Training ride write up by Jarrad.

It”s been a while since a write up”s been done, and i”m sure i”m not alone in inviting many newcomers, or at least new writers to contribute once in a while.

Anyway, rolling up for a semi-dry morning, to be greeted by an impressive turn-out given the conditions, it”s great to see so many riders out there despite wet-roads and cold-weather. Must be something about this time of year…

After after the usual formalities, the “Fast group” were off to head down to South Lake and back, about 10 or 11 strong. A couple of minutes in, we were to be joined by The Flyin” Fynn, and a nice, steady warm up pace ensued. Through Applecross and heading South, our steady pace was beginning to be disturbed by traffic lights, and more frustratingly allowing the main group to catch up. Up a couple of the rises, and we waved goodbye to Nick “the Diesel” Churchill, who”s still coughing and sneezing so much it sounds like he filled up with unleaded instead.

The advantage of riding this, well trodden (ridden?) is that  most of us pretty much know the deal, a few little undulations and then its all flat all the way home, and so with the last of the little hills on South Lake road dealt with, not to mention a couple of riders spat out the back, we began a roll-through.

Quickly the pace lifted, perhaps due to Captain Poser”s somewhat infamous “full-gas” roll through technique, even The Flyin” Fynn absconded from duties at the front of the bunch. Well, until a couple of tongue-in-cheek hand gestures motivated him into action (besides Fynn, the Poser must”ve  learnt the “full gas” method from one person…).

So, in somewhat of a Tour-esque fashion, the depleted fast group of 8 (or 9)-odd riders rolled on, steadily building a gap to the peloton (Main group), with a fairly quick, steady roll through.

Right turn at the round-about, around the back of Jandakot (or wherever we were), the road seemed to get a little more damp, flicking lovely morsels of road detritus for all to sample, and the roll through continued. Jonno Bolt-ons was looking quite steady, along with the ubiquitous (mysterious) Mr Bonner and 3Dian, who”s secret training of late seems to be paying dividends, (and, pardon my memory,  PaulO?.?). Up and over a couple of small undulations and a few of the group were beginning to tire, with Jerard “Mr G” seeming to take some time to get the legs into action, and at times, pushing to roll through, although somehow managing to get the job done each time.

Left turn at (insert road name) and it”s time for the run home. Smooth, new two-lane tarmac allowing the now warmed-up breakaway to keep turning on the pace. Rolling through now, each rider now, La Chihuahua, 3Dian, Bolt-on, Mysterious Mr Bonner, Flyin” Fynn, Captain Poser (and, i”m ot ure of memory, PaulO aswell), Mr G each sharing the pace making, with El Prez in tow, and now smoothly rolling quickly home. Onto Nicholson, and the roll through kept online casino up, with El Prez even putting an effort in every now and then, the pace was nice and brisk – not too fast, but certainly not too slow either.

Towards the end of Nicholson, the roll through began to wane, as 3Dian gave a fair effort over one of the rises to spit out El Prez and put the pressure on.

The group began to take turns at the front now, with each rider taking 30 odd seconds at the front and rolling off. Onto Albany highway, each rider still worked together and kept the pace nice and high.

Rolling onwards through Vic Park, and Captain Poser took the initiative to attack at the usual “Fynn” point, driving the speed from the mid 40″s up to somewhere around the speed limit, and taking The Flyin”s Fynn with him. All was in vain, however, as the two attackers were held up by traffic lights.

At the green La Chihuahua took a turn to attack on the slight descent, again, only to be held up by lights.

Again another green, and the remaining 7 riders all looked a little more organised, as they rolled past the Trannies and over the Causeway, first it was Mr Bonner in the leadout, followed by Jerard pushing the pace over the bridges, followed by La Chihuahua, pressing pace off the bridge and onto riverside drive. With La Chihuahua beginning to tire 3Dian was next in line, dragging the remaining 3 at pace, until his legs could turn no more and onto Bolt-on, who kicked the pace up another notch, with only Fynn and the Poser on his wheel. 500 to go, and Bolt-on”s shoulders beginning to roll, 400m left, and time to go, Fynn kicked, with the Poser kicking at the same time.

Head to head, the two riders out of the saddle and kicking hard, Captain Poser managed to roll over The Flying Fynn, and drive the pace home and over the line.

All up a good solid training ride, nice and fast, nice and smooth and nice and safe.

Training ride report by Jarrad

It”s been a while since a fast group (or even the main group for that matter) write up has been posted, and so i”ve taken it upon myself to put into words about an hour and a half of Saturday morning. I could elaborate on the remaining SPR-related 2 hours spent in a cafe or two, however, i”d run the risk of jeopardising the “family friendly” aspect of this website capturing some the very, very, very bad conversation.

…and so after the usual catch up standing around in the cold, el” Prez explained that a few of the main groups have, of late grown into Goliaths of sorts, and even with their respective Davids (I”m sure a cheers go Reggie, Russell and Pete, etc) are proving to be difficult beasts to conquer. A great showing of the club, although sometimes requiring a little management.

It”s here i insert the advertisement/invitation for some of the more velocimetrical mainliners to join the fast group. Really, it”s all the good bits of the main groups, riding a bike, rolling through quickly, dry retching, cramping, etc, without the waiting around for everyone else ;). Seriously though, i”m sure there are many who could at least begin their morning with the fast group and should the pain, taste of blood in the throat and all around exertion prove too much, one can always sit up, and wait for the comfort of the main groups to mop you up.

Rolling out, i guess around 14 or so odd riders set out for a brisk 50 kay”s to Cottesloe and (around and) back. Michael Bolton and Ian (cannot think of nickname although i hope his name isn”t one of those Ian”s with too many “I”s, “Iain” or the like – aha ) IIIIIIaiiin led us out and along Riverside. A few other groups up ahead threw the cat amongst the pigeons early, Michael Bolton and Iiiiiiaiiin happy to sit on 45 kph sans warm-up, as we chewed up and spat out a few recreational bunch rides. It”s worth noting that Michael Bolton took the early sprint on Riverside also, having a bit of fun as we all tried to forget that our toes were slowly going numb.

On to Mounts Bay, after riding past Sexpo a roll-through seemed to organically eventuate. Fantastic, 5 kay”s in, legs nice and cold, and it”s time to bring the pain. Anyway a bit of a quick run upto Kings Park and we”re now climbing the hill up Thomas st, which was definitely 3 degrees colder than mobile casino the rest of Perth.

Iiiiiiaiin and M.Bolton again somehow ended up at the front pacing the rest of the group up the (admittedly shallow) ramp, keeping the pace brisk, but not legs of fire fast.

Left on Hay st, and over the speed bumps Michael “The International Man of Mystery” Bonner drove the pace, and a fairly brisk, if somewhat cold ride out to Perry Lakes followed, with all 14-odd riders still rolling along with a bit of a roll-through. Reggie Julian did note he picked a particularly great week to re-join the faster boys, and, given the pace had been on from the roll out, it did seem a little quick this morning.

Through and onto Oceanic Drive, the brisk, if somewhat subdued pace continued, with Iiiiiaiin and TIMoM (Bonner), happy to ride tempo.

Up the hill, as if on cue, M.Bolton, felt the urge to attack the group, taking Ryan “The Cryin” Fynn” and Captain “Gay Cowboy” Poser with him. At the top of the rise, it was the trio, daylight and TIMoM not too far back as they descended onto West Coast hwy. Along West Coast hwy, a few others managed to claw their way back, “Mr G” Ghossein, Toby “Quadzilla”, and Nick “Diesel” Chuchill (who”s taken the “Diesel” mantra from Vet Ben – veterinarian that is, not that i”m sure we have any war vets named Ben at  SPR, anyway, i”m ranting here…) all latching on. The roll through which followed generally consisted of M.Bolton, TIMoM and the Poser taking turns at the front, eventually to be assisted by Nick Diesel.

U turn at the roundabout at Cottesloe, and TIMoM Bonner “mysteriously” disappeared, and we were down to 6 riders, although realistically, 3 seemed to be riding, Quadzilla, The Cryin” Fynn (or the coughing Fynn) and Mr G sitting in comfortably.

Through Claremont and Nedlands, pretty much the same ensued, with Diesel, the Gay Cowboy and M. Bolton (M.Bolton doing the lion”s share) pulling the group of six along, although Mr G and The Cryin” Fynn did do a turn or two.

Down the hill and onto Mounts Bay for a second time, M.Bolton and Poser-boy took turns at blowing the rest of the group up, but to no avail, The Cryin” Fynn, solo-ing past them to take the sprint, with Quadzilla and Mr G following, Diesel-man sitting up further back.

All up a fairly quick morning, with few traffic lights, mainliners, feel free to join in.

Capt. “Gay Cowboy” Poser

Race report brain dump by Captain Poser

So here we are again, let”s all sit on our top tubes and look relaxed. Boy it”s a big field, this might get sketchy.

…and off we go. Always issues leaving the car park, already at the back. There goes a rider, first lap breakaway, good luck. Remember – sit in and break (not brake) hard.

A few off the front. Is that an SPCC Jersey in there? Can”t tell, too far back. 1 lap gone. That”s Jason, moving forwards up around the outside. Smart move. There goes one of the girls too, moving forwards. This is a BIG field.

Time to move up, around the outside, warm up the legs a little. On the front – that IS an SPR jersey up there, better sit up. Ah, this guy looks big – I think I”ve found my wheel to sit on. Break caught. Nick and Jono, all warmed up now. Settled pace, nice – the weak riders are moving forwards. Just hold this wheel.

Another attack, still too early. Hold this wheel, this is a big field.

Good to see a friendly face. Solid effort Josh on casino online the front, he”ll pull the break in. Hold this… wait, he”s dropping a wheel, that”s early. Time to move up. The break”s still out there, they look pretty good. That looks like 2 pair of jerseys….. That”s a worry.

Time to go.

Hmm. This isn”t part of the plan, this is too early, and it”s a bit of an effort. Look back, nobody”s followed, peloton looks messy, glad to be leaving that. Keep going, join the break now.

Mike B on the side of the road – thank”s for the words.

Onto the break. Don”t disrupt them, pull your turn, catch breath later. That”s Nick on the side of the road, that looks like blood, I hope he”s OK. Keep pulling, heartrate will settle. Make this stick. Keep pulling.

Man it”s hot today. Keep rolling through. This is working well. Can”t see the group.

25 minutes to go. 25? It feels like we”ve been here for a hour already. Keep rolling. I wonder how far ahead we are. Keep rolling.

Keep rolling. I could do this on a fixie. Legs are grinding a bit. Wonder what D would think. Fix up your cadence.

Here comes some traffic, big bunch. We must be lapping the field now, great, then we can ease up. Bugger, just a big lot of backmarkers. Keep rolling. It”s hot. I hate this.

10 minutes to go. Can”t see the group. Must be good now. That was a soft turn. Can”t blame him. I hate this. I wish I could soft turn. Get the cadence up. I hate this.

More traffic. Hey, it”s Josh. 45 seconds, thanks for the call. We”ve got this done.

Keep rolling. 5 minutes. I hate you Pete. 5 guys, 1 minute of effort left. This isn”t working, you”re at the front too much. These guys are working you. Can”t blame them.

2 laps. I could kiss you Pete.

You”re at the front too much. This is starting to wear you down. Time to rock the shoulders – rope-a-dope. Last wheel. Perfect. One more corner to go.

GO….

Got this now, easy. Hmmm… It”s a long way to the line from here. First. Nice. Where”s that 100m sign? This is starting to pinch. There goes first. There goes second. Here comes the line…. there goes…..

Bugger.

Training ride write up by Jarrad

After a mixed bag of weather for the week, the gods seemed to put on the perfect riding morning, albeit a little earlier than i’d prefer. Whilst i’m no advocate of changing the ride times, it seems that by the usual 0600 alarm sounding, i’ve already been up and about, washed the car, eaten breakfast and painted the house, maybe i should just close the blinds before i go to bed.

Anyway, enough of my ranting and dreaming of the halcyon days of daylight savings, i’m sure it falls on deaf ears.

Arriving at Coode St Jetty, numbers seemed to be quite impressive, and after El Prez’s briefing, we were off first for our stroll around the river. The group was probably around 12-14 strong this morning, down on last week’s numbers perhaps due to Jen’s reports of lactic overdose.

A brisk roll out and along Mounts Bay Rd was a nice calm warm up allowing for the usual early ride anecdotes (“I’ve been off the bike for 6 millenia”, “I’m coming back from a leg transplant”, etc.), everyone content to sit in and warmup until the rise up into Dalkeith.

Past Steve’s and now there was some movement and a rollthrough was on. Re-living a typical weekday ride the roll through worked (kind of) smoothly through, with the usual flourish upto Claremont. After a left at the lights, some riders forgot that it was a Saturday ride, and chose to sit up and recover from what was already spent. After a call to continue the roll through, Cpt Poser dragged all and sundry up the hill. Now perhaps the sundries forgot to hold on, or just simply packed it in, but either way what was supposed to be a roll through ended up with  four riders breaking off the front, and pressing on through Mosman Park. The Flying Fynn was next to take a turn at the front, with Ainsy, Poser and an un-named rider in tow, and with the short sharp climp up to the water tower at hand, Poser proved that his earlier comments to El Prez (“I hope they don’t go too hard up the hills”) were ALL LIES and attacked up the hill.

Ainsy and TFF made light work of this attack, and now, what were four was now three riders (so much for a group ride) pushing onwards to Fremantle. One of the three did, at one stage asked about waiting at the next lights for the bunch, however this was met with shaking heads and harder rolling turns.

As it was, by the time the three amigo’s had reached the river crossing, the lights dealt their hand, and the rest of the bunch, led by Jason “The Cobra” and Dannyboy had caught up. Cpt Poser, however seemingly had enough of bunch riding (quite rudely i might add), and as soon as the group consolidated over the bridge, threw an attack in up and over the hill. Given that like most hills, a descent soon followed, and so the group re-re-formed, with El Prez (soon to be El Mariachi) happy to grind through the rough roads of East Freo and Bicton.

Rolling on, the bunch got their roll-through on, although it became evident that Dannyboy and Reggie had become casualites of El’ Prez’s charge at the front (along with El Prez). Along Burke drive a semblance of co-operation ensued and the bunch began to behave as a good bunch ride, with Poserboy, The Cobra, Jerard and TFF (and probably a couple of others) working at the front.

Some route confusion about whether we head up Majestic was quickly stifled, at the bunch of now 9 got well and truly lost in Applecross, but with the obligatory suburban property inspections out of the way now, the bunch was back on Canning Hwy.

The bunch rolled through sharpish along Canning Hwy, although the work was perhaps shared by 3 or 4 riders, with The Cobra, Ainsy and Jerard (plus unnamed rider) pulling smooth turns. At this stage both TFF and the Poser were conspicuous by their absence, and in fact both were last seen drifting off the back of the bunch several times.

With the turn onto the Causeway and the run home remaining, all was exposed as a ruse, however, with Poser and TFF attacking the bunch at the turn. Poserboy put himself a the front and stuck the pedal to the, well, pedal to the around and round and set out to make a gap. TFF and Poser now rolling through and onto Riverside dr, a quick look over the shoulder confirmed that the remainder of the group were done, and they set about TTT’ing it home. With TFF putting more time in the wind, Poserboy recognised the stronger rider and the order was settled.

All up a fairly fast ride, on familiar territory, with beautiful weather.

Until next week,

Captain Poser

Training ride write up by Jarrad

After having not had time to do the write up for last week, i figured i should get this done nice and quick, however, i may be devoid of interesting references, particularly as last week’s excellent matinee of Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting For Godot’ has been beaten out of my head by Friday night’s imbibements.

Further, having gotten home without remembering to pick up milk this fine Saturday, i can now confirm that substituting with a mixture of water and cream (gah! thickened cream at that too!!) isn’t satisfactory, not in coffee at least, and definitely not at all in porridge, and so i guess my once-solid position in the Masterchef kitchen may be up-for-grabs at the next elimination round……

Anyway, rolling up to the meeting point, overcast weather provided reprieve from the previous experiences of near-freezing temperatures, however it seems that some were scared off by the lack of blue skies, and 15-odd of us rolled out.

Rolling out towards Applecross, Regular Jules and Nico took the helm and set a decent warm-up pace, Reggie definately looking stronger on the flats of recent. Discussions of power measurement devices led me to think of trying to get some results and throw them up here just, i guess as an indicator, i know Vaughn said last weeks ride gave a 5 min max of over 400 Watts (for him at least, i’m sure that ), which is pretty reasonable, and whilst outputs would be different for each individual (wheel-sucking???), i guess the boffins would probably have some ideas here and any suggestions are welcomed.

hUp through Mt Pleasant and heading towards Murdoch, Dannyboy and a relative newcomer (i still should’ve got your name though) set tempo up the hill and over, with the general pace quite still subdued at this stage. Onto Murdoch Drive and South St, The Poser and Carlos took over and a roll through soon began. After a re-group due to a split at a red light, the roll through was back, with Cpt Poser advising Reggie to ease up at one stage (pot-kettle-black-anyone??) to allow for everyone to get the blood into their legs. A couple of traffic stoppages and the Flying Fynn, Nico and the captain were pretty much setting  pace, with the remainder of the group giving the pull at the front or simply hanging on.

Turning onto Warton Road Captain Poser, TFF and Nico continued on their team-time-trialesque ride with 12 odd riders in tow, and after a bit of a tanty from the Captain at a red light, an agreement was made to ease up a little and get a proper roll through happening. This was more like it now, with Dan H, John, Ashley, Dannyboy, Reggie, El Prez, the three usuals and a few others rolling through consistently now, riding quie tightly and efficiently too. The roll through was working well now, with the average speed holding quite consistently into the cross winds and with few holdups/dramas (although Danny, a call to pull though didn’t mean ‘smash my legs apart’ :P).

As the road turned upwards towards Crystal Brook rd, the roll through, predictably, became more limited, with the Poser and Nico turning the hurt on, although stopped short by the left turn and the run down the hill. Now on a decline with a tailwind, Toby and Mark H made an appearance at the front, but once re-grouped at the lights, the group kept together and rolled through again. Reggie remarking that it’s strange to ride this route hard and fast on a Saturday, as this is typically the Sunday easy return after a long day in the saddle.

After a few exuberant turns from TFF and the Captain, we said goodbye to Nico (hill repeats? Or just taking the short way home?), and with a few words from El Prez, the pace settled back down, although with TFF pretty-much sitting on his lonesome at the front with help from Ashley and Reggie.

Turning onto Shepparton road now, and a few other riders made their way to the front, however El Prez had given the more aggressive types free reign to open it up now, and after a slow roll off from a red light and with a quick call from behind, the first to attack was The Flyin’ Fynn. Legs pumping now, the Poser latched on, with Toby desperately hammering his cranks to try and keep wheel and dragging the rest of the group. A slight incline next and the Poser recognised that Toby alone couldn’t hang on to the Fynn and himself working together, and a turn or two later they were away now, and driving the pace down through Vic Park and into town. WA Main Roads however had other ideas, and a red light hampered their progress and allowed the group to reform.

El Prez was now the driving force at the front, and with the usuals now proving elusive at the front, he was on his own to drive the pace into town. Plenty of wheel sucking going on now, TFF was somewhere at the rear of the bunch, with Poser-boy sticking to both Reggie and sprinter Toby’s wheel towards the front. Through the final set of lights (green at last!!) now The Flying ‘i’ve never been out-sprinted on Riverside’ Fynn went first, with around 500 or 600 to go (why are we always sprinting from so far out???). Reggie and Toby responded next, however Captain Poser, having briefly had a bit of excitement on the cateye’s was now out of the saddle and testing the ‘lateral stiffness’ of his equipment. It was one on one at this stage with both Fynn and Poser hammering away at their cranks (not mentioning one in each lane at this stage) the Poser took a clear lead with around 200 to go, and seemingly to break Fynn’s prior record/boasting. There was more to come however, as 200 meters is still a fair way and Fynn’s staying power proved too much for the Poser (too much Posing…), The Flying Fynn passing by with little to spare and hand in the air……

All up a good ride, with some great team work from all and sundry, and even reasonable service at the Belltower (and heaters too!!).

Until next week,

Captain Poser…

Race Write Up by Jarrad

I wasn’t even liking the thought of this race the week prior. The thought of driving down to Dardanup for a race likely to be wet and 5 total hours of car for 2 hours of wet, cold and inevitable torn skin wasn’t my cup of tea. Nevertheless, Saturday’s fine weather combined with diligent studying of the bureau of meteorology website gave me confidence, and out the door at 0530 it was, followed by my reluctant girlfriend (“You better win for this, else you owe me dinner,” was the early morning quip).

Well, after a long(ish) drive during which i was having hamstring issues, we arrived, hands full of unhealthy, sugary snacks from the truck-stop and all kinds of Red-Power-Energy-ade.

Up with the tent, plenty of dodgy conversation and an awkward change of clothes into kit later, it was time for my usual warm-up. Two trips around the block at something resembling walking pace was enough, thinking that “these races really only start up after 50 kays anyway”, and after brief words with both our team and ‘sister’ team members (futher detail upon application, sister team is still secret) we were off.

Cross winds are always fun, and i’m the kind of rider who prefer’s the wind and the eschelons, however, only 1 kilometer in, this was fairly intense. I know I was sitting on the white line, oncoming traffic and participation riders ‘buzzing’ past sporadically, and sitting in the rear third of the field, this race was ON. Unfortunately for some, the race was OFF, as the single lane road didn’t offer much cover from the wind, and the high pace was enough to see a few off already.

“Train aggressively, race conservatively” was my motto for, well, at least the first lap, and after the first 5 or 10 k’s things settled down and i was happy to sit in, with a few solo attacks riding off the front, including SPR’s Scott B, who seemed keen on soloing for 70-odd km’s. An assessment with Brodie of the SPR contingent showed that we were mostly still there, with Pete latching on after the early fury (mmmmm cold muscles). At least my hamstring pain had gone.

Riding along, the scenery was quite attractive, with the forests and what-not proud in green from the recent rain, anyway, the road began to get a little ‘lumpy’, although the pack stayed pretty much together and seeming to be thinking of the race ahead. My knowledge of the course came from the commentator, who i remember stating “around the round-about and up the hill,” and after 20 kays, finally the round-about was here, and the subsequent, famed, climb.

The peloton seemed content to ride the first half of the climb comfortably, with an earlier break away setting the pace only 15 or so seconds ahead. One thing I’ve learnt is that when things get interesting, get to the front, and so i decided to make my way to the front of the pack. Further up the hill, i got sick of seeing our break-away friend riding solo, and thought it best to lead the group over the top of the climb, which, i must say, ended up being quite sedate.

Down the hill, Scott seemed keen to try his hand at breaking and so i sat up let the others do the work, preferring instead to survey the remainder of the field and speak with Nico about tactics. Plenty tried their hand at attacking the field, i guess forgetting that it’s just as easy for everyone else to ride a bike fast down a hill, but at least it got the field moving.

At the end-of lap turnaround we could see the lone Cycle-mania break rider, who was around 15 seconds ahead and the field was beginning to fragment, unfortunately i think at this stage we lost a few SPR boys as the acceleration after the turn was fairly quick and the cross winds again caused some pain, Brendan, Hughesy (‘The’ SPR sprinter), Pete and Brett amongst others falling to this race of attrition.

It was at this stage that the race got a little messy, which co-incided with my brains idea of ‘lets attack and see what happens’, and so i rode past the chase group and up to the break-away leader. Upon arrival, i could see looking back at the group they weren’t too keen on having the two of us work together, and despite my new-found friends assurances that ‘I’m working for my climber’, we took a couple of turns in futility with the Peloton baring upon us.

Getting sick of riding in the fresh air now, we let a rider go, and let some ‘Crate boys’ do the chasing. This never looked like happening, particularly when they expected Joe (“The Speed from Santiago!!”) to chase his own team-mate, and for the next 5 kays the peloton basically stuffed aroundwith no individual doing any work, and the entire peloton rolling around behind the leading 4 or 5 (of which i seemed to be stuck in).

At this time Brodie made his way up to the front, and after a word or two about saving the legs, my brain gave in again and thought, ‘If Brodie and i can get away, we could work together here!’. This quickly evolved into ‘Maybe i can work hard and take Brodie to the foot of the climb’, and i gave word and was off. Unfortunately this plan meant i was chasing a rider whom i didn’t really want to down, but if i could get the Sexy man to the climb alone, he might be able to solo back down the hill, “You’re not finishing this race now, your legs are stuffed,” were my thoughts at this stage. The rest of the peloton didn’t like my plan, and were pretty sure of not letting me go, and so i was back to where i started, but now after 3 or 4 big efforts on the legs, i was a little worse for wear.

Now riding up to the base of the climb again, my legs were a little rough, and i was sure i was getting dropped here. Teeth-grit and Sunday-style hanging on, i realised that if i can make it over the climb with the bunch, i can ride the down-hill back with the pack, and over i went.

Stu, Brodie, Scott and myself were all that was left of the SPR bunch (with The Speed from Santiago also there, but non SPR), and my body required some recovery, but the next 20 kays were all downhill now. Scott gave it a fair effort at the front, and the attacks were quite limited now, the group realised the inevitable bunch sprint was on it’s way soon.

The lightweight climbers gave i one last punch up the rises, and at this stage, my legs said a lovely ‘hello’ to cramping in the quads, calves and hammy’s, all at the same time. Struggling over the hill i thought, “cramping does not a sprinter make”, and down with the whole second bottle of water to try and alleviate the issue. No luck, but at least the peloton was sucking me along as i tried to fix my legs.

Change positions on the saddle…. still cramps, eat all of your gels…… still cramping, let’s try riding out of the saddle….. ouch, super cramps. Aha!! Ride with your toes pointing down….. no cramping. Yay!!

Staring down the barrel of a sprint, i knew i couldn’t compete on level terms, but with my new ‘ballerina’ riding style, i figured i could still get out of owing my girlfriend dinner with a decent solo ride.

The last of the break riders absorbed, Brodie and Stu were taking turns at the front into the head wind, and things were getting nervous at the back. With around 5-odd km’s to go, i saw that we were approaching the Women’s field with a fair rate of kip…… hmmmmm… ATTACK!!!

Ballerina boy rode around the field and up to Stu, who was sitting in the lead behind the car now stuck behind the women’s service vehicle, and called for him to GO!!! Stu seemed to have burnt his matches, so i rounded the cars and put in what could be hopefully a winning 3 km’s. A quick “Hello ladies” as i went past and it was solo time for hopefully the next 4 minutes (plenty of experience there….), unfortunately, with 1500 to go, it was also cramp time, as the new ‘toes down’ position wasn’t holding off the leg pain enough, and a few riders bridged the gap. 1 km to go, and i was thinking about booking a table somewhere in Leederville, as i had nothing left but pain in my legs, with Joe and plenty of other riders rounding past for the sprint.

In the end i have no idea where i finished, somewhere in the sprint group, but not first, and so i owe one dinner and perhaps an apology for attacking a little over-exuberantly at times. Well done to the SPR C grade team, who cleaned up, and to Matty in A Grade who finished well. Apologies for stuffing up the ladies field sprint by riding past so close to the finish, but well done to the girls too.

Props to all who entered and took part, and also to South West Cycle Club, whom i must say ran one of the best races I’ve taken part in, with excellent facilities, coffee and organisation.

Until next week…..

Jarrad

photos by meg.

Training ride – By Jarrad

Another beautiful WA morning greeted us, if not a little chilly (and dark), one fears that the end of the nice weather may be approaching, but like this morning there”s (hopefully) a few crackers left until the rain sets in.

Another large contingent at the meeting point with plenty of familiar faces and a few new ones too, and with a few instructions from El Prez”, we were off, with a solid 25 or so riders in tow. Reggie and Capt Poseur led out, nostalgically remembering their last escapade along this route whence they both took control, remembered rather fondly as “the way the fast group should ride”, and with hopes of a similar morning.

A comfortable pace until Scarborough beach road is the preferred order for this ride, with the intention of removing the influence of traffic lights (and the odd speed bump) from the already battling hordes of riders, and so, rolling along the bunch stayed consistently together until Osbourne Park.

The call to roll through smoothly was given and things started to get moving, albeit disjointed by a few traffic lights. Unfortunately, the words smoothly were mis-interpreted to mean “lets get the speed upto 45kph ASAP and go”, which meant a few were left with cold muscles as they fought to hold on.

A few intersections and the inevitable was now into view – Col de Deux-vue, and the usuals rolled through more consistentently now – Squeaky Spud, Magnificent Jerard (i can explain), Ainsy, Capt Poser, Diesel Ben and newcomer-Vaughn all rolling through as the road angled (or very slightly tilted) skywards, the climb wore on and Diesel Ben, newcomer Vaughn and Poser-boy took turns to drive over the climb north of 40 kph (must”ve some skyward angle), and continue to push the pace over the summit and on the descent. Red light!! Onto the brakes hard, the majority of the peloton now joined the leading group for the ride through Scarborough and down West Coast hwy.

A nice stretch of flat allowed the pace setters to open up, with Diesel Ben driving the pace, Dan B (insert nickname here), Johnny from the mother country (this name need shortening) and Magnificent Jerard taking a few turns at the front, the rest of the riders strung out now hanging on (or is that conserving energy for later?).

Yet another intersection (albeit punctuated by the fear of being cleaned up online casino’s by a 4WD) forced a split in the bunch, just as they headed eastwards and upwards at the Boulevard, the handful of riders who escaped were dancing on the pedals up the hill, with the Poser and Diesel-boy making quick work of the gap, the pace went up again with Reggie joining in on the action.

Through the lights and post-regroup, the bunch (which was still a fairly solid 20ish) headed west again, up and over Reabold Hill, with a very strong riding Dan B leading the group. An attack by a rider in white set the cat amongst the pigeons, and Johnny was the first one to bridge the gap as they rode down and back onto West Coast Hwy.

After the descent the bunch regrouped and picking up a couple of “short cutters” on the way, newcomer Vaughn, Diesel Ben, Squeaky Spud and Dan B took the helm as the bunch rolled onwards to Cottesloe.

An attack by Dan B through Cottesloe was picked up by the lights as Claremont, and the bunch was on familiar ground now. The pace picked up a little, however with only two Dans and Diesel sharing the work at the front, the Poser attacked again in an attempt drive the pace up. The group seemed to respond and the Poser was quickly caught and joined by Magnificent Jerard (trust me, this nickname isa compliment of the highest order), new Vaughn, Johnny and Diesel Ben rolling through and eating up the remnants of another SPR group (since been identified as main 2), with the bunch now strung out and clawing on. Down the hill and past the Uni a quick attack by Johnny was neutralised by the lights.

So the group, which was still probably 20-strong rolled out onto Stirling Hwy, in anticipation of what could be called a sprint, but for insurance and common sense reasons should really be called a moderate increase in speed towards the finish. Diesel Ben was, as usual content to set the early pace, with Jason, Vaugh and Ainsy rolling towards the front. With a kilometer to go, Captain Poser was the first to attack, a strategy which proved futile, as he was caught with around 300 to go. Magnificent Jerard started the sprint, resplendent in Black (Next Year”s Colour du jour- white is so 2010) but was beaten to the line by Squeaky Spud and Ainsy, who took second.

All up a reasonable ride with no incidents, although with just one quick comment re: safety – When a rider calls “Bikes back”, or some derivative of such, it must be noted that this is NOT an invitation to look over one”s shoulder and see where the sound came from, in fact it”s pretty much the opposite (and yes i know this could be construed as the pot calling the kettle black, but it”s safety here). After passing another bunch things just got a scary at times – inevitably, when someone looks over their shoulder, they tend to steer that was also, and although everyone did leave plenty of margin, it”s a little scary, and given that some of the more “aggressive” groups don”t show so much caution, i guess it just should be re-enforced that one only needs to hold their line when the call comes.

Until next week – The Captain.

Training ride report by Jarrad

Unfortunately, due to the commonly referred to fourth known dimension powering onwards without any regards for my life and tasks which i am both compelled and committed to complete along measured points of it, this report shall be rather short, and devoid of humour, wit, or intelligence.

The overcast, cold Saturday morning gave one of the first real signals that summer is definately gone and the Perth winter is on its way, however a fairly keen 15 or thereabouts rolled off with the fast group. Unfortunately, given my previous evening’s imbibements, my memory of the next half hour or so was both fuzzy and rather unpleasant, and i found that events are  more easily associated with sensations as opposed to times and locations (somewhere near Guildford), so after a while, i found Ryan calling for a smooth roll through somewhere around when my face and knicks and legs got wet.

With the group rolling through well, the wet roads painted us all a lovely shade of grey-brown, with the now added bonus of force feeding us fibre-rich road-grit-stuff, which tasted great too. Moving onwards, the roll through was working fairly well, but after a few kilometers, the pace was being pushed a little. Getting sick of eating the road-grit-stuff kicked up from the tyre infront, and with the others not appearing to immediately pull through, Captain Poser found himself riding along ahead of the bunch, which actually did provide welcome dry-face relief.

A few more kays gone by and The Flying Fynn rode up and onto the front to provide some pace-setting, with the rest of the group following behind, pretty much still in tact, although te majority of work being shared by a few. Down the hill and onto Welshpool, Jerard pulled a few turns, with a few of ther others, Dan B, Gregor, and maybe even Judd sporadically appearing at the front too.

Through Welshpool and onto the Albany highway the pace escalated with Jerard working quite hard on the front and Dan B and Gregor also pulling turns. The group, still pretty much together at this stage, came onto the rolling undulations, and The Captain attacked with The Flying Fynn, all of which resulted in nought as progress was impeded by an undecisive driver. A couple of sets of light further, and The Flying Fynn was at it again, jumping from the group and putting some speed on. Jerard chased, with the Captain (white) hot on his tail, with P1 and P2 now working together, the rest of the bunch chased honourably, but in vain, after a red light hampered their progress, and so the bunch was reduced to just three.

Rolling onwards towards the city, the three riders rolled through somewhat disjointedly, given the impending typical fast finish, however as we rolled onto riverside drive, it became clear that any sort of competition would be far too unsafe, and the three were happy to motor-pace behind a van.

All up a fairly reasonable ride, nice and safe, and back before all the other groups.

Apologies for the lack of intellect, til next week

The Captain…