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No 24, October 2002
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| My commute | 1 |
| Visiting the M5 Ligfietsen factory | 2 |
| Advocacy | 3 |
| Bike Bits | 4 |
| Bike North's AGM and Picnic | 5 |
| What Are Tyres For? | 6 |
| Topeak Alien mini-tool | 7 |
| Work Groups | 7 |
| Other Editions | |
Editors: Catherine Stuart, Fran Griffin
Production: Keith Griffin, Stacey Ward
The views expressed in Chain Mail articles are those of the authors only and do not necessarily represent either the common views shared by a majority of Bike North members, or Bike North policy as formulated by the Bike North Executive Committee.
My commute
I first tried riding to work a few years ago whilst working in North Sydney (I live in Hornsby). I tried the Bike Bus! Probably not a recommended way to first try commuting. It was a little fast and furious for me, and the Pacific Highway is a scary place. Despite being assured my building had showers, they were not to be found, and I ended up paying to shower at the local gym.
In June last year, with Mark Grimmond’s help, I ventured in bicycle commuting again. This time riding from Hornsby to Rhodes. Mark’s assistance in showing me a safe and friendly route (key!) was essential. As was the ability to take my bike home on the train, thus easing into the distance (25 km one way).
Showers, bike racks and a good place to stretch were vital to my decision to give commuting a go. My main motivation was to improve my fitness and get “dual use” out of my commuting time. After several months I had progressed to riding both ways (50km) twice a week.
Late last year my work moved to North Ryde. Problem - no train line handy. The nearest one is Chatswood, up Fullers Road, and I do not fancy the hill or the looks of well dressed commuters on a packed train faced with my dirty bike. The ride home is hard - mostly uphill. And the new route has me riding on the M2, something that is much better than I anticipated, but requires a whole new set of skills to manage the exits and entrances.
Unfortunately the move to North Ryde was closely followed by my knees giving out on me. So now I am off the bike completely, giving longing looks to the commuters who pass me as I sit in traffic in my car. My knees are affected by an overuse injury. As I never considered myself to be “training” I did not keep a training diary, but I now wish I had.
Practicalities
When people find out I ride to work (or did) they act like I have just flown from the moon! The have all sorts of questions, and I think these are good to consider, especially since not as many women seem to commute by bicycle. What do you do about clothes and showering? What about the traffic? How do you find the time?
Clothes & showering
I figured out by trial and error about keeping shoes, clothes, toiletries, spare towels, hairdryer and other essentials at work. My colleagues tolerate all these items being kept in a huge bag under my desk.
Traffic
That is where route sharing and buddying comes into play. I can’t emphasise enough the huge value of being “shown” my route by Mark. I don’t think I would have found it without it. People, myself included, often do not realise the “back road” options, such as Browns Waterhole, that are available to cyclists.
Time
People often have an unrealistic idea about how long it actually takes to cycle. For example, people often expect that my 20 odd km would take longer than an hour. Also, people often do not make the association between time spent commuting to work by car, train or whatever and time spent on a morning walk or ride, going to the gym or doing other exercise. When you point out the advantages of combining the two they are usually pleasantly surprised.