Kent Street Weir

In between stormy weather and rain, two Barons headed out.
There was a great deal of sand, twigs, leaves etc everywhere but the roads were quiet.
After riding the Shelley loop to Riverton Bridge I was surprised the cafe was closed so
we rode onto Kent Street Weir which was opened. This picnic and cafe spot on the Canning River is a delight with  many facilities for everyone.

On the way back I wondered how the ride might be by staying to PSPs and minor roads.
It is a pleasant ride if you are wanting to meander along. It was getting a little tedious before the end with crossovers, many turns etc, but nothing too difficult. For a casual ride it is fine to do it this way, however to commute or ride to get somewhere fast, definitely use the marked cycle lanes on the main roads.

Canning River

From early settler days to the present continuous urban development, the Canning River is considered by some as a backwater that is slowly being stifled. But at the right time of the year it is a delightful natural wetland with great cycle paths along its banks.

I usually ride from the Riverton Bridge through to Spencer road quickly and on main roads with cycle lanes. However, today there was sunshine after a very stormy morning and I decided to ride the upper reaches of the Canning River and catch up with a cycling buddy. I used the underpass at Banskia and Canning Hwy and on Hayman road accessed the PSP (cycle and pedestrian path) around Curtin Uni to Manning road which I crossed at the lights. From there I used the PSP to Upton street and Fern Street. Instead of the usual "get there quick" route, I went left at Fern Street. At the Bungaree Avenue roundabout a wide PSP follows the road and then heads into the wetlands on the Canning and to the Kent Street Weir.

What a beautiful picnic spot and great cafe at the Weir. A sparkling river was tumbling over the weir, canoeist were paddling and families playing. Then on through the trees, green fields and slow flowing waters of the Canning, each turn of the path opening to a breathtaking view of beautiful, natural wetlands and pools of still water.

It actually happened this time. Even though I was totally in the moment and experiencing the birds and trees and river, I stopped and took some photos.

 

The Canning has different wondrous delights that the Swan can never offer. The cycle paths are in good condition and allow road free riding around this beautiful natural habitat. This is a cycling ride to cherish and repeat.

Click to view map.

Skidding to a Sudden Stop

I got rid of the flu  in about a week, the weather fined up and I have been riding every lovely, sunny morning along the cycle paths of the Swan River.

For some reason in one corner I tucked my left shoulder into the back of the seat and zoom... around I went quickly, smoothly and with plenty of speed.
Of course I experimented with this body position for turns and wondered why it allowed faster turns in tight corners. How fast could I go?

Well like all good bike riders I found the limit this morning... at the end of my elbow.

Coming into a downhill 90 degree turn I set up for the shoulder tuck turn. Went in wide without trailing any rear brake, hit the apex and exited wide. Without warning the rear wheel let go just after the apex, slid on the quick release lever and just before I came to a complete stop my left elbow hit the deck and then my bum. The left pedal surround was ground down a little and the handle bars were askew.

I think the technique works but I found the limit of rear wheel traction this time. By tucking my shoulder into the seat I must be leaning the bike more. Perhaps it is allowing the front to over steer slightly and unload the rear. It might be a way to keep corner speed up but I will take care to not go in too hot in future.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Change of Plan

I did have this grand goal of riding everyday during the next fortnight.
However, I am laid up with the dreaded flu and have missed three days already.
I am hoping to get out by Wednesday or Thursday.
Oh well ride when I can and it will be all the more enjoyable.

Small rides around the river

I have been doing a ton of work lately so am just hanging in there with my fitness. Each day I can do around 30 minutes on the exercise bike. Then one or two rides around the river  - around 10 to 15km.

The next two weeks is holiday time and I intend to get a long ride in each day.  No more dodging bad weather. Week one, just get out there and build some base distance. Week two, get up them hills!