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| 18 september 2024 |
Your Bike North News
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|  | Drum Roll for Active Members and Ride Leaders!
As this item is being written, on Sunday 15 September, we can celebrate some great achievements through Activ8.
In just two weeks of Activ8, we have ridden 30 Bike North rides. That equates to our recent average of total monthly rides. The great story though, using the K-Tel marketing slogan, “but wait, there’s more!” is that we already have an additional 15 rides listed for the rest of the month, with more to come. Keep an eye on the calendar and register for a ride.
Members have also been getting out on rides. Over the 30 rides so far, we have had 210 registrations and (drum roll please) have ridden 10,512km in just two weeks! There must be some tired legs out there. There are rides for everyone, but if there is a particular ride you’d like to see listed, email info@bikenorth.org.au with your request. There are no guarantees, but let’s see what our ride leaders can organise. Let’s keep Activ8’ing for the balance of the month. Enjoy the benefits of fitness, of meeting other Bike North members, and also enjoying a good excuse for that cake at the coffee stop!
Brian Lynne, Activ8 Champion (and statistician)
|  | Have You Activ8-ed?
. . . Ian Neuhaus has
Ian joined us on Trilogy last week, this being his second ride with Bike North. With his time split between Canada and Sydney, Ian is trying to get fit for this year’s Gong Ride and has joined the Bike North team. Having ridden extensively 30 years ago, but not much recently, Bike North rides give the opportunity to re-discover former skills in bike handling and enjoy the company of other cyclists.
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. . . Michael Abraham has!
Michael has been a long time member of Bike North, has ridden Audax and some of the most challenging courses in Australia. In recent years, family work, and his new toy, a Ducati sports motorbike, have taken up all of his time, but he is now determined to get back on his Pinarello road bike and regain some fitness. He was understanding, when told, that the Ducati probably wasn't suitable for our Bike North ride, despite how well it handled hills. | | |
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Even Spikey is Activ8ed!
It seems like it is not only Bike North Members who are Activ8ed in September.
Not only are members rushing to join rides but this photo of "Spikey" the Echidna was snapped by Ray Leach. Spikey was hurrying to join the Lane Cove River Roll last Sunday. If he/she had registered we would have waited!
Ian Meller, Ride Leader
Below is a photo of the group who enjoyed the ride (and registered)
Editor - feel free to send other wildlife photos that you can snap while you're riding (but stopped) to news@bikenorth.org.au .
| | |  |  | More Tips on Cameras and Mount Options
Continuing on from the recent article ( Cameras to Capture Your Ride) on safety cameras, this article looks at options to mount a safety camera to your bike. If you’re on a Bike North ride and see another rider with a camera, ask them for their experiences. As cyclists, don’t we all love to chat, especially over a coffee.
If you purchase a Garmin or Cycliq integrated camera/light, this can often replace any existing rear light you may have mounted on the seat post. If you wish to keep your existing light, could it be relocated to somewhere else, a seat stay, or perhaps the back of your saddle bag if there is suitable mount option.
Most action cams, have ‘folding fingers’ (2 tabs which slide between corresponding tabs on a mount - Gopro mount) and is relatively universal, resulting in a wide variety of mount options. If you are fortunate enough to have space on your seat tube, there are dedicated seat tube mounts [1]. If you do not utilise a saddle bag, there are seat rail mounts [2]. (Number references are contained in the full article in the News section of our website - Click here
Martin Bowesman, Ride Leader
| | | Now Something to go with that . . . Fake Fur!
Now that you've read about cameras to record your rides, here is a great video tip to help with recording your rides and improving the sound quality on your recordings.
And the answer has something to do with Fake Fur!
Click here or on the button below for this week's video tip.
|  | Get Ready for Summer Cycling
Winter’s gone, and most cyclists would be happy to leave those frosty mornings behind. Trying to get enough layers on, without looking like “The Michelin Man” is always a challenge so the Summer warmth is always welcome but Summer has its own challenges.
So, what do you need to do to safely cycling in Summer?
Direct sunlight is one of the major issues. If you are in the sun, without sunscreen or other protection, you will start to burn after as little as 15 minutes, or less for fair skinned people, and this can result in various skin cancers. Consider the following:
1. Cover up as much as possible. Light weight cycling sleeves and longer nicks will help. Don’t forget that the sun can also get you through the vents in your helmet. A good helmet cap, such as the Bike North cap will assist in preventing sunburn.
2. Apply sunscreen. The Cancer Council recommends the use of SPF50+, which should be reapplied each two hours if swimming or sweating. It’s best to apply well before exercise but you should also reapply at the coffee break.
3. Wear good sunglasses. Your eyes are as susceptible to VU radiation so get sunglasses with a high UV rating that fit well around your face. UV can get in the sides of poor fitting glasses, not to mention bugs. No one wants to cop a bug in the eye during their favourite descent.
For more information to prepare for summer cycling read the full article here
Brian Lynne, Ride Leader |
Ku-ring-gai Sustainable Futures Day
Ku-ring-gai Council is again holding their successful annual Sustainable Futures Day! This year on Saturday 19 October, Cameron Park in Turramurra. It’s a fun day out showcasing healthy, sustainable and low-cost lifestyles. More details here Sustainable Futures Day Ku-ring-gai (nsw.gov.au).
The Day will include an active transport stall and Council have asked Bike North to participate in the stall. There will be no organisation required except to turn up. Help promote Bike North and active transport by participating. Email Lyness Beavis (lyness09@gmail.com) or advocacy@bikenorth.org.au if you are able to spare an hour or two.
Come along for this excellent day and/or help out at the active transport stall.
David Thomson, Advocacy Coordinator
| | | Sarah's Spectacular Space Walk
Many of us have been impressed by Sarah Gillis in many ways - on her bike, conjuring ClubExpress, coordinating the Clothing shop . . . the list goes on. But now we hear there's a Sarah Gillis taking Space Walks.
Wow, how did she keep that quiet!
Click here for the story! | | | CHAIN REACTION ARTICLE DEADLINE
Bike North members are keen to hear about your rides and ideas. Send your article, either within an email or as an attached Word document, and separately attached images (jpeg files please) to news@bikenorth.org.au by 4pm each Tuesday for publication in our weekly newsletter Chain Reaction or for your article to be added to our News library.
Before sending your ideas please read the Guidelines for Contributors .
Submit your article | BICYCLE NSW DISCOUNT
Did you know that membership of Bike North entitles you to a 15% discount on a membership to Bicycle NSW? Use code 15NORTH when you join or renew. Bicycle NSW members receive global, comprehensive (personal accident and public liability) rider insurance and a range of other benefits as well as advocacy and legal support.
Find out more | | | |