Third straight week with a big group ….18 riders for the Saturday Newbies ride and the usual suspects Lynda, Andy, Mandy, Carol, Tracy, Michelle, Shaw, Deb, Mr Saxo Bank (we only get to know the noisy ones by name) with Jackie returning after other adventures as well as new/newish Michael, Nathan, Darryl, Jun, Ann1, Ann2  and the yes there’s more.. if only I could remember –the list is too long for the old grey matter. Between word-of-mouth and the blog the numbers are really taking off and from talking to people the attraction is how different skill levels are catered for by SPR that are not offered in other clubs making the formula work… and of course the social aspect. A lot of newbie’s  however have been cycling on their own and this shows in the “group” dynamics – still a bit to learn with the calling and bike sense. Never too late guys to brush up on the cycling calls/signals and don’t forget to look into joining Cycling Australia (select South Perth Cycle Club) – insurance… as well … just a bit of a plug there for risk minimisation!

 So off we went, Dr Ronny the experienced SPR cyclist shepherding us through Applecross… Majestic the big hill for us … well not all… Carol took “new Ann” on a shorter than usual short cut and missed the mighty Majestic… We regrouped at cycle city intersection next to Raffles. It was off to work (the paid variety) from here for Ronny as we continued on our way to Shelly. The group took off with the rear guard Deb, Carol and Ann continuing on at a sedate pace (what the main group call “spat-out-the-back”)… so over to Tracy for the recollections of Majestic and onwards.

 The group managed a bit of unity through to Applecross with most people tackling Majestic without hesitation – newbies Jun and Ann being the dark horses flying up our nemesis.  A quick regroup on Kintail and losing Dr Ronny to work at Raffles.  Michelle and Shaw led a pacey ride to Leach, a quick regroup at the old people’s home car park (no soup this week) and off for the Shelley loop.  During the first leg Jun managed to get his foot caught up with his front wheel (you have just gotta tell us how you did that… showing off to the new talent no doubt) and took a tumble – quite a few grazes – luckily Mr Saxo Bank came prepared with a large collection of bandaids. Jun decided for an early departure so headed off with Ann1– hope you are healing quickly and we see you next week. After Tracy had surveyed the damage, she tried to catch up with the group into a head wind and the main group got back together for the ride back.  Michael, Darryl and the bandaid guy made a play for the Bullcreek hill, Michael coming out a winner.  Regroup with a pacey ride to Raffles with Nathan and Tracy leading – final push along the freeway path Nathan and Michael leading  out. 

Carol, Deb, other Ann and Jackie (just retuned to the group so I imagine the other adventures were not cycling related) turned half way around Shelly to get back in time for coffee….the rest of the group was still somewhere on the Shelly track ahead… they would have to wait for coffee.

Transition to Main Group: Next week: Liam suggested in the prep talk in the morning that some cyclists from the newbies group should be ready to try the main group and with the strong ones chaffing at the bit to test themselves, there will definitely be a few having a go at the main group ride next week; if you are keen to try make sure you check out the route in advance of next Saturday and print out the map; we expect that approximately six will do the transition.

Newbie Sunday ride next week (Jan 24^th) – possibly an extended freo loop ~ 80km which Mike (borrowed from Elite, married to SPR!) hopes to lead.

 Maybe see you all Tuesday 6-7am or Wed 5-6pm for interval ride at Kings Park – anticlockwise loop. Note if you rock up late, try the clockwise direction and we will pick you up – we’ve been getting around 8-10 people on these rides. PS don’t forget to call hazards on the path……….including branches (there are a lot if it has been windy) – these can take out a cyclist and do a lot of damage.