Just wanted to say a HUGE HUGE thank you to Lorraine and Pete and families for putting on such a good spread today. Better than Brekky at the Canberra Hyatt:-) Well don and thanks heaps. I will be back in Canberra to see my family, for the next couple of Saturdays, hoping to get in some hill cycling while I have time off. Keep safe everyone and keep warm. Lib

Ride/Race report by Rob

 Another cold start which saw fewer than normal arrive for the start. Winter has certainly arrived, seeing the winter skirts and blouses being pulled out from the bottom drawer and pulled on the night before…..

 ….anywho, Mr VP Brendan provided our intro for the morning (as Mr P Pete was in prep. mode for the afternoon’s State TT in Dardanup…but more on that shortly). After the requisite information about new ride kit orders, club meetings, SPR breakfasts, leader for the Novice group (who established their independence at this point), we headed off into the fray.

 A leisurely ride along GEH and through Ascot with much chatter and socialising as we traversed the Eastern Suburbs. This particular ride has always offered a great opportunity to catch up with people early on the in the piece as there are a couple of nice long stretches of easy rolling and is great to get the legs warm.

 By the time we reached the break point everyone was ready for some action. Lorraine and myself using the ride as a warm up for the TT’s, had decided to stick with the main group this time round. We bade farewell to the Fast Group (which is actually the larger of the 2 groups, but there you go – see how PC our club is!!).

 It was actually the first time I’d riden along Morley Drive without heading up to the TV Stations, and got quite the rude shock to find that it wasn’t flat. As we rounded the first corner it kicks straight up which is not what I was expecting at all. Oh well, head down and plough on! Ronny and I kept the pace up the front but not too high that we lost any back markers. A nice roll down the other side to Waneroo Road and then back into formation with Russell coming forward to do some work.

 Now, as this was my first ride with the Main Group, I wasn’t too sure what speed we should be doing so as not to lose people off the back. Would appear it wasn’t quite enough for some though, and coming along past Kings Park a couple of the ‘big boys’ decided to up the ante. I stayed put only to find a roll through kick up and found myself very quickly ending up down the back! Normally at this point I’d jump on and come back through but actually found it quite interesting sitting at the rear of the peloton and just watching – and what a sight! Lots of jostling and jumping about, people grabbing wheel or attacking off the front – and this is a “social” ride I thought?! These guys play tough!! Anyway, I got lots out of taking all this in, as when I explained what I’d seen to Paul, he said “That’s just like what racing is about…and if you can sit back, let people smash themselves and then move in later for the kill, then you’ve done well.”

 And didn’t that work a treat! After negotiating Claremont shops and heading across to Nedlands, I decided to put some distance on the group and see if they’d chase. As I went past Lorraine I called out to her to jump on, but to no avail – she later indicated that a moment’s too long hesitation meant she’d missed the opportunity. I managed to get a good gap on the pack and then tucked down into TT prep mode and churned away at the gears. After about 2 minutes out the front, I was stoked to see Ronny come past and offer a wheel of assistance. We worked together to try and stay away which went well for a couple of turns until we were cooked. The pack caught us just at the final rise across the top and re-grouped leading down into Matilda Bay.

 We had a good rest at the lights before Mounts Bay Road and it was obvious everyone was getting ready for the final charge. I wasn’t sure how much I had left in the legs and was also conscious of the fact that I needed to be ready for the TT in the afternoon. Best I not participate…or so I thought. As the group made its way along I just tucked in on the back and enjoyed the draft. Again, watching the mini/false attacks and people working hard on the front while being dragged along was pretty cool. More learning. Anyway, as we came to the Brewery I found myself riding at about 5^th wheel and trying to get a read on who was going to jump. I was pretty sure it’d be Christoph, as Dan had already cooked himself trying the take a draft off a 4WD after the lights. As we rounded the last bend there was a distinct lack of power coming off the front and I was getting a nice lead out at 3^rd wheel. “Hey…that’s the 60km sign?! I could just pop out now and give it a little and….b**ger me! Was that my very first sprint win??! Yep! Thanks fella’s!” After rolling out, Christoph came up to me and said that it looked like I was just rolling across the line with almost no effort, which in reality is the case. Look out Fast Group – a new sprint king is on the road!!! Yeh, right!

 WA State TT’s (my version)

 So after coffee, Lorraine and I headed back to my place to get packed and on the road. We had a great drive down South. It’s amazing what gets shared on these kinds of trips, but we’ve agreed that “what’s said in the road, stays on the road (sort of….)”.

 We arrived at Dardanup in plenty of time and found Pete, Judd and Stu all set up under the new SPR tent (NOICE!), with their wind trainers and kit adorning the grass beneath. After registration, we got changed and headed out onto the course for a warm up (not being as ‘hard core Pro as the others, we had to make do with ‘real’ riding rather than the ergo warm up!).

 As this was my first TT (and Lorraine’s), we really didn’t know what to expect. I’ve done plenty of Tri’s before, but I’d always had to run somewhere after getting off the bike (and had a little dip before getting on the bike). So the mindset really had to be “Push like hell for 25k’s; leave nothing on the course; fall off.”

 I was off first at 2:03pm. It would have been a perfect start too. As the timing lady was counting me down…1 minute to go….30 seconds….20 seconds….15 secs….”Oh Rob, I’ve left my race number in the car! Do you have the keys?? Can you throw them to me??”….10, 9, 8….digging around in the back of my jersey…6, 5, 4….fling keys in direction of female voice…3,2,1…GO!

 And off I went; big ring on the front and up through the rear cassette as fast as my legs would allow. Down on the TT bars and PUSH!! Ok, first km down, nerves settling, feeling the acid build up in the quads. HR reads 213 – hope not!! Speed is at 43.3km/h. Good. 

Looking forward, I can see the first little rise and aim to stomp over it. Nope. That didn’t work, so down through the rear gears x2 to aid the effort. Back down the other side and then up again. I quickly realised that the only way to do this was to make ongoing and consistent adjustments to the gear ratio’s along the way otherwise my legs would be hard boiled before the turn around point. 

There is one hill on the course that hurts like mad; I was desperate to hold the big ring all the way up but to no avail – just didn’t have the leg strength to maintain the cadence I wanted. I was able to make up for it on the other side though and pulled 63.3km/h on the downhill. 

When I arrived at the turnaround point, I managed to balls that up too. In Triathlon, you have 3 lead in orange cones, the ‘turning cone’, and then one more at the end (ie: you go “through” the last 2 cones. Apparently not in the TT – you go around the LAST cone. So, after being bellowed at to get back here and go around the correct cone, I headed for home…grumble, grumble, grumble…stupid rules…grumble…. 

The return trip was better because you know you can absolutely belt yourself and just hammer out every last drop of fuel. Couple that with some familiar faces/rid kit coming the other way calling out to you makes a big difference too. After negotiating the “up and over” component of the track, I tucked down and pushed as hard as I could. I think my average for the last 6 or so km’s was in the order of about 46 (nice and flat with a bit of a tail wind) so was happy with that.

I crossed the 25km line in 38:26 with an average speed of 39.1 (at least that what Polar tells me). There wasn’t much left in the tank and was pleased it was over. I’ll let the others tell their story and times, but the ATTA website has all the latest for those who can’t wait.

The drive home and dinner out (Italian – yummy!) was a perfect end to the day. Roll on the Sunday Hills in the morning!

Report by Julian 

Another very cold start this week, but this didn’t deter the 22 riders that turned up.  The hour ticked past 7 and Lorraine made a quick call to see if Peter was on his way but when Lorraine rang off with the saying ‘have a good sleep in’ we knew we’d be one short today.  The trip down Albany Highway was quite cold and those who took turns on the front were all eager to get the back as quickly as possible as it seemed to be a couple of degrees warmer.  By the time we hit Mills Rd Mark D, fresh back from China, made the comment that he wished it was summer and that we were riding into a ferocious easterly, such was the cold. 

Starting the Kahuna ascent, a group of seven made a break and one by one this was whittled down.  About half way up the hill the temperature rose by at least 5°C, which certainly surprised us all and Ben and I made the most of the warmth by getting a good break.  At the ex-Koala Park Ben made his final break and went on the claim the 10 points.  Behind me, Adrian, Oliver and Ian rounded out the places, followed by the remaining group.  The re-group was fairly short as everyone made very good time up the hill and no one took the first short cut on offer. 

KOM 1 – 1. Ben,  2. Julian,  3. Adrian,  4. Oliver,  5. Ian 

We started toward the Urch road descent but stopped again as Adrian was having chain trouble.  Mark D and Hunter made good speed on the descent but once we hit Peet Road, Ben and I had a break on the field.  Behind us, the group climbed very well and again the regroup at the high school was only lengthened by Adrian with his dodgy chain. 

KOM 2 – 1. Ben,  2. Julian,  3. Oliver,  4. Ian,  5. Aaron 

The pace to Karragullen was very cvilised and there was good chatter within the pack.  The was no need for a stop at the Service Station and hardly any cars on the way up to Pickering Brook.  This, coupled with the sun finally getting some strength, led to a very enjoyable section of riding.  Mark S bade us farewell as he had to get home early and decided to take the short cut to coffee.  The rest of us turned right towards the Pickering Brook circuit and Patterson road climb.  During the circuit Adrian was very keen to find out where the next KOM was so I figured he and Aaron were keen to get more points.  I relayed this information to Ben in order so we could keep our old and watchful eyes on them.  On the second last rise the young guns made their move but were reeled in by Ben, who surprisingly kept going.  Just before the top of the rise he slowed and heading onto the last 200 m of the climb I made a move past Ben who had spent his chips early.  He confessed at the top that he was confused about the finish, hence his early burst.  The young lads came in behind us with Oliver getting fifth. 

KOM 3 – 1. Julian,  2. Ben,  3. Adrian,  4. Aaron,  5. Ian 

By this stage everyone was keen for coffee and a resounding relief was audible when it was announced that only one more hill had to be conquered.  The instructions for timing the last climb were given and we set off down the Observatory road and into Bickley valley.  Once we hit Mundaring Weir Road Rob made a quick start but was quickly reeled in.  The rest of the group started timers and settled in for the climb.  During the past few weeks I have discovered that I know within the first 500 m if a good time will be achieved and today my legs weren’t up to it.  I sat with Ben and Adrian (who was on a mission on the last climb) for just under 2 km then eased back to watch the duel from behind.  About 150 m from the end Adrian made his move and took the points.  Following me in was Mark D and Aaron and the rest of the group led by Lorraine, Anthony and Hunter in close quarters. 

KOM 4 – 1. Adrian,  2. Ben,  3. Julian,  4. Mark D,  5. Aaron 

We arrived at the cafe to find Mark S sitting at the table still waiting for his coffee!!  Russell had also joined the group as we recounted the ride and Mark regaled us with stories of the Chinese economic miracle.  Mark S departed early without his coffee arriving (It came about 2 minutes after leaving and was gratefully accepted by Karl).  Peter then arrived fresh from riding up Kalamunda Road on his mountain bike, with Ben on the front – very impressive – and we caught up with further news from the time trial championships the day before.  

The sprint down towards the Tonkin Highway lights was keenly contested between Lorraine and Mark D (I’ll call it a draw) and there was no need to re-group at the school as the 16 of us left held together well.  The next sprint towards McDonalds in East Vic Park was another keen contest.  Everyone waited for others to make the move until Rob, with his Adonis-like physique (yes Rob I said I would embellish this bit) and razor sharp reflexes took off to try and take the spoils.  However, the efforts of keeping two women happy in his house the night before took its toll and I overtook him before the lights. 

That was it for me a far as the ride goes as I took my shortcut home at George Street.  I therefore have no description of the final sprint but I’m sure it was carried out safely and Rob no doubt played a big part.

Just a reminder that this Saturday is the SPR Brekkie.  Let me know if you would like to attend, either by posting a comment or emailing me;

lwood@claytonutz.com

Cost is $10 pp (this also includes a raffle ticket) – there a great prizes to be won and fun to be had 😉

Thanks

Lisa

Not sure if this okay to use the blog like this, but hoping there might be someone out there interested in a regular Sunday ride that is not sooo hilly.  Back home I could do the distance no worries but since arriving here have not done much hill work and looking to start off a bit smaller!! I have just lost my regular Sunday cycling buddy, his wife has arrived from South Africa and doesn’t cycle and doesnt want him spending half the day with me.. go figure!!  Rode today but not the same on my own so if there is anyone out there in SPR who would like to do a ride of say 60 – 70kms with a few less hills, let me know…  Libs

Today we were left leaderless!!! Though apparently after last weeks ride all over Perth with many wrong turns maybe being leaderless wasn’t such a bad idea 🙂

It is now our 6th week ( I think) of riding in the Novice Group and we felt quite confident trundling off on our own, after all there was only three of us so it couldn’t be too hard could it? Off we went with Scott leading the way and setting a cracking pace along the side of the river with myself and Carol dragging along behind. Really were just wanted Scott to do all the work while we tagged along! What a beautiful morning with the sky still pink and not a breath of wind, it was so pretty and such a change from other weeks where the wind threatened to blow us over.

We chatted happily as we pushed out hard and said how much better it would be if there were more people to help us learn the bunch riding skills… hint hint… we are a lot of fun to ride with guys!

Anyway as we came up the Canning Bridge we scooted off into Applecross barrelling along with what appeared to be a small TAIL wind… unheard of I thought… haven’t experienced many tails winds since moving here.. What a treat. As we headed towards Majestic Hill I said to Carol not sure I have the legs today, after doing two heavy PT sessions the last couple of days just on legs, I thought I might just go the short way and avoid the hill. So we made the decision to do that and let Scott turn and head to the hill. Our justification was that while he was doing one tough hill, by the time we met him we had cycled three hills so it evened out… however Scott was not convinced.

Back down we zoomed to the Canning Bridge and we could see that a Rowing Regatta was on so we took it slow under the bridge and as we came around the corner there was about a 100 screaming teenagers forming a guard of honour on either side of the path cheering us on as we slowly went through. We got into the spirit and waved and said thank you and how nice it was to be appreciated.. only to find out the guard of honour was actually for a team that had just won a race .. not for us…oooooohhhh. Scott was most disappointed!

Scott zoomed along telling Carol and I to shake a leg and we stretched out to 35kms and did have a half hearted attempt at changing the lead every now and again. But it was such a lovely morning and there was gossip to catch up, and pelicans to look at in the lakes and butts to admire as many male groups zoomed past us.

By the time we got to the end Scott had had enough and said ‘girls we are going to average 30kms all the way back” so of course being obedient Carol and I did just that and we had a great ride back to the Bell Tower. Carol suggested we do some sprints on the way back which I was definitely up for, but oh those pesky pedestrians kept getting in the way and in the end we gave up.

We arrived 60kms later ( well in our dreams) only to find everyone there and a queue for coffee, but some welcoming faces and a clap when we told them we had ridden 60kms! Think in reality it was 42 kms and a brisk speed but Scott may disagree with that!

All in all another great morning. For those of you that would like to lead a ride for us… here are a few tips…
Push us hard and we will work
Teach us and we will learn
Laugh with us to stop it hurting
Pass on your superior knowledge and we will think you are gods
All in all a great morning, see you all next week

in order to finalise a few parts of our incorporation we need to make some very small changes to the constitution so that it is accepted by DOCEP.  as such we need to hold a general meeting to vote on these changes.  with the next breakfast coming up in a week, it is the perfect time to hold a meeting as the majority of the members will be present.

please have a look at the attached notice so you know what you need to vote on.

1636151_1(SPCC_ Notice of general meeting)

peter mah – president.