some of you may know one of our members, shane french is currently riding his way across america.  the route covers just over 6,000 kms so is a pretty epic riding holiday.  he has been doing the occasional update to the spr facebook page, but if you really want to see how he is going, have a look at his blog.  currently he is 26 days in and already up to his 4th state.  he has been writing about each day and i have browsed through, but mostly flicked through some of the awesome scenery that he has passed through.  this year seems to be the year of spr riding holidays.  who has the next big trip planned???

ride leader sponsor – the ride leader sponsor for july is 45 Degrees North, a cycling/coaching/chalet/training facility based in morzine in france.  more info can be found on the previous post.

rules of engagement – please read the previous post if you come out on any of our rides.  it is up to all members to enforce these rules.

kit delivery – the latest kit order is available for collection at the coffee shop after the ride.  please see the previous post for further details.

spr quarterly breakfast – the quarterly club breakfast will be held this saturday after the main ride.  cost is $15 and for that you receive a coffee and access to the Dome buffet table.  see the previous post for more details.

swan valley photos – the club organised for tony lendrum to take photos at this years cyclo-sportif at swan valley.  the photos are now available to download from this website for you to use as you wish.  use the multimedia tab on the menu or click on this link.

tour of margs spr riders – the riders that have nominated for this years tomr have now been announced.   teams will be determined from this list to give the best balance of abilities in each team.  as with previous years, there are usually a few people dropping out due to sickness/injury/family/work so a couple more on the reserves list will not hurt.  check out the previous post for more details and let the all powerful race committee know if you are interested.

bike swap meet – later this year perth will be hosting the pacific youth track cycling tournament. this event will actually cost quite a bit to hold and as such midland are organising a bike swap meet to raise funds.  if you have any old bike parts that you think still have value, then you can register to sell them at this event.  on to of this, it will be held at the velodrome while friday night track racing is one.  buying bike stuff and watching bike racing.  what more can you ask for.  click on the flyer pic to the right for more details.

uwct training – the new uwct grand fondo course has been annouced and as such we will be running training rides on sunday.  this will replace the normal long hills ride and will be a race pace ride for those that have qualified and those that just want a hard hit out.  check out the previous post for more details.

spr road race champs – the club road champs has been updated after the second pickering brook race.  if you have raced in any of the races listed, see how you are tracking in club points.  the leaderboard can be found in the menu above or here.

ride routes – there has been a bit of a spate of westerly winds on saturdays, so we are taking advantage of it and programming in the rides to come home from the coast. this may mean that we get a few repeated rides over the coming weeks, but once we hit the constant easterly winds, you will then get sick of coming home from the hills.

saturday 30th july

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 mosman 40.39km spr saturday

fast & main groups – scarbs beach & hale 51.21km spr saturday

sunday 31st july

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 – coffee ride

short – brktn weir 82.89km spr sunday

long – uwct grand fondo final 2016 training

monday 1st august

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

south stock 33.76km spr monday

tuesday 2nd august

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

spr tuesday 36.37km (river ride)

ride starts frasers carpark at 5:45am

development group – interval training kings park

wednesday 3rd august

ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am

interval training – stock road repeats

thursday 4th august

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

spr thursday 37.26km (cott & freo)

ride starts frasers carpark at 5:45am

development group – interval training kings park

friday 5th august

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

spr friday 42.01km (shelley)

friday training/recovery ride

so, the federal election has be run and, and, and…well, still being counted.  we had a crack at the senate and after 60% of the count has been done, we really didn’t poll enough to make an impact.  politics is a fickle thing and at the moment it seems that to get votes for your minor party, it pretty much needs to be openly racist.  the rise of the “patriotic” parties is a bit disturbing and a few years ago, no-one would have thought that pauline would get votes.  for us, it has been a learning experience and we appreciate the support that has been showed.  talking to the party president, the day after, we discussed that the conversation really needs to not be directed at cyclists.  it is preaching to the converted.  we need to convince drivers that more cyclists means less cars on the road and therefore less congestion.  something to think about for next time.

ride leader sponsor – the ride leader sponsor for july is 45 Degrees North, a cycling/coaching/chalet/training facility based in morzine in france.  more info can be found on the previous post.

rules of engagement – please read the previous post if you come out on any of our rides.  it is up to all members to enforce these rules.

tour de france dinner – our annual tour de france dinner is on again to celebrate the biggest bike race of the year.  tickets sales close midnight tonight for the sunday event.  anyone that went last year will tell you what a great night it is.  last chance, so jump on in if you want to attend.  please see the previous post for more details and a link to the online shop.

tour de france tipping – with the tour already underway, we are looking at selling our final 2 spots in the sweepstakes so we can draw the teams.  with only 5 stages completed, etixx-quickstep has so far won back 1/3 of their investment.  the team with the winning rider however, walks away with over $140 for their $30 investment. check out the previous post and grab the final 2 spots so we can draw the teams out.  the sweepstakes leaderboard is already being updated, so you can see which teams are doign well.

cyclocross – round 4 of the numbat cup is on this sunday at edgewater quarry, joondalup. racing for all ages and abilities and nothing is taken too seriously.  there are even beer handups and fancy dress (for some). see their event page for more details, but entries close tonight.  you don’t even need a fancy cx bike as just a mtb will do.

tour of margs – expressions of interest have opened for this years tour of margaret river.  we have secured 3 men’s and 3 women’s teams, so it should allow us to provide for a decent spread of abilities.  check out the previous post and put your name down if you are interested.

spr aussie kit – are you representing australia at the uwct final this year? do it in style by representing spr as well.  check out the previous post to order your own spr aussie kit for the final. orders close next week, so don’t miss out.

bike swap meet – later this year perth will be hosting the pacific youth track cycling tournament. this event will actually cost quite a bit to hold and as such midland are organising a bike swap meet to raise funds.  if you have any old bike parts that you think still have value, then you can register to sell them at this event.  on to of this, it will be held at the velodrome while friday night track racing is one.  buying bike stuff and watching bike racing.  what more can you ask for.  click on the flyer pic to the right for more details.

uwct training – the new uwct grand fondo course has been annouced and as such we will be running training rides on sunday.  this will replace the normal long hills ride and will be a race pace ride for those that have qualified and those that just want a hard hit out.  check out the previous post for more details.

spr road race champs – the club road champs has been updated after the second pickering brook race.  if you have raced in any of the races listed, see how you are tracking in club points.  the leaderboard can be found in the menu above or here.

ride routes – great, i finally get clearance from the doctor to ride combined with school holidays means no swimming, and it looks like it will be a washout this saturday.  basic river ride is planned, to keep us nice and close to civilisation.  see who gains belgium points this weekend.

saturday 9th july

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 mosman 40.39km spr saturday

fast & main groups – river ride 51.80km spr saturday

sunday 10th july

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 – coffee ride

short – kal goose 67.63km spr sunday

long – uwct grand fondo final 2016 training

monday 11th july

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

south stock 33.76km spr monday

tuesday 12th july

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

spr tuesday 36.37km (river ride)

ride starts frasers carpark at 5:45am

development group – interval training kings park

wednesday 13th july

ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am

interval training – stock road repeats

thursday 14th july

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

spr thursday 37.26km (cott & freo)

ride starts frasers carpark at 5:45am

development group – interval training kings park

friday 15th july

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

spr friday 42.01km (shelley)

friday training/recovery ride

lots of people taking advantage of the european summer at the moment with a number of spr members showing their colours overseas.  sarah fitton is still traipsing around most of europe while steph has landed in italy after being in norway.  the outschoorns are out and about in italy, while dave is in fair verona.  at least the weather in perth is nice at the moment.  probably actually better than some places in europe.  am i feeling jealous???  well considering i am still not on my bike post-surgery, even the old lady riding on the bike path is making me jealous.

ride leader sponsor – the ride leader sponsor for june is Life Ready Physio & Pilates South Perth.  A number of our members already utilise the services provided by Life Ready Physio & Pilates South Perth as they are conveniently located in South Perth.

federal election – as mentioned last week, i am standing for the wa senate at this years federal election as a candidate for the australian cyclist party.  on top of your vote, we also need your support to let others know that they have another choice in the election.  convince those family members to put us on their preferences or even better as #1.  check out our facebook page for more details as they emerge.

rules of engagement – please read the previous post if you come out on any of our rides.  it is up to all members to enforce these rules.

pickering brook race 02 – the next round of the pickering brook series is on this weekend.  the spr race committee will be out in support so look for the bright green tent if you are racing.  midland are asking for some volunteers to help keep the races run at a high level.  most of the jobs are pretty easy and will be centred around the start/finish area.  these include time keepers, rider assembly and roll calls and will allow a midland member to go and man a corner on the circuit.  if you can help out, or if your partner can while you are racing, please contact wayne directly and let him know what you can do.  it is important that the local racing continues to be provided so that the sport can develop.

cyclo-sportif swan valley  – expressions of interest are open for anyone that wants to be in an spr team for the swan valley cyclo-sportif.  this is a great opportunity for anyone that is looking for that next step after the spr group rides.  it is not quite racing, but it also, kind of is.  teams of up to 9 riders complete a timed course with the entire team finishing together. it is an all new course as the track cycling will not be running this year. make sure you have a look at the bwa links as there are a few different course with and without climbs.  please see the previous post for further info and add your name to the comments if you are interested.

spr road race champs – the club road champs has been updated after the first pickering brook race.  if you have raced in any of the 4 races listed, see how you are tracking in club points.  the leaderboard can be found in the menu above or here.

slow hills ride – this week there has been a call for a slow sunday hills ride.  it is aimed at those that currently cannot keep up with the short hills.  the idea is that they will have their own regroup and build up endurance over the next few weeks until they can regroup with the main group.  rebecca kelly is organising, so find her before the ride so they know how many to wait for.  they will be initially heading out with the long/short hills.

ride routes – doesn’t perth have the best winters.  next week is looking a bit wet, but this week has been great.  take advantage of it before you are forced onto the trainer in the garage.

saturday 18th june

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 benara 39.90km spr saturday

fast & main groups – morley drive 50.77km spr saturday

sunday 19th june

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 – coffee ride

short – wlsh weir 62.23km spr sunday

long – wlsh weir kal 101.71km spr sunday

monday 20th june

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

south stock 33.76km spr monday

tuesday 21st june

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

spr tuesday 36.37km (river ride)

ride starts frasers carpark at 5:45am

development group – interval training kings park

wednesday 22nd june

ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am

interval training – stock road repeats

thursday 23rd june

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

spr thursday 37.26km (cott & freo)

ride starts frasers carpark at 5:45am

development group – interval training kings park

friday 24th june

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

spr friday 42.01km (shelley)

friday training/recovery ride

politicians.  generally regarded as a bunch of lying bastards that love to hear the sound of their own voice.  however, the way this country is run and access to the funding available means that you sometimes need to get a little political to make things happen.  as such myself and the northern beaches cc president, chris howard, have nominated to stand as senate candidates in this years federal election.  we are representing the australian cyclist party and our aim is to give all cyclist a voice especially in regards to legislation and infrastructure.  the australian cyclist party is not that well known here in perth but it has done enough in the east over the past few election cycles to qualify as a national party.  the aim is to start to influence policy and decisions as we see a close link between cycling and transport, health, environment and town planning priorities.

so what can you do???  well for starters, voting for the party on the white senate paper would be a good start.  we will probably need some help on election day to have a presence at polling booths, and there will also be some political fundraising later to cover costs.  however, right now, it is all about getting the name out there.  we have setup a facebook page and i encourage you to like/share/comment.  the way that facebook works is that the more interaction we get, the more it ends up in other peoples newsfeed.  at the end of the day, there are a lot of cyclists in perth and we need to let them all know that they have a political option.

ride leader sponsor – the ride leader sponsor for june is Life Ready Physio & Pilates South Perth.  A number of our members already utilise the services provided by Life Ready Physio & Pilates South Perth as they are conveniently located in South Perth.

rules of engagement – please read the previous post if you come out on any of our rides.  it is up to all members to enforce these rules.

numbat cup cyclocross – the next round of the numbat cup is on this weekend.  you don’t even need a cx bike as a mtb will do as an alternative.  there is even a kids race on for the under 13’s.  very low key racing and there is even beer handups (not in the kids race).  entries close tonight (except kids can enter on the day).  please see their website for entry and further details.

pickering brook race 02 – the next round of the pickering brook series is on next weekend.  this event always sells out early, so if you want to race, then get on board.  results from this series go towards our road race champs.  for those of you that have been out and raced the midland events at pickering brook, you will know what a well run event it is.  however, they need a bit of help.  midland are asking for some volunteers to help keep the races run at a high level.  most of the jobs are pretty easy and will be centred around the start/finish area.  these include time keepers, rider assembly and roll calls and will allow a midland member to go and man a corner on the circuit.  if you can help out, or if your partner can while you are racing, please contact wayne directly and let him know what you can do.  it is important that the local racing continues to be provided so that the sport can develop.

cyclo-sportif swan valley  – expressions of interest are open for anyone that wants to be in an spr team for the swan valley cyclo-sportif.  this is a great opportunity for anyone that is looking for that next step after the spr group rides.  it is not quite racing, but it also, kind of is.  teams of up to 9 riders complete a timed course with the entire team finishing together. it is an all new course as the track cycling will not be running this year. make sure you have a look at the bwa links as there are a few different course with and without climbs.  please see the previous post for further info and add your name to the comments if you are interested.

spr road race champs – the club road champs has been updated after the first pickering brook race.  if you have raced in any of the 4 races listed, see how you are tracking in club points.  the leaderboard can be found in the menu above or here.

ride routes – a partly cloudy morning with very little chance of rain predicted for saturday morning.  hopefully this breaks the cycle of wet saturday mornings and there can be a good (but cold) turnout for the main ride.

saturday 11th june

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 abernethy 39.96km spr saturday

fast & main groups – hale & ridgehill 50.58km spr saturday

sunday 12th june

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 – coffee ride

short – brktn weir 82.89km spr sunday

long – carr peet obs 97.72km spr sunday

monday 13th june

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

south stock 33.76km spr monday

tuesday 14th june

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

spr tuesday 36.37km (river ride)

ride starts frasers carpark at 5:45am

development group – interval training kings park

wednesday 15th june

ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am

interval training – stock road repeats

thursday 16th june

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

spr thursday 37.26km (cott & freo)

ride starts frasers carpark at 5:45am

development group – interval training kings park

friday 17th june

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

spr friday 42.01km (shelley)

friday training/recovery ride