Go places and meet people with a cycling club

The best thing about cycling is that so many other people share your passion, especially in cycling-mad Bendigo. If you want to discover Bendigo or meet like-minded people, joining a club is a great way to do it. There’s a huge variety on offer.

For social rides around Bendigo try the Bendigo Ghost Riders. Two rides a week (Saturday and Monday) on mountain bikes. Contact Colin Filton on 0419 505 679 or see www.warbyghostriders.com/bendigo.php.

Getting back to basics can be a lot of fun

While the professionals were showing their colours in the criterium before the Tour this year, a group of kids were showing their stuff on BMX bikes in Mitchell Street. Their bike handling skills are superb. No matter what that bike is doing, the rider is always in control.

Anyone who gets on a bike quickly discovers there’s a lot more to it than just turning the pedals. The Bendigo and District Cycling Club runs a program for kids to prepare them for track racing. But many adults would benefit from the exercises that focus on basic bike handling skills.