war on our roads.  many people have heard me say a number of times that there is no war, because if there was, there would be casualties on both sides.  what we have instead, is a media beat up that is deliberately antagonising both sides in order to increase their exposure.  heading up this attack is 9 news perth who has been running a year long story about the “war on our roads”.  every time there is a major incident involving a cyclist there is a story on the news.  usually this would be considered a good thing as extra exposure is great for us as it makes people more aware of how vulnerable we are out there. however, i take task to just how 9 news perth are presenting each story.  the recent footage of a hit and run in midland was a good example of this as the reporter stated that the cyclist were riding 2 abreast.  now if it was just stating the facts, then fine, but in this case the delivery was almost spiteful and it conveyed a message of “well they kind of deserved it”.  after watching the footage, even if they were riding single file, there was still a very high chance that that car was going to take them out.

weeks earlier, there was a story about trying to bring in a law that meant that in a car and bike incident, it was assumed that the car was at fault unless proven otherwise.  this is a great step forward as the majority of the incident reports that i have seen where cyclists have died, often blame the cyclist for disobeying road rules.  when 9 news perth presented this story, the first bit of footage they ran was of a cyclist in england riding into the back of a parked car.  what this does, is instantly make a joke of the proposed law and all the non-riders out there think that cyclist have no idea what they are doing and are dangerous.

even when 9 news perth decided to do an interview with andrew patterson, who was hit by a car that u-turned in front of him, they still had a bit of a dig.  not only did they show the footage of andrew flying over the bonnet of the car, but they also showed footage of other less experienced cyclists not being able to clip in properly at the lights and falling in front of waiting cars.  why???  what did it have to do with this interview.  all it does is again portray cyclists as a impediment to all the registration paying road users out there.

at the end of the story on the midland hit and run, the reporter then made mention of the 1 m rule that has been brought in to effect in other states.  instead of saying that this would be a great rule to bring in for the protection of cyclists, they went on to say that the premier would not bring in this rule as he does not believe that cyclist should ride 2 abreast.  again what this says is that if you ride single file and not hold up traffic, we might protect you, but if you slow traffic, then it is your own fault for getting hit.  unfortunately, mr premier, paola ferroni, kaleb smith and brynt mcswain were all riding single file by themselves when they were struck and killed on your roads.

now, besides letting the premier and 9 news perth know how you feel on these matters, casino what else can we do.  well, firstly, the majority of bike riders also drive cars.  is the way that we treat other drivers, the same as we would like to be treated when riding???  do you let people merge and change lanes, or do you speed up to stop them from taking “your spot”.  do you wave a thanks when people do let you in???  the lack of respect between drivers and riders is no different than what i see between drivers and drivers.  it all starts with attitude and it seems the current view is “how dare you get in my way and slow down my drive”.  this morning on the bike i stopped to see if a guy needed help as he had a flat tyre.  this seems like a normal thing to do as you are out riding, but in this case the flat tyre was on the guys car.  it was still dark and it looked like it may rain soon.  this was not a matter of “cars vs bikes” but it was just the right thing to do.  whether you are riding or driving on the roads just make sure that you are doing the right thing (not just the legal thing).

ride leaders sponsorship – June’s Ride Leaders are proudly sponsored by Watt Australia.   please see the previous post detailing what they provide and we thank them for encouraging our members to step up as ride leaders.  ride leaders will receive a $10 Dome voucher to be used after the saturday ride.  if you have a business that you want to promote to our members, check out the previous post to both promote your business and help out the club.

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.

gary update – as stated in the previous post, gary has been moved to fiona stanley hospital to begin his active rehabilitation.  if you would like to help out financially, please donate to the fundraiser on the right as we will be closing this off at the end of the month.

kit order (now with socks) – the current kit order is closing at the end of this month.  see the previous post for more details and the new spr socks that are on offer.

race buddy program – if you are interested in having a go at racing this year, but are not sure about it, then sign up for our race buddy program.  this matches potential racers with experienced racers who can give advice and help develop riders from weekend warriors into fully fledged racers.  even though they met last satuday, if you are still interested see the previous post for more contact details.

cyclo-sportif teams –  the spr swan valley cyclo-sportif teams are filling up fast.  if you want to join a team, add your name to the comments on the previous post.

winter track grand prix – held each year in conjunction with the swan valley cyclo-sportif, this event showcases some of the best track racing that you will see.  if you are doing the cyclo, then hang around to watch the racing.  if not, then you can get a ticket for the grand prix through a link on the previous post.

spr club champion – the next race in the championship will be the next pickering brook race this weekend.  this event sold out last week so if you were hoping to race, then sorry, but you were too slow.  see the current leaderboard to find out just where you sit in the club championships.

tour of margaret river – for this years tour of margs we have secured 4 men”s and 2 women”s teams to race in spr colours.  next week we will start to open up expressions of interest to fill those teams.  the final composition of those teams may not be finalised till close to the event, and this will be organised by the “all powerful race committee”.  however, to make things easy for you, spr has already secured accommodation all in the same area and will organise transportation logistics for each stage.  see the previous post for more details.

ride routes – the weather is not predicted to be the nicest for this saturday.  as such be aware of the road conditions and ride conservatively to avoid unnecessary risks.  also be aware of the traffic conditions as visibility may also be restricted so be sure that other road users can see you and can safely get by you.

saturday 20th 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 rebold 38.69km spr saturday

fast & main groups – ewen st 50.26km spr saturday

sunday 21st 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

short – grnmt goose 65.22km spr sunday

long – grnmt prk mnd wr 93.71km spr sunday

monday 22nd june

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

main group – south stock 33.76km spr monday

tuesday 23rd 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 24th june

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

spr wednesday 14.22km (uci masters)

ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am

development group – stock road repeats

thursday 25th 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 26th june

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

spr friday 42.01km (shelley)

friday development ride

so at last last year’s tour of margs, there was a competition through punto tours where you placed your race number into the draw and you could win a trip to italy.  well the guy that won couldn’t go, so a redraw saw me heading to italy for a week of following the giro.  it was my first time riding in europe and it was just wow.  awesome scenery, massive climbs, people everywhere, pro riders, scary descents, it had it all.  if you every get the chance to go over, take it.  it is so not perth.  i will be heading back again as soon as i can.

ride leaders sponsorship – June’s Ride Leaders are proudly sponsored by Watt Australia.   please see the previous post detailing what they provide and we thank them for encouraging our members to step up as ride leaders.  ride leaders will receive a $10 Dome voucher to be used after the saturday ride.  if you have a business that you want to promote to our members, check out the previous post to both promote your business and help out the club.

friday development ride – this ride has been put together to help develop anyone that wants to participate in the swan valley cyclo-sportif later in the year.  not aimed at those that are already racing, this is to help get people used to the type of riding required for a cyclo.  see the previous post for more details.

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.

spr club champion – the next race in the championship will be the next pickering brook race in june.  see the current leaderboard to find out just where you sit in the club championships.

cyclo-sportif team leaders – we are looking at putting together a bunch of teams for the cyclo-sportif in swan valley.  currently we are getting names of people that can be relied on to be team leaders and get the group organised.  for more info see the previous post.

ladies day – this saturday there will be 3 ladies only groups slotted in between the main groups.  see the previous post for more details.

ride routes – chance of rain predicted for saturday, so be prepared.  winter is here, but the cold weather has not hit just yet.  however, a bit of rain can play havoc with the group.

saturday 6th 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 rebold 38.69km spr saturday

fast & main groups – tv stations 50.29km spr saturday

sunday 7th 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

short – khna weir 72.23km spr sunday

long – khna can mills 94.55km spr sunday

monday 8th june

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

main group – south stock 33.76km spr monday

tuesday 9th 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 10th june

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

spr wednesday 14.22km (uci masters)

ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am

development group – stock road repeats

thursday 11th 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 12th june

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

spr friday 42.01km (shelley)

friday development ride

From the office of the Vice President

With El Prez enjoying a well-earned break in Italy (and getting some good SPR exposure on International television) it falls to me to provide the spiel this week. The main aim is not to get any politicians offside.

It has been a busy week, with my wife away and me tending to 3 teenagers at home. The struggle has been to fit in training in between work, lifts to and from school, sports and jobs, together with doing the cooking cleaning and other jobs said teenagers were meant to do.

However, organising the children and coping with it will no doubt put me in good staid for Saturday morning, when once again the task of organising the Main 1 groups will befall me. With the fine weather still here, I’m expecting a big turnout and so there will be the need to split groups. Ideally, in the interest of safety, the groups should be kept to a maximum of 25.

Please be warned I will come down on anyone who tries and sneaks across the divisions. Get organised beforehand with the people you want to ride with.

The route this week is an old favourite with enough lumps to keep everyone happy.

On the racing front, good luck to those heading up to Kalgoorlie this weekend and well done to all those who participated in the Pickering Brook Race last week, especially the ones who climbed the podium in the various grades.

Dr J

ride leaders – I’ll be taking out either the trannies or Main 4 this week and am looking for others to assist in other groups. sign up here.

ride leaders sponsorship – May’s Ride Leaders are proudly sponsored by Forever Living Products.   please see the previous post detailing what they provide and we thank them for encouraging our members to step up as ride leaders.  ride leaders will receive a $10 Dome voucher to be used after the saturday ride.  if you have a business that you want to promote to our members, check out the previous post to both promote your business and help out the club.

friday development ride – this ride has been put together to help develop anyone that wants to participate in the swan valley cyclo-sportif later in the year.  not aimed at those that are already racing, this is to help get people used to the type of riding required for a cyclo.  see the previous post for more details.

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.

ride routes – 

saturday 30th may

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 Reverse River 40.58KM SPR Saturday

fast & main groups – Cresswell & Herdsman 48.86Km SPR Saturday

sunday 31st may

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 – brktn weir 82.89km spr sunday

long – carr peet obs 97.72km spr sunday

monday 1st june – wa day

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

main group – south stock 33.76km spr monday

rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am

fast & main groups – public hol 58.97km spr special

tuesday 2nd 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 3rd june

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

spr wednesday 14.22km (uci masters)

ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am

development group – stock road repeats

thursday 4th 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 5th june

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

spr friday 42.01km (shelley)

friday development ride

mateship.  australians seem to understand it, the italians maybe not so much.  when it comes to sport and the rules, there is no room for shades of grey as this allows people to dope and then blame an innocent spanish cow.  the rule about collusion in cycling is found at all levels as i have even heard it discussed at a ‘b’ grade race.  it is rare that it is enforced especially in australia as here it is seen as being a good sport.  our club has a similar ethos and i hope it is one that never changes.  whenever someone is in trouble, people need to stop and help.  the whole group doesn’t necessarily have to stop, but you need to make sure that the person can get home safely.  individuals also need to take responsibility for their own actions too.  you can’t just rely on the group to bail you out whether it is a flat tyre or even just knowing the directions.  look out for each other but make sure you are equipped to look after yourself.

ride leaders – support the club and help us become ambassadors for the sport in the public eye. put your name down as ride leader to ensure that the group ride is safe and organised. sign up here.

ride leaders sponsorship – May’s Ride Leaders are proudly sponsored by Forever Living Products.   please see the previous post detailing what they provide and we thank them for encouraging our members to step up as ride leaders.  ride leaders will receive a $10 Dome voucher to be used after the saturday ride.  if you have a business that you want to promote to our members, check out the previous post to both promote your business and help out the club.

gary update – as mentioned last week he has been moved to the specialist orthopaedic ward but still at royal perth.  he is in ward 5H on the fifth floor, room K.  visiting hours are 9-1 & 3-8.  hopefully he will be assessed at the end of this week and will be moved to the fiona stanley rehab ward.  he is improving and has had lots of stitches out and bandages removed.  however, his new room does not have a window and he shares it with some guys that snore.  any visits would be appreciated as he is still a bit limited with his movement and is just watching a lot of tv.  don’t forget the fundraiser link that we have running to help support him in his recovery.  check the right hand sidebar.

friday development ride – this ride has been put together to help develop anyone that wants to participate in the swan valley cyclo-sportif later in the year.  not aimed at those that are already racing, this is to help get people used to the type of riding required for a cyclo.  see the previous post for more details.

pickering brook race series – the first race is on this weekend and is part of the club championship.  the race has sold out due to popularity but there will be another couple in june and july.  more info in the previous post.

goldfields cyclassic – two massive days of racing in kalgoorlie with up to $20,000 in the prize pool.  if you are up for it this year, we are organising a transport and accommodation package for club members.  see the previous post for more details.

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.

ride routes – after a very wet saturday last week, we are expecting this week to at least be dry (however, it didn’t stop a few riders last week).  it may be a bit cold, so rug up and make sure you check the map before you get to whiteman park.

saturday 23rd may

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 – whiteman park 50.4km spr saturday

sunday 24th may

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 – goose kal 63.41km spr sunday

long – darl weir 100.09km spr sunday

monday 25th may

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

main group – south stock 33.76km spr monday

tuesday 26th may

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 27th may

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

spr wednesday 14.22km (uci masters)

ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am

development group – stock road repeats

thursday 28th may

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 29th may

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

spr friday 42.01km (shelley)

friday development ride

so you almost had a new club president this week as there has been massive restructures at work and i was pretty sure that i was gone.  we had already started the plans to move back to victoria where there is another club there that needs a bit of help…  however, i managed to survive the cull and so you will have to put up with me for a while longer.  i am sure that our strong, stable club committee and a strong club culture is greater than the input of just one person and would survive the test of time.

ride leaders – support the club and help us become ambassadors for the sport in the public eye. put your name down as ride leader to ensure that the group ride is safe and organised. sign up here.

ride leaders sponsorship – May’s Ride Leaders are proudly sponsored by Forever Living Products.   please see the previous post detailing what they provide and we thank them for encouraging our members to step up as ride leaders.  ride leaders will receive a $10 Dome voucher to be used after the saturday ride.  if you have a business that you want to promote to our members, check out the previous post to both promote your business and help out the club.

gary update – so i went to visit gary today and he has improved so much since i was in there last week.  no more tubes (in & out) and some of the bandages have come off.  he is complaining about the razors in the hospital, so is getting his son to come in and shave him.  what he is currently waiting for is an assessment of his vertebrae fractures to allow him to sit more upright.  when that happens, things should improve dramatically for him as he will be able to do a lot more.  walking is still a long way off but every little bit of mobility is an improvement.  he was saying that he has had a fairly steady stream of visitors over the last week which he really appreciates.  don’t just stop at one visit, make sure you go see him again so you can keep him updated with what is going on outside the hospital walls.  he has also just moved out of the trauma ward and into a specialist orthopaedic ward.  he is in ward 5H on the fifth floor, room K.  visiting hours are 9-1 & 3-8.  don’t forget the fundraiser link that we have running to help support him in his recovery.  check the right hand sidebar.

giro d’italia dinner – it’s on again, this years first SPROOLERS event.  celebrating the running of the giro in italy we will be having an italian night on the 19th may.  see the previous post for more details and add your name to that blog post if you are coming.

friday development ride – this ride has been put together to help develop anyone that wants to participate in the swan valley cyclo-sportif later in the year.  not aimed at those that are already racing, this is to help get people used to the type of riding required for a cyclo.  see the previous post for more details.

pickering brook race series – the first race on the 24th may is part of the club championship.  the series a great place to have a go at racing and they have an option to do a individual tt first.  more info in the previous post.

goldfields cyclassic – two massive days of racing in kalgoorlie with up to $20,000 in the prize pool.  if you are up for it this year, we are organising a transport and accommodation package for club members.  see the previous post for more details.

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.

ride routes – well after an outstanding week of fine weather, the weekend is not looking so flash.  there is a good chance that we may just miss the mess on saturday morning, but the sunday ride may be a little damp.  please take care out there as it hasn’t rained for a while so the roads will be a little messy.

saturday 16th may

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 17th may

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 – brktn weir 82.89km spr sunday

long – f’berg urch obs 96.16km spr sunday

monday 18th may

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

main group – south stock 33.76km spr monday

tuesday 19th may

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 20th may

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

spr wednesday 14.22km (uci masters)

ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am

development group – stock road repeats

thursday 21st may

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 22nd may

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

spr friday 42.01km (shelley)

friday development ride

so gary pennefather is now out of sedation and has been moved from icu into the trauma ward.  this week he started seeing visitors and a number of close riding buddies were informed so we could see how things went.  he really appreciates the visits as they help pass the time when all he can do is lie on his back.  we are now opening it up to anyone who knows him that wants to visit.  he is in the trauma ward of royal perth and visiting hours are 9-1 and 3-8.  please be aware that he still has significant injuries from a major trauma and this can be quite confronting for most people.  although, he would appreciate the visit, he also understands that some people can feel uneasy visiting in hospital.  he told me today that he will soon be moving to fiona stanley as they have a better rehab section, so this may be more convenient for some people.  as his recovery will be a very long process we, as a club, will be supporting him as much as we can.  as such on the right sidebar of the blog you will see a donate fundraiser button.  please donate what you can to help his recovery as it may be quite a while before he is back at work.

to the accident itself.  we haven’t been talking much about the details and have been concentrating on supporting gary.  the short version is that on a tricky descent, he misjudged his speed on sharp corner and ended up on the wrong side of the road with a car coming the other way.  the car driver did nothing wrong and obviously was quite shaken up by the event.  although these are club training rides and we do whatever we can to ensure that they are as safe as possible, you need to be aware of the course, the conditions and your own abilities.  we will now be changing that ride route to a safer one, but people still need to take care to avoid putting themselves in a risky situation.  stay safe.

ride leaders – support the club and help us become ambassadors for the sport in the public eye. put your name down as ride leader to ensure that the group ride is safe and organised. sign up here.

ride leaders sponsorship – May’s Ride Leaders are proudly sponsored by Forever Living Products.   please see the previous post detailing what they provide and we thank them for encouraging our members to step up as ride leaders.  ride leaders will receive a $10 Dome voucher to be used after the saturday ride.  if you have a business that you want to promote to our members, check out the previous post to both promote your business and help out the club.

giro d’italia dinner – it’s on again, this years first SPROOLERS event.  celebrating the running of the giro in italy we will be having an italian night on the 19th may.  see the previous post for more details and add your name to that blog post if you are coming.

friday development ride – this ride has been put together to help develop anyone that wants to participate in the swan valley cyclo-sportif later in the year.  not aimed at those that are already racing, this is to help get people used to the type of riding required for a cyclo.  see the previous post for more details.

goldfields cyclassic – two massive days of racing in kalgoorlie with up to $20,000 in the prize pool.  if you are up for it this year, we are organising a transport and accommodation package for club members.  see the previous post for more details.

club coaches – the club has a few home grown coaches that can help you improve your cycling.  whether you are at the transitional level or wanting to make the jump into “a” grade, there is something for you.  check out the previous post for more details.

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.

ride routes – well it is starting to cool off a bit in the mornings, but the days are just perfect for riding.  make the most of your weekend and get a few k’s in.  just don’t forget it is mothers day on sunday (so we scheduled a shorted long hills ride so you can get home in time).

saturday 9th may

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 shelley 40.59km spr saturday

fast & main groups – south lake 51.99km spr saturday

sunday 10th may – mothers day

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 – wlsh weir 62.23km spr sunday

long – wlsh obs kal 90.32km spr sunday

monday 11th may

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

main group – south stock 33.76km spr monday

tuesday 12th may

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 may

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

spr wednesday 14.22km (uci masters)

ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am

development group – stock road repeats

thursday 14th may

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 may

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

spr friday 42.01km (shelley)

friday development ride

this week has been the most stressful and traumatic week of my life. as you know, gary pennefather was involved in an accident on the sunday long hills ride.  he has extensive injuries and it will take a very long time for him to recover.  he is still sedated while they continue the lengthy series of operations and therefore is not able to take visitors.  we are not going to discuss the accident or the extent of his injuries at this time, rather we need to focus on him and his family and supporting them through this very rough time.  on top of that, the other 11 people that were on that ride have had to face something that none of us ever want to see again.  please try to be sensitive when talking to these people about the incident and recognise that they may not really want to relive/replay it every time they have a conversation. the club has reached out to these people to offer support and as we get a clearer picture of gary”s condition, we will organise some form of club support for him and his family. please be careful out on the roads as we are one of the most vulnerable road users.  look out for each other and stay safe.

ride leaders – support the club and help us become ambassadors for the sport in the public eye. put your name down as ride leader to ensure that the group ride is safe and organised. sign up here.

ride leaders sponsorship – this months ride leaders are proudly sponsored by Riders Choice.   please see the previous post detailing what they provide and we thank them for encouraging our members to step up as ride leaders.  ride leaders will receive a $10 Dome voucher to be used after the saturday ride.  if you have a business that you want to promote to our members, check out the previous post to both promote your business and help out the club.

riders choice spr deal – as part of their ride leaders sponsorship this month, Riders Choice are giving spr members a special headstart to their floor stock clearance.  this friday (24th) if you head into either their cbd or leederville stores, you can get 25% off all floor stock (except garmin).  just show them your ca membership card that has south perth cc listed as your club and you can get a great discount.  this is for the floor stock only of bikes and accessories, no orders.  also, a couple of guys from riders choice shops will be at the coffee shop after the saturday ride handing out cards and answering any questions people may have in regards to new bike purchases.

more racing – this anzac day, the midland club are hosting their annual stan gurney vc memorial criterium.  entries are closed, but if you are not already racing, get out there and support those that are.  next weekend will be the tom lowry memorial weekend in collie.  with a criterium on the saturday around the race track and a road race on the sunday, it looks to be a hot weekend of racing.  more details on both races can be found on the previous post.

goldfields cyclassic – two massive days of racing in kalgoorlie with up to $20,000 in the prize pool.  if you are up for it this year, we are organising a transport and accommodation package for club members.  see the previous post for more details.

club coaches – the club has a few home grown coaches that can help you improve your cycling.  whether you are at the transitional level or wanting to make the jump into “a” grade, there is something for you.  check out the casino pa natet the previous post. like most things political, it takes more than one voice to get heard. there are lots of spaces in the survey to put detailed descriptions of what you see as the issues. uwct grand fondo photos – i didn’t race due to a back injury, so i lived through the rest of the club via the camera. some photos on the previous post. club champion – the next race on the club champion calender is the midland 100 on april 12th. please see the previous post for more details. the results of the pemberton race are also posted on aprevious, but different, 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. vice presidential good friday 3 dams ride – the 3rd annual vp 3 dams ride is on friday 3rd april. as in other years, this is not a beginners ride, so be aware that the pace will be solid and regroups minimised. make sure you bring adequate food and water as most shops will not be open. please see the previous post for further details. ride routes – the first weekend of the month is ladies day. this week we will have ladies only main 1 and main 2 rides starting just behind the main 1 and main 2 rides. take this opportunity to get involved in the pace making with the benefit of trailing groups to pick you up if you get into trouble. friday 3rd april ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am spr friday 42.01km (shelley) ride starts at coode st carpark at 6:00am vice presidential good friday 3 dams ride rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am fast & main groups – public hol 58.97km spr special saturday 4th april 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 – abernethy rd 48.21km spr saturday sunday 5th april ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am early lap – earlybird 40.93km spr special ride starts at coode st carpark at 6:00am beginner dams training – somewhere all rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am short – khna weir 72.23km spr sunday long – khna trnr obs 94.99km spr sunday monday 6th april ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am development group – development ride main group – south stock 33.76km spr monday rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am fast & main groups – public hol 58.97km spr special tuesday 7th april 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 8th april ride starts under the narrows (cityside) at 5:30am spr wednesday 14.22km (uci masters) ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am development group – stock road repeats thursday 9th april 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 10th april ride starts under the narrows (sth perth side) at 5:30am spr friday 42.01km (shelley)”>previous post for more details.

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.

ride routes – this saturday is anzac day.  it is an important day for us to remember the sacrifice that others have made for our country.  it is also a very busy day in the city and we must be aware of that.  we are trying to plan the ride routes for minimum disruption, but just be aware that if we happen upon a service or ceremony along the way, please be respectful and not disturb them too much.  with the dawn service and then parade on along st georges terrace, access to the Dome may also be a bit tricky.  again, please be respectful and diligent as you head in for coffee as the last few blocks will be closed so we will need to hit the pavement.  Dome will be busy, but the bike racks will be up and they are expecting us.

saturday 25th april – anzac day

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 reverse river 40.58km spr saturday

fast & main groups – alexander drive 50.46km spr saturday

sunday 26th april

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 – grnmt prk mnd wr 93.71km spr sunday

monday 27th april

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

development group – development ride

main group – south stock 33.76km spr monday

rides start at coode st carpark at 7:00am

fast & main groups – public hol 58.97km spr special

tuesday 28th april

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 29th april

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

spr wednesday 14.22km (uci masters)

ride starts raffles bike path at 5:30am

development group – stock road repeats

thursday 30th april

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 1st may

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

spr friday 42.01km (shelley)