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Ride Routes 28th October – 3rd November

This week is a farewell of sorts. Not forever, but this Saturday is Julian Johnson’s final stint as a Ride Leader before he heads south more permanently.

Many of you will know that the club’s long-standing Vice President – responsible for the SPR Vice President’s Good Friday Ride, the use of zinc by cyclists and the reputation for gloriously mismatched kit – purchased a property in Nannup that promised excellent riding along with some not unpleasant views (see below).

For some time now, Julian and Vanessa have split time between Perth and Nannup, but with the perfect job offer coming his way, Julian is heading south to live and work.

All the best Julian!!

The view from Nannup

SPR Tour of Margaret River 2023 Kit Launch — This evening saw the launch of SPR’s TOMR kit for 2023, modelled by the club’s Mr Race Subcommittee himself, Steve Burns. There will be lots of green at TOMR this year 💚

 

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

1. MCC Midland Traders 100

Juniors Ride — No Juniors Ride this weekend unfortunately. Check back next week.

From the Ride Coordinator — More great weather this weekend, and it’s crunch time for those doing TOMR. Many of you will be tapering, so remember to pick your ride group to match how you feel like riding on the day, and drop down a group if you’re wanting an easier ride.

As it’s Julian Johnsons last regular Saturday ride, he had the honour of picking the route. This means you can thank Dr J. as you grind your way up Ewen St. Coincidentally that was the route I had picked a few weeks ago anyway – true story! It’s not quite the Stelvio that Julian was riding a few weeks ago, but a challenge nonetheless.

Remember to hydrate as the weather warms. I find it helpful to half fill a bottle, freeze it overnight, and then top it up with water in the morning. That way I can drink from it immediately, and there’s a block of ice to keep it cool for longer. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen.

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

Saturday 28th October

Sunday 29th October

Monday 30th October

Tuesday 31st October

Wednesday 1st November

Thursday 2nd November

Friday 3rd November

Ride Routes 21st – 27th October

So. I can’t say I thought I’d say this… but we are short riders due to COVID.

For this year’s Tour of Margaret River, we will have 15 teams (90 riders) including 2 women’s teams and several mixed teams, a record for SPR. It is going to be an excellent event, and I know riders across Western Australia (not just SPR 😎) are looking forward to it.

However, we’ve had several riders come down in the past few days with COVID and so we’re urgently looking for last minute substitutions. If that is you, or you know someone who might be interested, please get in touch with Steve via email on race@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Tour De Gracetown — The Tour De Gracetown is on Saturday 28 October. It is not only a well organised road cycling event with three distances to choose from, it’s a wonderful weekend away with fellow cyclists and partners. To top it off there is also a recovery ride on the Sunday with coffee at the Berry Farm.

Some accommodation is still available in Margaret River which you can book via the SPR shop; $75 per person in a twin share room. Contact Carol if you have any questions.

The cost is $125 for all distances if you register by 16 October (OK, so you’ve missed that… now $145).

We still have two spaces so if you are interested, please get in touch with Carol.

Women Talking Cycling — You may recall that Shokz sponsored our recent Womens event, and that we mentioned a competition last week. Well… SPR won first prize in the #tryshokzon social medial challenge which you would have seen us promoting last week. We only beat the South Pine Strides by less than ten likes (395 to 386)! 

Thank you to everyone who liked and shared our post. The Committee will be meeting shortly to decide how we will give these out as prizes. But, two lucky members who liked and shared our competition post will be getting a pair. If you want know more about Shokz check out their website. 

A special mention to Belinda for her competitive spirit and entering our club to get us selected for the competition. She also told me that half our ‘likes’ to win came from her staff members at work and students at Curtin University, so if you win a pair you have them to thank. 

 

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

1. WCMCC Herne Hill Memorial Handicap Road Race (plus End of Season presentations)

2. MCC Midland Traders 100 (coming 29 October)

Juniors Ride — Next Saturday, our junior group will meet at Wireless Hill Park to practice bunch riding skills and explore the nearby area. We’ll all gather at the car park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/is8CupgwtzfVVsmn8) at 11am.

From the Ride Coordinator — One of the reasons we like to keep the size of Saturday groups to around 15 riders, is to limit the physical length of the group on the road. Longer groups are a greater disruption to traffic, and more susceptible to being split at lights.

One way to help maintain a compact group is to delay accelerating when coming out of corners. A good rule of thumb is to count up to the number of riders behind you, before picking up your pace. So if there are 10 riders behind you, count to 10 after the corner before picking up speed.

Try it this week, and enjoy the rides.

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

Saturday 21st October

Sunday 22nd October

Monday 23rd October

Tuesday 24th October

Wednesday 25th October

Thursday 26th October

Friday 27th October

Ride Routes 14 – 20th October

Tour De Gracetown — The Tour De Gracetown is on Saturday 28 October. It is not only a well organised road cycling event with three distances to choose from, it’s a wonderful weekend away with fellow cyclists and partners. To top it off there is also a recovery ride on the Sunday with coffee at the Berry Farm.

Some accommodation is still available in Margaret River which you can book via the SPR shop; $75 per person in a twin share room. Contact Carol if you have any questions.

The cost is $125 for all distances if you register by 16 October.

We still have some spaces so if you are interested, please get in touch with Carol.

Women Talking Cycling — The SPR Chicks committee hosted another very successful event last Sunday afternoon “Women Talking Cycling” for an enlightening discussion with Sports Podiatrist and Physiotherapist Julie Pham from Star Physio and Sports Dietitian Mel Raybould from Fuel to Perform.

Julie and Mel gave informative presentations, which were both very well received by all the women who attended. Thankyou to Leanne from Giant Cannington for the display of some very beautiful Giant LIV bikes, hopefully we’ll see some of our ladies riding a new bike on our club rides in the near future.

We are also very grateful for our sponsors: Shokz, Premax, Pure Sports Nutrition and Winners for donating some wonderful prizes. Congratulations to the lucky chicks who were able to take home a prize (or two), enjoy.  Additionally, thanks must go to The Amy Gillett Foundation for the jerseys, aiming to increase rider visibility from 2% to 90%, while out on the Aussie roads.

PS One of the event’s sponsors, Shokz, has a promotion where we can win up to ten pairs of SHOKZ for our club members.  It’s a social media most Likes competition – head to our Facebook and add your Like to our post here. And feel free to share. But do it before 13 October (tomorrow).

The three clubs who receive the most likes on Facebook or Instagram by 13 Oct will be the winners. 

1st prize: 6*OpenRun Pro + 4*OpenFit 

2nd prize: 3*OpenRun Pro + 2*OpenFit 

3rd prize: 1*OpenRun Pro + 1*OpenFit 

 

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

1. PDCC Peel Classic 2023 incl State Road Champs

Juniors Ride — This Saturday we will meet at the Wireless Park car park at 11am (https://maps.app.goo.gl/is8CupgwtzfVVsmn8). The plan is to warm up by riding around the park a few times and then the kids will be challeged with a climbing time trial. The climb will be ~200m (see picture below).

From the Ride Coordinator — Goldilocks weather for us to enjoy this weekend, but with the temperatures rising it’s a good time to think about hydration, and perhaps carry an extra bottle with some electrolytes.

Good weather also means bigger groups, and sometimes that means a tail-end rider/s getting unintentionally dropped . Often it’s a rider struggling on the day who will be  picked up by the next group, but it could be due to a mechanical issue, or even an accident. We don’t like leaving people on their own, particularly if it’s a busy road, or they are have a problem, so let’s all help by checking back regularly and passing on any info to the ride leader and/or the rest of the group. When it’s safe, the group can then pull over if necessary to assess the situation and respond appropriately. It makes for safer and more inclusive rides – two of SPR’s key pillars.

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

Saturday 14th October

Sunday 15th October

Monday 16th October

Tuesday 17th October

Wednesday 18th October

Thursday 19th October

Friday 20th October

Ride Routes 7 – 13th October

Women Talking Cycling — After a very successful and well organised Womens 100 ride several weeks back by the SPR Chicks committee, they are back at it again organising an afternoon for women to come together and talk about cycling.

The event will be held on Sunday 8th October at the John McGrath Pavilion in South Perth from 2pm.

We will have two guest speakers Dr Julie Pham from Star Physio and Mel Raybould from Fuel to Perform. The event is free with afternoon tea supplied but please register so we know who to expect.

Register Here

I have heard that the event has been very generously supported by Shozk, Premax, Winners and  Pure Sports Nutrition and there will lots of prizes and samples to give away.

Tour De Gracetown — The Tour De Gracetown is on Saturday 28 October. It is not only a well organised road cycling event with three distances to choose from, it’s a wonderful weekend away with fellow cyclists and partners. To top it off there is also a recovery ride on the Sunday with coffee at the Berry Farm.

Some accommodation is still available in Margaret River which you can book via the SPR shop; $75 per person in a twin share room. Contact Carol if you have any questions.

The cost is $125 for all distances if you register by 16 October.

 

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

1. WCMCC Chidlow A Road Race (incl Age Championships)

2. PDCC Peel Classic 2023 incl State Road Champs

Juniors Ride — No juniors this weekend, sorry! Check back next week.

From the Ride Coordinator — As the weather improves, we see more riders on all rides. Many are getting stronger in the leadup to TOMR, so we see even bigger numbers in the F2/M1/M2 groups. With a finite pool of ride leaders, we need to adapt accordingly. This may mean some groups are slightly larger than in recent weeks – we’ll try and limit them to 20. You can help by cooperating with the ride leaders and moving up or back as directed, to even out the group sizes. Think about your ability on the day and pick a group that you can roll with at a pace that keeps the group together. It also helps at the start if everyone gathers with their group in the mustering areas, rather than joining from the side at the last minute as the group pulls away.

Sunday’s short hills has an unusual return via Zigzag and Maidevale instead of Welshpool, and long hills does the Chookenberg – you have been warned! (there is a bypass option). With larger numbers on Sundays, we may choose to separate into smaller groups at the start – to avoid splits at traffic lights on the way out to the hills. On the Welshpool climb, the two groups may mix, and then split again, based on climbing strength.

We don’t have official ride leaders on Sundays so please work with the experienced riders who take charge on the day (there usually are a few ride leaders) to maximise safety and enjoyment for all.

Saturday 7th October

Sunday 8th October

Monday 9th October

Tuesday 10th October

Wednesday 11th October

Thursday 12th October

Friday 13th October

Ride Routes 30th September – 6th October

SPR Friday — One of the things I love most about SPR is the way it has adapted over time to better meet the needs of it members (and all the other people who ride with us 😎). One of my first rides with SPR was a Thursday ride in the very early days of the club – on that ride, Peter Mah had the group wait for me as I was struggling through Dalkeith. That was then. Suffice it to say that the Thursday ride has evolved, and is known for it pace and tempo. When I get dropped, I stay dropped.

So our rides can change. One thing we have done though, is measure those changes against our values. Safe. Organised. Inclusive. Social.

That brings me to SPR Friday. SPR Friday has become one of our most inclusive rides of the week, accessible to riders from a wide range of our groups and viewed by a number of regulars as their favourite ride of the week.

Equally, with its popularity we have seen a consistent size such that we most often split the group into two if not three – with the result being that the first group is markedly faster than the others. This has worked fine to the point where numbers have dipped (winter and rain anyone?) and we have seen a single group going at a pace that has seen some of our regulars dropped.

We’ve taken the time at Committee to discuss this, and where we have landed is this: When there are sufficient riders for two groups, the first group will be at least Main 1 pace, and the second group will be a solid Main 2 pace. When there is only one group the riders will determine an appropriate speed but will still be at least a solid Main 2 pace.

Let me add one other small but important detail that is particularly applicable when a group has a wider range of riders participating: You don’t have to roll. Sitting at the back of a group that is rolling is perfectly normal. Simply call forward that you are not rolling, and the riders that are “rolling” will adjust the rotation.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

French Alps 24 EOI — The Col d`Izoard, pictured above, is one of the many mountain passes in the beautiful French Alps along the Route des Grandes Alpes, a trip being offered by the Club in September 2024. The trip was proposed by our own Christophe Borrel Ducroz who will be one of two guides for the trip from Geneva to Nice targeted at main 2 level riders. A reverse 9-day trip from Nice to Geneva is also being offered, depending on meeting the minimum numbers and will be guided by the organising tour company founder, Aigars. One of the best parts of cycling is participating with friends in a safe and well organised event, key lived values for the Club.

Inclusions: 3 or 4 star accommodation, all breakfasts and picnic lunches, a fully equipped support van, mechanical assistance, coaching and advice as needed throughout the trip, sports supplements, luggage transfers, airport transfers, pre-departure information, welcome pack and photos of the trip. High quality Sarto bikes are available to rent for AU$850 and AU$650 for the 14 and 9 day trips respectively.

Costs: 14-day main 2 level ~AU$5,700 per person double occupancy, single supplement $1500. 9-day trip for main 1 /fast riders ~AU$4,300 per person double occupancy, single supplement is $950; final prices will be in Euros.

EOI: The 14-day trip for main 2 level riders has nearly reached its minimum number of participants so if you are interested please complete an EOI as soon as possible.

French Alps EOI

Tour De Gracetown — The Tour De Gracetown is on Saturday 28 October. It is not only a well organised road cycling event with three distances to choose from, it’s a wonderful weekend away with fellow cyclists and partners. To top it off there is also a recovery ride on the Sunday with coffee at the Berry Farm.

Some accommodation is still available in Margaret River which you can book via the SPR shop; $75 per person in a twin share room. Contact Carol if you have any questions.

The cost is $125 for all distances if you register by 16 October.

Women Talking Cycling — After a very successful and well organised Womens 100 ride last Sunday by the SPR Chicks committee, they are back at it again organising an afternoon for women to come together and talk about cycling.

The event will be held on Sunday 8th October at the John McGrath Pavilion in South Perth from 2pm.

We will have two guest speakers Dr Julie Pham from Star Physio and Mel Raybould from Fuel to Perform. The event is free with afternoon tea supplied but please register so we know who to expect.

Register Here

I have heard that the event has been very generously supported by Shozk, Premax, Winners and  Pure Sports Nutrition and there will lots of prizes and samples to give away.

 

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

1. WCMCC Splendid Park – Grade Criterium Race

Juniors Ride — On Saturday the 30th we will ride from Como to Shelley and stop at the Lo Quay Cafe on Fern Rd, where adults can get a coffe and kids could get a well deserved treat for the effort.

The route is this https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/210106883 and the appointment is at the Holy Family Catholic Church car park at 10.30am.

From the Ride Coordinator — Red lights have a tendency to split bunches when riding in large groups. That’s one reason why we try and limit group sizes to around 15 riders. It’s just right for rolling through, and manageable for a car to pass if they need to drive around the group.

If the group does get split, remember to call SPLIT loudly, and then the front group should ride easy until the bunch is back together. The last thing we want is riders shooting red lights because they don’t want to be left stranded.

Maddington on Saturday – lets hope the South-Wester carries us sweetly down the back straight – instead of the tough crosswind we often see with the Easterlies.

Stay safe and enjoy the riding.

Saturday 30th September

Sunday 1st October

Monday 2nd October

Tuesday 3rd October

Wednesday 4th October

Thursday 5th October

Friday 6th October

Ride Routes 23rd – 29th September

1 Comment

New SPR Ride Leader Volunteers 2023 — This weekend is the last weekend of the club’s 2023 Ride Lead Development Program which will see us roll out the final observation rides for our 4 new leaders, Daniel, Julia, Andy and Danielle. If you join them on the ride or see them in the coffee shop afterwards, please extend a warm congratulations and thank you to these wonderful people who join our already fantastic ride leader bunch who volunteer their time each Saturday morning to assist in keeping our rides social, organised, inclusive and above all safe.

In the near future, you will hear more from these 4 ride leaders as we get to know them a bit more but for now, on behalf of the SPR Committee and all members, welcome aboard and thanks so much for helping to make a difference for our great club.

Women Talking Cycling — After a very successful and well organised Womens 100 ride last Sunday by the SPR Chicks committee, they are back at it again organising an afternoon for women to come together and talk about cycling.

The event will be held on Sunday 8th October at the John McGrath Pavilion in South Perth from 2pm.

We will have two guest speakers Dr Julie Pham from Star Physio and Mel Raybould from Fuel to Perform. The event is free with afternoon tea supplied but please register so we know who to expect.

Register Here

I have heard that the event has been very generously supported by Shozk, Premax, Winners and  Pure Sports Nutrition and there will lots of prizes and samples to give away.

View from Col d’Izoard (2,361 m ),Hautes-Alpes, France

The Col d`Izoard is in the beautiful French Alps in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region along the Route des Grandes Alpes. This is one of the many mountain passes in the Alps, the destination for a proposed 14-day trip in September 2024 being offered to our members. The trip was proposed by our own Christophe Borrel Ducroz who will also guide the trip, hence it is targeted at main 2 level riders*. To ensure our faster riders do not miss out, a reverse 9-day trip from Nice to Geneva is also being offered and will be guided by the organising tour company founder, Aigars. One of the best parts of cycling is participating with friends in a safe and well organised event, key lived values for the club. This is the main driver for the club’s support of this activity; these two tours take the event to a whole new level.

Each trip includes 3 or 4 star accommodation, all breakfasts and picnic lunches, a fully equipped support van, mechanical assistance, coaching and advice as needed throughout the trip, sports supplements, luggage transfers, airport transfers, pre-departure information, welcome pack and photos of the trip. High quality Sarto bikes are available from the organising tour company for an additional charge of $850 and $650 for the 14 and 9 day trips respectively.

To keep the riders safe, the 14-day trip for main 2 level riders has a maximum of 16 participants, minimum of 12 and costs ~$5,700 per person double occupancy; the single supplement is $1500. The 9-day trip for main 1 /fast riders has a maximum of 16, minimum of 8 participants and costs ~$4,300 per person double occupancy; the single supplement is $950; final prices will be in Euros.

So we can determine the level of interest please complete the non-binding EOI survey.

French Alps EOI

 

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

1. WCMCC Herne Hill Graded Road Race

Juniors Ride — Unfortunately, there will be no junior ride this Saturday as some of our young riders will be participating in the “Bike It To Ballidu Gravel” family ride.

We wish them to have a great time and the best of luck in their endeavour to win one of the extravagant prizes such as the “Best Needle in the Haystack Scavenger Hunt”!

From the Ride Coordinator — We may see a little moisture on the early bird on Saturday, but should be fine by the time the main groups head out for Stock and Shelley – a popular route. It’s helpful to drop your tyre pressure by 10 psi when riding on wet roads. Besides being a bit more comfortable, the extra rubber on the road gives more grip. Slowing down a bit on corners and roundabouts also helps.

Both Sunday hills rides do an unusual loop from Welshpool Rd to Lesmurdie (nice and quiet with a few pinch climbs), with Short Hills also doing a new section from the servo at the top around to Lawnbrook.

As always, check the route before heading out, and enjoy the rides.

Saturday 23rd September

Sunday 24th September

Monday 25th September

Tuesday 26th September

Wednesday 27th September

Thursday 29th September

Friday 29th September

Ride Routes 16th – 22nd September

Two things worthy of your special attention this week. Number one: We have white arm warmers 💚 Some of you will recall that white arm warmers have not been on the menu for several years, but with this year’s Tour of Margaret River Kit design now finalised (we think you’ll like it) we are pleased to announce they are now available.

Check them out.

IMPORTANT: The kit shop is still taking orders for all items (not just the new arm warmers), but must close Sunday night. If you want something, get in now!

Two, the Rapha Women’s 100 is this weekend. All the details below.

Daniel

Women’s 100 Perth 2023 — In conjunction with Rapha Women’s 100, we’re celebrating a sisterhood that stretches beyond borders and breaks down barriers, the Women’s 100 returns for another year. And whether going the distance is challenge enough, or you’re taking it up a gear to push your limits, it’s all about riding it your way. Off road or on, uphill or down, no two riders are the same and nor should your ride be. Up the stakes and up the elevation, or enjoy every minute and tick off a milestone – carve your own path and celebrate in style.

On Sunday 17th September, we’re challenging you to ride 100km in one day, a global connection of shared experience. You in?

Meet: Coode Street Car Park, South Perth Foreshore
Time: 7.30am
Distance: 100km

Heading out to Guilford, into Swan Valley before returning back to South Perth via the Northern Suburbs. There will be a brief stop mid ride with morning tea supplied.

Sign up for Women’s 100 Perth 2023

 

Join the Strava Challenge here or find out more about the Rapha Women’s 100 here.

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

1. WCMCC Casuarina Graded Road Race

Juniors Ride — Our junior ride on 16/9 will start as usual from the Holy Family Catholic Church car park at 10am. The plan is to ride ~20km to Fremantle (https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/194134285).

We will ride some parts in roads shared with normal traffic, so the presence of parents is fundamental.

We will then have a nice lunch in Freo all together before returning home with the train or, for the bravest, by riding back home.

 

From the Ride Coordinator — With a bit of luck Saturday will be dry for a Reverse Hale Rd loop. Its a straightforward route with very familiar roads for most of us. Take note of the three turns around the 26km mark, from Midland Ridge Hill – Watsonia – Gooseberry Hill. If you’re reading this, then you’re part of the solution, but we still have many who don’t know the route on the day, so lets speak to our groups to make sure everyone knows where we’re going, stays together and reads the blog next week.

Sunday should be good weather, and both short and long hills are great courses. Long Hills is a classic with spectacular roads and scenery between Albany and Brookton Hwys. Some testing climbs, including a tough first one – Carawatha Rd. Short is a newer one, with an amazing new loop at the top of Brookton Hwy with a few extra pinch climbs. Perfect for this time of the year. Whichever you choose, enjoy your riding and stay safe.

Saturday 16th September

Sunday 17th September

Monday 18th September

Tuesday 19th September

Wednesday 20th September

Thursday 21st September

Friday 22nd September

Ride Routes 9 – 15th September

This week we have another inspirational cycling story. If you haven’t seen it already, please take the time to read Nancy’s story (photos included!) recounting her journey to and experience that was the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

Please note that we have needed to cancel the La Vuelta Family Day 10 September – not enough takers unfortunately. The Committee will do a review – the event was quite popular last year but no so this time round it would seem.

See you out on the bike.

Daniel

Women’s 100 Perth 2023 — In conjunction with Rapha Women’s 100, we’re celebrating a sisterhood that stretches beyond borders and breaks down barriers, the Women’s 100 returns for another year. And whether going the distance is challenge enough, or you’re taking it up a gear to push your limits, it’s all about riding it your way. Off road or on, uphill or down, no two riders are the same and nor should your ride be. Up the stakes and up the elevation, or enjoy every minute and tick off a milestone – carve your own path and celebrate in style.

On Sunday 17th September, we’re challenging you to ride 100km in one day, a global connection of shared experience. You in?

Meet: Coode Street Car Park, South Perth Foreshore
Time: 7.30am
Distance: 100km

Heading out to Guilford, into Swan Valley before returning back to South Perth via the Northern Suburbs. There will be a brief stop mid ride with morning tea supplied.

Sign up for Women’s 100 Perth 2023

 

Join the Strava Challenge here or find out more about the Rapha Women’s 100 here.

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

1. PDCC State Champs (Junior/Kermesse/Para)

2. WCMCC Neerabup Graded Road Race

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Juniors Ride — Next ride with the juniors is going to be a relaxed tour in the area of Waterford and Salter Point (https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/192045627). The ride will start from the Holy Family Catholic Church car park in Como at 10.30am. We will end our ride at Comer Reserve Park where we will play some games together with the parents.

It is going to be an easy ~13km ride considering the 5 week break, so the kids can slowly build up again some training.

I am pleased to share with you that some of the kids that rode with us in the past weeks, will take part to the Ballidu gravel family ride in the end of September and the next coming rides will be very useful to overcome the 12km ride in the dirt at Ballidu!

 

From the Ride Coordinator — Looks like we may just get lucky with the rain this weekend. Saturday takes us to Bernara Rd – which has a lot of roundabouts. We still see too many avoidable incidents on roundabouts, so maybe time for another reminder:

#1 Slow down on the approach to the roundabout

#2 Stay in your lane as the group goes through the roundabout. Don’t cut corners – as this puts pressure on riders and cars alongside you.

There is a good article here about how to ride through single and dual lane roundabouts.

Reminder for Friday ride: – there are roadworks just after the bike path at the end of Shelly. You may need to stay on the bike path till the bridge.

Enjoy the riding!

Saturday 9th September

Sunday 10th September

Monday 11th September

Tuesday 12th September

Wednesday 13th September

Thursday 14th September

Friday 15th September

My journey to 2023 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships, Perth, Scotland

By Nancy S. Tippaya

I remembered the first time I saw Mr. Bonner at the start line of the 2016 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Perth, WA. I thought, “This is really cool!” Since then, I have seen the green and gold custom SPR kit flying around in France and Italy, and it has absolutely inspired me… One day, maybe one day. Fast forward to 2022, I signed up for Amy’s Gran Fondo race in Lorne. It was fantastic, in my opinion. After all the hard work, I finished 4th. Yes, I missed the podium by a second and no UCI qualifier medal. After racing in ToMR with the SPR W1 team, I completely stopped my structured training and most of the weekend racing. On top of that, I had a couple of injuries. In May 2023, I received an official email stating that I had qualified! It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I believed this might be my only chance. Yes, I’m going!

I had to constantly motivate myself as I was rebuilding my fitness to a level where I believed I could finish the race. I couldn’t commit to the full training schedule due to work and time constraints. Thankfully, I received tremendous support from my former coach, my cycling family & friends, David Menarry, my awesome wicked sisters 👯‍♀️ Megs & FDJ, and my partner Phillip. Their support kept me motivated. The key points for me were “sleep, eating, being sensible, knowing your strengths, and your ability”. About a week before my departure, I felt a surge of confidence… I was ready.”

The bike arrived in Scotland without any issues…as opposed to Amy’s GF race last year. 

Race recon with Team Australia organised by Sportive Breaks

The “Super” World Championships took place this year, and it was the inaugural edition featuring about 13 different cycling disciplines. I was extremely excited to watch all the races, and it was my first time in Scotland. To cut a long story short, I had to represent Thailand. A big thank you to Tom from Mayuer Cycling for the exceptional kit, which is apparently the only one of its kind in the world.

The starting pen for my age group.

Race day in Perth, but not the one in WA. The weather was perfect. I went through my usual warm-up routine, and the start line was just in front of the hotel. I rolled into the starting pen and met more Aussie riders in my age group. The race began and it was hectic. I managed to start at the front but, not long after, found myself dropping to the back. With a distance of ~160km and approximately ~1900m of climbing, rolling course with three major climbs, I knew it would be a long day. It was as surgy as I had expected. As for the road terrain—well, if you’re familiar with roads in the UK, you’ll understand why I have no further comments. I was hanging at the back, focusing on staying upright during the first hour of the race. After a major climb, the group split. I tried chasing back and encouraged other riders, but that was challenging, especially against a headwind.

Two age groups started together. I was in the front row… only at the startline though. 

We were riding in a small group, and as we went, we picked up more riders from another women’s group, probably about 12-14. I nearly got dropped during the second major climb, but thanks to a fast descent, I managed to rejoin. Later, we caught up to another group, forming a substantial sized peloton. However, we split again after the feed zone. It was chaotic, and I lost track of the race’s dynamics. I found myself in a smaller group, riding alongside a lady representing France in my age category. By this point, exhaustion had set in for everyone I could see. Yet, the pace on the flat was high, especially with strong gentlemen pulling the turns. Eventually, I found myself riding solo, with no sight of the lady behind me. “Keep going,” I continuously said to myself.

The highlight of this event for me was the spectators. Almost every town we rode through, I heard shouts of “Thailand!” Yes, my kit stood out, haha! I must admit, I had a few tears in my eyes while riding alone through one of the towns, with hundreds of spectators still cheering by the roadside. “Go Thailand!” There were only 30-40kms left at that point, and I didn’t want to give up. My legs were aching, water was running low, and I was craving gelato instead of gels. But the cheers of the crowd pumped me up. Fortunately, I was caught by another small group of two Aussie riders – yay! We worked together and crossed the finish line safely. I did it! I finished 41st out of 51 on the startlist. It’s done and dusted. This was truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve always told David how amazing it is to see how far we’ve come since we started cycling.

Photo by Suzanne. Thank you 💕

Cooooo

The rest of the trip in Scotland was dedicated to the World Championships races. Phillip and I stayed to watch track cycling, trials – this one has blown my mind!, and both Men’s and Women’s road races and individual time trial. I achieved my mission of getting Annamiek to sign my SPR jersey. I was dashing around the team bus, taking selfies with the pros. That was the perfect wrap-up for me.

Annemiek van Vleuten. My mission is complete.

I hope my story can inspire many of you who might be considering participating in qualifying events like the Tour de Brisbane and Amy’s Gran Fondo. It’s a fantastic experience that can lead to the WC event, as my journey this year has shown. My next ambitious goal is the second Super World Champs in 2027, which will be in France according to the announcement last year. So, more training and more qualifying races are on the horizon for me.

Lastly, Amy’s GF is this weekend. I’m sending all the best wishes to our SPR members who are racing. Have fun and race hard! Go green!”

Ride Routes 2nd – 8th September

If you haven’t already, make sure to read about David Menarry’s trip to Glasgow. David always puts in a lot of work training for these events with the side benefit that he gets to travel to some amazing places – huge kudos David 💚

We don’t have many sign-ups for our La Vuelta Family Day 10 September – if you’re interested, speak up now!

For anyone racing in the Peel Womens and Junior Tour 2023 this weekend, all the best!

Daniel

Women’s 100 Perth 2023 — In conjunction with Rapha Women’s 100, we’re celebrating a sisterhood that stretches beyond borders and breaks down barriers, the Women’s 100 returns for another year. And whether going the distance is challenge enough, or you’re taking it up a gear to push your limits, it’s all about riding it your way. Off road or on, uphill or down, no two riders are the same and nor should your ride be. Up the stakes and up the elevation, or enjoy every minute and tick off a milestone – carve your own path and celebrate in style.

On Sunday 17th September, we’re challenging you to ride 100km in one day, a global connection of shared experience. You in?

Meet: Coode Street Car Park, South Perth Foreshore
Time: 7.30am
Distance: 100km

Heading out to Guilford, into Swan Valley before returning back to South Perth via the Northern Suburbs. There will be a brief stop mid ride with morning tea supplied.

Sign up for Women’s 100 Perth 2023

 

Join the Strava Challenge here or find out more about the Rapha Women’s 100 here.

See our earlier blog for details and tickets (direct shop link) to our La Vuelta inspired SPR Family Day.

Kit Order — Another reminder is that the Kit Shop is open now for the next order, closing Wednesday 6 September.

If you need kit for the Tour of Margaret River, now is the opportunity. Not to mention that knicks are discounted at the moment.

Get on it!

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

1. Peel Womens and Junior Tour 2023

2. WCMCC Dog Hill Graded Road Road

Juniors Ride — Juniors rides will resume on September 9th, 2023, and we look forward to continuing our cycling adventures

 

From the Ride Coordinator — A few old classic ride routes this weekend, including TV Stations on Saturday and Welsh-Weir on Sunday short hills – what used to be called the “standard” hills ride. Lets hope the rain stays away so that we can welcome Spring in style.

#1. Rides are always more enjoyable when the group stays together, and shares the “work” evenly. This requires planning, self awareness, and sometimes some sacrifices. SPR does the planning, and arranges several groups for our most popular ride – the 7am on Saturday, but also on some weekday rides. It’s up to all of us to make sure we ride with the group that best matches our ability and training plans on the day.

#2. Don’t be a Lemming – and follow other riders blindly. Each one of us is responsible for our safety and that of the riders around us so please remember to check for oncoming traffic at intersections – don’t rely on the “Clear!” call made by the first rider.

#3. Note for Friday’s ride – there are roadworks just after the bike path at the end of Shelly. You may need to stay on the bike path till the bridge.

Enjoy the riding!

Saturday 2nd September

Sunday 3rd September

Monday 4th September

Tuesday 5th September

Wednesday 6th September

Thursday 7th September

Friday 8th September