Sat’s Transition Ride

Well that was our first cold one – all the external bits going numb and even our fashion-ista with matching scarf still had dead toes at the of the ride – definitely time for the colour-coordinated overboots. Ronnie sent a ‘puncture’ message through at 6.55, so instead of running with the M3’s in Shaws absence, it was instant promotion to lead out the 15 or so ‘T’s gathered at the southern end of the carpark – convenient as Gwyn was out for the ride too.
This lot is good to ride with: the regulars know what they’re doing, they stay together, pair up tidily, communicate well within the group and make it easy for any new riders to slot in. We had 3 new guys this week on their first SPR ride – a couple of them should be heading for M2 next week & good to see Tyrone back after getting his health issues finally sorted.
Rebold Hill – I do enjoy this route (much nicer than the back blocks of boganland) and no wind to speak off plus a few easy climbs to elevate the heart rate; although the freezing shady hollow of Perry Lakes prolonged the runny nose and tingling fingers a bit longer than I would have liked.
Cars up West Coast Hwy behaved themselves as we stayed tucked in and single file – makes it safe and predictable for everyone. Usual regroup at top of Swanbourne and just mentioned that a couple of guys had inadvertently wandered out into the outside lane whilst going up Oceanic without looking first – its so easy, but potentially fatal, to lose concentration on a climb and not check behind before moving out.
Back through Mossy park, past the tennis club and initiated a couple of ‘roll throughs; the new guys picked it up pretty quickly and everyone else was like clockwork. The usual ‘pick the pace up and stretch the legs’ into the final couple of lumps on Jutland Parade before the last re-group at the bottom of Steves Hill to ride along Hackett & Mounts Bay as a tight & solid pack. Sitting on the front paired up with one of the new guys, got a chuckle out of him as I explained how I slowly increase the speed until the chattering behind stops: at 33kph – it all went quiet.
Heard this morning, that just after we had been through Mts Bay Rd on Sat & at around 8.40, some poor cyclist heading west was involved in a close encounter with a car . . . . smashed bike and ambulance trip is no way to start a weekend.   I know we have had our fair share of luck – but by being aware of how to ride safely, riding as a tight pack, good signalling & deliberate (& sometimes even assertive) positioning on the road makes it easier for car drivers to understand and predict what we’re up to & the outcome is better for everyone.  For car driver that have clearly stopped to give way, its always a good investment to give them a wave back in thanks.

4 thoughts on “Sat’s Transition Ride”

  1. nice write up ;0) Fancied riding this morn (not tried the monday loop yet) but chickened out with the cold. No longer hard core ;0(

    1. Yeah @lennie, where were you? It was a lonely old SPR Monday ride this morning. I turned up just before 5:30 to an empty car park under the Narrows. Waiting, waiting, waiting: sigh. SPR Solo Ride!

      And yes, it was cold.

  2. I got to the tunnel under Thomas St which was filled with mud from the rain. I heard my front tyre blow and figured I was not going to get to the ride in time. I decided to walk the 15 minutes home to change the tyre (with the old one going in the bin) and by the time the tyre was changed, I found myself warm with the Amgen Tour of California in front of me on the TV. A hot bowl of porridge was the end of any remaining thoughts of me going for a ride 🙂

  3. Hi Mark and Ronny,
    You guys have it together as always. I would have loved to have joined you on Saturday and I cant wait to get back. There was a hint of bad weather in the hour leading up to 7am but it ended up being great weather, wish I had the strength to participate. I went to India mid-April, got sick as 40% of Aussie’s do and am still recovering. Amazing considering how fit I was that their bugs knocked me for six . How do you lose 4kg on top of another 3kg before the trip, and not get it back on? I really need some new clothes, esp for work. Keep up the good word supervising the Trans team and I look forward riding with you all again soon. Hopefully next Sat. Cheers, purple Sarah.

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