Bike SA's Love Your Ride 8

bikesa love your ride 8

cycle style Looking chic in the saddle

Win!

a Corratec e-Bike see page 21

Two-wheeled Tourism Escape from the city on a weekend bike-away

food pedallers

Tasty treats on the streets

m a g a z i n e s

spring/summer 2015/16

introduction 3

welcome

bikesa

contents 4 what’s new

christian haag

Hon. jay weatherill melvin mansell

CEO, Bicycle SA

premier of south australia

Editorial Director SA, WA, NT & Tas

All that’s new on two wheels – from a quick fix for your bike to Adelaide’s toughest climbs, bling BMXs and paramedics who pedal

6 member profiles

Two Bike SA members, two very different reasons for riding with Bike SA

7 fashion

On-trend styling tips for looking chic and keeping cool in the saddle

10 Lights & Locks

The latest in rear lights and key considerations when securing your steed

11 E-bike review

B

ike SA has been representing the interests of the bicycle riding community for over 30 years and we wouldn’t be able to achieve the things we do without the support of our 6000 members and hundreds of volunteers. In this issue, we talk to two members who have two very different stories to tell about why they joined Bike SA. More and more South Australians are taking the opportunity to jump on their bike more often. This is good for our state, it’s good for increasing physical activity, and it’s good for reducing congestion and greenhousegas emissions. And thanks to those of us who like nothing better than a cycling holiday, it’s good for our regional economies.

But there are many who are not riding because of concerns that our roads are unsafe. Bike SA will continue to advocate for increased investment from our local and state governments, who play a key role in providing safe cycling infrastructure.

And with spring calling a start to the riding season, it’s the time to dust off the bike and think about some great new places to ride with family and friends, so we’ll look at what’s new in some of our more famous riding destinations as well as the ambitions of two regional towns as they continue to develop some great off-road trails.

S

outh Australian cyclists will ride more safely as a result of new regulations flowing from a unique model of public consultation.

The new cycling laws, which allow for cycling on footpaths and the introduction of minimum overtaking distances, will come into force in late 2015.

The measures were recommended by the State Government’s Citizens’ Jury process, which involves a group of randomly selected South Australians debating contentious topics and the Government then implementing its recommendations.

In the case of the cycling laws, almost 1600 submissions were made to the State Government following adoption of the Citizens’ Jury recommendations and more than 1100 supported the plan to allow cyclists of all ages to ride on footpaths.

Also, about 73 percent of those who responded backed the idea that motorists must leave a gap of at least one metre when overtaking a cyclist.

The Government was pleased with the quality of analysis carried out by the Citizens’ Jury and the widespread level of support for its recommendations.

It was a perfect example of people coming together to discuss a matter of practical concern and coming up with a set of commonsense solutions that are now flowing through into law.

An education campaign designed to explain the changes will start soon.

A

delaide’s claim to be the bicycling capital of Australia only gathers momentum.

The Tour Down Under – Australia’s premier cycling event – will rightly stay in its home, world cycling authorities have decided, heading off any circling suitors.

That status is further enhanced by the accompanying decision to expand the Women’s Tour, another January highlight that demands more attention every year.

These competitive developments are supported by the tremendous growth of cycling tourism.

Bike SA has found that tourists who ride spend on average $591 each day they are in this state. That is high-value visitation.

To cap all this off, we have a community which has energetically and decisively projected a raft of measures to make cycling safer, better integrated on the roads and help end tension between those with two wheels and those with four.

The Citizens’ Jury recommendations have been received with enthusiasm by Premier Jay Weatherill and his government. The majority of these recommendations will soon be implemented.

Cyclists in other states can only look on with envy at the combined impact of these initiatives.

Fortunately they can always get on their bike and visit.

We take the Corratec 28 Active Nexus 8 for an electrically assisted spin through Adelaide’s city streets

12 Great escapes

The best of SA can be leisurely explored on two wheels. We take you to the must-visit destinations

16 Tasty cargo

Our city boasts a peloton of pedalpowered food and coffee purveyors.

We chat to the people who propel them

18 Report card 2015

What does SA’s scorecard look like when it comes to getting more people cycling in our state? Bike SA tallies the figures

20 calendar

Bike SA offers opportunities to ride every week. See what’s in store for 2015/16

22 ending the Aggro

Some 35 South Australians came together to draw up a commonsense plan for safer roads. We look at the recommendations

Project Editor Gordon Kanki Knight Art Director Chris Bowden writers Christian Haag, Gordon Kanki Knight, Paul Giles, Nadia Stamp, Ineke Mules photography Matt Turner, Mike Burton, Nick Clayton, Matt Loxton, Calum Robertson, Noelle Bobrige, Don Brice Photography cover photography Matt Turner cover model Media presenter and model Nadia Stamp wears red cloche by Adelaide Hatters; Spencer skirt and “I Love” jumper, from Review Australia. nadiastamp.com.au Special Publications EDITOR Andrew Holman Advertising Malcolm Balcerek 8206 2729

BICYCLE SA THANKS THE MANY VOLUNTEERS, COMMUNITY GROUPS & SUPPORTERS WHO FREELY GIVE THEIR VALUABLE TIME, ENERGY, SKILLS AND ENTHUSIASM; PLUS ALL OUR OTHER SPONSORS & PARTNERS: ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL, BAROSSA COUNCIL, BE ACTIVE, BOWDEN RENEWAL, CLARE & GILBERT VALLEY COUNCIL, CITY OF CHARLES STURT, CITY OF HOLDFAST BAY, CITY OF MARION, CITY OF ONKAPARINGA, CITY OF PORT ADELAIDE ENFIELD, CITY OF SALISBURY, COPPER COAST COUNCIL, COUNTRY FIRE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND SOCIAL INCLUSION, DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES, DEPARTMENT FOR PLANNING TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE, EVENTS SA, FORESTRY SA, GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA, METROPOLITAN FIRE SERVICE, MOTOR ACCIDENT COMMISSION, OFFICE FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, PORT RENEWAL, RENEWAL SA, SA AMBULANCE SERVICE, SA EMERGENCY SERVICES, SA POLICE, SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TOURISM COMMISSION, TONSLEY RENEWAL, TRAILS SA, ADELAIDE MTB CLUB, ADELAIDE SOUTH WEST COMMUNITY CENTRE, AMY GILLETT FOUNDATION, BICYCLE NETWORK, BICYCLE NSW, BICYCLE QUEENSLAND, BIKE KITCHEN, CANCER COUNCIL SA, CMV FOUNDATION, CONSERVATION COUNCIL, CYCLING AUSTRALIA, CYCLING PROMOTION FUND, CYCLING SOUTH AUSTRALIA, EUROPEAN CYCLISTS’ FEDERATION, HEART FOUNDATION, HORSE SA, INSIDE LINE MTB CLUB, INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BICYCLING ASSOCIATION, NORTH ADELAIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE, SCOUTS SA, ST JOHN, TANDANYA, THE SMITH FAMILY, WEST BEACH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB, ZOOS SOUTH AUSTRALIA, ADELAIDE CONVENTION BUREAU, ADELAIDE CONVENTION CENTRE, ADELAIDE MOBILE BICYCLE SERVICE, ADELAIDE SHORES, ALTUS, ANDERSONS SOLICITORS, AQUABOSS, AUSTRALIAN BANANAS, AVANTIPLUS, BACKPACK OZ, BAKER’S DELIGHT, BANK SA, BEATS WORKING MOBILE DJ, BERNIE JONES CYCLES, BICYCLE CARE, BIKECORP, BODY TORQUE, BOILEAU BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, BONYTHON PARK KIOSK, BUDGET CAR AND TRUCK RENTAL, CAFE2U, CITY-BAY FUN RUN, CLARKE CYCLES, CMI TOYOTA, COATES HIRE, CONTINENTAL TYRES, ELBOWS AKIMBO, ELEVEN ACROSS, EPSOM RD STUDIOS, EUROPCAR, EVENT STRATEGIES, EXODUS TRAVEL, EXPOSURE LIGHTS, FESTIVAL HIRE, FLINDERS UNIVERSITY, GROUND EFFECT, HAMMER NUTRITION, HOSTEL 109, HUB AUSTRALIA, JARVIS SUBARU, LIFE. BE IN IT, MERIDIEN HOTEL, NIPPY’S, ORBEA, OVER THE EDGE SPORTS, OXYGEN CYCLES, PEREGRINE TRAVEL, PETER PAN’S ADVENTURE TRAVEL, REID CYCLES, ROOF RACK CITY, RSEA, SCHWALBE, SCOUTS RALLY SA, SERAFINO WINES, SLIME, SPLASH OF COLOUR, STEAM TRAIN KIOSK, SQUIRT, SUNSENSE, SUNSMART, THE ADVERTISER, TORQ, TRAVELLER’S INN, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA, URBANEST, V INSURANCE, WINDSOR GARDENS CARAVAN PARK, YAKIMA, YOO YAH.

bike sa 2015/16

malcolm.balcerek@news.com.au Advertising Director David Perrins Advertising sales Jacqui Pawson Direct Sales Partner Karrina Koufalas Pre Media Manager Steve Bray Page Production The Advertiser production Published by The Advertiser, a division of Advertiser Newspapers Pty Ltd (ACN 007 872 997). Editor - The Advertiser: Sam Weir. 31 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000. Copyright 2015 Advertiser Newspapers Pty Ltd. Photos Bike SA unless stated. Details correct at time of printing.

All subject to change. Inquiries 1300 130 370

4 news

news 5

bike SA

ride free

news

Adelaide Free Bikes are available to everyone, every day. All you need is a valid driver’s licence, passport or Australian proof-of-age card and you will be provided with a bike, a helmet and a lock.

Saddling up has never been easier.

On velo, vino Wine and cycling are a perfect match – the Clare Valley Riesling Trail and Barossa’s vineyard rides are proof of this (see pp12-15). This handmade vegetable-tanned leather bicycle wine carrier allows you to take wine with you on the go. Simply snap it onto your crossbar (no tools needed) with the brass fasteners. Hidden clamps hold the bottle securely. It’s the perfect way to carry a bottle to a party or a soirée. Leather Wine Carrier, $34.99, reidcycles.com.au

Bike SA fast fact some 65% of people who go on cycle holidays are aged 50 and over

You’re out for a ride and realise you’ve forgotten to tighten a bolt or, worse, you hear the hissing sound of a punctured tyre. Until now, if you weren’t carrying your own tools you faced a long walk home. But bike repair stations, each featuring a pump and an assortment of tools hanging from cables including Allen keys, screwdrivers, a 15mm wrench are popping up across the city, allowing you to make quick repairs.

Here’s where to find them...

Mile End Homemaker Centre 121 Railway Tce, Mile End (outside Freedom Furniture) Culvert Street / Charles Walk Linear trail, cnr Unley Rd ACC Customer Service Centre 45 Pirie St, city (the BMX track off Unley Road) Ultra Tune Service Centre 110 Unley Rd, Unley Kurrangga Park BMX track Pump only. Parklands (near cnr Unley Rd and Greenhill Rd)

West West Lakes Library 72 Woodville Rd, Woodville, Hindmarsh Library 139 Port Rd, Hindmarsh

University of Adelaide North Tce campus: outside Union House, Napier bike cage, near Napier carpark; next to Elder Hall; and Gate 6 of Ingkarni Wardli building Glenelg – Mike Turtur Bikeway Cnr Brighton Rd and Maxwell Tce Adelaide City Council Customer Service Centre 45 Pirie St, city Glenelg, Moseley Square (next to Mamma Carmella, bike rack and pump only) Tanunda, Barossa Cycle Hub Murray Street, Tanunda (near the Barossa Visitor Information Centre, see p13 for more information on the Hub)

North Adelaide Adelaide Meridien 21-39 Melbourne St, North Adelaide Golf Links Par 3 Torrens Weir, North Adelaide North Adelaide Community Centre 176 Tynte St, North Adelaide Beaches Adelaide Shores Caravan Park Military Rd, West Beach Henley Beach Library 378 Seaview Rd, Henley Beach Semaphore Steamtrain Kiosk Semaphore foreshore West Beach Surf Life Saving Club Cnr Seaview and West Beach Rds, West Beach

A quick fix

Adelaide Airport Ground level, north-eastern end of the terminal building

City Bicycle SA 53 Carrington St, city Adelaide City Council 25 Pirie St, city Adelaide Convention Centre North Tce, city Adelaide South West Community Centre 171 Sturt St, city Adelaide Travellers Inn 220 Hutt St, city Backpack Oz 144 Wakefield St, city Bonython Park Kiosk Port Rd, city Conservation Council 111 Franklin St, city Hostel 109 109 Carrington St, city Hub Adelaide 5 Peel St, city Jarvis Subaru 190 West Tce, city Peter Pan's Adventure Travel 119 Waymouth St, city, Royal Adelaide Zoo Frome Rd, city Tandanya 253 Grenfell St, city UniSA City East Barbara Hanrahan Building undercroft, 108 North Tce, city UniSA City West Jeffery Smart Building (security office), Phillip St, city Urbanest 12 Bank St, city

North East Windsor Gardens Caravan Park 78 Windsor Grove, Windsor Gardens

Eco Caddy in pocket Got a phone and $5? You’ve got everything you need to travel across town the eco-friendly way. EcoCaddy provides an affordable, reliable, and fun pedicab service that zips you around the square-mile ($5 flat fee) and to North Adelaide ($10 flat fee). EcoCaddy has a fleet of bamboo-bodied hybridelectric tricycles ridden by fit local riders. Download the e-Hail APP that enables you to request an EcoCaddy for pick-up, select your destination, and be notified when your ride has arrived.

Via Apple store and Google Play

bike sa 2015/16

For opening times and contact details, visit bikesa.asn.au/AdelaideFreeBikes

up, up, up!

At 180cm and weighing in at 66kg, whippet-like cyclist James Raison is built for riding up hills – and he’s filmed himself riding some of Adelaide’s steepest ascents.

“Among people that are good at climbing, you’re still finding these really, really punishing,” James says.

The 29-year-old from Brompton is out to convince interstate and overseas riders that there are hills in SA that are as tough as the Alps. Many of the hard rides James has found are in the eastern foothills.

His greatest challenge was climbing up Coachhouse Dr and Woodland Way in Teringie while the steepest ride is Gill Tce in Glen Osmond, which boasts a crazy gradient of 15 per cent.

Each video includes a graphic showing the gradient of the hill and a map of James’ progress. And he’s not done yet – James is now filming Amy’s Ride SA’s toughest climbs. So expect more videos soon. See bikesa.asn.au/climbingvideos

Precious Cargo

Body Torque Balance Pro Euro Bib & Brace short, $130

Bikes are often worth big bucks these days, so it makes sense to protect your ride. A good lock is essential (see p10) as is a secure and safe roof rack. The Frontloader by Yakima (below) is a top-of-the line rack for bikes. It takes tyres up to 7.5cm wide, can cope with virtually any fork and frame shape (sorry recumbents and tandems, not you) and can hold bikes that weight up to 22.7 kg.

No tools are required, simply place the bike in place and clamp it. Integrated cable locks, available separately, secure your bike. $269 (special price – $239, including locks, for Love Your Ride readers until Nov 30) from Roof Rack City, 37 Gilbert St, city, roofracksa.com.au

Triathlete Felicity Dales founded Body Torque in 1986 so that she could offer expertly designed and made cycle clothing for triathletes, especially women.

Bike SA testers spent two weeks testing the Balance Pro Euro Bib & Brace short and noticed that this racing pedigree shows through. The shorts’ mesh over-the-shoulders bib features wide, highly breathable fabric and the shorts have eight panels stitched with flatlock seams – the ultimate combination for fit and comfort. Skin grippers on the legs hold the shorts in place without being sticky.

The shorts are the longest Bike SA has trialled – it’s a fashion thing – you either love long shorts or you don’t. We do.

Surprisingly, the cut is generous, so consider going a size smaller to get the added benefits of compression.

Those without a battlehardened undercarriage might find the chamois a bit thin. It is great for racing and fast rides because there’s no squishiness or movement on the saddle, and thinner padding is a cooler option in summer.

For: well made, cool in summer Against: chamois won't suit everyone

Quick response St John Ambulance volunteers now have shiny new tools in their first-aid kits – bicycles. The newly set up Bicycle Emergency Response Team plays a crucial part in ensuring the earliest possible response time to a patient, particularly in places that are not easily accessible by an ambulance, such as crowded events. Each fluorescent yellow bicycle carries the same amount of first-aid equipment as a volunteer on walking patrol. The team attended the Royal Adelaide Show, where they treated 20 patients, and the City-Bay Fun Run. stjohnsa.com.au

BMX Stars Take a knobbly-tyred roll down memory lane on December 5 at the Radelaide BMX Show and Shine. All of the ’80s classics will be there – Mongoose, Redline, Diamond Back – polished and looking like new. Proceeds go to Cancer Council SA. Port Wakefield Hotel, 22 Burra St, Port Wakefield, on.fb.me/1YPFjoQ

6 member profiles

why I’m a

member Why join Bike SA? We asked two Members to tell us why they cycle with us Words christian haag

Bill M c Farlane

B

ill McFarlane describes himself Bill has been a member of Bike SA as a recreational roadie. When since 2010. asked about his top three “Principally, I joined Bike SA for the great insurance cover. As a rider, there motivations for riding, he doesn’t hesitate: “One – the pleasure is no compulsory third-party public of riding in the hills and foothills of liability insurance, as is the case with Adelaide; two – friends and colleagues; my car, so I wanted to make sure that and lastly – my health, which is if I hit something or someone, I have peace of mind knowing I’m covered. important at every stage of life.”

This sense of enjoyment and a The personal accident and income commitment to fitness are key reasons protection is a bonus.” people cycle. A patent and trade-mark It’s often not long after joining that attorney, Bill also uses cycling as a way members participate in one of the many to roll away the stresses of work. social rides that Bike SA delivers.

“The moment you start pedalling, “I remember my first Bike SA group there is a sense of purpose that is ride being one leg of a Grand Slam.” self-generated, and it propels you Bike SA organised a safe and to switch-off the pressures of interesting ride through work, keep mentally alert parts of the hills I’d never to the road and your ridden before. The staff Age 57 riding buddies and and volunteers are Occupation enjoy the ride. very supportive along Patent/TradeMark “I really enjoy the way, encouraging Attorney my work and all riders to reach BikeS 2 road bikes consequently work their goals. years of takes up a lot of “Camaraderie time, to which I add among everyone Riding Five a busy family life, so involved, from riders to the opportunity to start volunteers, marks a Bike selected days by riding SA event. There’s a truly is a great way to ease into my collegiate approach to the work responsibilities as a patent and trade they do and I’m very happy to be a mark practitioner and as a Partner of member and support that work. Once the Adelaide firm Madderns. you’ve experienced the enjoyment of “When I want a rewarding diversion of well-run group rides with Bike SA, my energies, my bike is a great option.” setting goals to complete rides like the Adelaide Dirty Dozen, Coast to Bike SA’s recent Business of Cycling Coast, Amy’s Ride SA, Three Peaks, Survey found that among executives or riding the mountains of France, 77 per cent ride for health and fitness, are all possible.

55 per cent see SA’s cycling culture as Bill has three grandchildren aged an important recruitment tool. It also one to 11. “As every grandparent revealed that 60 per cent of workplaces knows, with grand-kids comes a new provide end-of-trip facilities such as and wonderful responsibility, which is lockers and showers, which encourage to set an example about life, including employees to ride to work. the maintenance of your physical and “Many of my colleagues and clients social health. Riding with friends and ride,” says Bill, “so cycling is a setting goals, is a very practical way common topic of conversation on and to do this.” off the bike.”

Nicola Sheree Thompson

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icola Sheree Thompson is a and paid that cater to all abilities. registered nurse, so she works The events pull in around 75,000 long and often irregular hours participants each year.

– which is where cycling comes “This year, I’ve decided to do my first in handy. big ride with Bike SA – Amy’s “Cycling to work is just Ride SA in November. so convenient. I live in I think the 60km Croydon, so riding option should be a Age 26 means that I get good challenge for Occupation there quicker than my friends and I. Registered Nurse At least that way I would if driving – Bike Hybrid we should get to the and, yes, I do have years of Riding McLaren Vale finish a car. There are no Four in time for a glass parking hassles, no or two of those nice parking fees and I get Southern Vales wines.” some exercise in my day.”

Bike SA has 6,000 For this Adelaide twentymembers all across the state something cycling is the social (as well as interstate and overseas) glue that regularly brings her and their reasons for joining are together with her friends. many and varied.

“There’s nothing better on a day off For Nicola, her reasons for joining than riding along the Linear Park to are simple. “I just love the idea the beach with friends. Coffee, long of being a part of my bicycling lunches, maybe a swim in summer community and Bike SA gives me and, of course, lots of gossip. that. I also feel a lot more comfortable “I started riding about four years knowing that Bike SA’s great ago. My flatmate and I got our bikes insurance cover is looking after me. at the same time, so I instantly had There are a lot of inattentive drivers someone to ride with, which was great on the road and it’s reassuring to – and it kind of just grew from there.” know that the public liability and Bike SA surveys reveal that one of personal accident cover is there for the key barriers preventing people me. I’m a careful rider though, after from riding is not knowing where to all I spend enough time in a hospital ride and not having someone to ride as a nurse, so I don’t intend to be with. With this in mind, Bike SA there as a patient, too.” delivers a range of events both free

bike sa 2015/16

fashion cycle Paul Giles It was city biking, along with fixed gear and old-school cruiser bikes, which reignited my want to ride a bike again. The primary-coloured lycra mammals crowding my coffee shop with an all too competitive vibe and attitude, had me take a backward step for a decade. But once it became acceptable to ride at a leisurely pace, while dressed in civilian clothes, I changed my mind.

Doing something good for the environment, exercising, saving on transport costs, no parking issues and a way more time-efficient way to travel – that makes cycling a win/win for all involved.

Cycling is a big business nowadays and it’s easy to see why: cyclewear is a rapidly growing market and fashion brands are beginning to realise the potential of functional, stylish clothing that performs.

With the Tour Down Under helping raise the profile of the sport, the industry has looked to capitalise on the rising popularity of cycling as a hobby, releasing dedicated cyclewear lines and collaborative capsule

collections. One of the worlds biggest and oldest fashion brands, Levi’s has released a commuter series, aimed at the casual city biker.

What you wear while cruising around on your bike for pleasure has to be thoughout, with practicality and style on parity. So here are my suggestions, starting from the top, for those who want to travel at a good speed while looking cool doing it.

Search for a helmet in darker or matte colours with minimal detailing and good head coverage, and you’re off to a great start. Skater-style helmets are good for the casual biker because they are a relaxed style in a cool shape.

Coming from a recent New York experience I found multiple lightweight layers were a much better choice than one big layer. This will provide you with greater freedom of movement and the ability to remove layers one by one as you heat up.

A T-shirt with a zip-up hoodie and a windbreaker will set you up nicely.

A lightweight windbreaker will help fend off the wind and rain and protect your clothes from annoying mud splatters. They are easily stored in your messenger bag or backpack.

Soft stretch jeans are comfortable to ride in and will give you plenty of space where it counts most, the thighs and between. With some denim being a heavy weight fabric, it can mean jeans are too hot, particularly during the summer, so it’s worth investing in a pair of lightweight cotton chinos.

Opt for a slim fit to reduce the chance of chino meeting chain.

Paul Giles in New York

Fashion guru Paul Giles and Model, presenter and Love your ride cover star Nadia Stamp reveal how to look cool and stay cool on a bike

Some fashion labels are doing a pants range that have reflective material inside the cuff that shows when rolled up (see p9), offering a safety element as well as style.

Leather-soled shoes are tricky to ride in, particularly when its wet.

Rubber soles offer a better option, or stick with runners for a casual yet versatile choice. Place your leathersoled shoes and (wrinkle-free) Paul Smith travel blazer in your backpack i f riding to work.

Sunscreen is a must, ensuring you don’t forget about the back of your neck.

A travel-pack size of deodorant should be kept in your bag and keep your hands clean with a pack of wipes so for

you lucky ones with hair, running your fingers through your helmet hair will leave no residue. They are also good for a quick forehead wipe down so on your arrival you look as fresh as a lettuce.

Ride safe, look both ways and be seen – while looking cool.

Paul Giles runs image consultancy styleshift.com. au and is the author of The Gentleman’s Guide to Cool: Clothing, Grooming, Etiquette

8 fashion

fashion 9

nadia stamp I’ve always loved fashion and bikes. From a young age I designed my daily outfits around my cycle commute and enjoyed the challenge of looking stylish without reverting to sports attire.

On a visit to cosmopolitan Milan I experienced the leisurely commute – using a bicycle to visit bars, clubs and restaurants while wearing pretty summer frocks and wedges or heels.

Over the years, my passion for the bike has evolved into more serious road cycling, joining groups on rides for fitness and fun.

It’s great because it is low impact and non-contact but still offers the chance to be competitive.

A tough grind uphill and the sheer elation of the descent gets your adrenaline pumping.

But cycling as a female fashionista – whether casually or competitively – can be a challenge.

Initially, I was frustrated to find that most cycling apparel is malespecific – which means it is a poor fit for women and often comes in drab/ masculine colours.

Over the years I've scoured every possible cycling apparel website and shop looking for unique, stylish and functional clothing for my bike – for both the daily commute and my fitness hobby. My motto is – If you are going to ride, do it in style.

The two kinds of cycling I do follow different fashion guidelines. I can be a fashionable commuter or female roadie. But I believe you can enjoy

both kinds of riding in style.

So here are my best tips for looking great on a bike (at any speed): The Female Roadie • Choose a headband and helmet with a ponytail hole, let your lovely locks be free and avoid the helmet forehead indent. Try Specialized Propero 2 with the Hairport (from Bike Society, Anzac Hwy) • Kmart wireless T-Shirt Bras are my cheap comfortable best buy • Favorite bib shorts are made by Assos – perfect for comfort and fit The Fashionable Commuter • Avoid skirts that waver in the wind and use a Tandem NY Skirt Weight • Avoid a sweaty back from a backpack.

Instead carry your handbag in a Schwinn quick-release wire basket.

• Find a style that suits you: a knee -length skirt with kick pleats; wide -leg culottes; chino shorts matched with light merino wool knits.

• Wear a cotton or fine merino singlet in nude, black or white. Try Rapha’s base layer sleeveless in black, these are great under blouses, tops and dresses. If you do sweat a little, it protects your outer layers and can be taken off during the day.

• Top up your fragrance with a matching body spray.

• Avoid helmet hair and choose styles that work, such as side pony tails, a braid and plait. Pack a straw or wool fedora that matches your other garments.

We at Bike SA prefer to keep cycling simple. If you’re riding to work or to pick up the groceries, there’s no better thing to wear than what you’re wearing right now. Helmet on and you’re good to go.

But we’re also secretly a fan of – whisper it – Lycra. Now, it seems everyone hates Lycra.

It’s an extra layer of cost and hassle, and the minute you put on some stretchy shorts you’ll be dubbed a Cadel Evans or Anna Meares wannabe. But the fact is, if you’re heading out for a weekend ride, or you have a long daily commute, wearing a pair of Lycra shorts and polyester-blend jersey make sense.

Bicycle-specific clothing has been designed to make cycling more comfortable and safer. Let’s look first at the shorts – which are actually the only bit of Lycra, (or CoolMax) that cyclists wear. Firstly, unlike jeans, bicycle shorts or tights won’t catch on your chain. Lycra doesn’t chafe, it moves with the natural movement of your legs, it doesn’t trap moisture (aka stinky sweat), it’s quick to dry after washing, and provides some compression – which aids your muscles, by helping to prevent soreness and fatigue.

Best of all, bike shorts are padded. Worn without underwear, bike shorts make riding on a standard saddle feel like relaxing on the sofa. Before you buy shorts, make sure the padding fits not only your size but also the “sit bones” of your hips. Women will often need to opt for a women’s-specific short to ensure the padding is wide enough.

And what about that jersey? While not as important as the shorts, a cycling jersey also makes cycling easier and more comfortable.

Jerseys are breathable, wick sweat away from your skin allowing it to evaporate, and have pockets for your phone, tools, food and money, and a rain jacket or sunscreen.

“There are good reasons the majority of road cyclists wear bike knicks and jerseys,” says Julian Carne of cycle clothing store Cycle Closet, “that’s because it’s more comfortable, provides cooling or warmth depending on the day – and your butt will thank you.”

In fact the proper kit – shorts and shoes, jersey and gloves – helps to prevent not only a pain in the rear, but also the aches and pains that pushing on pedals and pulling on handlebars can cause on long rides.

When it comes to choosing shorts, there are a few factors to consider. First, it’s a rule of thumb that the greater number of panels on a pair of shorts, the better they’ll fit and feel.

You’ll need to choose between shorts with an elasticated waistband (the preferred option if you need to make a quick pit stop) or elasticated bib shorts with straps that go over the shoulder, ensuring that shorts don’t slip down. The padding will be topped with chamois (for purists) or a synthetic lining (which dries fast and is every bit as comfortable as chamois).

Merino wool is making a comeback in jerseys, blended with polyester for comfort and better heat regulation. Summer-weight jerseys are often in a high-tech polyester or a polyester mix such as an elastane blend.

If you do buy a pair of shorts and a jersey, consider buying local. SA has seen a boom in locally designed products, see below.

“The local SA producers of bike apparel have design capability and outcomes as good as any overseas options,” says Julian. “The quality is high and you get designers who understand firsthand our climate and what the best fabrics and design features are that work best for us.” So saddle up, support SA and say goodbye to saddle soreness and sweaty shirts. Check out Body Torque knicks, page 5

Look the business Adelaide tailor Joseph Uzumcu has taken the business suit and reinvented it for urban cycling “Life is easier if you don’t have to change out of your cycling clothes when you commute by bike,” says Bike SA General Manager Michael Bridge.

A committed commuter, Michael tasked his tailor Joseph Uzumcu with creating a suit that would take him from home to office to meeting in style and without breaking a sweat.

The result is a suit with some fun safety features – reflective flashes on the cuffs, collar and peeking from the pocket – as well as some additions you might not notice at first.

“Because Michael is wearing this suit while cycling, we have made a jacket that has a much fuller arm hole, so that he can ride comfortably,” says Joseph.

“Also, the trousers feature a fork piece, which gives him plenty of room to sit on the saddle.”

Lycra

S A ' s c y c l e a p pa r e l s t u d i o s Depasser Nicholas Dinan is passionate about cycling, and as a South Australian he knows exactly what cyclists want to wear in our tough summer temperatures – so much so that racing cyclists have worn his kit in the Tour Down Under.

Depasser’s classically styled socks, jerseys, bib-shorts and base-layers are designed locally and made in Australia and Italy. But despite making cycle clothing worn by elite riders, including Jack Bobridge, Dinan ensures that his kit remains affordable. depasser.net.au.

Mon Domestique Mon Domestique kit is manufactured by SA lycra purveyor Fiasco Ciclismo (which also does its own range) and designed by Adelaide’s HM.Design (the studio behind yet another SA cycle clothing brand, Luft). Mon Domestique's Ride Adelaide women's jersey (left) is a full-zip lightweight top with cropped sleeves made from Italian Lycra to suit our summer heat. The matching shorts feature a wide gripper band and have a women's-specific cut and chamois. Limited numbers. mondomestique.com (Picture: Don Brice Photography)

cycle closet Julian Carne, owner of new Adelaide cycle apparel store Cycle Closet in the heart of the CBD, says cyclists should have more options that just black shorts and plain jerseys. He stocks SA brands such as Spin Cycle (see right) and Luft and Australian brand Morvelo, he also stocks a big range of women's specific clothing. Run by keen cyclists who wear the clothes they sell, Cycle Closet is a one-stop shop for road, mountain and recreational cyclists. 122 Pirie St, city

spin cycle clothing Spin has developed a loyal following thanks to innovative products such as its new FeatherLight jersey, which is one of the lightest on the market, making it perfect for hot Adelaide days. Owner Nat Peek designs each piece. Spin’s Lifestyle range is perfect for weekend rides – the jerseys pay special consideration to breathability and moisture wicking, and feature a waterproof back pocket. The women’s range features a women’s-specific sizing and cut.

Available at Cycle Closet (left) and spincycleclothing.cc

bike sa 2015/16

Breathability has been considered – although Joseph, who commutes daily, notes that “you only get sweaty if you ride in an aggressive manner.”

“We created Michael’s suit from a 420 yarn,” says Joseph, “because it needs to be strong and durable. Making it from wool allows it to breathe.

“We’ve also added an expander band on the trousers. So all Michael needs to do is add a pair of trouser clips.”

The finished suit is the perfect fit and finish for a cyclist about town.

“Everyone knows that getting across this city to that important meeting is quicker by bike,” says Michael.

“There’s no traffic congestion. No parking hassles.

“With this suit I can ride safely in style and get straight to work – I just turn up at the office, ready to go. It’s the business.” uzumcu.com.au

1 Joseph Uzumcu has created a suit that is at home on the bike and in the boardroom. It features a strong yarn and a more generous cut to allow for freedom of movement on the bike. 2 A hi-viz, reflective pocket square can be pulled up to aid visibility. 3 The collar pops up to reveal another flash of reflective panelling. 4 The trouser cuffs hide the most functional band of reflective and hi-viz material – perfect for riding home at dusk when combined with a good set of lights (see p10)

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10 products

a look at locks & lights safety when you're on the bike and security when you're off it 4 6

5

7

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2 8

3

locks There’s a commonly stated rule that you should spend no less than 10 percent of the value of your bike on your lock. Ignore it. The price of the lock should be determined by one thing – how you’ll use it. For this issue of Love Your Ride we’ve focussed on locks that you can carry with you and use to lock your bike in areas with some foot traffic. All of them will prompt most bike thieves to look for easier pickings. If you’re leaving a bike out overnight, get a high-quality D lock, but if it’s portability matched with security you’re after check out these leading offerings.

1 Hiplok Lite, $ 64.99 Bicycle couriers have been wearing chainlocks around their waist for decades, and they were the inspiration behind British industrial designers John Abrahams and Ben Smith’s Hiplok. The duo has made wearing a lock easier and more comfortable, covering a 6mm hardened-steel chain with nylon and adding a velcro fastener, a reflective tab and a padlock that looks at first glance like a belt buckle. The Hiplok Lite is rated very secure – a 450mm bolt cutter is powerless against it, and few thieves walk around with anything bigger – and it weighs 1kg, that’s less than a couple of pints of beer, so you soon forget you’re wearing it. Best of all it means you get to commute without a bag and without having to bolt an ugly clamp to your frame.

2 Knog Straight Jacket: Skinny, $24.95 Despite its name, the Straight Jacket is not a wearable lock, no matter how crazy you might be about doing so. But it is a handy 800mm long, which allows for the safe frame, rear wheel and removed front wheel lock combo to be performed (with a jiggle and a squeeze). It weighs in at 850g and features a heat-treated, hardenedsteel 8mm chain. The nylon cover – in lime, pink or white – prevents the chain scratching your frame and a shroud shackle on the strong 50mm steel-shackle padlock helps to keep bolt cutters from getting any purchase on the lock.

If you’re going to leave your bike out in the rain, apply a rust-proofing spray to the exposed links.

3 Kryptonite Keeper 785, $59.95 The name alone stops most thieves in their tracks. Kryptonite makes serious locks, and despite this being the baby of the chain-lock range, it still features a 7mm manganese-steel chain and a drill-resistant lock cylinder. It’s also the heaviest of the locks on this page, weighing in at 1.59kg – so you’ll need a backpack to carry it. The nylon sleeve protects frames, adds extra rust protection to an already rust-proofed lock and features that name. At 850mm secure your frame, rear wheel and removed front wheel is easy. And if you do happen to lose all of your keys don’t fret, Kryptonite will supply you with a new set.

4 Knog Milkman Combo $32.95 In August this year, an Adelaide cyclist parked his Scott racing bicycle outside a café, entered to place

his coffee order and returned to find his bike gone. This is the lock he needed. It’s 132g, fits in a pocket and prevents opportunistic thefts.

5 Knog Kransky If you’re leaving your bike in the rain consider the 1kg Kransky. Its 880mm braided-steel cable, connected via a stainless-steel shackle, is covered in industrial-grade silicone is highly rust resistant. Better still, hand-held angle grinders hate silicone (it sticks to grinder discs and clogs the mechanism) so even professional thieves might be deterred.

rear lights 6 Knog Blinder Road R, $49.99 Australian firm Knog has been coming up with bright ideas for lighting since its ground-breaking Frog light – the first to use silicone straps – hit the market in 2002. While it has retained the simplicity of the first model – no tools are needed – the lights now boast incredible brightness. Weighing in at a shade over 50g but putting out a heavy-weight 70 lumens, the Blinder Road R is a compact powerhouse. Run time is up to 20 hours, it’s USB rechargeable with an integrated USB tab (no cord) and is waterproof. We tested the Blinder Road R for seven months and it never failed us. Knog’s new Road R70 is the basically the same light in terms of output and design, but it features a new silicone strap for aero (oval) seatposts.

bike sa 2015/16

7 Lezyne Micro Drive Lezyne has a reputation for products that love being treated rough. The Micro Drive rear light has a super-tough CNCmachined aluminium body, so it’ll survive big knocks. It features tool-free mounting, but the silicone strap used to attach it to the frame is not attached, which means there’s the potential to lose it. Ditto the cap at the rear of the light, which is removed to reveal the integrated USB tab. Run time on the night-time 30 lumen setting is eight hours. The battery indicator changes colour at 50, 10 per cent and five percent. It weighs in at 73g, which is a respectable weight for an aluminium body.

Our bugbear? The shape: the light sticks out 7cm. However, for the same reason the light only takes up 3.5cm of seatpost – perfect if much of the space under your saddle is taken up with a saddle bag.

8 Tioga Dual Eyes USB $39.99 A rear light is all about being seen, and no light offers better visibility than Tioga’s Dual Eyes. Australian law stipulates that a light must be visible to a distance of 200m. The Dual Eyes can be seen up to 1.5km away – take that Australian regulations! As with all good lights, the Dual Eyes offer tool-free mounting to a range of seatpost or frame diameters. The 10-hour run time is good.

It weighs in at 81g. There are two negatives: the light sits horizontally on the seatpost, which meant that on test my legs brushed the light as I pedalled; and its USB tab is not integrated. bikesa.asn.au/Be-Safe-Be-Seen

review 11

Ebike On test: Corratec 28 Active Nexus 8 words gordon kanki knight

E

lectric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, are a hit with clued-up commuters who don’t want to break into a sweat on the way to work, but they are yet to become really popular in Adelaide. Industry analyst Michael Oliver of Mintel (who coined the term Mamil – middle-aged men in Lycra), says sales of e-bikes are growing rapidly from a tiny base and in the longer term could play a role in introducing many more people, particularly women, to cycling. So I saddled up on a cold and rainy day for a test ride on the Corratec 28 Active Nexus 8 to find out whether more of us should be riding one.

It had been a decade since I last rode an electrically assisted bike. Would I know how to ride a bike with a motor?

I needn’t have worried – the e-bike is

intuitive, you just switch it on and ride.

A sensor knows when you push on the pedals and the motor seamlessly provides a smooth increase in power as it is needed. Friends will say you’re “cheating” – but on this bike the power doesn’t come entirely for free. The motor stops assisting you if you stop pedalling, but in return for a bit of leg effort you get a range of up to 140km.

This model has three power settings, – a handlebar-mounted visual display tells you which setting you’re in – and the highest makes pedalling up hill a cinch. I calmly cycled up Montefiore Hill and was surprised to find myself catching a road cyclist.

Due to a government regulated 250W motor, you get no assistance once you pass 25kph, so if you’re a fit cyclist who whizzes about at 40km/h stick to your carbon-fibre road bike.

The rider position on the Corratec 28 is relaxed and upright – prefect for seeing and being seen in traffic. The bike is easy to handle, too, thanks in part to an excellent choice of tyre – the Continental Contact 42C. In layman’s terms, this is a large diameter tyre, so it soaks up bumps and maintains a good contact patch on the road. In fact, the tyres are so good at absorbing road vibration the suspension forks and seatpost were never troubled.

When Corratec, based near Munich, began making bicycles 25 years ago, e-bikes were ridden by cycling-mad types who know all sorts of recondite

facts about brushless motors and peak wattages. Now, e-bikes such as the one I tested are easy to maintain. The Corratec 28 Active Nexus 8 features the market-leading Bosch Active Line motor, mounted low for better handling, and a lithium-ion battery that charges in under three hours.

The eight gears are sited inside the hub; brake and gear cables are hidden inside the frame; the lighting, rack and mudguards are integrated. This is a no-mess, no-fuss bike.

The build quality is unsurpassed: French rims, a Swiss kickstand, German pannier racks, tyres and mudguards – even a German bell. You get the idea. This is the sort of quality you’d associate with a Mercedes at a decimal point of the price.

E-bikes offer many of the advantages of a car or scooter without the ongoing costs or licencing requirements.

There is one downside to consider, however. Despite an aluminium frame and components, this Corratec tips the scales at 30kg, so it’s not a bike you’ll want to carry up stairs. But a setting allows the motor to be turned on when you’re pushing the bike up hill on foot.

E-bikes are a global trend that Adelaide should adopt. The Corratec 28 Active Nexus 8 is well designed, safe and reassuring to ride and offers excellent value for money. Get on it!

See page 21 for your chance to win a Corractec 28 Active Nexus 8 e-bike valued at $3199

12 tourism

tourism 13

tour rider

clare fancy a tour?

Take advantage of the high Aussie dollar – holiday locally. words Christian Haag

There is no doubt that our great state has some beautiful places to holiday. Whether a day, a weekend trip or longer, the proximity of great places and great people to visit are boundless. In this issue of Love Your Ride, we talk to locals who share their secrets. We take you to the usual hot spots of the Barossa, Clare and Melrose as well as some new destinations, where riding your bike will make for a truly memorable travelling experience. In a recent Bike SA cycle tourism survey, we found there are two key barriers to why more people don’t holiday by bike – “I don’t know where to ride” and “I don’t have anyone to ride with” were factors that prevented many venturing beyond their front door for a bike-break. If this sounds like you, then join Bike SA on one of our many road and mountain bike tours and see the best our state has to offer with other like-minded riders. So read on and find a whole new set of experiences out there waiting just for you, your family and your friends. Some familiar and some new, and each in their own way always different. bikesa.asn.au/shortstayridelong

where to ride

Bike SA’s Free Rides Programme connects you with thousands of well organised and safe rides all across the state, seven days a week. bikesa.asn.au/freeridesandgroups

barossa There is no better way to explore the Barossa’s premium food, wine and rich heritage than by bike.

The region’s high-quality sealed cycling and walking network extends 40km from Angaston to Gawler via the three main townships of Nuriootpa, Tanunda and Lyndoch.

The path is ideal for exploring the natural beauty of this magnificent region at your own pace.

Travel as little or as much as you like in either direction, enjoying stunning views, attractions and generous Barossa hospitality every pedal stroke of the way.

Barossa councilor Bim Lange says he is excited about the progress the community has made in providing a safe cycling environment.

“For council, it’s all about health and lifestyle activities. It’s all about leveraging our investment in the Tour Down Under.

“The fact that you can ride off-road all the way from Gawler to Angaston and Nuriootpa is a real bonus for our residents and visitors. They can just focus on the scenic beauty of the valley and of course stop into the many cellar doors to taste the local wine and food produce.

“And we’re still working hard to provide more cycling experiences, particularly to encourage those who like to mountain bike. The tranquility of Mount Crawford Forest is unforgettable.”

bike sa 2015/16

Local accommodators increasingly welcome visitors and their bikes with open arms. Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage owner Sharyn Rogers says “we get a lot of riders from Australia and overseas who want to experience our Barossa at a more leisurely pace.

“We make sure they have a secure place for their bike, some good local knowledge of where to ride, as well as maps that support a great experience.

We’re also looking forward to some quieter off-road trails that are currently being planned.”

One of the big wins for the area is the new Cycle Hub. Located next to the Visitor Centre in Tanunda, the Hub provides bike storage, toilets and change rooms, a bike-maintenance station, lockers for personal items, a vending machine stocked with essential cycling items as well as bike hire through the Barossa Visitor Centre.

Barossa by Bike – sounds divine!

we recommend Barossa Bike Hire Call Louis den Berger, accredited Bike SA technician, for your bike sale needs (Apollo, Norco, Merida and BMX) as well as parts, accessories, and of course bike servicing and repair. Louis also provides cycle tours and gourmet bike experiences. barossabikehire.com.au Evans Cycle Shed Fully equipped bike shop with loads of friendly advice, self guided maps and information on other community rides. Also the opportunity of out-of-hours support (subject to availability).

47 Murray St, Tanunda, 0488 633 564

Damian Cerini from Tour de Vines, has been running tours along the Riesling Trail since 2012. “We have groups from all over the world coming to experience this brilliant trail, which features loads of food and wine treats. It’s a real escape.”

The camaraderie within the trail community speaks volumes for why this trail is such a good experience.

“We think it’s important to support the work of the Riesling Trail Committee and have been a member for many years,” Damian says.

“Our mission is to give our customers amazing and memorable travel getaways and unique food and wine experiences. Travel lightly, give kindly, be respectful, have fun.” tourdevines.com.au

Our Riesling Trail Voted global top 10 bike-friendly wine route The Riesling Trail is perhaps SA’s most iconic rail trail. It’s a great success story made from a unique mix of local business and community partnerships that have seen this 36km low-gradient rail corridor provide an easy ride for all fitness levels from Auburn to Clare.

It’s so good, it made a British newspaper’s top 10 bike-friendly wine routes in the world, alongside rides in Austria, France, USA, South Africa, NZ and South America. With an endless supply of accommodation, wineries, local food producers, heritage experiences and plenty of bike-hire outlets, you can ride it in a day or take a week and gorge on some of the best food and wine in the state.

And the good news continues for the region with a $189,000 grant to resurface the trail that has seen tens of thousands of feet and bicycle tyres over the previous 20 years. All this is just two hours north of Adelaide. rieslingtrail.com.au

we recommend Bike SA partners with regional communities to get more people cycling.

The inaugural Wine, Wheels & Whiting – Clare to Copper Coast event is just one example, says Bike SA’s Ineke Mules.

Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Clare Valley and the sparkling Copper Coast, the inaugural Wine, Wheels & Whiting recreational ride was a resounding success for all involved.

The aptly titled event saw over 300 participants wind their way through the 125km route from Clare and ending in Wallaroo. Many participants took it easy, stopping along the way to take in the beautiful vistas and smells of the canola fields in full bloom.

Perfect weather also brought out the locals, who cheered the riders along as they powered through the final stretch towards the finish line at Wallaroo Tourist Park. Members of the community turned out to show their support and enjoy the post-event entertainment, which included live music and show-cased the diversity of regional food and wine.

The event aims to cater to a wide range of ages and fitness levels with riders having the option to set-off from the townships of Snowtown or Bute for shorter distances. Kids didn’t miss out on the fun either, joining the main pack 8km before the finish for the special family ride along the stunning Wallaroo foreshore.

Both communities are hopeful that the ride will bring an economic boost to the region.

Resident rider Nathaniel Peek (see page 8) says the Clare Valley in particular has great potential for cycling weekends.

Clare Mayor Allan Aughey is also keen to see the event continue and says the region is part of a “critically important recreational and tourism industry.”

Bike SA has delivered tours to this region for many years and judging by the enthusiasm, this Wine, Wheels & Whiting is unlikely to be the last. bikesa.asn.au/winewheelswhiting

14 tourism

tourism 15

melrose Bike SA started building the sweet single-track trails of Melrose back in 2004, and since then the local community has continued to develop this outstanding mountain biking destination. From beginner riders to advanced, there are trails for everyone – including families – with Melrose hosting a couple of great community events, such as the annual Fat Tyre Festival.

The increasing popularity of Melrose as a must-ride destination

robe Well known as a great place to get away and experience all the rugged beauty of the Limestone Coast, Robe is expanding its “things to do” list.

“Our community sees mountain biking as a natural alternative way to see this terrific region and really provide another reason to come and visit,” says Derek Hooper of the Robe Mountain Bike Association (ROMBA).

“Already we have a series of family-friendly cycling loops that meander through town with mustsee stops and ride along the coast to the obelisk. We’re currently planning a series of trails for more experienced riders along the cliff tops and through the district.”

In developing unique mountain biking activities for both residents and visitors, ROMBA is looking to take advantage of the local topography and sandy soils, which make for perfect trails for wide-tyred “fat bikes”, as well as constructing a world-class pump track.

“Pump track riding is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and is great for developing skills and encouraging fitness and participation.

We also see this as a major tourism driver for the region.”

With nearly 50km of formal and informal off road and forest trails, it won’t be long before Robe is recognised for providing some truly unique riding through a truly spectacular landscape. bike sa 2015/16

is now starting to pay dividends for the town’s economy with several new cycle-friendly businesses joining local bike shop Over the Edge to welcome pedalling visitors.

Donna Murnane and Woz Buckland recently moved to Melrose from Victoria. “It was going to be a two-year trip around Australia, but when we arrived in Melrose after only a few months we loved it so much we stayed,” says Donna.

“We bought the Old Bank House and opened a B & B as well as the Vault Café – and business is booming.

“We see so many mountain bikers coming to stay through the year.

We like to make it as easy for them as possible with a large undercover area out the back where bikes can be maintained, washed and securely stored.”

Donna recommends stopping by to grab one of Old Ev’s homemade pies, which sell like hot cakes (or should that be hot pies). oldbankhousebnb.com.au

we recommend The Mount Lofty Ranges – hidden potential soon to blossom Could the Adelaide Hills be a premier global cycling desitination? Ian Fehler, owner of mountain bike tour company Escapegoat Adventures, says yes.

Here’s his plan for our ranges.

The Adelaide Hills has always had amazing potential as a mountain biking and road cycling destination. The fact the hills and our parks are so close to the city, easily accessible by bike or public transport, such as the Belair train line, makes it a potential to be a world-class cycling area in waiting. But until recently this had been a missed opportunity.

Recent mountain bike trail investments in the areas of Sturt Gorge and Shepherds Hill and the State Government’s current plan to establish the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges as an international mountain biking destination, are a massive step in the right direction.

Cycle tourism is not just about bike riders, it is about building local businesses that service the needs of people who holiday by bike, whether it’s a local pub, accommodation providers, bakeries, bike shops, wine and food producers or the many heritage attractions along a route.

It is imperative that government agencies and the South Australian Tourism Commission work with local businesses and tourism operators as well as the broader cycling community to bring out the best that we have to offer for both residents and visitors alike.

We now have an amazing network of trails across the Mount Lofty Ranges, but we need to tell the world about them. We need to develop a destination brand that reinforces the fact that the Tour Down Under is not the only bike show in town.

As a small business mountain bike tourism operator, we consider a well-funded marketing strategy is urgently needed.

We need to continue with this planning, to develop more and better trails and to open new areas to riding, such as the unused SA Water reservoirs. South Australia is already an extraordinary place to ride a bike, we just need to make sure everyone knows it. escapegoat.com.au

16 food bikes

food bikes 17

Smooth Revolution

name

Finn Hutchings

Age 29 bike

foodPedAllers Clean, green and a lot of fun, cycling food and drink vendors are Riding a wave of success, serving up artisan coffee, fresh juiceS and Tasty food to adelaide's hungry masses words gordon kanki knight

Vintage Repco exercise bike

Mischief Brew

vegGIe velo

name

Manu Parez

Age 35 bike

Bhogal trike made in India

name

Scott Giles

Age 29 bike

Fixie pulling a trailer

Steampunk Coffee

name

Jason "Billy" Morris

Age 38 bike

Bhogal trike made in India

flamin’ wiener

name

Darren Wilson-Roberts

Age 41 bike

1950s Adelaide tri-van

Phat Buddha Rolls

name

Sokha Khun

Age 34 bike

Dragster pulling a cart

years operating 8

years operating 3

years operating 2

years operating 1

years operating 2

years operating 5

What’s on the menu? Smoothies made with freshly frozen fruit, blended using 100 percent pedal power. We make dairy and non-dairy smoothies, which are equally great. Our smoothies are all given names related to cycling: The BMX (banana and berries), The Fixie (cacao powder and vanilla beans) and The Tandem (pear and watermelon).

What’s the one thing people have to try? Coconut smoothies – they are relatively new. Give them a go!

Top speed? The blades in our blender can reach speeds of over 5000rpm.

Furthest you’ve ridden your food bike? In a solid day of pedalling smoothies I guess it would be about the equivalent of riding at least 20km.

Do people understand what Smooth Revolution is all about?

Sure, and customers are encouraged to blend their own smoothie.

Are there benefits to working from a (stationary) bike? By blending their own smoothies people are involved with creating the delicious smoothie they are about to enjoy. facebook.com/smoothrevolution

What’s on the menu? Vegetarian and vegan burgers, a salad and a sweet. It’s a small menu, but four kinds of burgers means it’s still hard to choose.

What’s the one thing people have to try? The most popular is the grilled haloumi and mushroom burger – you can’t beat that haloumi.

Top speed? Down King William Rd to the river – 15km/h!

Furthest you’ve ridden your food bike? St Peters or Bowden to the city, both were challenging. Windy days are not fun on the bike, whether it’s riding or trying to put lettuce on a bun.

Do people understand what Veggie Velo is all about? Nobody cares anymore about the bike, it’s all about the food. But sometimes it still surprises people. Perhaps some of our success comes from the fact that we are doing it on a bike instead of a truck.

Are there benefits to working from a bike? We like that we don’t have a barrier between us and the customers.

We stand on the same level – and it makes for a bit of entertainment. facebook.com/VeggieVelo

What’s on the menu? Cold brew coffee: milk mixes, straight black over ice and cold drip shots.

What’s the one thing people have to try? The almond milk with maple syrup is a killer.

Top speed? Slowly.

Furthest you’ve ridden your coffee bike? I only pull it into and out of the city. So it doesn’t ride for more than 3km or so.

Do people understand what Mischief Brew is all about?

I always get a few hoots and hollers as I’m cycling through the city. The biggest issue for me is pulling up to a spot when guys are walking through a park and they’ll say “Oh man, I’d love to grab a beer” – so I have to tell them that I don’t sell beer, even though it kind of looks like it. But cold brew coffee is slowly catching on. Last summer, it was a lot of education – I still often get people come up and ask for a latte or a cappuccino, but I think we’re slowly getting there.

Are there benefits to working from a bike? Being among the people is really rad. You’re outside and among it and the chats flow. I’ve worked in bricks and mortar business before – in hospitality – for a long time and the opportunity to be outside among the people is most definitely the most addictive prospect for Mischief Brew. I like the idea that I’m out, in the park, under the sun and dealing with lots of different people. mischiefbrewcoffee.com

What’s on the menu? We do any sort of coffee that you would like, along with chai, decaf – if we must – and hot chocolate. Our “dirty chai” –where we combine coffee with chai – is popular and we’re starting to do iced coffee throughout the summer season.

What’s the one thing people have to try? I’d always recommend a long macchiato.

Top speed? Very slow.

Furthest you’ve ridden your coffee bike? Well, the bike weighs close to 350kg...

Do people understand what Steampunk Coffee is all about?

Yeah, but I had one lady who didn’t know what chai was. She really struggled with the idea. I ended up giving her the drink for free.

Are there benefits to working from a bike?

I love working at Flinders St Market – that is a regular for me. I also love the BlenheimFest, which is in Leasingham. It’s like a compressed WOMADelaide, but very local.

It’s awesome. On the bike, we use a Fracino coffee machine built in Birmingham. It’s a hand-pressed machine, there are no pumps, and it runs off LPG. It’s about 70 percent more efficient than an electric machine. Allegedly! I’m very fortunate that Kommon Grounds is my roaster, he’s also my business partner, so I have the joy of quickly getting freshly roasted beans whenever I need them. kommongrounds.com.au

What’s on the menu? I serve New York-style hot dogs. I wanted to bring New York-style hot dogs to Adelaide. I do Mexican dogs, I do American sauces, I try to go for that real straight-up New York-style hotdog, but maybe a little nicer than the New York ones.

What’s the one thing people have to try? Our signature best-seller is definitely the New York Special – though a lot of people want to have the New York Special simply because it has the most things on it.

Top speed? 30 knots! Freefall it’s faster.

Furthest you’ve ridden your coffee bike? I try to keep it in the central city, but I have taken it a bit further. So probably Parkside or Glen Osmond.

Do people understand what Flamin’ Wieners is all about?

Yeah, but for some reason people often refer to the New York Special as the “Network Special”.

Are there benefits to working from a bike? I have a lot of fun on the bike. It’s a nice bike to ride and it looks good. I ride it everywhere I go.

Getting there is half the fun, and I love the chance to interact with people.

It’s totally self-sufficient up to about 150 dogs. I never usually run out of dogs, but if I do sell out I’m happy.

My favourite places to work are That Dapper Market and also the Summer Fridays in the East End. I even do weddings and parties. facebook.com/FlaminWeiner

What’s on the menu? We started off doing Cambodian rolls – a marinade with beef or chicken, which we then we put into bread rolls.

Traditionally, we do it with pickled veggies, but we have intensified the flavour with the meat, so we put the fresh salad in there, so it tastes a bit more savoury.

What’s the one thing people have to try? Any of our rolls! Chicken is by far the most popular – beef is catching up though. Beef is the one we wish more people would order.

Top speed? 20 – if we really try.

Furthest you’ve ridden your food bike? We used to live in Brompton and Joel [Schulz, co-owner] rode it into the city. We’ve since tweaked it a bit because the tail end used to swish side to side.

Do people understand what Phat Buddha Rolls is all about?

People just kind of look at us and think “What are you selling?” So we have to go through the whole spiel and most of the time we hook them in – I think it’s the whole nostalgia.

They love the bike set up.

Are there benefits to working from a bike? The bike is more interactive with customers – people are more likely to to buy from you when we’re on the bike. We won’t get rid of them forever, that’s how we started. But we are moving into bricks and mortar – we’re opening in Flinders St soon. facebook.com/phatbuddharolls

bike sa 2015/16

18 scorecard

the business of

cycling South Australia is blessed when it comes to providing a diverse range of outstanding bicycle riding opportunities for both residents and visitors alike Words christian haag

F

or over a decade, the Tour Down Under has showcased South Australia as a great place to visit and take a cycling holiday, taste our wines and premium food produce, and experience our many cultural festivals and activities.

But behind the glitz and glamour of the one-week TDU, what does SA’s scorecard look like in terms of actually getting more people cycling in SA? The state government’s Strategic Plan has expressed a target of doubling cycling participation by 2020.

The National Cycling Participation survey, run biennially since 2011, shows however there has been only a marginal increase in the numbers of Australians riding as a total population. Around 60 percent of

Australians say they would ride their bikes more if they felt it was safer to do so.

While the survey results are disappointing, dive a little deeper into the numbers and the good news is we are seeing increases in cycling rates in those suburbs that are investing in cycling infrastructure.

So the “build it and they will come” maxim holds true. The Mike Turtur Bikeway’s 1100 daily riders and the over 10,000 trips per day in the CBD are just two examples where good infrastructure encourages people to leave their car at home.

There is every expectation that the work currently underway on the Norwood and Prospect bike boulevards will encourage more people to ride.

significance. On the back of the For every bike on the road, there is Tour Down Under, this $1.5 million one less car. investment has the capacity to deliver Of course, people on bicycles are jobs and economic growth to regional about much more than transport. communities and reinforce SA as a The basket of benefits of more people premium cycle tourism destination. riding extends to improved physical Roy Morgan Research recently and mental health, real reductions released a study showing that of the in road congestion and greenhouse top 10 destinations nominated by emissions as well as jobs and cycle tourists to visit, half were in economic growth through tourism, South Australia. which is currently valued at Local governments are $2 billion to the national increasingly working economy each year. together on bicycle State and local strategies that governments play a BIKE SA improve transport vital role in extracting FAST FACT connectivity through these benefits, 75,000 domestic their streets. through smart overnight visitors So with these investment, strong to SA cycled policy stars falling policy frameworks while here into line, will we and by promoting a double the number of culture of partnership us riding our bikes by in how business, the 2020? While it will remain community and government a challenge, we must find smarter can work together. ways of doing business.

There are now many encouraging An over-reliance on government signals from government in the funding is a thing of the past. There policy area. is no doubt, however, that smarter The state government’s Integrated allocations of existing monies will go Transport and Land Use Plan will far in bridging the shortfall. see more medium-density residential Further, government must place precincts constructed, which will in a higher value on the knowledge turn drive economic benefit, create and expertise that community and city vibrancy and improve the quality business groups can bring to the table of life for residents. and to work openly and collaboratively Inter-agency cooperation is with them in spreading the load in increasing, with recent agreements order to share the benefit. being struck between the departments Cycling’s top three priority areas of health and environment with the continue to be the provision of highsimple aim to encourage people to get quality cycling infrastructure, the out and experience our national parks. opportunity for every primary school The state has increased funding to child to be provided with bicycle double the number of primary school education and a focus on cycle children receiving bicycle education. tourism destination development and Programs that get children physically marketing. active are vital.

State and local authorities are In thinking about the sort of place working to develop the Mount we would like our children and grandLofty Ranges as a mountain children to grow up in, there are few biking destination of international who would argue for the status quo.

bike sa 2015/16

20 calendar

calendar 21

rides calendar

mar

Over 70,000 people ride with Bike SA every year

OCT For more info,

visit bikesa.asn.au Grandor Slam #5 callSeries 8168 9999 Proudly supported by Boileau Business Technology

Sunday 18 October Mount Pleasant 100km or 200km Riding 200km through the Hills is a long day in the saddle in anyone’s language – and it makes the fifth and final Grand Slam of the year one of the biggest challenges on the Australian calendar. There are plenty of tough rides interstate, but nothing matches SA’s Grand Slam season finale. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been working all year towards riding your PB, or you’re one of the serious few who doesn’t get out bed for anything less, everyone’s welcome to take the challenge. bikesa.asn.au/GrandSlam

Easter Cycle Friday 25 to Monday 28 March Waikerie

JAN Santos Tour Down Under Saturday 16 to Sunday 24 January Adelaide and regional South Australia UCI World Teams will race for overall honours in SA. Register to ride the Bupa Challenge Tour and tackle the same stage as the pros across four distances. tourdownunder.com.au

Stage 1, Santos Tour Down Under Tuesday 19 January Prospect to Lyndoch Riders will loop the southern Barossa townships of Williamstown, Lyndoch and Cockatoo Valley with a photo finish at Lyndoch and picnic atmosphere on the Village Green. barossa.sa.gov.au

Waikerie in the Riverland is the backdrop for small and big adventures on two wheels across the long weekend. Join family and friends for four days of discovery, adventure, history, culture, great food and company, all from the comfort of your bike. bikesa.asn.au/EasterCycle

apr Grand Slam Series #2 Proudly supported by Boileau Business Technology Sunday 10 April Mount Torrens 50km/ 100km bikesa.asn.au/EasterCycle

Dirty Weekend Saturday 30 April to Sunday 1 May Cudlee Creek Forest, Adelaide Hills

NOV Amy’s Ride SA Sunday 1 November Adelaide to McLaren Vale 12km / 30km / 35km / 70km / 100km / 125km Join thousands of families and experienced cyclists on the Southern Expressway – closed exclusively for this community event – and support the Amy Gillett Foundation and Bike SA’s safer road initiatives. Ride past white sandy beaches, vineyards and along the top of the range with sweeping views of the gulf. Everyone finishes at the free festival of music, food and family entertainment at Serafino in McLaren Vale. bikesa.asn.au/AmysRideSA

FEB Grand Slam Series #1 Proudly supported by Boileau Business Technology

SA’s biggest MTB enduro featuring the Exposure 24-hour or 12-hour or Roof Rack City 6-hour mountain bike challenges. Head to the hills in teams of two or four or ride solo on some of Australia’s very best singletrack.

Get down and dirty. bikesa.asn.au/DirtyWeekend

Sunday 21 February Woodside 40km or 80km The first in our legendary challenge series of five recreational road rides through the Hills, Fleurieu and Barossa. Grand Slam is the ultimate challenge, building in distances from 40km to 200km. Each ride is run over two loops and you can ride one or both. Over 500 cyclists will line up for this first ride. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a veteran roady or new to the challenge. bikesa.asn.au/GrandSlam

may Grand Slam Series #3 Proudly supported by Boileau Business Technology Sunday 15 May Yankalilla 60km or 120km bikesa.asn.au/GrandSlam

Gear Up Girl SA Sunday 22 November Elder Park, city 15km River Ride, 40km Beach Ride or 50km Hill Ride Unlike any other cycling event, Gear Up Girl SA gives women of all ages and abilities an excuse for a fun day out on the bike. It doesn’t matter how far or fast you ride, what matters is loving the journey. Get the girls together – family or friends – for one of the most fulfilling days you can have on a bike. Start and finish at Elder Park. bikesa.asn.au/GearUpGirl

JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes Saturday 16 January Barossa Valley JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes is an exceptional event held annually in SA. Challenge yourself and register now using code SARIDE16. Together we’ll achieve something great in cycling and medical research. ride.jdrf.org.au

Bike SA’s Rides Programme offers over 2000 rides every year. Organised and led by volunteers, there’s something for everyone and best of all they’re free. Over 30,000 people enjoy these friendly social rides – ideal if you’re getting back on the bike after a few years or taking it up for the first time. There’s plenty, too, for experienced and intermediate riders, on and off the bitumen. bikesa.asn.au/RidesProgramme

win!

Learn how to fix your bike Choose from dozens of Bike SA Bike Maintenance Courses, delivered by experienced mechanics in our own workshop. From short Basic Bike Care and Gears & Brakes sessions, to Comprehensive and Advanced classes, there is a course right for you.

Just learning how to repair a puncture, oil your chain and tweak your brakes can be enough to coax your trusty treadly out of the shed this summer. bikesa.asn.au/BikeMaintenance

Free workplace cycling safety courses Make your business safer for cycling with this quick and innovative program. The free 30-minute sessions offer the facts on the types and locations of our most frequent crashes and the most effective strategies for avoiding them. Participants receive a USB bike light, saddle bag, slap bands, backpack cover, sticker and three-month Bicycle SA membership. bikesa.asn.au/be-safe-be-seen

A 2015 CORRATEC 28 ACTIVE NEXUS 8 E-BIKE VALUED AT $3,199

LATER IN 2016 Grand Slam continues Proudly supported by Boileau Business Technology

mar Ride2School Day Thursday 19 March

JAN

Free rides every week for everyone

ride2school.com.au

Coast to Coast Sunday 20 March 10km / 20km / 65km / 95km / 120km The legendary ride continues from Adelaide to Victor Harbor through the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.

Start at Glenelg and work your way up Old Mount Barker Rd, or start in Stirling and enjoy the long, flowing runs (mostly) downhill all the way to the finish. Share the challenge with 2000 other cyclists. Whether you cruise at your own pace or ride with the bunch, Coast to Coast is the perfect challenge. Families can enjoy the ride along the Encounter Bikeway, so there is something for everyone. And you can ride for a child in need by getting sponsored for The Smith Family. Everyone enjoys the Event Village by the beach, transformed into a bustling hub of activity with live music, DJs, kids' entertainment, demos, expos, food and drink. Pedal, picnic, party, play at Coast to Coast. bikesa.asn.au/CoastToCoast

bike sa 2015/16

21 August 75km or 150km, Strathalbyn 16 October 100km or 200km, Echunga bikesa.asn.au/GrandSlam

Annual Tour September/October Nine days… 500km… 200 riding companions.

Each day you ride, you eat, you have a laugh.

Where are we going? Somewhere special.

Somewhere amazing. Showcasing some of the most picturesque country in SA. Small is beautiful. bikesa.asn.au/AnnualTour And in May 2017 you can join us for a 900km mountain bike epic along the Mawson Trail from Adelaide to Blinman on the Outback Odyssey.

With 600 million years of secrets waiting to be revealed, the Flinders Ranges is home to one of the greatest adventures of your life. bikesa.asn.au/OutbackOdyssey

This FREE competition is open to any South Australian resident aged 18 or over.

The competition is open until midnight 29 November 2015. The random draw will take place on 30 November 2015 from all complete entries. Only one entry permitted per person. The prize bike is subject to size and availability.

Visit bikesa.asn.au and enter your name and email address on the competition page to go into the draw to win a 2015 Corratec 28 Active Nexus 8 valued at $3,199, thanks to Reid Cycles. This e-bike delivers a sleek and cleverly designed package to answer all the challenges of riding around Adelaide, including: • The latest Bosch Active Line mid-mount motor system (Generation 2) for smooth, efficient and quiet operation.

• Bosch Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery unit to assist you for over 90 kilometres range under standard conditions. The unit also offers a super-fast full recharge in under three hours.

Reid has brought its popular range of vintage, singlespeed, hybrid, road, MTB and now e-bikes to Adelaide with a store on Pulteney St, city. With bikes from $249 including a lifetime warranty on frame and forks and 12-months free servicing, there is no excuse for anybody not to get on a bike! Store open seven days a week. reidcycles.com.au/Adelaide.

22 scorecard

citizens’ jury How do we quell aggro between drivers and cyclists? A citizens’ panel explored this idea and produced safety proposals that woRk w o r d s Ch r i s t i a n H a a g

I

t’s nearly a year on from the Citizens’ Jury project that saw 37 everyday South Australians come together to find innovative ways to address how all road users could share the roads safely.

The proposition put to the group was “Motorists and cyclists will always be using our roads. What can we trial to ensure they share the roads safely?”

To assist the jurors in their deliberations, they were provided with a large amount of evidenced-based information from experts and citizens in the field of road safety and programs

that encourage cycling participation.

The jury made a series of 10 recommendations to government that covered the areas of infrastructure investment, bicycle education programs for children, legislative changes to the road rules and, where appropriate, a reduction in speed limits.

The government’s response was to support eight of the recommendations and to investigate the remaining two.

From the outset, it was clear that the personal opinions of these 37 individuals mirrored the broad range of views that currently exist in the

community in relation to cycle safety. programs is an important one and certainly concurs with Bike SA’s The inspiring outcome of this advocacy objectives. process was to see the The government’s initial broad range of investment in the views converge into BIKE SA Prospect and Norwood a strong consensus.

FAST FACT bike boulevards is This consensus was 60% of Australians another important born of a robust say they'd ride more outcome for the Jury evidence-based if it was safer and must encourage discussion process & more convenient the government to and the members who to do so continue to provide participated should such high-quality cycling feel rightly proud of their infrastructure across achievements. metropolitan Adelaide, so that The acknowledgement that our all South Australians will feel safe children deserve good primary and while cycling on our roads. secondary school bicycle education