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?

Mixing the joys of cycling and parenting

The boys return from a ride ready for a rest. Photo Caitlin Fraser

Tony and Caitlin share their experience with a bike trailer for Samuel.

Having children brings untold joy into your life, with an exponential increase of the amount of stuff that can invade your house. Assessing what is really required it is easy to write off a bike trailer as unnecessary, expensive and space-hogging. But here are five reasons why they are worth it:

Trailer touring

Mark and Helen test out BOB trailers

Helen Cronin and Mark Slater share their journeys with trailers.

When Ed and Gaye Bourke rolled through Bendigo in 2006, they’d pedalled nearly 12,000 km from London towing all their gear in trailers. We decided we had to try them.

There are two types of bicycle trailer: single-wheel and two-wheel.

Two-wheel versions like the Smart Trolley and Eco Trailer are designed for shopping and short city trips. They even let you unhook the trailer and walk around with it. They have a single coupling on either the left chain stay or the seat post.

But for extended tours over varied and sometimes rough terrain, a single-wheel trailer is the only choice because they’re much more stable. Unless you’re just trundling along and taking corners gently, you risk tipping a two-wheel trailer. With a single-wheel trailer, you’re carrying the weight at the height of your bike’s wheel axle and it tracks right along behind the bike.

Renewed enthusiasm after break for BMX Champion

Come back: Brock Tuckerman is back in action on the BMX (Photo: Corey Gibson - http://blog.inlina.com/)

Brock Tuckerman after 3 years of football had developed a knee problem. In 1997 at the age of 12, he started BMX. A friend mentioned the BMX racing and that he was going to give it a try. It was not long before Brock was hooked.

The Bendigo club was one of the biggest in Australia. BMX racing was very popular, the club was well organised, race meets at a club level 100+ riders and OPEN meetings 250+ riders from across the State would attend.

BMX has two basic class groups, Challenge and Elite. Challenge for younger riders up to 17 and from that age anyone that doesn’t feel they are at a professional level can simply ride in their age bracket (eg, 17-24 men or women, 30-34 men or women etc.) The elite class is made up of two categories, JNR ELITE (17-18yrs) and ELITE (19+).

Like most other sports BMX has club, state, national, world and now Olympic level. Brock reached National level in both challenge and Elite classes, with 10th in Australia in the 15 boy’s age class.