The New Year tour

30th December 2009 Stage 1 Lithgow to Katoomba On Wednesday, I rolled out of bed with a determination to test the route for a ride from my parents place to Sydney. I decided to make it a minimalist tour, so I was going to carry very little. I also have wanted to do this ride as a means of showing that tours can be done on an average or even a below average bike. I chose to do this tour on the Holstar Peleton Road bike that I picked up on ebay way back in 2007. It is read (hence I call it the Red Hybrid) and is what some would describe as an entry level commuter bike (basically it was an attempt by Holstar to cash in on the flatbar road bike craze). It is an 24 speed, has 2 bottle cages and 25 x 700c tyres. It is not particularly good in fact the places where a rack would be bolted on the rear stays are out of alignment, hence no rack. On this tour I used a musette in which I carried the following items: 1 Rain jacket

1 U lock

1 Cable lock

1 Spare pair of shy shorts

2 Pairs of socks

1 Camera Usual toiletries eg toothbrush, razor, shaving cream and mouth wash

On the bike I also had a spare tube, patch kit, tyre levers and took kit for changing tubes etc in the wedge pack under the seat. I kept the pump strapped to the frame.

 I left mum and dad’s place after 6:30. I headed up Mort Street and along the Browns Gap Road. On the early stages of the ride I found I had some trouble and check the bike and found that the front wheel was out of alignment and rubbing against the left brake pad. I made the necessary adjustments and the bike was right as rain. I rolled down the steep descent into Hartley and enjoyed the quiet countryside. I rode across the John Morris bridge and into Little Hartley where I had a look at the Comet’s and the Collett’s Inns. I then rode back to the John Morris bridge and made my way to the highway where I used what little shoulder there was to get to Berghoffer’s Pass which is located close to the Mt Victoria Pass. When I got to Berghoffer’s Pass I had to carry the bike part of the way because of the road tyres and the rough terrain. I was passed by a mountain biker on his way down the pass. I found some sections were good enough to be ridden and was able to get up to Mt York Road with little difficulty.

I rode through Mt Victoria and got to the highway where I encountered one of the most difficult points in the journey. The bridge over the railway line is narrow. I was able to make it but had to sprint to avoid the trucks. The shoulder is narrow on both sides and trucks did pass extremely close. I made it to the wider shoulder which is marked out as a bike lane on the way to Blackheath.

 When I got to Blackheath I made a couple of side trips. The first was to Govett’s Leap where I enjoyed the lookout and the second was to Evans lookout both points look out over the Grose Valley. At Govett’s leap I found I was not the only cycle tourist when I came across a Mundo cargo bike and a Marin hybrid locked in one of the shelters near the lookout. Unfortunately I didn’t get a photo of the bikes.

 Once I finished I then rode on to Medlow Bath. It was here that I found that the shoulder was narrow. Other than a yobbo yelled from a passing car, I had little trouble. I was going to catch a train to Katoomba and continue on from there, however I was passed by a mountain biker. I asked him if it was possible to get to Katoomba from there. He told me that it was possible and I followed him along the highway.

 The shoulder was narrow and littered with gravel. The trucks came close. As I got closer to the Katoomba some bushes were grown over onto the road. I wound up ducking under the branches and made it to the wide shoulder. I turned into Bathurst road and was able to ride into Katoomba street and found Blaxland Cycles at Katoomba, in a street behind the main drag. I got the air in the tyres topped up and got some information about the rest of the ride from the owner. He told me about rides he had made out to the Central Coast, Oberon and Bathurst from the Blue Mountains.

 Eventually I found my way to Lurline street and rode down to Echo Point. When I arrived at Echo Point I copped the first of a series of punctures when the front tube blew out. I wheeled the bike to a park and changed the tube. Before I left the park a guy walking with his family asked if he had seen me in Blackheath. I said he probably had. He replied that I had made good time. I then rode back up the hill to Blaxland Cycles and got the tube topped up and a new spare tube. While I was in the shop the front tyre blew out again and a short investigation found that the rim tape had a hole in it. The guy who owned the shop changed the tube and the rim tape and only charged me for the new tube. I decided because of the heat, I decided to resume the tour the next day. I hung out for a while enjoying the weird and wonderful that it Katoomba.

31st December 2009 Stage 2 Katoomba to Warrimoo

After 9:30 I headed down Lurline street and got down to Echo Point and found the lookout covered in fog. I took a few photos and then headed off. I rode down Cliff drive with out much in the way of the usual scenery. The few cars that were around had slowed down and I was given enough space. I got to Leura and rode up the main drag. I then turned into a street close parallel to the railway line. I was able to make good time as I got to the highway and as the traffic was light I was able to turn into Sinclair Crescent and ride on to Wentworth Falls. I rode to through to Railway Parade and got a taste of the fast flowing undulating road. The road surface between Wentworth Falls and Bullaburra could be best described as tar over the top of a corrugated road. The handlebars on this stretch vibrated like crazy.

 Drivers on this stretch were reasonable. At one stage I was passing through a point where the road was divided by concrete dividers. The drivers behind me were willing to wait until we had passed them before overtaking. When I got to Lawson I found that part of the route in Bikely was closed. I continued on and eventually found my way to the train station. I walked the bike through the pedestrian underpass and took some photos of the graffiti art. I got to Honour Avenue and resumed riding.

 I went through the bush and on to the township of Hazelbrook When I got to Hazelbrook, I rejoined Railway Parade. I also got photos of graffiti art on a paling fence that took my fancy. I rode on through to Woodford and got onto the highway. It started raining so I put the rain jacket on. The shoulder was wide and the surface was good. The gradient made for quite a fast descent.

 I got to Faulconbridge. I took a look around for an alternative to the highway or the footpath. I found that Faulconbridge appears to be a well to do suburb. I wound up having to use the narrow shoulder to get to the road that crossed the railway line. Fortunately the drain grates are covered by modern grills not the old bar grates. I did a hook turn onto Macquarie Road and crossed the railway line. I rode to the grave of Sir Henry Parkes. It is marked out and has enough plaques from various anniversaries of his birth and the Centenary of Federation. I then went down Macquarie road and had a look at the Corridor of Oaks. The Corridor of Oaks is a double row of oak trees that are planted in honour of each Prime Minister since Federation. There is a plot marked out for Howard but he has yet to plant the tree.

I eventually got to Springwood and decided to have lunch. I locked the bike outside a pastry shop and got a pie and a Coke zero. I took a look around town and had a good look at the local bike shop. As is not unusual for an LBS in an semi bush area it caters to the mountain bikers. It does have a number of road bikes on display. There were some American tourists there who were buying mountain bikes for their own tour.

Eventually I decided to finish up and rode on to Ruth’s place. I decided to spend New Years Eve with her. I rode down Macquarie road and then took a couple of roads through Valley Heights. I eventually crossed the highway and took it to a service road which lead to an underpass where I rode to Ruth’s place on the other side of the road and railway line. When I found she was not there I rang her and found she was still at work and not expecting to be back until 7:30. I left my stuff in her living room and rode on to Blaxland where I picked up some cream and some other stuff that she had asked for.

 I also had a look in Blaxland Cycles, owned and run by the father of the guy who runs Blaxland Cycles at Katoomba. They have some impressive cycling memorabilia including some signed cycling jerseys on the wall and also have a number of road and time trial bikes I also got some more information on the route down to Sydney. Apparently the owner thinks that the highway would be a reasonable option. Knowing that the highway does have a point where there is no shoulder and cars can travel up to 90 km an hour (legally), I made a point of asking for a route with less cars. I was assured that the Mitchells Pass will be the quietest and safest.

I headed back up the Highway and back to Ruth’s place. On my way back I saw a group of 3 guys on MTBs riding down the other side of the highway. I saw in the New Year with a meal and some wine with Ruth and then retired for the night. 1rst January 2010 Stage 3 Warrimoo to the Sydney Harbour Bridge I woke up a bit late and worse for wear, however I got myself together and was able to head off at about 10:30. I rode down the service road and rejoined the highway. I headed down past the railway station and made it to the Mitchells Pass. The pace was quite quick and it lead through a new subdivision with new houses in the process of being built. These gave way to the what I suspect were the last remaining rural properties in East Blaxland. I eventually reached the Lenox Bridge at Lapstone and I took time to have a good look at it. I took some photos. I was passed by a couple of guys on time trial bikes and followed them down to Emu Plains. When I got to Emu Planes I found myself riding through relatively quite streets although there were signs that Sydney was beginning to wake up.

Eventually I had to cross the bridge over the Nepean and I wound up sprinting across the bridge to a point where the shoulder was wide enough to take a break. After I got my breath back I rode on to Castlereagh road where I got to the Museum of Fire. It was closed but I got a couple of photos of the fire engine outside. I proceeded along Castlereagh Street to a roundabout where was able to turn into Coreen Avenue. I followed this road and then went found my way to Dunheved Road, which was still quiet. I eventually got to the Debrincat Street where I rode through some of the back streets to Mount Druitt.

When I got to Mount Druitt, I took Luxford Road and some back streets to Belmore Avenue and North Parade where I was able to find my way to Rooty Hill. When I reached Rooty Hill, I took the M7 Cycleway. I noticed the diversity of cyclists that passed me here. There were any number of roadies in full kit to recreational riders in everyday street gear. I met a couple in street gear on MTBs who were looking for the way to the Western Sydney Parklands. We eventually found it and I followed them down the SUP along Horsley Drive.

I reached a set of traffic lights which lead to another SUP across the road. I crossed here and got onto one of the few Shared User Paths that linked the Prospect Valley Cycleway to the M7 Cycleway. Along the way I found an old outback toilet right next to the start of cycleway. I took some photos before riding on. When I reached the Prospect Dam I found the rear tyre had a slow leak. I stopped and refilled the water bottles. I put some more air in the tyre before heading off Eventually however the slow leak made things problematic and I had to change the tube. The cause of the leak was glass from a beer bottle. I wasn’t the only cyclist in the area and I received plenty of offers of assistance. I eventually got myself underway and was passed by a guy riding a MTB with time trial bars. He passed me a few times, each time he was on the aero bars with a serious determined look on his face.

I continued on to the Parramatta Liverpool Rail Trail and joined it just near Guildford. I rode on to Parramatta and got onto the M4 cycleway. I eventually rode on to Adderly street which I found when the pipe bridge was closed for repairs. I rode on to Sydney Olympic Park where I found some of the road surface had been buggered up for the V8 race. I stopped for lunch at the local Subway outlet. I then found the bike hire place and topped up the air in the rear tyre. It is run by the guy who owns Centennial Park Cycles (they hire bikes in Centennial Park) and I gave him a shock when I put 120 PSI in rear tyre. One of his assistants was surprised when I told him I had rode down from the Blue Mountains. His boss told him it was down hill most of the way. I got myself under way and found myself following familiar roads to the Cooks River Cycleway.

I followed the Cooks River Cycleway to Marrickville where I took to the road and rode into town. I noticed that Mick Mazza Cycles is still operating as I rode up Illawarra Road. I also notice not much in Marrickville has changed since I left for Canberra.

I followed the bike bus route to Newtown and took the back road route to Sydney University. I rode through the university to Glebe and went down the commuter route through Glebe Street and on through Broadway behind the University of Technology. Followed the route along the road behind the Entertainment centre and eventually crossed the road and onto the Pyrmont Bridge. I rode up the King Street Bike lane to Kent Street. I followed Kent Street to the Rocks and found my way to the Harbour Bridge cycleway. I was proud as I crossed the Harbour bridge. Once I got to Milsons Point I went looking for some water and found that the old water fountain has been removed.

I crossed the bridge again and found a water fountain near the observatory. I found my way to George Street where I got some mince, bread and a iced chocolate at the Coles up the road from Martin Place. I then rode to Central Station using the bus lane and took the train back to Ruth’s Place.

The Gong ride contribution to a grand for charty 90Km

Before the ride on the first of November, I was weighing up my options for doing this ride or going on the Fitz’s challenge. I know people who live in the Dapto area who were keen to have me around after I finished. I also thought it would be a good ride to do (as it always is). I haven’t done Fitz’s challenge yet and will definitely do it next year. I decided to do the Gong ride this year because I needed something that would remind me of the people who I rode with in Sydney. I also wanted to do it because it is a good ride.

Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club has a team in the Gong ride bust so did Pedal Power.  In the end as much as I wanted to ride with Dulwich Hill, I signed up with Pedal Power in the hope that I would meet other cyclist from the ACT. I signed up then contacted the team organiser Chris Mann. It turned out he had done some research with Google and knew something about me from Sydney cyclist and other forums.

I arranged to meet Chris and the other riders at Steel Park, St Peters in the morning around 7.30. I took myself and the Red Hybrid to Dapto the night before and got myself settled down. In the morning I got myself ready and took the down to Dapto station in time for the train to St Peters. I was expecting an older train as I was told that an old red rattler was used by city rail last time to bring riders from the Illawarra to the start point at St Peters. However we got the usual train that is used on the Illawarra, Hunter and Blue Mountains lines and it made a good difference. I got to the start point on time. I hung out and absorbed the atmosphere for a while waiting for Chris and the other riders to appear.  I know St Peters very well. I have rode through the area many times and knew some of the Cafe’s and Pubs on the lower end of King Street.

Chris finally showed up and I met the other riders. They were mostly older riders. Chris and I were the younger riders. We had the usual hiatus at the start point, getting the last-minute things done and then had the team photo. I will see if I can get any of the photos on to this site as soon as I can.  We were also delayed at the start because of safety concerns as the traffic lights along the Princes Highway were delaying riders. Everyone was also reminded about an incident that occurred earlier in the week where a cyclist using the Parramatta T-way had got involved in a road rage incident and attacked a bus driver. This incident had got a lot of media attention including the usual trolls from the Terror and the likes of John (Bong Head) Birmingham and Miranda Divine.

When we finally got underway I had a good look around for Dulwich Hill riders and only noticed some who must have one the training ride to Waterfall and were on their way back. I also enjoyed a good look at some of my old haunts around Tempe, Sydenham and later Brighton Le Sands. We rode as a group for a while before we wound up being separated.

We went through some of the best areas in the St George area and enjoyed a good run to the first rest point at Loftus. After a comfort stop I got the customary muffin and cup of coffee and got myself ready to carry on. I caught up with some people I know from my days as a St John volunteer in Sydney and caught up with them for a while before finally getting under way.

As we rode through the Shire I caught up with Chris and discussed the differences between Canberra and Sydney as regards cycling culture. It turns out Chris has done some time in Sydney and was used to commuting to the CBD with the cars doing less speed than his bicycle. He also has some family in the Illawarra and had caught up with them every so often. He has done a lot of rides in NSW and was fully aware of the cycling and road culture in Sydney. I have met Canberrans who were not aware of the differences in road rules and other issues.

We finally got to the stage where we went through the Royal National Park and it was here that the group split up again. The ride went well and I was able to make good time getting to the clearing where lunch was served.  It was here that I caught up with Brian Yap – a member of Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club and MASSBUG. He was riding his recumbent. I think his recumbent was the only one I saw that day. We discussed the ride and how Dulwich Hill was going. Apparently the Saturday Slowies Group is getting big and is more often split into 2 groups. for the ride to and from Centennial Park. I also found out that everything was fine with MASSBUG which was pleasing to hear.

After Lunch I set off down the escarpment to Lawrence Hargraves drive. I made to the lookout and then began the descent to Wollongong. It was on Lawrence Hargraves Drive that  I copped a puncture in the front tyre. It happened a the worst time and in the worst area. I was able to dismount and begin working on it although I had to put myself and the bike on the other side of the crash barrier as the police were holding back the cars at the start of the road and were letting them through in dribs and drabs. I began working on the puncture when I found that the valve on the pump had gone. Fortunately there was a guy on the other side of the road who had a pump but no spare tube. I asked him for a lend of his pump and he tossed it over. Unfortunately for me it was too high and it got caught in the tree behind where I was.  I was on the sloping side of the road and had to almost climb the tree get the pump ( I held onto a branch and jumped/swung out and got the pump) and then had to fight my way back to the bike. While  was getting the spare tube in the traffic passed and there were some interesting looks and a laugh from one of the lazy weak bastards in a XR6. I got the tyre pumped up and was joined by some of the roving mechanical helpers who were patrolling the course. I bought a new spare tube and headed off after giving the other rider his pump with the welcome news that he was lucky it didn’t go further down.  I also saw some of the Dulwich Hill riders including Simon Sharwood riding back to Sydney.

I got myself under way and eventually got on to the Sea Cliff bridge. I was eager to catch up with some of the people ahead and began to ride hard in some parts. I calmed down by the time I made it to the fruit stop at Scarborough. I got the tyre pumped up with the floor pump at the mechanics that were stationed at the Fruit stop and after a couple of bananas, I got myself under way. I began to enjoy the scenery as I went further along the beginning of the Illawarra region.

When we finally reached the outskirts of Wollongong I picked up the pace a little. We joined a bike path briefly and went through Woonona and Bellambi before reaching Fairy Meadow on the final stretches of the ride.  It was good to reach the finish. I wound up meeting Brian again and we went all out to join the DHBC group at the Five Islands Brewery. We got to the brewery as the others were leaving. I caught up with Geoff and Marion and found out that it was indeed their tandem that was in a Bicycling Australia magazine article on Mudgee.

After all of the days exertions it was good to relax with a Dapto Draught and some wedges at the brewery. After I caught up with Brian, I headed back to Dapto via the train. I got myself washed and then headed home to catch up with Mum and Dad.

The Rotary Scenic Cycle Tour of Canberra Total contribution to the Grand for Charity 77.4 Km

This one is old, so old it has whiskers. It has been difficult to get the time to write the full account of this particular ride but I have the time and the inclination and the access to the internet so I will do it now.

On the 27^th of September 2009 I took part in the Rotary Scenic Cycle Tour of Canberra. I did it on the Green Trek. I had little training as it was the first ride back from the winter break which seems to put a lot of cycling events on hold.

This ride is one that I have always had in the back of my mind as being one I would like to do. It is one of the rides that builds local riders up for the Fitz’s challenge and other rides later in the season. I was still living at the Pavilion on Northbourne and was toying with the idea of doing the century but had let the opportunity pass me by. However there was a guy at work Andrew who was doing the ride and I decided to give it a try. I signed up and got myself in for the five peaks ride.

In the morning I got myself up bright and early and made the bike ready. I had a couple of energy bars which I put in the new rack bag. I also made sure I had some gear for a change in the weather conditions and took a rain jacket. I filled the bidons and headed out to Blundells cottage by Lake Burley Griffin.

I got there in time to get myself ready for the ride and did a few mechanical checks.

During these checks I found I needed some air in the tyres and borrowed a floor pump from another rider. I also caught up with Andrew and some of his friends. In contrast to the Green Trek, he rode an Avanti Blade and was ready for some longish riding. He had also done some training so I knew he was going to have an easier time of it than I would.

The format of the ride is something I am going to have to get used to. Riders ride to certain points in the course and collect stamps on a card at a check point. This I have been informed is to keep some of the Audax people happy. When it came time to head off our first destination was going to be Mount Pleasant.

Mount Pleasant as the name suggests was an easy hill for those who were in good shape. I made it up the hill and was amazed at the number of riders on this ride. Some came from local triathlon and cycling clubs and were well prepared. We went through Duntroon and up to the Royal Australian Artillery memorial where there was a guy with a caravan stamping cards. I got some more water here and was better prepared than at the start. I also got some bickies which were good for energy.

Next on the agenda was Mt Ainslie. Which was the 6km point but a extremely steep hill. I found myself using an old point from someone who told me about cycle touring which was to just stay in the lowest gear and keep riding. I made sure that is what I did. Mt Ainslie is like heartbreak hill for City to Surf runners. It flattens out a bit, giving the rider the impression that they are near the top and then resumes climbing again. I made it to the top by just banging away. I got the card stamped and then began the descent down the hill.

After descending Mt Ainslie I got talking to a guy on a road bike he knew Canberra and had a fair idea of how we were going to get to the next destination – Black Mountain. We went through town, down Anzac parade, through Constitution Avenue (and past my place of work) through London Circuit and Marcus Clark Street and through the ANU.

We then joined a path that lead to Black Mountain, where the climbing was as steep as Mt Ainslie but not as long. It was at this stage I saw Andrew again as they were going down the mountain. I just tackled Black Mountain with the same tactics as I took on Mt Ainslie, just kept in the lowest gear and rode up the mountain. I got the card stamped again and went to the toilets at the Black Mountain tower. I have since been up the tower and found it is quite a view.

After descending this hill there was some more gentler riding to the next mountain. Mount Stromlo. The course followed some bike paths which lead to a point near the Governor General’s official residence. There was a lunch stop which was welcome. There is a photo which I will post later of me getting an iceblock. I was the only rider to take one. The weather was bad and all the riders including myself copped the wind and the rain. After the Lunch stop we wound up going through a number of bike paths that took us through Belconnen. It was here that I had a puncture and set to work fixing it. I got the job done and wound up being the last rider ride on to Mt Stromlo.

With a guy driving a four wheel drive as the Sag wagon behind me I rode through to the Cotter area and then began the ascent of Mt Stromlo. Mt Stromlo has been badly affected by the fires in 2003. There is still ruins of the old telescopes. I found the going on Mt Stromlo hard because of the exhaustion but also the problem of magpies. When I made it to the summit I met an old guy in an old Toyota van. It turns out he is the president of pedal power and was making sure I made it to the summit (as I was the last rider) and that I was OK to continue. I assured him that I was fine and would proceed on to Red Hill. I got the bidons filled with water again and then rode down Mt Stromlo and went through Duffy, Rivett and other suburbs before reaching the bike path near the Cotter Road.

According to the instructions (which I still have there was supposed to be another food stop/checkpoint at the Governor Generals residence. This was open for the Australiana trust which was collecting donations for people to have a look at it and the Prime Ministers residence – the lodge.

I got to the point where the check point was supposed to be and found that they had gone. I asked one of the Australiana trust people to sign off on the card but they wouldn’t. After a brief exchange of words I left leaving the old fool on to continue hanging around outside the guard room.

I finally found my way towards Red Hill and encountered the president of Pedal Power again. He stamped the card and I told him I was going to do Red Hill. He stamped the card for that check point as the people there had been told I may have given up.

I began the ascent and found myself looking at some very beautiful scenery. I rode up the hill and around the lookout. I then went and got myself some more water for the end of the ride. After a brief look at the view I headed down the hill and through some suburbs, around the Parliament and down Kings Avenue. I was relieved when I joined the bike path and rode up to Blundells cottage. I got a show bag from the Canberra Times (the volunteers were packing and had a lot to spare). The president of Pedal Power showed up and gave me a cheer.

I had some lunch in Commonwealth Park and headed back to the Pavilion. I put the Green Trek into the luggage room and had a hot shower and had some dinner in Dickson.

As seen from Canberra bike paths.

This post will have to be the one with the least amount of words but the most photos. Next week I will be updating you all on the last couple of charity rides I have done – The tour of Canberra’s Hills – the equivilant of Sydney Spring Cycle and the Gong ride which I did with Pedal Power.

Exploring Canberra by bike – the Red Book

For those who know I have joined Pedal Power the ACT equivalent of Bicycle NSW. I have been able to get a couple of rides with Pedal Power in on Saturdays. These rides are similar to MASSBUG rides with the riders being a mixture of ages and led by an experienced ride leader.

Like the MASSBUG rides the leader has planned the ride weeks if not Months in advance and has been able to take us to some interesting places. On the first ride we went to Reid and saw the Turkish memorial to the ANZACs and their service in Korea along side troops from New Zealand and Australia.  Last Saturday we went to the ACT bushfire memorial to the fires that happened in 2003 and destroyed most of Mt Stromlo and several suburbs.

The Saturday rides all finish at a cafe. On the first ride it finished at a cafe in Dickson and on the last one we finished at Weston Creek.  I have enjoyed these rides although they are not as fast as the rides with Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club. I am still considering joining either the Tuggeranong Vikings Cycling Club or the ACT Vets Cycling Club. I will make a decision as soon as I have been able to get in on a training ride.

I have also purchased the famous Red Book of  rides which outlines some good places to ride in Canberra. On thursday I went on a ride to Belconnen and back to Civic after work. The day was hot and dry. The temperatures were in the 30s so I was drinking water most of the day to keep myself hydrated for this ride. I was able to get a good ride in although it was just a exploratory ride, the route was mapped out in the Red Book and it used a lot of the ACT’s bike paths to Belconnen. I started from Weston Park where I rode to after work. I then went through Yarralumla past the Governor General’s residance and then around the lake and Scrivenor Dam.

I then took the path that lead to Parkes Drive near the ANU and got talking to some rodies. It is interesting here in the ACT given that a lot of people ride road bikes  (not just the guys in clubs wearing lycra). The riders are also friendly and when I stopped to check things out they did ask if I was allright or needed directions. I rode along the bike path under Parkes way and then encountered what would normally be a slight rise. I say this because it was either the heat or the lack of preparation that really sapped my strength. I was riding the Katana and lacked the range of gears that either the Trek, Red Hybrid or Black Magic has. I continued on however and got to Belconnen way.

After a wrong turn I got back on to the route suggested in the Red book and went up Benjamin Way. I then took the path around Lake Ginninderra and noticed the transition from urban suburb to what would be almost European farm land (yellow not Green however). I rode around that lake and would have gone on past the University of Canberra but took a few more wrong turns and wound up back in suburban Canberra. I rode through some of the northern suburbs. Some of which resembled housing commission suburbs in Sydney.

I finally found myself on familiar territory when I got to Lyneham. When I got there I took the bike path I know leads to Dickson and then took myself up Northbourne Avenue back to Woden via Adelaide Avenue. It was a really good ride but one I will have to repeat again to make sure I get the benifit of the good landmarks.

Canberra Cycling

Everyone who read the last post will know I wanted to write something about Canberra. To update everyone, I moved to the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) in September for work. I have cycled in the ACT on a number of previous occasions. It is a nice area although it has its issues.

I was put up for 3 weeks in the Pavillion on Northbourne – a motel with Serviced Apartments. It was reasonable but lacked cooking facilities. I took the Green Trek there and began riding to work in my second week. There are more people cycling to work in the ACT than there are in Sydney.  I feel that this is due to their superior facilities. To get to Customs House, I rode down the bike lane on Northbourne Avenue and then went left into London Circuit and then rode down Constitution Avenue. I then took a left into Allara Street and then went up a lane and then rode into the basement car park (there are more bicycles parked there than cars.

While I was in the Pavillion I had to look for permanent accommodation. I found a unit in Mawson and I keep the bikes inside.  I now use the bike path from Mawson to Adelaide avenue where there is on road cycling facilities which I take to State circuit and then ride over the bridge over Lake Burley Griffin. I then ride around a block so I can get to London Circuit and then do as I did before

I have yet to get a locker – there is a waiting list and I am on it. I keep a suit bag with my office clothes in the office. I leave it over night in the locker room and take it with me after I get dressed.

The process is a bit different for the ride home. I ride up Northbourne and then take State Circuit. I then go up Adelaide Avenue and follow it all the way to Woden. I then use all of the on road facilities until I get to Hindmarsh Drive where I go onto the  bike path.  I then take the bike path back to Mawson and from there get back to my unit.

So far the trouble from idiotic motorists has just been the issue of space invaders on the on road facilities and some abuse from idiots. One of which sounded his horn while I was riding up Northbourne Avenue on the way to the Sutton Roadhouse on the Federal Highway (they make good milkshakes!).

I recently joined Pedal Power the local equivalent of Bicycle NSW. I signed up on their website and went to their office and bought the red book which was loaded with some interesting rides. They run a large number of social rides. I went on one last week which left from Acton ferry terminal.

It was quite a mixed group mostly older riders. There was some people my age there. I broke the ice with a few people. I met a couple on a tandem – I enjoyed talking with them. The ride went from Acton around Lake Burley Griffin into Reid, behind the war memorial and on to a cafe in Dickson. It was from there that everyone went their separate ways. It wasn’t quite the training ride that I was expecting but it wasn’t bad.

I went on to a bicycle shop in Lyneham, I was browsing there and saw some single speed bikes. Apparently this shop in Lyneham specialises in single speed and fixed gear bikes. It is quite a good shop. I went there yesterday and got a new seat post for the Shogun Katana. It was fitted and is a vast improvement on the original seatpost. 

I got to test ride one of the SE Drafts they had on the rack. It has been a bike I was looking at ordering off the internet because they are cheap. As with everything cheap there is a reason. In fact I found out why there have been some critical comments on the internet about this bike. It weighed about the same as the Katana (which by the way had 2 chain rings + 7 cogs at the back and 2 bidons with water in them and a wedge pack with spare tube and tools and a rear light!!!!). This was due to the fact that the SE Draft is made of High Tensile Steel and has a number of heavy low end parts. It has a BMX style one piece crank set. This would make it difficult to fit SPD pedals (I would have to get a set of adaptors if I were to make it work). I also eyed up a Mongoose Maurice HiTen- it is a smilar story to the  SE Draft. Unlike it’s more expensive cromoly brother it is 11.25 kgs and and it is made up of low grade parts.  It would make a good project but I will wait a bit more before deciding if I buy a single speed.

I have enjoyed riding in Canberra and will be looking at joining a club soon. I know there are 3 potential clubs that would be good fun to join. There is the Canberra Cycling Club – which is affiliated to Cycling Australia. The Tuggeranong Vikings Cycling Club which is also affiliated to Cycling Australia and the ACT Vets which is affiliated to the veterans cycling organisation. I have heard there are some informal training rides but I will wait and see what happens as regards joining a club.

In any case there is plenty of variety in the cycling events in the ACT. I was able to catch up with Lindsay Munks and some of the people from Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club at Mount Stromlo for the Scott 24 hour race. They had a ball and Lindsay won some good gear. It was good catching up with them. I was interested in the 24 hour race and gave Mountain biking some thought. The race is an event for the Canberra Off Road Cyclists. They are a mountain bike Club with good local connections so it would be useful to keep them in mind should I go in for mountain biking.

I have found the ACT interesting and will post another post soon on the Tour of Canberra’s hills as soon as I find the time.

Magda Szubanski the woman living in a glass house who threw stones

I was hoping to write a good post about riding in the Australian Capital Territory. I was hoping to write a good post about new experiences cycling in a great place with good people and with excellent facilities. However today I am writing the first post since I moved to Canberra about an ugly rant by an unfunny comedian Magda Szubanski.

Magda Szubanski is the female equivalent of Mikey Robins – a comedian who used self depreciating humour regarding her obesity. Recently she decided to lose the weight by going on the Jenny Craig program and has now become the poster girl for Jenny Craig. It probably pays for her to promote its products (Jenny Craig is extremely expensive) as it does for other formerly flabby celebrities.

Her success with the Jenny Craig program had a good run in the press, including the usual blurbs in the women’s magazines and the newspapers. There was even an interview on the television news. However there was a moment when the wannabee shock jock on Today FM Kyle Sandilands came said words to the effect that Magda would lose more weight if she were put in a concentration camp. Immediately there was an outcry. Kyle who had come off a suspension for questioning a 14-year-old rape victim about her sex life. Was suspended again and sent to counselling.  There is still speculation as to if his show will return after the Christmas break.

On Good News Week a television program that sends up current affairs Magda took part in a segment which encourages participants to rant about something which irritates them. During this segment she ranted about cyclists on Beach Road Melbourne, saying “a four-lane highway is not your gym”. She continued to rant like a small child who missed out on a lolly about cyclists in lycra with their “bums in the air”. The rant was pretty much the usual crap that comes out of News Limited papers such as the Daily Terror or the Herald Sun. One would have thought that she had taken to ghost writing some of the crap used by Anita Ugly.  Until she and her fellow alleged comedian Julia Morris started coming out with “just drive and take them out” and ”open the [car] door!”

Thankfully, I didn’t actually see the actual show. I saw the unedited version of the rant on YouTube. When I saw it I was disgusted. I thought about Ali a mate of mine who was killed while looking for a route to ride to work.

Ali was a keen cyclist and he was encouraged to ride to work by his workmates in Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service AQIS. He lived in Belmore. I work for Customs and we were working at the International Mail Centre in Clyde. Customs, AQIS and Australia Post. I initially thought it would be a real physical challenge for anyone to ride from Belmore to Clyde. 

Ali made it as far as Auburn. He got doored by an elderly woman and struck by a four wheel drive . It was a real shock for his workmates in AQIS and everyone at Clyde.  As Wade Wallace who runs cyclingtipsblog.com said in the Melbourne Age ”every cyclist out there is probably about one or two people removed from knowing someone who has been killed or is in a wheelchair… That’s where it hits home pretty hard.”

This episode has led to some interesting stuff on the web. On one had we have had the Terror opening its article on the issue for comment and bringing out the usual bogans as only News Ltd can. On the other hand someone has come up with
http://twitpic.com/josl4 which basicaly a spoof of her environment week advert. There is now a Facebook group Magda Szubanski – Cyclist Hater. I thought it would be worth while posting this quote from a Melbourne cyclist who survived an incident on Beach Road
“My name is Michael Forbes. 15 months ago I was hit by a truck and ricocheted into a parked car whilst riding my bicycle on Beach Road. The accident was absolutely no fault of my own and I am now a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. GNW has always been my favourite hour of television and nothing has made me more angry than last night’s episode. For someone who is getting paid to lose weight to carry on like that last night showed no understanding of how to live a healthy lifestyle and keep that weight off. Beach Road gets more cycle traffic than car traffic on the weekend and it is best that they do not use the bike path as it would not take long for a child to be struck by a cyclist at speed. So excuse me if I have taken this comedy show a little bit seriously in this segment but could you imagine my anger as somebody goes on a rant about knocking cyclist off their bikes on the exact road that life as I knew it ended? Especially someone who is respected in this community. I can honestly say I have not been more angry than right now in my entire life. When my wife makes her way into a cafe wearing her cycling outfit by losing weight through exercise to meet me in my wheelchair, if you are there Magda be sure to expect me to introduce myself. This rant from my perspective is infinitely worse than Kyle’s effort on the radio.”

I agree with Michael in fact the “apology” is that came about as a result of the public pressure from the internet was such I had to go looking for the remorse. You can read it below:

“I am so sorry that the skit on bikers has caused offence. There are so many safety issues surrounding cyclists. Motorists need to become much more aware of cyclists on the road. My belief is that responsible cycling is to use bike paths where possible and if it’s not possible, to be extra careful on the roads.

We all make mistakes and the point is that hopefully we learn from them. Clearly my joke has brought to light that there are frustrations amongst cyclists and motorists. Hopefully some good will come of this and it will help promote useful dialogue between the two groups where some of these frustrations can be worked through in a productive way.

I am a bike rider from way back and in fact have been planning to buy a new bike. As a gesture of solidarity I have offered to participate in Bicycle Victoria’s sector of the National Ride to Work
Day on 14th October. Apologies again.

Magda.

And, yes, I will be wearing lycra.”

 I wonder how this effort will lead to ” useful dialogue between the two groups (I assume cyclists and motorists) where some of these frustrations can be worked through in a productive way”.

My own message for Magda is that the holocaust about which Kyle Sandilands joked was brought on by German contempt for Poles and Polish Jews in particular. They used words like subhuman to describe both Poles and Jews, pretty much in the same way that moronic motorists use similar words to target cyclists. In Nazi Europe it was OK to kill, maim or injure Jews so much so that Concentration Camps were used to bring this aim about. The contempt for nonmotorised road users in our roads legislation is such that the penalties for killing, maiming or injuring someone on our roads is best described as a joke – perhaps the only one that should have been highlighted in this sad and sorry saga. For the record Channel 10 is not innocent either. The GNW was not shown live and the producers chose to broadcast Magda’s comments.

My last ride in Sydney

On Friday I got up and rode to Office Works in Camperdown. It is easy to get to, all you have to do is go through Sydney University and then get to Ross Street. The Office Works shop is directly opposite the uni. I bought myself a Kodak camera to use the going away party.

I then rode to work and got myself ready for the party and the cleaning out of the locker. I got through the party alright, but found had a bit of difficulty taking all the remaining stuff from my locker. There was a bit of head scratching as I worked out how to put a coffee percolator and the other gear into the pannier and a day pack. I used the you beaut Aussie invention Occy Straps to secure some of the gear in a plastic box to the rear rack. I also had to hang a green bag with stuff in it and a pair of boots from the rack before heading off.

It kind of worked. Some stuff came off before I left and some of the razors, pens, and a shaving brush wound up under a bus. However when I repacked the goods again it all worked. I did get some interesting looks from police who were talking to people on South Street Tempe. I made sure I got home OK.

When I got back home I unpacked some of the gear from the bike into the car. I did another ride back to work to make sure that I had not left anything along the way. The police were still at South Street and I found nothing so I did reasonably well. I got myself home and moved the rest of my stuff into the car.

On Saturday I got up and 5.00am as I usually do on a Saturday for my ride. I had already got the bike and the riding gear ready the night before. I got myself fed and ready and rode out for Saturday Slowies. The day was shaping up to be a find spring day for Sydney.  I got to Mick Mazza’s before any one else had turned up.

I watched as one bunch of riders rode down Marrickville Road. After a while the riders began to turn up. Some of the riders knew that this was to be my last Saturday Slowies ride from a post I put on Sydney Cyclist. At one stage we had about fourteen riders at the start and we were to collect more as we went on.

We headed off and rode up Illawarra road toward town. We turned into Newington Street and had a dream ride up the hill to Enmore. We had a reasonable ride through Enmore and Newtown. We got to Redfern and we had the only fly in the ointment. An idiot in a Four Wheel Drive decided to rev his engine and then over take the bunch over double unbroken lines and then roared along only to be stopped two hundred meters along at the traffic lights.  His petrol and car maintenance not mine.

We rolled through Surrey Hills and into Moore Park. We then rode into Centennial Park where I had a good look around as I rode. I did one regular lap before I did the hills with a lap. I noticed the Triathletes having issues, one of their coaches was screaming at them because of a mistake. It was a good day to be out and about in Sydney. The sun was out, the sky was clear and the traffic was minimalist. 

On one of the hills I got talking to Lindsay as he was doing his preparation for the Mont. I would love to see how he does on the Mont and  I will definately make time to see how they go when the go for that ride in Canberra.

I returned to the group at the traditional time and we headed off back to Marrickville. We had a reasonably good ride back to Marrickville.  It was quite a good ride. I have done the Slowies ride for about 2 years and have found it to be a very good introduction to cycle training.

We got to the Marrickville Road Cafe, where we have coffee at the end of our rides. I got talking to people about their up coming rides. I was sitting near some new riders who asked me if I do the Sunday ride to Waterfall. I had to break it to them that I don’t and won’t be doing that ride.  I got talking to the other regular riders and got the photo taken under the 3 signs. On the forum on the Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club website the Marrickville road Cafe signs has become a celebrity landmark. I hope one day I will see it and the riders I have ridden with again.

It turns out that there will be another Fixie Century ride that will happen on the same day as the Gong Ride. Lindsay has planned that in fine detail. Suzy has been retrenched and is looking for work. I thought she was in a secure job in the HR department of Stockland. It turns out the jobs done by her and an offsider have been combined and offered as a senior managment job. She is now looking atgoing into the public sector.  She cited work – life balance. I promised Lindsay I would try to turn up and catch up with them at the Mont in Canberra.

After we all left for our individual activities, I went home and finished my packing. I took off and went to Deus Ex Machina to do some browsing. I went to Glebe and bought my Fathers day present. I decided to have my last meal in Sydney at a place I like – the Badde Manners Cafe on Glebe Point Road. My last meal in Sydney was a piece of Hungarian Cheese Cake and a skinny latte. I then went back to mum and dad’s place, where I got myself ready for the trip to Canberra.

The actual photos from the tale of 2 rides

I was told by a reader that I hadn’t successfully posted all the photos from thelast post,so here they are Thanks Vera (you know who you are!)

Tale of two rides

Adora cafe

On Friday I borrowed a camera for Fridays ride to Bronti for a ride to watch the sun rise. Some would wonder why anyone would bother getting up at 4.00am to watch the sun rise. However watching the sun rise over the sea can be a pleasure. I got up at 4.00am and rode Black Magic down to Bronti.

The traffic at 04.30 was quite good. I was able to ride all the way down Unwins Bridge Road and then rode most of the way up King Street. I was able to turn into Wilson street and rode all the way to Little Everleigh street with out any traffic. I was quite fast and it was a bit surreal riding through King Street Newtown.

When I got to Redfern I was able to ride all the way up Redfern Street and followed the Saturday Slowies route to Centennial Park. The thing that struck me about riding at this time was the number of other cyclists out and about at that time. I was followed from Wilson Street through to Redfern Street by a roadie and I met other commuters at Centennial Park.

When I got to Centennial Park I found myself riding to Bronti along the road that goes up from the TAFE opposite the park. I made it up the hill and then rolled through the streets of Waverly. I rode into Bronti after I got lost looking for Gaerloch street. I found myself near Tamarama. I found the spot where I had last watched the sunrise and got myself set up I took some before photos. Yes they are almost useless with the sky still dark. But when considered with the other photos things became interesting. I waited and waited and watched the sky turn from black to grey and then clearing to a beautiful azure.

The running track behind the place where I had set up became busier and I noticed an increase in the traffic on the streets near where I was waiting. Eventually the sun began to rise and I took the photos of Bronti, Tamarama and Bondi. Eventually things got to the point where I packed up and rode to work. I rode through Tama, to Bronti and then went through Charring Cross and Waverly to Centennial Park.

As I got closer to Centennial Park the idiot level of driving grew. I rode into work, through Newtown, Marrickville and used the Cooks River Cycle path to make right into work. I was amazed at the number of riders out and about early on a cool spring morning in Sydney.

In contrast yesterdays ride was interesting ride. I as a prologue I did the Saturday Slowies ride with Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club as I usually do.While I was waiting for the ride to begin I met Simon Sharwood, who told me Mike had decided to have a go at the hands free record. I asked if this would be the world, Australian or club record but was told it was a record. Eventually more riders turned up and we were joined by many a new face. This included a couple who were Audax riders. They were a lovely couple but the reminded me of a power couple for some reason.

We took off for Centennial with just over twenty riders. We broke the group into two bunches. I rode with the last bunch. We had a few riders who were obviously new and in one case was using new cleated pedals which they were not used to. Mike joined us and we stuck at the back after the guy with the new pedals almost came off.  We had to shepherd the riders at the rear when the bunch broke up. However we got the bunch to Centennial Park.  We all went about doing what we normally do but eventually I caught up with Mike and Weiyun opposite the cafe.

Mike took off on his fixie with his hands either by his side or on his hips. I went off to follow him as a witness if required and he dropped me riding on his fixie. Mike made the record or so I am told and he got some photos done. I don’t know if it is official but I would say that it is pretty much up there.

When we got back to the Marrickville Road Cafe we had the usual coffee and raisin toast and other goodies. We also had our good old chat. I found the power couple charming. I was still confronted with what to do for the rest of the day.

 I did not have anywhere to go afterward so I contemplated my options. I had thought about riding to Penrith. It was one of my favourite rides when I began riding but some uncertainty over the diversions to the prospect reservoir ruled it out.

I decided I would go to Olympic Park and have a look at the Newington Armory. I needed a second bidon cage and went to Cell Bikes in Stanmore to get it. I rode to the shop in Stanmore and found myself eying up a pair of shy shorts which I could use for commuting in Canberra. I picked up a bidon cage and went to pay for them and found that I had left my wallet back at home. With the radio story of a female cyclist being struck by an idiotic P plater ringing in my ears I rode back home to pick it up.

I returned to Cell Bikes and completed the purchase. I got lunch at Subway in Stanmore and then headed off to the Cooks River Cycleway, via some of the streets in Hurlstone Park. I took the photo of the Hurlstone Park war memorial after the smoke had cleared from a car hoon’s doughnuts. I then rode on to the Cooks River and rode up to Olympic Park.

When I got to Olympic Park I met a guy who had been cycle touring. He had is bike panniers loaded and was going to head back to Queensland as soon as he could. I rode to the lookout area and took the photos of the surrounding wetlands and how the urban growth encroaches on them. I then rode on to the Newington Armory which is an old munitions depot near Olympic Park. It is now a museum and art space. I took some photos there.

While I was at the armory it turned out that there was an art exhibition on. I decided I would go and have a look at the exhibition after I had a look around. I have been on Army bases before and took some photos of the armory because some of it is extremely old. Some of the buildings were built in the 19th century. I was on my way to the art exhibition when I came off after my wheels got stuck in the tracks. I landed heavily on my right side and have bruised my right thigh and my right shoulder. I was helped up by a couple walking close by.

I went to the exhibition after I had sorted myself out. It was quite interesting. There was an installation and one of the oddest treatments of a drawing I have ever seen. There was a room hived off with black curtains. On the curtains was pinned a sign saying “This exhibition contains material that may offend. Viewing recommended only for those over the age of 15″. Curious I went into the room and found it only contained a large drawing of the female pubic area. In my opinion there are few people who would be offended and many people over the age of 15 have seen this time and again. There was a video installation of a cover of Bette Middler’s “Industry”, which was set in the armory grounds. It was a good exhibition.

I got myself together and rode to Olympic Park which was being set up for the Bledisloe Cup match that evening. I had an iced coffee and headed off. I got back home and got myself together to catch up with Ruth.