The inevitable fall

“There are too many factors you have to take into account that you have no control over…The most important factor you can keep in your own hands is yourself. I always placed the greatest emphasis on that.” Eddy Merkx

A cracked helmet and torn jersey from Eddie's recent fall.

One of the realities of being a bike rider is the risk/chance of having a fall off the bike whether we are a commuter, recreational or competitive cyclist, falling off the trusty stead will happen, we can be rest assured.  Cycling is reputed to be a “low impact sport” likened to swimming with this one small point of difference, swimmers don’t fall off.

Local star makes world titles

Life is like riding a bicycle – in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.  ~Albert Einstein

Lachlan Sens puts his bike through its paces. Photo: Samantha Allen

Where there is a high degree of difficulty, massive concentration on technique along with skill, ability and agility, mixed with heightened risk, challenge and thrills that has high ambitions and world class potential, it more than likely you will find a Sens family member.

Short-term parking solutions

Hoops provide convenient short-term bike parking.

One of the most common prayers offered in Bendigo would be “God bless me with a parking spot!” Parking in any city is at a premium for all, shop owners, employees and customers not to mention delivery drivers.

Well this is no different for the commuting cyclist the same question arises where do I park my bike for the day for it to be secure from being stolen and or damaged not too far off from my place of employment.

Going coastal: are you up to it?

Good for the soul: cycle touring takes in great scenery with good company. Photo: TopShots

Do you remember your first organised ride event? Whether it be the Around the Bay in a Day the Great Victorian Bike Ride or a local event like Bendigo by Bike or the Whipstick Ride there will be memories indelibly printed on your mind.

Time of life, the people you were motivated by the support of family and friends or just the impact of going with likeminded cyclists on a journey of enjoyment and freedom.Look back how far you have come since this book mark in your cycling experience the many hours of relaxation and roads covered sights seen.

One of the great joys for me is hearing the testimonies of the beginnings and the journey so far and the impact cycling has made on health and well being of individuals and even far outcomes of benefits with romance and life changing decisions. In the midst of these there are many who share the humble beginning of undertaking a Great Victorian Bike Ride with family and friends and are hooked for life.

This year Bicycle Victoria’s  Great Victorian Bike Ride Saturday 28 November – Sunday 6 December 2009 will be along the Great Ocean Road, one of the seven cycling wonders of the world. There are less than 1,000 tickets left for cyclists wanting to take part in the 2009 Great Victorian Bike Road along the Great Ocean Road.

Bicycle Victoria’s Development Director, Nikki Tyler said: “With the ride featuring the Great Ocean Road in 2009 entries have flooded in. We have limited numbers to 5,000 to ensure the best possible experience along the way.” Bicycle Victoria allocated 1,200 tickets for schools and the remainder for the general public.

Organised by Bicycle Victoria, the 546 kilometre cycling holiday will feature the dramatic rock formations of the Twelve Apostles, pass through the Otway Ranges forests, and slow down for a swim at world-famous beaches like Lorne, Anglesea and Bells.

The cycling holiday starts on Saturday 28 November with the first day as a loop ride from Portland to Cape Bridgewater and back to Portland. Overnight stops are planned for:

• Macarthur (29 Nov)
• Port Fairy (30 Nov)
• Port Campbell (1 Dec)
• Apollo Bay (two nights 2 & 3 Dec)
• Anglesea (4 Dec) and
• Queenscliff (5 Dec).
• The ride ends in Geelong at Eastern Park on Sunday 6 December.

Ride Fast Facts:
The entry fee is $750 for adults, $560 for children 13 – 17, $260 for children 6 – 12, and free for five and under. After 31 July add $100.

The ride is a fully catered, tent-based holiday. There is extensive back up including luggage transport, a licensed cafe under canvas, first aid, bicycle repair facilities, entertainment and preparation DVD.

Public inquiries: People wanting more information can visit the ride web site or ring 1 800 616 600

Been dreaming of making a start into cycling and needed a goal that is achievable and has all the right attributes of encouragement and support?

Rides like the Great Victorian Bike Ride are a great starting point. Age shape size is no barrier for this low impact activity of recreational cycling it does not depend on the size of the body but the size of the heart and motivation.

If aging or have not been a vigorous exerciser for many years a check with your doctor will more than likely give you a favourable response and you can do it with the right mindset and commitment and realisation of it takes time and effort but the rewards can be restoring years back that seemed lost.

Develop strategies to reach your goal.

Start with short term then medium and the long term goals being the ride itself with the desire that this will be the first of many longer term goals. Find a bike riding friend to share the strategies with, commit them to paper and place them in a prominent position such as the toilet door, the bath room mirror, or the fridge.

Start with good foundations of getting the right advice on bike setup from others experience and this will be affirmed by your local bike shop that have travelled the path. Don’t be a despiser of small beginnings as from the words of Paul Kelly’s song “from little things big things grow”.

Monitor your development speed is not the objective but gaining confidence on the bike in sharing the road must be a high priority otherwise it can be a daunting experience built on hidden fear and little enjoyment. Need help that the objective of this column and we are only an email away from being available in assisting you find the right help in gaining confidence.

See you on the road soon God willing.

The Ride of Silence will not be quiet

150 cycilsts took part in Bendigo's 2009 Ride of Silence. Photo: Eddie Barkla

On May 20, 2009, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence began in North America to roll across the globe. In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. There is no brochure, no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride is a chance to show respect:

• To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
• To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
• To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

Transporting your bike by car

Choices: there are a range of bike rack options available. Photo: Eddie Barkla

Bike carriers which ones work best and suit your needs what can be the advantages and potential risks and disadvantages? Basically there are three types of racks on the commercial market:

• Roof racks
• Rear of car – tow bar mounted
• Rear of car – hanging from car body.

It is worth noting that any rack that is attached to the rear of the vehicle is required by law to have a bike carrier registration plate with a number plate light.

There is no right or wrong answer and all bike carriers require careful attention in the manner in which the bike is attached to ensure that neither damage to the bike frame and paint work to the vehicle or bike occurs.

Bendigo MTB Offers weekend warriors a chance to prove their metal

Excitement: MTB racing gets the heart pumping. Photo: Steve Blake - Akuna Digital Imaging Bendigo

The Bendigo Mountain Bike Club is hosting the third round of the Victorian State Enduro series on Sunday May 24th. Bendigo Cycles of 52 Edward Street, is the major sponsor of this 6 hour test of endurance.

The Enduro series is run by Mountain Bike Clubs throughout the state and is available to riders of all skill and fitness levels. From the Solo “hard nuts” to the “weekend warriors” 2, 3, 4 person teams, these endurance events are for everyone catering for all levels of riding ability – former world cup competitors, Commonwealth Games MTB riders compete on the same track at the same time as the “humble mtb rider.”

The rail trail passion

Unrealised potential: the trestle bridge at Pyalong could be one of the attractions along the new rail trail. Photo: Helen Cronin

Ask any fan why they’re so excited by rail trails and they’ll probably give you three reasons. There are no cars. It’s a peaceful and quiet way to explore the countryside. You’re riding through history.

For some the longer the trail, the better. People will travel from all over the state, the country and even from overseas to ride a good trail. The O’Keefe rail trail has the potential to become one of those tourism drawcards – if it’s extended some 100 km all the way to Kilmore.

Light up and be seen

Be seen: decent lights don't need to cost a lot of money. Photo courtesty Bicyle Victoria

Daylight savings is now weeks behind us and the morning light is fading and the evening light even faster for cyclists that either commute or train whether it be for recreational or racing purposes. Being seen is not only important for your personal safety but for the peace of mind of other shared road users.

National traffic regulations require a flashing or steady white light (front) and red light (rear) that is clearly visible for at least 200m from the bicycle. A red reflector is also required on the rear of the bike.

Bicycle Victoria recently released the Bicycle Network tests revealing the most effective bike lights on the market that require disposable batteries.

More to wheels than meets the eye

Tension: An eye for detail and even tension defines good wheelsets. Photo: Mello Bouwmeester

The bicycle has come a long way since 1885 when the first conventional chain driven bike evolved. While the basic two triangles and two wheels of a bike are still recognisable, componentry and technology have taken the commuting tool into the world of elite professional cycling.

Athletes aside, one basic thing still remains the key determinant of performance – the wheel. But with a myriad of options and the industry advancing daily, what should you consider when purchasing an elite wheelset?