Paluma Push 2008

I competed in the Paluma Push this year for the second time. I did really well, although I could of done better if I didn't come of my bike going down that hill. Yet, I still managed to increase my poll position from 15th last year to 7th. It is intereting I have come 7th in every sports event I have done this year, the cross-country at my school 7th and Paluma Push. Wow, Strange.

I will be posting a video on YOUTUBE soon about The Paluma Push Townsville. This video will show all the riders starting and a few finishing. Until then, I have education to stick my head into!

Hazard!!! Please let the other riders know

I was riding this morning along Bundock street, Townsville with the Townsville Cycle Club, near all the roadworks. Well I was just writing this to let everyone out their that rides a bike to be careful and remember the other riders in a bunch.

I merely escaped a accident that could of left me unconscious. You see the other rider to the right of me was riding along and no-one directed their was a hazard or said anything. So, a fellow hit on of those markers that the council use to block of lanes and tumbled while the rider behind him followed. We called an Ambulance which also took 30min, even though their was an accident they didn't come very fast even with the rider in an unconscious state.

It just makes me annoyed to think that this could of been avoided if the riders ahead were alert.

Just as well the fellow had an ICE number. I know that I will be having a tag around my neck with an ICE number like the fellow who came off. I want to make it to the hospital and alert my friends / families of my accident.

 Please, remeber that if you are in a group ride or riding by yourself, to always have an ICE number and a mobile phone.

Out of the 12 riders, only 2 had a phone.

That's it for now, and please alert other riders of hazards!

The Basics of Road Cycling in Groups - A Few Head Pointers!

Over the last few weeks while I have been adding cycling clubs within Queensland it has become known to me that their are several things that you need to be aware of while riding a bike. Now, these rules are relatively simple, but the amount of times that I have been on a bike and riders haven't signaled of followed road rules are far to frequent. So here is a list of cycling Etiquette that I found on the www.gapcycling.org.au website.

Bunch Riding Rules and Etiquette

• Riding 2 abreast - Pair off in formation of never more than 2 abreast. Certain roads might require single file. Some double lane roads without a shoulder dictate that it is better (and legal) to sit in the middle of the lane rather than have vehicles squeeze past.
• No Half wheeling - Half wheeling is when the person next to you rides with their front wheel slightly in front of yours and the speed gradually increases as you try to level up. Ride beside the person next to you, not in front of them.
• Pedal on downhills - The leaders of the group should never coast on the downhills as this leads to the group behind bunching up and causes unnecessary braking.
• Fill the gap - If there is a gap next to you, then signal for someone to fill the gap from behind, or you can peel off to the rear of the bunch.
• Loud and clear calls - As the people behind can’t generally see where they are going, the leaders have to be the ‘eyes’ of the bunch. Point to all obstacles (holes etc) and communicate the problem in a loud, clear voice.
• Constant pace -Keep the pace smooth and steady, particularly on up-hills. Avoid surging when you come to the front of the bunch

 

• Road rules -Obey all road rules, including stopping at red lights.
• Re-group - If the group splits after lights or longer climbs slow down or in some cases stop to allow the bunch to regroup.
• Be predictable in all actions - Avoid sudden braking or changes in direction. To slow down move gently out into the wind and sit up a little to brake without braking hard.
• Ride Leaders - Follow the directions of the ride leader
• Echelon changing - Most of our rides involve the rotation of riders by a simple echelon formation. This generally means the person leading on the outside right moves forward to inside left and the person behind them becomes the new leader on the right side. If you’re not sure how this works then take note and watch the people in front of you. Always retire to the back of the bunch. Everyone can have a turn on the front even if only for a short time. Always change when it is safe, particularly when riding 2 abreast safe spots may need to be found so to avoid getting motorists upset
• Aerobars - Whilst riding in a bunch, no athletes are to be down on their aerobars (regardless of their ability/experience).
• Bike skills - If you are not confident of your bike handling ability or feel that the pace is too fast for you to do a proper turn on the front of the bunch then request to stay at the back of the bunch and call people to change in front you. The ride leaders would encourage you to have a turn even if only to learn techniques for changing positions in the bunch.
• Clean bike - Keep your bike well-serviced, clean and with good tyres. An un-roadworthy bike is a danger to everyone in the bunch.

Now, if all cyclists can follow these rules, I am sure that their would be far less accidents while riding in a group. Riding in groups is fun and fast and thats why I do it. If you are not confident enough to be riding at fast speeds than focus on increasing you skills a little.

I grabbed this article from my Sports Clubs Directory. I thought that it might benefit my readers.

The basic message is, make sure you are confident riding your bike, before cycling in a group ride / bunch.

Moutain Track Cycling A.K.A Cross Country Cycling

Cross Country cycling is a very popular sport amongst people aged between 17 - 30. This is because Cross Country Cycling involves riding on single tracks, old 4WD tracks and some small sections of road that all work together to create a fun and challenging track. I am an ex-Cross Country Cyclist and have competed in several Cross Country Races in North Queensland, such as the Paluma Push.

Cross Country cycling is alot of fun and can be broken into relatively cheaply for a 14kg bike such as the Jamis Cross county, a bike I highly recommend.

Track Cycling

Track Cycling is not as popular as Road Cycling as it involves the purchase of of lightweight fully carbon fibre bikes. In track cycling many sprinters are born such as Neil Armstrong and Cadel Evans.

Track cycling has many aspects that need to be learnt such as knowing where your opponents are and sprinting for long lengths of time around an oval shaped track. (See Picture)

Road Cycling

Road Cycling is the most well known types of cycling styles. One thing that separates Road Cycling from most other types of cycling is bikes often have drop-handle bars and are often made out of materials that are more durable than those used in Track Cycling.

One of the things that has made road cycling so popular is high profile of cycling events such as The Tour Down Under and The Tour De France. Both of which have had huge amounts of public spectators.

This section has information about Road Cycling. In the future you may see articles like, How to stay safe on the roads and How to Train for Road Cycling events.

Welcome to Cycling Know How!

Cycling Know How is a site that allows you to be able to grow as a cyclist. From is cycling really for you to purchasing a bike or even joining a Sports Club.

Competitive Cycling is defined as:

Is the ability to Cycle at levels much greater than that of the average person and then show these skills by racing in cycling events.