A collusion of five tandem and six single bikes rode river paths and quiet streets from Canning Bridge to Dalkeith at dusk on Mother’s Day last Sunday. The troupe’s destination was the historic 1906 site of the former Claremont Old Men’s Home, established as a hostel for homeless men during Perth’s gold-rush inspired building boom. Now a heritage listed public space, its numerous former residents included Samuel Speed who died in 1938 aged 97. He was WA’s last surviving former convict, transported to Australia for arson in 1866. He died a free but poor man. The facility was renamed “Sunset” in 1943 and eventually closed in 1995 prior to heritage listing.
The Gutsy 3000 Community Send Off
WATCAC members joined Bas and Nga as they commenced their 3000 km, unsupported journey to Adelaide, to raise funds for gastrointestinal cancer research at Flinders Medical Centre.
WATCAC supports Senses Australia Deafblind Camp 2021
Woodman Point Recreation Camp provided a great location for a fun and energetic morning of cycling with members and friends of WA’s deafblind community, as part of the annual Senses Deafblind Camp. Nestled in the historic grounds of the Swan River Colony’s 1886 quarantine station it was also a poignant reminder of the measures needed to exclude diseases with epidemic potential both then, and now. With forty four participants, interest in the camp was strong despite the reduced registrations due to interstate travel constraints.
Last Weekend’s New Stoker Clinic and Skills Ride
Three riders joined our new stoker’s clinic held among the pine trees in Kensington last Saturday morning. Starting on a stationary tandem before progressing on to riding with an experienced pilot, our trainees were guided through a two-hour basic skills session led by WATCAC tandem pilot Connie. Our shady car park venue provided ideal riding conditions.
Life Cycle On-Road 2021 approaching fast
Fifteen riders will be flying the flag for WATCAC on the annual Life Cycle for Canteen On-Road ride, 6-8 March. Participants ride 300km over three days from Bassendean to Busselton.