to talk about the weather in these blog posts about once a month in winter, but now we seem to speak of little else. What can I say – it really is changing. Saturday is not looking great, but Sunday should work for us. There will be a Zwift option on Saturday, but it may not have a leader; not really an issue when you can’t take a wrong turn, have a mechanical, or crash. Kudos to those who went out on the road last weekend. Despite ominous signs early on, it turned out well. There’s a message in there somewhere…

A quick reminder to call out any obstacles you see in the road ahead, and for all riders to pass these messages back quickly. If we all get into the habit of this, we’re sure to reduce the stress levels, and some crashes too.

Have fun and stay safe.

Saturday 13th August

Sunday 14th August

Monday 15th August

Tuesday 16th August

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

Wednesday 17th August

Thursday 18th August

Friday 16th August

Ride Routes 6 – 12th August

SPR Chick’s Dinner — As you are probably aware we have the SPR Women’s Subcommittee up and running, and one of the events we have planned is a women’s only dinner!

When: Wednesday 17 August, 6pm
Where: The Como in South Perth

We would love as many women as possible to come along to this event, to catch up, meet new people (without lycra, strava, garmin and all the gadgets) and enjoy lots of laughter.  Please be aware there will be no QOMs, or PRs that evening but a lot of women gathering to encourage one another in a sport we all enjoy. 

Please see this link to register your interest:
https://facebook.com/events/s/spr-chicks-dinner/472747301358827/

Or, if you don’t have Facebook, can Amy on women@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

SPR Family Day Lunch — Celebrate the Spanish La Vuelta, last of three grand cycling tours in Europe with a Paella lunch at Como Bowling Club.

You may even want to bring Dad as this is also Father’s Day 🙂

When: Sunday 4 September, 12.00pm – 3pm
Where: Como Bowling Club

In recognition of the support families provide so members can get out and cycle, the Club is hosting a family day lunch. To make it a little bit special with a cycling theme, what better way than with Paella, a traditional Spanish dish to coincide with La Vuelta. As the calendar is crowded during the grand tour the date has landed on Father’s Day. So what a great way to celebrate – all friends and family welcome and SAVE THE DATE.

Tickets and all the details in the SPR shop here.

 

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

1. [CANCELLED] WCMCC Herne Hill Graded Scratch Road Race

2. WA Cyclocross Numbat Cup Five

3. 97th Collie to Donnybrook & Return Cycling Classic (not this weekend but get your entries in!)

 

From the Ride Coordinator — I’ve just come back from a very sunny Europe to a harsh reminder that it’s a cold wet winter in Perth, with a high likelihood of rain again on Saturday and Sunday morning! We’ll throw in a couple of Zwift rides for good measure, just so that those that want to can still ride with friends on both days, albeit virtually. I’ve opened up the rides so that anyone with the link can join the ride.

While away I was lucky enough to watch the last stage of the Tour de France on the Champs Élysées and had to marvel at the way the men and women were able to manage their positions in a peloton while pumping out 1000+ Watts in the leadup to the sprint. It reminded me that we’re sometimes not quite as disciplined when white-line fever strikes, as we wind up on Mounts Bay Rd, or Riverside Drive in our final dash towards coffee. It’s great to practice sprinting for those that want to, but whatever happens, keep to the left lane of the road. The cars use the right lane, and they don’t always take kindly to cyclists straying into their space. It’s less about what we’re allowed to do, and more about staying safe, and doing what we can to ensure we maintain a good relationship with motorists who don’t cycle. Go for the points, but keep left, take care and stay safe, especially when it’s wet!

Saturday 6th August

Sunday 7th August

Monday 8th August

Tuesday 9th August

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

Wednesday 10th August

Thursday 11th August

Friday 12th August

Ride Routes 30th July – 5th August

So it is new kit day! The most recent SPR kit order has arrived and will be available to collect from R&D Speedshop AFTER 12pm on Saturday. Enjoy.

A couple of reminders please: Do be polite to the team at R&D Speedshop. This is a free service they provide to the club, and one for which we are hugely grateful. And given the kit being collected, how each of us acts is directly reflecting back on the club.

Second: If you selected and paid postage when you ordered, don’t go to Claremont!! Your order is in the mail 😎

SPR Family Day Lunch — Celebrate the Spanish La Vuelta, last of three grand cycling tours in Europe with a Paella lunch at Como Bowling Club.

You may even want to bring Dad as this is also Father’s Day 🙂

When: Sunday 4 September, 12.00pm – 3pm
Where: Como Bowling Club

In recognition of the support families provide so members can get out and cycle, the Club is hosting a family day lunch. To make it a little bit special with a cycling theme, what better way than with Paella, a traditional Spanish dish to coincide with La Vuelta. As the calendar is crowded during the grand tour the date has landed on Father’s Day. So what a great way to celebrate – all friends and family welcome and SAVE THE DATE.

Tickets/prices to be available soon.

AusCycling WACX State Championships — There was plenty of green on display at the 2022 WACX State Championships, not just on the entry list but also on the podium.

Huge shoutout to the SPR podiums:

U13 1st Oscar Barrett
Open 1st Adrian Emilsen
MMB 3rd Tony Lendrum
WB 1st Mandy McEvoy
WC 1st Anna Schwartz

Check out photos below, the full results and some professional photos of the event.

  • U13 Podium
  • Mens Open
  • MMB
  • WB
  • WC

📸 Lou Carson

 

Noosa Gravel Enduro 100 — A shoutout to Tony Lendrum and Drew Mitchell, who are heading over to Noosa this weekend. The event incorporates multiple distances including the AusCycling Gravel National Championships. Check out all the details here.

Go hard gentlemen!

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

1. WCMCC Dwellingup Graded Handicap Road Race

2. PDCC Winter Road Racing Series #4 – President’s Cup

3. 97th Collie to Donnybrook & Return Cycling Classic (not this weekend but get your entries in!)

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Looks like the weather gods are not smiling on our Saturday mornings right now with another grim forecast looking for Saturday morning. Could be a good opportunity for those in the Couch Peleton to settle into what is an absolutely riveting Tour De France Femmes on Friday evening or perhaps join your own Zwift ride. For those that admire what a certain Belgium rider did in the Mens event, then braving the rainy conditions might just be for you. Perhaps you might also choose to save your legs for Sunday when the weather looks a bit better. Whatever you choose to do this weekend, make the most of it. 

Saturday 30th July

Sunday 31st July

Monday 1st August

Tuesday 2nd August

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

Wednesday 3rd August

Thursday 4th August

Friday 5th August

Ride Routes 23rd – 29th July

Whether you enjoy group rides, fondos or racing… there are opportunities aplenty in and around Perth. SPR will be running our Water Tower Challenge 11 September with a new southern course (announcement coming soon!) and our Team Time Trial 9 October (think preparation for the Tour of Margaret River).

And in August, there are opportunities in York and Collie.

Collie to Donnybrook and Return Cycle Classic — Collie Cycling Club is one of the oldest cycling clubs in WA and the Collie to Donnybrook, to be held on 20 August 2022, is a classic race with a long and venerable history. The race, which began in 1925, is the only true remaining handicap event in WA. It is steeped in tradition and is the premier road race on the Western Australian cycling calendar.

The handicap format gives everyone a chance to get to the finish line first.

The historic race begins in the WA coal mining town of Collie, 200km south of Perth, and heads through hilly terrain towards Mumballup for 21km before turning and heading towards the township of Donnybrook. This is the halfway point. Riders then turn and return back to Mumballup. The last 21km of the course is very arduous through the hills to the finish line in the main street of Collie. The riders will complete 104 kilometers in total.

More details on Facebook and Entryboss.

WA State Fondo Series York Canola Classic — The York Canola Classic, to be held on 28 August 2022, is a picturesque mass-participation recreational ride hosted in the stunning Shire of York, approximately 90km east of the Perth CBD. Riders are invited to choose from a 93km or 52km distance option that will take you on a scenic journey from heart of the Town of York, through to the striking yellow canola fields of the Avon Valley Region.

You can enter as an individual or team, riding for a collective team time. This event was very popular last year and looks to be the again this time round.

All the details here.

Ride Leader Program 2022 Edition — Please see our blog post last week announcing our call for Expressions of Interest for the 2022 edition of our Ride Leaders course.

Have a read, and consider if you might be up for contributing to to the safe running of SPR group rides.

The blog post has lots of information about the program, its goals and the training you will receive. But if you have any questions, please do get in touch with Greg Jones via development@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Call for Sponsors — SPR Tour of Margaret River 2020. The Tour of Margaret River three day cycling event has been a key success of the South Perth Rouleurs through the Clubs commitment to providing a well organised, safe and social ride experience. The hard work and dedication of each and every cyclist in the months leading up to the event and its race volunteers ensure a quality experience for all.

In 2022 though, inclusiveness has been taken to a whole new level with the number of six-member teams increasing from nine in 2021 up to 15 teams, including an additional women’s team and introducing two mixed teams.

However it is through the support of our sponsors that the Club can increase the number of teams participating and the sense of comrade that is achieved through the inclusion and support of our community to take this beyond a
cycling event. 

If this is you or your business we would love to hear from you via this Expression of Interest.

https://forms.gle/wpn6DyfikqvCmW7P8

We will provide preference to any club members who would like to sponsor, but also consider sharing this opportunity with any businesses that you know of that might be interested.

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

1. WCMCC Baldivis Graded Scratch Road Race

2. 97th Collie to Donnybrook & Return Cycling Classic (not this weekend but get your entries in!)

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Apologies for not posting last week – too busy recovering from some stupidly steep hills the day before, in Madeira (but the views were spectacular)

It looks like there’s plenty more rain coming in Perth, especially on Saturday so remember to clean your drive trains regularly if you’ve been ringing in or after rain. The mud that gets thrown up onto your chain causes it to wear at least ten times faster than a clean chain would do. I use a Park Tool with some basic dishwashing liquid & warm water, and it works a treat. Do as much as you can to dry the chain after cleaning, and before reapplying chain lube. A compressor is best for this, but a rag and some time in a warm dry room, or even a hairdryer works too. Removing the chain makes drying a lot easier. As always, check braking surfaces and pads regularly.

For the fair weather riders there an SPR Zwift club ride as well. It’s a flatter one this time so hopefully the group stays together – we’re a sociable bunch after all! Enjoy!

Saturday 23rd July

Sunday 24th July

Monday 25th July

Tuesday 26th July

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

Wednesday 27th July

Thursday 28th July

Friday 29th July

Ride Routes 16th – 22nd July

Most of you won’t need reminding, but just in case you had not noticed — today is Stage 12 of the Tour de France.

Not much to add really, except to say that I love the mountain stages (not that I can climb) and tonight’s finish on Alpe d’Huez is one of my favourites.

What you may not have been aware of is that Perth’s own Zac Williams is there.

Check out Zac’s Instagram page z_w_photography.

SPR Tour of Margaret River 2022 — For everyone who has submitted and EOI for TOMR 2022 or otherwise been in touch with Steve, the teams have been announced, and you will have received an email with details about payment, accommodation, and importantly your team.

Key takeaways for now: First payment due tomorrow. Kings Park training sessions starting next Tuesday. You should also have received an invite to the SPR Team App, which we use to coordinate communications and changes over the next few months leading up to the Tour — make sure you’ve signed up, and get in touch if you have any problems.

Ride Leader Program 2022 Edition — Please see our blog post from yesterday announcing our call for Expressions of Interest for the 2022 edition of our Ride Leaders course.

Have a read, and consider if you might be up for contributing to to the safe running of SPR group rides.

The blog post has lots of information about the program, its goals and the training you will receive. But if you have any questions, please do get in touch with Greg Jones via development@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Call for Sponsors — SPR Tour of Margaret River 2020. The Tour of Margaret River three day cycling event has been a key success of the South Perth Rouleurs through the Clubs commitment to providing a well organised, safe and social ride experience. The hard work and dedication of each and every cyclist in the months leading up to the event and its race volunteers ensure a quality experience for all.

In 2022 though, inclusiveness has been taken to a whole new level with the number of six-member teams increasing from nine in 2021 up to 15 teams, including an additional women’s team and introducing two mixed teams.

However it is through the support of our sponsors that the Club can increase the number of teams participating and the sense of comrade that is achieved through the inclusion and support of our community to take this beyond a
cycling event. 

If this is you or your business we would love to hear from you via this Expression of Interest.

https://forms.gle/wpn6DyfikqvCmW7P8

We will provide preference to any club members who would like to sponsor, but also consider sharing this opportunity with any businesses that you know of that might be interested.

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

1. PDCC Peel 24 Hour

2. WCMCC Chidlow B Graded Scratch Road Race

 

From the Ride Coordinator — No post from Mark this week. Apparently Mark has some mountains to climb.

Saturday 16th July

Sunday 17th July

Monday 18th July

Tuesday 19th July

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

Wednesday 20th July

Thursday 21st July

Friday 22nd July

2022 SPR Ride Leaders Program – Call for Expressions of Interest

SPR’s training rides set us apart as a cycling Club; we are one of the few clubs in Australia that is not affiliated with a bike shop facilitating a broad range of opportunities for people to cycle in a group every day. Since its inception in 2009, a key feature of the feedback the Club receives is the need to improve the way our group rides are led. With more consistent, trained and visible ride leaders, the result will be safer, more enjoyable ride experiences for all.

To this end, the Club developed a ride leader development program, with the objectives of:

  1. Developing SPR ride leaders’ knowledge and skills of both ride leadership and core cycling skills
  2. Building the confidence of ride leaders to ensure ride consistency and enhanced decision making during group rides
  3. Growing the pool of capable, confident ride leaders

We are now seeking Expressions of Interest from SPR members who would like to be part of our next public Ride Leader Development Program. The Program consists of four separate but related components:

  1. Theory: covers the core knowledge and skills required to be an effective ride leader for group rides across the Main, Transition and Development rides conducted by SPR (+/- 2hrs personal time)
  2. Skills Sessions: out on the bike, learning all about what it takes to be a good ride leader as well as having the opportunity to practice your skills and ideas in a “safe” environment. (2 x 2.5/3 hours sessions)
  3. Online Scenario Discussion: covering a few common scenarios that you may find in ride leading and joined by experienced ride leaders sharing their knowledge and stories when exposed to similar scenarios. (1 x 1.5/2 hour session)
  4. Ride Leader Observations: This will involve you being the ride leader for two(2) to three (3) separate SPR training rides with an observer to determine how you go about deploying your skills and knowledge in the “real world” environment. (2 – 3 ‘normal’ training rides, weekdays or weekends as required)

As a participant, you will get:

  1. New Skills: You will learn new skills and knowledge about cycling as well as ride leadership.
  2. Kudos: Be part of the “qualified” ride leader team out on the road.
  3. Stuff: Upon successful completion, Program participants will receive a custom SPR Ride Leader jersey to be worn whenever you are leading a SPR ride.
  4. On Going Development: Access to private discussion groups; coaching and skills development; ride-leader only events.

In return, once you have completed the Program, we will expect your commitment to the following:

  1. Lead a minimum of 2 Saturday main rides* per month throughout the year
  2. Be a role model for ride behaviour on ALL rides you participate in
  3. Assist in the recruitment and mentorship of future ride leaders
  4. Assist in training/observing people for their readiness to take on the role of Ride Leader.

* All prospective ride leaders should note that, from time to time, they will need be called on to lead rides of a lower skill &/or fitness level than their own. This means putting the interests of the Club and other riders before their own.

We are now seeking expressions of interest from SPR members who regularly ride with any group ie Main 1, 2, 3 & 4 as well as Transition and Development groups.  While the ability to ride at or above the level of the group you are leading is important, just as critical is the constructive attitude and sound communication skills that are brought to the role. Empathy, care and the ability to encourage others is essential to the success of the ride leader.
In the event we are over-subscribed, the Development and Training sub-committee will use the quality & content of the EOI’s as well as the need to balance the mix of ride leaders to select the required number of participants. Anyone who is not selected shouldn’t be discouraged; it’s a numbers thing (us) rather than a capability thing (you).

As part of your EOI, we’d like you to outline:

  1. What you hope to get out of being a SPR ride leader
  2. Why you feel you will make a good contributor to ride leader team
  3. Which SPR group you usually ride with (M2, M3, M4, T), and
  4. Your statement of commitment to the role of ride leader in terms of time to complete the Program and to lead the requisite number of rides per month

We anticipate kicking the Program off on the 1st August with access to the theory being provided and completing it by early September with the first 3 weeks of August being critical in terms of availability for the two (2) skills sessions as well as the online discussion forum.

If interested, please submit your EOI via this form before Tuesday 26 July:

https://forms.gle/cZ4QQgVYppKKT7A56

There is space for questions as part of the EOI, but if you have any questions about the Ride Leader Program before submitting your EOI, please send them through to development@southperthrouleurs.com.au and we will get back to you ASAP.

Ride Routes 9 – 15th July

Many of us have marvelled at Adam and Arletta Ralph climbing the Dolomites, Italy this past fortnight culminating in Adam racing the 35th ”Maratona” last weekend.

From the Event – ”The sun smiled on the almost seven thousand participants of the 35th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites – Enel. A Marathon dedicated to the “Ciüf”, the flowers, in the knowledge that a new balance between nature and man is more necessary than ever. Staged on the roads closed to traffic that allow the cyclists to enjoy, albeit with fatigue, the wonderful Dolomite passes: Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, Falzarego, Giau and Valparola.”

Adam completed the 137 km course with over 4,200m elevation in a tad over six and a half hours, describing it as an ”Amazing party and beautiful celebration of the bike with a new PB for smiles per mile” Chapeau !

We have also loved seeing Arletta embrace her first ”mountains experience” and tackling many days in the saddle with over 1200 m elevation too ! Even Arletta was surprised how much she now loves climbing, ”who even knew I could ride up and down the mountains?’, ”pushing myself whilst trying to take in all the splendour” with so many passages ”like riding a postcard”.

Adam and Arletta were joined by their daughter Teehani who enjoyed hiking the mountains, making may trails her own. Safe onwards journey Team Ralph, this is one grand adventure we can’t wait to hear more about first hand.

Farewell Sam — Our beloved Flockie, SPR Club Secretary Sam Walker (nee Flockhart), hubby Liam and fur babies Comet and Ziggy are leaving us to relocate to Victoria, just outside Melbourne in Point Cook. Sam has been working very hard in mining for almost a decade, finished her degree and nearly finished her MBA and has been snapped up for a great opportunity with Toll Holdings, leaving mining, WA and sadly, SPR. 

Sam and Liam took up cycling in 2012 after returning to Perth from Kalgoorlie. They were looking for a way to get fit, stay healthy and a google search led them to our Club. At first Sam said ” I wasn’t going to get too serious about cycling, no lycra, no N+1 number of bikes, no cleats on my shoes and definitely no racing. All of that changed within a year” Sam goes on to add ”SPR has led us to a wonderful community and many, many friendships that will last a lifetime and have provided us some of the most memorable holidays, Tours Down Under and dinner parties that we look back on fondly” 

Sam was elected to SPR Committee in 2021, assuming the excutive role of Secretary and also sitting on the Women’s Sub – Committee making wonderful contributions of her time and skills and will be very missed by our Club’s Committee.  We asked Sam about some of her most memorable moments on the bike and she had a great many but one of her proudest was placing third in the TT at the Australian Masters Championships in Victoria in 2018 and riding the 2017 Tour of Margaret River with SPR and having Annemiek van Vluten guest ride with their team. ”Seeing my fitness, power and speed improving through training is also very rewarding and having the opportunity to join the Dome Coffees Cycling Team for the 2021 Tour of Margaret River was a special moment”
Sam sums it up for so many of us at SPR ”there are so many inspirational people in our Club that have driven me to want to be a better rider over the years and sound guidance and advice, not just in relation to cycling and racing, but also life and career development” 

We will miss Sam and Liam greatly and wish them all the very best but this is not goodbye, just until we all meet again …

Call for Sponsors — SPR Tour of Margaret River 2020. The Tour of Margaret River three day cycling event has been a key success of the South Perth Rouleurs through the Clubs commitment to providing a well organised, safe and social ride experience. The hard work and dedication of each and every cyclist in the months leading up to the event and its race volunteers ensure a quality experience for all.

In 2022 though, inclusiveness has been taken to a whole new level with the number of six-member teams increasing from nine in 2021 up to 15 teams, including an additional women’s team and introducing two mixed teams.

However it is through the support of our sponsors that the Club can increase the number of teams participating and the sense of comrade that is achieved through the inclusion and support of our community to take this beyond a
cycling event. 

If this is you or your business we would love to hear from you via this Expression of Interest.

https://forms.gle/wpn6DyfikqvCmW7P8

We will provide preference to any club members who would like to sponsor, but also consider sharing this opportunity with any businesses that you know of that might be interested.

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

1. WCMCC Casuarina Graded Scratch Road Race

2. PDCC Peel 24 Hour — not this weekend, but get your entries in!

 

From the Ride Coordinator — The weather looks promising for our Saturday ride, with rain only forecast later in the day. That means the EarlyBird may be more appealing than the extra river loop, for those inclined to do a bit more.

SPR is keen to expand the ride route options and will be investigating some new routes for Saturday and Sunday rides in coming months. These could be different versions & combinations of existing rides, as well as some new roads. If anyone has suggestions for these, feel free to email GPX or TCX suggestions to ride-routes@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Starting this Wednesday we will formalise a bi-weekly “transition” ride, starting at 10am from Coode St car park. This is an ideal ride for those who can make it, looking for a safe space to transition from riding on their own, to riding in a group, as well as those just looking for a gentle 30km ride.

Saturday 9th July

Sunday 10th July

Monday 11th July

Tuesday 12th July

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

Wednesday 13th July

Thursday 14th July

Friday 15th July