it is the dawning of a new age with the arrival of our new spr flags.  gone are the days of cable tying banners to the tent to promote the club.  these new flags are massive, but fold down neatly into a nice carry bag.  incidentally, i now have about 6 large south perth rouleurs banners on core-flute that i need to get rid of.  if for nostalgic reasons, you wish to have one, let me know or they will probably get trashed.  it is amazing how much the club has progressed over the last few years.  we now have 380 members and i am sure we can crack 400 by the end of the year.  once oct 1st ticks by, getting a race licence means that you will have it for all of next year.  there are a few riders i know that are waiting for that date.  a lot of our change has been quite organic.  the number of groups on a saturday and even the number of rides through the week have been through identifying a need and providing for it.  gone are the days of just a few people turning up to a race and no-one knowing who we are.  even outside of racing i often get comments at work etc about people seeing our groups riding around town.  as we head into summer and the nicer weather, we are bound to attract a few more riders.  lets keep the club moving forward and getting bigger and better.

ride leaders – there is only 1 ride leader signed up for this weekend.  the club needs you to step up.  put your name down here.

uci masters – congratulations to the spr riders that competed in the time trial and road race over the weekend.  it looked like a tough day in the saddle by all accounts.  thanks to jim who has already posted his experience and we look forward to reading about the other races when they get back.

drink bottles – it is just like the federal election from 4 years ago.  too parties that look so similar that the votes are neck and neck.  shame there is no “green” option that can give their preferences to another bottle.  the poll closes this sunday, so let us know which colour bottle you prefer.

spr survey – let us know what you like or don’t like about the club.  this guides the committee in making it’s decisions without having to keep asking you all the time. (there should have been a question about bottle colours).  head to the survey monkey site via the previous post.  survey closes on the 6th.

breakfast – club breakfast is on next weekend after the saturday ride.  you need to put your name into the comments of the previous post so we know how much to cater for.

wednesday ride – the ciao ride is dead.  after battling through the cold winter and wet spring with minimal numbers, the ciao ride has come to an end.  from this week onwards, the wednesday 5:30am ride will start from under the narrows (cityside) and do laps of the uci circuit in kings park.  the sun is now up early enough to make this a viable safe option.

armadale duathlon – for those that like to bookend their ride with a run, the armadale duathlon is on in october, as per the previous post.  spr is looking at having a presence at this event, so if you are interested, sign up and let us know via the blog comments.

beginners skills course – new to riding and want to upskill before heading out with a group???  there is a beginners course being held mid october to help you out.  more info on the previous post.

state senior graded road championships – as per the previous post, we are co-hosting this event at the start of november.  let us know if you are available to help out during the day, setitng up, line judging, refreshment selling, lead/support car driving.  or even let us know if you are racing.

spr watertower challenge – it’s on again and we already have a couple of teams registered.  go to the event page for more info.  download the flyer and email it to all your cycling friends.  this is not just for spr members but open to the general public.

ride routes – it has been a while since we have had a public holiday and i’m not sure how the weather will play out this by monday, but at least saturday is looking ok.  have a good look at the ride routes for sunday as they have changed a bit, especially the short course.  also, the long and short courses do not ride together that much this week, so make sure you know where you are going.

saturday 28th september

ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am

early lap – earlybird 40.93km spr special

all rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am

development group – novice shelley 36.06km spr saturday

transitional – trans rebold 38.69km spr saturday

fast & main groups – alexander drive 50.46km spr saturday

sunday 29th september

ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am

early lap – earlybird 40.93km spr special

all rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am

short – grnmt goose 65.22km spr sunday

long – haddrill rd 98.55km spr sunday

monday 30th september

ride starts under the narrows (south perth side) at 5:30am

south stock 33.76km spr monday

all rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am

trans & main – public hol 58.97km spr special