Category Archives: Uncategorized

Ride Routes 30th April – 6th May

There are two things that I’ve been thinking about this past week, that I think speak volumes about SPR as a club, and by that I mean all of you — for what is SPR but all of us, and our bikes 😎

First, as you may have guessed, is the way we come together when bad things happen — the recent accident being a clear demonstration of what a great community looks like. (Jay and Jamie are both home and “on the mend” so to speak — quite a journey ahead, but on the journey)

Second, has been recent visits of old friends. People have lives, and for many that takes them across the country and further afield (Germany anyone?), but the seeing them when they return is just good — and the community that is SPR is part of that. Fair travels Liam, Ginny, Heiko and Louise.

Good luck to everyone travelling to Collie for Tom Lowry Memorial!

Enjoy your week,
Daniel

  • Ginny & Liam
  • Louise & Heiko

SPR Giro d’Italia Dinner — There are still a few (eight at last count) tickets left! Bring your family and friends to celebrate with SPR the Giro d’Italia at Bella Rosa on Monday 9 May 2022 6pm for 6.30pm start. We had a wonderful time at the Bella Rosa last year, and this year is sure not to disappoint!

Menu for $52 includes a two course meal, coffee and corkage (alcoholic drinks). 

Please have a read of the menu and get your tickets on the SPR shop now!

If you have any queries, please get in touch with Carol by email on comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au

Expressions of Interest for Training and Development Subcommittee — Earlier this year members voted to increase the size of the SPR Committee which gives us a few options to look at things that you deem important. Some of the things we constantly get feedback on is things like riding skills, safety on rides, training and preparation for events just to name a few. So with the extra bods now on the committee, we are (re) introducing a Training and Development Subcommittee to scope out the needs of the club and it’s members around these important areas.

We are seeking expressions of interest from 2-3 members to join 2-3 ride leaders for this important subcommittee. So if you a passion in this area and would like to make a contribution please send your expression of interest to development@southperthrouleurs.com.au. To give you an idea of the commitment required, it is planned that this group will meet for 90 minutes, every 6 weeks to initially scope priorities for the club in training and development.

Thanks for your attention
Greg Jones

 

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

1. Tom Lowry Memorial Road Race (entries closed)

2. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium

 

 

From the Ride Coordinator – After a wet week, it looks like we’re in luck again this weekend, with sunny Easterlies forecast both days, and Benara Rd to enjoy them on Saturday. To keep the rides safe for all, please help the ride leaders on the day by keeping group sizes in the 15-20 range, and make sure you match your pace to the majority of the group. Choose a faster group if you’re feeling frisky, and step back one if you’ve had a tough week. You’ll enjoy it more, and so will the group.

The standard SPR routes do get updated from time to time, so always download the latest one if you’re going to follow on your Garmin. Don’t make the embarrassing mistake I did last week, and follow a route that’s been superseded. 😬

Saturday 30th April

Sunday 1st May

Monday 2nd May

Tuesday 3rd May

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

Wednesday 4th May

Thursday 5th May

Friday 6th May

Ride Routes 23rd – 29th April

Bring your family and friends to celebrate with SPR the Giro d’Italia at Bella Rosa on Monday 9 May 2022 6pm for 6.30pm start. We had a wonderful time at the Bella Rosa last year, and this year is sure not to disappoint!

Menu for $52 includes a two course meal, coffee and corkage (alcoholic drinks). 

Please have a read of the menu.

Updated: Tickets available on the SPR shop now!

If you have any queries, please get in touch with Carol by email on comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au

SPR Short Hills Accident Update — Most of you will be aware that we had a serious accident on SPR Short Hills last Sunday (see earlier updates on Facebook here and here). The accident involved a head on collision of our riders with a car travelling on the wrong side of the road. Approximately 10 of our riders came down, with 3 hospitalised. Not only did it result in serious injury for several of our riders, but the accident was traumatic for everyone on the scene.

The good news — if that is the best word — is that our community and healthcare system responded quickly and our riders have received the very best of care.

Jay was airlifted by rescue helicopter to RPH. He sustained fractures to the neck, back and ribs as well as serious lacerations to his legs requiring plastic surgery and skin grafts. Jay will need to wear a brace for some weeks to allow his body to heal. SPR managed to connect with Jay again today to deliver a get-well hamper. I’m not sure about Jay, but my favourite item was the Sick Puppy Beer 😎

Jamie left the scene in an ambulance with serious lacerations to his leg and ankle. Thankfully there were no broken bones, with a small fracture to the ankle and quite deep lacerations to lower leg requiring attention from the plastic surgeon. Jamie was released from hospital yesterday but will be off the bike for quite some time. SPR again managed to connect with Jamie at his home today to deliver a get-well hamper.

Both Jay and Jamie asked me to pass on to everyone their deepest thanks for the way the SPR has offered support to each of them since the accident. And thank you from me — this type of caring and supporting response is truly one of the things I love about our club.

The final serious injury was Patrick Saccani-Williams. Patrick was treated at Emergency on Sunday but released that afternoon. He impacted his head in the collision, but he checked out OK and is very thankful that modern helmets provide good protection.

I also want to recognise the local couple who witnessed the accident, then rushed first aid supplies and blankets to the scene, and finally assisted by transporting (broken) bikes away from the scene. A number of you been in touch with me to ensure their assistance was recognised. And yes, SPR (thanks Di!) delivered flowers and a card to them earlier this week.

Finally, I would like to make a request to riders on the ride: We have details for most riders but are missing several — if you were on the ride could I please ask you to ping me an email on president@southperthrouleurs.com.au. This would be much appreciated, and will enable us to cover off several details. If anybody has any questions, please contact me directly by email.

Job Done — Huge congratulations are in order for SPR veteran Jim Flynn, who last Friday completed his epic Indian Pacific Wheel Ride adventure. 5,471 km from Fremante to the Sydney Opera House in 28 days — one week less than his base plan! Out of 16 starters he finished fifth. Only eight will finish.

My favourite quote from Jim:

“It is this human aspect of what is essentially a fairly solitary endurance event that has been the biggest surprise for me. It is this aspect of the ride that I will cherish the most and will look back with fondness for the rest of my life. It has made an amazing adventure even more extraordinary.”

Chapeau Jim!!

Enjoy some rest and recovery.

Starting out
Well wishes
SPR Veteran!
30th anniversary on the road!
Are we there yet? (YES!)

 

The epic Three, Five and Se˄en is being held on Sunday 15 May in Nannup. The shorter courses, 50km (Three) and 85km (Five) are on the same gravel, clay/mud, quartz grit and mica tracks as SE˄EN and have plenty of room to pass. These distances are still challenging and designed as preparation for taking on the full SE˄EN course in future years. 

With a 10 hour cut off time for SE˄EN to cover 125km, finishing is a triumph.

If interested check out accommodation around Nannup before registering for 2022 here (official website here).

If gravel rides sounds like something you would like to get into (for 2023!!), SPR can organise an information session around the end of May; bikes, training and preparation. Contact Carol comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au if interested.

📸 Photo credits Peter McDonald and official Seven website

 

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

1. WCMCC Bibra Lake Criterium

 

 

From the Ride Coordinator – Communication is critical in peletons. It begins before the ride with reading the blog, and knowing the ride route the group will be riding. There were a few close calls last week with riders heading in the wrong direction. If you know the group is about to turn, call it out and pass it on. Observations from the front AND back of the group need to be passed to all. We’re generally good at passing messages from front to back, but less so at passing them forward when there is news from the rear – typically “car-back”, “split” or “single file”. Lets focus on that this week so we can all have fun, stay safe & enjoy the Goldilocks weather.

With the last of the Easterly winds this weekend, we’re heading to Holmes Rd. There’s only one climb, but it has a bit of a sting. Once you’re over it, you can enjoy downhill, and then the tail wind home.

Saturday 23rd April

Sunday 24th April

Monday 25th April – Anzac Day

Tuesday 26th April

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

Wednesday 27th April

Thursday 28th April

Friday 29th April

Ride Routes 16th – 22nd April

I hope you all have a glorious Easter, including a break and all the kilometres your hearts desire. At least for part of that, SPR can help – starting with our gourmet assortment of ride options tomorrow for Good Friday, and throughout the extended weekend. Enjoy.

In case you have missed it, we have the 9th Annual Vice Presidents Ride (see the Facebook event) at 6am, a Medio option of the same at 7am (see Facebook event for details) – both including Hot Cross Buns at Wungong Dam. We also have our usual Friday EBR and Public Holidays rides. Spoiled for choice.

We spoke last week of Michael Bonner and Adam Ralphs’ journey east to participate in the UCI qualifier event at the Tour de Brisbane.

And they had a huge weekend. I have huge respect for each of these men, not only excellent athletes (a 2nd and a 4th anyone), not only respected leaders within the SPR community, but men who manage to fit words like jouissance in when describing their cycling. Kudo gents.

 

Committee 2022 Edition – First, an apology – with the wet weather we forgot to take an official Committee photo for 2022. This will be rectified 😎

That out of the way, I am very pleased to present our Committee for the year of 2022:

You will be familiar with Andrew, Sam and Shirley who are continuing in the Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer roles. Having steady hands in these roles is good for club and very much appreciated.

Also continuing on are Carol Dowse (Community Development), Steve Burns (Race), Greg (Training and Development) and Tom Goerke (General Committee). Thank you.

It is also my pleasure to formally welcome to the Committee Mandy McEvoy (Membership & Communications) and Mark de Castro (Ride Route Coordinator).

I will be announcing in upcoming weeks some new Committee members who have volunteered since the AGM. The Committee has also been discussing some changes to the roles in order to better serve the needs of members. Keep your eye out for the announcement in the next few weeks.

 

The epic Three, Five and Se˄en is being held on Sunday 15 May in Nannup. The shorter courses, 50km (Three) and 85km (Five) are on the same gravel, clay/mud, quartz grit and mica tracks as SE˄EN and have plenty of room to pass. These distances are still challenging and designed as preparation for taking on the full SE˄EN course in future years. 

With a 10 hour cut off time for SE˄EN to cover 125km, finishing is a triumph.

If interested check out accommodation around Nannup before registering for 2022 here (official website here).

If gravel rides sounds like something you would like to get into (for 2023!!), SPR can organise an information session around the end of May; bikes, training and preparation. Contact Carol comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au if interested.

📸 Photo credits Peter McDonald and official Seven website

 

 

Paris-Roubaix at The Local – For the seventh year in a row (minus 2020), Paris-Roubaix will be screened live at The Local Hotel, 282 South Terrace, South Fremantle.

Long time SPR member Adrian Emilsen is invites you to join him for a beer and some banter, to watch the 2022 edition of The Hell of the North live on the big screen in the Garage Bar.

Please note that this event will take place within the current Covid restrictions. Proof of vaccination is required.

Details on Facebook here.

 

Jim Flynn and the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride 2022 – Three weeks in for Jim on his IndiPac 2022 adventure and lots of kilometres already behind him, although some big climbs ahead.

See below for the progress update as at now and see his latest Facebook post here. Live tracking here.

Are we there yet???

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

<not this weekend!>

 

 

From the Ride Coordinator – This is your new ride-route-picker speaking. Thanks Greg for doing such a fantastic job of the route selections and blog updates for so long. Hopefully the transition is smooth while I get the hang of this. Feel free to contact me if you’re aware of any roadworks or other issues that could affect upcoming or existing route selection.

It’s looking like a great long weekend for riding – the weather is being kind to us, and there’s plenty of choice for everyone. With TWO public holidays we get to ride the standard plus the new one North of the river. Please familiarise yourself with this and all routes before heading out. The last thing we want is one rider in a group heading straight at an intersection, when the rest hang a right; it doesn’t end well…With days getting shorter, remember your front and back lights for early morning rides, and long commutes to the start of the 7am rides – make sure they’re working and batteries are charged. When it’s dark, and you’re riding in a group, a flashing rear light can be distracting for the rider behind you, so switch to a constant setting if you can.

Saturday is an old favourite – South Lake – should be fun if the wind stays Southerly. If you haven’t ridden this for some time, there have been some significant changes/improvements along Jandakot road. Mostly to make it better, but look out for a few new roundabouts.

Saturday 16th April

Sunday 17th April

Monday 18th April – Easter Monday

Tuesday 19th April

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

Wednesday 20th April

Thursday 21st April

Friday 22nd April

Ride Routes 9 – 15th April

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It seems slightly crazy to me, but Easter is upon us already. Maybe it’s just me.

If you have time away with family or friends – enjoy. If not, then perhaps riding some extra kilometres is on your agenda – and well – SPR can help with that. Between our Annual VP’s ride, Public Holiday rides plus all the usual suspects, we’ve got you covered.

Enjoy.

The Tour de Brisbane is on this weekend, and apart from looking like an excellent ride, offers the opportunity of qualifying for the 2022 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Trento, Italy this September.

We wish all the best to SPR members Michael Bonner and Adam Ralph, who will be competing.

Check out the website for all the details (including live tracking).

https://tourdebrisbane.org/

 

The epic Three, Five and Se˄en is being held on Sunday 15 May in Nannup. The shorter courses, 50km (Three) and 85km (Five) are on the same gravel, clay/mud, quartz grit and mica tracks as SE˄EN and have plenty of room to pass. These distances are still challenging and designed as preparation for taking on the full SE˄EN course in future years. 

With a 10 hour cut off time for SE˄EN to cover 125km, finishing is a triumph.

If interested check out accommodation around Nannup before registering for 2022 here (official website here).

If gravel rides sounds like something you would like to get into (for 2023!!), SPR can organise an information session around the end of May; bikes, training and preparation. Contact Carol comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au if interested.

📸 Photo credits Peter McDonald and official Seven website

9th Annual VP’s Ride

Need I say more.

Read all the details here.

 

 

Paris-Roubaix at The Local – For the seventh year in a row (minus 2020), Paris-Roubaix will be screened live at The Local Hotel, 282 South Terrace, South Fremantle.

Long time SPR member Adrian Emilsen is invites you to join him for a beer and some banter, to watch the 2022 edition of The Hell of the North live on the big screen in the Garage Bar.

Please note that this event will take place within the current Covid restrictions. Proof of vaccination is required.

Details on Facebook here.

 

Jim Flynn and the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride 2022 – Three weeks in for Jim on his IndiPac 2022 adventure and lots of kilometres already behind him, although some big climbs ahead.

See below for the progress update as at now and see his latest Facebook post here. Live tracking here.

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

1. WCMCC Age Group Championships Wangara

 

 

From the Ride Coordinator – So with the amount of road works (planned and not planned) around our fair city, a lot of our ride routes continue to be challenged in regards to disruptions. Whilst  Metronet is a great contribution to our public transport system, it is causing disruptions to some of our northern routes around Bayswater station and will soon have an impact on some of our southern routes when Cockburn – Thornlie ramps up work as well. Added to this is the ongoing work to ramp Leach Highway over Welshpool road and regular maintenance required to upkeep roads. So if you haven’t seen some of your “favorites” for a while there’s a good chance it’s been impacted and work arounds will be required.

So the choice of route for this week (hopefully) ducks and weaves and circumvents some of the major routes but does take the busy road down to Freo and back. If you haven’t ridden it before, do yourself a favor and check it out before you ride so we can be as safe as we can when we are riding out there.

Enjoy!

Saturday 9th April

Sunday 10th April

Monday 11th April

Tuesday 12th April

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

Wednesday 13th April

Thursday 14th April

Friday 15th April – Good Friday

9th Annual VP’s Ride

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What is Good Friday good for? The VP’s Annual Good Friday Ride, of course!

Pre-dawn depart

This year’s ride is on Friday April 15, and will be the 9th edition. Rumour has it the ride founder, and former VP, Julian Johnson will be joining us!

Starting at the Coode Street carpark at 6am (lights compulsory), we’ll head out along the old three dams course via Midland, then up Greenmount.

Ride route is available here – VP’s Good Friday Ride on Strava

Morning tea photo opportunities…

Pace for the ride is Main 1ish and there will be SHORT regroups after each climb, as time is of the essence to make it to Wungong Dam for the morning tea and photo opportunity.

Preferred dress code is national kit or (in honour of Julian!) mixed SPR kits.

Please leave a comment, or respond to the Facebook event to let us know if you’ll be coming…we want to make sure there is a hot cross bun for everyone!

If you can’t commit for the whole ride you’re welcome to join us for parts, or just morning tea at Wungong Dam if you wish.

If anybody is available to assist with the logistics of the morning tea we would be very keen to hear from you!

Ride Routes 2nd – 8th April

SPR members aplenty amongst the 150 + riders at the WA Cyclocross (Western Australia) (CX/ ‘cross) season opener – O’Day “Party in the Park” Sunday at Perry Lakes. For those who don’t know, WACX started in 2012 and is run by Stu and Lou Carson, well known to our SPR Family over the decade. ‘Cross is a form of bike racing (well, we prefer ”cycling way of life”) held during autumn / winter over a 2km odd ”cross country” style course with obstacles, raced in all weather conditions, a real lung burner for around 45 / 50 minutes, completing as many laps as possible. It began in France in the early 1900s and continues to be one of the most exciting and popular forms of bike racing in Europe and America.

New SPR CX riders were ripping around the grassy & sandy course like they’d raced ‘cross for years (looking at Mark & Dan from Dome). We had the young Emilsen boys, Felix and Morris in on the action too with nearly 40 kids racing! The big kids raced in three categories, keeping in the US O’Day theme there were Freshers (20mins), Sophomores (30mins) and Seniors (45mins) and congratulations to Anny Kidd, Dan Mijat and Mandy McEvoy making their race’s podiums. Anny for the Sophomore’s win on her second only race, Dan 2nd in Sophomores and Mandy 3rd in Freshers on their first CX races. Mark Claydon was just off the podium, 4th in Sophomores. Toby Brown was in fine form donning his new T-Rex costume, thanks to his son’s birthday party the day before and suitably (pun intended) carrying out some terrific ”hand ups”. Heinrich Strobel dutifully relieved his Dome DS and performed beautifully!

Next up is the first of ”Numbat Cup” Series at Gloucester Park under lights Saturday 9 April and we encourage anyone curious about Cross or just looking for a fun night out to join us (and find out what ”hand ups” are all about). All details on WA Cyclocross Facebook Group.

📸 Photo credits to Mark Uzii and Aloysius Parker

The Kalgoorlie Classic to Leonora is on the long week end in June, a two-day handicap race for grades A to D, 132km and 100km flat but furious, how can you resist. In 2022 you need an annual race all disciplines licence to enter but for those interested in participating there is a 132km community challenge on the first day which leaves before the main race – lifestyle membership. 

Depending on how you would like to transfer, this can be a compressed fly in Saturday out Sunday package for $300 (all transfers in the goldfields included) + $100 tent one night Menzies + registration.

For the more leisurely version take the train up Friday back Monday, Perth-Kalgoorlie return $187 full fare; 50% off for seniors card holder, 7 hours one way, two departures each day. Also budget for $200/night for accommodation in Kalgoorlie Friday and Sunday ($100 per person if sharing) + $100 tent Saturday night. There may be the option to arrange a bus back to Kalgoorlie Saturday if the tent does not sound attractive or you are participating in the community challenge – please discuss soon with Carol if interested comdev@southperthrouleurs.com.au or with Steve race@southperthrouleurs.com.au if racing.

Registrations (early bird until 17 April): race $150, community $30 and both include return bike transfer Perth to the event. Race registration also includes dinner Saturday night in Menzies and a bus transfer back to Kalgoorlie for those not flying. 

Don’t wait to book if you are interested as flights and accommodation are limited https://www.cyclassic.com.au/

 

Jim Flynn and the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride 2022 – Two weeks in for Jim on his IndiPac 2022 adventure and lots of kilometres already behind him.

See below for the progress update as at now and see his latest Facebook post here. Live tracking here.

The AGM Happened – Thank you all for participating in the SPR Annual General Meeting. Ironically, we have moved much of our AGM online due to COVID, but the benefit more broadly was that the AGM could go ahead even if the wet weather meant that our Saturday rides were decimated.

Thank you to everyone who voted (online)!

And thanks to the four or five (I think!) people in addition to Committee members who made it in person 😱

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

1. PDCC Summer Criterium Series 2021-22 Club Champs

2. WCMCC Bibra Lake Criterium

 

From the Ride Coordinator – So you’ve heard us say on more than one occasion that the expectation of riding our rides is to make sure you are familiar with the ride route before you ride. Despite this, the ride route of choice this weekend is probably the route that has been ridden the wrong way around the most! Yes folks it’s Ridgehill road! What apparently makes it a little confusing is that it traverses the Roe Hwy on the same bridge going out as well as coming back. So this time we decided to give its own focus on the blog so everyone gets it right. So going out over the Roe Hwy for the first time you continue straight ahead on Helena Valley Rd and approach Ridgehill from the Helena Valley side. We then do a big clockwise loop coming back down Midland Rd and left over the Roe Highway bridge onto Bushmead Road again. If you are approaching Ridgehill from the Maida Vale side, then we suggest you wave to all the groups going the other way and keep a good sense of humour as you would have gone the wrong way. It will be OK, you’ll get back to the coffee shop having done the same amount of Ks but be prepared for the jokes from the others as you won’t be able to easily hide the error over a coffee.

Couple of other things to note this week. Last week we signalled that from this Sunday, all of the Sunday Hills rides will move to a 7am start time. So that means that both the short hills versions, the long hills and the coffee ride will all commence at the Coode Street carpark at 7am.

Also last week, we signalled that there will be road works on Welshpool road as they look to install bridge girders at the Leach Hwy intersection and Welshpool Road will be closed all weekend. In order to avoid this area completely, we are suggesting that all groups stay on Oates Street after turning off Albany Hwy all the way to the right turn at Orrong Road. Whilst Orrong Road can be a busy road, we think this is the most straightforward way to head out as well as return and avoid the Welshpool Rd/Leach Hwy intersection for this weekend.

Saturday 2nd April

Sunday 3rd April

Monday 4th April

Tuesday 5th April

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

Wednesday 6th April

Thursday 7th April

Friday 8th April

Ride Routes 26th March – 1st April

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The recent Canteen ride from Bassendean to Busselton ranged from 300km to 400km with or without hills over 2.5 days offering a goldilocks ride for all. In the slower levels the roll through sometimes involved a five-minute chat with each person as they rolled by so you got to know all the members of your group – not an option in the faster groups!

The huge support of so many volunteers for the whole event such as 15 support vehicles, trucks, trailers, cooks, organisers and a masseur to name a few, as well as Rotary and Lions Clubs in the country towns to provide meals really takes this event to a totally different level you rarely get to experience.

All participants discover a new perspective when they hear about what young cancer patients and their families go through – it truly is an immersive and uplifting experience.

The 11 members of the SPR team raised over $13,000 to help support CanTeen!

The CanTeen organisers did a fantastic job with their COIVD plans to keep it a safe event including their Covid Man (picture above 😎) to keep the message front and centre.

Of course the Club too has been following the government advice on COVID for community sport and wants to reinforce the need to not attend an event or ride if you are not feeling well; alternatively, returning a negative RAT based on the instructions prior to attending. Don’t forget a mask and your phone for proof of vaccination if you plan on a coffee afterwards as per the government requirements for hospitality venues.

 

Jim Flynn and the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride 2022 – Last week we saw off Jim on his IndiPac 2022 adventure (see last week’s blog).

See below for the progress update as at now and see his latest Facebook post here.

AGM Reminder – Don’t forget that voting is open until tomorrow evening for the SPR Annual General Meeting 2022. Check your email or voting link here.

The in-person section of the meeting will be held on Saturday 26 March 2022 at 9:00am at DOME Westralia Plaza (5/167 St Georges Terrace, Perth) following the usual Saturday ride.

The Committee requests that all attendees of the meeting vote using this form wherever possible. Please contact the club via the email address admin@southperthrouleurs.com.au if you have any problems voting.

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

1. PDCC Summer Criterium Series 2021-22 #9

2. WCMCC Kewdale Criterium

 

From the Ride Coordinator – So it looks like this weekend may be our first “inclement weather” forecast for the year on our Saturday main ride with an ex tropical cyclone weaving its way down the west coast It’s a good time to remind people to look over your bike for things like tyre and brake wear and to make sure that everything is in good working order. Which is an expectation on all riders who ride with SPR. The consequences of a poorly maintained bike might not just be an early finish to your ride but could impact others as well. As we move towards the wetter months, now is the time to recheck everything so you are prepared for the more slippery conditions across May into September.

Speaking of getting prepared for the winter months, our Sunday Short Hills and Long Hills ride will revert back to a 7am start time from Sunday 3rd of April. So to be clear that is NOT this Sunday it is the following Sunday. This will mean that from that first Sunday in April ALL Sunday rides will depart Coode Street at 7am after the coffee ride and the Social Short Hills ride moved to the 7am start time a few weeks back.

Also worth highlighting is that over the coming months there will be significant road works being done around Bayswater but also along Welshpool road as the bridging for the Metronet Station near Whatley and the same on the Leach Highway over Welshpool take place. You can bet there will be disruptions and diversions taking place on these busy roads and many of our ride routes also traverse these intersections. Whilst we will do our best to minimize interactions/routes to avoid these works, the ones on Leach Hwy will be the most problematic for the Sunday Hills riders so we would encourage all regular Sunday Hills riders to avail themselves of information each weekend on what’s going on as it is likely to constantly change and it can’t be fixed by chopping and changing our ride routes online every week. So please keep an eye out for changes on the main roads website and let each other know when you find out.

Saturday 26th March

Sunday 27th March

Monday 28th March

Tuesday 29th March

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

Wednesday 30th March

Thursday 31st March

Friday 1st April

Ride Routes 19 – 25th March

Posting a few photos and shoutouts tonight. One of the many things I love about cycling is the choices we have to pick our challenge – whether a tour or a race, whether the course is flat or replete with climbs, whether close or far away – and meet the challenge in good company.

This week just gone we have had SPR members participating in lots of places. Check out photos from the Peaks Challenge and Tour of Blackwood this time, and expect some more from the Life Cycle for CanTeen ride next week.

Tour of Blackwood – First up, the 2022 Edition of the Tour of Blackwood. Just a tidy 130kms if you don’t mind. We had 14 SPR riders. It turns out that this year’s included some challenges, including heavy rain, lightning and kangaroos (who took down one rider) before hot conditions and strong headwinds made the final 40kms.

I am told it was a great day out (!!) with our riders proving their abilities over a demanding course with over 1,600m of climbing.

 

Peaks Challenge Falls Creek – Congratulations to Damon, Peter, Jake, Waeel & Diego. For any that are familiar, this is a difficult ride – neatly summarised as

235km | 4000m+ | 13hrs

You get the picture. Kudos.

Check out the highlights video here as well as a few more photos on Facebook.

Jim Flynn and the Indian Pacific Wheel Ride 2022 – I want it offer a huge shoutout to long-time SPR member Jim for his about-to-commence efforts (not that he hasn’t been training!) with him embarking on the IndiPac 2022 this weekend. Check out his Facebook post here for a few more photos.

Jim had intended on doing this in 2021 but the universe had other plans, so 2022 is the year. The ride involves some 5,500km from Perth to Sydney.

Wishing you all the best Jim!

Those of you who have been around a while will know that Jim has been a consistent contributor to club and the SPR blog dating back as early as 2011 – check out all his SPR posts here. Jim has promised me a write-up of this epic adventure.

You can follow Jim live online here (look for Jimbo):

https://indianpacificwheelride2022.maprogress.com

And the latest pictures from tonight 💪🏻😎

  • Team 2022
  • Jim is ready

 

AGM Nomination Reminder – Don’t forget that nominations for the SPR Committee close tomorrow (Friday 18 March).

Read the post here as well as Andrew’s post about a few changes up for a vote at the AGM.

Nominations to Sam by email on admin@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

 

 

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

 

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

1. RCCC CloudConnect Summer Criteriums #4

2. WCMCC Herne Hill Road Race

 

From the Ride Coordinator – OK OK, before I get bailed up at the coffee shop again after the ride, I promise this weeks ride will be a little more sedate after back to back hills at Mosman and Ewen over the last few weeks. This Saturdays ride “only” has the lumpiness of Stock Rd to navigate before meandering out into some nice roll trhrough territory along South Street, Nicholson and Albany Highway. This ones got “something in it for everyone” and is one of our most popular routes, especially with a South Easterly tail wind to finish with.

Enjoy.

Saturday 19th March

Sunday 20th March

Monday 21st March

Tuesday 22nd March

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

Wednesday 23rd March

Thursday 24th March

Friday 25th March

Expanding the Committee

Daniel has recently called for nominations from potential new Committee members. Part of the reason is that we plan to grow the Committee to help spread the load a bit more. The Committee currently stands at 11 members, but we wish to grow that to 13, with provision for up to 15 in the future.

To do that we need to make a minor amendment to the Constitution which members will be asked to vote on at the upcoming AGM.

Rule 6.1 will change from;

6.1   Management of the Club shall be vested in the Committee elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting and consisting of
  • 6.1.1   President;
  • 6.1.2   Vice President;
  • 6.1.3   Secretary;
  • 6.1.4   Treasurer;
  • 6.1.5   at least three (3) but not more than seven (7) other Committee Members.

To the new rule;

6.1   Management of the Club shall be vested in the Committee elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting and consisting of
  • 6.1.1   President;
  • 6.1.2   Vice President;
  • 6.1.3   Secretary;
  • 6.1.4   Treasurer;
  • 6.1.5   at least three (3) but not more than eleven (11) other Committee Members.

Please let us know if you’re interested in helping to run the club that does so much for so many. There are always roles on various sub-committees if you feel the jump to the management committee might be too much for you.

Send an email to admin@southperthrouleurs.com.au to register a nomination.

Ride Routes 12 – 18th March

This week I would like to come back to the AGM and put a shoutout for volunteers.

We have a strong committee, with a few of us who have been involved for many years. And you might think – “well if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” – I hear you, although let me tell you a different story.

We have a club that is doing some good things. We have clearly articulated values. Safe. Inclusive. Organised. Social. And we do the things the club does on the basis of those values. Our Ride Leaders choose to show up every weekend and help make our biggest rides for the week live up to those values. We support women in cycling, and are seeing more women than ever riding (and racing) with us. We seek to provide opportunities for members to participate in events (think Tour of Margaret River, Tour de Gracetown) and to get into racing. The list goes on.

Now here is what we don’t want. We don’t want to end up in a situation where our Committee all want to step back at once.

So here is the opportunity that presents itself. Get involved with a group of people who believe that cycling is a community sport that is enjoyable, and worth doing with like-minded others. Don’t feel like you have to take on the world. Do feel like you can join a team, and find ways to contribute without having to do it all yourself.

There is room for you to make a contribution. The headline photo above is our new SPR Club Photo (2022 Edition). I think it has come together just splendidly. But like the second photo just above, doing things well takes organisation and a little bit of work.

Come behind the scenes and see how this all works.

I’ve said enough. You will be welcome. There is a way for you to contribute, whether on the committee or one of our subcommittees. We have a solid group of existing Committee who want to continue – I am wanting to continue if you will have me – as well as space for new people to get involved.

Read our secretary’s formal post here.

New Race Day Gear – the SPR Kit Subcommittee and Mayeur are proud to announce the SPR Race Day Hoodie and SPR Race Day Tee for your wearing pleasure.

You know you want one.

Unlike our normal kit orders, these items may be ordered any time and will be delivered direct to your door. Order on the Mayeur SPR shop here.

AusCycling WA State Criterium Championships – This Sunday just gone saw the State Champs held.

If you missed the write-up with all the podiums, check it out on Facebook here.

 

From the Ride Coordinator – There was definitely a lot of conversation at the coffee shop after last Saturday’s ride (Shelley Mosman) that ranged from “never did that before” to “good to have that one back” but universally there was the theme of how challenging that route was. Probably because the “lumpiness” back ends that route as opposed to getting the hills out the way early. Well this week, the hill is slap bang in the middle and plenty of people think that this one is our most challenging. If you haven’t guessed it by now, yes it’s the infamous Ewen Street climb! This is one of the routes we schedule on once or twice a year, so if you haven’t ridden it before, then please do yourself a favour and check it out. For the rest of us, how can we forget it 😎

Couple of other things to note this week. First of these relates to our popular Thursday ride route. The committee, in consultation with regular riders have decided to permanently adopt the current revised route that takes us up Shenton Road due to safety considerations and the fact that the groupings will then only have to traverse one set of lights on West Coast highway. So despite the fact that Claremont Crescent will be open both ways, our Thursday ride route will be amended on line to reflect the change to include Shenton Rd.

A few other updates to some monthly ride routes. It seems we may have jumped the gun a little early in bringing back the SPR gravel ride last month with only a very small contingent riding.  As a club we were trying to create an opportunity for riders to train for SeVen when in reality, those training for that event will be doing longer rides than just the Heritage trail. As a result we won’t be scheduling another gravel ride until after the SeVen event in May and possibly when there’s a little more grip on the trail itself.

Finally, for those that have been asking about the resumption of the monthly mid week 10am development ride that we introduced last year, we are planning for this to return again when the weather cools down – so we are hoping to schedule it up for the second week in April and run it through winter. Please note that this was always intended to be a development ride at a slower pace and only scheduled monthly.  So for those interested the first of these will be scheduled on Wednesday 13th April leaving Coode Street at 10am at development ride pace and will be lead by one of our ride leaders. We will remind everyone again a few weeks out.

Saturday 12th March

Sunday 13th March

Monday 14th March

Tuesday 15th March

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

Wednesday 16th March

Thursday 17th March

Friday 18th March