Saddle up for good ride

Ride to Work Day is on Wednesday, 4 October and the Gazette is a proud sponsor of a free breakfast in Pakenham for those who take up the cycling challenge. Shane Stanley of the CaseyCardinia HPV and Cycling Club outlines how to get into pedal power.
IF YOU have never ridden to work before, you might wonder where to start.
The obvious first requirement is a bike. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, but it needs to be reliable and safe. You need decent brakes, and a comfortable fit.
Make sure your tyres are well inflated if possible use a gauge and pump them to the maximum pressure written on them. Higher pressures generally reduce the risk of punctures, and make pedalling easier.
Unlike car tyres, tread doesn’t matter except in rough off road terrain — many bike tyres are made with little or no tread, to reduce the pedalling effort required.
Beware of tyres on bikes that have been sitting unused for a long time, because the rubber can perish. This is where test rides help.
It’s a good idea to carry a basic repair kit. For many people, that just means a mobile phone. A pump, tyre levers and a spare tube are also a good idea, even if you’re not sure how to use them — tubes come in different sizes, and you might be able to get help from a passerby.
On your head you need an approved helmet, done up and properly adjusted. If you are riding after dark, you also require lights and reflectors front and rear. Many cyclists use multiple sets of lights, to increase their visibility.
Being seen is one of the keys to safety, day or night, so it’s important to wear bright clothing. Consider a lightcoloured vest or jacket if you normally wear dark clothes. Even a lighter colour helmet can help.
If your ride is short, you can probably ride in your work clothes, making sure pants and dresses can’t get caught in the chain. Large rubber bands make great trouser clips. Gloves are an excellent idea in all weather; if you take a tumble, even simple ones can make a big difference.
The longer your ride, the more important your choice of clothing. You want something that won’t chafe seams like those on jeans can be big offenders and dressing in layers lets you adjust easily as temperatures rise or fall.
Nonriders may wonder at lycra outfits, but serious cyclists like to be visible and be comfortable. If your ride is long, your body will thank you for a pair of cycling shorts, usually called nicks, or tights.
You should also think about your route. The law says cyclists above 12 years old are not allowed on footpaths, unless supervising children or given an exemption.
There are good reasons for this law: adults on bikes can travel at speeds that make them a danger to pedestrians, they are often unseen by cars entering and leaving driveways, and they are hard for drivers to see when they come to cross intersections.
You can ride on shared paths, but you must keep to the left and give way to pedestrians. Be prepared to ring your bell or speak up as you approach people walking, and don’t be surprised if they sometimes move the wrong way, or don’t move at all. Courtesy matters, and people generally appreciate a simple “thank you”.
On roads, cyclists are vehicles like any others, subject to most of the same laws. We’ll look further at this next week.
For now, remember that the best route to ride is not necessarily the one you would drive. Get out a map and look at the alternatives; think of detours as a chance to see more of the district. Look for quieter roads, but also try to avoid busy uncontrolled intersections. Talk the options over with friends, especially if they ride.
Once you have a route in mind, try riding some or all of it beforehand.
You’ll find your perspective is different from a bike seat than from behind the steering wheel. You may come across hills you’ve never noticed, and perhaps areas exposed to the wind.
When the day finally comes, treat the journey as something to be enjoyed, rather than a commute to be endured. Savour being outdoors in the fresh air, enjoy meeting up with fellow riders, and relish the challenge.
We look forward to your joining us for breakfast!
To register, email cyclistinternode.on.net with your name, contact number, number of riders in the group, distance you are riding, and estimated time of arrival at the Coles supermarket car park. All registered riders have the chance to win a cycling prize pack worth $200.