Mission Bicycle Company, California. Wow!

Found this site advertising their fixed gear bikes and only wish we had a store like this in Sydney!  With our dollar so strong at the moment, I wonder whether it would be worthwhile becomming a sales partner in Australia.. Hmmmm.

Check out their site at the link below and have a look at their gallery.  Real impressive fixed gear bikes!

https://www.missionbicycle.com/

Bikes & Idiots...Tragedy in Italy

Eight cyclists died and four were injured when they were struck head-on by a speeding car in the south of Italy.  Read about it on the link below:

http://www.smh.com.au/world/eight-dead-as-speeding-car-drives-headon-into-cyclists-20101206-18lky.html

Sydney Metropolitan Cycleway Maps

Check out this link for .pdf format cycling maps you which you can view or print directly from the Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW website available at the following URL:


http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/trafficinformation/downloads/bicycbicycsydne_dl2.html

Get out and have fun cycling safely on your fixed gear bike!

Helmets...

Love them or hate them, you’ve got to wear one or you cop a fine.  Some say the hassle of wearing a helmet discourages people from cycling.  But surely wearing a helmet will offer some protection.  If I do fall off my fixed gear bike and get slammed onto the pavement, I’d rather have something on my head to absorb the impact rather than my skull.

Others are convinced that it’s a generational thing, with youngsters today completely used to wearing a ‘lid’ when cycling, having grown up with the habit of wearing a helmet at a young age.

New helmet safety standards, check out the latest story:

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/wellbeing/new-bike-helmet-standards-send-retailers-into-a-spin-20101118-17zeq.html

Check out this site, Mandatory bike helmet laws: random facts  

http://www.cycle-helmets.com/helmet_statistics.html

Also check out the NSW Government RTA site for information on legislation and safety

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/bicycles/

Commuting Tips

Check out this site for some great cycling tips to keep you safe: Cycleaware

Railcorp adds a bike track (I wish!)

Let’s face it, you’re not going to risk you life cycling from Parramatta to the Sydney CBD along Parramatta Road to get to work. But imagine if the Government was clever enough to lay a bike track along the existing rail line  - it would be safe and you wouldn’t cop the abuse you do from frustrated motorists.  And it’s flat, meaning its ideal for most cyclists, especially a fixed gear cyclist!

How can I prevent my bike getting stolen?

After looking at the different methods that thieves use to steal bikes, my bet is on having multiple locking devices, or at least having stronger security than the bike you just parked next to!

 Also, I vary where I park my bike.  I don't really want anyone knowing my parking routine.

Flat Tires :(

Watch out for anything that shines

Try not ride where debris collects.  Glass, nails, wire, small sharp rocks, etc., are all pushed to the shoulder of the road by the sweeping action of car tires.  Always keep alert for any shiny stuff ahead because it’s most likely that that’s where the small shards of broken glass are.  If it gets stuck in your tire, it can gradually work its way in and eventually cause a puncture. If I see a broken glass in my path, I get off and walk the bike around it.

Rub away your troubles

If  I didn’t see it in time, I immediately get off and check the tires and dislodge any debris using the thick padded part of my glove against the tire as it turns a couple of times.  If you do this, you prevent anything that is embedded into you tires from getting deeper where it can damage the bike tube.

Super Glue

After a ride, inspect your tires.  If do you see a cut or puncture during an inspection, dig out any debris and then seal the hole with super glue.  To help set the sealant in the gouge, let the air out of your tire, wait a few minutes, then pump it full again.

If you need to remove and install a bicylice tire, check out this amazing video.

Cooks River Cycle Path

The Ryde to Botany Bay Cycleway is 23km long.  It starts at Settlers Park in Ryde and travels through Gough Whitlam Park and finishes at Botany Bay. Cycle along the historic Cooks River and have a great day out on your fixed gear bike.

Enjoy the many parks dotted along the cycleway.  Watch a game of cricket, soccer or rugby.  There's great spots for BBQ's and picnics, or grab a bite from one of the many eateries along Brighton Beach.

 The bike route is available here

Cycling Benefits

Cycling is a fun and great form of exercise with lots of health benefits associated with regular cycling.   It’s free; you’ll be doing your bit for the planet and be getting fit at the same time.
Your cardiovascular fitness will improve and this means you’ll lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Cycling is low impact, so you can improve muscle tone without stressing your knee and ankle joints!
Cycling is also a practical and economical mode of transport.   Bicycles are great for going to the shops or getting to work.  With traffic so congested today, you'll often get to a place quicker by bike then car and save on petrol costs, parking nightmares and fines.   You’ll reduce your carbon footprint and help to reduce the pollution caused by cars that lead to asthma and bronchitis.   Plus, you'll get fit in the process!

You might prefer to cycle by yourself or with family or friends along some of Sydney's many bike paths. Once you know where to begin, you'll be amazed at how many enjoyable rides there are plus get to explore parts of Sydney you probably never knew even existed. You might even surprise yourself by meeting up with an old mate along the way.

Make sure to bring a water bottle, a snack, wear an approved helmet and always follow the road rules.   Studies have shown that wearing an approved bike helmet significantly reduces your risk of serious head injuries by up to 60%.  Make sure to have lights at the front and rear of the bike and always wear reflective clothing.