No 39, March 2005

Contents
Bike North Century Challenge No 4 1
Making a contribution to Chain Mail 2
Cycle Sydney 2004 wrap up 2
How can I get involved in Bike North?3
Mountain biking : Tips for Riding in National Parks 4
My custom built tourer 5
Making Cycing Better 6
What is advocacy? 6
Calendar
Other Editions

Editor: Caterine Stuart
Production: Keith Griffin

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.

ITS ON AGAIN...

Bike North Century Challenge No 4

Doug Stewart. Event Organiser

Fun. Teamwork. Achievement. Self-sufficiency. Big hills. Ride in a small group but share success with others. Stop for coffee as many times as you like. This is the BNCC. This event is for most members. The format is the same as previous years with loops of 60km or 100km. These can be joined together for the ultimate challenge - 160km. For some participants 60km is the right distance while for others 100km or 160km is the goal. IÕm pleased to announce that, after a yearÕs layoff, Bobbin Head is back on the 100km loop! The section towards Mt White has been shortened in response to complaints about the boring undulating country. There is no change to the 60km loop. If you ride Pie in the Sky quite comfortably, you will be able to take on the 60km challenge. Try Meadowbank to Bobbo, Akuna Bay tortoise (or another tortoise) to practice on long hills before the day.

If you ride Cowan to Calga, the Gorge & Berowra or another medium-hard ride comfortably then you will be able to take on the 100km challenge. There are tortoise and normal versions of these rides to help add to your fi tness before the big day. YouÕll know if the 160km is the challenge for you and anyway on the day, you can assess how you feel after 100km before you take on the second loop.

How does it work?

The BNCC requires self-sufficient riding and navigation. Self-selected groups of 2, 3 or 4 members (on at least two separate cycles) start separately and follow the Ride Guide. Within a group, you must always remain together, within talking distance. One slows - all slow. One stops - all stop. Groups should have riders of the same ability. Three is a good size because it is easier to fi nd 3 people of the same ability than 4, and your group can still keep riding if someone drops out. Chat to people on our rides and team up with them.

There are no ride leaders or sweeps, no on-the-road support and you fi x your own mechanical problems. You have to consider the time and adjust your speed to fi nish by 5pm. Groups should rest, refi ll bottles and eat as needed. Planning your food and drink stops is an essential part of riding the BNCC.

If you withdraw from the event you will need to arrange your own transport home. You also must phone and let us know you are out of the event. No group of fewer than 2 cycles is allowed to continue in the Challenge. Remember the BNCC is only for Bike North members, but you can join and then ride. The BNCC is a FREE event presented as a service to Bike North Members.

The Lowdown on BNCC

BNCC OPTIONS

Eastern Loop - 60

  • Distance: 63km. Grade = Medium.
  • Wahroonga, Akuna Bay, Church Point, Wahroonga
  • Overall time: 4 to 5 hours (allows 1 hour stopping)
  • Start: 9am. Finish: 1pm to 3pm

Western Loop - 100

  • Distance: 103km. Grade = Hard.
  • Wahroonga, Galston, Berowra, Mt White (part), Bobbin Head, Wahroonga
  • Overall time: 6 to 7 hours (allows 2 hours stopping)
  • Start: 8am. Finish: 2pm to 5pm

Figure of Eight - 160

  • Distance: 166km. Grade = Very Hard.
  • Travels both loops described above.
  • Overall time: 8 to 10 hours (allows 3 hours stopping)
  • Start: 7am. (2nd loop by 1:30pm.) Finish: 3pm to 5pm

WHAT TO BRING

EVERY rider must have:

  • a bike suitable for the event and in TOP mechanical condition. We strongly advise a bike service prior to the BNCC.
  • helmet, water bottle, wind/rain jacket & tail light;
  • pump, 2 spare tubes, puncture repair kit & appropriate tools;
  • cash (for food/drink, phone calls or train ticket);
  • your own BNCC Ride Guide. EVERY 160km rider must have:
  • headlight (at least for the second loop). Each Riding Group must have at least one of:
  • bike computer, basic fi rst aid kit & mobile phone

You must comply with these instructions to participate in the event. These are your responsibilities!

WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION

Contact Doug Stewart (speedwell74@yahoo.com or phone 9887 1478).

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