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Date: 2/26/2025
Subject: Bike North Newsletter - 26 February 2025
From: Bike North


26 february 2025	Your Bike North NewsLETTER

Autumn Cycling: What a Classic!

As summer fades and the weather cools, you needn't worry, there is plenty of cycling still happening here at Bike North!

If you fancy a few days sightseeing by bicycle on linked cycle paths with plenty of time for a gallery or museum visit, then you are in luck!

The Autumn Classic Ride for 2025 will be in Canberra over the last weekend in March.

Check the Bike North calendar for details of the rides, register and start your planning!

Find out more at our website or contact Alison on 0497 243 998 or by email alisonpryor99@gmail.com .

Watch the Lip!

In recent months, in two different incidents, two riders on Bike North rides have fallen whilst negotiating the transition from the road to a path via a ramp. One rider finished up in hospital, requiring surgery for a broken collar bone.

Most ramps constructed recently are made with a smooth transition from the road to the path on what is known as a “pram ramp”. Unfortunately, there are still a significant number of driveways and ramps where there is a lip that needs to be negotiated.

The following applies to driveways and ramps with lips. Roll top gutters and the like are far more difficult and, if not confident, it is best to call “STOPPING” and walk your bike through the section.

Safe negotiation of driveways and ramps is simple, as long as you obey one rule. Approach the lip at 90 degrees wherever possible, and definitely no less than 60 degrees. If you come in too shallow, the lip can catch the wheel and before you know it, you’ll be on the ground, awaiting an ambulance.

It is also important not to hesitate. Maintaining good momentum will move you over the lip more safely than going too slow. Also take your weight on your pedals to avoid getting an uncomfortable hit from your saddle.

This rule can also apply in other situations.

If you accidently go off a concrete path onto the grass, it is very tempting to quickly rejoin the path but your angle of approach may be too shallow and you could find yourself down on the path. If there are other riders following, you may also bring them down. If you find yourself in this situation, consider the following:

Step 1: Relax, slow or stop. Call to other riders so they know what you are doing.

Step 2: Check if there are other riders coming through on the path.

Step 3: When it is safe to do so, re-enter the path, using the 60 degrees to 90 degrees rule. Remember, often there is a drop off from the concrete which may be hidden by grass.

When negotiating speed bumps, crossing rail tracks or other road irregularities, it is even more important to approach the bump at 90 degrees, as you are most likely travelling faster and any deviation can throw your bike off line.

At all times on Bike North rides, communication with fellow riders is critical for safety. If you are slowing to negotiate a transition, call “SLOWING” or, if you need to stop, call “STOPPING” giving your fellow riders sufficient time to react accordingly.

Keep this in mind and when your Ride Leader calls “Watch the Lip” and hopefully you’ll arrive home safely after an enjoyable ride, rather than getting a ride in an ambulance.

Brian Lynne

Rides Co-ordinator

rides@bikenorth.org.au

Did you know...?

Bike North has an online members forum specifically for discusions about skills and safety!

If you have a skills or safety tip or query then send it to skills@bikenorth.au and it will automatically appear in our Skills and Safety forum

ADVOCACY in ACTION

Can you spare an hour or two to help out at the Bike North stall at the Bobbin Head Classic on 30 March?
Share your passion for cycling and soak in the vibe!
Register via the calendar here

EDITORIAL TEAM

We are still looking for Bike North members to volunteer their skills and a little bit of time to help the editorial team deliver this newsletter to members' in-box each week.
Want to help? Email Sarah at editor@bikenorthorg.au.
Thankyou.

Tour de Cowra 2025 - Eight days of fun!

At Easter, join us for Bike North’s premier cycling event, the Tour de Cowra.

In 2025, there are 24 rides on offer over the eight-day event. There are also four “any day” rides. Each day, there is a ride for every level of rider. Take a look at the Bike North calendar. You can register anytime.

For full details, check out Bike North Tour de Cowra event page .

If you have not already done so, now is a good time to book your accommodation and that vital pre-Tour de Cowra bike service.

Any questions? Email the organisers at cowra@bikenorth.org.au

John and David

Team Tour de Cowra

CHAIN REACTION ARTICLE DEADLINE

Bike North members are keen to hear about your rides and ideas. Send your article to editor@bikenorth.org.au by 1.00pm 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

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