Cycling Know How

Road Cycling

2010-04-06T05:27:00.000-07:00

What a great day it was today. Felt good and strong on the bike. Completed 30km in 54 minutes. Have changed my training schedule slightly. Have oppted to embed some weight training into my afternoon routine.

Cyling to the Dam (Mountain Bike)

2010-04-05T03:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I felt strong today. Road bike is out of action for now as it needs some gears retuned. I'm pretty hopeless at tuning gears. sigh.

Cycling to the dam was a fun experience on the mountain bike. I find that my mountain bike just isn't as good as my last cross country one. The Giant XT I've got seems a little heavy and awkward to keep up a fast pace.

That aside I believe that cycling to the Townsville Dam on a mountain bike is definitely something that you should try. It's completely different cycling on the council designated pedestrian / bike paths compared to cycling in the bike lane. More funner actually as long as you can cope with accelerating and decelerating for gutters.

It took about 25mins to reach the dam from KHS. I decided to cycle to the end of the dam. I.e. Around the edge of the dam just to get a little more an off road experience. Not rough at all on the Giant XT. Hardly felt any bumps at all. Well worth the extra 8.5km.

Brings my total trip distance to about 36km in 2 hours (Off and On Road)

Information about Townsville Hot Topics

2010-04-02T05:13:00.001-07:00

Well, this page often features information about Townsville. It's developed by a website developer in Townsville. Often interesting topics about local events and news are posted for your enjoyment. If you don't feel like reading then just have a listen instead. You can even listen to Suburban FM in iTunes.

Don't forget to subscribe via iTunes or to the RSS feed.

in reference to: Suburban Podcasting FM – Internet Radio » Casts (view on Google Sidewiki)

Kilometres for March

2010-03-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

This month I've managed to clock up over 600km on the bike which has been a challenge as March is Townsville's biggest month of wet weather.

The most I've cycled this month was 56km in 1:45mins which is an average of 33km/h. This has been accomplished through nutritious energy food and by staying motivated.

Last week -198km - 6:21

Sunday: 43km - 1:19
Monday: xx
Tuesday: 15km - 0:30 - was raining
Wednesday: 42km - 1:21

Thursday: 45km - 1:29
Friday: Day Off
Saturday: 56km - 1:47

Tally - 201km - 6:43 - Average of 31km/h

Cycling after Tropical Cyclone Ului

2010-03-21T04:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I was thinking earlier in the week that the cyclone was going to come for Townsville. So I booked in a room in Cairns. Had a an awesome time sitting around and swimming! Well, Cyclone Ului didn't end up hitting Townsville. Thankfully, means I can go for a cycle this week.

Today I could feel some of the winds that the cyclone has brought to the Australian Eastern Coast. Hard riding back from the dam today, although that's most likely because I was pushing it with a strong head wind.

Currently the outlook for the week is wet weather. I'm hoping it is a fine week of weather! I need to get my cycling hours up.

This is random. If you search, "Map My Ride" in Google my website Suburban Podcasting comes up xD

Cycling Technique

2010-03-16T02:08:00.000-07:00

Well as a newbie who must still need allot of help in the cycling world. I've been told I need to work on my style. Now this may be because I usually make up data on the spot based upon the process called approximations.

Here's the story.. I was cycling along Ross River Road got talking to an army guy (Who ride for OffnOn bikes). Within 5 minutes he picked me up on several areas where my technique needed refining.

On my list of improvements I've got:

Cycle with a cadence of 100 - 120. (Would be helpful if I had cadence on my bike but will look into this with a new bike)
Bike frame is too small. (It is apparent to me don't know about to others but my bike frame seems to small)
Up-Down legs are not striding in correct circle with arches. (Will have to work on this although I think it's due to the frame)

Hopefully I can sleep on what I've got to improve and remember to work on my style when cycling from now on. Not just blame it on the bike.

Wind Direct with Cyclone Emerging

2010-03-15T17:47:00.000-07:00

The last week I've noticed in the news about a cyclone which is a category 5 forming on the eastern side of Australia. Townsville has been receiving some nice winds from this event. One thing which I've noticed has occurred though is the change in wind direction when cycling to the Townsville Dam.

When I cycle towards the dam the wind is usually behind me and enable me to have an easy cycle there and a tougher cycle back. Although the last week this has been the case. In fact it's been hard as getting to the dam and flying back home at 44km/h.

Weather in Townsville - Summer

2010-03-13T00:34:00.000-08:00

One thing which really gets me each year is the amount of rain that Townsville seems to experience each year for extended amounts of time. It's the kind of rain were the weather man says one thing and it always ends up being the other way.

The last 3 weeks Townsville has experienced rain on an almost daily occurrence. To the extent it never seems to rain during the day only in the afternoon when I go for a ride.

It's annoying in a way. I had a good training routine up until the rains came. Now I'm struggling for a quick sprint off at the traffic lights. Even a fast cadence is proving difficult.

Hopefully there isn't to much more raining in the afternoons. Maybe more in the morning would be better :p --- I would go cycling in the morning in Townsville if I didn't have to start most days at 7am or Uni by 8am.

Next weekend I'll be in Cairns looking forward to clear blue skies. :D

What's with the 2.5 inch speed bumps in the Queensland Rail Offices where I usually ride my bike through in Townsville? ... Now why did you have to do a thing like that QR.

My Training So Far

2010-03-10T04:34:00.000-08:00

Well, this week I've managed to get out on the road and cycle 40km a day. It's a challenge at time. I think I could possibly do with a new Lycra to wear cycling. I'm starting to see the reason why you don't wear old clothes now.

You know you must be doing something right when your happily cycling along and people yell out, "Go Lance! Go." It always makes me ride even faster xD

I've been thinking. Since I've gotten my love back for cycling with more money and time why not get a new bike? Well, truth be told was looking at my bike this afternoon and thought to myself. That frame is to small. Then looked further over it and noticed It's really not looking to impressive at the moment.

I'm planning on buying a new bike in time for my birthday in April.

Any suggestions of a good bike 1500 - 2500 list one below.

Cycling in Townsville - Hot Summer Months

2010-02-21T17:20:00.000-08:00

To many times I hear my friends talking about how they can never be motivated to get out and be active. Well some of the excuses that you often here are; It's too hot, to humid. Well other than these it is generally a beautiful wonderful Tropical North Queensland day.

I suppose you could say that Townsville has about 325 days of sunshine a year - the remaining 40 days are often filled with Tropical showers or cyclones.

How I stay motivated during the summer months?
I stay motivated in the summer months for several reasons. The first being I love cycling and I tend to think that if I don't continue cycling everyday I will loose my passion. The other underlying issue seems to be knowing how much I spent on my bike and not wanting to let it go to waste. It's is relatively cheap bike in comparision to other Road Bikes.

Top hints for staying motivated?
Cycle with a friend that way it's not just you that gets hot! Another idea which I feel works for me is talking to yourself while riding.

The pastor from my church has a great system getting up early in the morning reading a devotion and then going for a run and swim. He says it allows you to focus better on the tasks at hand for the day.

I've done it and it does seem to work. It is true when scientists say that sport is good for your mental health.

Stay Safe When Riding, Cars Will Not Watch Out For You!

2008-10-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

Just over a month ago I had the expierence of being hit by a car. It is not a fun thing by far. It is scary and really makes you think twice before going for another ride.

You see, I was hit by a car driver that wanted to get through a yellow light when I was going straight through and the car was crossing over my path. Unfortunately the person driving didn't see me. So he hit me on my back wheel after I moved to avoid the collision as much as possible.

As of that day when I got hit, 21 September, 2008 I am ever so careful about where and who I ride with.

That is why I have made the devision to only ride my road bike in the early hours of the morning at 5:30 - 7am. I'm no longer prepared to ride my bike in the afternoon or when there is any large amount of cars on the road.

I hope that none of my blog readers are ever faced with a bike acciden.

So take heed and choose to ride when there is no cars out and if this is not possible only ride in large groups of riders.

Paluma Push 2008

2008-07-28T14:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-28T14:34:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

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 canâ€™t generally see where they are going, the leaders have to be the â€˜eyesâ€™ 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 youâ€™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

2008-07-10T03:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-10T02:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-10T02:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-10T02:08:00.000-07:00

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.