Cyclists are not stationary objects

A friend’s uncle was a flying instructor during World War II. Conducting low-level manoeuvres over Werribee, a nervous passenger once asked if he realised how close they were to the ground. “Yes,” he replied, “but I never look, because where I look I go.”

It’s counterintuitive, but you shouldn’t look directly at an obstacle in order to pass it safely.

Shopping without parking troubles

Family shop: even rain didn’t deter Christchurch residents Rainer (Dad), Marlina and Lucas from taking on the annual supermarket challenge. Photo courtesy Steven Muir, thepope@cyclingchurch.org.nz

Bicycles might be good for riding to work or down to the milk bar for a paper. The challenge in trying to do things like the weekly grocery shop is carrying it all home. But it can be done and be more enjoyable than taking the car. A Christchurch cyclist has now organised two Supermarket Challenges to prove it.

Many ways to transport your bike

I often wonder what people in pre-car days would have thought of horses being towed around in floats. Strapping your bike to the car can seem just as odd, but it might be the only way to get your two-wheeled steed where you need to go.

Rather like a faithful dog, I’ve seen the prized carbon fibre road bike – minus its wheels – perched on a blanket in the back seat of a convertible. Getting your bike inside the car is certainly the simplest way to carry it.

Emergency supplies

Some people are content to put a mobile in their pocket and phone for a lift if they get a puncture.

If you’re riding out of phone coverage, though, or you want to be able to get going yourself, you’ll need to carry some sort of emergency kit. How much goes in that kit is really up to you.