Bicycle Network Victoria: Ride On magazine

Joy of discovery

Apr-May 2011

I woke up today and saw it was a great day for a road bike ride, however with the hayfever fairy making a visit, a ride didn’t seem like a great idea. But after a cup of tea and a read of the first half of the Feb-Mar issue of Ride On, that all changed!

A more subdued ride on my recently acquired Trek ladies bike from the Eco range while bundling my partner onto my trusty mind-of-its-own nearly 21-year-old Gary Fisher mountain bike rather than use his road bike became a more manageable proposition. It also gave us a chance to explore the area that we recently moved.

Taking Edithvale’s Long Beach trail, we enjoyed the frog chorus from a nearby waterway. To see the local pony club with water up to the jumps made us realise that the deluge we experienced two days prior was quite significant. Horses were ankle-deep in water.

The trail became unrideable due to water so we meandered our way on the streets towards Patterson River before meeting the bike track that runs along the levee bank towards the beach.

A quick stop at the bike shop for a sticky beak saw me drooling over a new Gary Fisher, but how could I dare be unfaithful to the one I have now, even though it has got a bit cranky in its old age? Then to the chemist for anti-histamines, the health food store for vitamins and the coffee shop for a stop and finally the newsagent, where I added to the collection of bike magazines.

Thankyou Ride On for keeping the riding spirit alive, and for me spending money in my new local community!

Now what will reading the second half bring?

Andrea Winzor, Highett, VIC

Riding essentials

December 2010

I ride a 20km round trip from home to Perth CBD every working day – rain, hail or shine – on a steel-framed 1980s Repco Racing bike that I found in a street collection.

You don't need a fancy carbon bike to get to where you need to go. I've got a carbon Giant TCR but I find that for short trips the steel frame bike is much more comfortable and the gear system of that era doesn't need the same fine adjustments as new bikes require, making maintenance a breeze.

Yeah the bike weights a bit but, aye, I'm not trying to keep up with Cadel Evans on my way to work. No lycra during weekdays I say; shorts, a wool thermal and a wind-proof jacket is all you need (rain proof one when the weather turns).

Daniel Leighton, Inglewood, WA

Friendly network

December 2010

In one week I was approached by two different people I had never met before while travelling on public transport. Both times were great experiences, with my bike being the starting point for conversation.

The first time was with another commuter who had her bike on the train also. She came over to me and shared her wisdom on how she believed all cyclists should have a mirror on their bike so they could see behind them, and that they were relatively cheap to buy. The second time I was able to share a conversation with another cyclist who had a similar bike to me.

From both experiences I took away new knowledge which I will endeavour to take on to improve my cycling, and a new appreciation of the power of networking with fellow cyclists.

Melissa Cook, Bayswater North, VIC

Seasoned traveller

October 2010

We would like to introduce our granddaughter Josie de Bie to your readers. At Christmas time, Josie, then 14 months old, was introduced to bike riding as a back-seat traveller. The start did not go well as she objected to wearing a helmet and did not like being strapped in. Her mum and dad, Kelly and Alex, weren't sure that they were doing the right thing at this stage. However, during her very first ride Josie was so comfortable and relaxed that she went to sleep and stayed asleep until after they arrived home.

Now Josie is a seasoned bike traveller who understands the routine of helmets and seat belts and enjoys her frequent rides with her mum and dad to do the shopping or simply just to have fun.

We know that when Josie grows up she will continue to enjoy riding as much as her family does.

Lynne and Geoff Hunt, Tootgarook, VIC

Never too old

August 2010

As a Bicycling Western Australia member I receive and enjoy Ride On. I am also a member of Perth’s Over55 cycle club, and was interested to read the article ‘Age is No Barrier’ in the June/July issue. I could not agree more with this sentiment, and this is clearly demonstrated in WA, with cycle clubs for over 55’s in both Perth and Mandurah.

The Perth Over55 cycle club was established in 1984 and currently has about 270 members, ranging in age from late fifties to late eighties. Most members are in their sixties or seventies. Last year, members rode a total of 298,799km on ‘official’ rides, and we are on track to easily exceed 300,000km this year.

As well as the regular rides, the club organises several week-long cycling camps each year, and this year 11 members enjoyed a cycle tour in China. The club also holds an annual achievement day with rides from 50km to 200km. This year 77 members completed the rides. The oldest member to complete the 200km ride was 79, and the oldest to complete the 150km ride was 83.

Truly, age is no barrier.

Chris Muller, Edgewater, WA

Bilney boys appeal

August 2010

Does anyone remember a rider from ages ago who attempted the Tour de France; one of the Bilney boys from Ballarat (they may have originally come from Albert Park)? I don't know them; I only know of them.

My father knew them and said he (a bootmaker by trade) made special shoes for the rider to wear in the Tour. Family rumour has it that the rider fell during his ride and was found in a roadside ditch and never finished. I'm 67 and I remember my father telling that tale when I was in my 20s and it reportedly had happened long before then.

Maybe an old timer might remember something?

Irene Bilney, Richmond, VIC
 

Inspired return

I have taken up cycling again following a 22-year gap after being in Willunga, South Australia in January and watching a stage of the Tour Down Under. I absolutely loved it! It inspired me to get back on the bike. I dusted off my old Repco Eurosport and went for a small ride. I did it again the next day, and the next, and before I knew it, I was riding over 100km per week – and enjoying it!

I have Type 2 diabetes and my HBA1C blood test on the 3rd January was 9.3. I recently had another HBA1C blood test and it was down to 7.4: a very large improvement which my doctor said usually comes about through a change of diet, a change of medication, or both.

In my case, the only change was getting on a bike and pedalling.

Brian Fitzgerald, Springvale South, VIC

Ride On recovery

June 2010

I had never so much looked forward to Ride On arriving in my letterbox as I was this autumn. I’ve been off my bike for two months now with a broken foot (riding accident) and haven’t been able to get out and enjoy my daily ride to work or explore my favourite trails. So you might understand why I was so keen to read your magazine!

I especially empathise with your stories of others overcoming illness and injury and cycling their way back to health. I’m now inspired to get back on my bike as soon as possible.

Katie Foley, Parkville, VIC

Spooky coincidence

April 2010

My partner, Michele East, and I joined Bicycle Network Victoria in January, after taking up bike riding in December. We went out and bought two bikes, after I got a big scare from our doctor; a cholesterol reading of 11.9 and a diabetes type two diagnosis. We have now clocked up 730km, with one ride alone, from Bendigo to Sunbury, about 130km.

The December–January edition of your magazine and member’s cards arrived today. Lying in bed reading it I came across the Ghostly Tales article; well, you could have kicked me out of the bed. We are the publicans of the Coach and Horses Inn at Clarkefield referred to in the article. Thanks to Jon Miller for the write up.

The good news about all this is that I have just been back to the doctors, and after two months of riding, diet and lifestyle change, my cholesterol reading is now at 3.6.

Paul Levey, Sunbury, VIC

It’s a wonderful bike

16 November 2008

This is a note to let you know that I thoroughly enjoy my new bike that I won as a result of joining Bicycle Network Victoria.

It is one of the best bikes that I have ever had. My favourite place to ride my new bike is the East link trail.

Thanks once more for my new bike and I am 100% confident that I will get many more kilometres out of it in the years to come.

Alistair Brett

Woodford Springvale, VIC

There are some good people out there!

11 Nov 2008

Laid up with a fused ankle for 12 weeks when normally a regular commuter to work of some 30 k's, I was (not so quietly) going insane! A desperate note in your newly discovered forum, for the loan of a recumbant to experiment with riding in a Cam boot and I am now an 'almost' new woman. Deep felt gratitude to the goodness of 'Ed' and his wife (who read my plea)and who lent me a tri-sled for 6 weeks to try and get fit enough to attempt the GVBR.

Just wonderful to think there are people out there who just help someone out, for no reward, just for goodness sake. Felt compelled to have this recognized.

Thankyou,

Juniper Greve

Warrandyte, VIC

Two wheels good, three wheels better

8 Oct 2008

I enjoyed your Feature on Going Tribal this month, it was interesting to hear about different riders and their ‘niche’ interests.

I’d consider my bike niche also – an adult trike. I ride it to work on it, (now that the weather’s getting warmer), do short trips with it around the Prahran market (it makes parking sooo much easier, and I have a huge carry basket at the back), I’ve even ridden the Grand Prix Track (and got some rather amused looks!).

I moved from Sydney, where the cycling is scary, and have trouble with my balance on 2 wheels, so I thought laterally and decided on 3 wheels. Whilst I can’t go as fast, or as far, I still get the pleasure out of riding. As well as lots of questions about the bike, people often stop me and ask about it, and I get a lot of smiles and compliments. I’d love to learn 2 wheels, or find a more compact 3 wheeler? (Last issue’s article on the special 3 wheeler was interesting, but waaay out of my price range, and a bit too large).

I know that some of the serious riders would and do scoff, but what about riders who aren’t so confident getting the opportunity to enjoy riding, and save using the car for those small trips around your neighbourhood – that’s got to be good?

Giovanna Walker

Prahran VIC

Can you help?

20 September 2008

I was wondering if you can help me. I have enclosed a picture of my grandfather and was trying to find more details of his cycling exploits and which club he was a member of in the early 20's. If anyone knows more details, call me on 0419808945.

Gary Lasky

Malvern VIC

Road bike power

2 September 2008

In a fit of craziness I decided to join my schools Great Victorian Bike ride team.

Our first training ride took me up the Yarra Boulevard and around Kew. And then, of course, back. The ride nearly killed my skinny 14 year-old body.

The following week we undertook the identical ride. But this time with a brand new road bike. But instead of killing me, I was able to power up all the hills while overtaking all the Lycra clad men. Mountain bikes may be good for riding on dirt tracks, but road bikes are always superior on hilly roads. I would like to add that the bike was only a Giant OCR3. Also thanks for the tips on where to ride.

Claire Miles

Blackburn VIC