Coffs BUG BLOG

Two wheels, and both of them dangerous

2011-06-06T18:50:00.002+10:00

This article is by SMH columnist, Danny Katz. It's not as anti-cycling as it may first appear. Read it through the lens of irony. Enjoy.

Aknowledgement: "Two wheels, and both of them dangerous" is written by SMH and Age columnist, Danny Katz. On-line: June 6, 2011 - 11:49AM

"They're the bullies of the roadways, they're the most aggressive vehicles on the street, they're just big-tyred energy-guzzling eyesores that intimidate every car driving around them — and it's time something was done about those 2-Wheel Non-Drive vehicles they call bicycles.

Pushy pushbikers, they're always whinging about how dangerous it is for THEM on the roads, but it's actually us gentle harmless car drivers in our small vulnerable metal-enclosed cars who are terrified of cyclists and their pedal-powered "death-machines". Notice how cyclists go out of their way to break every road rule? You could be waiting patiently in a traffic jam, but a 2-Wheel Non-Driver thinks they're too good for that — they'll just get off their bike, lift it up on to the kerb, and walk it along the footpath! If I picked up my Hyundai Sportswagon and walked it along the footpath there'd be a big hoo-ha, but cyclists do whatever they like; such arrogance! And the way they park their 2-Wheel vehicles wherever they please, just chaining them to a light pole or a park bench — why don't THEY have to pay 32 bucks an hour to park in a multistorey car park with no safety barriers on the 8th floor?

Cyclists don't seem to care about road safety either. Sometimes when I open my driver's-side door without looking, a cyclist will ride up really close and try to rip off the door with their upper-body — I don't understand this extreme hostility towards us! Or around primary schools when cyclist-parents pick up their kids in huge oversized off-road bikes with a kiddie-caboose on the back! — they'll ride those huge monstrosities right up to the school gates where little children are wandering around, it's downright dangerous! Why do they need such enormous bikes anyway? If you're a farmer-cyclist or a tradie-cyclist, fine, but for school pick-ups? Outrageous!

And, of course, there's the brutish aggression of racing-cyclists on souped-up hoon-cycles: last Sunday I was driving along a bayside road, innocently weaving in and out of the bike lane, and a whole gang of cyclists tried to overtake me ON THE INSIDE at reckless speeds of up to 20 kilometres an hour, forcing me to swerve dangerously back into the car lane! I could've been killed, but I was too scared to say anything to them — they looked very threatening with their hairless calves and taut torsos. Some of the men even appeared to be concealing small metal-pipes down the front of their cycling shorts to use as weapons.
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And one more thing: I'm fed up with their general sense of superiority. They think they're so eco-conscious but I've seen cyclists riding up hills, huffing and puffing and emitting their fair share of CO2 — if cyclists want to reduce carbon emissions, the least they can do is cut back on exhalations. And OK, maybe they're slightly more fit and healthy, but do they have to taunt us so cruelly by wiggling their sexy pert buttocks in our faces as they ride by? It just makes us feel insecure and unattractive, sitting in our cars, our arse-flab dribbling over the edge of the seat into the little gap where the handbrake is.

Pushy pushbikers: it's time they showed a little consideration for us poor victimised petrol-dependent parking-overcharged traffic-jammed ozone-depleting beanbag-bummed motorists. And I even haven't even mentioned those 4-Wheel Non-Drives — the recumbent-bike. Just keep right away from those big buggers or you'll get viciously sideswiped by a bearded old hippie with an engineering degree.'

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Decyclerata

2011-04-06T19:08:00.006+10:00

The cyclist's answer to Max Ehrmann's Desiderata (remember baby boomers of the 1970's: "Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence ... etc) was published in Push On in Nov/Dec 2010. It is so humourous, it is worth publishing the link to Garry Weick's Decyclerata here.

As a tempter, it begins: "Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in separated cycle lanes. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all car drivers ... "

Cycological Fun for a Rainy Day

2011-04-06T18:17:00.003+10:00

Linsey Pollak is a musicologist who lives on the Gold Coast. He uses weird bits and pieces to make music. So, next time it's raining, here's something you might do with your bicycle parts. If this isn't crazy enough, you can always join with other cyclists to form a trio, as Linsey has done, called the cycologists.

From the Vancouver Bicycle Club

2011-03-16T18:58:00.010+11:00

Here is some information about ride organisation by cyclists in Canada. The ideas are interesting. Their Canadian website is super-organised and they must be very well resourced. Love the idea of meeting at Max's Deli, and how about the Escargot level? do these riders risk being eaten at the end of their ride?

Ride Information from Vancouver Bicycle Club

The Vancouver Bicycle Club schedules rides throughout the year that vary in distance, pace, and terrain.

If you aren’t a VBC member, you are welcome to join us on a few rides to try out the club and meet our members. We encourage you to join after a few rides if you plan to continue participating. See the Join Us page.

Tours (overnight or longer cycling trips) are for VBC members only.
For all rides

* Ride updates are sometimes sent via the VBC forum.
* An approved cycling helmet is mandatory on all rides and tours.
* The VBC tries to provide ride leaders for its rides. If no ride leader is available on a ride day, you can form your own group for the ride.

On each ride

* Obey the rules of the road.
* Indicate road hazards to cyclists behind you by voice or hand signals.
* Be considerate of your fellow cyclists and wait for anyone who gets behind the rest of the group.
* If you must leave a ride for any reason, please let the leader know.
* Be prepared and self-sufficient. Bring tools, a patch kit, and a ride area map.
* And most important: have fun!

Meeting place

Rides start at a variety of places; Max’s Deli (15th & Oak), Uprising Breads (on Venables near Commercial), and the coffee shop at 6th and Arbutus. Check upcoming rides.
Ride Rating Scheme

Most of our rides use a ride rating scheme so that you can select rides that suit your riding style. Weather, road conditions and the strength of the riders will vary with each ride, so use the following rating codes as a guide only. Generally, rides increase in difficulty from Escargot (easiest) to Fast (very challenging). We do not place a rating on our Pie rides since they are for all levels of riders. Mountain bike (MTB) rides do not usually have a rating either.

Escargot rides are leisurely affairs, suitable for novice cyclists or those who want a relaxed pace. A leader supervises the rides and assigns one rider to “sweep.” Both carry basic tools and patch kits. The routes typically avoid most hills and heavy traffic. The rides have plenty of stops and generally travel less than 30 km.

Leisure rides are sociable outings with a leader and sometimes a sweep. Their destination is generally a scenic spot or a restaurant. Riders are encouraged to be as self-sufficient as possible and to carry their own basic tools, pump, and a spare tube. Routes may include climbs and cover a moderate distance of up to 60 km. The group stops regularly to rest or take in a view, and maintains a relaxed to moderate pace of about 20 km per hour on the flats.

Medium rides are for experienced cyclists. Each rider should be self-sufficient. Routes often include significant hills and longer distances of up to 100 km. The group stops occasionally and maintains a moderate pace. Riders can ride at their own speed and we regroup as necessary.

Fast rides are challenging events for strong, fit cyclists who like to push themselves. All riders must be self-sufficient. Routes may take just a couple of hours or go on all day over steep hills. The group may stay together or split up according to pace, meeting at arranged stops. Distances may be well over 100 km. The group stops as needed and maintains a fast pace of 30 km per hour or more on the flats.

Day Tours are essentially one-day duration mini tours. They do not involve overnight trips. Rides lead to out-of-town destinations, such as the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Washington state or other destinations. Reaching the ride starting point involves taking ferries, motorized vehicles, transit, other types of transportation unless they might start from Vancouver proper. Participants are free to choose their own mean of transportation or car-pool.

Day Tour rides are for experienced cyclists. Each rider will be self-sufficient with mechanical issues, food, water and other needs that might arise during the tour. It is not a requirement for the leader/s to provide assistance. The leader/s may provide assistance at their own discretion.

The group may stay together or not, depending on each rider’s ability and personal preference. Routes often include hills and long distances of around 100 km or more. The group stops occasionally to enjoy the sites, have lunch, a snack, a swim, visit the local watering hole or stop to regroup. The group will maintain an easy and steady pace of about 25 km per hour on the flats, sometimes faster or sometimes slower. Riders are free to cycle at their own pace, then rejoin the others later.

The leader will provide a route map, or post one on an on-line map sites for participants to download and print. Riders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the route beforehand and to carry a detailed area map or other navigational tools. Riders who either choose to take a different route or get lost are responsible to find their own way back to the starting point and eventually home.
Helmets are required on all VBC rides and tours.

Here is the web address: http://vbc.bc.ca/

Or, google: Vancouver Bicycle Club

If you use this information to generate procedures for your club, please aknowledge the Vancouver Bicycle Club. Respect fellow cyclists' work and do not plagiarise or use in a "for profit" publication.

Ride Leader's Obligations

2011-02-12T16:08:00.003+11:00

Response to "Ethics".

Fact, the ride leader of the MTB ride was asked by me on numerous occasions to provide the necessary ride details. They were distance, difficulty, route and general comments. These details were never given.

Fact, had these details been included in the ride calendar then more people would have joined that MTB ride. This so called MTB ride turned out to be a gentle ride on fairly easy terrain. Therefore even a hybrid bike would have sufficed. Note, not all bike riders have MTBs or hybrids.

Fact, not all riders are comfortable or capable of doing real mountain bike rides involving tree roots, rocks, ditches, steep grades, mud, thick undergrowth and likely spills. You've got it!

Fact, inferring from the above this was never a proper organised bike ride. It failed the necessary details to make a personal decision.

Fact, "Ethics" failed to check 2010 ride calendar and provide all applicable information.

ps: I don't have a problem with riders doing alternate rides.

Henry

Ethical Cycling - Just My Opinion

2010-06-08T11:30:00.007+10:00

In the last month or so I've heard a lot about ethics in the media. As an ex-chalkie (school teacher) I was amused to hear parents and religious leaders debating the introduction of an Ethics Course in schools. They did not want children being taught values that they did not agree with. I thought: How did they think teachers manage student behaviour without teaching some values along the way? Talk about parental heads in the sand!

The new Ethics Course in schools encourages conversations about our actions and how they reflect the values we hold. Then there are green ethics, police ethics etc. Even my son has a compulsory ethics course in his engineering course! "What's ethics got to do with pouring concrete?" he asked. That was the starting point of an interesting and complex family conversation.

What does ethics have to do with a cycling club you ask? I started thinking about what a club actually is. Googling "club" I got:

"1. A heavy staff of wood, usually tapering, and wielded with the hand; a weapon; a cudgel."

"2. An association of persons for the promotion of some common object, as literature, science, politics, good fellowship, etc.; esp. an association supported by equal assessments or contributions of the members."

(ref: define.com)

Hmm ... I think I want definition 2, and as a bonus I now know what a cudgel is. We are "an association supported by the contributions of members" - both active (leaders, office bearers) and passive (ride participants). Put a group of people together and you will inevitably have conflicting values. In a club, you might expect the values of the members to be somewhat aligned, otherwise it's not a club. How do you get an alignment of values? I believe club members need to have conversations about them.

A ride leader recently opted out of leading a ride due to his concerns about the behaviour of some club members. The issue was that on the same day and at much the same time as he was conducting the ride advertised - a mountain bike ride - he saw a number of club members cycling together on what appeared to be an organised ride. His observation was that a number of these club members and their bikes were quiet capable of the advertised ride. These riders appeared to simply have chosen not to participate in the advertised ride, and to have decided "to do their own thing" as a group.

What's a supportive club member, who wants to act ethically do in this situation? Being trike riders this has come up for my companion and I previously. Some MTB rides are just not suitable for the trikes and some road rides are paced faster than we like, or some rides have starting points a long way from our home. That's all ok, we think the club should cater for a variety of bicycle users. On these occasions, we reckon if we cyle together on an alternative ride of our own it's OK. Maybe we'd even invite a third (or, at a pinch, a fourth) club member along if we knew someone who didn't have a cycling 'buddy'.

If the number gets to 4 or 5 club members, then, its a ride organised in conflict with the advertised ride. It's not too much to ask club members to avoid this on the one or two occasions a month that advertised rides (excluding the weekly social ride) are offered. This way all club members get the opportunity of a ride while also supporting the leader of the advertised ride by not drawing potential participants away from their advertised ride.

There are club members who do not regularly cycle the club's organised rides. These riders are often involved with other cycling clubs in the area. I don't think it was these people who were observed by the ride leader.

It would seem reasonable that if we regularly use the service of the advertised rides, and want leaders to continue to volunteer, we support the leaders by giving our first priority to the advertised ride. If we're not participating in the advertised ride, we should keep our alternate group small - 2 or 3. (Chances are you met some of these 2 or 3 on a club ride in the first place!)

Alternately, the club might choose to offer 2 rides at the same time when a "specialist" ride is offered e.g. MTB and recreational at the same time, a ride starting in town when one is offered with a starting distance some kilometres from town, beginners' ride vs experts etc etc - but - we struggle to get leaders as it is. So this could pose problems!

What do other club members think?

Carrie Trike

Gear Changing

2010-05-09T21:42:00.015+10:00

I ride a recumbent trike. It's somewhat heavier than a road bike. Coffs Harbour is hilly (the land was used for banana plantations in the 1940's). So, it's critical that I get my gear choice right or I really am pushing ---- up hill. There are still quite a few plantations around. We've even got the Big Banana as a tourist attraction!

Recently, I acquired a beautiful Trice, and the gear ratios are slightly different to my Greenspeed. It has taken me some time to figure out how to use the new gear set to its (and my) best advantage. I am still not "as one" with Ruby Red but we're getting there. To complicate matters, the bar-end shifters on RR are arranged differently to those on the my first trike.

On RR both bar-ends must be all the way forward for my lowest gear, and on my Greenspeed trike, low gear has the left shifter forward, and the right shifter all the way back. Or, is it the other way round? My, how quickly the "muscle memory" fades, and how slowly it grows. Anyway, you get the idea! It's taken me awhile to be more intuitive about changing gears on RR, but finally I'm almost there.

And yes, I kept my Greenspeed. My love affair with trikes continues. I cannot part with Betty Blue, now I've got Ruby Red. I keep it for when my adult sons visit. They indulge their grey haired mother by riding with her thus thinking they are preserving a small quantum of their inheritance (little do they know)!

I was cycling on my own the other day, when I "dropped the chain" and had to fix it. I was quite chuffed when I successfully did this. I've come a long way in a few short years. When I dropped the chain, I was tired, and reverted to the old muscle memory of the Greenspeed. I am experienced enough that I know how to avoid doing this, but there you go ... I'm human ... oops!

For information on how to avoid "dropping your chain" go to www.bicycleuniverse.info/eqp/gears.html (sorry, link didn't work). Also a good general discussion about gears.

While putting the chain back on the gear wheel, I started thinking about how I'd learned to use the gears more efficiently and effectively since my Newby days. Googling "use bicycle gears" brought a few great sites including this one from the West Australian government: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/cycling/15508.asp.

The principle is to think of yourself as your bike's engine, which basically is exactly what you are! You need to keep the rev's of your engine constant - just like in a car. You don't want to over-rev the engine, and wear it out, nor do you want to under-rev it and stall. Stalling on your bike means you'll have to get off and walk up that hill. When you are riding a bicycle (or trike) the rev's (short for revolutions per second) is called your cadence. Your cadence is the number of times your turn the pedals in one minute.

What should your cadence be? The answer to this is as long as the proverbial piece of string. Put 2 cyclists together and ask them this question, and you'll get 3 answers.

For my money, I'm a grey-haired, close to 60, health challenged mother who wants to be around long enough to spend her kids' inheritance. So, I'm comfortable with a cadence of around 70. If I try to pedal any faster, I wear myself out real quick. But, I'm not an elite athelete! Nor am I aiming to be one.

The important thing is not to strain yourself. There should be no strain on your knees, muscles, ligaments and tendons. You should be pedalling freely and comfortably. You listen carefully to your car's engine noise to hear if the engine is "straining" and then change gears accordingly. (At least you do in a "manual" car with a gear stick. In an automatic, however, all this is done for you.) Do the same for your body. Listen to your knees and muscles, and change gears (either up or down) to make sure you don't have any strain on them. Straining can lead to injury, and time off your beloved bike!

Find a cadence that is comfortable for you and be consistent. Just as with a car - aim to keep your revs (cadence) the same and change gears to make sure you can do this.

Don't be lazy in changing gears - make the gears work for you. That gear set (most bicycles these days seem to have 27 - 3 wheels at the front, and 9 wheels at the back) cost you good money. Make it work for you, that's what you paid all that cash for! In my experience, you may need to change gears often and quite quickly to keep that cadence consistent. Your cadence should be consistent uphill, downhill and on the flat. Of course, you'll find yourself coasting downhill sometimes! Change gears to keep your cadence constant and comfortable for you.

Ease off the pedals as you change gear, otherwise you'll wear out the chain faster than necessary and it'll cost you money that could be better spent on coffee.

Another really great site, almost iconic amongst cyclists, is Sheldon Brown's site (google "Sheldon Brown gear changing").

Ask other cyclists how they use their gears to best advantage - be prepared for lots of different, sometimes conflicting, opinions! Listen carefully, try out the ideas and adopt the one's that work for you. Remember, that just because the idea works for someone else, it may not work for you - depending on your fitness level and purpose in cycling (recreational, elite athlete, mountain biking etc)

from Carrie Trike

Echidna Sighted

2010-05-09T21:09:00.004+10:00

Mother's Day, 2010 - I had one of those special experiences that you can achieve while quietly cycling at dusk. An echidna waddled across the cycle path, and settled itself into some tufts of grass. Its behind of brown spines stuck out like a big cone. It had collected a couple of leaves and twigs on a few of its spines at the rear end, and was so well camouflaged that we (my husband was behind me on the path) would never have seen him / her there - except I saw him crossing.
No picture though - dusk with only a mobile camera phone - too little light. But I just had to share. On Hogbin Drive, near where the snakes like to cross, near the gym. Take care - don't ride too fast you might squish him / her. Wonder how echidna spines go in bike tyres? Hmmm ...
from Carrie Trike

Tally Ho!

2010-03-30T18:32:00.002+11:00

No helmets

30/3/10 3 in 15 km

No warning (bell / 'passing')

30/3/10 n/a

I'm keeping score

2010-03-28T22:14:00.008+11:00

Recently, I've noticed an increasing number of cyclists wishing to become organ donors. So, I've started to keep score. This should cheer up people waiting for organs.

No helmets = 5 (4 hour cycling)

Some cyclists are competing with some car drivers in the "Lack of Courtesy" stakes. It must be an Open event. Is there a "handicap" available? If so, who should get it? Cyclist or car driver? These riders whizz past me going full pelt in the same direction without ringing their bell (legally, they should have one). They do not call: "passing" or indeed even a simple "hey, up". And, yes, folks, these are NOT adolescents or young adults. One even looked like a baby boomer!

I don't count anyone under the age of 25 in this part of my survey, as research has shown that the human brain is not fully matured until about 25, so decision making and predictive skills can be poor until then. Any cyclist under 25 I give them 'benefit of the doubt' on this criteria! But this does NOT apply in the "no helmets" category - as it is the law to wear a helmet in Australia.

Mostly, the cyclists who cannot bear interrupt the sound of the whirr of their wheels with a noise greater than 50 decibels wear lycra. My mother would have called them "likely lads". Most likely to ...

They've got a lot to lose if they have an accident - all that muscle fitness and good looks, endorphins, and so much to gain - months in hospital, rehab, broken bones, flab. But, somehow it will be my fault (or, will it?) because I didn't see them in my rear view mirror. I've noticed some cyclists don't bother with mirrors, and these certainly seem unfashionable (except perhaps vanity mirrors) with the lycra set - do they weigh too much for those taut muscles?

Score today:

No bell etc. when passing = 3 (4 hours cycling)

For the readers' information (is there more than one? or, indeed even one? post a comment if you are out there and reading this!), I do wear lycra. Mines black with a lovely watermelon pink stripe. So, I've got nothing against the fabric per se, it's a wonderful byproduct of the petrochemical industry. Rather I use it in the sense that it is commonly used - to define a group of cyclists with a certain attitude of mind.

From Carrie Trike

Do all cyclists have brains?

2010-03-28T21:33:00.005+11:00

After a long, humid summer, the weather in Coffs has become a little cooler. Throngs of cyclists were out and about today. At the markets, on the cycle paths and roads. At the end of a long ride, my partner and I saw a family on an outing. Picture this:

Hubby on bike, with a young child (probably under 8) wobbling by on a tiny bike. Mum trailing somewhat in the rear, with 2 unleashed dogs excited to be with their pack weaving in and out of the group.

My partner and I politely held back from the group as they straggled from the cul-de-sac (Wingfield Close) we were all in and onto the cycleway. I said "You go ahead. We'll wait." to Mum. She replied, "No, you go, I'm waiting for my son." The child was nowhere to be seen. Later, my partner said her son was only slightly older than the other child.

We proceeded onto the cycleway along the bushy, but short, access path. It was then I realised Dad was not going along the cyclepath but rather crossing Hogbin Drive with his pack. But, he was NOT a being a good pack leader. He did not gather all his pack together before crossing, so, poor, faithful dogs were left to cross this busy road on their own.

A screech of brakes later, one doggy was saved a nasty, painful death and myself, partner and his children the sight of their fond family pet being turned into road pizza on a bright, sunny day. Why, oh, why?

Dad was oblivious as he bleated to doggie to "SIT" from the other side of the road. Fortunately, a confused doggy hesitated, not knowing whether to sit or follow its pack, and this and the good reaction time of a kind driver saved its life. Could have been one of the kids for all dad seemed to care.

Dad had a lead for each dog in his hand. We cycled away as fast as possible, desperately trying to eliminate the vision of what could have happened to doggy and driver. Last sighted, Dad was unenthusiastically leashing his dogs.

We are dog lovers. Dogs are our loyal servants. Dogs will follow their pack to the point of exhaustion and even, death, rather than be left behind. We left our 3 dogs at home safe and sound in a fenced backyard. Dogs on leashes running beside bikes don't mix in our opinion.

Children under the age of 10 do not have the visual perception skills to ride on the road. They cannot judge speed or distance of approaching vehicles, and do not have the predictive thinking skills to ride on the road. They should be on a tag-a-long or in a bike trailer.

What are others views?

The Theory of Big (or, How to claim your space on the road)

2010-03-28T17:01:00.038+11:00

The views expressed below are those of the writers themselves, and do not reflect the opinions or position of Coffs Harbour BUG or Bicycle NSW in any way.

When I restarted cycling at the age of 50+, I searched the Net looking for safety tips for cyclists. That's when I first saw the article reproduced below. Every now and then I come back to it. I love the author's style and sense of humour. His ideas really give a cyclist something to think about. I have taken the liberty of copying the article to our Bug site as smaller sites have a habit of disappearing overnight. The article is written by a British cyclist. I hope you enjoy the article as much as I do. From Carrie Trike.

My Aussie experience of the Theory of Big
by Carrie Trike (c) 2010

In a previous life, I developed my own Theory of Big. At the time, I was working at Auburn (centre of Sydney, Australia) and drove daily in peak hour traffic. The route included Victoria Rd, Silverwater Rd and Parramatta Rd. Yee ha, Grandma! Mr. Toad would have loved it. Poop! Poop!

The icing on the cake were the semi-trailers that lined up to collect their loads after the O/N (overnight) run from Brissy (Brisbane) or Melbourne. The light industrial area with all its accompanying trucks was a piece of cake in comparison! The drive took 45 minutes. There were 17 sets of traffic lights in 13 km. It would have been good training for the Bathurst 500 except the cars went in all directions.

I had a small car - a Corolla Hatch which had to be off the road for 6 weeks due to an argument it had lost with a car on my left. This car had gone through a Stop sign in a desperate attempt to get to know my car better. A friend offered me the loan of a Nikki (a Fiat Bambino rebadged by the Polish - a tiny, tinny car) for the duration of the Corolla's stay in hospital. My friend rode his BMW motor-bike to work in preference to the Nikki. This should've been my first clue. That he'd won the Nikki in a raffle was my second clue. He held the Nikki in such high-esteem that it was currently used to store his dogs' food (True!). My third clue. It was waiting to be driven to his hobby farm near Bathurst. It was covered in cobwebs such was his hesitation to usher it over the Blue Mountains and west to Bathurst. No more clues were necessary.

Despite knowing all this, I accepted his offer. What can I say? That I was desperate?

When I sat in the driver's seat for the very first time, my fears were confirmed. The top of my head (I'm 161 cm short) touched the inside of the roof, and the roof wobbled each time my head touched it. Such was the musicality of the sounds it made that it would have put Rolf Harris' wobble-board playing to shame.

Foolishly, I rejected my friend's offer of the loan of a motor-bike helmet as I drove away. The image was too ridiculous to contemplate - me driving this car with a full-face helmet? I was a school teacher, what would the kids think, let alone jeer as I drove into the high-school car park?

"Do you wear your helmet visor up or down, miss?" No, the image of me driving this car with a helmet was too ridiculous to contemplate.

As I careened to a halt at the first Stop sign I came to, I realised, the sweat trickling off my palms and onto the steering wheel (yes, it had one), that the brakes worked but not all that well. And they were definitely not ABS. Had the Poles heard of disc brakes? I pondered. Or, were these rear drum brake only, like my first car (a 1952 Morris Minor 850)? Sadly, I knew the answer as I thought the question. My stomach churned.

Later, I was to dwell on the eternal dilemma: "Why, in our society, are we prepared undertake risky behaviour for the sake of social conformity?" Me, who won't park the car in the home garage without putting on my seat belt first but I wouldn't put on a helmet in this tin can of a car. I found my understanding of the 17 year old hoons I taught deepening in leaps and bounds. At the time, I was 40+ and the mother of two small children yet I chose to take the risk rather than risking the derision.

During the ensuing 6 weeks, I developed my own Theory of Big and it worked! I survived the next 8 years of peak hour traffic without mishap! (from Carrie Trike)

The Theory of Big (a British viewpoint)

"From our earliest days we have been indoctrinated by this nation's pathological love affair with the motor car. As a hangover of the class system of antiquity, we, the unfortunate possessors of a healthy mind and body, are bombarded daily with the mistaken view that roads are for cars. Driven, sometimes literally, off the roads by our fellow citizens in steel boxes, we begin to realise that never before in history have so many been subject to so much machinery.

It's not just using the cars that is a problem. Without the resources to house their cherished possessions properly, our social betters see fit to leave the stabling of their salary-sucker to be a stumbling block for the rest of us, whether it be on the pavement or on the Queen's highway.

So, from where does the problem come? Deep within the subconcious of every British citizen is the acceptance of the motor vehicle's priority on the roads, fortunately with no basis in law. 'Roads were made for cars' is a common refrain that exemplifies the convoluted thinking that carbon monoxide and benzene can induce.

There is the self-belief that any person who dares to shrug off their carapace and emerge naked to their environment on the road is some bicycling Baldrick or a forelock tugging "yer 'umble servant, sir". Such types as are fit only to be driven off the road at the whim of Mr Toad as he goes past on his more important journey. 'Poop poop!' and a cloud of exhaust are all that remain as he thunders off into the distance whilst you pull yourself out of the hedge. Never mind that roads were created for people to use for transport (not for people to use as car parks).

How does one claim one's space on the road without the support of a herd of highland cattle? This is where the Theory of BIG comes in.

Life on the roads is a power struggle. Not of physical ability, but of psychology with roots in the antiquity of animal behaviour.

The late twentieth century Homo sapiens (the nomenclature comittee is revising the specie's classification), unlike the rest of the animal kingdom, has been stripped of its evolutionary heritage. There are no natural displays of preening or prowess that are socially acceptable so we have subverted transport to be our display of BIG. If we have a display that is more BIG than the other guy then we win. He backs off. We get the girl (at least that is what the advertisements say). This isn't quite true. One can display a generally fit, healthy body in best evolutionary manner, but not when sat inside a car.

Beer drinking, pay packet, driving prowess, prettyness of girlfriend. All these are lads' new evolutionary power struggles. And the most insidious of these is transport.

Ever heard a group of company reps talking? 'I was doing 100 in the outside lane when a rep-mobile GT pulls up behind me and wants to overtake. No way, cos I've got a rep-mobile GTX and there's no way I'd let a mere GT go past me'. Loss of BIG you see. All psychological. Willing to be a stupid git to out psyche someone he's never met and probably will never see again. All to boost his self-BIG.

But how does this work out when you are on a bike and I am in a car. Surely you lose by default?

Not at all. BIG in transport terms is partly about what you drive and partly about how good a driver you are. And the drivers have already lost to the cyclists. Every time you pass a car in a traffic jam his BIG shrinks. You have just told him by your presence that despite all his prowess at driving and super smart car, you are still getting from A to B faster than him. Ouch, that hurts.

And appearance counts too. A scratch on your shiny new year's model Fraud Mundano GLTXi turbo is like turning up to a formal dinner in shorts and a baggy-T. Unthinkable. It says 'even though I have a great car I am a crap driver'. And cyclists do a lot of damage when you hit them. They have lots of sharp sticky out bits that can remove wing mirrors or scratch body work. Definitely to be avoided.

He will remember this. So remind him. Say 'I've got more BIG than you' as you take your rightful place on the road and let him be subservient to you. You get the girl. He gets a heart attack. After all, you can wear lycra and get away with it and he has to suffer with a shirt on a coathanger.

But driving prowess is what leads the macho rep to only leave 6 inches from wing mirror to cyclist as he brushes past. So good he can hold a line that close, preferably the faster the better. Obviously, he has to allow you the space that you use on the road, as hitting you means he loses face. And how much space you for something on the road depends on how BIG it is.

BIG isn't about how large you are but about how large you seem. The rules of BIG are very simple. Be visible. Be noticed. Be in the way. Be expensive. The more BIG you have, the more space needs to be left.

Ever seen a car brush past a moving, wobbly, deferential Baldrick-on-a-bike with a scant hands breadth to spare, only to leave room for a double decker bus to pass between it and the skip further down the road? BIGger things need a BIGger distance when you pass it.

Be visible.

If they don't see you they won't remember to bow down and worship the ground you pedal over. So be seen. BIG things to wear are solid bright colours. Prefereably big and baggy so they flap a bit. Gives a bit more uncertainty where the edge is. Broken patterns and suchlike are not BIG. They merge with the transport background and break up your outline to a lot of SMALL rather than one BIG.

Wide tyres, wide panniers, anything to make the bike BIG. And don't forget to signal. Makes drivers take a bit more notice. BIG signals with BIG eye contact. 'I am turning right, just see if I don't'.
Be noticed.

Just another bicyclist? Not me mate. I'm different. You'll notice me. A trailer on the back. It has it's own BIG from it's size, but it hits what passes for the driver's brain more because they are not used to it. Different is BIG. A recumbent or a tandem is BIG. Heck, even riding along with a silly hat on or a dinosaur with wings is pretty BIG. A child seat and 'Baby on Board' sticker is also good.

Another trick is to wobble slightly. If you look unsafe on a bike (it takes a lot of practice to get a really good wobble going) then they will notice you more, increasing your BIG. And movement across the field of vision is BIGger than movement towards or away.

Be in the way.

OK, how much room do you need to ride a bike on the road? The least I have ever used was about four inches from kerb to wheel whilst being brush-passed by a juggernaught at 40+mph (64+kph). Big laundry bill that day.

But how much do you really need to be a law abiding cyclist? Try this. Ride along at your normal distance from the edge of the road. Now open up your Highway code and do a proper left turn signal. Thats right, arm straight out. If you are really BIG then you won't have slapped the pedestrian waiting to cross at the lights around the face by accident, or wrapped your elbow around the Belisha beacon*. There you go. A minimum is so you can perform legal signals and still be totally on the road.

OK, so you are now a bit further out, maybe further than you are used to. And now you discover something. BIG things stick out further into the road than little things. And BIG things need more room. And strangely enough, the more room you take up, the more space cars leave for you!

Broadly speaking, cars will leave you as much room as you leave yourself so keep out from the edge of the road about the same distance you want cars to keep out from you.

This is only a guideline. Sometimes you will have left just enough room for the driver to sneak through without having to alter course and you still get brush-passed. Not what you want. So move out a bit more. Enough so he has to conciously move around you. If you have to be steered around then you are really BIG and need to be left more space. About level with the front nearside wing, just inside the wheel track that has been nicely swept clean of broken indicator and windscreen glass and other motor effluent that the master race deem the peasant classes worthy of riding over.

Now put the boot on the other foot. Imagine you are the victim of a cruel conspiracy and are forced to transport yourself inside a glass and metal cage everywhere. You come to a road junction where you have to give way. Where are you looking? At the cars of course.

So, thankfully reverting to uncaged mode, where do you want to be to be seen? Where people are looking! Yup, and they are looking at the line of cars so you want to be tucked right up against the pavement ... not! Get into the line of sight and you will be seen. Stay out of it and you won't be. People see BIG things. BIG things are what people see. BIG is in the line of sight.

Now of course one doesn't need to get in the way if the road is plenty wide enough to share, but only when it is uncomfortably narrow for Mr Toad to steer his fume conditioned three-piece-suite-in-a-tin alongside you without giving you the space you need.

Cowering in the dirt and potholes of the gutter, your body language screaming 'I am not worthy, O great infernally combustioned one. Chastise me for presuming to use this road and taking a mere second of your time for that urgent trip down the corner shop for a packet of fags and the Sunday paper. It is my just reward if I am left bleeding and injured amongst the remains of my bicycle as you continue your blissful journey onwards.' is not a particularly BIG attitude, but it is what our autocracy would have you believe.

Let me tell you a secret: They are not telling the truth.

Be expensive.

Running over a child is still frowned upon in this society. Having to admit you ran a child on a bike off the road is a bad thing for your BIG. What an excuse for having children? No, but a child seat is a useful accessory for carrying the shopping and if you have a nice high-backed one the cars can't see there is no child in it until they are past.

On the other hand, wearing a police uniform (when allowed to, of course!) is about as BIG as you can get. Wait a few months till the bike police are out in force and then go get your black and white helmet with POLITE written on it and your bright yellow jacket with reflective stripes...

Have you ever wondered why so many people ride motorbikes whilst wearing 'Hell's Angels' type denim jackets or leathers? Well, imagine what would happen if you carved one of these salubrious characters up in your car.. not a pretty sight? So you leave them plenty of space. The consequences of hitting them are quite BIG.

The scale of BIG

BIG calculator

Add up the relevant sections below and see what your own BIG is:

Cyclist type

Uniformed policeman on a bike 10
Tricycle, Bike with trailer 8
Well lit, visible touring cyclist at the right distance from the kerb 6
Well lit, visible touring cyclist at the kerb 3
Unlit cyclist at night (no cycle friendly law) 1
Unlit cyclist in long black coat creeping along the pavement in a university town 0

Bicycle type

Road Racing bike 0
Mountain bike 1
Bike with panniers fitted 2
Recumbent bike/Tandem 3
More than two wheels (Tricycles, trailers etc) 4
Any bike with no rear lights at night 1
Any bike, no rear lights or reflectors 0
Bonus for any number >1 of bright (>=10W) lights at night (to a maximum of 4) 1

Clothing

No reflectives at night time 0
Dark 'natural' clothing 0
Bright jazzy patterned clothing 1
Bright solid colours/Good reflectives at night 2
Stark naked 2

Position

Taking a narrow lane 4
Creeping along the kerb 0
Just outside the car wheel tracks (medium road) 1
Just inside the car wheel tracks (medium road) 3
On a shared use path 0 (I'd give you minus if I could!)

Add it all up and get a score out of ten.

Your rating:

0-2 Imminent Road Kill
3-5 Bicycling Baldrick
6-8 Effective Cyclist
9-10 Road Warrior

Where do I rate? Somewhere between 8 and 10 depending on circumstances (I just got some super bright headlamps and it depends whether I take the trailer or not)."

Theory of BIG copyright (c) David Martin 1998

* A Belisha beacon is an orange globe lamp on top of a tall black and white pole, marking pedestrian crossings of roads in the U.K., Ireland, Singapore and Hong Kong. (Source: Wikipedia)

World's top 10 greatest cycling routes

2010-03-23T18:13:00.003+11:00

SMH November 11, 2009 For discussion only and non-profit use

There's no better way to explore a place than by bike. Lonely Planet names the top 10 trips that should be on every cyclist's wish list.

OTAGO PENINSULA, NEW ZEALAND

With the first half decidedly laid-back and the second portion anything but, the mix of scenery and sweat make this one of the best one-day rides in the country. Starting from university-town Dunedin you soon shed the trappings of the city and succumb to the lure of the open road. The serpentine route twists pleasantly along the shore, providing tremendous ocean views, and the terrain is made for cycling. Then suddenly there's a sharp turn to the right and you're gaining altitude like a climbing fighter-jet. Get ready for steep climbs, fast descents and the odd albatross to keep you company.

CAPE BRETON ISLAND, CANADA

This justifiably renowned cycling route is best-known for the scenery – breathtaking rocky coastlines, the crystal clear Bras d'Or inland sea and the soaring ridges of the Cape Breton Highlands – especially in their autumn colours. But adventure-seekers will also be satisfied as gently rolling hills become invigorating mountains with some tough climbs and heart-thumping descents. Combined with local wildlife (such as beavers, moose and deer), quaint fishing villages, an intriguing Gaelic culture grown from French-Scottish roots and plenty of fresh ocean breezes, Cape Breton is the whole package.

FRIULI-VENEZIA GIULIA, ITALY

By cycling the often overlooked, yet spectacular, far reaches of the northeast corner of Italy, you have the opportunity to intimately discover this earthy region. Along roads that make for easy pedalling, Slovenian farmers tend their fields in the strong sun, rows of vines cling to voluptuous hill country, and you smell the freshly tilled earth and feel the wind cool the sweat from your face. Then in the evenings, relax in a piazza to sample the region's famous white wines and join the laidback locals for a chat. The route's icing on the cake is the final scenic jaunt down the Istrian coast.

ISLE OF WIGHT, ENGLAND

The Isle of Wight is a cycling paradise that is home to some of the UK's most varied terrain: lush velvet hills rolling into the sea, narrow lanes through tidy hedgerows, deep and mysterious green gullies, and the island's most striking feature, the ridge of white chalk cliffs stretching across its breadth. Although cyclists have been enjoying its outdoor pleasures for decades now, it's only been in recent years that Wight has started to attract young and trendy Londoners looking for a romantic weekend by the sea with a buzz – which gastropubs, slick hotels and a calendar full of festivals now provide.

WEST COAST TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

By right, Tasmania should be too small to have huge pockets of wilderness, but untouched and untamed lands stretch along its fierce west coast. Cycling land this wild should not come easily and it doesn't, with the hill climbs queuing one after the other – you will notice them but not as much as the scenery, which takes in Tasmania's most famous mountain (Cradle Mountain), its cutest coastal town (Strahan), its highest waterfall (Montezuma Falls) and its most beautiful lake (Lake St Clair), all on highways that feel at times like back roads.

LUBERON AND MONT VENTOUX, FRANCE

Tackling hilly Luberon with a touring load might seem crazy, but several hundred kilometres of well-signed bike paths render it very enjoyable, as do ancient Roman ruins, medieval chateaux and ambrosial wines. This sun-drenched corner of Provence is a mix of manicured vineyards and ancient villages tumbling haphazardly down rocky slopes. Cool pine forests and blue fields of lavender stretch away on either side of the road. But the real goal here is legendary Mont Ventoux, scene of several Tour de France dramas, dominating the landscape and silently luring cyclist-pilgrims to its summit.

SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WASHINGTON, USA

The ferry conveying you and your trusty steed from Seattle or Anacortes weaves its way calmly, the perfect introduction to the slow, peaceful character of these islands. Awaiting you are forested shorelines, secluded coves, bucolic vistas and quiet roads. The three largest islands, Lopez, Orcas and San Juan, each have their own distinctive charm, with historic sites and art galleries. The terrain is hilly, but each can be cycled in a day, including plenty of time to watch for seals, otters, sea lions and the odd orca, or black-tailed deer and eagles further inland.

COUNTY CLARE, IRELAND

Beginning in fertile lowlands flanking the Shannon estuary, this route rolls past golden-sand beaches to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher facing the Atlantic. Next come the music hotbed towns of Milltown Malbay and Doolin, where you enter a pub only if you're in for the long haul – leaving before the last song is sung seems a monstrous breach of etiquette. From here progress to the relentlessly grey, yet captivating, limestone expanse of the Burren, reminiscent of a lunar landscape. Then take a sojourn into Yeats' country before sauntering back in a loop through CountyClare's gentle patchwork countryside.

LA FAROLA, CUBA

Fascinating Cuba is a delight at helmet level. Try the spectacular 9km descent along the La Farola highway, from the crest of the Baracoa Mountains down to the south coast. The highway clings to cliffs hung in tropical vegetation, with guard rails protecting you from drop-to-nowhere gorges, before sweeping from one giant limestone ledge to the next, each turn providing a closer vista of wild open ocean. Built by the Revolutionary government, this magnificent mountain highway is an irresistible challenge for cyclists. Traditionally, the first stage of the Vuelta Ciclista Cuba (Cuba's answer to the Tour de France) is run over this route.

NATIONAL HIGHWAY 1, VIETNAM

This iconic road runs the length of the narrow country from north to south. It is the most popular cycling route in Vietnam, a long but immensely rewarding trip along the best parts of Vietnam's coastline. The route has some reasonable hills, climaxing in the mighty Hai Van Pass (496m) – with a breathtaking descent as pine-clad mountains loom to the west and the South China Sea vanishes into the east. Take the time along the way to gaze at networks of lush rice fields blanketing the hidden valleys below; fish, snorkel or dive the turquoise waters of the coast; and soak up the atmosphere of delightful rural hamlets.

Photos: Top 10 greatest cycling routes

This is an extract from Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2010 – the best trends, destinations, journeys and experiences for the upcoming year – out now. © Lonely Planet Publications, 2009. $24.99

Princess Lycra and the Evil Delivery Man

2010-03-22T23:06:00.003+11:00

This story equals those humorous pieces published in SMH. And by one of our own - thanks, Emma R.

Once upon a time in a magical land...

Princess Lycra was riding her enchanted bicycle through her kingdom in the early morning light as she oft did, with her magic AyUps spreading goodness and light on all before her, when all of a sudden, out of nowhere, appeared the evil newspaper delivery man (ENDM), swerving across the yellow brick road from this side to that side, dispatching his logs of tabloid diatribe into the gardens of the poor simple villagers.

Even though the ENDM saw the beautiful Princess Lycra heading towards him, he guided his carriage of evil directly across her path to satisfy his dastardly desires of newspaper ejection. At this wickedness, Princess Lycra was shaken but not stirred,and after applying her faithful Ultegra brakes she avoided the carriage of evil.
Princess Lycra, not being a candy arse, then cast a potent spell upon the ENDM as he passed by. The ENDM, upon hearing the Princess's spell, responded with an antispell of "can't you see I'm delivering papers". Of course this antispell was impotent against the enchanted Princess, who then cast another spell to turn him into a toad, of which he was already largely one.

The Princess continued on her way, but a quick glance behind revealed the ENDM performing a U turn, and again, not being a candy arse, the Princess also turned her enchanted bicycle to face whatever confrontation might be awaiting her. With her magic potions at the ready the all powerful Princess and the ENDM faced each other from 50 metres like knights about to joust. The tension rose as the combatants approached each other, and with the ENDM guiding his carriage of evil towards her with its dragon eyes ablaze, Princess Lycra was wishing she was wearing her enchanted body armour.

As both the moment of truth and the carriage of evil arrived, the Princess quickly cast a silent spell of apology on the toady ENDM. Of course the ENDM, completely overwhelmed by the spell, slowed and pulled up adjacent to the Princess. Now fully under the control of the Princess's spell, the ENDM apologised for getting in the way of such a wondrous and magical being. The Princess, being benevolent and compassionate, as well as clever and gorgeous, (and modest), accepted the ENDM's apology while also providing some spiritual guidance on the respecting of cyclists.

The Princess and the now 'not so toady ENDM' parted on good terms with the ENDM now understanding the correct protocols of road sharing. This was an unusual but pleasing outcome for the Princess who had grown weary of the evilness she often encountered.
The Princess was much relieved that the incident had ended so well, and without the unpalatable emotional aftertaste that sometimes follows one for the rest of one's journey.

Princess Lycra continued on her enchanted journey through her magical kingdom, accompanied only by the whizzing sound of her tyres upon the road of cycling satisfaction, and eventually covered 114km nonstop without any further clashes with the forces of evil.

The End

Emma R. 12/02/2010

Raise those pedals high! Push down and read on.

2010-03-22T17:35:00.006+11:00

There have been lots of articles and letters about cycling in the illustrious Sydney Morning Herald recently. I thought it might be worth it to have some of them on our blogspot.
* Just a bit of fun - let's laugh at ourselves!
This ones about the virtues of lycra. How on earth do the millions of cyclists in China and India cope without it?
* Premier Kristina shows us how! Now, I must find a Paul...?
Does the NSW Premier use saddle-bags or a trailer, both, neither? Find out here.
* Cycling - a non-sexist activity
Bicycle NSW spokeswoman in damage control over Richard Birdsey's sexist remarks. Did he really say that?
* Cyclists ride by the rules!
Rules, what rules?
* What bike's best for commuting? Hmmm ...
A disgruntled Bicycle NSW member gives Richard Birdsey her opinion.
* The debate (cyclist vs motorist) rages on!
Sydney motorists eat cyclists for breakfast.
* Are cycleways the answer?
Everyone seems to agree cycling is a great way to commute, but where to put them - road, cycleway, footpath, underground, The River Styx?
* Do motorists really hate bikes?
Article about overseas trends compared to Sydney.
* Why are cyclists so despised by motorists?
Sydney motorists hate bikes (again!) So much pent up rage.
* Compulsory Helmet Controversy
Now, this is an interesting one. I've heard the argument before - wearing helmets just encourages risk taking. What do you think?

Just a bit of fun - let's laugh at ourselves!

2010-03-22T17:31:00.001+11:00

Wannabe superheroes riding our streets
Author: CHARLES PURCELL
SMH March 22, 2010 - 1:07PM

Sydneysiders seem to have plenty of gripes about cyclists. Yet amid all the hubbub one rather obvious criticism seems to have been missed by most people. That is, their insistence on wearing skin-tight lycra. Memo to the shaved leg brigade: lycra belongs on superheroes, not cyclists.

Millions of cyclists in China, India and elsewhere around the world seem to get around perfectly without a figure-accentuating costume that might do Batman proud (the George Clooney Batman, who had nipples welded onto his rubber costume).

Nor do many female cyclists fancy braving the roads in the type of material that Wonder Woman might wear on her crime-fighting adventures, the cut of which is as prone to burst at the seams as the attire of a British female bobsleigh rider.

That leaves us with the Western male and his fantasies of omnipotence.

''‘Do you think their mummies never bought them a Spider-Man outfit?'' quipped one colleague as she raised the issue.

If there’s one thing those plums of Paddington and the buttocks cheeks of Balmain have in common, it's the love of lycra.

Seeing these cycling superheroes on the road, one half expects them suddenly to burst out of their costumes with a roar like the Incredible Hulk. Or perhaps accidentally unleash Thor's mighty hammer during a wardrobe malfunction.

There's no sign of Captain America, but Captain Annandale can often be spotted dispensing two-wheeled justice on the streets, his stars and stripes (or meat and two veg) on display.

Like Superman, they imagine that they're faster than a locomotive (if they're in the right gear), flying through lights on their way to the planet Peloton, leaving lesser mortals in their wake. Like Superman's alter ego Clark Kent, they wear their superhero uniform underneath their clothes, itching for the chance to rip off their merchant banker suits when the call for heroism comes.

They're no friends of the Phantom, the Ghosts Who Walks, because only suckers walk when you can ride a Ridley Helium like Tour de France hero Cadel Evans.

Sometimes you'll see the Cadel clones with their arms almost stuck out to accept beverages from passing civilians as if they're in the Tour de France, ready to down them in one, crush them in their mighty hands and then continue to race through small mountainous French villages that uncannily resemble inner-city Sydney.

The only thing missing from the superhero fixation is the cape, which is no doubt ruled out because it would get caught in the gears.

''Mate,'' my cycling friend will say, aggressively poking me in the chest with a tyre pump, ''maaate. What have got against cyclists, you car fascist? It's a healthy hobby and good for the environment. The road isn't just for cars. That lyrca prevents our thighs from chafing over long distances and absorbs sweat. My thighs can breathe in lycra.''

''Maaaaate,'' I’ll reply back, poking him back with a tyre iron from the back of my 4WD, ''I’ve got nothing against cyclists. I just don't fancy the sight of someone's lycra-clad basket sidling up to my window at the lights first thing in the morning. Surely lycra only belongs on superheroes. Do you think you're a superhero? Are you Batman?’’

He'll subconsciously adjust to a heroic pose, a frustrated champion living in a world that both scorns and mistrusts him, his sacred mission misunderstood. Somewhere across the city Commissioner Gordon will be shining the Bike Light into the sky, the silhouette of a Malvern Star appearing in the clouds, to alert him that the Joker is on the loose again.

''Batman was a DRIVER," he'll reply scornfully. "He should’ve traded the Batmobile for a Batcycle." He'll then look at my driver's physique scornfully. "And it wouldn’t hurt you to get on a bike and ride there,'' he'll add, with a final vicious blow to my stomach with the pump.

''But do you have to look like one of the backing dancers for Lady Gaga? Or Olivia Newton-John in the '80s?''

He'll pause for a long time, then say: ''Yes. Yes, we do, Mr Fat Man. Did I also tell you my buttocks are padded?''

I'm all for a city full of cyclists. But for god's sake, go and put some proper pants on. You're not Batman.

Charles Purcell is a Sydney Morning Herald senior writer.

Premier Kristina shows us how! Now, where's my Paul?

2010-03-22T17:21:00.003+11:00

On your bike ... but don't forget the bodyguard
SMH Letters to the Editor March 22, 2010 For discussion and non-profit use only

The fact that the Premier, Kristina Keneally, receives police protection as she cycles to work is an indication of how dangerous it is to take to the road in Sydney on a bike (''Dream ride, but cycling still faces uphill battle'', March 20-21).

I was riveted by Matthew Moore's report of the way her escort, the ''beefy'' policeman Paul, intimidated aggressive motorists with his ''don't-argue hand signals and stay-where-you-are stares''.

I admire Ms Keneally for setting an example and cycling to work. I used to enjoy walking to work. But walking seems to have become an increasingly dangerous pursuit in Sydney because of the number of cyclists who, presumably too terrified to take to our roads, ride on our footpaths, often at speed and with nary a warning bell to signal their approach.

Perhaps the time has come for the Premier to consider the pleas of the lord mayor, Clover Moore who has long campaigned for a reduced speed limits.

Bill Hubble Pyrmont

Do others find it a little ironic that our Premier portrays herself as riding to work on a bicycle but doesn't show how the numerous trolleys of files that must follow her get around?

Nor does the Premier show herself stepping off her bike into a hot shower and then straight into set of freshly pressed clothes and a chauffeur-driven limo for the rest of the day.

It's about as tokenistic as the mostly unused multimillion-dollar bike lane beside the M7 which would require 3000 cyclists a day to ride the full 80-kilometre round trip just to offset the carbon dioxide produced from lighting it at night.

Dr Jon Jenkins Bogangar

Kristina Keneally says that since she took up riding to work more than a year ago she has never had an incident, dismissing the concerns of those cyclists who do regularly ride and do suffer from the aggression of Sydney drivers.

And now it is revealed that she has a beefy NSW policeman named Paul riding behind her full-time to protect her from the traffic.

Where do I obtain a Paul?

Tim Connors Coonabarabran

If Kristina Keneally can have a beefy NSW policeman to provide protection - ''a specialist in don't-argue hand signals and stay-where-you-are stares, he can stop any car from getting too close'' - why can't all cyclists have the same?

Sounds like a worthwhile bike accessory to me.

John Macleay Rozelle

Cycling - a non-sexist activity

2010-03-22T17:18:00.001+11:00

SMH Letters to the Editor March 20 2010 For discussion and non-profit use only

Bicycles made for two genders

I would like to clarify Richard Birdsey's comment about upright bikes being ''designed for women'' (''Safety experts urge cyclists to sit up and take notice'', March 16). Mr Birdsey was pointing out that upright bikes were originally designed in Europe for women when women mostly wore skirts. The bikes advocated by the academic John Pucher are ideal for men and women.

Bicycle NSW's mission is to promote cycling in all its forms and it is regrettable that the position of the organisation has been misunderstood. Cycling is for everyone, regardless of age, fitness level or equipment. We encourage the use of any type of safe bicycle.

Elizabeth Hole Chief executive, Bicycle NSW, Homebush Bay

Cyclists ride by the rules!

2010-03-22T17:07:00.001+11:00

Cyclists are welcome if they ride by the rules
SMH Letters to Editor March 19 2010
I agree with Grant Fraser (Letters, March 17), with the following amendments.

A bike is a legitimate vehicle and has every right to be on the road. With that right comes the legal obligation to observe all rules of the road, such as wearing a helmet, not riding on footpaths or across pedestrian crossings, giving way as appropriate and not running red lights.

The rules for cyclists are perfectly well defined, but poorly observed and even more poorly enforced. Motorists and cyclists have every right to be on the road and it is up to each to accommodate the other.

Phil Kanaley Glebe

What bike's best for commuting? Hmmm ...

2010-03-22T16:57:00.003+11:00

Cyclists' spokesman should get on his bike
SMH Letters to the Editor March 18 2010 For discussion and non-profit use only

As (yet another) keen commuter cyclist, I found your report on the use of helmets and European-style bikes both heartening and depressing (''Safety experts urge cyclists to sit up and take notice'', March 16).

While the observations of those such as John Pucher give hope to cyclists (and, it may follow, to all commuters), the most disappointing salvo came unexpectedly from Richard Birdsey who, in two blunt sentences, did a great disservice to the organisation he is supposed to represent.

The stated mission of Bicycle NSW is to ''promote, advocate and support cycling in all its forms''. It would appear its vice-president has forgotten this pledge.

His claim - that only one type of bike belongs on Sydney roads - smacks of that snobbish Lycra-clad attitude that discourages newcomers to Sydney's growing bicycle movement.

In case there were any potential members not distanced by his remarks, he denounces European cycles as being designed ''for women''. How Birdsey believes he can make such a comment ''without sounding sexist'' defies logic. It sounds sexist because it is.

Tony Stock Lindfield

I felt like cancelling my Bicycle NSW membership when I read Richard Birdsey's disparaging and sexist comments.

Experts say the way to make Sydney more bike-friendly is to encourage more women cyclists, and many women prefer this style of bicycle. I have one with mudguards, a chainguard and rounded handle-bars. Mine has 24 gears, as many do. I easily tackle the hills riding to work from Bondi to the city. I also did last year's Sydney to Wollongong ride.

From where I sit, those inciting aggression on our roads are the mostly male speedsters on racing bikes who hog the road, arrogantly holding up buses and cars, instead of using the designated bicycle backroads. But I don't want to create further division.

Someone in Birdsey's positions should not do so either. He should embrace everyone in the cycling family, particularly women.

Rose Hesp Bondi Beach

The debate (cyclist vs motorist) rages on!

2010-03-22T16:53:00.001+11:00

SMH Letters to the Editor March 17 2010

Bikes have every right to be on roads

Wrong on every count, Lindsay Foyle (Letters, March 15). First, there is no adequate level of road building. The more roads you build, the more people will drive, meaning all roads will be at gridlock eventually. Second, banning bicycles from main roads is absurd and illegal.

The Roads and Traffic Authority says a bike is a legitimate vehicle, and as such has a place on roads. Any attempt to assert otherwise would result in massive legal action. Cyclists have every right to ride on the road, it is up to motorists to accommodate them.

The road toll is caused overwhelmingly by motorists. Why is this accepted? If the aviation industry killed as many people as cars, it would be shut down. It is appalling that we accept such a level of carnage by cars, yet get up in arms about people cycling.

Grant Fraser Redfern

For Kevin Griffith (Letters, March 16) to break an arm in a cycling accident may be regarded as a misfortune; to break it twice looks like carlessness.

Philip Du Rhone Redfern

Are cycleways the answer?

2010-03-22T16:47:00.001+11:00

SMH Letters to the Editor March 16 2010

Keep cyclists apart for all to be happy

As an avid cyclist who has spent many hours riding to and from work in Sydney and Melbourne, I was astounded to read that Sydney's drivers are considered more aggressive than the maniacs in Melbourne (Letters, March 15). Sure, the infrastructure in Sydney is miles behind that of Melbourne, but I believe Sydney's drivers are far less openly aggressive.

But what strikes me every day is that motorists have no idea how dangerous it is to cut off or intimidate a cyclist on a busy road. A simple bump and the person they were trying to scare ends up under a car, and the driver faces serious charges or civil action.

Drivers and cyclists needn't be mortal enemies - a bit of patience and some mutual respect would do us all the world of good.

Lachlan Spark Surry Hills

I am a 58-year-old cyclist. Since arriving in Sydney a little over a year ago I have twice broken my arm in cycling accidents. Both were caused, in part, by the poor road surface. To cycle on King Street, Newtown, is one of the most hair-raisingly dangerous experiences I can describe, with its uneven surface, ruts and potholes.

I have to tell Janese Boots (Letters, March 15) that I cycle on the footpath as often as possible.

I have frequently cycled past police officers, who clearly understand that cyclists do not belong among the cars. I have never been reprimanded by the police for cycling on the footpath.

I do not dislike pedestrians. Nor do I dislike motorists. I like safety.

Kevin Griffith Enmore

I am a motorist, a cyclist and a pedestrian, and when I am one, I dislike the other two. The only solution is to keep us away from one another. The best way to achieve that is for all three groups to come together to pressure the government into providing the solution. Let's work together to keep us apart.

Anthony Johnsen Marrickville

So basically everyone wants the same thing - separated cycleways. If you want bikes off the footpaths and out of the way of cars, give them their own space. Works everywhere else.

Alacoque Dash Ultimo

Do motorists really hate bikes?

2010-03-22T16:31:00.001+11:00

Sydney: the city that hates bikes
MATTHEW MOORE
SMH March 13, 2010 For discussion and non-profit use only

Sydney is one of the developed world's most hostile cities for cycling, according to a US academic who spent a sabbatical year researching ways to boost bike-riding levels in the city.

''I did not cycle that often because I almost got killed several times - people cutting me off, squeezing me off the road and not stopping,'' John Pucher said of his efforts to ride to Sydney University from his Stanmore home.

''Whether I was a pedestrian or cyclist I found the level of the hostility of enough Sydney motorists worse than I had seen anywhere in the world.''

For decades Dr Pucher, from Rutgers University in New Jersey, has been riding bikes - from the cycling wonderlands of Amsterdam and Copenhagen to the car-choked streets of many US cities. But he was still stunned by his experience here.

''In Texas or in the south-east of the US it's aggressive but there was an incredible level of aggression from Sydney motorists … It's not every motorist but there were enough of them, whether it was resentment, irritability or just aggression, I don't know.''

In a paper to be published in the Journal of Transport Geography, Dr Pucher and two Australian colleagues explain why Sydney cycling levels lag much of the developed world.

Their paper compares cycling in Sydney and Melbourne and finds twice as many trips are made by bicycle in Melbourne as Sydney with the rate of trips in Melbourne growing at three times that of Sydney.

Dr Pucher says Melbourne's flatter terrain and lower rainfall alone do not explain why in hilly San Francisco the percentage of trips by bike has grown to 2.5 per cent, 3½ times Sydney's rate of 0.7 per cent.

More significant than topography is reducing aggression among motorists. Making cyclists, especially female cyclists, feel safer, is a job Melbourne has done much better than Sydney. Dr Pucher says women are a litmus test for cycling safety as many will ride only if they feel safe. Twenty-five per cent of commuting cyclists in Melbourne are women, but only 17 per cent in Sydney. In Denmark the figure is 45 per cent and in the Netherlands 55 per cent.

Still, he was impressed with the City of Sydney's spending $76 million on a 200-kilometre network of bike lanes. The Premier, Kristina Keneally, says that since she took up riding to work more than a year ago she has never had an incident. ''I see some drivers perhaps not being as aware of cyclists as they could be. That said, there are cyclists who take risks that I wouldn't.''

W hy are cyclists so despised by motorists?

2010-03-22T16:20:00.003+11:00

Drastic changes needed to break vicious cycle
SMH Letters to Editor March 15, 2010 For discussion and non-profit use only

Who among us did not know that Sydney drivers are among the most aggressive on the planet (''Sydney: the city that hates bikes'', March 13-14)?

Imagine how different it could be if we were all a little more courteous and ignored our mobile phones, iPods, lipsticks and PCs while we drive. The pay-off would be immense. As has occurred in Melbourne, an increase in cyclists would result in a profound improvement in traffic flow.

Stephen Broderick Roseville

The suggested ways to make roads safer for cyclists are all reasonable but none addresses the biggest single cycling problem in Sydney, the narrow streets that are a legacy of the city's hilly terrain.

Norm Neill Darlinghurst

I am among the many Sydneysiders who dislike cyclists. However, I am not a motorist, but a pedestrian. I walk to and from work each day where I am nearly knocked down by cyclists on the footpath three to four times on each trip. While it may be hostile for cyclists on the roads, their decision to ride illegally on the footpaths is making it far more dangerous for pedestrians.

Janese Boots Cremorne

According to an expert in Saturday's Herald, we need more cyclists in Sydney.

If so, would it be possible to run an education program for the cyclists, to let them know that a red light means stop?

As a pedestrian near Town Hall, I take my life into my hands every day when I step onto the crossing because of the cyclists at the red light who think that their destination is more important than my health and safety.

I have seen what happens when a cyclist hits a pedestrian, and neither party comes out of it well.

Richard Goodwin Narara

Your article ''Sydney: the city that hates bikes'' is misleading.

The photo from Copenhagen depicts a ''no go'' area for motorised vehicles and clearly shows pedestrians and cyclists are not mixed, and that they are restricted to their own areas, while the Sydney photo of a cyclist riding between two lanes of traffic would not be permitted for cyclists in Copenhagen. That is the reason there is less hostility to cyclists in Copenhagen.

Peter Langer Manly

John Pucher is 100 per cent correct when he says Sydney drivers are the most aggressive in the world.

Each year as I set off to drive for a month or so in a foreign country, I leave behind worried relatives and friends telling me I am crazy. My trip over Christmas driving the length and breadth of Italy with only my 10-year-old daughter for company elicited pleas not to do so lest we become victims of ''those crazy Italian drivers''. However, driving in the eastern suburbs has prepared me for any situation any country can throw at me. All in a day's work is avoiding massive four-wheel-drives thundering towards me in tiny Paddington back lanes; perfecting front parks because the car behind me refuses to back up and let me reverse park; or out-smarting the driver who, realising you would like to merge, speeds up and then tailgates and beeps continuously when you have the audacity to do so.

Yes, the Italians may like to break rules, the Americans probably do carry guns in their gloveboxes and the Japanese can't understand you when you stop to ask directions, but at least for the most part they happily share their roads. I'm serious when I say that the roads of Sydney are not a safe place for anyone not trained and practised on them; and that is very sad.

Catherine Dixon Paddington

There is no mystery as to why "Sydney is one of the developed world's most hostile cities for cycling". The roads are totally inadequate for the volume of traffic trying to use them. It is no surprise that John Pucher said: "I almost got killed several times - people cutting me off, squeezing me off the road and not stopping." Even if people wanted to stop after a close encounter with a bike rider, most of the time there is nowhere to stop. And few bike riders seem to understand there are road rules, so it is really surprising more are not hurt than are now.

We are now in the 21st century and we are still using main roads built in the 1800s for the horse and cart. Other cities have better roads (and even freeways), built in the 20th century, and it is no surprise bike riders are safer riding on them. Until there are adequate roads for our level of traffic, it would be best to ban bike riders from all major roads. That would not be a popular with bike riders, but it would save a few lives.

Lindsay Foyle Stanmore

Compulsory Helmet Controversy

2010-03-22T16:13:00.003+11:00

Safety experts urge cyclists to sit up and take notice
MATTHEW MOORE URBAN AFFAIRS EDITOR
SMH March 16, 2010 For discussion only and non-profit use

SYDNEY will never be a bicycle-friendly city until it develops a ''second cycling culture'' which encourages relaxed European-style riding without the compulsory use of helmets, experts have warned.

Instead of advocating racing bikes with drop handle-bars, or mountain bikes with flat bars, cycling groups should encourage the use of traditional upright European styles, often called Amsterdam bikes, to make cycling a mass, utilitarian activity where bikes are used for shopping, running errands and commuting.

John Pucher, a US professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey who has written a paper explaining why Sydney cycling levels are half those of Melbourne, believes scrapping two decade-old laws requiring all cyclists to wear helmets would encourage a lot more people on to bikes and provide an overall improvement in community health levels.

While he agrees helmets save lives in accidents, he said they were not compulsory in any city in Europe, where cycling injury rates were far lower than in Sydney, a city which he said had very aggressive attitudes to cycling and which needed to encourage a much higher use of pedal power. ''I would be in favour of doing away with the helmet use law for adults,'' he said.

Compulsory wearing of helmets was ''a Band-Aid strategy'' adopted by governments shying away from more difficult initiatives of building separated cycle ways, calming neighbourhoods and educating drivers and riders.

British research showed motorists drove closer to bike riders who wore helmets. There was also evidence helmet laws stigmatised cycling as dangerous and encouraged cyclists to take more risks and ride faster than they might otherwise.

His views were echoed by Mike Rubbo, a cycling blogger who has made more than a dozen short films about cycling. He says introducing the upright bikes used in Europe is the best way of creating a new cycling culture that would encourage slow cycling and a friendly ''come ride with me'' attitude.

''If we can get more people on this type of bike we will get rid of the monoculture of those people, bent down over the bars with sunglasses … who are happy on roads and don't want to share bikeways with slower riders,'' he said.

The owner of Concord Sports Store, Mike Ryman, said the ''more elegant, classic'' European style of bike was becoming increasingly popular for commuters in flatter areas where there were good cycleways.

The vice-president of Bicycle NSW, Richard Birdsey, said European bikes were not what local riders needed. ''Upright bikes are all well and good in low speed and flat environments, but I don't think they are suitable for what you have here in Sydney,'' he said. ''They are designed, without sounding sexist, for women.

''If you are moving in the serious traffic here you need something a bit quick, something you can throw around, something more performance oriented.''

He was also strongly in favour of retaining the helmet laws even though Australia and New Zealand were virtually the only countries with them.

''We don't have the same riding environment with the lower speeds, greater awareness of cyclists they have in Europe. We don't think we should be weakening those for anybody.''

Andrew McIntosh, associate professor at the University of NSW, is researching bicycle helmets and defended the laws as ''an incredibly cheap approach'' to improving safety.

While he agreed cyclists needed better facilities, he said these could be built without removing helmet laws.

Noughtie Cyclists

2010-03-22T15:49:00.004+11:00

I came across this in the SMH. Thought it might amuse some. What about 6. The Trikies?

Prance Armstrong and Sydney's two-wheeled tribes
From: SMH January 2, 2010 For discussion only and non-profit use
Author: Matt Buchanan (SMH writer)
As cycling surges in popularity, a cursory look reveals the throng on two wheels is made up of several distinct tribes, writes Matt Buchanan.

IT is only now, over the summer holidays, as recreational riders merge with everyday riders into one whirring multicoloured throng, that you can really see how great a trend cycling became in the Noughties.

Throughout the decade Australians bought more bikes than cars. We now own about 1.4 million more bikes, compared with 1 million of their fossil-fuelled counterparts.

The number of people who chose cycling as their method of commuting boomed - by 2016, 5 per cent of all journeys to work are expected to be by bicycle, up from 0.8 per cent in 2006.

In November the NSW Government reacted to the numbers and the broad rise in community awareness of the environmental, health and practical benefits of pedal power by including a bike plan in its transport blueprint.

True, with this has come a periodic fist-shaking antagonism between the 9 to 30-kilogram bike and the two-tonne sedan or hatch - not to mention the 20-tonne truck.

Cyclists will tell you that cars collectively react to their entry onto the road just as antibodies do to pathogen in the bloodstream: by surrounding, subduing and destroying it. To which some motorists will say: Well - yes. Quite right, too.

Both groups dream of the safe segregation that widespread cycle paths would bring. But then the chairman of Bicycle NSW, Alex Unwin, thinks the rapid growth of cycling is precisely what will bring more cycle paths.

''We have reached a fundamental turning point,'' he said. ''Ten years ago bike riding was a specialist activity. Now bike riding is a mainstream activity. Increasingly, government understands that this is a good thing. The City of Sydney has put a lot of money into specialised bike infrastructure and now the State Government is coming into line [with the bike plan], and there's now a national cycling strategy being reworked this year.''

Mr Unwin says there are three reasons for cycling's growth: it is healthy, it is environmentally responsible and it is better to whizz through traffic than sit in it.

''The big growth has come because people who live within five to 10 kilometres from work see it as a smart, quick way to get there because the city is so congested,'' Mr Unwin said. He sees it getting safer too. ''As more people get riding, you get an increased level of awareness … and you get more infrastructure … which make things safer and encourages others to ride bikes.''

1. The Leg Shavers (or Prance Armstrongs)
These near-frictionless obsessives have calves as sleek and hard as skittles and live in a Tour de France of their own minds, racing around city roads, freeways and country carriageways alike in whirring pelotons, stopping only to sip lattes en masse in Darlinghurst cafes, radiant in their eye-scorching yellow Peugeot Spandex and lycra. At Tour time some install stationary bikes in front of their TV and follow the le pack from les Pyrenees to Paris - while still in Pyrmont. Some couriers belong to this group.

2. The ''Fixies'' (or the Nutters)
This group ride fixed-drive bicycles inspired by those used in velodrome racing. Fixed-drive means one single gear and - quite seriously - often no conventional brakes. These oft-bearded loonies aim to achieve a Zen state by anticipating all obstacles and, in regard to traffic lights, laughingly refer to themselves as colour blind. Should stopping become a (reluctant) necessity, Fixies will stop by raising their rear tyre in a sort of agitated and utterly un-Zen-like bunny hop, and then go about jackhammering the road with their front tyre. Like couriers - who make up much of their number - they will, if stopped for more than a moment, twist themselves and their bikes into all sorts of figure-eights just to avoid putting a foot on the road in the apparent belief that the road is suddenly not a road but a nasty snapping shark.

3. The Road Worriers (or the A-to-Beavers)
A diffuse group of everyday commuters riding all manner of pushie, from gleaming drop-handle racer to creaking old faithful. They are motivated to pedal to work for health/economic/green reasons or because of a disillusionment with the public transport system or, just as often, out of a bloodyminded, fist-shaking desire to stick it to what they perceive to be Sydney's casually murderous motorists. Characterised by sensible fluoro safety gear, backpacks for their work clothes and the slightly self-conscious way they wear their tight black stretchy shorts - and, oh, yes, for meandering with sarcastic slowness in the middle of freeway lanes just to show that ''it's my lane too, mate''.

4. The Basket Cases
These homely riders are distinguished by their utilitarian approach. They proceed to and from the corner grocer on a sensible, older-style bicycle with raised handlebars the frame of which is bulked up with bags, baskets and babies. They wear anoraks, signal ostentatiously, know how to affix a pannier, and can be recognised by the ''One car less!'' sticker on their quivering mudguards.

5. The Flat Tyros
Australians own more bikes than cars, and this very large group - who intend to ride to work/shop/end of their driveway but never do - is one of the principal reasons why. Usually found looking wistfully (or resentfully) at cyclists from cars and buses. (A subset here is the Spin Class: people who dress up in all the gear and ride on a stationary bike at the gym in front of MTV).

Working on the chain again!

2009-11-27T21:36:00.003+11:00

Emma demonstrates how easy it is to clean your bike's chain. Your bike will reward you with many extra hours of pleasant riding for a small investment of your time and loving attention.

Thanks, Emma. You're a You Tube Star - now for helmet cam.

Carolyn

Keeping Hydrated

2009-11-25T20:03:00.004+11:00

Cycling back home last Sunday my thoughts turned to why I felt comfortable when the temperature was nearly 30 deg C. The blue sky beamed above, no, not too many puffy, white clouds up there and the bitumen was a nice shiny black below yet the heat wasn't overwhelming. Then I felt the breeze! What contributes to the wind chill factor to bring on hypothermia can also make a hot day pleasant.

Being an incurable wordaholic I mused about the difference between the terms "ambient temperature" and "apparent temperature". I confess to a life-long interest the science of weather. This addiction began when I did a course in climatology. I will leave it to the Bureau of Meteorology(BOM) to explain all to you. Suffice it to say that the apparent temperature is calculated from the ambient temperature, with humidity and wind taken into account to give you, dear reader, a real idea of the physical comfort/discomfort you might experience in the outdoors should you wish to venture out.

I stopped pedalling, stunned that I could remember this from eons past, and took a drink of water. Oh, another controversy, how much water to imbibe? Well, Sports Medicine Australia comes to the rescue here. In summary, here it is:

"Carry copious supplies of water. Drink around 500 ml before starting your activity, then 200-300 ml every 15 minutes. After completing your activity, drink another 500mL!.

In hot conditions, exercise should be reduced in duration and intensity, or postponed to a more suitable (cooler) time. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks such as tea and coffee increase fluid loss, thus promoting dehydration. They are best avoided before, during and after exercising, until fluid losses have been completely replaced."

Oh, NO ooooooo, no more coffee for me! For those of you who know me, it's ALL ABOUT THE COFFEE!

Then, I started to think about the heat combined with the humidity that we all seem to complain about. (Well, some of us, okay, maybe just one of us ... ). Unfortunately, for this we need to consider WBGT (wot?). Having followed the link, you will know that this is the Wet Bulb Global Temperature, and that it is very useful for athletes training in heat and humidity to work out what the heck to do. If you are a training buff you may like to read the information about this for coaches by Sports Medicine Australia or this similar information from SMA's South Australian branch.

I'm now so confused that if it's hot, I'll just stay indoors! However, if you would like the information about the current weather in Coffs Harbour then you can decide!

Carolyn

Just a laugh

2009-11-25T18:23:00.005+11:00

The weather here in Coffs, like most of Australia, has been unseasonably warm lately. It's been "too darn hot" and caused the cancellation/rearrangement of 2 planned events due to "inclement weather". Very wise decisions on the part of both ride leaders.

Here I am sitting in air-conditioned comfort (global warming? I can hardly feel it if I keep my head buried in the sand) as I wait for my new recumbent trike to be assembled. I've been surfing the net (the UV index being far too high for any other kind of surfing) and came across Cyclist 101. Herein is the link.

To whet your appetite, dear reader, I unashamedly plagarise the blog's author, Cycle Dog by copying the following paragraph:

"Never engage recumbent cyclists in conversation about their outlandish machines. They’re referred to as ‘bents’ for good reason. They’ll extol the virtues of their bicycles until your eyes glaze over. You’ll wish that, like a muskrat, you could gnaw off a limb in order to escape. Bent riders are the bicycling equivalents of Moonies. Do not get sucked into the cult."

Cycle Dog also makes some observations that will have regular cyclists sizzling as well. Be warned, you may LOL!

Ironically, my new trike has come all the way from Great Britain. It hails from ICE (Inspired Cycle Engineering). GB has been unseasonably wet, and lots of bridges have crumbled in the ensuing floods. (Quick, where's my shovel, I need to bury myself deeper!)

Oh, and my trike's contribution to global warming?

After leaving GB on the 10th November, it arrived in Honolulu, on the 13th after a brief stopover in Kentucky of just 4 hours. On the 14th November, it found itself in the hands of some charming custom's officers where they were entertained for two days.

I won't even begin to think about the environmental cost of extracting the metals for the frame from their respective ores, the industrial processing needed. The energy cost involved in the manufacture of rubber tyres, the fossil fuels used to produce the seat ... (the media seems to forget that when we run out of crude oil (and therefore petrol) we'll also run out of all the associated byproducts). Now, what are our cycle jerseys made of again? I digress ...

My new TRICE trike is now safe in the hands of bike mechanics who love it and are carefully assembling it for me.

May I be condemned to cycle for all eternity to pay for my environmental sins. Anyone care to join me?

Carolyn

More Cycling "FAILS" from failblog

2009-08-26T15:36:00.002+10:00

see more Fail Blog

see more Fail Blog

So, maybe bike paths around here aren't so bad...

2009-08-26T15:33:00.001+10:00

see more Fail Blog

see more Fail Blog

Wally and Sue's Adventure Concludes

2009-08-04T18:52:00.002+10:00

They did it! Aren't they fabulous! Yahoo, for Wally and Sue. Congratulations, break out the champagne ... o, oh, they already did that ... oh, well, they'll just have to celebrate all over again when they get back to Coffs. They write:

"The BIG ride is finished, we arrived in Carnarvon on Friday and were escorted into town by our son Adam on his scooter and the champagne was flowing that night. All up we covered 3,800km, I suggested we do another 200 but Wally wouldn't be in it - I don't know why. It's nice to be in a house with a bathroom after 2 months, don't have to dig a hole any more.

The best section was Darwin to Broome for scenery, from Broome to Carnarvon some parts of the Pilbara were awesome but a lot was fairly monotonous. We met a few other cyclists but not many. We were waved at and tooted by just about everyone that went by and the road trains were fantastic, always gave us plenty of room when they could. Except for some punctures caused by burrs the bikes had no problems and our legs and bums stood up well. The road surface out here is terrible, stones that are not laid very close together so harder to ride on.

We had a few gruelling days into strong headwinds but overall we were lucky with winds and weather. We are off to Exmouth for a week with Adam on Tuesday staying in comfortable accomodation.

Hope all is well in Coffs, cheers Sue and Wally."

Aren't they just magnificient? I'm over the moon for them both! Carolyn

A winter tandem tour.

2009-07-22T15:07:00.005+10:00

These last school holidays Marc and I decided to try and get away on our tandem without the kids for a change. Babysitting, therefore, was required, so to maximise our riding time, we decided on a route that departed from and returned to the grandparents' place in Sydney (particularly because we already had to be in Sydney to watch #2 daughter play at the netball State Age.)

This is what we came up with:

Five days and around 400km, travelling up to through the Central Coast to Newcastle (using a ferry service to take us from Bobbin Head down and over to Patonga.) From Newcastle we rode across to Wollombi through Cessnock, then down through St Albans to Wisemans Ferry on the last night. Rather than take the shortest route back, we took the "scenic" route downriver to Spencer, up to Mangrove Mountain, and down through Peats Ridge to Brooklyn. At this point we used our escape clause of jumping on a train to take us back up to Hornsby - and then hooned the last 7km back to Pennant Hills.

This was the first time we'd done an unsupported tour on the tandem, so beforehand we had an interesting time deciding on essential, and warm, on and off bike gear for the duration. We didn't get round to weighing the panniers, but there wasn't much we didn't use, including our rain jackets and new rain pants. The extra weight we were carrying certainly gave me an eye-opener into just how much weight Wally and Sue would be hauling on their Top End adventure!

This is us about to set off. For more photos, click on the pic above to link to an album of photos I've put up elsewhere, complete with captions which should pretty much give you an overview of the trip. (It won't open in a new window for me, so you might want to read ahead first!)

It's kind of hard to get action riding shots when you're on the one bike! Plus we don't tend to stop much when Marc is in the driver's seat!

In retrospect, some of the routes we chose were great, some not so. (Wouldn't detour via Minmi again - we'd put up with the traffic on the link road. The road to Cessnock wasn't great, with significant hills AND traffic, but there wasn't a lot of choice - we think the alternative might have been steeper.

Favourite parts were the Fernleigh Track in Newcastle, and the Great North Road from Bucketty to St Albans (aside from the freaky downhill bits, and the d***head in a car trying to pass us on a steep uphill pinch!) And we would have enjoyed the road from Wisemans to Spencer more had it not been so damn cold and foggy! But then, where would be the fun in a bike tour if you didn't overcome the challenges of terrain and temperature?!

We're already talking about where we're going to escape to next year!

Tracey

South Arm Road to Bellingen

2009-07-20T12:46:00.002+10:00

Emma sent me this beautiful description of paradise. I have her permission to publish it - Carolyn

"Was the most glorious winter's day for a pedal along the picturesque rambling roads though the hills. Those hills hadn't become any smaller since our last visit though, and they still required the appropriate huffing, puffing and hurting to reach the top. As we rode along the South Arm Rd where it follows the Kalang river, the water was perfectly still and became a perfect mirror of the thick riverside forest and brilliant blue winter sky. Yet another a moment cycling provides that makes one glad to be alive."

This ride is not easy - some hills. But well worth it.

Women on Wheels

2009-07-19T07:26:00.004+10:00

As you know, I ride a recumbent trike. Before making what some might say was a lunatic decision (I think this myself sometimes when I wonder how I can take my trike on a plane for touring - uprights are sooo easy to pack-up, and so familiar to airlines) I researched carefully.

Terry's Bicycles site was a light-bulb moment for me. Being small in stature, some unkindly have said "hobbit-like" (only friends and family), with kinda short arms and legs, I was fascinated to read about Georgena Terry's exprerience. She started off as a cyclist, became a design engineer to get skills to design a better bike frame for women, and here it is. Unfortunately, I can find no Australian distributor for her bike, but here is a link to a whole bunch of videos around upright bicycle knowledge and her design logic. Enjoy! (And no, I'm not the Carole who is quoted on the link! It's just that great minds think alike.)

This woman's story is inspirational. As a confirmed cynic, I do not use "inspirational" lightly - spinal compression, cancer, thyroid removed, 8 children (only 7 of them by birth, ladies), 58 days across the US by trike, and runs a trike tour company. I need to win Lotto, and go, go, go. And she likes pink! Yes! Lucinda Chandler you rock. What do you think Lucinda might do next .. across the Andes by frog, perhaps? Wow!

Team Estrogen is another great site - although mostly an on-line shop, go to community and learn lots.

Meanwhile, back at home ... some Australian women cyclist's stories.

From Carolyn.

Trike Trio

2009-07-19T01:13:00.004+10:00

Just when you thought it was safe to get up off the couch and get back on the bike after the "Tour de France", I present to you Trio de Tricycle. Three "you tube" clips which might just give you minutes of fun.

1. KMX Kart - Stunts (3 minutes). Watch this kid go! Is he any good or what?

2. Greenspeed GT3 on a Downhill Run (about 7 minutes). A bit long but well worth it - listen closely to the punchline at the end. (28mph = 45kph approx.) (Warning: the narrator has a wicked sense of humour that might gross some people out and / or might offend)

3. Combines three of my favourite things - dogs, trikes and the colour pink. It's a slide show - view this and the next 4 for best effect - then it's up to you.

Cheers,
Carolyn

Flykes - Test One Out at Byron Bay

2009-07-19T00:35:00.004+10:00

"What is a flyke?" You may well ask this question. But, it's always comforting for me to know there's somebody out there who's willing to try something completely different.

Watch this clip and find out just how fluky a flyke really is. (Scroll down the page to the third video entitled "Hessenschau" East Wind.

The commentary is in German - but you'll have no trouble getting the general gist of the clip. The words "extreme sport" say it all.

If you would like to investigate further, Australia has its own Flyke Flying School (I dare you to say that quickly three times). It is located at Byron Bay, and for a starting cost of $2200 you can give it a go. (Insert legally binding disclaimer here ... the Coffs BUG take no responsibility for any injury, death or misadventure ... yada, yada, ... )

Just don't invite me along, I'll be sticking to my trike with its three wheels planted firmly on the ground.

cheers,

Carolyn

Unicycle Mania

2009-07-18T23:02:00.005+10:00

Just when you thought it was safe to hop on your bike - someone comes up with a new idea. Or, is it an old idea, revisited? Anyway, I discovered that even unicycles can be duplicitous - there are trick ones, touring ones (yes, touring) and my goodness only knows what other kinds. The mind boggles, but it looks fun.

It is good to see our youth are off the streets and trick cycling (20" wheels) - even if some of the language is explicit. Be warned, Emma is a lady, but the second one has got street language in it.

Emma's unicycle show

Unicycle championships set to rap (Explicit language).

But wait, there's more, they're off on a tour of India - single wheels strapped to their backs - what size are those wheels (26")?

And now a link to a wheely good website.

Enough!

Happy Cycling to All - whether it be one wheel, or two, or three, or four (yes, four!), be it with / without a small motor ... you get the drift ...

from Carolyn

Synchronised Swimming Has Competition

2009-07-18T22:05:00.010+10:00

My son was telling me about the trend to "fixie" bikes among messengers - especially in New York. We leapt onto this conversation from one about Schwalbe "Big Apple" tyres. I needed to know more about fixies - searched the net, and voila, this appeared. Now, how cool is that? From Carolyn

Enthusiastic riders (Northbank 2008)

2009-07-10T18:41:00.003+10:00

Brian in seventh heaven

2009-07-10T18:37:00.003+10:00

Wally and Sue Sims Great Adventure - Darwin to Carnarvon

2009-07-06T17:34:00.004+10:00

Armidale & Coffs BUG dinner 27th June 09

2009-07-03T16:10:00.013+10:00

Left - Henry, Lloyd, Robert, Brian & Cheryl
Right - Jan, Jan, Rob, Jean & John

Rob, Judi and Jo

Neville

Jan and Jo

Marion and Ian

Cindy, Leo and Lloyd

Bruce, Chris and Andrew

Sims Top End Adventures

2009-07-03T15:19:00.008+10:00

Above is the newspaper clipping of Wally and Sue Sims taken before commencing their big ride from Darwin to Carnarvon on 30th May 09. Also, below is their itinerary.

Slime is good, muck is bad - my experience grows.

2009-07-01T22:22:00.010+10:00

Day 1- Coramba to Nana Glen return via Eastbank Rd (about 30km total)

I ride a recumbent trike. I was sold on this concept as soon as I saw a picture of a Greenspeed trike on the net.

When I realised I could take my lounge chair with me, that my bike would cost more than my hubbie's and this would be fitting punishment for the man who had silently nagged me for 12 months to get back on a bike after 20 years. The fact that Greenspeed is an Aussie company was a bonus.

Twelve months down the track, my tyres were looking worn and thin. They were "on order" due any day at my favourite bike shop. My trike needed a good clean, the cogs were covered in muck, but the day was sunny and my favourite ride beckoned. So, I set off - ride today, clean tomorrow. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

I lagged behind, the hills grew steeper, the gears needed much lower than normal. Suffice it to say, the engine of the beast was fine, heart, lungs and legs in good condition but ... the going got slower and tougher.

I told my husband to ride on ahead, I rang Deb, the ride leader, and said "I'm officially off the ride". Fortunately, the riders were to return along the same road as they went out on, so I persisted (I adore this ride) and decided that when I met the group on their return journey, I'd chuck a u-turn and follow them back to the vanilla slices.

Back at the coffee shop, I asked Emma, a criterium rider, who understands coffee, cake and "fair-weather cyclists" like me, for some advice. She had some really helpful tips I'd like to share (I have taken great liberty with Emma's words, she is definitely not quoted verbatim!):

1. Clean cogs are good cogs. Well, I had bought the "all over" wet down, spray-on, scrub-with-special-brush, rinse-off product but it had remained unopened on the shelf. The weather had finally cheered up, and why waste valuable time cleaning? Yuk! The product, whose name actually rhymes with yuk, followed by "off" proved brilliant when I finally got around to using it. Should have known - it was a lovely pink colour after all!

2. Oiled chains are happy chains. Chains shouldn't squeak - well, I knew that but ... oil is so messy.

3. Tyre pressure should be checked before every ride for best performance. At least I'd done this one! Okay, so my husband checks the tyres, but gimme a break ... cut me some slack here.

4. For reduced rolling resistance, tyres should be pumped (just like us) to just below the maximum pressure they can stand. Check the side wall of your tyre for the pressure range of your tyre. If I've remembered right, this should also help to reduce the chances of flats from outside sources (eg glass on road), but does increase the chances of a pinch flat (but this can be controlled by the rider through careful tyre changing - careful and this writer, you might be thinking is an oxymoron).

The trade-off for the increased performance is that you'll feel more of the road's bumps and potholes. (If going over mostly rough ground, decrease your tyre pressure to the lower end of the range).

5. Brakes should be checked to see if they're grabbing by spinning the wheel. A free spinning wheel means the brakes aren't grabbing. The wheel should run "true" and not wobble. If it does wobble, there might be a problem. As I have drum brakes sealed up in a nice, shiny package (well, shiny now), Emma said there might be a problem with the cones. At this, my eyes glazed over, I knew she wasn't having a laugh, she's far too kind for that, but cones? who comes up with a name like that in this age of double-meaning?

Emma said that if it was the cones, then my friendly bike mechanic was the go. I was thinking I'm going to have to clean my bike (trike) really well or the man will break down and cry when he sees it.

So, after coffee and passionfruit tart, we packed up our trikes, and took my Betty Blue home for a good scrub.
Sadly, the faster riders had consumed all the vanilla slices, and happily gone off to do the ride again - after all, it was a beautiful day!

Day 2 - Cruzy Ride around Bonville Valley

Deb, the long-suffering ride leader of the previous day, Robert (my husband) and I wanted an easy ride - Deb's trying to build up the k's for a cycling holiday she's doing O/S - and my trike was cleaned and "good to go" . The wheels spun true and free, and the tyres were pumped as suggested. I took no notice of the bulge which had appeared in the side wall - I knew better but ... it had been so wet for so long, and I only cycle in fair-weather not foul. I had cabin fever bad, and the day was perfect.

The tyre blew, bang! Even calm Deb jumped. I have 16" diameter wheels, the tyres are really hard to get off the rims. An hour, one bent and three broken tyre levers later, a second five-dollar note lining the wheel (see earlier blog), and one of Deb's patches on the outside of the tyre, we limped to the coffee shop. It took the three of us to wrestle the tyre off and on. I kept thinking "there must be a better way".

Which tyre lever?

Question: Why do they come in packs of three?
Answer: For when you inevitably break one!

I've got small hands and they're not getting any stronger, so a set of good levers is vital. I've summarised a forum on "bicycles.net.au":

Yes - Crank bros speedlever (look an interesting design), Zefal, Pedros, "Soma" steel core levers
No - Quik Stik lever (especially on 700c wheels), Conti

Yes/No/Maybe/lots of debate - yellow Michelin (though a favourite in bike shops) one comment was "they just bend" and that's been my experience, too. They are wide and have no spoke hook. The pointy ones (risk of pinching the tube), the metal ones (Brooks).

I wonder where grandma's antique silver got to?

"Nice teaspoons - the old-style ones with a spoon shape (sic), and rounded handles. Put the spoon end in your hand (face down to spread the pressure) and lever the tyre with the handle end." Op shop, here I come.

http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=13710

Do you need a lever at all?

Some thoughts from the Team Estrogen site.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/content/asa_levers

My new tyres have arrived! (or, Betty Blue gets a new pair of shoes)

I have 3 lovely brand new tyres, all fitted in the bike shop. Ignoring the workshop dog, I pat my new tyres. I sniff the fresh rubber. Okay, I know practice fitting tyres makes perfect but it's so much easier to and they're so good at it. Working on the theory "avoidance is good" I now have top quality tyres with "slime" inserted as recommended by the professionals. The little bit of extra weight is not an issue for me, being stuck out on my own trying to change a tyre is.

Just in case things still go wrong, I keep my mobile phone charged, husband on speed dial, carry two spare tubes (I have a trike, so that covers 66% of the wheels available. Bikes carry one tube, 50% of the wheels available, ok, so you're calling me paranoid, now tell someone who cares), the levers recommended, a pump and a patch kit (just in case), and 2 X $5 notes. They'll be handy if I forget my coffee money, too.

I cheered the workshop person up by saying "I change the tube, I never patch (well, only as a last resort)" when he asked. I said "Do you think I'm crazy?".

He just looked at me with a twinkle in his eye.

How to change a bicycle tyre ... in five easy (sic) steps ...

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/changingbicycletire

P.S. Deb uses pipe cleaners (craft shops) to get in between the cogs - it's like a dental floss for bikes. I use an old toothbrush for the other fiddly bits. The brush sold with the cleaning kit fits neatly in between the cogs, and would work work well for bikes not let get filthy like mine was.

Happy cycling,

Carolyn.

Relaxed Ride on a Sunny Saturday Morning

2009-07-01T20:58:00.011+10:00

Coffs Coast residents are fond of saying "just another day in paradise" and this Saturday morning ride certainly proved that!

The Coffs BUG has two regular weekly rides:
1. Thursday morning ride. In the saddle at 7.30am at Howard St near the Racecourse for a 28km (total) ride to Bonville Headland (Sawtell) and return. Easy to Medium ride, some hills. Coffee at Sawtell.
2. Saturday morning ride. Meet at the Yacht Club, Coffs Marina for 5-10km (total) ride to Macauleys Headland, return to the Jetty Marina area, then to Corumbirra Pt, the old quarry, and return for coffee at Yacht Club. Easy ride. Suitable for beginners and those returning from injury or needing rehabilitation (okay, so you're thinking "crazy people who love bikes" - don't they all need rehabilitation?). Think 'global warming' and ponder again, gentle reader.
The beginner's ride is normally led by Robert on his conventional Trek bike.

Bikes (and riders!) of all shapes and sizes are all warmly welcomed by Coffs Bug members as the photos below testify!

A recent Saturday ride had the recumbent riders outnumbering the uprights!

Basia, a beginner rider, who has progressed fabulously and is now doing the Thursday ride, all in a little over 8 weeks happened to have her camera handy, and was gracious enough to leave her mountain-bike on her car rack, and give a trike a go! Basia was able to borrow a KMX-Kart (trike) for the occasion from a generous fellow rider. Basia is in orange T-shirt with stylish flouro yellow safety vest.

Janiece, also a recent beginner, has quickly progressed onto the Thursday ride kept saying "I feel like Dr. Who leading the Daleks!"

The beginner's ride usually has more uprights than recumbents. This particular Saturday was exceptional! Janiece is in blue. Janiece has progressed in confidence over 8 weeks, and lead the ride for us. (There were no new riders). Thankyou, Janiece.

Max, tall and with sun-protection visor on helmet on his Barchetta recumbent bike - I love the orange colour! It just looks fast.

Heath (tall "in black" one with fair hair) was very impressed with his loan of a Cattrike. "Fast, easy to ride, comfy on the behind (ok, so his Mum has cleaned up "behind"!)"

Robert (beard) on a Trisled Gizmo (his own), a sporty trike and Carolyn (your writer, purple top) on her Greenspeed GT3 (series 1), more the limousine kind-of-trike.

Neville (blue shirt) also on an upright.

Thanks to Basia for the photos. Your blogger is Carolyn.

Bargo BUG website link

2009-07-01T20:23:00.003+10:00

So, I'm a net junky ... came across some fabulous cycling quotes on the Bargo BUG website. I can't go past Mark Twain's: "Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live." without raising a smile.

The Bargo website has lots of good info.

http://www.bargo.info/barblog/barbug/

The W&S Adventure Continues #5

2009-07-01T19:47:00.003+10:00

Fitzroy Crossing, WA (email dated 27 Jun 2009)

Well, our compatriots were not drawn into the quartz seam and never seen again. Instead, they communicate from an alien, and sad-sounding place in our very own Heartland. Herewith your reporter cites:

"Hi! all, here for 2 days, had 3 hard days ride,100km each day, to get here, 2 days into a headwind - but we made it. Getting stronger by the day. Camped the 2nd night out on top of a cliff, the sunrise and sunset were magnificent.

The shops and businesses here are all heavily barred, even the church, and there's a total ban on all takeaway alcohol - a bit sad. Wally left the road yesterday for only 1 metre and pulled 40 burrs out of his tyres, we now have thornproofs in.

Our tent is slowly deteriorating, if it gets any worse we'll just buy another cheap one in Broome. 4 more days riding and we'll be in Broome in a cabin for 4 days - that will be pure luxury. We're staying at a resort c/park where they charge $40 for 2 steak burgers and you have to search for the steak and yet this is a huge beef area.

Happy riding, Sue and Wally"

Aren't they wonderful? I wonder if it is the headwinds or Wally and Sue that are getting stronger day by day. I suspect both.

Their email says it all, so I have left it unedited.

Till next time, happy trails,

Carolyn.

Wally and Sue's Adventure #4 22 Jun 2009

2009-06-30T20:49:00.017+10:00

Strange things happen when one gets emails from the twilight zone otherwise known as "the moon" - see the new email from Wally and Sue published below. I have had no end of trouble uploading these photos, even though I've blogged before.

Now, the font choices have disappeared! Grrr ... Why, oh, why? Is there a computer god (make that goddess) that I can pray to? A small offering perhaps? Tyre levers or fresh tubes left at a roadside altar?

The Australian geography lesson continues ..... Wally and Sue's email mentions camping on a quartz seam (doesn't that sound exotic?), so I google "quartz outcrop NT Australia", and up pops China Wall (named after ... you guessed it! ... the Great Wall of ... ) and Hall's Creek. There is even a Caroline Pool close by ... hope they got a picture for my wall ... okay ... so I'm Carolyn not "line", but just don't call me late for coffee ...

From Wally and Sue ...

"Have tried to send some photos, hope it comes out, have no idea what size they'll be - we won't send any more it's too frustrating as we don't really know what we're doing.

We're on schedule at Halls Creek, have done 1300km so far. Some days are hard,lots of uphill, reckon we must be on the moon by now but overall really enjoying it - scenery is fantastic.

Have camped in some funny places - dry river beds, behind trees and on a quartz seam. Meeting some great people, most of whom say good on you, a few reckon we're crazy - but we already know that. Having a rest day today then on to Fitzroy Crossing.

Happy cycling, from Wally and Sue."

Doesn't Sue look ravishing in her Moon Suit? (see below) Dressed as she is for the inhospitable but compelling environment, much like Armstrong on the Moon.

Could the title for the photo be "China Wall" or, "Picnic at Hanging Rock?" perhaps?

We await the return of our intrepid adventurers to find out ... (eek, did you notice that the underlining has mysteriously disappeared?)

I will sign out before I too disappear into cyberspace without explanation.

Carolyn.

(P.S. I tried to publish this 3 times before being successful. I kept getting messages from "HTML" (a minor deity perhaps?) and not being"allowed" ... so finally, like a temple monkey wanting bananas I pressed "delete" as demanded, and magically the highlighted part of the HTML code was deleted!

On the count of three, I was successful ... it's all getting too weird for me. ... I think it has something to do with the downloaded photos and code embedded in the email as sent from our friends in outerspace.

But, regardless, don't those quartz outcrops look marvelous? Hope Wally and Sue didn't climb them ... like some fictional schoolgirls some of us might remember from a 1970's film ... will we hear from them again?

Bike path "hazards"

2009-06-29T08:59:00.004+10:00

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5563986/Cyclists-slow-down-to-avoid-crater-sized-hole.html

Thursday Ride 11th June, 2009

2009-06-13T19:19:00.008+10:00

The Thursday Ride

This is a weekly ride of about 28 km and 5 short, steep uphill runs. A coffee stop at Sawtell Surf Club Coffee Shop overlooking the beach at around 9am. Occasionally, the coffee stop is in the main street of Sawtell (First Ave) if weather is poor. Meet at Howard St near Racecourse at 7.30am.

These are some photos of our most recent ride. Contact Coffs Bug for more information. Non-members are welcome to give it a try before joining. Bikes come in all shapes and sizes (just like their riders!)

Photos courtesy of Lloyd. Blog entry by Carolyn.

Wallly and Sue's Excllnt Advent #3 cont

2009-06-10T19:14:00.003+10:00

Wally and Sue say good-bye, farewell, adios amigos, so long and thanks for all the fish? (nah ... I added that last one) to Darwin and their friends. Tomorrow, their excellent adventure begins in earnest ... (comment: Carolyn)

Wallly and Sue's Excellent Adventure #3

2009-06-10T17:35:00.006+10:00

Last Post from Darwin (Email #4 Friday, 29th May, 2009)

Hi. Hope this works,we are at Jan & Craig's place and will try and attach some photos????

Craig used to live in Grafton and organised bike rides for the BUG's in Grafton.

We leave tomorrow morning and cycle to Adelaide River first stop - 114km, a bit nervous but will be right when we hit the road. Hope your all well and no-one else has fallen off their bike, Wally and Sue.

From Ground Control at Coffs BUG ...

Hope springs eternal - it did work for Wally and Sue! Their photos successfully attached, were emailed then saved by me to file and safely uploaded to blog.

Wow! Who said I was a technophobe? ...... now, where did I put that stylus and clay tablet? .....Carolyn.

Sue and Wally use team work to push their babies around. (comment from Carolyn)

So, now for that geography lesson ... could this be overlooking Fannie Bay, Darwin? ... if it is, it's too good to be true ... glory be to the map makers for with a sense of humour like that they shall inherit the earth. (comment: Carolyn)

Imagine what this scene might have looked like 67 years ago ... (C)

"The (Northern) Territory played a pivotal role in the defence of Australia during the 1930s and 40s with over 250,000 allied defence personnel stationed in the Top End.

"Darwin was first bombed by Japanese fighter planes on 19 February 1942."

"The full extent of the destruction and loss of life was not revealed to the rest of the nation for fear it would undermine public moral."

(from a Media Release Ref: http://www.tourismnt.com.au/nt/nttc/news/media_releases/mr/2006/mr_Mar07_bombing.html)

Sue looks deep in thought - now, which way up does this go? (C)

Wallly and Sue's Excellent Adventure #2

2009-06-10T13:58:00.008+10:00

Balmy Darwin (Email #2, Thursday 28th May, 2009)

We had a good start to the holiday by having to be towed out of our driveway by our neighbour as Wally bogged the car in the driveway!

Coffs Coast Advocate (local paper) did a story on us, Jan and Henry have it.

When we got to the airport we were slugged $400 for excess baggage, we will be wiser next time. Then, when we got to Darwin airport, there was no maxi taxi so had to get two taxis - $60 later. We have a week in Darwin now before we start the big ride. It's a lovely 30 degrees Celsius and no humidity. Early photos to follow next mail, Sue and Wally.

Computer Problems at the Library (Email #3, later that same Thursday 28th May, 2009)

Hi. We're not having much luck with these library computers getting pictures out. None of them have picasa and their internal system won't let me download it ....they will only send one picture at a time at full size scheezzz!!!!!

We are leaving Darwin Saturday morning for Adelaide River 100 km south.

So far all is good, it hasn't taken long to get used to the BEAUT WARM DRY CLIMATE!!!!!!!!

Will try and work out something with the photos later.

Regards, Wally & Sue.

Wallly and Sue's Excellent Adventure #1

2009-06-10T13:05:00.006+10:00

Our cycling friends, Wally and Sue left for their adventure up North over a month ago. As promised, they have been in contact. I received their first email on the 5th of May.

Wally and Sue are cycling from Darwin To Broome (and then some) in an effort to improve the points score of their Trivia Team in the "Australian History and Geography" category. No, just kidding, but, I am sure they'll learn lots anyhow - they're just that kind of people.

They have two bicycles, trailers for each of their bicycles, a small tent and the bare necessities of life and camping. They take with them lots of skills, much thoughtful preparation and more than a modicum of experience between them. As their first email suggests they both have a fine sense of humour, an absolute must when undertaking such a fine adventure. All these quality ingredients are sure to make the best holiday damper ever. So, good luck, Wally and Sue from Coffs BUG. May the heat from your campfire be just right.

As the darling buds of May have now blossomed and fallen into decay I thought it was time that I left the comfort of my Luddite Zone and learned how to turn their emails into blogs as requested. So here goes ... for Wally and Sue ...

.... and very belatedly entered onto the Coffs BUG Blog by Carolyn ...

Hazardous Bike Path for Wally - Email #1

Something for us to think about as we proceed across the Kimberley?????

Trike Sunday with some BUG friends

2009-06-08T18:08:00.005+10:00

A new recumbent trike has joined the group! Robert P. has welcomed his Tri-Sled Gizmo with spinning legs and so much enthusiasm that he has successfully pedalled up Bruxner Park Road once, and cruised down it one and a half times after only six days of ownership. More about the half later.

Robert P. enjoys leading the Saturday Easy Riders from the Yacht Club Car Park at the Marina, Coffs Harbour. This ride starts at 9am and is an easy 10km. Robert usually leads Saturday's ride with his upright Trek bicycle, but the presence of two other recumbent trikes, and two confident upright riders meant he could take his new Gizmo for an easy spin.

The next day saw Robert and some other BUG members at the turn-off to Sealy Lookout on Bruxner Park Rd. The Wedding Bells State Forest tourist drive being closed to vehicular traffic proving too much of a temptation for us. All that bitumen, all that forest grandeur and no cars - ohhh! wow!!

Again two other recumbents joined the throng - Rob's wife, Carolyn on her Greenspeed GT3 Series 1 and Ch. on his carbon fibre two wheeler. Faaast!

Ch. was suitably impressed with Rob's new toy, and his eagle-eyes spotted Carolyn's flat tyre immediately. With Ch's fantastic and speedy tyre changing skills we were away in half the time it would have otherwise taken. We learned from Ch. that a plastic $5 note can be used to line a tyre that has a tear in it. The note stops the tear from pinching the new tube. Thanks, Ch.

After the delay, our patient friends were eager to get going. They generously let Robert seated in his new trike, go screaming along the bitumen and go first down the incline . The cool forest and towering gums dominating the roadside. He could be seen as a small speck way ahead of us, his flag fluttering in the breeze. Pure pleasure. Thanks, guys.

A short time later the group came to a disappointing halt. The wooden bridge which had caused the road to be closed was in a much poorer state than we had thought. Our intention was to carry bikes across. Our friends had said they would give us a hand with the trikes. How generous they are. Although the adventurous Br. easily carried his bike across - balancing on one log is quite tricky - the rest of us were becoming seriously put off by the idea.

To add insult to injury, a mob of trail bikes vroomed down the creek bank, through the cold, leech infested water and out the other side while we stood considering our options. Bless the trail riders' little foot pegs, we wish them well, but just at that moment couldn't one of their bikes have slid out from underneath them? Just a small waiver, just a little wiggle, for us, god, please? No? Darn.

Meanwhile, Br's wife D., still recovering from an injury sustained while skiing, had voted with her feet and was busy cycling up the hill as the rest of us were still trying to figure out how not to be outdone by dirt bikes. Sensibly, we followed D.

What to do next? Where to ride? We'd been cooped up too long - three '1 in 50' year floods in under 6 months has left us with cabin fever and then some. We even considered riding up to Sealy Lookout. Well, it'd be a nice cruisy ride down. Wind in the fur and all that, but where would we get coffee?

Cr. came to the rescue, and suggested that if we didn't mind a short ride along the Pacific Highway we could have coffee at her place. With thoughts of the wonderful downhill run of Bruxner Park Rd - 5 km, curves all the way we set off. Yee ha! Those of us with husbands / partners / spouses present already thinking that we would send our beloveds back to fetch the cars parked at the top to save us the tedious uphill climb at the end of our ride. Who said cyclists don't think ahead?

The team re-assembled at the junction of Bruxner Pk Rd and the Highway. Robert's only complaint about his brand new trike was that his flag kept coming out. His wife of 34 years rolled her eyes to the heavens, said 'I could do a lot with that line' and pedalled away quickly.

Now, for the highway! It has a nice wide shoulder at this point and we were cycling in a group, so 'no worries'. Sadly, what appears to be a slight uphill gradient in a car travelling at 80 km/hr is not perceived as the same slight gradient on a bicycle or recumbent tricycle. The slope seems to be steeper from the latter vantage point - even for those who bring their lounge chairs with them.

Although Carolyn has repeatedly assured her upright companions that people have ridden around Australia on recumbent trikes, at this stage she was getting decidedly puffed and becoming unconvinced by her own words. Her pedals were unexpectedly difficult to turn, the gear necessary much lower than that anticipated when the hill had been first sighted and sized up. As the pedals turned slowly, muscles strained, Carolyn's thoughts turned to stopping to check if there was a problem with her formerly reliable stead. Wasn't a flat tyre enough bad luck for one sunny morning?

But, it was the highway, and perceptions had changed again - what was formerly a wide shoulder for riding became much narrower when stopping was contemplated - and who would help? In her rear view mirror, Robert appeared far behind, battling his new vehicle with old muscle groups newly used. Cycling behind Carolyn was H. Carolyn sensed that H. was having trouble just keeping her balance at such a slow speed. There was no room for Carolyn to let her overtake safely. And putting H. at risk by stopping on this narrow verge was unthinkable. Then Br., D's husband, was sighted in the far distance. He had waited at the point where the group was to turn off the highway. So, ride on, MacDuff! (aka MacCarolyn). Get off the highway, and then check your vehicle.

Unfortunately, while thinking all this, Carolyn sadly missed the allure and safety of the entry to a wide bus bay, designed for the delivery of children to school. You may well be asking "How could she possibly miss that?" Indeed, in reporting this, Carolyn is asking herself the same question. She has no explanation. Her only excuse is she had her eyes on the prize - the turn off the highway and the safety of Br. who has great mechanical aptitude and seems always willing to help even the most foolish, potential road pizza. So, Carolyn sailed down the road shoulder, which had become even narrower, on the wrong side of a 1 metre high concrete road barrier. Aarghh! Grrrrr ...

Finally, the safety of the turn and Br., whose puzzled look meant that Carolyn kept cycling - after all it was now a down hill run - problem solved. Half-way up the next hill Carolyn was pleased to see some of the group stopped, and as her legs were now saying "no way" yet again, Carolyn decided to avail herself of the opportunity and stopped. Cutting this long story short, the rear mud guard had come off its bracket and ensconced itself firmly on the back tyre. Note to self - this arrangement makes an excellent brake. The problem was permanently solved this time with more than a little help from her friends.

Cycling a short distance up hill, down dale and along some good dirt road we arrived at Cr's. Thankyou Cr. for your impromptu hospitality and exquisite views of both the coast and hinterland. After a brief respite, coffee and cake, we were on our way again.

On the way back, the debate became: "To cross or not to cross?" (the highway that is). It was decided that each should choose their own poison. Robert and Carolyn taking up the rear were informed of this by Da. who had kindly waited for us. Carolyn, lured by the siren call of the bus bay, said "let's stay on this side, and cycle against the flow of traffic". Her understanding was that the aforementioned wide shoulder is actually an official cycle way. At least that was the story she was going to spin to any highway patrol officer who happened to pass by. Having made this decision she set off. Along the way she remembered that it was a long weekend with double demerit points, and in NSW, any traffic infringement comes off your driving licence. Hmm... how many points is cycling the wrong way on the highway worth? If, indeed, it was the wrong way .... don't tell me, I do not want to know. It is over, and I got safely back to the beginning of Bruxner Park Road.

What comes down, must go up and after all the 5 km downhill run had been fun. Shortly before Hannaford's Corner, D. was sighted cruising down the hill. A look of pure bliss on her face. Where was her husband Br.? Where was the camera? Yes, Br. was indeed driving the car down, allowing D. a "free" ride all the way down. Wheee ... ! Yahooo ... ! What a good idea! "Robert, would you mind ....... ?"

Unfortunately, in a spirit of true egalitarianism, by the time Robert and Carolyn got to the carpark, Carolyn had decided that a coin toss would be fairer. Why unfortunate? Read on.

Robert won the toss. Carolyn thought briefly of suggesting "Heads I win, tails you lose" but thought this would be unfair. Instead she chose heads and stuck to it. Tails won, and Robert started down the hill, with Carolyn trailing behind.

Carolyn decided to enjoy the drive. A nice, slow 40 km / hr in low gear was 'just the ticket'. This would allow her time to enjoy Paul Kelly (on CD, not in body, if only ... ) and the view out to sea on this beautiful, perfect, sky blue afternoon. Robert was intermittently sited ahead of her as he negotiated the corners. All was right with the world. Blue sky, glimpses of Robert's blue shirt on his new, cobalt blue trike. Magnificient. Five minutes to one, lunch at home.

Come around the bend to Hannaford's Corner. Spy Robert sprawled in the gutter on the wrong side of the road. He's now sitting upright. My first thought is that he is positioned where the driver of a car coming up the hill around the blind corner could not possibly see him. My next thought is "why would anyone choose to sit there?" and "what a silly thing to do". Then, it dawns on me. My heart simultaneously thumps in my chest and leaps into my throat. The trike is on its side, one wheel still spinning. He has had a tumble, taken a fall, stacked his pushie. He looks shaken sitting there in the unmade, dirt gutter apparently unharmed but in harm's way.

I park at Hannaford's Corner - thank god for their wide driveway. I walk up to Robert as calmly as I can. He lies down again from his seated position - he almost falls from sitting to lying if that is possible. He is dizzy. I think heart attack? blood pressure? His pinkie is wounded, bleeding. The fingerless gloves, double layer of long sleeves and helmet have saved him from too much damage but he is still lying in this deadly location.

I ask him if he can stand. He breathes "dizzy" and sort of flops down. I reply with what I hope is a firm, calm voice which does not reveal the terror I feel "You can't stay here. It's too dangerous. You must get off the road." I move his trike the five metres down to the car and open the passenger door. I return for him. Still dizzy, I insist he make the effort to stand and get off the road. Somehow, we get him up. I tell him to lean on me, and surprisingly, he does. He must be feeling really dizzy. Robert is very independent. We get back to the car. He is starting to feel better, and I am beginning to realise that there appears to be no major physical damage done.

I ask him if he wants to go to the hospital. It is Sunday afternoon on a long week-end and we both know the wait in emergency will be long and tedious for what are minor injuries. He says "no, I feel okay" and "I don't think that's necessary". Regardless, I decide to take him to the hospital. I put his trike in the back of the station wagon beside mine. I spend the 15 minute drive convincing him that the wait in emergency will be worth it. "Man of his age should get checked out ... etc etc". He is acquiescent.

In the hospital carpark, we check his helmet again for scratches or signs of damage. There are none. He says he did not hit his head. The triage nurse interviews him, I interject during this with "he's on warfarin". The triage nurse nods, and it dawns on me that of course this is significant. It is used to poison rats. It causes them to haemorrhage internally, they bleed to death from the inside out. In humans, warfarin is used to increase the time it takes the blood to clot.

"Why do you take warfarin?" says the nurse.

Robert was prescribed this after developing a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in the leg and three PE (pulmonary embolisms) in the lungs about six months ago.

Next, the triage nurse asks "Have you been admitted to this hospital before?". I cannot help a wry smile, and reply "this is where the DVT was diagnosed". His leg had swelled up like a balloon after a BUG Sunday breakfast ride that he had lead. He is triaged as category 5. There are five categories, and, to our relief and just as we thought, he is in the lowest. But, the nurse is keen to get his chest checked by a doctor. I leave and 5 hours later our 23 year old son returns to collect him from casualty. The wait was not as long as expected for such a busy Sunday.

Robert's pinkie has been dressed professionally by the male nurse, and his chest checked by the female doctor. Tetanus shot injected, the patient rests at home nursing his wounded pride.

The next day, Robert summons the courage to examine his trike. Our son, who has been eyeing off his father's Trek bike ever since the order for the trike was placed, accompanies him to the garage. They share a male bonding experience. There is much grunting, spinning of wheels, commiserations over scratches on the mudguard and wheel hub, but, essentially the trike is sound.

Robert donns his helmet and takes the trike for a spin in the cul-de-sac. All is forgiven. Our son checks over his father's bike, adjusts the seat, fixes the rear brake, borrows Robert's helmet and takes the bike for a spin. All is right with the world.

Ironically, Carolyn had thought that Robert would be safer on a trike. What's that catch phrase used on the BUG official ride disclaimer? It goes something like: "Participants are reminded that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity, and do so at their own risk". Three wheels have got to be better than two.

It took Carolyn eight months of trike ownership before finally tipping her trike over in the carpark. She had been doing figure eights on a wet bitumen surface while waiting for others to arrive. The figure eights had gotten tighter and faster until the trike had finally given in. It was a slow motion tip, no damage done. This is not to say she has not scooted down hills way too fast - 55 km/hr on North Bank Road's curves near Bellingen was way too fast.

The good news is: no permanent damage done to Robert or his trike. The fresh grazes on his right elbow are below the scars from his fall three months ago. This last tumble off the Trek lead to his decision to order the trike. The grazes on the back of his shoulder from the trike slide yesterday are below the scars from the bike fall twelve months ago. In the end, it was good fun and we're still alive. Hopefully, Robert learned something about the limits of his trike and won't make that mistake again in a hurry.

And sometimes it's just great to know we can still take a walk on the wild side.

andrews interesting ride march 2009

2009-05-09T11:45:00.008+10:00

We all gathered at the Coffs Surf Club for breakfast, Andrew gave us a brief outline of the mornings activities and away we went.

Firstly along the foreshores, out to the Fishing club area where Ken, our indigenous leader, explained some of the history of,"HIS MOB."

As I was unable to join the riders the rest of the mornings journey will have to come from your memories???? As this is my first attempt at blogging please excuse mistakes.

Ken was explaining that as a kid the whiting were this wide?????? and if you believe that you'll believe anything eh!

Wally.

Chit Chat - Sunday Ride to Bello, 21st March

2009-03-26T11:21:00.001+11:00

Despite the offer to start at Coffs Town Square, the majority voted with their wheels and elected to start at Perry's Hill. Driving past our gallant leader, Ian and a couple of intrepid followers, Robert and I arrived at Perry's Hill at about 7.45. We had almost recovered from the previous days multiple flats, torn tyre and bent valve (you heard right, bent valve, not 'bent' rider. There is a recumbent rider website called 'bentrider.com'.

Fearlessly, risking derision from the faster riders, Ian said he had regretted suggesting the average speed for the South Arm Trek was 25kph in front of the assembled throng (about 25 riders). He described 25 kph as being optimistic, even for the fast riders taking the hills into account. Methinks he is a little modest. Ian said everyone was welcome to join. No rider would be left behind.

Thinking ahead all the time, the true members of the Café Latte set thought: "hmm, it's about 16km to Bello via North Bank Rd, and 22km via South Arm Rd with some doozy hills." Our decision was sealed by the impending clouds, and the size of the South Arm group - those who get to the coffee shop first get served first. So, Robert P, Robert G, Jim, Chris and Carolyn opted for North Bank Rd.

Carolyn's decision was also influenced by the fact that she had dragged her trike (with flat tyre) back from Coffs Creek to the Marina the previous day - enough is enough. The experience brought new meaning to "dragged through a bush backwards". Carolyn had just about dried out from riding in the pouring rain when she got the flat, and was not a happy woman. Thank God, the beginner's were happy to go to Macauley's and back on their own - so they were not privy to Carolyn's bad mood following the flat. Robert was off trying resolve his tyre issues. So, he fortunately, escaped this aspect of domestic bliss. After all, it was he who got Carolyn into cycling so it was his fault, wasn't it? Sigh, back to Sunday's ride...

As calculated the Café Latte set arrived at Bello first, and went to the Butter Factory. Unfortunately, the rest of the BUG were at the Swiss Patiss. Why can't they keep up? The Swiss Patiss is closed on Sundays. But, like the true cyclists they are, they foraged successfully and I hear the pies were yummy.

Before lunch, Carolyn ducked out to the loo - no, not to avail herself of the toilet facilities but rather to wash her hands a little more thoroughly than the quick roadside wet grass wash. I hear you thinking "not another flat?" No, it was splash back from cycling through the cow shit on the road. Yup, I've finally found a disadvantage to the recumbent - cow poo can land on your hand. Whammo!

Meanwhile, Jim arrived at the Butter Factory to tell us that Chong, on his carbon-fibre recumbent bike, was one of the early arrivals from the South Arm Group. Go, Chong! How was Hospital Hill on the recumbent? Yee ha ... !

It rained over lunch, and as we started home along North Bank Road, a steamy humidity pervaded Bellingen, as only it can in Bello . Carolyn whizzed past Wally kindly changing Judy's tube. It was Judy's second flat. Carolyn did not stop - between the "flats" yesterday, the humidity and the aforementioned poop, she was running on emotional empty.

Judy then whizzed past Carolyn, asking "how many more hills? enough with the hills!" To which Carolyn replied "Just Perry's". Judy also made the observation that she had never seen anyone change a tube faster than Wally. Wally you rock! Thank you. Judy also resolved to never buy cheap $3 tubes again, and to throw out all the ones she has at home. This was before she got her third flat!

On arrival at the car park, Ian asked Carolyn "Is everyone back? and if there had been any more incidents?"

"No, Martin's not back, he's got leg cramps and might need some help" said Carolyn. Ian looked simultaneously crestfallen and sympathetic.

Carolyn then said "What incident's?" only to have David say: "Harry was lucky - he went A over T but he's OK except for grazes and his helmet." Thank goodness for helmets!

Harry discovered the ambos at Bello ambulance station are very nice - they patched him up and his helmet as well! They knew that a helmet is equivalent to a cyclist's teddy-bear! Our best friend.

Harry has a red mark on his forehead from his helmet, lots of deep nasty grazes on his arm, some under his shirt on his shoulder, and a patched up knee (no stitches needed). He won't be using that helmet again! Take it easy over the next few days, Harry. Wendy reminded Harry that a tetanus shot was advisable within 24 hours if he had not had one in the last 12 months. Thanks, Wendy. Lock jaw would not be much fun for a cyclist as we love to chat.

Fortunately, at this stage Martin could be seen walking his bike up the hill, so he was ok and did not need any further help.

Nurse Wendy suggested we should all carry a 4" crepe bandage. This, and a couple of band-aids are probably all we really need for first-aid where we ride. The crepe bandage is great for a compression bandage if bitten by a snake. Wot? A snake. Yes, folks, cyclists can unwittingly run over a snake and incur its wrath. There was a red bellied black on Hogbin Drive cycle path on Thursday.

The bandage is also useful for immobilising a fracture or shoulder-injury, and can be used as a pad to stem blood loss.

Thorough wound cleaning and attention can wait until you're back at base, and any more than this an ambulance anyway.

Ian has suggested Endura is good for preventing / easing leg cramps. There are other products cyclists use. Everyone has their favourite - have a chat with others and you may find one that helps you. It will not solve everyone's problem, but it might be worth a try before seeking medical advice.

Others also suggested unrefined sea salt from the health food store (not table salt) for cramps, and eating bananas (they're high in potassium) before / during the ride as a snack. (Thank you to Robert and Rochelle for these).

Lessons learned:
1. Don't buy cheap tubes.
2. Carry a 4" crepe bandage and a few band-aids.
3. Always wear a helmet. Always.
4. Try a sports drink eg. Endura for replacing body salts.
5. The window of opportunity for a tetanus shot is 24 hours. They have currency for about 12 months.
6. Park at the bottom of Perry's Hill in future. We still haven't learned this one - where is it suggested we meet next Sunday? Perry's Hill Lookout.

Thanks must go to Ian Scott, our president, for his leadership today. It mustn't be easy when things go "wrong". For the most part, the rest of us just get to enjoy the ride.

Thanks, Ian.

Carolyn

Thirsty Koalas

2009-02-13T21:47:00.003+11:00

13/2/2009
Forwarded by E-Mail...

Heard a rumour about Adelaide cyclists reporting that Koalas have been
beside the road begging for water from passing cyclists in the
Adelaide hills.
I thought it was BS too - but here it is.
These photos were taken on Tuesday night (3/2) on the old Freeway climb.

Bellingen or Bust...or Coffs Harbour BUG does Bello

2009-02-11T10:19:00.002+11:00

25/01/2009

Twas the day before Australia Day 2009 and the day after the hottest day of the summer so far. We had been looking forward to, or if the weather was like the day before, fearing the 77km journey to Bellingen via the rough and hilly North Bank Road. Fortunately the day dawned cloudy and with the odd drizzle of rain to shelter us from the fierce summer sun.

It was to be an early start of 7am at the Coffs City Square. Nine riders gathered at the meeting point, with three of those on one bike!!! The colour coordinated family on the triple tandem made a wonderful sight with Dad and younger and youngest kids completing the crew. Mum was there too riding solo this time. What an excellent way to involve the whole family.

Henry was to lead the ride and as is his way, as we set off, he gave an impromptu demonstration on the dangers of being stationary while leaving one’s feet clipped into the pedals. Luckily we were all watching at the time so he wasn’t required to repeat the performance. (I would've left this bit out but Henry's cheque didn't arrive in time.) A little skin off the knee, and an assortment of bruises, but not enough to stop a tough and determined BUG rider.

We travelled along a variety of back roads and cycle paths on our way to the next pick up point at Boambee East. Awaiting us there were another ten intrepid souls or possibly masochists. After a short series of hellos and introductions we were off and pedalling south once again. A short cycleway section brought us to the old highway, now known as Pine Creek Way. This has become a favourite route for local cyclists with its wide and good surface, little traffic and interesting and rural scenery. Along this stretch we greeted a number of other groups of riders enjoying the agreeable cycling weather.

The rises and falls of Pine Creek Way lead us to Perry’s Hill were the last four riders were waiting. We now had quite a large contingent all resplendent in a variety of dazzling lycra and other riding attire, making the grey day much brighter.

A couple of riders had urgent appointments with coffee and cake at Garden Mania and headed back to leave us to our adventure. I won’t mention their names because we really like Cheryl and Deb. (Their cheques didn't arrive either.)

Heading off, the group enjoyed the gravity assisted trip down the southern side of Perry’s Hill that we had earned by climbing the northern side. A couple of kilometres of riverside cruising with sensational lush green paddocks as one might see on a TV travel show, took us to the intersection of North Bank Road. Here the road became narrow and much rougher than had been expected. At least it was fairly flat, but that was only a short ruse to deceive us for what was to follow. The sign warning of a number of kilometres of steep and winding road was not being misleading.

Here the triple tandem and a few solo riders can be seen at the base of the first steep climb...

We had a rest stop at the summit of this hill and allowed time for the riders to regroup, catch their breath and discuss the type of French pastry they were planning to consume when we reached Bellingen. The good thing about riding uphill is that once achieved, you get a downhill to enjoy for your effort. And enjoy it we did as we careered down the other side. The rough road surface insisted that a tight grip was maintained on the bars, and the legs were used as shock absorbers to soak up the vibrations. But downhills can only last so far, and before long we were once again in a lower gear with a tight chain urging the rear wheel to rotate one more time, and one more time after that…

Most of us had not ridden this road before and weren't sure how many more ups and downs awaited us. So it was with relief that Bellingen came into sight, as we coasted downhill into the picturesque and interesting township. Lavenders Bridge over the beautiful Bellinger River was our signal to relax our muscles and take a well earned breather.

A short wait saw the tail enders arrive and join us at the park where we discovered with disappointment that the French patisserie was shut. With the anticipated taste of sweet delights now evaporating in our mouths, the decision was made to head to the Old Butter Factory to satisfy our well earned appetites.

On arrival at TOBF, we quickly filled all the spare tables and made the staff earn their wages with orders of eggs, ham, damper and every type of coffee and smoothie. There was much chatter of the ride experience so far, as the food and beverage was consumed with gusto.

With us all rested, fed, bulging and as far from home as we were going to get, it was time to turn our wheels back along the track. Those hills that had been of the fun downwards variety on the way there were now of the unfriendly and challenging uphill variety, and us now with a few extra kilograms of self to be dragged up and over. Although none of hills were many kilometres long, they were indeed quite steep and are what we like to describe as character building!!!

With a great effort by all, the hilliest section was conquered. Most of us then enjoyed a cruise along the flat section to the North bank Road intersection. Most of us that is, except two riders who obviously had way too much energy remaining. A challenge was issued to see who could arrive at the intersection first, and with much spinning, puffing, panting and effort a winner was decided to the imaginary cheers of the imaginary crowd.

With that out of their system, the remainder of the journey was completed without incident. Well that’s if you don’t count Henry’s wife Jan, within a kilometre of the ride end, deciding to emulate Henry’s clipped in and stationary encounter with the ground. Isn’t it sweet the way they do everything together!!!

The group slowly dissolved as weary riders were farewelled as they took the roads that would deliver them to their homes. Five of us made the journey back to Coffs town centre with a distance of 77km showing on the computer.

Here is the elevation profile of the Bellingen ride…

The ride was a success with good weather, good humour, good company and a great effort by all. Thank you all for your participation. I feel sure there were aches of satisfaction in the legs, and smiles of satisfaction on all the faces that evening.

Emma R.

The ride you have when you are not having a ride...

2009-02-11T10:14:00.004+11:00

Sunday 28/12/2008

The ride you have when you are not having a ride...

Sunday morning arrived a wee bit grey and trying very hard to be damp. As there weren't any drips falling just before 7:00am I decided to head down to Howard St to 'give it a go'.

Joe from Stuarts Point was there as was Henry, but only to pass on the message that he ride had been cancelled due to lack of suitable riding weather. Another cyclist (Graeme) visiting from Brisbane also arrived. So there we were, all dressed up with nowhere to go, and as it wasn't raining at that instant, we decided to go for a ride of indeterminate distance/duration. We headed down Hogbin Drive and almost immediately a light shower decided to accompany us. We headed for Bruce King Drive and the rain had stopped by the time we arrived there, with us being only slightly soggy but at least water cooled.

Awaiting us at the Community Centre was Clare (sp), another new arrival to Coffs (welcome Clare). A few minutes later Deb arrived to let any riders know that the ride was off. But we know how determined and tough cyclists are, and soon faces both familiar and new arrived, and we had a group of ten willing to head off into what looked like a bright sky to the south.

The decision was made to follow the path of the original ride with the option of cutting it short should the weather be unkind. We headed along the cycle way to Lyons Road and into Pine Creek Way, with me apparently not adequately avoiding the inevitable post Christmas broken glass on the road. Within a short distance my front tyre had deflated!!!. But being prepared, I had a new tube on hand and with moral and material support from Graeme we had the tyre inflated and the wheel back where it belonged in a few minutes. We had sent the others on ahead and so Graeme and I had a high speed (for me) pursuit on...we topped the Bonville hill at 30kmh, with me having the advantage of drafting the strong and speedy rider in front. Still no sign of the others yet but managed to catch them up at the Pine Creek Rest area. As we all stopped for a breather, another BUG rider joined us who had also suffered issues with tyre deflation.

Now we were eleven and headed on to Perrys Hill were two locals, John and son Zac, joined us for the ride to Urunga. The group had swelled to thirteen and as the weather had now cleared, the consensus was to continue to Urunga. We arrived at the motel/cafe just over the Urunga bridge where we enjoyed a drink and chat while letting the muscles relax and recover for the return journey via Yellow Rock Rd.

John Gray showed us a short cut to Yellow Rock Rd which allowed us to avoid the prospect of riding against the traffic on the highway verge. Yellow Rock Road hadn't become any less bumpy since the last time I was there, but it is a very scenic and pleasantly relaxed section to ride nonetheless. Across the Raleigh bridge with Perrys Hill awaiting us. At this time a speeding recumbent with Chong aboard, flashed by with some very technical (cardboard) aerodynamic body works attached. Perrys Hill was conquered and we farewelled John and Zac as well as two others who needed to be elsewhere.

The weather had now warmed up and the sun was quite strong with us thankful we had had some cloud cover up until this point. We headed onwards along Pine Creek Way and arrived back at Bruce King Drive hot and weary but without incident. Farewells and New Year wishes were given and received, and all with happy faces and satisfied spirits at completing the ride. I had another 9km to ride back to Howard st and with a strong headwind to make sure 'life wasn't meant to be easy'. My total 63km.

Congratulations to all for making it there and back, and thanks to the new faces that turned up. It was a real pleasure to meet you all and enjoy your company. Hopefully we will see you again at one of the upcoming BUG or community rides.

Emma Richardson

100 milers do it again

2008-09-01T09:57:00.010+10:00

The Coffs BUG 100 mile ride looks set to be an annual event after another successful Brooms Head to Coffs ride in August. Again the magic number was 13, with six veterans of the inaugural 2007 ride, and seven "newbies" successfully cycling an old fashioned 'century' of 100 miles.

Who knows why we people set ourselves such challenges. The inevitable aching legs, the totally numb bum. Why on earth would you want to ride 100 miles in a day? The answer probably varies from rider to rider, but I guess, as cyclists, we are all finding our own 'mountains' to climb. Most of us do like to recognise personal achievements. 20km in a day! Wow! Never thought I could do that! Then the next thing you know you've made 50km. Then, perhaps, whether by intention, or accident, 100km...

Well then, what about 100 in the old money? A natural progression to some!!

So then is it because we all like pain? Or if we train up enough, we think it is achievable with minimal to no pain? Or to make sure last year wasn't a fluke?

There are probably as many answers as there were participants!

Of all those who completed it, it will be interesting to see who comes back for more next year! Who will hold themselves to the decree 'I'm never doing that again'? Who will think "Been there, done that, ticked THAT box, don't need to prove it again' ?

Or will they all be seen wearing rose coloured glasses a few months down the track?

And! Who is inspired to have a go themselves in 2009?

So this year the weather was very, VERY kind. The August temperatures were much more civilised than the craziness dished up by Mother Nature in October last year (35 degrees and then a thunderstorm for those who missed it!) (And none of the August rain that postponed the ride in 2008.) There was a bit of a headwind, but certainly none of last year's riders were complaining! (Don't you just hate that?)

A support crew even bigger than last year rose to the occasion. They had every checkpoint running like clockwork, and pandered to every possible need, whether it be plying everyone with enough food and drink, or turning up just at the right time with the good pump during a roadside tyre changing episode. Magic! Talk about spoilt!

So, congratulations to Sinclair, Mandy, Michael, Bruce, Martin and Sue who completed their first Coffs BUG 100 miler. "Good one" Lucy, John, Ian, Sally, and, yep, Marc & me on the tandem, who came back and did it again. (Yeah, I'll give myself a pat on the back - why not!).

Brian gets a special category of his own; he's the kind of guy who rides from Coffs up to Brooms Head the day before (without getting off his bike at all), then takes it easy riding back with everyone else!

The support crew all deserve a big mention and thank yous: Deb, Cheryl, Jan, Henry and Lloyd were all back for more again this year. Jim again provided bike transport to the start, and was there at the finish to applaud (and wonder why!) Joan, Tineke, Wendy, Rob and Caroline, and 'other halves' Di, and Wally, also threw themselves into the task - giving up some of their own potential cycling time to support a few crazies! Our kids were dragged along again as well, and I would really like to acknowledge eldest daughter Cait, who did a fantastic job of looking after her Mum and Dad - as well as doing up the certificates for everyone at the finish.

The photos on our online Flickr photo album tell the story - from the glorious sunrise over the ocean at Brooms Head, many shots of the crazy ones on the road, and the applause, thank yous and certificates at the finish. I think there are still more to be added by other photographers... so keep checking back. (I'm also working on getting them into a more chronological order!)

For me, though, these two photos encapsulated the spirit of the day:

A spontaneous guard of honour to applaud last rider in, Sue!

With an equally spontaneous hug of admiration from Jan.

I only wished I'd had my camera handy to catch a photo of Sue's hubby, Wally, as he took this photo. His expression said it all: "You're mad, girl - but I'm so proud of you."

Thanks, John, for organising this again. And thanks to everyone who took part! 'Twas a grand day out!

Tracey S.

Mid winter Madness in Coffs

2008-07-01T20:32:00.003+10:00

BUG shirt prototype.

2008-05-29T16:19:00.012+10:00

At last we have in our hot little hands the prototype for the new BUG shirt. Thank you to Rick and Wally for organising this through Wear It.

The shirt (as shown photographed below) is based on the design sample presented a couple of meetings ago by Rick.

Transcript of minutes:

“Russell” Mockridge modelled a design based on previous discussions. Checked sleeves, pockets and collar and CHBUG named on back. Objective is to get away from the tight lycra racing look. “Wear it”, a local shirt manufacturer, has been approached to produce a shirt that’s not a total fitted production shirt, but more a casual shirt with visibility and wicking. Shirt shown that was purchased in Sydney, however this material is not available for 6 months. A second material sample was offered that is available – still wicks – micro fibre. Also looking at collar to turn up. Half zip front. Costed at $50-60 – could have short or long sleeved, small, medium and large choice and quantity not an issue. This price includes the venting material. Suggestion was made to add a reflective strip on top of pockets and/or around sleeve cuffs.

Those present were happy about pattern, colours, collar, material, small logo (to go a little lower down.) and back writing - Rick to provide options to be voted on, on specifics to be written there. Reflective piece liked as long as doesn’t detract too much or add too much to cost. Looser finish as opposed to elasticed cuffs and waist. UV 50+. Zip – longer the better.

This manufacturer is very flexible, you can measure a favourite shirt an inch under the arm pit and measure left to right and they’ll recreate the size.

It is modelled here by some bloke that (photographer) Cheryl refers to as the "local village idiot" (AND she called him a clown!)... The rest of us might recognise him as Brian. (Thanks for doing the catwalk thing Brian, and don't let the pressure of the fashion industry get to you...)

So - BUG members! - after you've looked at it (and you can click on each photo to go to a larger image), it would be great if you could add your feedback via the comments link below. (There are instructions in the sidebar about how to add comments, however if you have problems, email them to coffsbug(at)gmail.com).

Those who went on the Thursday morning BUG ride this week were able to look at it close up, and below the photos is a summary of their reactions so far. This list will be edited as feedback comes in.

Cheryl will also bring the actual shirt to the Sat morning community ride if you'd like to see it in 'real life', and my guess is that it will be discussed at the next BUG meeting in June.

Feedback from Thursday riders:

Main complaint was the brightness of the yellow (or rather the lack of it). After some discussion, preferred option was the yellow of the ROMAC shirts (much brighter yellow but not the lime greeny look of the old BUG shirt) *
People didn't like one big pocket (it's just one pocket with a zip). The feeling was it would be hard to get things out whilst on the move, things wouldn't sit evenly on long rides. Suggestion was to make it two pockets - one with a zip, one without. Everyone thinks the 3 pocket system makes them 2 small ie hard to shove a folded raincoat in them, thus the 2 pocket option and one without a zip for easy access on the move.
Some, but not all suggested a zip front, not buttons as on a ride they might start buttons up and want to unbutton as get hotter and zips are easier.
Finally some want long sleeve but think we could probably get it in either and don't think the harlequin would be too much for a full sleeve.
Overall I think people liked the design and loved the side "breathable" panel.
At least one instantly didn't like it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* ROMAC shirt - for the benefit of comparing yellows.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In regard to the feedback, the question is, with the changes that are suggested, as above, how many will be prepared to buy it? Already there might be a few to take off the estimated numbers who would buy a new shirt, as surveyed by Dale earlier in the year (or was it last year?)

Riding for a Smile

2008-05-27T15:41:00.007+10:00

Quite a few BUG members took part in the ROMAC Ride for a Smile in April this year. Brian Whitcher completed the whole 500km as a solo rider. Ian Scott was part of a team and clocked up well over 200km in riding himself – he’s considering taking on the whole 500km in September! Marc Schmidt, Cameron Scott and Garry Paskin appeared in the wee hours of the morning and did a sterling job as pacemen and Marc and Tracey are now considering whether they could take on the challenge on their tandem; Cheryl Dooley is the Promotions Manager for the event and also rode in the ladies team as did Deb Meredith, Ann Bartley, Dale Casley, Erica Scott and Sue Sheath.

For those of you who don’t know this ride, solo riders and teams of up to six riders will attempt to ride 500km in less than 24 hours. The average speed for these cyclists is expected to be 28kph. Individual riders will be allowed a 10- minute “comfort” break every 2 hours and at around the halfway mark there will be a 30 minute break to allow a change to warmer gear for the night riding and a hot meal. Money raised helps to bring children from developing countries to Australia for life saving and/or dignity restoring surgery.

There are lots of ways BUG members can be involved in this very worthwhile event. If you can ride at an average of 28km (and in the “train” you save about 10% of your energy), you may wish to become part of a team of riders (teams can have up to 6 members) to take on the 24-hour challenge. The event is also running a ladies team on the top track which will not complete the 500km, but which will keep a lady on the track at all times, going at whatever pace they feel comfortable with. In April many of these ladies were invited to join in the “train” of riders and found they could keep up easily and really enjoyed the ride. Pace riders are also needed, as are people to help organise activities and to display their bikes and we know we have the most interesting bikes in the region in this group.

Deb Meredith riding the top track for the ladies team

Cheryl Dooley, riding for the ladies team, being invited to join the ride "train".

The ride train in action

It’s hoped there will be live entertainment all day as well as other activities including:
- Helmet checks for both children and adults including the correct way to wear a helmet (so many wear one without doing them up correctly)
- Cycling skills development “fun” particularly for children, on the criterium circuit adjoining the velodrome
- Road safety forum which discusses all aspects of road safety for children
- Fun rides on the top of the velodrome
- Displays of various bicycles eg various types of single bikes eg road versus mountain, as well as tandems, triplets, trikes, recumbents and combinations for family riding.
- Bike checks i.e. checks of brakes, gears and tyres and basic “how to” advice on bike maintenance.
Interested? Contact Cheryl Dooley on 66543793 or at dooleydy@bordernet.com.au or check out the ROMAC website http://www.romac.org.au/news/coffs

Thursday BUG riders on a roll!

2008-05-27T14:01:00.005+10:00

For quite some time now Jim Ward has been leading a BUG Thursday morning cruise to Sawtell headland and back from Howard Street. The group is growing and lately has had some extra fun.
Firstly Tracey, Webmaster "extraordinaire" recruited the group for a photo shoot for the BUG Website upgrade. The first time they tried it everyone involved had an idea of what would work and so several angles were tried and at the end of it all, none of them worked! However there was enough in one of them for Tracey, or rather the “boss”- daughter Caitlin - (as the graphic designer, the real web designer) to decide on what they needed.

So the next Thursday the ride group headed to Sawtell headland as usual, and then back to Howard Street and then up over Beacon Hill to the jetty for another photo shoot. Mild mannered Tracey was concerned about keeping the group in order and where she really needed them. Enter the groups barking Sergeant Major Dooley who commanded the troops as requested and this time a near perfect shot was obtained – yahoo! I might add that the weather was superb for both shots! No one was very concerned about the detour to the jetty as all enjoyed the great coffee and goodies at Wild Harvest, (formerly The Tide & Pilot).

A pictorial record of "The Photo Shoot" rides can be seen on our BUG Flickr photo album site >> here.

The following week the group wondered what would be the ride highlight, given there was no photo shoot to attend, but they shouldn’t have been concerned, ride leader Jim had things in hand. As he led the group from the airport road onto the cycle way, heading for the headland, he took a wide curve and ended up on the grass beside the cycle way. “No problem” He said to himself. (Anyone who knows Jim can hear him saying that…) and he just moved the steering on this mountain bike slightly to rise up onto the cycle kerb. Sadly the bike had other plans and just keeled sideways and much to every ones’ surprise Jim rolled gracefully off the bike and over and over again and was then back up on his feet and back on the bike before anyone could really take it all in. No damage done to his body, well none that he was admitting to at that point, the ride continued.

Everyone is very thrilled that Carolyn Peddie has joined the group on her new trike. Rob’s been riding with us for a while now and we all wondered how we could lure Carolyn into the fun and get her up to speed quickly. Come the 15th May, Carolyn had been out on a couple of Thursday rides and seemed to be improving with every turn. On this Thursday though, with a strong headwind Carolyn ran out of puff. She struggled and pushed but somehow nothing was working. She and Rob fell further and further behind and eventually Carolyn sent Rob ahead to let the group know she was turning back – she simply wasn’t up to it. After Rob left, she stopped for a while and then on resuming she realised that for the entire ride she had had her handbrake firmly on! Ah Carolyn the traps that are there for beginners! When the main group found her in Howard Street we all laughed our socks of, but where was Rob? We think we were on the airport road when Rob went down the cycleway and completely missed us – he found us eventually and all enjoyed great coffee and laughs.

So there you have it. If you have time for a Thursday morning ride we recommend it. Starting at 7.30am at Howard Street, heading for Sawtell headland and then back over to Wild Harvest most times. The pace is a bit slower, so this is very suited to beginners and we are usually all done by 10am.

The Thursday group adoring Carolyn and her new trike.

Cheryl

A PS. from Tracey:

Thursday 4th June will be another Thursday morning ride hijack! We are entertaining some Bike North visitors in Coffs for three days of riding (Wednesday, Thursday AND Friday), and we are working on showing them as much of the cycling in and around Coffs as possible. (Am using the term 'we' in the royal 'we' sense a bit here... but I hope you'll be able to roll with me on the ride proposals !!)

The plan is to start a bit later (well, doesn't it take till nearly 7.45 to get going from Howard St anyway?!)... and take the "scenic" route to Sawtell via the International Stadium, the highway bike path, and Lyons Rd, ending up as usual on Sawtell Headland - the plan being to arrive at the Sawtell Surf Club by the time it opens at, we think, 9am. (There is scope to meet up at Sawtell for those who don't want to go the longer route.) It seemed kind of appropriate to take the Sydneyites on their "Winter Sun Tour" for coffee overlooking one of our wonderful surf beaches.

On the way back we'll take a detour in to the velodrome for a look/see, and then wander back to the ~~Tide and Pilot~~ Wild Harvest (I had no idea the name had changed!) for an early lunch, before the craziest among us head off to "Do Bruxner"- returning to Coffs via Moonee Beach and the highway... the return trip sounds a bit hairy, but the shoulder is pretty wide all the way from Moonee to Coffs.

(Friday is the Bello loop ride, from Repton, via South Arm road, returning via North Arm Rd.)

A good day for a ride...

2008-04-09T15:06:00.001+10:00

Here is my friend Barb in Northern Wisconsin. Obviously the term, "A good day for a ride", has a different meaning over there...

Max

Stupid bike paths

2008-04-09T10:10:00.004+10:00

Creating a safe bike lane or cycle path is more than just painting a line (and a picture of a bike) on the road or footpath. It seems obvious to cyclists, but sometimes "they" just don't seem to get it.

We have a few examples in Coffs of bike lanes suddenly ending or being used as parking lanes... but the problem seems to be a worldwide epidemic. Perhaps we aren't doing too badly around here after all... though it might be interesting for us to take out our cameras when we are next riding around Coffs, to highlight some of the bike lane issues that we do have.

This photo was taken from a classic UK cycling campaign website section - 'Cycling Facility of the Month' - well worth a browse for a laugh (of the 'if you didn't laugh you'd cry' variety.) They have even published a book!

Other links on that site have some interesting discussions about the pros and cons of bike lanes. (Though on one of those reports I wish that cyclist was wearing a helmet!)

The video on this site highlights the curse of the 'short bike lane' in LA, California.

Tracey

2008 Coffs Harbour BUG 100 mile ride!

2008-03-18T10:11:00.003+11:00

This is a challenging, fun, social ride for fit, experienced cyclists and a great goal to set for yourself. There are few local opportunities to do a long one day ride like this with a support crew.

It all began last year
· Twelve riders all completed the inaugural 2007 ride enduring 36 degree heat, a thunderstorm and headwinds! They all want to do it again! That was in October. This year we will ride in mid August. An average mid August day should be perfect with a cool start, a sunny day, low humidity and little chance of rain.

If you are interested
· This is a social, non-competitive ride but you need to be able to average at least 23kmh for the day! You need to have done a ride of 100km+ before.

Support & Transport
· There will be vehicles providing support including food for all the stops. We will need volunteers who can provide transport to Brooms Head for bikes and riders or drive vehicles back . If you can help come and enjoy the beach / camping / social experience! Last year’s support crew had such a good time they want to do it again too!

Accommodation
· To get an early start we will camp at Brooms Head (about 2 & 1/4 hours from Coffs Harbour) the night before. Have a beach day on Saturday and camp overnight.

The Route
· Brooms Head - Coffs Harbour in one day!
· Brooms Head – Maclean – Lawrence – Grafton – Glenreagh – Coffs Harbour.
· Total Distance: 100 Miles / 161km

Date: Sunday 17th August 2008

If you want to take on this challenge, provide support or just come for the camping please contact John as soon as possible for full details and so as to allow plenty of time to organise transport and camping/accommodation.

Organiser: John Gray ph: 6655 4898 / 0422333238

More detailed information is available here (pdf file).

A tandem friend.

2008-03-01T20:49:00.002+11:00

So what do you do if you have a tandem (or want a tandem), but can't convince anyone to ride it with you?

(It's a bit longwinded, but worth it for the end result!)

Sawtell Ramble

2008-02-13T20:02:00.001+11:00

Sunday February 10 2008.

What a beautiful day for a bike ride. Clear sky and a breeze from the SE. My first ride as leader. I was as nervous as a kitten at a dog show. But I knew I was among friends.

Confusion over which cafe to start at was soon sorted out and about a dozen riders had breakfast at Annabells with a discount I found out about later! I couldn't resist the French toast at Split!

The ride started only 10 mins late thanks to John disappearing at 9 am after asking to say a few words before leaving. A few people joined us after a little while bringing the total number to 34. Ian Scott joined me at the front and Max took up the tailgate position on his recumbent. After stopping a few times to allow the tail to catch up we arrived at Garden Mania for a comfort stop. Then on to Lindsays road to the highway underpass and up to Lyons road. Down Lyons road I discover another cycle path that suddenly ends! Back to Sawtell and a well earned coffee and snack.

Everyone made it back in one piece and enjoyed themselves. Thanks to John, Ian and Max for their help and thanks to everyone who come up to me with words of encouragement and appreciation. What a load of great people you meet on a bike. Special congratulations to Greg and the others who are new to cycling and did the 16 km with great effort and in good spirit.

I might even lead another ride one day!

Rob Peddie

What do we want? New shirts...

2008-02-03T19:49:00.000+11:00

BUG BLOG headquarters has received some correspondence - as follows:

"Could the new BUG shirts be fast tracked please as we have been talking about shirts for at least 2 years. Whatever the group comes up with, I want one! One of my existing shirts has a hole in it and the other one hopelessly faded and shapeless.... My size is M and I wear long sleeves." Kay.

As many of the BUG members know, the BUG has been talking new shirts for a while now. (Longer than I realised actually, if it's been two years!). The good news is, there has been significant progress. Ian did a lot of research into pricing through various suppliers, and we are have now made the decision to get the shirts done through Hot Designs, who offer the best pricing for a relatively small order of shirts. (Including no set-up fee).

At the October meeting Ian advised that Hot Designs can do long sleeve shirts. A price chart was obtained from them – the more shirts ordered, the lower the cost. 21 – 30 shirts cost $79.50 each. Dale provided feedback from member survey about shirts. Following discussion about shirt design and logo it was decided to work around the current logo and change the shirt design.

A few members went away and worked on designs or ideas for designs.

Here is an excerpt from the December '07 meeting minutes:
Considerable discussion ensued about the designs submitted to date and it was agreed that all had merit. John discussed the graphic design idea and US Internet angle. After much discussion it was decided that Rick’s concept was the one that should be pursued, though more brightness was required. Thanks were expressed for the work of Wendy, Jim and John’s designer (Julie Mozsny).
Plan: Wally to ask Rick to provide variation ideas that could be viewed pre the February meeting.

I gather Rick has done some work on this and so perhaps we could arrange to post them here on the blog for comment (and to at least show that we are nearly there!)

So, hopefully, Kay, we'll be seeing new shirts soon. Given the outlay involved per shirt, and the intention for them to last for quite a few years, we want to be happy with the design.

BUGs in WA

2008-02-03T19:40:00.000+11:00

I wanted to know what was happening in WA regarding Bicycle User Groups so I googled “BUGs in WA”. Here in NSW BUGs enjoy good relationships with their communities. I don’t know what those cyclists in WA have been up to but it seems like BUGs are being blamed for everything over there. There are people working to destroy BUGS in that state. BUGs are being treated as pests! “No more BUGs” is the slogan you hear. Another is “Keep the BUGs away”. If a BUG is bothering you in WA there is a whole list of people in the phone book ready to come round and deal with them!

BUGs have apparently been particularly annoying in summertime. People are arming themselves with repellent sprays to ward them off. Capsicum spray I suppose. People are finding BUGs in their backyard even. Some BUGs have been found sucking sap from trees would you believe! One person reported BUGs in their hamster’s food! (Cycling does make you hungry!). Brochures have headlines like,”Look out for this BUG!” with close up photos. There is hope though because now there are Super BUGs which they will probably just have to live with.
Most horrifying is people casually discussing on website forums how to get squashed BUGs off their car (or out of the radiator) with the merits of kerosene, vinegar and industrial strength chemicals being argued. What will soften them up and make them easier to remove they ask! Without damaging the paint! What about really baked on ones? And so on. One person said that for those really well baked on BUGs, the best way is to rehydrate them for a few hours and the BUGs should eventually get nice and squidgy and you can wipe them off.

People are being encouraged to report BUGs to the council via a hotline. Apparently some BUGs have been attacking trees. Some BUGs have been biting people. Another BUG has been threatening bee colonies, BedBUG has been ruining peoples sleep, FireBUG been destroying the forests, StinkBUG is on the nose, GreenvegetableBUG is causing major problems, LitterBUG is being cracked down on. There’s CrusaderBUG (probably knocks on your door). Then there is NastyBUG. And KillerBUG. They apparently creep around the house and threaten pets and children. BUGs are being blamed for interfering with computers. One place claims to have the world’s most terrifying BUGs!

Some are considered friendly BUGs that people don’t mind. Apparently they have been helping to control the bad BUGs. GoodBUG is one of these. BookBUG has a lot of support. TravelBUG also has a good image. There is the popular LoveBUG. And BeneficialBUG is OK. “HelpfulBUGs boost wine yield” (or was that consumption) said one headline. (No mention of coffee!)
Some people are arguing that we have evolved to have a tolerance to BUGs. In fact it is good to be exposed to them and that BUGs are important. “Bring back the BUGs,” some experts say. There is even a goodBUGs.org.au website. Another site urges people to be gentle with BUGs if you find them in the water. Some uni people are trying to culture BUGs. But some people are trying to get BUGs to eat other BUGs would you believe?

Well, are the BUGs the bunny for that state’s problems?

No wonder BNSW says that.... Riding in WA was certainly a terrific experience. However if you do decide to go make sure you’re prepared!

Rusty Wheeler
CHBUG Research Officer

Kids on bikes.

2008-01-18T17:45:00.000+11:00

This afternoon (a couple of blocks from home in Sandy Beach) I nearly hit a kid on a bike. He sailed, downhill, out of a T-intersection, in front of me, and I had to hit the brakes hard.

No helmet. And as I discovered when I got out to give him a lecture - his brakes did not work!

He was teary. (I was shakey. And mad.). "I could have killed you! For starters, where is your helmet?" (He said he forgot it and was going home to get it.)

"And the road rules! If you are going to ride a bike on the road, you have to know what you are supposed to do!! You were coming out of that T-intersection. You were supposed to slow down or stop to check for cars!"

Him, with a tear running down his face. "I know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I was trying to stop."

His brakes did not work.

I asked for his name, but he was too incoherent. My daughter with me recognised him from school. She thinks he is only going into Year 3 this year which puts him at about 8 yrs old!!

I told him, for heaven's sakes, to get his parents to fix the brakes on his bike! And to ALWAYS wear a helmet. I hope he was shaken enough to say something once he got home, but chances are, of course, he might be too scared to tell his parents.

My daughters thought they knew his last name (from the school bus) but I was unable to locate them in the phone directory. I wanted to let his parents know how close he came to being injured. Or killed. Mind you, I don't know what sort of reaction I would have got. How do you essentially rail at another parent that they are irresponsible for letting their 8 year old ride a defective bike, with no helmet?

As those BUG members who assisted on the Bike Week Schools rides will attest, he would not be the only one. I lose count of the number of kids, teenagers, and adults I see riding around with no helmets.

The local primary school did hold a "Bike Safety Day" last term, but frankly I can't see that it really does anything to teach kids how to ride safely on the streets. It doesn't get bikes (and brakes in particular) maintained - particularly if the parents don't know how to do it. I'd hazard a guess that most of the kids' bikes being used have been bought from Big W or the like (because of the cheaper price) and thus there is no follow-up service available as there would be through a Local Bike Shop.

I don't know what the answer is, because you are not going to change purchasing habits. I do, however, intend to follow this up with the school, and discuss ways we can get more bike safety through to the kids AND parents.

Perhaps there is a role for the BUG, local bikes shops and council.

Tracey Schmidt

Join in some training rides for the Great Escapade

2008-01-17T10:03:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone, as many of you probably know Deb Meredith and I have joined forces to complete The Great Escapade, (729km BIG ride from Katoomba to Newcastle, taking place at the end of March). As relative newcomers we are looking for support in our training regime, and as Deb is currently away on holidays I'm searching for even more support to keep me going whilst she's away.

I thought the BLOG might be a good way to let you all know what I'm planning and everyone is welcome to join in. If you have suggestions for rides, they'd also be appreciated. Here's the current plan:

1) On Saturday 19th I'm going to do a double of the community ride. i.e. I'll do the normal ride, have coffee and then I'm doing it all over again - so roughly 60km all up. So anyone want to join me for the 2nd loop? I'll probably do this every week.

2) I'm going to continue doing the Coramba to Nana Glen and back via East Bank Road on a Tuesday and next Tuesday, the 22nd, I'm considering a double loop. The way we did this last time was from C to NG and a short break in the park, then back to C for coffee, then back to NG for lunch and then back to C. Finished about 2pm with all the leisurely breaks! Might take shorter breaks this time. 7am start, should be back at Coramba before 10am so 2nd loop probably starting around 10.30 (maybe 10.45). It's 60km all up and it's a hill run. So I'm thinking some might want to do the first loop and those who like to sleep in the second and possibly some brave souls might tackle the whole 60km.

If you want to read more of what Deb and I have been up to - head for our journal:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/escapade08

I'll update my training rides regularly. Thanks to all who've joined in so far and to those of you who will join for here on in! Cheers Cheryl

Big Rides for schools during Bike Week

2007-10-25T15:17:00.000+10:00

For ten years Sawtell Public School has been successfully running a school Big Bike Ride for their senior students. Inspired by newspaper reports of Sawtell’s ride Anne Shearer, the Road Safety Officer from Coffs Harbour City Council, and John Gray, CH BUG President, earlier this year visited Sawtell Public School; the principal and staff involved were happy to provide details on how they ran their annual Big Bike Ride.

Armed with a detailed model and pro forma paperwork Anne and John approached Toormina Public School and William Bayldon Public School to discuss the possibility of these schools running their own BIG BIKE RIDES. These schools also found the idea new and exciting. The CH BUG promised to provide volunteers to support their efforts.

Bike Week was the last week of Term 3 for the public schools, so as well as the ride being a Health and Safety learning experience it was a fun day for the last days of the term.

On the Tuesday Toormina School had 60 children participating and on the Thursday William Bayldon School had 70 participating. The BUG provided 10-12 volunteers to assist in safe road crossings. On the Thursday Daniel Alcock from Rainbow Cycles, assisted by Wally Sims from the BUG, provided bike safety checks before the ride. There was a very interesting collection of bikes!

The children rode from their schools along footpaths, the Hogbin Drive cycleway and over Beacon Hill to the Jetty foreshores area where they had a BBQ and beach games and activities before returning by the same route to their schools. This meant a 22-26 km ride –quite an achievement for children of primary school age.

Everyone involved had a great time –kids, teachers, parents and volunteers and everyone wants to do it again next year. Some are asking can we do it again next term! There were a few minor injuries and mechanical problems but that was all part of the learning experience.
BUG volunteers were so happy to see 130 kids on bikes that week. Possibly next year we may be able to encourage other schools close to the cycleway to join the fun too.

Thanks to Sawtell Public School for showing the way, to the teachers at Toormina and William Bayldon Schools who enthusiastically took to the idea and to the BUG volunteers whose support has been appreciated by the school staffs.

John Gray

Riders join the 100 mile club!

2007-10-16T15:56:00.000+10:00

As the sun rose over a sleepy camping ground in Brooms Head, two hours north of Coffs Harbour, 13 cyclists and support crews (of family and other BUG members) were busily preparing their gear for a big day ahead. Originally scheduled for the cooler month of August, but washed out by a week of torrential rain, everyone knew that Sunday October 7th was forecast to be a very warm day.

This was the inaugural Coffs BUG 100 mile ride. (160.934kms).

Ride organiser, John, had briefed the group, which included five support vehicles, the night before. The route, with rest stops, was mapped out, meal/snack catering organised, and agreements made in regard to how the support and sweep vehicles would operate. But this first ever Coffs BUG 100 miler was definitely going to be a learning experience.

The ~~crazy people~~ riders comprised 8 men and 5 women – and the age range was pretty impressive! 12 to 60, with the majority being over 40! Most – John, Jo, April, Cameron and 12 yr old son Brendon, Lucy, David and Ian were on their road bikes (a mixture of flat bar and drops). Marc and Tracey were on their road tandem, and there were two MTBs (Bill and Ian S.) and a hybrid (Sally) in the mix. (Those on road bikes were already thinking those last three deserved a medal before they even started!)

Only Ian H had completed long charity rides previously, and Lucy (in her twenties, we reckon(!), the only other ‘spring chicken’ in the group) was a regular race cyclist; David used to ride seriously but hadn’t done so for a long time. Cameron and Brendon were involved in the Cycle Club, but had never attempted anything this long before. The rest were purely recreational cyclists who had never ridden more than 100km in a day. Most had completed at least one NSW Big Ride, but acknowledged that 160km was almost twice as far than the longest distance they'd ever done in one day.

After a brief delay to fix a flat tyre on Ian S’s bike! – can you believe it, a flat before we even started! - by 6.45am, the lead vehicles were away and the group started their journey. The ride route was spectacular and the initial stage from Brooms Head to Maclean (24km) undulated through farmland and bush. Emus and wallabies were sighted and traffic was extremely light. Cloud cover kept things cool. No sooner had the lead vehicles pulled out the juice and snacks at the riverside stop than the first bikes arrived. Everyone was warmed up and raring to continue.

The designated morning tea stop, Lawrence, was a ‘lazy’ 15km along the edge of Woodford Island, and everyone timed it to cross the Clarence River via the Bluff Point ferry together. Spirits were still high as the riders ‘refuelled’ and then set off again on the 34km stretch to Grafton. Two detours – along Riverbank Road, and then Great Marlow road – avoided the traffic, and provided wonderful farmland scenery against the backdrop of the ‘mighty’ Clarence.

Although this was the first time this ride had been undertaken, the ride schedule was going pretty much according to plan. Everyone was making great time and still feeling pretty good as they settled into their own pace. A few had a go of being ‘towed’ by the tandem, which was cranking along at quite a pace along the flats (tandem nirvana!) though they had to weigh up the benefits of the tow (= speed!) against the extra effort and concentration required! David was the most determined and skilled at it, sitting on the back wheel of the tandem almost into Glenreagh, where he finally pronounced he could no longer keep up the pace (despite the breaks when the hills slowed the tandem considerably – Note: if you have to draft a tandem up a hill, don’t admit it!)

The weather was warming up as the cloud cover cleared, and it was starting to make an impact. Some actually ran out of water before making it into Grafton for lunch, and though it was only 11am, everyone was starting to really feel the heat as the temperature crept over 30 degrees. The excited chatter of the early morning disappeared as everyone contemplated the serious business of completing the distance in the heat. They knew deep down they’d just done the easy bit; they weren’t quite half way, and the most challenging section of the ride lay ahead. Such a shame it wasn’t the same flat terrain the rest of the way to Coffs!

Good food and plenty of fluids on board, the group moved off again, over the river (under the Bendy Bridge), through South Grafton and onto the Orara Way.

One of the support cars clocked 36 degrees as an outside temperature on this stretch. The heat coming off the bitumen surface was relentless and the lead support crew cheered loudly as the first cyclists arrived at Lanitza, the only service station along the Orara Way, and very handily located around 24km from Grafton. Thank heavens! A number had also dealt with the attack of a breeding magpie - not what you needed slogging up and down some of those hills! Everyone crowded into the shade of the shelter and water poured over heads became the order of the day; and many iceblocks and drinks were purchased from the service station shop. Brendon had been resisting the cold water ‘shower’ treatment, but his parents finally cornered him and gave him no choice. At times he had flagged, but any suggestions of pulling out were always brushed aside, and with a surge, at times he even made a point of leaving his Dad behind! "I'll go my own pace, thanks."

A couple were starting to look bit worse for wear but no one’s mental toughness had deserted them. Hot and tired, perhaps, but no one was interested in giving up. April’s mantra “Just keep pedalling and you’ll get there” applied to everyone. April was as determined as ever. First to leave, and often last in, she didn't care - she knew if she kept going she'd get there.

Afternoon tea was scheduled for Glenreagh, only another 20km away, with the group being greeted by the wonderful scones and hospitality of the local café. Glenreagh meant ‘home territory’ – with a few having incorporated ‘lunch at the Harp & Plough’ into their training rides - so it marked the start of the ‘home run’. Only another 40 k’s to go!

As each cyclist arrived a huge cheer went up. The temperature was still high, but storm clouds were building, along with a head wind, right in the direction of the ride.

When the tandem arrived the welcome cheer died when everyone realised that the Marc had severe cramps in his quads. Getting off the bike was tricky, but eventually he managed, and sank to the ground in pain. He stayed where he landed, and drank, drank, drank. Never has he had so many offers of a massage, and may never again, but it was hard to know what would work. Ultimately what he needed was time to re-hydrate. (He had taken enough in electrolytes, but the heat (and profuse sweating) meant he hadn't taken on enough water for them to work. They were still unable to continue when the main group departed between 2 and 2.30, but he had his eye on the clock, and he wasn’t going to easily give up his goal of finishing the 100 miles while there were still hours of daylight to spare. He gave himself another hour, and sweet-talked Lloyd, driving their support car, into waiting as well.

Meantime others had also suffered a bit from the heat to varying degrees, and the support crew stepped up to the plate, producing ice packs for headaches and dizziness, and whizzed around filling up riders’ bike bottles for them while they weren’t looking!

The storm had continued to build and as the riders hit Nana Glen the sky opened up. Everyone was soaked in seconds and the temperature plummeted. A stop in Coramba saw shirts changed and socks wrung out. A mobile phone went and the news came through that the tandem was back on the road. One of the food vehicles stayed to give them a break in Coramba, however by then they went through at speed, just waving. Now they were moving again they weren't game to stop.

The final section saw that last slog up to Red Hill and then a fantastic sight. Coffs Harbour and a sparkling sea – the jetty finish wasn’t far away. A group of regular Coffs BUG riders awaited this pack of cycle-maniacs at the jetty with watermelon and strawberries. One-by-one the cyclists arrived, elated by their achievement. Eleven riders arrived then there was a wait. Would the tandem make it? The tandem support vehicle came into sight and hearts momentarily fell. But wait – there was no bike on the roof. They were still on the road, intent on making it to the finish (and because Marc had brought the wrong speedo (duh!) they even rang John to check whether they had to do any extra loops to chalk up the ‘official 160.994 km’ - no way did they want to pull up 1 km short!)

So all 13 riders made it to the finish line! Average speeds averaged between 22 kph and 27 kph, with riding times of between 6 – 7.3 hours.

Hugs and photos followed, and certificates were handed out to both riders and support crew to commemorate the event. The support crew received a great ovation, with all riders agreeing that this was one ride that relied on the generosity and backing of family, friends and fellow BUG riders.

A huge thanks to BUG regulars Jim, Jan & Henry, Lloyd, and new BUG members Cheryl and Debbie, who drove up to Brooms Head and/or camped and drove support vehicles for no other reason than to be a part of it all. (And to those who assembled at the Finish to cheer the riders in. )Thank you, too, to the ‘other halves’ – Irene, Judyanne, and Erica, who, while they might have been there because of their madcap spouses, threw themselves enthusiastically into the task of helping all the riders. Lastly the parents also appreciated the efforts of their various ‘offspring’ – Maddy, Cait, Ali, Brooke, and Zoe – who while they appeared to have a good time together (particularly when we’re talking Glenreagh and scones and blueberry pancakes, and leaning out the window taking photos) were also sent off on various errands to accommodate their crazy parents.

The only shame about the damp end to the ride after all that heat was that the group dispersed quickly as most were wet and the temperature had now plummeted to 19 degrees.

So a very successful inaugural 100 mile ride was completed. Plans are already underway for the 2008 event. Rumour has it that some of the support crew are considering whether, by then, they might actually be riding the trail and having others doing the support. Incredibly, the riders – still on an endorphin high, perhaps - are already talking about doing it again next year.

Looks like we’ve created a monster!

Cheryl Dooley/Tracey Schmidt

[Photos are currently displayed here - will link a few into the above report shortly! Think there are a few more to come from other sources, so keep checking back.)

A tandem for when you're not getting along so well?

2007-10-10T17:44:00.000+10:00

I'm not sure if this a tandem for those with trust issues, or that the stoker (on the back) is very VERY trusting!

Woodford Island Ride - Sunday 9th September

2007-10-09T13:27:00.000+10:00

(Bloody Hell, what happened to September??)

Fourteen enthusiastic cyclists met at the park area in front of the Brushgrove Hotel for a gentle ride around Woodford Island. The weather was superb, clear skies and temperature in the mid to high twenties.

We headed off along South School Arm Road heading in a clockwise direction around the island. As there were a couple of new riders with us, we kept the pace down to a nice easy 20-22 Kms/Hr, just what you need for a quiet Sunday morning.

Everyone took the two hills on the island in their stride. Not sure of the elevation but I guess 20 metres maximum!.

After assuring everyone before the ride that the roads are very quiet, everyone living on the island must have decided to drive into Maclean as there was almost a constant stream of traffic. While we where having a rest and drink stop under a nice shady tree, two cyclists wearing Woodford Island Cycle Club jerseys rode past. I was totally unaware there was a cycle club on the island, we obviously need to make contact.

After about 1 hour we reached the half way point, Macfarlane Bridge across the south arm of the Clarence river leading into Maclean. This is the one part of this ride I had reservations about. This bridge is very narrow with timber decking although it does have a bitumen seal on top which turned out to be OK, not the cyclist’s nightmare most timber bridges are!

As our designated lunch stop was the Ferry Park café on the Pacific Highway, there was no choice but to cross the bridge. We all bunched up on the south side of the bridge waiting for an opportune time to start crossing when a large truck with a load of sugar cane started to cross. As he was only traveling at about 5 Ks/Hour, everyone thought Great! Lets tail gate him!

Only problem, after about 10 metres he found top gear and left us for dead! We got across the bridge OK but then had our next traffic problem, turning right into Cameron street. Again, everyone in Maclean decided they needed to drive somewhere at this exact time!

After navigating the intersection with losing anyone, we finally made it to Ferry Park for lunch and coffee. As an aside, Ferry Park is the only place open in Maclean on Sunday! There are a couple of very nice cafes in town but they do not open on Sunday; even the pub and RSL club don't have food on Sunday!

Having fueled up, we headed back to Macfarlan bridge ready for the next nail biting experience. Obviously every car owner in Maclean had got to where they wanted to go, as there was almost zero traffic this time.

We continued in a clockwise direction around the island. At the Bluff Pt/Lawrence ferry we made a slight detour across to Lawrence. Mark Riley suggested we stop at the local museum set up in the old transmitter building of ABC station 2NR. What a brilliant idea, I had no idea this place existed. Lots of old valve radio equipment and other stuff from the radio station plus lot’s of old photos and memorabilia form the area. And all for free!! Although I can report we all made a contribution to their donations box.

Henry had an unfortunate experience with a tic whilst parking his bike under a tree at the museum. Luckily he discovered it before it could bury itself into his skin

Back across the ferry and we continued south along Lawrence road. The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful and soon we where back at Brushgrove. I almost ran over a green tree snake crossing the road outside the Brushgrove pub. I stopped in the road and was frantically waving to everyone to be careful. One of our riders who shall remain nameless but has the initials BG and is married to Bob, must have though I was indicating the end of the ride. She merrily waved back and continued riding and almost ran over the poor snake. It got such a fright, it took off and sought shelter in one of the pub’s roadside signs.

Three of our newer riders, Wendy, Debbie and Ann were over the moon as 45 Kms was the longest they had ridden in a day before. From the feedback I have since received, everyone enjoyed the day. This certainly the ideal beginner’s ride, a nice easy 45 Kms, no hills to speak off and magnificent scenery all the way, sugar cane on one side of the road, the river on the other. The only downside(!) is it is an hour and a half drive north.

Ian Scott, Ride Leader

[photos being uploaded in due course... ie. asap... meantime they are all up at our Coffs BUG Flickr site.]

Bike Week update

2007-09-08T23:47:00.000+10:00

Latest on Bike Week Details as follows:

The Coffs Coast Community Rides are running as per every Saturday from City Square at 6:30am. On the 22nd Sept. the Bonville Sawtell Lions Club and the Xpresso Coffee van will be in the car park of the Bunker Gallery so that people can eat breakfast at the gallery and view the 19th Rotary National Cartoon Awards. This is a sneak preview of the exhibition which is due to open on the 29th Sept. It is also 1 year since the Coffs Coast Community Rides began, so we're hoping for a good turn out to celebrate.
On Sunday, 23rd the annual Family Day (Bike Fest 07) is to be held at the Velodrome from 8:30am. CC Community Rides will be riding to Toormina from City Square, starting at 8am. The Cycle Club will be supplying hot and canteen food at the Velodrome - proceeds to the club. There will also be an ice cream vendor and coffee van.

Cycle groups [including the BUG] will be organising demonstrations, races, fund events as well as information about cycling... There will be a best dressed bike parade with prizes. "Beyond Intensity" will be demonstrating "boot camp" activities; there will be a pit stop, and promotion of bike safety checks to the local schools Hopefully the police will be able to come along to engrave bikes.
The Museum in Harbour Drive will put on an exhibition of bikes, photos and other cycling memorabilia from Tuesday 25th Sept until 30th. Opening times 10am - 4pm. For contributions to the exhibition and more information please phone 6652 5794
Toormina Public School and William Bayldon School are organising Big Bike Rides for their senior students during Bike Week (Tues and Thurs). John Gray from Coffs BUG has helped them organise the day which involved riding down to the Jetty and back. Students must have a road worthy bike. We will be encouraging them to get their bike checked at the Bike Fest on Sunday.
Film night on Thursday 27th Sept. Arrangements are still being finalised, but hopefully there will be a showing of "The Flying Scotsman" at Sawtell Cinema. This is a new release - a true story about an enterprising cyclist who became a champion. Should be a good social night out for all cyclists... watch this space for more details.

President’s Mid-Year Report: August 2007

2007-09-08T23:30:00.000+10:00

So far this year the CH BUG has done these things:-

Established good communications within the BUG and with non BUG cyclists.
Taken over running the BUG website.
Established a BUG blog as an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences.
Advertised our rides in the weekly Cycling Central Column in the Coffs Coast Advocate.
Participated in and promoted the Saturday morning Community Rides.
Had a large contingent of riders participate in the 2007 NSW Bigride.
Participated in the Camp Quality fundraising ride to Grafton.
Attracted new riders to our BUG rides and joined up new members.
Started a new Thursday ride specifically designed to encourage beginning riders but with flexibility for all who turn up.
Initiated a 100 mile ride to provide a challenge for BUG members and to extend the range of rides that the BUG offers.
Begun to explore better connections with other adjoining BUG groups.
Invited the NEBUG group to join us for a weekend visit. (This ended up being postponed).
Begun to explore setting up of displays and information tables at places such as markets.
Participated in monthly council bike committee meetings.
Participated in bike breakfasts.
Encouraged local school to run Big rides during Bike Week.
Planned to participate in the Bikefest day at the start of Bike Week.
Will have a presence at the Active Transport Day at the CHEC on 4th September 2007.

We are coming up to the one year anniversary of the Saturday morning Community Rides. These rides were established as an opportunity for the various cycling groups in Coffs Harbour, and cyclists not attached to any group, to come together for a joint ride. These rides have been very successful with between 40-80 cyclists participating each week. The BUG has participated in these rides and promoted them through its various forms of communication. Twelve members of the BUG group are regular Saturday morning riders and they are spread across the four ability groupings. As well as attracting new people to cycling these rides have assisted in raising awareness of the BUG with an increase in cyclists joining us for rides and continuing as regulars and joining as members. Ian Hogbin has done a good job coordinating these rides and in the process has regularly promoted upcoming BUG rides and also encouraged cyclists to become members of Bicycle NSW. His commitment to cycling in Coffs Harbour is commendable and as a councillor he is well placed to assist the BUG in achieving its advocacy aims.

The main thing for the BUG to do is to always keep in mind the big picture and the long term view. Fundamental in this is the maintenance of goodwill within the BUG and towards the BUG and the maintenance of goodwill between all in the cycling community and within the wider community. The BUG needs to always remain essentially a friendly, welcoming group of enthusiastic and adventurous cyclists who love to ride bikes for social, recreational and healthy lifestyle reasons.

These seem to be the three key words for us to have in mind:-

Communication, Participation, Goodwill

John Gray CH BUG President August 2007

School Big Bike Rides During Bike Week 2007

2007-09-08T23:28:00.001+10:00

This is something new and exciting for the children of two Coffs Harbour schools. For ten years Sawtell Public School has been running such an event and now their inspiration has led to plans for Toormina Public School and William Bayldon Public School to run their own BIG BIKE RIDES.

The children will ride from their schools along cycleways and footpaths to the Jetty foreshores area where they will have a BBQ and beach games and activities before returning by the same route to their schools. As well as providing a fun day for the children the schools involved will be able to teach road and bike safety around this event.

Tuesday 25th September is the date for the TPS ride and Thursday 27th September is the date for the WBPS ride. This is during Bike Week which is the last week of the public schools term 3.
The BUG is planning to assist the schools by providing volunteers at road crossing and other possible danger points. We need a lot of volunteers so if you would like to assist please phone John Gray on 66554898 or 0422333238 or talk to him on a bike ride sometime.

Coffs Harbour BUG 100 Mile Ride

2007-08-17T14:00:00.000+10:00

Brooms Head – Maclean – Lawrence – Grafton –
Glenreagh – Coffs Harbour.
Total Distance: 100 Miles / 161km
Sunday ~~26th August~~ ,
7th October 2007
Leader: John Gray ph: 6655 4898 / 0422333238

This information sheet assumes you are already aware of the basics about this ride. If not please find out more by going to :-
http://coffsbug.blogspot.com/2007/07/100-miles-in-one-day.html
Some of that information is repeated here.

Who should attempt this ride? You need to have done a ride of 100km previously and be able to average at least 20kmh for the day. If you fall behind on the ride plan (see below) a support vehicle will pick you up.

You need to ensure your fitness is at a peak before the ride. A suggested training ride is the CHBUG ride from Nambucca Heads to Bowraville on Sunday 19th August.

Make sure your bike is in good working order!

Food is extremely important: for this weekend it’s fuel. You must have a substantial meal the night before, a proper breakfast and “refuel” at all stops along the way.
There are these eating out options at Brooms Head: The Pacific Star Chinese restaurant at the Brooms Head Bowling club provides lunch, dinner and take-aways. The Snakky fast food take-away right at the beach in the caravan park is open for lunch and Julia says she will open up from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm just for us. There is also a general store open from 8-6 daily which claims to sell gourmet pizzas! There are of course BBQ facilities and you could always bring your own cooking gear.

Food during the ride: I suggest that we could put in an amount of money for food purchases by support vehicles ahead of our arrival at stops. If we could have the makings of sandwiches ready for us to attack on arrival at the stop we won’t risk getting behind schedule because we are waiting in shops for service. At Glenreagh there is a place that could do scones for afternoon tea if we phoned ahead. Decide what you think is going to suit you and we will finalise this on the Saturday afternoon.

Water of course is also very important. It may be a hot, dry day. There should be water available at each of the stops and the support vehicles will carry water too. If you have two water bottles you might choose to have one in a support vehicle to lighten your bike load.
The following is the advice from Bicycle Victoria: Eat and drink small amounts regularly. Drink every 10-15 minutes and eat every 20-30 minutes. Don't consume large meals whilst cycling. Bananas, apples, sultanas, dried apricots, fruitcake, sandwiches, vanilla slices and meat pies keep the legs turning! Too much fluid can increase your chance of developing hyponatremia or depleted salt levels in the blood. Good fluids are water, Gatorade, milkshakes and vegetable juice.

Think safety throughout the whole ride. You will of course make sure you are wearing highly visible clothing. Traffic should be light but for most of the route the road lacks a road shoulder. Be prepared to form a single file when cars approach. Stay alert during the last part of the ride when tiredness and increased traffic become risk factors.

A long day in the sun means skin protection is important. Pack that sunscreen.

Taking your mobile phone will aid communication. Exchange numbers before the ride.

Most people have already resolved matters concerning transport and accommodation. Let me know if you need assistance or information regarding this.

We appear to have six vehicles that can provide support during the ride.
Travelling time to Brooms Head via the Pacific Highway is about 2 & 1/4 hours from Coffs Harbour. Turn left off the highway at Maclean sign and then turn right to Brooms Head after about 1km.

Should the weather be bad that weekend we would postpone the ride. We want to be able to enjoy the experience - we don't have to be heroes.

Please sign the sign on sheet on the day of the ride. The usual disclaimer applies to this ride. Joining Bicycle NSW will give you insurance cover.

Ring me, John Gray, on 6655 4898 or 04 22 333 238 if you need any more information. If anyone else expresses an interest in the ride it is important that they contact me beforehand.

THE RIDE PLAN -distances and approximate timetable working on a 20kmh minimum average cycling speed. It would be great to all ride together but it may be more realistic to expect that there will be a faster and a slower group. Perhaps slower riders could depart a little earlier. Join up again at the stops and come together again at the finish.

Early Sunday (6:30 am) hit the road. Brooms Head – Maclean 24km [24] Maclean – Lawrence (via the ferry) 15km [39] Includes a slight detour in Maclean

Morning Tea at Lawrence beside river 8:30am – 9:00am Lawrence – Grafton 34km [73] via Riverbank road –avoids trafficLunch at Grafton beside river 10:30am – 11:30amGrafton – Glenreagh 47km [120] Cross bridge via cycleway –avoids traffic

Afternoon Tea at Glenreagh 2:00pm – 2:30pm Glenreagh – Nana Glen 11km [131]Nana Glen – Coramba 11km [142]Coramba– Coffs Harbour (Jetty) 19km [161]
Arrive at Jetty 4:30pm Congratulations!

John Gray Coffs Harbour Bicycle UG ph: 6655 4898 / 0422333238

This basic ride / camping checklist might be useful. Suggested is an overnight bag for camping gear plus a daypack for things you might want to access during the day but which would be carried in a support car. Take the bare minimum you need on the bike. Have everything as ready as possible the night before.

CYCLING
bicycle!
helmet
water bottle
sunscreen
computer
pump
toolbag
spare tube
repair kit
tyre levers
tools
oil
bike lock
lights?
CAMPING
pack/bag
tent
airbed
sleeping bag
pillow
torch
plate
bowl
knife
fork
spoon
mug
teatowel
food

CLOTHING
ride shirts
cycling shorts
cycling shoes
cycling gloves
raincoat

shirts
shorts
socks
underwear
long pants
jumper
hat
shoes walking
thongs
towel
swimmers

OTHER
toothbrush
toothpaste
razor
soap
first aid

glasses
sunglasses
camera
mobile phone
snacks
wallet
sunscreen

Bike Week activities in the Coffs area

2007-08-14T14:43:00.000+10:00

BUG reps have been liaising with the organisers of Bike Week to see where and how we can be involved - in terms of raising the profile of cycling in and around Coffs.

This is the draft program so far (click on it to bring up an enlarged image.)

Anne Shearer has asked if BUGs would help organise some kid's events for Bike Fest 07 at the Velodrome on Sunday 23rd. September

Anyone got any bright ideas for events that kids would enjoy?

Perhaps an observation ride like the one Sue organised would be good. We could have it around the Veledrome, BMX track , skate board ramp etc. staying off roads.

Any other ideas??

Could we have an extra breakfast ride on the 30th Sept as the final bike week event. Perhaps start at the Velodrome, Sawtell for breakfast, a quick trip around Bongil Bongil and back to the Veledrome. Any takers?

Ride to CHEC day

2007-08-14T09:53:00.000+10:00

The Uni wants to assemble as many bikes as possible between 8 & 9 am on the lawn in front of Campus where the bike track enters. This is as a visual message to demonstrate need/ desire and to support the further development of facilities, on & off campus. This starts their campaign which aims to increase regular riders to campus.

Simple breakfast (juice, cereal and perhaps BBQ) is planned to be ready for 830 in the nearby O block foyer. Visitors are welcome to stay on for other activities planned for environmental day but classes generally start at 9. Please phone 66593299 for more details.

So if you have the time, ride out to the uni and support this initiative.

A need for speed.

2007-07-12T10:35:00.000+10:00

Can Bicycles be pedalled at 128 Kilometres an hour? Yes they can, and they do it at Battle Mountain, Nevada in October, every year.

If you're like me and just like to poke along at 20 K's or so a bike that travels at over six times that speed seems like a stretch of the imagination. What is it like to be in a car speeding along faster than we ever usually drive and some guy on a bike is riding just ahead of you?

But of course these are special bikes and they are used under special, favourable conditions.

They are of course Recumbent Bikes encased with their rider in a streamlined cocoon of Carbon Fibre, Kevlar and Lexan plastic.

There is nothing new about Recumbents, they have been around since the dawn of the Bicycle when nobody knew what a Bicycle was supposed to look like. But the ascendency of recumbents was dealt a severe blow when the French cycling body, the UCI, banned them from competiton in 1936 because they were too fast.

Recumbents are now being rediscovered by people who are interested in alternative designs and have been boosted by Lance Armstrong who recently stated that if they were allowed in the Tour de France Time Trials section he would ride one.

If you couple the efficiency of Recumbent bikes with the latest Space-age composite materials and a strong rider we now have a bike that is faster than some cars!

The HPV, Human Powered Vehicle association, is making great advances in the science of human propulsion. Nobody took this very seriously until a pedal-powered aeroplane crossed the English Channel powered by an ordinary cyclist.

These super-bikes that compete every year in the desert dusk and dawn of Nevada are the Third generation of the science that has literally become an art, the Art of Human Propulsion.
Some are so streamlined that they have no windshield to look through, instead the rider sees his way via an external camera and steers via an LCD TV screen inside the cramped cocoon.
Even more suprising is that some of the riders are in their fiftieth year!

The official course is over a one mile distance and the bikes which have only ONE gear wind themselves up to speed over a 3 mile course, so no special endurance training is required.
The shape of the outer shell is like the aerofoil of an aircraft wing, designed to develop lift and make the bike lighter the faster they go, so they are not even made especially light.

Your average small Cessna aeroplane develops enough lift to take-off at about 45 Knots or 83 Kilometres an hour, so sometimes these bikes actually do leave the ground and wipeout if they are unlucky and experience an unexpected headwind gust that exceeds the design airspeed.
That's why they are raced at still-air times early and late in the day. The 8000ft altitude at Battle Mountain also decreases air resistance as there is only half as much air at 10,000ft as there is at sea-level.

Why do they do it? Well, if two men have two wheelbarrows they will figure a way to compete with them. But also the materials, design and construction techniques have downrange benefits for every cyclist who want to ride a modern bike.

I have been fortunate enough to be invited onto the Bentrider Magazine Team as a general dogsbody who helps with jobs such as "Catching" the Streamliner as it finishes its course.
I hope to be able to post more personal photos of this event when I return from my 4-month Recumbent cycling tour in the USA.

I would be glad to answer any questions if you mail me at skymax@iinet.net.au.

MY USA BLOG: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/usa2005

More info: http://www.easyracers.com/virtual_rush.htm

Or: http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2007/03/bikerecord_0330

Mark (Max) Townsend.

[Max was talking to one of our BUG members one Saturday morning after the community ride, and was asked to contribute to the blog! Thanks Max -Bon Voyage, and we hope to hear anything on your bike touring in the States, and of course your experience at the World Bicycle Speed Event]

100 MILES IN ONE DAY!!!!

2007-07-06T10:18:00.000+10:00

FULL DETAILS:

Okay! The idea is now a plan with a date set too!

The date is 26 August 2007.

The end of August is usually when we get the first warmer spring weather. The climate statistics indicate we can expect low humidity, a maximum temperature of about 23 degrees in Grafton, a one in seven chance of rain and a high chance of a sunny day.

It is also pre-daylight saving time so it will be easier to make an early start. The sun will rise at 6:15am. The sun will set at 5:25pm.

Should the weather be bad that weekend we would postpone it. We want to be able to enjoy the experience - we don't have to be heroes.

The plan of course is to ride Brooms Head - Maclean - Lawrence - Grafton - Glenreagh - Coffs Harbour. In one day! And yes, that is 100 MILES! 160km!

This route seems ideal for a “century” attempt as it has very few serious hills. The Maclean – Grafton section is totally flat. Traffic should be light but for most of the route the road lacks a road shoulder. Be prepared to form a single file when cars approach. Of course you will make sure you are wearing highly visible clothing. We will have some vehicles providing support. They will take all your gear and will be able to assist if any riders are unable to continue.

To get an early start we would camp at Brooms Head the night before. So we will drive to Brooms Head near Maclean on Saturday (or Friday if you like) and have a beach day and camp overnight. Brooms Head is a great place to camp. Cabins or tent sites are available.

[ You might like to check this website ]

Travelling time to Brooms Head from Coffs Harbour is maybe 2 & 1/4 hours via the Pacific Highway. Turn left off the highway at Maclean sign and then turn right to Brooms Head after about 1km.

At this stage we appear to have four vehicles with non-riders who can provide transport to Brooms Head for bikes and riders. We may need more non-rider drivers. Non-riders are welcome to come for the beach / camping / social experience.

THE RIDE PLAN -distances and approximate timetable:

Early Sunday (6:30 am) hit the road.
Brooms Head – Maclean 24km [24]
Maclean – Lawrence (via the ferry) 15km [39]
Morning Tea at Lawrence beside river 8:30am – 9:00am
Lawrence – Grafton 33km [72]
Lunch at Grafton beside river 10:30am – 11:30am
Grafton – Glenreagh 48km [120]
Afternoon Tea at Glenreagh 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Glenreagh – Nana Glen 11km [131]
Nana Glen – Coramba 11km [142]
Coramba– Coffs Harbour (Jetty) 19km [161*]
Arrive at Jetty 4:30pm –cheers, beers, pizza, ice-cream, certificates!
*Apparently 100 miles = 160.9344 km so you will have to do an extra kilometre!

Who should attempt this ride? Provided you are experienced and fit this ride is an achievable challenge. Can you meet these criteria?
· You need to have done a ride of 100km before (that’s km not miles).
· You need to be able to average at least 20kmh for the day. On the Maclean – Grafton leg we would have a higher average. The day is planned assuming an average of 20kmh. Anything slower would make the day too long and tiring. An average of only 18kmh would add almost a whole hour to the riding time.
· You need to do as many hard rides as you can (up to 80km+) in the month leading up to the ride. Suggested rides are the CHBUG ride from Nambucca Heads to Bowraville on Sunday 19th August and DUBBUG ride from Urunga to Bellingen (South Arm Road/North Bank Road) on Sunday 12th August. I suggest we also follow up the Saturday morning community rides with an extra ride starting from the Coffs City Square and tackling rides such as Bruxner Park Road.

Ring me on 6655 4898 or 04 22 333 238 if you want to take on this challenge, provide support or just come for the camping. We need to book camping so don’t delay.

John Gray 5 / 7 / 2007

Bamboo?

2007-06-18T22:50:00.000+10:00

http://www.calfeedesign.com/bamboo.htm

Here's a bike for those who'd like to be a bit more environmentally conscious, perhaps? Or just super cool! Yes, the frame is made of bamboo!

Wouldn't that be a talking point at the BUG and Community rides?!!

Bush mechanics!

2007-06-18T14:33:00.000+10:00

You can learn something new about bikes every time you ride with a group, and yesterday's BUG ride to Nana Glen was no exception!

[Firstly I learnt - when I dropped my chain at the top of the Big Banana hill - after we opted to do the extended ride from Home Base, and up Bruxner - that white handle bar tape is a bad idea! But that is not what this post is about!]

Cable ties! aka Zip ties'! Throw a pack into your bike tool kit! Now!

So the Schmidt family set out for the BUG ride, riding with Dale and Garry from HomeBase, and meeting up with the rest of the riders at the Bruxner Park saddle. We had our triplet with, as usual, Marc and our two younger girls riding that - and me, minus the eldest daughter (out because of netball commitments) on my single road bike.

With the BUG we headed out along Central Bucca road, and then left onto Bucca Road towards Nana Glen, with Dale leading, and Neil bringing up the rear. Despite the wind, the conditions were really quite pleasant, and the Bruxner Park to Bucca road was great as usual, and fairly protected from the southerly. The clouds disappeared - the traffic along Bucca Rd wasn't very heavy at all, and we were about 4-5 km out of Nana Glen and looking forward to lunch at the Kookaburra Kafe.

Marc suddenly realised he had a scraping noise coming from the front wheel of the triplet. He looked down to see the tyre bulging out over the rim! Eep! We stopped, released some air, repositioned it, and pumped it up again. 100m down the road it was doing it again. Not good.

We waved everyone on, but Garry and Neil stayed to help. Time to take the wheel off to investigate.. Not good. The bead on the wall of the tyre was actually shredded at one point and the wall of the tyre was overly flexible - as if it had stretched as well. Given that you usually need tyre levers to prise a bike tyre off the rim, it was pretty obvious that something was wrong! When the air was let out of the tube, the tyre was that loose it could slip right off the rim!

What a hassle. Options? Marc and girls sit on the side of the road while I rode (by myself) 25 km back to Coffs for the car. Walk to Nana Glen? (Quite a way on foot.) Or try to fix it enough to get us to Nana Glen (and lunch), and then do the car retrieval.

Marc is usually pretty good at coming up with temporary (at least) repairs in the field, but it was Garry who had the cable tie idea. "I've heard about using cable ties for this sort of thing..!!" he said enthusiastically. "Don't suppose you have any?"

Only a bag full of them! Thankfully despite the rush we were in that morning (and so forgetting to put in his penknife), Marc had thrown a bag of cable ties in the pannier bag.

At first they put the ties just around the damaged part, but a quick test showed that the tyre was then prone to busting out the other side of the wheel.

So. More cable ties. All around! At first we thought we had nothing to cut off the ends of the ties (forgotten penknife, forgotten first aid kit, Dale sent on ahead with the BUG first aid kit...) Suddenly Neil remembered he had one of those safety knife type cutters in his tool kit!

So this fix got the bike the last 5 km into Nana Glen, albeit slowly, with the front brake disconnected, and the tyres a bit squishy because we weren't game to pump them too much.

So the moral to the story? Carrying a spare tyre would be the ultimate (but the bulk! the weight!) At the very least, don't leave home without some cable ties, or a bush mechanic, or both!

The group leaving Kafe Kookaburra - minus one-way riders
Chris, Henry, and the Schmidts!

Tracey Schmidt

Where's Wally?

2007-06-17T21:12:00.000+10:00

Hint! It's not Coffs, despite the big.. er... banana...

Anyone?

Proposed Armidale/Coffs BUG weekend.

2007-06-11T22:17:00.000+10:00

Coffs Harbour BUG are inviting Armidale BUG riders to a weekend of warmth and fun on the ‘Coast’ in July’ 2007.

The date for the weekend is as follows: Friday 27th July through to Sunday 29th July.

Accommodation: Armidale BUG members are invited to stay with Coffs BUG riders who are happy to offer hospitality in their homes. Alternatively there is plenty of accommodation around Sawtell.

Suggested Agenda

Friday night: As most riders will not arrive in Coffs until later in the evening we thought they may wish to just rest up ready for Saturday’s busy schedule.

Saturday: Community ride from Coffs City centre. These rides are run by the local cycling clubs and city council.

Start time 6.30am. The rides are graded into 4 groups and generally take us around the cycle ways of Coffs heading south to Toormina/Sawtell and back via the Jetty to the city square.

We usually are back in the city by 8.00am where we can indulge in breakfast etc. There are a number of cafes open in the square that offer a choice of breakfasts and make good coffee.

After breakfast Coffs BUG plan to show the visitors around other parts of Coffs via some cycle paths and the Jetty area and on to Park Beach and perhaps ride up to Bruxner Park.

The afternoon is free.

Saturday evening a trip to Sunny Sawtell for alfresco dinning at Barrels restaurant. Barrels cater for most diets and are reasonably priced. Dress is casual. Our local cinema is just a few doors down from Barrel’s so there may be an option to see a movie.

Sunday: Bush ride on forest roads and trails in the Bongil Bongil National Park.

Meet at the old Raleigh Service Station on the Old Pacific Highway at 10.00am.
You will need a mountain bike for this ride, as there is mainly gravel and dirt with some bitumen. There are some steep sections but great downhills. Some of us did this ride in preparation for the Big Ride. Great scenery!

April is ride leader but as she is sloooow (hill slug), especially on her mountain bike, John will actually lead, while April cruises at the rear.

Back in good time for the drive back to Armidale.

The above weekend itinerary is only a suggestion. The Sunday ride is a scheduled BUG ride.

100 miler

2007-06-11T21:28:00.000+10:00

Or a 'Ride Plan Work in Progress'

An idea is gestating (or is it festering) in the mind of the president for a CH BUG "century" ride -maybe in spring.

That is a 100 MILES Ride! Have you ever ridden 100 miles? That is 160km!

So this idea is being floated for comment.

I suggest you keep your fitness level up through winter if you want to do this one!

Here's a suggested route for a CH BUG's 100 mile / 160 km ride:

Drive to Brooms Head near Maclean on Saturday and have a beach day and camp overnight. Early Sunday hit the road on our bikes to Maclean. 23km?
Then to Grafton via the Lawrence ferry. 45km?
Back to Coffs via Glenreagh. 86km?
Might then need to finish at the jetty or ride around in circles to click past 160 km.
I'll get more precise distances first.

This route has very few hills and not much traffic. We could have some vehicles providing support. Brooms Head is a great place to camp. We could leave the drivers/non-riders to pack up on Sunday morning. Do it in spring or autumn.

What do you think? Please comment before the idea gets out of hand. I mean I might suggest we should go for 200km -starting at Casino!

John

88 km to Grafton!

2007-06-11T21:25:00.000+10:00

Last Sunday five CH BUG members (Jo, April, Mark, Ian and John) plus 2 other riders (Lee and Katie) rode 88km to Grafton as part of the inaugural Westlawn Camp Quality Charity Ride.

It was great having support vehicles giving security front and back. Red Hill made the start challenging but the rest was easy and we averaged 20 kmh. It wasn't hilly, just undulating. Lunch was provided at the "Golden Dog" at Glenreagh and bottled water (and a free bike water bottle) and energy bars were always available.

The highlight for most of us was being escorted across the Grafton bridge at the finish. At Grafton dinner was provided and a band entertained us. Other riders had ridden from Ballina, Yamba and Glen Innes(?) Most of us expect to be there again next year as it was an enjoyable day. Thanks to Jim for transporting us back and Ian for the bike transport.

John

Tour de Cure

2007-06-07T20:40:00.000+10:00

By all reports the Tour de Cure stopover in Coffs went off very well. A few Firsts for Coffs in the name of cycling, with Harbour Drive being closed for the Criterium demos, and a cocktail party on on the jetty. Sounds like the Pet Porpoise Pool was also a hit, and all the riders were gobsmacked by the Bruxner Park/Central Bucca road part of their ride into town.

April must have been in the City Centre to watch the criterium because she sent in this photo of the Tour de Cure bikes! (In that part of the City Centre square which now reads "No bike riding" as opposed to "No bikes"!!)

(April, or anyone care to fill us in on how it all went from a spectator's point of view??)

You can also read about their Coffs experiences on the Tour de Cure blog:

http://tourdecureaustralia.blogspot.com/2007/06/tour-de-cure-day-4-elle-bache-leads.html
and
http://tourdecureaustralia.blogspot.com/2007/06/day-5our-longest-day.html

On the Friday morning a dozen or so of the regular Saturday Community Riders took up the invitation to ride down to Sawtell to meet up with the Tour de Cure riders at the surf club cafe. Of the BUG members, John, Ian, Marc & Tracey (in tandem mode), .... (was there anyone else?) used it as a good excuse for a morning ride and breakfast and coffee. Somehow or other Tracey (on the back of the tandem) found herself signing waiver forms, and agreeing to riding 'a bit of the way' out of town with the Tour. It was, in fact, an interesting experience riding at the back of the Tour de Cure pelaton - giving us an insight into the pace of their ride, and the traffic conditions!

We peeled off at Urunga (leaving Graham and Brian accompanying them for a 'bit of a ride' to Valla before they intended turning around), and enjoyed our ride back off the highway through Raleigh, and then back through the dreaded roadworks to Bonville (not so bad due to the 80kph limit!) and then back onto familiar territory once we joined the cycle path at Lyons Road.

Tracey S.

EasyRide

2007-05-23T09:06:00.000+10:00

We have started a new regular BUG ride. You should notice on the Calendar page and in Cycling Central an entry that reads like this:-

Every Thursday -EasyRide 13-20 km; Slow pace; Mostly off-road cyclepaths/possibly some on road with light traffic. Contact: John 6655 4898. Meet 7:30 at Howard Street (racecourse). Very easy flat ride for inexperienced cyclists on Hogbin Drive Cycleway with optional extra distance for those wanting to do more.

You are probably aware that there are new cyclists around that need to build up their confidence and their strength on flat easy rides as they find our first Sunday of the month rides a little difficult.

So the Midweek EasyRide is designed to cater for them. The basic ride is just up and back on the Hogbin Drive Cycleway. For those who want a little more they can do some "add-on" bits before, during or after. We have discovered that the coffee is good at the university too!

So please come along if you can and nurture these riders and support the ride leaders. If we have enough leaders we can maintain this as a weekly ride. The ride will usually finish by 9am including coffee. Sometimes riders may then decide they want to do more -if they haven't got to rush off to work!

If you know any new riders who could join us encourage them to do so.
Tell them they will soon get the bug with the BUG!

John

Where's Wally?

2007-05-15T20:44:00.000+10:00

Anyone know where Wally is?

Inspiration?

2007-05-03T14:39:00.000+10:00

The photo that inspired the Schmidt family?

John.

Combined BUG rides (Inter BUG rides?)

2007-05-02T18:25:00.000+10:00

I have been thinking over how the BUGs might combine their rides more. You can of course go and ride with other BUGs whenever you like. Already this year I have joined rides with DUBBUG, NAMBUG and NEBUG and as a result gone places I wouldn’t have known about otherwise and enjoyed meeting new people.

Actually the Coffs BUG 2007 calendar has 2 rides in NamBUG “territory” (plus the Back to Bowra weekend) and 3 rides in DUBBUG “territory”. In 2006 we had a weekend in NEBUG “territory”. We have also had occasions when the neighbouring BUG riders crossed our path or we had similar rides scheduled on the same day.

This hasn’t created any problems but if we worked together and combined some of our rides there would be mutually beneficial social and practical benefits. We would get to do rides we might not know about hosted by other BUGs and vice versa. They would show us their favourite rides and we would show them ours. Other BUGs also do some things differently and we get a greater variety of experiences or get ideas or inspiration for how we might do things.

So here’s a proposal to have joint rides with neighbouring BUGS in 2008. These rides would appear on our Coffs BUG calendar as well as on the other BUGs calendars:-

• NamBUG would lead 3 rides in Nambucca area
• DUBBUG would lead 3 rides in Bellingen shire
• CoffsBUG would lead 3 rides in Coffs area*

Coffs BUG would also include these on their calendar:-

• KRC would lead 1 ride in Kempsey area
• CoffsBUG would have 1 weekend away in Armidale with NEBUG
• NEBUG weekend visiting Coffs BUG* (return visit)

*One Coffs led ride would be a breakfast ride. This would also be the weekend that NEBUG visited.

This would be a total of 11 rides out of our 28** for the year (8 hosted by other BUGS; 3 by us). Only two rides would involve significant travel time Kempsey 1 ½ hours Armidale 2 ½ hours. One of the NamBUG rides could be the Back to Bowra w/e if it is held in 2008.

**Our usual ride calendar has 28 rides each year consisting of:-
12 breakfast rides per year –1st Sunday of month
16 Sunday rides (12 on the 3rd Sunday each month + 4 rides on the 5th Sunday of the month)

So in monthly plan form the combined rides 2008 calendar could look like this:-

So what do you think of this proposal? Please comment (to do so click on the word “comments”). I am hoping to very soon arrange a meeting of the 3 local BUG groups to discuss working together more. So far we have only generally agreed that it is a good idea. This proposal hasn’t been put to them yet.

John Gray

"Using" our bikes!

2007-05-02T11:08:00.000+10:00

Well, now that we are members of a Bicycle User Group, I guess you could say we have been inspired to be "using" our bikes more. In other words, compared to last year, Marc and I, at any rate, have really been making an effort to get out and on our bikes.

We'd love to be able to say that riding our bikes has replaced using the car, but our locality and practicality (carting 3 kids around) does make that difficult. I should make an effort to ride into Woopi from Sandy occasionally though... something to work on.

As some of you know we have managed to ride our road tandem into Coffs from Sandy down the dreaded highway - 23km each way to the City Centre for the Community Ride. (Last time we thus totalled 82.7km, and, yes, Garry, Marc flogged us all the way home that day so that we made the 30 kph average speed mark.) That will get harder to do as the sun rises later and later each week, despite having bought good lights.

After piking out of riding in the rain last Saturday, this week we have risen early two mornings to ride down the highway again, up Bruxner, back along Central Bucca road, and back up home, which at 45km isn't too shabby. If you ever wanted to know why we ride tandems, (and particularly a road tandem) I can give one of the reasons as being "speed". This morning we got a new max speed record of 90 kph (on Bucca Road). Yes, it did feel FAST!

On Sunday we took to the mountain bikes (yes, single bikes!) and headed for the hills west of Sandy. We feel quite ashamed that it has taken us 10 years to start exploring the state forest a mere 5 km from home. There's actually quite a lot of it out there!

We did a 28km round trip, first heading south, then west and around to come back 'out' up at Woopi near the Flora Reserve (Woolgoolga Creek Road). There were a few hills in there.. some rideable ones (one of which Marc has now dubbed 'Gasping Hill' in honour of my lack of aerobic fitness - and stupidity in not actually engaging the lowest gear when I thought I had). We had to push the bikes up 'Boyd's Hill', (and it was steeper than that hill we pushed bikes up on the Repton ride, John!). We'll keep exploring the area, checking out different forest roads, with the aim of maybe leading a MTB BUG ride out that way next year maybe! Or if anyone is interested in any 'unofficial' exploratory riding out that way with us, let us know. We have reached the point of leaving the ~~sloths~~ kids at home for a few hours on a Sunday while we go out and enjoy ourselves.

With all the different types of bike riding options available, we've now decided that too many bikes is never enough, and we're getting single road bikes. Marc's bought himself one on eBay - picking it up on the weekend - and we're investigating one for me. I've heard about a group of girls intending on doing some road bike rides on a weekday morning, so I'd like to see how I go with that.

All in all, we are certainly bigger?...better?... bicycle users than we used to be. And undoubtedly a bit fitter as well.

Anyway, enough about us... I basically posted this in the hope that it might be a catalyst for some more contributions from BUG members. It would be interesting to read how others 'use' their bikes in between BUG rides.

Send your post to this email address: trace(at)exemail.com.au - replace the (at) with @ and I will ... post it!

Tracey Schmidt

PS. Our apologies re this Sunday's breakfast ride. We have to be at a netball carnival all day.

Westlawn Camp Quality Bike Ride - June 3 - Coffs to Grafton

2007-04-28T20:17:00.000+10:00

The aim of the Westlawn Camp Quality ride is to come together to promote safe cycling and to have fun, and at the same time raise awareness and much needed funds for Camp Quality, a charity which helps children who have cancer.

The ride is to be held on Sunday 3rd of June, 2007. The route to be taken will be along the “back road” to Grafton via Coramba, Nana Glen and Glenreagh. This is a total of approximately 100km over the day. It is anticipated that we will be arriving in Grafton at approximately 3pm.

The cost of the ride is either $35 (without the jersey) or $100 (with the jersey) and this will cover:

* Ride shirt valued at $100 (should you choose this option)
* Drinks/refreshments along the way on Sunday and a BBQ dinner at the Grafton racecourse at the conclusion of the ride.
* There will be support vehicles to rest in if needed, with water and fruit in car free of charge.

The maximum number of riders is 50 and all applications need to be in by Monday 23rd April 20007 so that the ride jerseys can be made up.** Apparently that deadline was only if you wanted a jersey.

Riders are encouraged to sell a book of raffle tickets to support Camp Quality. If paying registration fee by cheque please make cheques payable to Westlawn Camp Quality Bike Ride.

** Currently waiting on an update as to whether the ride number of 50 has been filled - check back here over the next few days if you are interested. Will also have a list of Coffs BUG members who have registered so that you can find them and buy a raffle ticket!

If you want an entry form, you could leave a comment here and John could email it to you!