No152 by Bike SA

Love Your Ride

! e l c y C

Bicycle SA

The Members’ Magazine — No 152 November 2011 – January 2012 Bicycle SA 1982 – 2011: More South Australians cycling

Bicycle SA 111 Franklin Street Adelaide 5000 Tel (08) 8168 9999 Fax (08) 8168 9988 www.bikesa.asn.au

Adventures on a unicycle — Anna Taylor Bike SA Outback Odyssey — Wayne Hooper and Libby Robertson From Breakfast Rides to the Tourmalet! — Catherine Davies

www.bikesa.asn.au

Cycle!

Bicycle SA Office

Contents President’s notes

This Issue…

Around the office

News and Notes

Annual General Meeting

Go Red for Women

Adelaide Park(ing) Day sends a message

Gran Fondo

Adventures on a unicycle

Commuting by electrically assisted bike

111 Franklin Street Phone (08) 8168 9999 Fax (08) 8168 9988 Email office@bikesa.asn.au Web www.bikesa.asn.au The office is open seven days a week, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 8:00 am to 6:00 pm during Daylight Saving

Library Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cycle! Adventures on a unicycle — page 12

Who hit me? Where are bike riders left with hit and run?

Bike SA Outback Odyssey

EuroVelo and Bicitalia

From Breakfast Rides to the Tourmalet!

New Members

Volunteer with Bicycle SA...

On the cover Uluru by unicycle

Contributing to Cycle! Have you something you would like to contribute to Cycle!? If so we’d love to hear about it. Please contact Luka Van Cauteren lukac@bikesa.asn.au

Disclaimer The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Bicycle SA. Bicycle SA does not guarantee the accuracy of information published herein

Tailwind 18 Support the stores that support us

Cycle! is published quarterly

Bike SA Outback Odyssey — page 14

Original articles in Cycle! are copyrighted to Bicycle SA unless otherwise specified. Non-profit organisations may reproduce articles copyrighted to Bicycle SA, with only minor modification, without the permission of the authors, provided Bicycle SA is sent, as a courtesy and condition, a copy of the publications containing such reproduction. Articles copyrighted to their authors may not be reproduced without the express authorisation of their authors. Bicycle SA and the original authors reserve the right to take legal action for breach of copyright where these instructions are not complied with.

Bicycle SA Executive

EuroVelo and Bicitalia — page 16

President, Maureen Merrick maureen.merrick@bikesa.asn.au Vice President, Terry Ryan Treasurer, Tom Walker Secretary, Anne Lewis Members John Bassett Warwick Cooper Catherine Davies Des Murray Tom Walker Chris Beauchamp Brett Larwood

Government of South Australia Office for Recreation and Sport Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure

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November 2011 – January 2012

Contents

www.bikesa.asn.au

Love Your Ride Club News President’s notes Maureen Merrick

n early September this year the State Government released an update of South Australia’s Strategic Plan. It contains 100 targets that are specific and form the framework to achieving the Plan’s vision and goals. Cycling is Target 2, second to ‘Urban Spaces’. The target for cycling is to: ‘Double the number of people cycling in SA by 2020’ According to the Strategic Plan this target has been included in response to a recommendation of the Community Engagement Board and feedback from the community engagement process. The target supports the community’s goals of reducing our reliance on cars and supporting the increased use of cycling to improve health. As a community we have been given a unique opportunity to hold the Government to account so that it works and supports community groups/ projects in order that the Government’s lofty Target 2 of doubling the number of people cycling in SA by 2020 is actually realised. We also need to work within our own communities, whether it is our families, friends or work colleagues, to influence the way they think of the bicycle. A bicycle can be the catalyst for creating a healthier lifestyle, recreational opportunities and that it can also be an alternate and sustainable mode of transport that leaves a non-polluting footprint. Welcome to our newest regional ride group, the Hawker Bush Chooks. When you are in Hawker, the ride group, who operate out of the Hawker Bicycle Hire premises, would only be too happy to have

Around the office Christian Haag

you join them on one of their rides. Please contact Sharon Lewis on 0431 896 285. This will be our final issue of Cycle! for 2011 and I would like to thank all our many volunteers and staff for their tremendous efforts during the year, either at events, our various activities, and the ride coordinators and ride leaders, upon which the rides programme depends. I appreciate the fact that even though, at times, very short notice is given, you are able to give of your time so cheerfully. Thank you for making 2011 another successful year. On behalf of the Executive Committee my very best wishes for the Christmas Season and a safe and fulfilling 2012. Maureen Merrick (President), Terry Ryan (Vice President), Tom Walker (Treasurer), Anne Lewis (Secretary), John Bassett, Chris Beauchamp, Warwick Cooper, Catherine Davies, Brett Larwood, Des Murray.

This Issue… Peter Carter

pring is here, with its warming and drying weather: avoid the wind and it’s ideal for cycling. With it has come Daylight Saving time, and the Bike SA office is now open from 8 am – 6 pm seven days a week, apart from public holidays. The longer hours make it easier for people to access the free CityBikes. The ‘News and Notes’ section of this issue is longer than usual, and includes a number of items that were initially in the fortnightly online newsletter, which you can read at <www.bikesa. asn.au/latestnews>. On other pages, a fascinating account of a trip from Darwin to Adelaide on two wheels, with the wheels on separate machines, unicycles. Others have been riding more conventional machines: Chris Hutchinson on the Great Ocean Road, Wayne and Libby in the Outback Odyssey, and Jens Erik Larsen and Catherine Davies in different parts of Europe. Wayne and Libby have also been trialling electrically-assisted bikes. (I like the idea much more than I like those bikes with infernal combustion engines: neither bicycle nor motorcycle...) We even have a centrefold: an events calendar.

Life’s better on a bike >>>

The Australian science site The Conversation has recently posted a series of cycling-related items, discussing how cycling can be promoted to people who are not currently riding. Some of them are listed in ‘Tailwind’, but the most recent one, on the site after page 18 was finalised, looks at health benefits: <theconversation.edu.au/better-healthis-only-a-short-bike-ride-away-3613>. All definitely worth reading.

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Riding to work delivers a basket of beneifts he simple and enjoyable act of riding a bike has been well and truly embraced by South Australians, with over one in five of us pedalling each week. Whether we ride to the shops, to school or work, or for some exercise with family and friends, increasingly we are taking to the bitumen and trails around the state. Adelaide is blessed with a flat terrain and Mediterranean climate that makes for near perfect riding, and while 299,000 South Australians ride each week, recent research shows that many more of us want to ride but may not feel confident enough or know how best to turn that first pedal. A TravelSmart project undertaken by the Department of Transport in 2008 designed to assist households in the western suburbs to find ways of reducing car use was oversubscribed with 22,103, or some thirty percent, of homes in the target area getting involved. So while the car will always be an important part of our transport system, it is clear many of us want to find more sustainable alternatives to current transport practices. For this year’s National Ride to Work Day, over 100,000 Australians were expected to leave the car at home and ride to work. In 2010 this was equivalent to over 2.5 million kilometres pedalled around the country, while in 2011, SA’s roads will see around 8,000 fewer cars than usual sitting in the logjam of peak hour traffic. With thirty percent of car journeys being less than three kilometres in length, replacing some of these with a bike is not only simple but also accessible for people of even modest fitness, thanks to the lack of hills in the metropolitan area. Importantly, swapping the car for a bike provides some of that all-important incidental exercise, increasingly seen as an effective way to get some physical activity in our busy and time-poor lifestyles. The health benefits of cycling are now well documented and increasingly, employers are gaining a better understanding that supporting their employees to ride to work delivers higher productivity dividends through a healthier workforce. The provision of bike parking as well as shower and locker facilities in the workplace are all simple solutions that make it easier for workers to arrive free of peak hour stress.

Continued next page...

November 2011 – January 2012

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Cycle!

From the office

...continued The recently released State Strategic Plan identified a target to double the number of South Australians riding a bike by 2020, which will see nearly 600,000 of us riding each week. This is clear recognition that more of us cycling more often will support the development of a more sustainable and healthier way of living for our children. This is an ambitious target and will require an integrated strategic partnership approach from government, business and the community to achieve success. So for those wanting to be a part of the future 600,000: encouragement programs like Ride to Work Day can provide people with just the sort of nudge they need to leave the car at home and get the bike out of the shed for a more relaxed journey to work.

News and Notes Personal Notes Vale Tom Van der Hoek ,August 2011 Tom Van der Hoek has left a lasting impression on all those who knew him. He was a wine maker and passionate about leaving a cleaner and greener environment for his children and future generations. Tom has been a volunteer for some years as a ride leader, different roles at various events and also one of the regular Wednesday bike maintenance team members. At this year’s Outback Odyssey, together with a group of volunteers he was so pleased to have achieved his goal to hike up St Mary’s Peak, in Wilpena Pound. Tom’s untimely death has been keenly felt by all those who volunteered with him. Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Tom’s family. Hawker Bush Chooks Our newest regional cycling group is the Hawker Bush Chooks who meet from December, 8:00am fortnightly, at the Hawker Bicycle Hire shop, for their morning ride. No doubt they will be exploring a few sections of the Mawson Trail. When you are in Hawker the group would only be too pleased to provide information on the best places to ride or even go on a ride with them. Please do not hesitate to contact Sharon Lewis on 0431 896 285. The Four Bees Glen Mack, who initiated The Four Bees Saturday morning group, has decided to discontinue these rides. We thank Glen for his efforts and his time in developing The Four Bees and wish him well for the future.

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November 2011 – January 2012

Bicycle South Australia Inc

Annual General Meeting Wednesday 30 November, 7:00pm Fullarton Park Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, Fullarton ominations are now open for current members with the skills and interest in standing for the Executive of Bicycle SA. We request that nominations are made on the nomination forms available at the office or from the website: <www.bikesa.asn.au>. We would like the nominations to reach the office by Monday 28 November to allow for ballot papers and information to be prepared for the meeting. Please indicate which positions you will be standing for and enclose a short profile of yourself (maximum of 200 words please) and a portrait photograph. We will publish this on the Web during the week leading up to the AGM and it will also be distributed on the evening of the meeting. Information about the roles and expectations of Executive Committee members will be forwarded to you on receipt of your nomination. This does not indicate that you have been selected, but provides you with the opportunity to decide if you are able to accept your role and responsibilities. The information is available by contacting the office on 8168 9999. Positions available: President Secretary Three ordinary Executive members Each of these elected positions will be for two years Maureen Merrick, President On behalf of the Executive Committee

New event! VeloAdelaide, March 18 2012 Ride the South Eastern Freeway from the Tollgate to Crafers Get set for Bicycle SA’s VeloAdelaide, a new ride for cyclists of all ages and abilities. VeloAdelaide offers a unique opportunity to ride the SE Freeway from the Tollgate, through the Heysen Tunnel to Crafers — free of traffic — returning to the City Event Village. There will also be a Family Fun Ride in the city Parklands.

“We expect to see over 5 000 riders ride on the day” says Bike SA’s Russell Miatke. The Mt Lofty Challenge offers rides ranging from 50 km to 80 km, as well as a 30 km option that starts and ends in Summertown. “VeloAdelaide is a safe event for all”, says Russell. “We’re grateful to the SA Police and Transport Minister for their support.”

South Australia’s Strategic Plan 2011 Target: Double the number of people cycling in South Australia by 2020 Over the last year, the government has been undertaking a review of the SA Strategic Plan. An important part of this process was the formation of the Community Engagement Board, an advisory body to the government that acts as a conduit for community views. Bicycle SA has been a member of the Board’s Alliance Program for some time and this has provided us with the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of industry groups and community organisations, 69 in all. The stated target to double cycling participation by 2020 is significant—for the first time in a strategic document of this kind there is a cycling specific target—no other form of physical/ sports activity has been identified with its own target. It is very encouraging to see government recognising the broad basket of benefits that cycling delivers to our community and Bicycle SA looks forward to working with a range of government departments to support their work

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in getting more people riding and to set the challenge to ensure the stated target is achieved well before the 2020 deadline. In the short term, we will correspond with the relevant state departments in health, transport, tourism, environment, recreation and sport, planning and sustainability portfolios as well as urban and regional local councils to get a sense of their planning and policy process. More information can be found at <www. saplan.org.au>.

5000+ The Integrated Design Strategy for Adelaide Bicycle SA was a Conversation Partner for the recent Moving City Forum, one of five industry forums that seek to inform the development of the Integrated Design Strategy for Adelaide. It was an inspiring day of ideation, with three design concepts presented on what Adelaide’s West Terrace could look like in the future as well as much robust debate on what needs to happen to give people more choice on how to travel to the city: public transport, light rail, trams, cycling

www.bikesa.asn.au

Love Your Ride News and Notes ...continued and walking, city parking and much more. As a community, we generally accept that the current way (how we live) is unsustainable and the next twenty years will see much investment in building a better and more sustainable SA for our children. Forums such as Moving City provide a great opportunity for all community members to learn more and have a say on how we could or should move forward. After all, tis the season for ideas, with the Festival of Ideas in town this weekend: no better time to get stimulate the brain and get involved... For more info and to have your say, visit <5000plus.net.au/themes/documentation/ moving_city>.

Provide your cycling vision for Adelaide Results are out for Adelaide City Council’s Picture Adelaide initiative. Since April 2011, Adelaide City Council has been collecting ideas for things that people love in the city or want to be created or improved in the city. Ideas so far include more public and street art, rooftop restaurants and cinemas, a bike polo court and even a Doctor Who museum. ACC has now posted these results on the website <www.pictureadelaide.com.au>. Why not see what others have said on topics that interest you or see if any ideas are missing and, if so, add a new idea.

Go Red for Women Read this and your heart will miss a beat eart disease remains one of Australia’s most devastating health problems, claiming a life almost every 11 minutes. It also adversely affects the quality of life of one in six people: an astounding 3.5 million people. Despite the tireless work of the Heart Foundation in research and education, a staggering two in every three families are directly touched by heart disease. Far from being a men’s health condition, heart disease is the number one killer of Australian women: a fact that surprises many Australians, especially women. Recent research showed that only 31% of women reported knowing that heart disease is the leading cause of death, and even fewer women are aware that heart disease risks increase after menopause due to a reduction in oestrogen that is considered a protective factor against development of the disease. On average, heart disease kills about 201 women each week which equates to about 29 lives lost every day. This figure is four times higher than the number of female deaths caused by breast cancer. Heart disease is a silent killer for many Australian women because they simply donít know they are at risk. Go Red for Women is the Heart Foundation’s campaign that unites women in the fight against heart disease: helping to raise awareness of their risk and promote healthier choices <www. goredforwomen.org.au>.

Life’s better on a bike >>>

ACC is also asking three new questions: 1 Where would you like to see laneways activated? 2 Where would you love the tram to go? 3 Where would you improve bike lanes? Any questions, please email pictureadelaide@ adelaidecitycouncil.com.

Four million Aussies ride each week... The Australian Bicycle Council’s 2011 National Cycling Participation Survey — the largest survey of its type ever undertaken — showed that in a typical week 3.6 million Australians ride a bike for recreation, leisure or sport and 1.2 million make at least one transport journey by bike. Overall, 4 million Australians (18% of the population) ride a bike for recreation or transport in a typical week and that 40% of the population have ridden a bike over the last year, four times more than previous estimates. In SA, 299,000 people ride a bike each week, which represents around 18% of residents. Interestingly, cycling participation is significantly higher amongst residents of regional SA than in Adelaide. Perhaps the best news is that our state has the highest level of participation in children under ten in Australia. About 57% of children aged under ten years ride each week and girls and boys in this age group have equal participation rates. And as we know active kids are healthy kids. About 93,000 people cycle for transport at least once a week in SA (transport trips include riding to work, education, shopping or visiting friends or family). So employers take note... encouraging your employees to ride more may be easier than you think.

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And as for that age old question: how many working bikes are there in homes and sheds across the state? Well just over half (52%) the households in SA have access to a working bicycle.

Regional Development Australia funding announcement $4.81 million to the Barossa Council for the $5.44 million Tanunda to Gawler Shared Bicycle/ Walking Path The Barossa Council has been successful in the recent round of Regional Development Australia funding applications with their proposed Tanunda to Gawler Shared Bicycle/Walking Path. This is a major achievement for the community and will be a major driver for both residents and tourists to ride the length of the Barossa along an off road path. The shared path was one of only 35 successful projects Australia-wide from around 550 total applications, with only six projects funded in SA. The shared path will run along the North Para River course and the Tanunda to Gawler rail corridor, with links to Jacob’s Creek Visitor Centre, the Novotel Barossa Resort and the new Gawler East housing development. Even more significant are the cross-regional linkages that will now be vastly improved: from McLaren Vale to the Barossa, Clare and beyond to the Southern Flinders. Congrats to all at Council, particularly Bim Lange, who has long championed cycling as a driver for improved community health, transport, recreation outcomes and especially the regional tourism benefits.

November 2011 – January 2012

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Cycle!

News and Notes

...continued

$1.3 Million Boost for South Australian Cycling Infrastructure In a recent news release funding was confirmed for cycling infrastructure initiatives in South Australia. Minister for Transport Patrick Conlon announced the allocation of $1.3 million to cycling projects aimed at improving conditions for cyclists and promoting cycling in a state dedicated to encouraging green, sustainable transport. “The State Government has a huge focus on providing cyclists with a safe environment in which they can travel, this includes improving infrastructure,” he said. “We want to encourage cycling because of the important health, social and environmental benefits. We have a terrific system in place to encourage cycling projects. The benefits from cycling are evident and this investment goes a long way in promoting this form of transport.” Minister Conlon said that 14 councils across South Australia will receive funding from the State Bicycle Program and the State Black Spot Cycling Program. “This investment will provide councils with the opportunity to fund projects that support and enhance cycling in their local areas,” he said. “Projects include bicycle lanes on local and arterial roads as well as construction of shared use paths.” Minister Conlon said recent investment in cycling infrastructure has provided exciting opportunities for cycle enthusiasts and those looking for a healthy activity to do with friends and family. “We

are continuing to roll out cycling initiatives across the State. The Greenways Project will take cyclists from Adelaide to Marino Rocks along the Noarlunga train line corridor,” he said. “We’ve seen the success of such cycling projects as the Amy Gillett Bikeway in the Adelaide Hills, providing cyclists with a picturesque dedicated cycling route. If we continue to encourage more people to ride, we will be promoting a healthier lifestyle. We will help to reduce congestion on our roads and reduce the impacts vehicles can have on the environment.” As part of the funding, the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) will be carrying out works in the metropolitan area when constructing bicycle lanes on arterial roads. Councils successful in receiving funding this financial year include Adelaide City, Holdfast Bay, Onkaparinga, West Torrens, Charles Sturt, Marion, Salisbury, Tea Tree Gully, Barunga West, Mount Gambier, Wudinna District, Clare and Gilbert Valley, Light Regional and Wakefield councils. In addition, a new pedestrian crossing on Greenhill Road has been switched on, as part of the $12 million Greenways project. “This new pedestrian crossing on Greenhill Road will link the Greenway route with the CBD. It’s also perfect timing for families commuting to the Royal Adelaide Show from the Parklands,” Mr Conlon said. “The Greenhill Road pedestrian crossing is a key component of the Adelaide to Marino Rocks Greenway, providing a

pedestrian and cycle-friendly route along the soon to be electrified Noarlunga train line.” Read the full media release <www.premier. sa.gov.au/images/stories/mediareleasesAUG11/ cyclinginfrastructure.pdf>.

Tracks And Trails Conference Sydney Olympic Park played host to the 2011 Tracks and Trails Conference. Representatives from across the country and the trail community — from government, landowners and managers, trail users, advocates and trail builders — came together to discuss the business of trails. The delegates were joined by international representatives from the UK, USA and NZ. Speakers ranged from Dafydd Davis, the father of the trail centre model in the UK, who discussed trail planning and the process that goes into place to ensure the successful development of large scale trail initiatives, to Pam Gluck, Executive Director of American Trails, who discussed the importance of developing ongoing and productive relationships with governments, landowners and managers and advocacy/user groups. Several recurring themes arose over the course of the three days: partnerships, community engagement and access (to information as well as trails). The Conference concluded with the discussion and acceptance of a resolution in support of a national Greenways Declaration. Overall, it was a highly productive conference allowing the diverse range of participants the

Whether you’re riding for recreation, health, commuting to work or even if you are out on a training ride… Bike SA membership covers you 24 hours a day, seven days a week anywhere in Australia and New Zealand. Already members receive a range of insurance benefits: Third Party Liability $20,000,000 Capital Benefits Up to $100,000 Loss of Income Up to $800 per week for 104 weeks Medical Expenses $5,000 Plus a list of extensive additional benefits For the first time Bike SA has a new, exclusive offer for members. Become a member and you have the opportunity to upgrade your insurance cover to a product that suits your own personal or family needs:

Upgrade 1 Commuter Capital Benefits Up to $100,000 Loss of Income Up to $1,000 per week for 104 weeks Medical Expenses $5,000 Price $35.00 Individual ($45.00 Household)*

Upgrade 2 Fanatic Capital Benefits Up to $125,000 Loss of Income Up to $1,250 per week for 104 weeks Medical Expenses $6,000 Price $65.00 Individual ($75.00 Household)*

Upgrade 3 Leader of the Pack Capital Benefits Up to $150,000 Loss of Income Up to $1,500 per week for 104 weeks Medical Expenses $7,500 Price $100.00 Individual ($115.00 Household)* *The above fees are in addition to Bike SA’s standard membership. ership. Bicycle South Australia Incorporated is an authorised distributor of Cyclecover products. Cyclecover, th through ough its its pa parent rent company co e in n arranging ngin this iinsurance, Australian Underwriting Group Pty Ltd, holds Australian Financial Services License 244361. Please note purcha chasi this product you Cyclecover has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore before purchasing ation and needs. nee should consider the appropriateness of the product having regard to your objectives, financial situation The above ails of cover cov including policy is an overview of the cover available and in no way forms part of a contract of insurance. For full details cyy wor wording. excesses, terms, conditions and exclusions please review the product disclosure statement and policy

BICYCLESA7-10

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November 2011 – January 2012

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www.bikesa.asn.au

Love Your Ride Adelaide Park(ing) Day sends a message

n Friday 9 September, 37 organisations and active community members participated

in Adelaide Park(ing) Day, converting car parks into people spaces. From blank canvasses to green picnic ‘parks’, pedestrians had a much more pleasant walk across the city centre. Bike SA was part of the action, turning two car parks into bicycle parking, in an installation we called ‘10:1’. At least ten bikes can fit in one car park, and we aimed to raise the question, “Why?”. Adelaide is the car parking capital of Australia, with over 41,000 car parks compared to Sydney’s 30,000 and Melbourne’s 35,000. Here you see a photo of our installation for Adelaide Parking Day, and some of the innovative designs being used all over Europe to prove the point.

News and Notes ...continued opportunity to discuss trails, their management and development. For more information, visit <www. tracksandtrails.org.au>.

New SAMBA Board-Members SAMBA is pleased to welcome two new members to the Board. We have been joined by Alastair Smart, best known from the Over the Edge bike store in Melrose, and Mark Gare one of the coowners of Craftworks Cycles. Both Alastair and Mark bring a wealth of experience in the bicycle industry and beyond, and are valuable additions to the SAMBA Board. Find out more about SAMBA, go to <www.samba.asn.au>.

SAMBA Community Awards It was a glittering night at SA’s mountain biking equivalent of the Oscars. A good crowd turned out at the Mercury Cinema to see who had won the first annual SAMBA Community Awards (as well as watch a couple of amazing movies: 3 Minute Gaps and Life CyCles). The inaugural SAMBA award winners were: Advocacy: Mal Robertson, for his continued and concerted efforts advocating for trail access for mountain bikers across Adelaide, and Nick Bowman, for his long term service in trail advocacy across SA and now the rest of the country. Community Development: Chris Brosnan, for her ongoing commitment to the development of racing opportunities, both in Inside Line and through the National Championships, Rebecca Jeisman, Genna Chapman and Mariel Scholz, for their ongoing work to promote cycling across the Flinders Ranges. From the instigation of the ‘Tour Up Over’ to supporting local cycling clubs and events, they are always looking for ways to build the cycling community. Industry: Ian Fehler, fFor his relentless promotion of mountain biking and MTB tourism; Brenton Collins - For his long term service to trail development in SA, from Jupiter Creek and Prospect Hill to Brownhill Creek and Eagle.

Life’s better on a bike >>>

Trail Care: Dave Clark, for his work with the Friends of Sturt Gorge. He has passed on skills to a large range of volunteers and has promoted the skills of MTB riders within the Trail Care community; Jane and Warren Luckraft, for their efforts to develop, build and maintain MTB trails in the Flinders Ranges. Every year there are new and improved trails on their property, and they host the annual Tour Up Over. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees.

Riding a bike saves you money Want to put away a million dollars or shave 13 years off your mortgage? Believe it or not those are realistic savings from swapping a car for a bike, according to an investigation by the Bicycle Network. Using credible economic sources the Bicycle Network has revealed the serious savings you can make running a bike instead of your number 2 car. The results are startling. Even if you a running a cheap used-car for getting in to work, it’s going to drain $11,000 of your precious income each year if you are paying for parking. Riding a bike to work? A lightweight $1,000 a year. And that’s a good bike. “That gives an annual saving of at least $10,000 ($833 a month) for those drivers who switch to the two-wheel option. A lot of people run a second car without a clear idea of what it’s costing them: if you run the numbers you’ll find the bomb is costing you a bomb,” Bicycle Victoria CEO, Mr Barber said. “There is so much more people could be doing with that money than burning it up in a vehicle that spends 94 per cent of its life doing nothing.” If you are 45, you are going to have to be satisfied with half a million dollars, but a diligent young saver of 25 stands to make a million dollars to spend in their retirement. Think about it: you can pay yourself to pedal. A detailed report is included in the latest edition of the Bicycle Network magazine Ride On released in early August.

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Big effort at Grand/Mini Slam Finale for 2011 Despite the early 6:30 am start at Mt Pleasant for the finale of the 2011 Grand/Mini Slam series, 260 determined riders turned out to take on personal challenges of riding either 100 km or 200 km. The weather held off with early sunshine poking through as riders headed off on loop one, assisted by a gentle SW breeze and cool to mild temperatures. The front runners gave it plenty with the first riders completing the first 108 km loop in approx 3 hr 50 min and a determined group of 103 riders took on the second loop with a number completing the full 200 km in just under 7 hours. Congratulations to all who participated on the day and also to those who completed all five Grand/Mini Slam rides. A fantastic effort from everyone. A special mention to Barry Norseworthy, Andrew Paine and Clive Palfrey, who pushed on through the day and with dogged determination came home having their first Grand Slam series and 200 km in bag after 12 hours in the saddle. Also congratulations to Asami Kato for having successfully completed her very first Mini Slam series of five rides. Well done, Barry, Andrew, Clive and Asami! A full list of all riders who completed the series will be published soon. Congratulations to Damian Murphy and Caitlin Prior who were the lucky winners of the Giant prize bikes: a men’s and a women’s Defy 1 road bikes. Many thanks to all of our volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the year and a big thanks to Giant Bicycles, Torq Nutrition, Roof Rack City SA and Nippys for their fantastic support. Next year’s/Mini Grand Slam personal challenge series kicks off with 40 km/80 km ride on Sunday 19 February at Woodside. We hope to see you there. Details of the 2012 Grand Slam Chalenge Series will be posted soon on the website <www.bikesa. asn.au>..

November 2011 – January 2012

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Presented by BicycleSA in partnership with Bicycle NSW

GEAR UP GIRL

CHALLENGE SA

A Ride Just for Women | Ride and Support the Heart Foundation Start Elder Park

15km River ride

35km

50km

Beach ride

Hill ride

Gear Up Girl ad

New

Exclusiv Jersey!e

Sunday 27 November For more information and to register:

8168 9999 or www.bikesa.asn.au Event sponsors

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Event by

Love Your Ride Gran Fondo

Lorne, Victoria 18 September 2011 Chris Hutchinson

ride with groups leaving at ten minute intervals. The start was held up a little, which we later found out happened to be an injured koala on the road ahead! Being somewhat of a snail I chose the 20 – 25 km option, which was the last group to leave. Riding the 40 km along the Great Ocean Road without cars on of the most spectacular pieces of road in Australia definitely rates as one of my most memorable cycling experiences. The event management was brilliant: every single driveway along the route had been coned off to remind residents of the full road closure. Just a mere 600 cones! The climb up the hill from Skenes Creek was a challenge, and there were a few who found it a bit difficult but the comraderie was brilliant. Everyone offering encouraging words. Sometimes difficult when you are riding new ground and don’t know what’s ahead but riders I had spoken to before assured me it wasn’t much more difficult than Mt Lofty which was true. No refreshment stations until the 70 km mark had caught a few riders unprepared but luckily we had done our homework and had plenty of snacks and water on board. The scenery through the hills and countryside was brilliant, and always encouraging to see the locals on the side of the road cheering the Lycra entourage on! Lovely to see their enthusiasm especially when you understand that the road closure would obviously have affected their Sunday morning exploits. But am sure the business owners, especially in Lorne, were glad of the bucks that the riders spent on their cycling holiday. And for those who want to travel to Lorne would heartily recommend the ride, and you may even bump into Phil Anderson who is a local who rides that route often. Topped up water at Forrest and the last 50 km to go. At this stage was riding on my own as my team mates had powered ahead, keen to do their PB on a timed event. But always fun to find some new riding mates as you go along and share some stories and laughs.

s soon as I heard about this ride I couldn’t wait to sign up, for a few reasons. Riding the Great Ocean Road had always been on my bucket list but having driven it several times wasn’t appealing to do it on a bike and negotiating the corners, traffic and narrow shoulder. Full road closure: Wow! What a great concept developed by Simon Gillett and the Amy Gillett Foundation to get this event off the ground: a first in Australia. And the Great Ocean Road is only closed each year for one other event. Gran Fondo means long distance or great endurance and is a 500+ year old tradition that originated in Italy as a walking event, which then progressed to bicycles, and continues to be held in idyllic regions throughout the world. This was a timed event, with prize money for age group and team placegetters and allowed you to qualify for the new UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) World Championships for amateurs if you finished in the top 25% of your age category. And to support the Amy Gillett Foundation and all it represents was another tick for me. I wasn’t there to win any prizes as knew my form would be a lot behind my peers but for me it was just about the challenge and just participating. Plans were set, rounded up a few cycling mates to join me. Booked a beautiful house up on the hill to accommodate us all for the three nights that we decided to stay in Lorne. We set off on our road trip on Friday morning for the 737 km trip to Lorne: two cars with bikes safely attached. Nothing better than a road trip with all the jokes,laughs,stories, music you share to make spending all that time in a car less painful! Checked into the house and all excited for a cruisy day on the Saturday: going to preregistration and doing bike checks and absorbing the atmosphere. Pre-registration was in the Mantra Resort with an excellent audio-visual presentation giving us all the information that we needed for the ride on Sunday. Lorne was alive with over 2500 cyclists: spilling out of the cafes, checking out the event village and keeping those carb levels up for the ride ahead the next day. Was amazing to see so much cycling frenzy around and so many friendly people just ready to chat wherever you were. Guess that is the cycling bond! The day dawned, with a great forecast for very pleasant riding conditions and after a hearty brekkie we rode into town ready to join the throngs with our timing chips attached to our bikes. Was a bit miffed that my age category had to be attached to my bike also: much to the delight of my fellow workmates and friends! Riders were divided Riders ready to go on the Lorne foreshore into average speeds for their

Life’s better on a bike >>>

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The last climb to the finish line was a challenge but was determined to keep on my bike: in total it was 2000 metres of climbing! Passed by a few walking up the final hills, maybe those had just gone too hard too early. Managed to get to the finish line just short of when they had opened the roads. Was different finishing at the top of the hill and then you had a 10 km descent back to Lorne. Was lovely to have the cruise downhill but must admit feeling a tad tired overall and lots of tight switch backs did give the brakes and arms a workout. My cycling mates were there at the event village to greet me: lots of hugs and stories to share. And then back home for the well deserved hot showers and check on the Internet to find out our ride times. Hey, I managed to do the ride in 6 hours and 32 minutes: only 3.5 hours behind the winner Rachel Neylan! But that is OK. Lots of room for improvement next year and for me it was just the fun of participating and getting to the finish line in one piece. That was the beauty of this event that it did encompass a big challenge for pro riders who were hungry for the prize money and accolades but yes still open for others who just wanted to ride the roads, support the cause and finish and be a part of it. That night we dined at the lively Babalubar restaurant, complete with a giant paella dish cooked outside. Lots of fun and noisy tables full of hungry cyclists sharing their day. We returned home to Adelaide, feeling very happy and content with all our achievements. Hats off to the Amy Gillett Foundation for a very well executed inaugural event! For those wanting a challenge in South Australia, don’t forget the Amy’s Ride on 6 November. Enjoy the car free atmosphere on the Southern Expressway and the new Velo Adelaide on 18 March which will be totally car free!

November 2011 – January 2012

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2011-12

over 60,000 people ride with Bike Sa every year

OctOber Sunday, October 9 Mt Pleasant 100km/200km bikesa.asn.au/grandslam

Ride to Work Day

Sunday, November 6 Adelaide-McLaren Vale 25km/30km/65km/100km Join thousands of riders on the Southern Expressway – closed exclusively for this event – to support the Amy Gillett Foundation. You’ll pass white sandy beaches, vineyards and along the top of the

VeloAdelaide range with sweeping views of the gulf. bikesa.asn.au/AmysRideSA

Gear Up Girl Challenge SA Sunday, November 27 Elder Park, city 15km/35km/50km Community ride just for women and children. Support the Heart Foundation’s Go Red for Women campaign. bikesa.asn.au/gearupgirl

JaNuary 2012

Sunday, March 18 City-Adelaide Hills 30km/50km/80km Exciting new community event in the CBD and Adelaide Hills. Ride up the South Eastern Freeway – closed exclusively for this event – through the Heysen Tunnel on the Mt Lofty Challenge and raise funds for The Smith Family. Or enjoy the free Family Fun Ride around traffic-free streets in the city in support of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Whether you ride to Mt Lofty or just around the city, everyone

Ride Like Crazy

February

National Ride2School Day

april Grand Slam Series Sunday, April 1 Mt Torrens 50km/100km bikesa.asn.au/grandslam

Easter Cycle

Grand Slam Series Starts Sunday, February 19 Woodside 40km/80km The first in a challenging series of five

November 2011 – January 2012

gets to enjoy the car-free Adelaide city streets, transformed into a bustling hub of activity with live music, DJs, kids’ entertainment, demos, expos and food and drink. Plus lots of streetscape you can call your own. Play, picnic, party, ride a bike or kick a ball on a network of safe, closed roads.

Wednesday, March 16 ride2school.com.au

Sunday, 15 January Unley or Woodside 107km/90km/51km Community ride that raises funds to fight cancer. Proudly supported by the South Australia Police. ridelikecrazy.com

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bike sa 2011 Contents

April 6-9 Moonta, Copper Coast A long weekend of rides and two-wheeled family fun. bikesa.asn.au/EasterCycle

www.bikesa.asn.au

photography south AustrAliAn tourism commission

Amy’s Ride SA

march

Wednesday, October 12 Free breakfast in Victoria Square, city ride2work.com.au

NOvember

recreational road rides through the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Barossa. Building in distance from 40km to 200km, each ride combines two separate loops. Over 500 riders will line up for the first ride in the series.

Grand Slam #5

October 15-23 Coorong & Lower Lakes, long/short options bikesa.asn.au/annualtour

calendar

For more inFo, viSit BikeSa.aSn.au or call 8168 9999

Annual Tour

Love Your Ride calendar feature 13

win!

a set of four

may

family bikes

Kona Dirty Weekend Saturday & Sunday, May 5-6 Cudlee Creek Forest, near Adelaide South Australia’s only mountain bike endurance event that gives you the option of NiteFlux 24-hour, 12-hour or 6-hour challenges. Ride solo or race as a team of two or four on some of Australia’s best singletrack, with a stunning backdrop to match.

Grand Slam Series Sunday, May 27 Yankalilla 60km/120km bikesa.asn.au/grandslam

September Annual Tour September 15-23 Copper Coast-Riverland long/short options A wonderful journey exploring South Australia’s beautiful landscapes, colonial history, plus gourmet food and wine. Numbers limited to 200. Small is beautiful.

year rOuNd Free rides every week Visit bikesa.asn.au and enter your email address on the competition page to go into the draw to win a set of four Apollo family bikes, valued at over $1500. The prize includes two adult and two children’s bikes, selected from a range of sizes. This free competition is open to any South Australian resident aged 18 or over. The random draw will take place at 5pm on 10 November 2011, from all complete entries submitted by 4pm that day. Only one entry permitted per person. The photos are indicative only of the prize.

Life’s better on a bike >>>

Bike SA’s Rides Program offers over 1000 rides every year. Organised and led by volunteers, there’s something for everyone and best of all they’re free. Every year, over 30,000 people enjoy these friendly social rides, which are ideal if you are getting back on the bike after a few years or taking up cycling for the first time.

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There are also plenty of rides for experienced and intermediate riders.

Learn how to fix your bike

Choose from dozens of Bike SA bike-maintenance courses, from short Basic Bike Care and Gears & Brakes courses, to Comprehensive and Advanced courses. 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 and onto the roads this summer.

Learn how to ride

Young or old, age is no barrier to riding a bike. Learn new skills with Bike SA so you can enjoy whatever kind of riding you want. Our qualified instructors can teach you everything from the very basics to advanced skills. Community, workplace, school and one-on-one sessions can be tailored to your needs. For more info, visit bikesa.asn.au or call 8168 9999.

November 2011 – January 2012

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Adventures on a unicycle Anna Taylor

ooking back at the 3 000 km unicycle ride from Darwin to Adelaide, which took place in March of this year, I still remember that moment stepping off the plane... Landing into Darwin airport, unicycle in hand. We walk out the doors and begin our journey home. It’s 3am, our tyres are almost flat, it’s hot and pouring with rain. Cue the “What have I gotten myself in to?” Riding unicycles long distance is a wonderful way to travel. You begin to realise you can survive on very little. Gained from this was an indescribable feeling of freedom, no longer weighed down by accessories and all the other extras carried around. The total weight of our gear was 10kg each, Including our water and food. In the first half of the trip the toughest challenges were created by Mother Nature. Riding in pouring rain, (which meant riding in wet shorts all day) road flooding, blasting headwinds and bites from mosquito plagues were a few of the challenges faced. I will just mention if you have a fear of wasps, then keep this in mind if you are heading to Central Australia: the wasps were huge and in abundance out there! I had a crushing fear of wasps, so this was a big challenge for me. The second half of the trip brought unforeseeable events that changed the trip. A tyre blowout on my unicycle caused a bad fall, cracking my rib and smashing my nose. Each day care was taken to maintain the injuries I had and ride in a way that wouldn’t make them worse. Ordering a new custom 36 in tire out in the boonies was pretty tough. There was no choice but to patch up the shredded tire and ride on it. Two weeks later the new one reached us.

The Stuart Highway, between Alice Springs and SA border Parts of the trip which are often thought could Looking back at the tough times and challenges faced, I would still do the ride again in a heartbeat. be a concern by others, such as passing road trains The scenery and wildlife that changes day by day and water supply were not a problem. In between is indescribably beautiful. Seeing the little lizards, roadhouses and towns, there are rest stops every frogs, emus, wallabies, snakes and kangaroos was 90 km, most with water tanks. The road trains gave magical. us a wide birth, and unless two were coming from Being amongst this and camping by this day either direction we would keep riding. by day is something I will treasure for the rest of Back in the SA borders, with winter my life. approaching, days turned to night much faster and (Anna Taylor is a casual member of our Bike we had just 10 hours of light a day. Education staff, delivering Way2Go Bike Ed, among Fires played a huge role in this part of the trip. other programs.) It was so cold and having a toasty fire at the end of a cold, windy day was spirit lifting (and two minute noodle warming!)

Commuting by electrically assisted bike Wayne Hooper and Libby Robertson

ecently we took part in a university trial of two electrically assisted mountain bike style bikes. We had the bikes for a week and during that period we cycled 20 – 35 km a day as we normally would on our conventional bikes. This included trips from our Parkside home to the Mitcham Shopping Centre, Fullarton Nursing Home, the CBD and the Wayville Showgrounds. As we work part time in Bridgewater we tested them on the bike track adjacent to the freeway which was a big ask for bike designed for city commuting. At the moment, one of our aims when cycling is exercising, so we would not consider an electrically assisted bike. Never the less we would recommend that anyone who needed a quick and easy way to commute and would like the option of an easier ride investigate this alternative. The bikes come in a range of styles: mountain bikes, folding bikes, hybrid and cruiser. In fact it is possible to retrofit your existing bike. The bikes we trialled were comfortable and well appointed, apart from the ease of riding,

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not dissimilar in performance to our mountain or hybrid bikes we normally use for commuting. One was fitted with a trailer which easily converts to a shopping trolley. This was a good alternative to the panniers we use for shopping and provided a comfortable journey for the dog who normally sits in a milk crate on the rear rack. The advantage of the electric motor is that one gets to cruising speed very quickly from a standing start or after slowing down at an intersection or other hazard. The motor is engaged through pedalling and when stopped or slowly freewheeling, normal pedalling provides a significant acceleration, a great advantage in traffic. Once at cruising speed (20 – 25 km/h) it is easy to maintain speed by pedalling slowly. If the battery is flat the bike can be ridden switched off which was not a problem on the plains but the extra weight was an issue on the way to Bridgewater. The range depends on the terrain, the conditions (head wind?), load carried and speed travelling but we cycled around the suburbs for up to 30 km without draining the battery significantly. The trips

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to Bridgewater were designed to test the limits and we were pleasantly surprised at the effect of the motor. Places where we would be working hard were significantly easier with the help of the electric motor. We both got to Crafers with the batteries close to drained. The downhill and flat sections to home without power were no different from a conventional bike. The bike is fitted with electronic sensor system which engages the motor automatically when pedalling and turns it off when the brakes are applied. Charging the 24 volt battery was simple, just a matter of plugging in the compact battery charger. The bike is fitted with Shimano 6 speed gears which proved to be effective when riding. We were pleasantly surprised by the price which is around the price of a mid range conventional bike of the same style. Anyone interested in finding out more about these bikes should visit the website <micchapman.com.au>.

www.bikesa.asn.au

Love Your Ride Who hit me? Where are bike riders left with hit and run? Dion McCaffrie, Partner–Civil Litigation, Andersons Solicitors

s a cyclist able to make a claim for damages for injuries received in a hit/run accident? This question is often asked of us. The answer is that they can. There is an entity created under legislation called ‘the Nominal Defendant’. The Nominal Defendant comes into play generally in any one of three circumstances: • In a hit/run situation when the identity of the driver is unknown • Where the driver of the other vehicle dies in the accident • Where the driver of the other vehicle is driving an uninsured vehicle at the time of the accident. In each of these cases, in a technical sense, the injured person has no one to sue. This is particularly evident in a hit/run situation. A person can feel aggrieved that they have suffered injuries but could feel somewhat confused as to what they should do about it when they do not know the identity of the driver who caused the accident. In this circumstance the claim will be a normal claim subject to all of the usual requirements of a claim for damages but legal advice is needed at an early time. If it is a hit/run situation, the law imposes a duty on the injured person to make ‘due enquiry and search’. What the law is asking is that the person make some attempt to locate the driver and identify him. At the least, the matter should be reported to the police and a ‘Witness Wanted’ ad placed in The Advertiser. It is important that these steps be taken straight away. The Nominal Defendant, being an insurer, can claim that they are disadvantaged and prejudiced if the first notification of the claim is given to them, say 18 months after the accident. It then becomes a ‘stale’ issue and one which would be very hard for them to investigate. The situations alluded to above, where the driver of the other car dies or the motor vehicle was uninsured are technical examples where the Nominal Defendant steps in to fill the void notwithstanding that the identity of the driver is known. Again we would stress that it is important to get advice at a very early stage following an accident if you find yourself in this position. Call Andersons Solicitors on 1800 653 655 or visit our motor vehicle accident claims site at <andersons.com.au/personal-injury-subpracareas. asp?ID=4318&pracarea=3841>. The information contained in this post is relevant to South Australian legislation and is current at the time of posting. This information is not intended as legal advice and should not be substituted for legal advice. Did you know? As a Bicycle SA member, you are entitled to a range of member benefits provided by Andersons Solicitors, including: • Free first interview for financial members for all legal services offered by Andersons Solicitors

Life’s better on a bike >>>

• Free 24 Hour Legal Helpline, 1800 653 655, for financial members and their immediate family • 10% discount on a range of legal services including motor vehicle accidents, Wills and Estates, Family Law and more • Free Simple Wills for all financial members • No-Win, No-Fee option for claims in relation to damages for injuries suffered as a result of motor vehicle accidents, medical negligence, catastrophic injuries, professional negligence and public liability claims in accordance with Andersons Solicitors terms of acting. Conditions apply. It should be noted that the discounts are actually off the Supreme Court scale and many firms charge above the Court scale so the discounted amount is actually significantly more than 10% of our ordinary rates. It actually ends up being anywhere between about 18 and 25%. F I G H T I N G F O R Y O U I S W H AT W E D O

Every ride...

Every turn of the pedal, every ride, whether riding to work or pushing the limits, Andersons Solicitors is proud to be there for all Bike SA members with 10% discount on all legal matters, free Wills and your first interview is always free. FREE CALL 1800 653 655

Official provider of legal services for Bike SA and its members

andersons.com.au Offices across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia

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November 2011 – January 2012

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Bike SA Outback Odyssey Wayne Hooper and Libby Robertson

wo years ago we put our name down to tackle the 900 km Mawson Trail tour run by Bike SA. We were appropriately nervous as we were not sure that we had the mountain bike skills or the endurance to tackle 12 days of cycling on back roads, single track, road reserves and forest tracks which makes up the Mawson Trail. Our plans were put on hold as a couple of weeks prior to the trip Libby ended up in hospital to have her gall bladder removed. In the two years that intervened, we became more and more aware of the challenge we had set ourselves. We had been challenged in the past, cycling similar terrain in Kuitpo Forest, Melrose, Shepherds Hill Reserve and Tasmania. Nevertheless, this year we arrived at the start, at least knowing that we were bike fit after completing the cycle to Melbourne a couple of weeks before. We cycled from Bike SA in Franklin Street feeling comfortable as we rode the familiar route along the Torrens and part way up Gorge Road until the big surprise, the first steep dirt road. We are not ashamed to say that we walked approximately half the time until we got to Cudlee Creek where the single track, although challenging, was able to be cycled! That night, camping at Lobethal, we were wondering if we had bitten off a bit more than we could chew. The next day was a confidence booster. It was mainly on dirt back roads, with some manageable climbs and a pleasant cycle on a sandy track through Mount Crawford Forest finishing at the magnificent Chateau Tanunda, where we had camped on an Annual Tour. The third day to Riverton was a highlight, the hills weren’t that daunting, and the roads provided interest, particularly as there were numerous washouts to negotiate as a result of the summer rains and the farmland scenery with pockets of gums being prevalent. Wayne, having been brought up in Riverton, was surprised by the scenic route of the Mawson Trail which travelled through areas he hadn’t ever visited. As we were still apprehensive about whether we would make it to Blinman, particularly as Libby was carrying a hip injury, we took a short cut on the bitumen from Kapunda, cutting out three sides of a square, saving about ten kilometres. We were looking forward to the trip from Riverton to Burra as the profile, except for a steep climb up the Camels Hump, looked fine and we are very familiar with the Riesling Trail which we have done several times before and enjoyed. Just before leaving Riverton we agreed to act as ‘tail end charlie’ for the day. As there were two possible routes to Auburn we were quite slow as we needed to be certain that everyone was accounted for before leaving Auburn. Unfortunately Libby’s hip injury flared up and thus she nursed it along the Riesling Trail from Auburn to Clare. After Clare, Libby decided to take a ride in the sag wagon to the top of the Camels Hump knowing it was still a long way to Blinman and being aware that the

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Wayne crossing Willochra Creek next day was a rest day and that ant-inflammatory drugs have worked miracles in the past. After a very pleasant rest day in Burra we were looking forward to the remoteness in front of us and had planned to take a short cut after lunch to avoid the climb up Mount Dare and cycle the base of a triangle rather than the two sides. The views had been fantastic already and thus we didn’t feel disappointed about missing the view from Mount Dare. A bonus was that the historic Old Mount Brian East School was on the short cut and unlike others we did not have to detour to visit. We rejoined the group at Sir Hubert Wilkins birthplace and so felt satisfied that the short cut was worthwhile. We arrived at Tooralie Homestead in the early afternoon and Libby was pleased that she was managing her hip injury. We were now in the bush gazing at undulating grazing land, lush green as a result of the summer rains. The trip to Spalding next day was a pleasant ride, not too hilly but some interesting terrain. We avoided the channels into Spalding because of their reputation for numerous punctures, riding the last few kilometres into Spalding on the bitumen. The ride to Laura was a pleasant cycle on outback tracks through lovely scenery. We chose to miss the ride through Bundaleer forest and take the short cut by road as we have visited the forest on several occasions in the past. As the route through the forest was potentially difficult to navigate we were not surprised to run into cyclists who, after cycling around in the forest, came out a short distance from where they entered. They chose to believe that we had reasonable navigation skills and agreed to take our route to lunch. The ride from Laura to Melrose through Wirrabara Forest was particularly scenic. We were feeling quite elated as so far we had not felt daunted by the magnitude of the challenge and had already done two thirds of the journey and had a rest day to look forward to. We were also in familiar country which we had walked many times in the past and as we were familiar with the trails in the area our confidence was uplifted. On seeing

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two scoot bikes in the window of the Melrose Cycle shop, which were in appropriate colours for the grandchildren (pink for the three year old girl and red for the two year old boy), the Visa card came out. As the philosophy of Bike SA tours is to stimulate the economy we had to do our bit. The cafe meal at lunch time on the rest day was also a highlight. We were starting to get into the outback proper and the cycle to Quorn from Melrose, with magnificent River Red Gums in the creeks and the ranges to gaze at, made for a great day’s riding. The next day, knowing that the scenery would be good later in the day because we have hiked in the area, we decided to follow the main road which meant we would miss the climb over Yarra Vale. Visiting the grave of Proby, the young pioneer killed when crossing a river on horseback was poignant, underlying the harshness of the outback environment we were in. A highlight of the day was the traditional ploy of Bike SA to have opera playing from a sound system as we climb the hill to Simmonston, a town surveyed but never finished. From Simmonston it was a bit of a slog, into the wind, across the Willochra Plain until lunch. From there to Hawker we cycled in typical Flinders Ranges country which kept the spirits up. We were looking forward to the next day’s riding, knowing that we would be experiencing the scenery of the Flinders, but the fact that it was 91 kilometres and that we were going along Moralano Scenic Drive which is one of our favourite 4-wheeldrive tracks filled us with doubt. Starting out, with the possibility of rain and clouds hiding the ranges, was demoralising. The sun did come out and the clouds lifted and thus the scenery was as expected but it was hard going on the corrugated road. We were buoyed by the fact that everyone seemed to be struggling as much as we were. When we reached the bitumen and the last drink stop everyone supported each other, resigned to the fact that it was uphill to Rawnsley Park, but determined to make it. After all it was only about 10 km! Having ridden over 90 km the previous day we were all psyched up for a similar distance to Blinman to finish the ride. As Ray had suggested

www.bikesa.asn.au

Love Your Ride that the single track for the first few kilometres had the potential to challenge our navigation and the fact that we intend to visit at a later date to cycle the Flinders at our leisure on day trips, we decided to do the first section on the bitumen. Then the fun started. A combination of single track, some of it the Heysen Trail, fire access tracks and outback roads made for a magnificent day on the bike. We raced down rocky tracks, crossed creeks that we didn’t dream one could ride a bike across, surrounded by the magnificent Flinders Ranges. To our surprise, we rode our bikes on tracks we have bushwalked in the past which we thought, at that time, were rugged enough as a walking route. Now we were travelling by bike! After a wonderful but challenging morning we both agreed at lunch that it had been the best half day on the bike that we had ever experienced. The afternoon ride was on a rough bush track with significant climbs and the views continued to be magnificent. Fatigue started to set in and it was slow going with Libby having to walk some of the steeper bits to nurse her hip. When we hit the bitumen out of Blinman we were elated and exhausted. The last few kilometres to Blinman were enhanced by those who had already made it, cheering us on as we wearily turned the pedals. The reception at the pub was fantastic as we soaked up the atmosphere feeling proud that we had just cycled from Adelaide to Blinman. We had taken a few short cuts but according to our odometer Wayne had cycled 869 kilometres and Libby with a hip that had been telling her she should be resting at home in Adelaide, did 854 km. We did it! How did this happen? Thanks to Bike SA. The organisation of such an epic trip is a credit to the organisers. The catering as always is magnificent, the camping venues either in caravan parks, town ovals or outback stations, fantastic, with marquees or local halls for meals. The backup with marshals, refreshment stations and the sag wagon supporting us on the road was much appreciated. The information given by Ray each evening, outlining what was in store the next day, enabled us to work out how we would modify the ride if appropriate. Having volunteered for Bike SA on day rides we are aware of all the work done behind the scenes by the volunteers to ensure that all our needs are met. We appreciate the work of Paul, Angus and the other volunteers who make sure that everything is ship shape when we cycle into the camp each afternoon. The provision of masseurs is another service which Libby used nearly every day to ensure that the hip didn’t sabotage her aspirations to make it to Blinman. Last but not least the empathy which Russel demonstrates as he ensures that the trip runs smoothly and the magnificent job done by Maureen (who since the trip has been recognised for her dedication in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list) coordinating the volunteers has been a significant factor in us enjoying a memorable cycle journey.

Life’s better on a bike >>>

Creek crossing between Wilpena and Blinman

Buyeroo Lookout

We made it to Blinman!

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November 2011 – January 2012

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EuroVelo and Bicitalia Jens Erik Larsen

have just had the pleasure to participate in Bicistaffetta 2011, which was a bicycle trip from Verona to Livorno (345 km) organized by FIAB, the Italian Cyclists Federation. In average 50 – 60 cyclists with red, white and green T-shirts cycled the route with flags on the bikes and now and then with more local participants. During the trip we met with local authorities including several mayors. The purpose of the trip was to promote cycling and especially promote new investments in the national cycle network Bicitalia and EuroVelo routes. The trip mainly followed Bicitalia 16 (Verona – Rome), but actually touched three EuroVelo Routes: EV7 crossing north–south in Mantova, EV8 along the Po river, which were opened 10 years ago and EV5 coming from Milano and down to Marina di Pietrasanta north of Viareggio. A part of this was already signed as Via Francigena: a pilgrim route which is the popular theme of the route.

Most of the routes followed the national cycle route Bicitalia 16 and new signs were inaugurated. These are the first signs of this kind on the national cycle network. Several meetings during the trip showed that the local authorities were positive against developing cycle routes especially the European ones in spite of the economic crisis. Between the two UNESCO World Heritage towns Mantova and Sabbioneta, a speciel ‘Percorso Unesco’ was inaugurated. At the end of the trip, a conference took place at the theatre of Livorno. Among the subjects in the program were the EuroVelo project presented by Jens Erik Larsen from EuroVelo Council, Bicitalia project by Claudio Pedroni and several local projects for Livorno.

In general, the Bicistaffetta seemed to be a good way to make cycling visible and to push the authorities to do something about it: and at the same time have good company and fresh air.

From Breakfast Rides to the Tourmalet! Catherine Davies

ere I am on top of the Tourmalet with other group members of Phil Anderson Cycling Tours, and yet I haven’t always been an avid cyclist. About 12 years ago I had a sports injury and was advised that I should give up running. I bought a mountain bike and then heard about Bike SA’s free rides program. I started with the Breakfast Rides and initially found 25 km on the flat a real challenge. With the support of newly found cycling friends including Maureen and Ray Merrick I was encouraged to ride longer distances and found myself entering Bike SA events like the Mini Slam series. Hundred kilometre rides in the Adelaide Hills on a mountain bike are quite a challenge so four years ago I bought a hybrid and started weekly rides in the Hills, participated in some Grand Slam rides and the Coast to Coast ride. A couple of years ago I decided that to celebrate turning 50 I would go on a cycle holiday to see the Tour de France. In May 2010 I bought my road bike and began to train seriously for the event. On the advice of my physiotherapist (Julie Knights) I joined a gym (Satori Women’s Health Club) and she devised a specific program to strengthen particular muscles. I discovered RPM classes which is a great way to have an indoor cycling workout when the weather is unfavourable for riding outside. I enrolled in Mega Spin cycle classes (<www.megabike.com.au>) and started cycle specific training with competitive cyclist Nick Wood (<www.nickwoodfitness.com.au>). I recognised the need to experience bunch skills so I joined the Mega Bike Saturday morning rides and on Sundays took to the hills with my Bike SA friends including Alison Lock and Susan Jones.

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November 2011 – January 2012

On top of the Tourmalet with other group members of Phil Anderson Cycling Tours The year 2011 turned out to be a fabulous year with Cadel being the first Australian to win the Tour. For me the whole experience was capped off by being on a Phil Anderson Cycling Tour (<www. philandersoncyclingtours.com>) with the legend celebrating 30 years since he won a yellow jersey in the TDF. I learned so much from Phil and his assistants Greg Griffiths and Laurie Noonan (UCI and Cycling SA commissionaires). I am now looking forward to more riding, practising what I have learned and planning to celebrate my next birthday on another Phil Anderson Cycling Tour.

Contents

www.bikesa.asn.au

Love Your Ride New Members Troy Aberline Natalie Allen Anthony Anderson Anthony Anderson Anthony Aplin Jonathan Arnold Dave Baker Elizabeth Balan Barbara Baldwin Nico Baron Keith Barrie Lyndelle Barry Damien Belobrajic Simon Bennett Simon Bennett Nuala Billing Shavolick Bird Carolyne Bird Katrina Bishop Carmen Boehnke Greg Bollmeyer Matthew Bosanquet Gemma Brierley Peter Brimson Dave Brown Martyn Butler Anthony Byrne Toby Callaghan John Callaghan Kathleen Cameron Ben Caprile Robert Caprile Penelope Chan Ian Clarke Kristian Cook Geoffrey Cooling

Jim Cooper Geoff Corbett Stephen Corns Peter Cosh Stephen Cowling Ken Crowley Jay Cummins Phil Cutts Greg Davey Megan Davies Matt Davis Neville Davis Rudi Deco Bethany Denton Kate Doyle Wesley Dores April Drage Andrew Dundon Bill Edwards Quinton Ewer Elsbeth Falster Rob Faulkner Yvette Finae Rosalind Firster Naomi Fricker James Gard Raymond Gardner Konrad Gawlik David Glover Don Greig Jacques Guerinet Stuart Guthrie David Hall David Andrew Hall Kay Halliday Alan Hamill

Mark Hannan Tracey Harper Tracey Harper Deborah Harrison Catherine Hayles Lindsay Haylock Greg Helps John Hoult Peter Hubbard Karen Humphries Julie Hunt Michael Hutchison Andrew Jamieson Daniel Jenkinson Philip Johns Ian Johns Ian Jolly Matthew Jones Matt Jones Rachel Katterl Geoff Keen Lois Kelly Peter Kemp William Kempster Martin Kennedy Adam Kennewell Peter Keogh Peter Kerak Bianca King Katriona Kinsella Con Kiosses Adam Koldej Yang Kong George Koulianos Steve Kunze Matthew Le

Clive Leane-Silva Graham Lee Sharon Lewis Thomas Lines Stefan Loehr Christopher Lovell Phillip Luke Kerri Maccini Glenn Mackenzie Lara MacKirdy Stephen Mansell David March Ben March Amanda Marshall Penelope Maxwell Sean McCullough Brad McFadyen Elissa McKenzie Rob McKeon Stephen McLeod Paul McPhee Matthew Medley Astrid Melchers Tahlia Meus Angus Miller Marion Mitchell Anne Moritz Lorimer Moseley Shaun Needs Terry Neumann Michael Owen Lynn Ozbek Susanna Page Kyly Page Ian Parker Bronwyn Parkin

Elenor Parkinson David Peck Louise Peters Nathan Petrus Peter Playford Shane Porteous James Potts Vanessa Rattigan Ian Reeve Sophie Reid Kate Reynolds David Richards Paul Robinson Suzanne Robinson Damian Rouse Julie Rowe Ian Salter Webb Sarris Dan Sartoretto Steve Scanlan John Schultz Penny Scobie Aaron Searl Peter Sheehan John Smith Thomas Sobieraj David Songer Peter Sorensen Nanette Sounness Frank Spartalis Elaine Spence Joel Stanley Rob Starbuck Laura Starling Katrina Stats Jim Stephenson

Tania Stringer Kerry Sutton Adam Swalling Louise Swann Christina Tassell Derek Thompson Marcus Thornton Fiona Tiller Anita Torr Chris Trafford Barry Trewren Peter Triantafilou Murray Tumes Craig Tyner Geoffrey Veale John Walters Andrew Walters Les Watkinson Marlene Webb Amos Weigall Kym Wenham Paul Whatling Joseph Whitehouse Toby Williamson Adam Williss Mark Wiltshire Leah Wojtkowski Matthew Wood Vivienne Wood Anthony Zidarich Andrew Zisos

Welcome all...

Volunteer with Bicycle SA and take a ride on the other side

oin some of the most skilled, experienced, passionate, entertaining and hard-working volunteers in cycling. Whether you volunteer for a few hours, a whole day or even for a multi-day ride, your time is a much needed and valued resource. We can’t do it without you. We have several opportunities for volunteering throughout the year and are currently looking for volunteers for our spring events. Working on our single and multi-day events ranges from riding or being traffic marshals, managing refreshment stations, providing logistics support, driving support vehicles or one of many other roles. Upcoming volunteer opportunities include: Gear Up Girl Challenge SA 2011 Sunday 27 November 2011 Women’s challenge ride, Elder Park Adelaide Grand Slam Challenge Series 2012 Starts Sunday 19 November 2011 at Woodside. Series of five road rides throughout the year VeloAdelaide: Ride up the Freeway Sunday 18 March 2012, Mass participation ride: several ride options. Start/finish in Adelaide Easter Cycle 6 – 9 April 2012, Family-friendly 4-day cycling tour, Copper Coast, Moonta For more information please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Maureen Merrick, 8168 9999 or maureen.merrick@bikesa.asn.au.

Life’s better on a bike >>>

Contents

November 2011 – January 2012

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Cycle!

Tailwind

he 2011 IgNobel Peace Prize has gone to Arturas Zuokas, the mayor of Vilnius, Lithuania, for demonstrating that the problem of illegally parked luxury cars can be solved by running them over with an armored tank. For a video, see <www.bbc.co.uk/news/worldeurope-14380367>. Don’t you wish you could do that some times?. The Conversation is an Australian website discussing many scientific and social issues, including cycling. Recent topics have included women in cycling: ‘Women comprise about one-fifth of commuter cyclists in Australia. In countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark and Japan, more women than men travel by bike. ‘There has been considerable speculation about why cycling for transport in Australia is less socially inclusive than in a number of other industrialised countries. For women, explanations have centred on time constraints, household responsibilities, and concerns about traffic hazards and personal safety.... ‘While all these factors undoubtedly play a role, a recent analysis of international comparative data adds another perspective. It has found that women ride bikes for transport when the environment is friendly to cycling. ‘Make cycling safe, convenient and fast, and women will do it.’ Read it at <theconversation.edu.au/bikes-astransport-getting-australian-women-along-forthe-ride-2157>. Another page on the site looks at helmet laws, <theconversation.edu.au/have-helmet-laws-putthe-skids-on-australias-bike-share-scheme-2703>,

another compares cycling in Shanghai with the situation in Australia, <theconversation.edu.au/ effortless-cycling-how-do-we-make-riding-a-bikenormal-3670> and there’s one on children riding to school: <theconversation.edu.au/why-arent-morekids-cycling-to-school-3531>. Somehow we need to target the ‘missing’ riders. You’ve watched Le Tour on SBS and wondered how all the aerial shots were done. Wonder no more: the October issue of Australian Aviation has an article by Thierry Moïse explaining it all.

How unstable can a bicycle be, and yet be ridable? With such small wheels there’s no gyroscopic effect, but it obviously still works. It was built by William Thomas Porter of Brooklyn and you can read about it at <boingboing.net/2011/09/17/ optimized-for-instability.html>.

The Bicycle is a book by Colin Thompson with features illustrations from internationally acclaimed artists to celebrate the liberating joy of two wheels. Sprinkled throughout are delightful quotes from famous people, as well as quotes from Cambodian children such as 14-year-old Dany, who describes his bicycle as his ‘best friend’. All royalties from the sale of The Bicycle will go to Save the Children, an organisation that works to improve the quality of children’s lives around the world. See <www.writeawrong.com/indexbicycle. htm> for details.

How to exercise while sitting at your desk: the Pedal Exerciser from Optomo, <www.optomo.com.au>. Why not add a generator and control electronics to power what is on the desk? (What would Alfred Traeger have thought of that idea?)

Before the days of risk management: Chas H Kabrich, ‘the only bike-chute aeronaut novel and thrilling, bicycle parachute act in mid-air’.

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November 2011 – January 2012

Contents

www.bikesa.asn.au

Love Your Ride Support the stores that support us Adelaide Hills Cycles Aldgate Bike Shop Avanti Plus Salisbury

19 Gawler St Mount Barker 8398 2077 120 Mt Barker Rd Stirling 8339 5954 3/1760 Main North Rd Salisbury Plain 8258 8885 Avanti Plus Unley 122 Unley Road 8271 8001 The Battery Bar Shop 21, Adelaide Arcade Adelaide 8223 6566 239 Diagonal Rd Warradale 8296 9652 Bernie Jones Cycles 124 Halifax St Adelaide 8232 7277 Bicycle Express Bike About 2/80 Onkaparinga Valley Road Woodside 8389 7681 Bikes Because 340 South Road Richmond 8354 1114 394 Main North Road Blair Athol 8262 5449 69 The Golden Way Golden Grove 8288 7766 Bike Lane The Bike Station 352 Brighton Road Hove 8296 6011 Bio-Mechanics Cycles & Repairs 260 Waymouth Street, Adelaide 8410 9499 Brooks Cycle Depot 63 Bridge Street Murray Bridge 8532 2868 8 Tyler Street Port Lincoln 8682 3468 Challinger’s Cycles 254 Pulteney Street Adelaide 8232 3330 The Classic Bicycle Shop Clark’s Cycles 354 Magill Rd Kensington Park 8332 3083 Complete Cycle 45 Cliff St Port Noarlunga 8327 0200 Corsa Cycles 182 Gouger Street Adelaide 8221 5068 468 Goodwood Rd Cumberland Park Cumberland Cycles 8271 6550 Cycle On 2/19 Albyn Terrace Strathalbyn 8536 3211 170 Main Rd Blackwood 8278 1072 Cyclerider 106 Semaphore Rd Semaphore 8449 8199 Cycleworx 820 Port Rd Woodville 5011 8268 6404 122 Unley Rd, Unley 8271 8001 1a Pattinson Road Newton 8336 9958 Euride Lindes Lane, Rear 93 Rundle Mall Adelaide Flinders Active Lifestyle 8223 1913 1 Hospital Rd Port Augusta Flinders Cycles Outdoors & Leisure 8641 0269 52 Commercial St East Mt Gambier 8725 6002 G&D Cycles 63 Murray Street Gawler 8522 2343 Gawler Cycles 2 –3 53/67 Hindmarsh Square Adelaide Giant Adelaide 8223 5978 754 Anzac Highway Glenelg 8294 4741 Glenelg Cycles 70 Payneham Rd Stepney 8362 2609 International Cycles 266 Pulteney St Adelaide 8359 2755 JT Cycles 650 North East Rd Holden Hill 8369 0550 1 Phillip Highway Elizabeth 8250 7100 391 Brighton Road Hove 8358 1500 394 Main North Road Blair Athol 8262 5449 100 Anzac Highway Everard Park

LifeCycle Bicycles 45 Kensington Rd Norwood 8331 3255 22/26 Goodall Parade Mawson Lakes 8260 7167 Mawson Lakes Cycles Mega Bike 102 King William Rd Hyde Park 8272 0422 262 Main Rd Blackwood 8278 7970 55 Main North Rd Medindie 8342 1882 Mike Turtur Cycles 21 – 23 Belair Road Kingswood 8271 0692 Mitcham Cycles Moonta Cycle & Sports 49 George Street Moonta 8825 3222 North Adelaide Cycles 91 Melbourne Street North Adelaide 8267 4778 216 The Parade Norwood 8332 1889 Norwood Parade Cycles 6 Stuart Street Melrose 8666 2222 Over the Edge Sports Oxygen Cycles 143 Main Road McLaren Vale 8323 7345 228 Rundle St Adelaide 1800 039 343 Paddy Pallin 232 Grenfell St Adelaide 8842 2004 Pedal and Thread The Penny Farthing Bike Shop Avanti Plus Port Augusta 52 Victoria Parade Port Augusta 8641 1128 428b Marion Rd Plympton 8297 0312 Plympton Cycles 61–69 West Tce Adelaide 8231 3633 Ray’s Outdoors 399 – 403 Main North Rd Enfield 8359 5866 721 Tapleys Hill Rd Adelaide Airport 8355 4333 1 Phillip Hwy Elizabeth 8252 0166 Road Rage Cycles 199 Payneham Road St Peters 8363 1003 37 Gilbert Street Adelaide 8211 7600 Roof Rack City SA Camping 109 Jetty Rd Glenelg 8376 1330 SA Remedial Therapy Clinic 55 Gawler Place Adelaide 8221 6262 192 Rundle St Adelaide 8223 5544 Scout Outdoor Centre 92 Richmond Rd Keswick 8351 2111 Snowy’s Outdoors 125 Beach Rd Christies Beach 8326 1664 South Coast Cycles 290 Unley Road Unley 8271 9733 Standish Cycles Shop 12 Tea Tree Plaza, 976 Main North Rd Modbury 8264 6001 348 North East Rd Klemzig 8261 1696 26 Park Tce Salisbury 8285 1144 Marion Shopping Centre Marion 8377 1752 170 Main South Rd Morphett Vale 8384 4704 West Lakes Mall West Lakes 8356 5492 195 Henley Beach Rd Mile End 8443 5435 5 Barfield Crescent Elizabeth West 8255 1979 Star Cycles 200 Rundle St Adelaide 8223 3946 Super Elliotts Tailwind Cycles 40 – 44 Blackburn St Reynella 8322 6714 138 The Parade Norwood 5067 8431 5711 Trak Cycles 4–10 Ebenezer Place Adelaide 8232 0158 Treadly 47–67 Main South Road O’Halloran Hill Upfront Bikes 8381 9069 Victor Harbor Cycle & Skate 73 Victoria St Victor Harbor 8552 1417

Most bicycles are made from metal, but there are alternatives. On the right, a recumbent trike of bamboo that is trained to shape as it grows, designed by Monash University student Alexander Vittouris. Details at <student. designawards.com.au/application_detail.jsp?status=2&applicationID=9521>. Above, a 3D printed nylon bike seen at : the London Design Festival. Read about it at <inhabitat.com/nylon-bike-made-using-satellite-technology-is-asstrong-as-steel>.

Life’s better on a bike >>>

Contents

Hat tip: Don Hatcher

November 2011 – January 2012

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On 18 March 2012, we are closing the South Eastern Freeway so you can ride it with your mates. Amyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ride ad

See you there.