Tag Archives: SPR

My Attack on SPR Sunday Hills ride (Gooseberry Hill)

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It’s been a while since I done one of these so lets see how it goes. Alarm went off at 5:45 and as opposed to yesterday it wasn’t raining cats and dog. So this meant was time to roll. By the time I got to the end of the street their was enough water on the road to make my brakes slip. Thankfully I still stopped. Bit of a head wind this morning and I was being blown around like a rag doll. Headwind was easier to deal with than the fences put up for the HBF run for a reason. “Cycle Path closed 8:30 – 10:30am 23/5/2010”. According to my time it wasn’t even close to 7am. More of a rant about this later. Was the first to arrive at Coode St and as it got closer to 7am I was starting to think I might be the only one here to ride today. Thankfully as is the SPR way everyone waits until 6:58am to start showing there faces and by about 7:05am I think we must have had close to 20 riders. Noticeably missing all the #spr twitter gossip bunch. I’m sure they would be tweeting there excuses later.

Peter announced the routes and added my suggestion for the main group of also doing Gooseberry Hill Rd. Its a Sunday ride one climb up Kalamunda was not going to be enough. After a show of hands I thought there would be a decent main group today. More on this later. We rolled out with Peter and Stuart I believe heading towards Burswood. Sitting on a comfortable 27 – 32km/h and a nice tailwind was looking like an easy start to the day. Stuart who had already had three flats in the Saturday ride (That’s what happens when you ride in crazy weather) felt his rear was going down and after taking a glance it looked like he could do with some more air. The group pulled over just near TBE Belmont for a quick tyre change but as things seemed to take longer than expected we were told to ride on. Taking the opportunity of the tail wind I rolled off and found myself on the front and not being gobbled up by the faster riders. At one point we took off from the lights and starting pushing over 40km/h (love tailwind) when we were told to back off. Bugger tailwind abuse it :). After the turn off Great Eastern Highway time to pull off and let these stronger riders do the work into the headwind for the ride down to Helena Valley. Just as we crossed the train line Darryl dropped his water bottle and thought he might have just blown a tyre. The group pulled over again and waited to see what was wrong. No flat it seems and we were soon rolling again. Another rider who sorry didn’t get your name was telling me he would come do Gooseberry Hill with me as he also thought today’s route was a bit short. Road was still wet and plenty of sand being picked up. It’s great to add weight to a heavy bike when you know your soon going to be climbing up hill.

Right at the round about and into the warm-up climb Ridge Hill Rd. Picked my gear and pounded away. Gotta get me a Garmin so I know how well I’m doing on these hills. Then again I will probably just be disappointed. Reached the top and wasn’t the last. Regroup was at the bottom of zig zags. Peter announced the whole group would detour slightly from the planned route so he could wave of those that were going to do the climb with me. Of we rolled and the whole group sitting on around 50km/h for the down hill and a nice spray coming off the road. On the approach to Gooseberry Hill Rd only saw one other rider turn left at the round about. With a quick good luck from Peter it was a flick of the finger and get the hell out of my big gear. Quickly realised it was only myself and Peter (another Peter) doing the climb. He was quickly around 50m in front of me and seemed to be doing well. I was jumping between gears trying to find my rhythm. I think I left it down the bottom. As we arrived at the crest before the second half of the climb I had caught back or Peter had backed off and I told him that was the easy part its the kicker at the end that kills you.

Rounding the corner and taking a quick look at the view it was down to the 3rd gear and up off the saddle for the next few hundred meters. Glace at the speed a few times it was between 12 – 15km/h which is little less than some of the other climbs but this was steeper. The rain from the past 24hrs had left enough branches and sticks to avoid but was no running water so that was good. Past the point I had to stop on my last attempt and thought I’m doing well. About 200m from the round about I thought for a second ok tallest gear. Ah wait sucker you already picked it keep going. Felt robbed I thought I had one more left but this was it. Was questioning why I chose to do this so this was it last 200m go for it. I got to the roundabout closed my eyes and prayed no car was going to make me stop because I was coming through. Into the round about no cars 30m and left turn then stop. I got to the top made the turn and stopped about 5m from the corner, head collapse over the handle bars. Happy I had finally ticked this one of the list and was thinking never have I felt so spent like I do right now. Just after me Peter pulled in front happy to have also reached the top. I think it was at least 2 minutes before either had enough air to say a word.

However after just a few minutes rest we started rolling down the road towards the Zig Zags. The easy roll helped to get the air back and quickly felt good again. Was a bit of a cross wind on the Zig Zag today and didn’t pick up the speed thought we would. I allowed plenty of time to slow down for the corners as the roads were wet and so were our brakes. Bottom of Zig Zags and back to where we were with the rest of the group not long before. Easy ride through to Kalamunda Rd. Soon it was the climb up Kalamunda. Second time for me and I was unsure. Legs felt ok but its the start of this climb that has the sting. Peter lead the entire length of Kalamunda Rd. Was a comfortable pace and nothing to gain by pushing each other. Greeted by three walkers managed to say good morning as we crossed paths. I think they thought cyclists on this road was a strange site. They should go for a walk more often on a Sunday morning.

Arrived at the Cafe expecting to see a few bikes lined up but there wasn’t. Only person I noticed was Darryl. All the rest had gone to suffer Peters route. Was a little surprised but thought oh well. Meant there was no line to get my chocolate muffin for a change. Like last week they had a new girl on the till and I must have said chocolate muffin 4 times and she kept entering Hot Chocolate, Mocha blah blah. Eventually the boss lady pressed the right button.

Having explained our climb to Darryl and finishing muffins, coffees etc back on the road. Because of the wet decided to take Canning Rd to Pommeroy Rd and Welshpool down the hill. Darryl and I were swapping turns on the front. Short turns each seemed to be working well. On the decent down Welshpool Rd was sitting right behind Darryl and I think I rolled past him However I don’t have the weight to carry me down and the headwind capped the top speed at 66.8 km/h Again Darryl was doing the work on the front and I kindly sat on his wheel. Didn’t have the legs yet. We got a rhythm going and shared the workload again until just after Roe Hwy when Peters rear tyre got sliced and he decided to call it a day. A phone call to his misses would see him finish his ride here. Least it was at a bus stop. Darryl and I continued on sitting above 30km/h. I took my care crossing the train line at Welshpool not wanting to repeat a previous blowout here. For a change we stuck to Albany Hwy and cruised through the Cafe strip. Haven’t been through this area myself for quite a while. Having arrived at the Causeway bid Darryl fairwell and decided I would take a route through East Perth home because of the HBF Run for a reason event being on. Last week had my avg speed destroyed by dogs on the million paws walk. This week I was stuck in traffic because of the chaos caused by this event. From what I could tell they owed the causeway which had an african band playing on henderson island. Runners on both sides of the road and cars not knowing where to go. Noticing that the runners seemed to be heading the same way I was I ditched the traffic and jumped into their lane. Best move because they couldn’t keep up :).

However caught at the lights for at least five minutes waiting for a green arrow. (This would be the pattern for all the other lights.) green light clip in go. Stop. Green Go. Climb the hill in East Perth Stop. Go, over the hill down the other side Red Light stop. GRRR was like this until I eventually got through and onto the East Perth cycle path and had a nice tailwind helping me sit on 36 – 37km/h all the way home. Distance of 86.5 kms and was only 10:30am. Good ride and look forward to Tuesday morning.

By Nathan Rzepecki

Alice Springs MTB Enduro

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New SPR members Chris Browne, Peter Gill and yours truly Nigel Nosering set off on QF 1335 Peth / Alice Springs for 5 days and 285 km of desert racing, having never been to the red centre we weren’t had no preconceived expectations of what trails were like. I had a new ride strategy and opted for a light hardtail Giant that would later prove to be a very painful experience.

Airlines and excess baggage combined to give me broken spokes, a buckled rim and slightly bent brake rotor and a quick trip to Ultimate Ride bike shop had the hardtail in race condition again. Ultimate Ride was a lifesaver for many competitors, quick service and a no BS assessment of damage/parts for your bike, all at very reasonable cost for the captive market.

Alice springs had seen over 800mm of rain since January, making the already rough terrain even rougher. John Jacoby (Race director) warned competitors that this year would be harder, the fast sections of the course would be cut by washouts and gullies and concentration would be needed to get through each stage of racing. “ Fade out for a second and you will pay the price!” was a sober warning, even for experienced Enduro riders.

Stage 1-40km.

Rapid Ascent wanted to raise visibility of the Enduro to residents so a 6km controlled start had competitors riding under police escort through a circuit of town. Traffic lights were turned off and with all of us feeling like a pro peloton the primary school kids held out for “hi fives” to passing riders. Riding on the peloton geared up to 35km/h out of town surging onto 4×4 track and the race started in earnest.

Highlights of stage 1 included a very fast railway road section and the aptly named “hell line”, 8 km of technical rock gardens. While the lowlights saw fast riding straight into sandy riverbeds and the walk thereafter and late in the stage, 2km from finish, a sharp unrideable hill of loose fist size rocks sapping energy from already tired legs. The finish included 1 lap of Alice Springs velodrome; knobby wheels and smooth concrete aren’t a good mix, so an easy and low wall lap had us over the line with a 3hr 33min finish time (all of us riding as a group). Start conservative and finish the week strong was our aim.

Even for the pro riders times were down by 40min, this year was going to be hard! Slowest rider picked up by sweeper rider at 4:30pm.

Damage toll from day 1 = 3 broken carbon frames including a Specialized S Works hard tail ($6600USD), 1 broken wrist (2 hour walk out to medical help) and 4 broken ribs.

Stage 2- Individual Hill climb

In reverse order, at 30-second intervals, competitors lined up for a 300m climb of Anzac Hill, located in the centre of town. The hill was deceptive, one pinch at the first corner and another close to the summit, the masses waiting for their call up. Race Manager Sam had the goods 50 seconds =superman ride, 1 min= Hellman ride. Step up for glory!

  • Nigel 1 min flat
  • Chris 1.03
  • Peter 1.12

Stage 3-48 km

A 5km commute to the old Telegraph station. Day 1 had taken its toll with only 190 of the 240 registered competitors at the start line; many had opted to only ride key stages through the week. Starting with lots of sand giving way to some of the best single track west Alice springs had to offer, long and fast flow sections leading to switch back climbs and technical descents.

The technical single track saw walking at times to be the safe option. Chris, Peter and I as veterans of John Forrest single track bombed the downhill and spun the climbs, for Chris especially walking was not an option when a little balance, some finesse and, at times, fearless bravery on step downs/roll ins got you through.

This was pure MTB fun. Riding as a group again 3hr 27min maintaining our overall standing. Peter finished fatigued, probably as a result of the ½ Ironman he raced the week before.

Stage finished we rode to the Chifley Hotel event central for bike transport to Stage 4, pedals off, bubble wrap on road train stacked with alloy and carbon out to Trephina Gorge.

On a side story- The road train went past the start turn off and over a river crossing. Unable to turn around it was unhitched manoeuvred over the river crossing and back to the start area finally unloaded by crew at 11:30pm.

Stage 4-93km.

A very early 5:15am bus ride from the Chifley Hotel for the longest stage of the Enduro.  The bottom of Trephina gorge pre dawn was only 3 degrees and 172 riders set out on new single track through the western end of the gorge.

Twice riders were forced to cross 6ft deep gullies cut by the recent rain and long riverbeds of sand including lots of walking. Very early water at 15 km had us recalculating our hydration; it was 48 km to water point 2 so a refill was in order, and a replacement bottle for me (lost one in a gully).

The track turned more flowing in open terrain for km after km, then at the 65 km mark turned into a sand slog like walking Bondi beach in summer. Different but not really fun.

Water point 3 at the 82km mark and the track improved into a 2wd station road.  The SPR boys formed up and the tempo increased, our 3 man train rode on, people asked to jump on then hold on and then blown off the back. Congratulations go to Pete pulling hard at the front for long stretches having recovered from day 2. A late left turn 4km out of town and we rode single track into the Chifley Hotel for a 6hr 4min. I’m not sure I fully appreciated the trail due to jolting back pain and saddle sores. The hardtail was a big mistake!

The afternoon was spent recovering legs in the Chifley Hotel pool with liquid carbs, watching riders cross the line, 8hr 55min for the last rider.

Mid event dinner/presentation/pasta party, ravenous riders queue for 20 min to get at the substantial buffet dinner. Pasta, salads, fish, steak and 3 deserts to choose from, replacing the 3000 calories expended earlier in the day.

Sam and John gave the stage presentation and also stories from the trail: Numerous gas bulbs given, pumps given freely.

One rider stopping to help another by giving a spare chain and derailleur.

A Junior (16 yrs) riding by himself was found singing Lady Ga Ga, a little dehydrated and was given a full water bladder to finish.

And a confession from John Jacoby that the water point 1 Toyota 4×4 bogged in a riverbed up to both diffs for over an hour so the water point had to be moved.

Stage 5-22km Individual Time Trial.

Reverse order 30 second intervals.  Slept in for Gentleman’s start time 10 o clock at the golf course.  Chris during his pre race check found he had no back brake; an air bubble and no bleed kit meant Chris would have an interesting TT. We lined up Peter, Nigel, and Chris. Very fast golf path start on to 35km/h flow single track, I tried to stay in touch with Pete, but with screaming back pain had trouble pushing big ring.

The track changed to steep winding uphill through the middle of the course and a monster climb at half way then down fast switch back to the valley. Chris later said he could hold his rear brake lever to handle bar with no effect on the downhill.

A rocky finish on single track cut a 1inch hole in my front tyre and with a fountain of tyre sealant spilling from it I watched Pete race away. Cursing rotten luck I begged the tyre to hold pressure, a 2 km run on rim/rubber along the golf path and overtaken by one rider I had passed earlier completed the TT.

  • Peter 1hr 9min, passing 4
  • Nigel 1hr 12min, passing 3
  • Chris 1hr 15min, passing 2

Back to bike shop for tyre/sealant replacement and a brake bleed.

Stage 6-22km Night ride.

Same course as day TT but with a mass start. Self-seeding was stressed for this stage and the Golf club PA blasted ACDC “Thunderstruck” to get everyone pumped up. SPR boys riding as a group we weaved through the masses on the golf path. On to the dirt Chris jumps a gully calling the obstacle in the dark, I plough in unaware and Pete runs over the top of me, 5 riders scream past, we sort it out and get back on track. I lead some fast sections into the hills calling turns, rocks, steps and soft sections. Later Pete climbs away and on the steepest hill while I watched Chris nail the climb spurred on by torch wielding crowd. So many walking and we manage to tame the beast. Close riding in the dark into the rock section I drop my chain, along the track SPR boys waited for me, thanks! We crossed the line together in 1hr 21min, dropping a couple of places in category.

Highlights from the pro end of the field included a new course record 55min 11sec and one lead pack rider hitting a kangaroo that jumped off un injured.

Stage 7-45km.

Saving the best till last. The peloton blasted off for a lap of the Chifley Hotel grounds; onto 4×4 trail East of Alice Springs. Today we would reverse some of day 2 trails linking up with some new development trails made by the Alice MTB crew. Technical slab drops and rises, fast single track and switch back turns again, whether it was our familiarity with the trails or their natural flow, we quickly raced on passing riders on the down hills and steady climbing the rises. The water point came quickly and we were still high on awesome single track riding. Soon we were back out onto fast 4wd track and then rocky hills. 15km from the finish we looked out to the left across a dry riverbed, John Jacoby the sadist giving us a glimpse of the end, I am almost home.  Pete and Chris relish the terrain, ride the rocks and excel in the rough stuff, I on the other hand have two pairs of knicks on and wince at each rock, surviving to finish, 3hr 9min.

Alice MTB Enduro is a well organized and smooth running established event, the rapid ascent team run a tight ship and in spite of the course conditions this year it left everyone with the satisfaction that they had really been challenged by the trails.

Temperature overall was mild, 22-26 degrees making for fast racing and the fresh 9am starts gave way to glorious days. Water points were well stocked with endura or torq electrolyte as well as watermelon, bananas and huge cookies (plain or chocolate). I was overwhelmed by the amount of single track Alice had to offer; their trail builders are active and dedicated to promoting it as a MTB destination.

Signing off Nigel Nosering

Wembley Cycles 6hr

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Sunday 30th May heralds this year’s Wembley Cycles 6hr. This is the 2nd race in the Enduro series, to be held at Langford park, Jarrahdale, just south of Byford.

After SPRs good turnout at the 4hr, we’re hoping for even more at the 6hr. There are 3 types of entry – Solo, Duo or Trio. Already a few have entered as solo riders for the day. If your not up to doing it solo and would like to form a team, let me know in the comments and we can organise a few teams. Check here for entry options. We will have the SPR team tent setup in the transition zone as well.

Online entry for the event closes next Tuesday 25th May, but you can still enter on the day with an extra fee. Full details are available on the event page. If you would like to ride the course in advance it has already been marked, so knock yourselves out. If you head down this weekend you will find plenty of others doing the same. I rode some of the course the other week and its definately looking good.

If your already keen signup now!!

*note Spud & Mike B – this course will be easier than The GoatFarm.

PMBC XC series round 3 report

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This Sunday was race 3 of the PMBC XC series and we had a small showing of riders across a variety of categories. Mike B showed up for the old fellas and at the other end of the spectrum Lorraine’s son Nick was there for the younger generation. In between was myself and Juddy. The alleged appearance of the Flying Fynn was to be nothing but a rumour.

After Saturday’s chilly morning we were expecting more of the same for Sunday but thankfully the sun came to the party. So we all arrived fairly rugged up but soon sheaded down to race kit. I got there early and found a nice spot for the team tent, that was trailside and near the finish line. Following a quick warmup on the kids course it was race time.

The first wave saw Mike B heading out followed by young Nick and then myself with 2mins between each. Apparently Mike got in 1 lap before realizing he was a bit out of his skills league when hitting the downhill rock garden and deciding to not risk injury and call it a day. Nick in his first race managed a good lap but found the endurance factor a bit much. Both did well for their first efforts at MTB racing. With a bit more time on the dirt and some skills training they will be flying. I managed to break my curse at the Goat Farm and finished a race with no crashes or mechanicals, which was nice for a change(and lucky since i did the 1st lap with a road tube spare). This course was a bit shorter than previous races but more technical, with some punishing climbs and gnarly downhills to test, but still enjoyable.

Once our groups had finished it was time for Juddy and the more elite riders to head off. within metres of the start Juddy realised he may have chosen the wrong category, the field just blitz off ahead of him. None the less he stepped up and got back in it. Unfortunately he only got thru 2 laps before pulling out with a mechanical. Somewhere along the line he hit a rock and buckled his big ring severely killing any chance of changing gears, not good at a course like the Goat Farm where the elevation changes greatly.

All in all a good day with no injuries and fun was had by all. SPR are definitely getting some good coverage around Perth and PMBC have said they are happy to see us on the dirt as well. So lets make a big appearance at the next event, which will be the 6hr Enduro down at Jarrahdale on May 30th.

A few pics, with more to follow when Lorraine gets them to me.

PMBC XC Series – Round 3

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This Sunday is round 3 of the 2010 XC series to be held at the Goat Farm.

For those who are interested but need more details, check out the event flyer. Don’t contemplate too long as pre race entry closes this Team SPRThursday, May 13th. If you miss the cut-off you can still enter on the day but there will be a $10 late fee.

Here is the link to register if you already know your keen – Register

With this event being close to Perth it would be great to get a good turnout. Its not as far to travel as Pemberton was and is closer than a lot of the Cyclo events so no excuses. This will be a good warm up forthe 6 Hr Enduro to be held on May 30th.

Let me know in the comments if you’ll be there and we can organise the tent, drinks etc if there is enough to warrant it.

PMBC XC Series round 2 Report

Well ANZAC was a marvelous day this year. Big turn outs at memorials and parades, so I guess that kept numbers down for racing. Anyway a few of us headed down to Pemberton for round 2 of the PMBC XC series, Myself, my brother and Pete Gill, to fly the colours for the club (although we need to get Pete some kit).

The location is perfect for a trail, the bush in the area gives a nice dose of shade and allows for some nice technical obstacles and good ground. It is situated at the bottom of town near the swimming pool. This trail is the first of a series to be built in the area and has been built by Paul Neeve and the 3 chillies crew. They have done a wonderful job so far and as you can see from some of the photos they have included some fun North shore obstacles to liven things up a bit. If your down that way and have a MTB give it a go.

Anyway my brother and I were entered in the Sports category, this is usually the largest field of these races. After watching the juniors hit the skills trail for there event it was our turn. Having not ridden the trail yet I was going to take it easy and find my feet, this proved a good plan as 1 rider found out after hitting  a hill too hard in the 1st 20m and he failed the landing and had a spectacular OTB. The beginning section takes in the skills loop which is fairly simple and basically flat. After transitioning out you end up on the Relentless Blue trail which is the main section at the moment. This begins with a nice technical climb with a few downs to give a short reprieve. After a few kms of climbing you eventually reach the top, this is where the fun begins. Its all downhill from here except for a pinch rise in the middle to keep you honest. The downhill section is where all the North Shore is and includes a few ramps, 2 nice walls and a steep log over ramp. 1st time around was a bit of a recce but 2nd & 3rd laps it was time to try it all and see if I could avoid stacking. Needless to say I had a few close shaves but thoroughly enjoyed it and road out.

As for results, I think I was enjoying the trail a bit too much and forgot I was racing, plus the climb in the 1st half was a killer for me (yeh i know, more Sunday hills rides). In the end I think i came 15th and my brother came in not long after in 16th. Peter raced later in the day with Veterans (he didn’t do a pre race Tri this time) and I think finished 11th.

All had a great day and were completely knackered. Next MTB event is the 3rd round of the XC series to be held at the Goat Farm. Being in Perth this time we hope to have a good showing, like we did at the recent 4hr if not better.

Also while down there I had a chance to speak with Tony Tucknott, president of PMBC and he had great praise for el Presidenté and had heard nothing but good news about the club. Goes to show we are getting a good name for ourselves all over Perth and the hard work Peter puts in is getting noticed. Well Done!!!

*Thanks to a few of the PMBC forum members for the wall photos

Nitelights 4hr Enduro

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Now that we have had some recovery its time for the write-up. Sunday was a beautiful day for the fat tyre flyers to be out and about, while the hills riders were out early suffering a bit of a ‘light breeze’, we were out on the golf course soaking up the sun. But this golf course was short on greens.

A number of the Roulers like to delve into this off road excitement as well as the road, along for the day sporting our colours were Dave S, Nigel, Mike B (his 1st time), Stewie (along with his team mate Duncan) and myself. Peter G also decided to join us after his morning triathlon (glutton for punishment) and Nigel’s mate Chris.

Nigel got there early and grabbed the flattest spot he could find for the team tent, while the rest of us trickled in. Registration was a quick & painless task and then we settled in and discussed tactics (which went out the window). As the time ticked down we headed to the start which was to be interesting, 150 riders into a space that could fit maybe 4, but everyone seemed to get thru without incident. The 1st lap was a bit slow going as the field spread themselves out, but by the 2nd there was more room to breathe.

The course was classified as a beginners, but had a few nice technical areas to test those who wanted a bit more. The main sections that caught most were a bridge crossing on a tight corner, where many opted to get off and walk, this was followed closely by a short, sharp, nasty downhill that caused many a pinch flat. Every lap i did (bar 1) there was  at least 2 riders repairing flats. It took in much of the old Jorgensen Park golf course and a few of the surrounding fire trails. Beginning slippery and quite rocky the course did cleanup a bit with use but did become very dusty. John Carney did a good job with this course and we look forward to the future Enduros.

As for how we all did, I managed to drag myself thru 6 laps of fun, including a nice stack on the 3rd and was aiming for 7 til i flatted. Stewie and Duncan manged 12laps in the team duo category securing a placing and scoring some gloves for their prize. Mike B smashed out a decent number of laps, 7 i think before he decided he had had enough for his 1st time. Not sure how many Peter G got but his efforts plus the Tri beforehand and being the good samaritan on course scored him a set of Nitelights. I’m not sure of the laps for the other lads but they all did more than me.

During the course of the event SPR got a mention for such a strong showing, so hopefully we can build on this at future events. It was good to see the team kit out and I know all had an enjoyable day. Also thanks to Michelle B and Nigel’s son for being support crew & photographers.

Photo Album

Course route from my Garmin.

by Scott

HBF Freeway Bike Hike – UPDATE

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Ok those that don’t know and have been living under a rock. This Sunday (21st March) is the HBF Freeway Bike Hike and the club has a number of people doing this event.

Peter has organised for the club tent to be setup at Joondalup. He has a few people going to help him set it up Saturday arvo so if you can help with this contact him on admin@southperthrouleurs.com.au.

Also I have created a fund raising page for anyone that wants to donate some money to the cause of this event which is the Asthma foundation. Bit late I know, I thought it was automatic when I created the team. Anyway the address is
http://www.everydayhero.com.au/spr_transitional

For those that have entered this event make sure that you visit the kit collection point over the next three days to collect your number and other stuff. They say no number no ride…

Kit collection can be found here http://www.freewaybikehike.com.au/content/participant-pack-collection

I forgot when I posted this.  Tracy mentioned for those that are getting the Train to Kwinana be at the Perth Esplanade Train Station at 5:30 am so we can all get the same train down. See Train Timetables at http://www.freewaybikehike.com.au/content/getting-there-and-away

Just so you know meet here. Meet where the green arrow is. Should be there by 5:15am
http://www.lionslair.net.au/user_imgs/1901.jpg

If you need to find us or miss it then call my mobile on 0412 850 501 and arrange to meet us.

Transitional Ride Report 16/3/2010

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This is only a short report as Toby doesn’t normally write one for Tuesdays. Set off from Narrows not far behind the advanced group. Toby and Scott lead along Mounts Bay Road and it was clear the pace was going to be faster today.

Soon after turning onto Hacket Drive the rider next to me was already pushing the speed up and we were sitting just over 30km/h. Up over the small rise on The Avenue and he was pushing me at around 27km/h I just made it but I know I saw him looking back waiting for me to catch up. I was expecting Shaw or someone else to go past as a few were on my wheel but they left me there. Right onto Birdwood Pde and we were still ticking along. Was starting to feel today would be a bit of punishment.

Passed Sunset Hospital and Toby called to slow down so the pace dropped back to a mild 25km/h. Toby let us know that a few couldn’t take it and were going home. Apparently Tracy was very clear she wasn’t going to take further part. She did complete the three dams on Sunday though so probably deserved to take today off. All were on and Toby mentioned that we are going to make you work now. Up went the pace again until most the way around Victoria Ave where I pulled off the front to have a rest. However I dropped back a little to much and then had to work to get back on. Scott dropped back a bit and I got on his wheel and I think Shaw was in front of him. We had a minor regroup at Queenslea Drv where Toby announce for our efforts so far your all doing Mosman Park hill. You could hear the moan and just to annoy the rest I blerted out “Bring It On!” Toby seemed to like the enthusiasm.

Short trip along Stirling Hwy and left on the route to Mosman Park Hill. Arriving at the hill again I think there were five (we only had 8 or so in the group now) that were in front of me. Not fussed I set my own pace and got up the top and then made my way to the Water Tower for the regroup. Passed a couple of others on the way there. Off from the water tower I was on the front again and I think it was Toby that met me. We lead through until just before Stirling Hwy where I dropped back again for another break. Over the bridge and onto Preston Point Road and Shaw started the sprint up the Hill. Not sure who won. Caught up the rest and after passing EJ Chapman Playground Shaw and I were on the front (I don’t know how I keep getting to the front so fast when I drop back).

Shaw and I lead the group until the downhill of Burke Drv where Toby called for a roll through. This seemed to work well with the pace sitting on around 30 ~ 33km/h. Soon arrived onto Canning Hwy where some car decided to cut us off. Left onto Dunkley Drv and we resumed the roll through again. Left onto Fraser Rd and Kintail. Again found myself at the front again. At the Raffles we kept rolling and decided to regroup over the bridge. After getting over the bridge and slowing right down to wait up for the others I was accused of protesting. I told Toby “No your so slow I had to wait so long for you :)”

Nothing eventful from here was just a normal ride back to Mends St. I’m not sure who won the sprint was too far back and when I wanted the right lane on Labouchere Rd had to wait for a group of other riders and cars to go by.

This was probably the best Tuesday morning ride I’ve been on. Overall speed was not as fast as other weeks because of the hills but was a much better workout.

Ok this was a little longer than I had planned but Meh.

By Nathan Rzepecki

HBF Freeway Bike Hike – Update

I have had a number of people tell me they are going to register or have registered and want to Join the “SPR Transitional” team.

Login to the website and there may be the option to join a team. I would try this out but because I am the creator of a team I think it shows me a slightly different login.

If this is not available to you then please send an email to freewaybikehike@trievents.com.au with your full and and tell them you wish to be associated to the “SPR Transitional” team and Nathan Rzepecki is the Team Captain (registration purposes only).

Please get onto this soon as the closing date is as below.
Online registration closes for all team participants on at 13/03/2010 3:00:00 AM (WA time).

I can add people but only as a new registration. So you will have to get the organisers to associate you to this team if are already registered as an individual.

Any further information on this can be found here.