ECU Race Team Riders are asked to try to participate in as many group rides as possible in an attempt to provide further exposure for the team. In addition to many of the well established local group rides, the ECU Race Team has initiated several rides of their own. While these rides are used for training purposes and therefore require a relatively high level of cycling skill to participate, we do welcome non team riders to join us. Below is an outline of the ECU Race Team group rides, as well as, other rides that our riders consistently participate in. The format and variety of rides is constantly evolving as the season goes on, to accommodate different training requirements so please check back frequently or contact us if you have any questions.
Contact - Paul at paul.watts@asgardwealthsolutions.com.au or pinarello.paul@optusnet.com.au
Monday Night
Ride – Leederville-River-Leederville. Intended as recovery ride, the route runs clockwise around the Swan River, into Fremantle, up the coast through Cottesloe and back to Leederville via Subiaco. The ride starts from Leederville at 5.30 and returns at approximately 7.30 and the use of large chainrings is absolutely prohibited! Lights are now required without exception.
Tuesday Night
Ride – Leederville-Rockingham-Leederville. For riders not venturing to Midland Speedome for Track Training this ride is a fast paced tempo group ride along the cycle path, once the peak traffic has disappeared after Canning Bridge. Subject to numbers and group discretion, this ride will vary in route, pace and content. Other ride options are being considered at this time, including a loop ride with intervals.
Thursday Morning
Ride - Leederville-River-Leederville. The Thursday morning ride starts from Sayers at 6.30 am. This ride follows a similar route to the Monday night ride, with a few changes. The pace is moderate tempo and riders are encouraged to keep a constant and sustainable pace. Heading North up West Coast Hwy, the pace does inevitably pick up, however the ride does finish as a group. The ride ends with a steady cruise into Leederville and coffee and muffins from Sayers.
Thursday Night
Ride - Leederville-Kalamunda-Leederville. We are introducing a night ride to the hills on a Thursday night, leaving form Leederville at 5.30. GOOD quality lights are absolute necessity as the ride will venture out to very quiet and unlit roads. The ride will set out from Leederville and head out to Guildford via the Cycle Paths. From there the route will go out to Ridge Hill and up the ZigZag, returning down Kalamunda road and home. Given the anticipated late finish for this ride, coffee stops at the finish are unlikely but optional.
Saturday Morning
Ride - Leederville-Kalamunda-Leederville. This ride is negotiable as to the start time and ride route. Start times are usually between 6.30-7.30am, dependent upon the length of the ride for that day. The normal ride time is approximately 3 - 4 hours and usually involves a route through the hills of Kalamunda. Variations on the ride will be the inclusion of loops around Pickering Brook, Mundaring Weir or similar loops with a variety of climbs. The pace to the hills is steady tempo and sociable but aggression and competition will become evident with the start of the first climb. There are several re-grouping spots along the way, and we will always ensure no rider is left behind. By the groups discretion, there is often no stopping for coffee in the hills. Upon completion of the ride in Leederville, the group will descend on Sayers Café for coffee, muffins or cooked breakfast as required!
Saturday Morning
Ride - JCC Joondalup-Yanchep-Joondalup. This long established ride has been a staple ride in the Joondalup area for the past few years. Riders meet at the Joondalup Arena for a 6am start time – Lights are now required for the first part of the ride. Given the steady growth of rider numbers over recent years, the ride has been split into three distinct groups, based on ability or intended pace. The ride heads North towards Yanchep along the quiet Pinjar Road before making its way back into Joondalup with a few short, sharp climbs thrown into the mix to keep things interesting. The ride pace is dependent on the group; however, can be very fast at times, especially in the ‘A’ Group. There are several sprint points along the way and competition is often fierce, but friendly. The ride ends with a large group coffee and social sit down at Sugar n Spice Café on Lakeside Drive in Joondalup, following a coffee shop sprint that awards the highest bragging rights in the northern suburbs!
Saturday Morning
Ride – Barrack Street – Perth-Fremantle-River-Perth. This is THE fast ride on a Saturday and usually attracts a very high caliber of rider to the Bell Tower in Perth for a 6.30am start. This ride has always been a great source of speed training due to the strength and size of the field that usually turns up. Heading out past UWA and out to West Coast Highway, the pack will race alongside the Swan River via Applecross and Shelley, past Curtin University and back to the city where the riders will disperse to the various coffee shops around the City, Northbridge and Leederville.