Date TBC : Bike it Better February Social Gathering
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You might think that Bike it Better is all about cycling. But really, it's a thinly-veiled excuse to create a community of like-minded people who also just happen to ride bikes!
So let's all get together, without our bikes, to catch up and enjoy the community that we have built. Roadies will get to meet the mountain bikers, past riders can join in the fun, if you are injured you can still participate, and we all get to introduce our families and partners to those crazy people we ride with and talk about... Bring any friends you think might be interested in riding, or if you've wanted to come on a ride but something has been holding you back - feel free to come along and get to know the gang before you ride with us! The date and location is yet to be confirmed. |
At our November gathering, with special guest Jodie Walker talking about MTB racing and what it's like to win a National jersey :)
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Recent Events:
If there is an event I have scheduled in the recent past that you have missed but would have really liked to participate in, please contact me and perhaps I can schedule a re-run!
Gravel Trail Ride - Eaglemont to Petty's Orchard return
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You will be amazed as we so quickly venture away from the hustle and bustle and into what feels like the country - when actually we are still in the heart of the city! These trails are beautiful, and there is a good chance we will encounter some local wildlife as we trace the Yarra River all the way out to Petty's Orchard where we can sample some of their amazing wares! Bring some snacks though, just in case for some reason they aren't open.
As this ride is about 50% on gravel or dirt trails, road bikes are not recommended, unless you are comfortable riding one on dirt/gravel. We will ride to Petty's Orchard for a coffee and/or cake then return via the same route. * Shorter option: 14km. Meet the group at the carpark at the end of Bonds Rd, Eltham where it meets the Yarra Trail at approx 10:30am, ride to the cafe with us, and back. Contact me if you want to take up this option! Breeze ride - for women and their guests. Bike Type: Hybrid, mountain bike, cyclocross - basically any bike with tyres suitable for gravel trails. Meeting Location: Eaglemont Tennis Club car park just off The Boulevard, Ivanhoe East. Day/Time: 10am start. Terrain: Approx half gravel trails and paths, and half sealed paths. Distance: 32km Duration: 2.5-3hrs plus cafe time Skill Level: Beginners are welcome. Bring Your: Bike with bell and rear flashing light, helmet, spare tube to suit your bike, water/drink. Optional: spray jacket in case it rains, front light, basic bike tools, snacks, cash for coffee & cake stop. |
The beautiful serene Yarra Trail
Time for the cake stop... Petty's Orchard
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Gravel/Dirt Road Ride - Exploring the Dandenongs
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There are some incredible roads and trails to explore in the Dandenongs - including quite a number of dirt and gravel roads! Let's go exploring. I've mapped out a little route which entails about 33km of distance and 840m of elevation. The ride is a loop, so we will return to where we started, after a coffee stop!
Breeze ride - for women and their guests. Bike Type: Hybrid, mountain bike, cyclocross - basically any bike with tyres suitable for gravel trails. (Road is ok, if you are experienced and capable riding it offroad). Meeting Location: Carpark of The Basin Reserve, off Forest Road, The Basin. (roughly 368 Forest Road, The Basin for Google Maps) Day/Time: 9am start. Terrain: Almost all dirt and gravel roads, sharing with traffic. Just a small unavoidable amount on tarmac main roads with busy traffic. Distance: 33km Duration: 3-4hrs plus cafe time Skill Level: Self-determine by your ability to cope with this distance on this type of terrain. Essential: Bike with bell and rear flashing light, helmet, spare tube to suit your bike, water/drink, adequate food. Recommended: Spray jacket in case it rains - this is likely in the Dandenongs! Front light. Basic bike tools, cash for coffee & cake stop. |
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Road Ride - Exploring Melbourne's Hilly North
Explore the hilly streets of Melbourne's inner north-eastern suburbs. No-drop ride, intermediate riders (it's quite hilly). The distance will be 33km and will take approx 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on the group), followed by a coffee at Fifteen Pounds Cafe, Fairfield. See you there!
* Please note - although the ride does not finish back at the start point, I will ride with you back to the Guide Dogs after coffee if you need to return to your car there.
Breeze ride - for women and their guests.
Bike Type: Best suited to road bikes.
Meeting Location: Outside Guide Dogs Victoria, Chandler Hwy, Kew. See map below. Melway ref 45 B1.
See pictures below for detailed meeting instructions, and tips on getting to the start location safely from the Northern side of the Yarra.
Day/Time: 8:00am start.
Terrain: On roads, some with bike lanes. A bit hilly.
Duration: may take between 1.5 and 2 hours + coffee time
Distance: 33km
Skill Level: Able to ride on roads with medium traffic. Intermediate fitness – hilly terrain.
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/11898943
Bring Your: Bike with bell and rear flashing light, helmet, spare tube to suit your bike, water/drink.
Optional: spray jacket in case it rains, front light, basic bike tools, snacks, cash for coffee/food after.
* Please note - although the ride does not finish back at the start point, I will ride with you back to the Guide Dogs after coffee if you need to return to your car there.
Breeze ride - for women and their guests.
Bike Type: Best suited to road bikes.
Meeting Location: Outside Guide Dogs Victoria, Chandler Hwy, Kew. See map below. Melway ref 45 B1.
See pictures below for detailed meeting instructions, and tips on getting to the start location safely from the Northern side of the Yarra.
Day/Time: 8:00am start.
Terrain: On roads, some with bike lanes. A bit hilly.
Duration: may take between 1.5 and 2 hours + coffee time
Distance: 33km
Skill Level: Able to ride on roads with medium traffic. Intermediate fitness – hilly terrain.
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/11898943
Bring Your: Bike with bell and rear flashing light, helmet, spare tube to suit your bike, water/drink.
Optional: spray jacket in case it rains, front light, basic bike tools, snacks, cash for coffee/food after.
Hill Training Ride - Paths to the 1 in 20
Dandenong Creek Trail - on the way to the 1 in 20.
Hill training ride - bike paths out to the 1 in 20, with (optional) climb up to Skyhigh
Mt Dandenong! This is great training for The Ascent.
What is the 1:20? Check out this write-up on The Climbing Cyclist.
For intermediate riders, this will be a no-drop ride, suitable for road bikes.
Two starting points & climbing optional = different distance options!
The long course is challenging - while it is a no-drop ride, please consider other ride participants and choose your distance option based on your fitness level.
Hill Training Ride - Paths to the 1 in 20 Mount Dandenong
Bike Type: Road bikes
Skill Level: Able to ride on roads with medium traffic. Intermediate fitness.
Bring Your: Bike with bell and rear flashing light (essential!), helmet, spare tube to suit your bike, plenty of water/drink, food/snacks.
Optional: spray jacket in case it rains, front light, basic bike tools, cash for coffee.
Cost: $15. Registration essential - click here to Register online! Maximum of 10 places available.
Please also note if you are doing the LONG or SHORT course, so I know where & when to wait for you!
*Check Facebook in case of inclement weather.
** For those doing the climb, there is also an option to only climb the 1:20 (14km return), rather than the whole climb to Skyhigh (28km return).
Long course:
Distance: 100km with climb to Skyhigh Mt Dandenong, 72km without climb (wait at The Basin).
Route: Kew to Mt Dandenong return via Yarra Trail, Koonung Trail, Eastlink Trail, Dandenong Creek Trail, Mountain Hwy.
View route here: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11408865
Meeting Location: outside Guide Dogs Victoria, Chandler Hwy, Kew.
Time: 8am roll-out. Please arrive at 7:50am for briefing. Expected arrival back at Kew between 2 and 3pm.
Terrain: Bike paths, some roads with medium traffic, a little bit hilly to very hilly if you do the climb (1150m total elevation).*
Duration: approx 5 to 7 hours total including stops.
Shorter course:
Distance: 50km with climb to Skyhigh Mt Dandenong, 22km without climb (wait at The Basin).
Route: Vermont to Mt Dandenong return via Dandenong Creek Trail, Mountain Hwy.
View route here: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11408875
Meeting Location: corner of Tulkara Grove & Heatherdale Road, Vermont.
Time: Be ready at meet point at 9:30am, the group may arrive later but won't leave earlier than 9:30am.
Terrain: Bike paths, some roads with medium traffic, a little bit hilly to very hilly if you do the climb (760m total elevation).*
Duration: approx 3 to 4 hours including stops.
Mt Dandenong! This is great training for The Ascent.
What is the 1:20? Check out this write-up on The Climbing Cyclist.
For intermediate riders, this will be a no-drop ride, suitable for road bikes.
Two starting points & climbing optional = different distance options!
The long course is challenging - while it is a no-drop ride, please consider other ride participants and choose your distance option based on your fitness level.
Hill Training Ride - Paths to the 1 in 20 Mount Dandenong
Bike Type: Road bikes
Skill Level: Able to ride on roads with medium traffic. Intermediate fitness.
Bring Your: Bike with bell and rear flashing light (essential!), helmet, spare tube to suit your bike, plenty of water/drink, food/snacks.
Optional: spray jacket in case it rains, front light, basic bike tools, cash for coffee.
Cost: $15. Registration essential - click here to Register online! Maximum of 10 places available.
Please also note if you are doing the LONG or SHORT course, so I know where & when to wait for you!
*Check Facebook in case of inclement weather.
** For those doing the climb, there is also an option to only climb the 1:20 (14km return), rather than the whole climb to Skyhigh (28km return).
Long course:
Distance: 100km with climb to Skyhigh Mt Dandenong, 72km without climb (wait at The Basin).
Route: Kew to Mt Dandenong return via Yarra Trail, Koonung Trail, Eastlink Trail, Dandenong Creek Trail, Mountain Hwy.
View route here: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11408865
Meeting Location: outside Guide Dogs Victoria, Chandler Hwy, Kew.
Time: 8am roll-out. Please arrive at 7:50am for briefing. Expected arrival back at Kew between 2 and 3pm.
Terrain: Bike paths, some roads with medium traffic, a little bit hilly to very hilly if you do the climb (1150m total elevation).*
Duration: approx 5 to 7 hours total including stops.
Shorter course:
Distance: 50km with climb to Skyhigh Mt Dandenong, 22km without climb (wait at The Basin).
Route: Vermont to Mt Dandenong return via Dandenong Creek Trail, Mountain Hwy.
View route here: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11408875
Meeting Location: corner of Tulkara Grove & Heatherdale Road, Vermont.
Time: Be ready at meet point at 9:30am, the group may arrive later but won't leave earlier than 9:30am.
Terrain: Bike paths, some roads with medium traffic, a little bit hilly to very hilly if you do the climb (760m total elevation).*
Duration: approx 3 to 4 hours including stops.
Skills Session: Braking and Cornering
Want to learn new skills or build on your existing skills for bike handling? In this group session, we will cover the skills of braking and cornering, with lots of opportunity to practice. It might not sound like much, but good cornering skills are the cornerstone (pardon the pun) of bike handling! Not only will you be able to corner with more confidence, you will feel more comfortable on the bike, improve your descending, and gain a better understanding and feel for your body position on the bike and how it affects handling.
We will cover:
We will cover:
- Precision Braking
- Feathering the brakes / modulation
- Emergency braking
- Cornering techniques on flat terrain
- Cornering off-camber
- Cornering while descending
- Cornering techniques for sketchy terrain (uneven surfaces)
Plus, all the bonuses of working in a group environment - being able to share your learning with others, meeting other like-minded cyclists and potential training buddies, seeing how other people approach bike handling techniques. If we have time, we'll have a quick cuppa afterwards so we can have a group discussion and debrief.
Skills Session: Climbing and Descending
Want to learn new skills or build on your existing skills for climbing and descending? In this group session, we will cover the skills and techniques for climbing efficiently, with lots of opportunity to practice. After this session you will have a better understanding of the two key body systems employed while climbing a hill and how to balance them to manage your fatigue, ideal body position for maximum efficiency and minimum energy wastage, and you will improve your confidence for descending.
We will cover:
We will cover:
- Body energy systems used when climbing
- Body position for efficient climbing
- Techniques for seated climbs
- Techniques for standing climbs
- Body position for descending
- Cornering while descending
- Tips and tricks for training for faster & stronger climbing
Skills Session: Bunch Riding
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Want to learn new skills or build on your existing skills for riding in a group? In this group session, we will cover the basics of group ("bunch") riding, with lots of opportunity to practice. Ideal for road bikes, but suitable for any type of bike and level of rider. If we have time, we'll have a quick cuppa afterwards so we can have a group discussion and debrief.
We will cover:
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Are you ready?
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Skills Session: Bike Maintenance & Change a Flat Tyre Class
Here's a photo of me changing a flat tyre only 3km into a rail trail ride. How annoying!
Are you worried about riding on your own, or too far away from home, in case you get a flat tyre? Independence brings freedom - so come along to this session, and learn how to be self-sufficient on your rides.
This is a hands-on session, so be prepared to get your hands (and potentially your clothes) dirty!
You will have the opportunity to practice on your own bike.
We will cover:
You will receive a Workbook containing:
Please bring:
If you are also interested in purchasing tyre levers, a spare tube, a mini-pump, Co2 canisters and nozzle, or a saddle bag - please let me know prior to the session, as these can be arranged for you at an extra cost.
This is a hands-on session, so be prepared to get your hands (and potentially your clothes) dirty!
You will have the opportunity to practice on your own bike.
We will cover:
- How to take your front AND back wheels out of the bike frame
- How to change the flat tube and re-inflate the tyre
- Different types of pumps and how to use them (including Co2 canisters)
- Time for you to practice on your own bike
- How to put your chain back on if it comes off (and why did it come off in the first place?)
- Basic cleaning & lubrication to keep your pride and joy running smoothly
You will receive a Workbook containing:
- Step-by-step instructions for changing a flat tyre
- Pro tips to make your life easy when changing a tyre, and how to avoid getting grease all over your white bar tape and/or jersey!
- Anatomy of a bike - diagram and components list, with detailed explanation of each component
- List of essential items to carry, optional items, and useful tools to have at home
- List of basic checks you should do before each ride, on a regular basis
- Bike safety checklist
- Helmet, clothing and footwear checklist
Please bring:
- Your bike (or you can share with another person if you are unable to bring your own bike)
- A pen and notepad in case you want to make notes
- Tyre levers
- Mini pump or Co2 canister & nozzle
If you are also interested in purchasing tyre levers, a spare tube, a mini-pump, Co2 canisters and nozzle, or a saddle bag - please let me know prior to the session, as these can be arranged for you at an extra cost.
