The wet weather failed to spoil the fun on the weekend as Spokes Cycle Club hosted their popular Strada Rossa event.
Now in its 31st year, the Strada Rossa takes riders off the beaten track for a 115.8km race around Chapman Valley, including more than 30km of cycling on gravel.
It’s one of the most picturesque routes outside the premier Backroads Gravel Fields of Gold event in August though conditions made it a dirtier affair than usual.
Riders set off under the rain and combined with the stormy weather from earlier in the week the conditions were muddy and treacherous.
Even though it was a non-points event and conditions were poor, riders were still chasing personal bests and bragging rights.
A number of riders would fall foul of the conditions with many retiring after one lap of the two-lap event.
Perth-based Laurens Black braved the conditions to claim the fastest time in 3:43.15 ahead of former Australian Paralympic and world champion medalist Eddy Hollands with the former Geraldton boy claiming runner-up with a time of 3:58.54.
Among the local crop, Andre Eastough set the best time in 4:00.18 while Jodie Craig was the fastest female rider in 4:32.5.
In the Strada Rossa Piccolo short course Sean Catley was victorious in 2:05.51 with Sue Cately taking out the e-bike category in a time of 2:07.16.
The club will take a break until July 30 when the Canola Quest will serve as a teaser for the Backroads Gravel event two weeks later on August 12 with registrations now open at backroadsgravel.com.au.