THE AUSTRALIAN BICYCLING MAGAZINE NUMBER TWENTY EIGHT SUMMER 1984/85 $2 .50

Touring bike reviews ·-··'~ong Ride photos .. ' Bicycle travel ongolia _,_, I ~ - ff 'PCDCJrC E ~ "4PR1',yt----A -. . - _!Jl_VA_I_ B_!-_£':~ROW, LEA~ltl_G f' YCL/f;A . ERS 1 _ 1 1 ; 1 1 _ 1 _ _. 1 $ SUBJECT TO CHANGE wn HouT ~ OTICE , f ATION ' 1sPEC1F 1 1 , t , , I ' I I I ! I I I I Freewheeling is published six times a year in CONTENTS SUMMER 1984/85 the months of January, March, May, July, September and November. ISS N 0156 4 579. FEATURES Editorial and travel service offices: Rm. 57 THE GRASSLANDS OF MONGOLIA ...... 11 Trades Hall, Dixon & Goulburn Streets, Sydney NSW. Address all correspondence New frontiers in bicycle adventure travel and mail orders to PO Box K26 Haymarket FOUL WEATHER FRIENDS ...... 16 NSW 2000. Telephone 1021 264 8544. Coping with rain and wind is a matter of attitude? Publisher/Editor: Warren Salomon A HIGH TECH TRAVELLER ...... 33 Production: Solar powered computing on the road Philip Somerville SUMMER GIFT IDEAS ...... 34 Material in this publication may not be Suggestions on what to buy your bikie friends stored or reproduced in any form with out permission. Request for permission should RIDE TO ROXBY ...... 47 be directed to the Publisher. Editorial con­ The anti uranium movement is still pedalling tributions on all aspects of cycling are SYDNEY TO THE 'GONG ...... 41 welcomed. Send an inquiry or write for guidelines. Freewheeling can not accept Colour pictures and words on this year's big r ide material previously published in other BIKEPLANNING IN LONDON ...... 58 publications. Letters from readers for the How cyclists are getting a better deal in London Write On column are also welcomed. Typesetting: Pavilion Press Set l021 211 0252 Printing: Offset Alpine Printing P / L, Derby & BICYCLE TOURING Wetherill Sts, Silverwater NSW. Ph: 1021 647 BICYCLING VICTORIA ...... 1000. Distribution - Newsagents: Gordon 21 & Gotch Pty. Ltd. l02) 667 0466 or offices in A bicycle travellers guide to the Garden State your state. Controlled circulation and MYALL LAKES TOUR ...... 31 Bicycle Dealer Distribution: Freewheeling Pleasant riding in the Great Lakes area. Mail Order Box K26 Haymarket NSW 2000 1021 264 8544. Cover price is recommended retail price ROAD TESTS AND REVIEWS only. Registered for posting with APO THE IMPOSSIBLE RIDE ...... 36 Category B, Publication No. NBH2266. SYDNEY BICYCLE TOURS ...... 39 SPENCO SADDLE PAD & GLOVES ...... 56 SHOGUN 1500 ...... 62 TRAVELLER 300 ...... 6 4 FREEWHEELING 28 GEMINI RANDONNEUR ...... 6 4 DEPARTMENTS EFFECTIVE CYCLING ...... 66 FROM THE PUBLISHER ... 5 SOMERVILLE .. 27 TANDEM TALK ...... 32 RAMBLING .. 5 r Cover photograph: Rob Fletcher poses for the camera with members of a Mongolian family out­ FAT TYRE FANATIC ...... 40 side their yurt. This structure is made of felt and is the traditional form of habitation for the AUSTRALIA A WHEEL ...... 67 Mongolese people outside the busy cities. Photo this page: Riders setting out on this years Repco BIKE EVENTS CALENDAR . 67 Freewheeling Sydney to the 'Gong Bicycle Ride. Colour pictures and words on this event are in the centre pages of this issue. Photos: Christine Fletcher, Ric Bolzan. CLASSIFIEDS ... 81 Copyright © 1984 Freewheeling FREEWHEELING 3 Australia Publications a~• ~Y1.1: TAKES ALL THE KNOCKS YOUR HEAD CAN'T

• Un iquely constructed . this helmet has a twin ABS shell with a thick layer of styrofoam in between . giving lightness without compromising st reng th.

The Apollo Dalyte cycling helmet is outstanding adjustable headband ensures a comfortable fit in its field. Superbly light and comfortable, this for all sizes . helmet offers one of the highest degrees of • Meets NZS8601 and AS2063 . safety available. • A distinctive air flow ventilation system - no • Weighing only 490 g.rams , the helmet can be need for holes in the shell . The helmet is worn all day in complete comfort suspended away from the head - a design • The Apollo Dalyte was recently subjected to engineered to allow the flow of cool air to strenuous testing by the prestigious American circulate between the top of the head and the Snell Foundation and was recognised as one helmet. Testing also proved that a full shell of the best examples of protective headgear design without holes provides optimum available on today 's market. structural strength while preventing branches , • The Apollo Dalyte is head and shoulders above gravel and pointed objects from entering the the rest in protection , visibility and lightweight helmet, (not to mention rain or bees). The comfort. Apollo Dalyte also incorporates safety reflector • The strap up harness has a quick release strip . catch and removable chin cup ; the fully

Manufactured by Taranaki Equipment Distributors Ltd., New Zealand. Marketed in the USA under the Bailen label. Distributed in Australia by the World of Wheels group of specialist bicycle retailers. Check the Yellow Pages for your local WOW dealer or contact: Apollo Bicycle Co. Pty. Ltd., P.O. Box 167, Wahroonga NSW 2076, Telephone (02) 487 1900. SHA384AP

4 FREEWH J:.'ELING From the Publisher

Frewheeling magazine has agreed to 1984 The year of the ATB or act as a clearing house for information the year of the touring bike? and ideas and to provide support for the At this years end it is much harder to setting up of a national organization to see the trends that have recently shaped foster the activity of all-terrain bicycling. the bicycle scene in Australia. The in­ As proposers of the Wilderness Trail we dustry is in the middle of its busy season hope that a new ATE organisation will so the successes and failures of 1984 take on its development with the wont become apparent until the winter enthusiasm that the Australian Cycle sets in next June. Trails group has shown for its road At this stage the fifteen/eighteen­ based network. speed specialist touring bike which has If we still have to wait another year for only this year m ade its Aussie debut the touring bike or the ATE to claim seemssetforgeneralacceptance.Many their places in the spotlight then perhaps people in the touring scene have said 1984 could rightly be called the year of over the years that the development of the computer. It was during this year their sport has been retarded by the lack that a number of Australian bicycle ad­ of the proper hardware, namely good vocate groups and and many overseas specialist bikes. took the plunge and introduced the The fact that these bikes are now micro chip into their operations. available added to the phenomenal Flyers. A report of this event appears in Though there are many fallacies about sucess of large touring type events such this issue. As yet there have been no what computers can and can not do it is as the Sydney to the 'Gong ride, the organized touring type events but this certain that their use will take care of the Great Victorian Bike Ride (which has magazine intends to eventually stage a large mechanical tasks such as member­ attracted over 2000 people to a nine two day tour for fat tyre fanatics and ship listings and mailouts thus freeing day ride) and others means that we are no doubt others will do so likewise. up precious volunteer labour for more on the brink of a recreational cycling Possibly the most exciting proposal important tasks. Already the Bicycle In­ explosion. Shall we say the fuse has that will act as a focus for the develop­ stitute of Victoria has one and at least been lit. ment of the all-terrain touring scene Australian Cycle Trails is using theirs to Over the coming years there will be is the surveying of a wilderness route store the large amounts of data collected many opportunities to test the accuracy running up the east coases remain­ in their trail research. The Bicycle of this prediction. At present work is ing forested areas and linking the Institute of NSW is at present survey­ proceeding in a majority of states on the metropolitan regions of Melbourne, ing the market before making its formidable task of mapping and Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane. The purchase decision and many of the cataloguing the nations roads as suitable route would avoid all forms of habita­ smaller groups around the country bicycle touring routes. This is principal­ tion where possible and only cross main already have access to a machine ly part of an ambitious scheme to stage roads at right angles. In most cases it through share arrangements. a series of large scale event rides to would traverse State Forests and the We are yet to see the commencement celebrate the Australian Bicentennial more remote National Parks and use a of a public videotext system but in 1988. mixture of tracks and fire trails. Telecom 1s British Prestel system is at Though the Australian Cycle Trails organization is spearheading this impor­ tant work many of the larger touring groups are in some ways involved. ACT Executive Director Michael Burlace estimates that his organization will have completed at least a preliminary study of all the trails to be used in 1988 by the end of 1985. The first completed guide book of the country's oldest rural bicycle route, the Pacific Coast Cycle Trail, is expected to be available by winter 1985. The developing touring scene is not the only recent development set to ig­ nite a bicycle use explosion. Another fuse was lit during winter this year by a large group of fat tyre fanatics when they met in the sleepy NSW town of Sofala to stage the first public event to show­ case use of the all-terrain or mountain 1985 marks the one hundredth anniversary of the Safety bicycle. This bike. early Rover ·safety' from the British Museum Collection was one of the This sucessful event was soon follow­ first to achieve a mass popularity. The Safety combined a rear wheel ed up by the Repco Fat Tyre Classic chain drive with a basic triangular frame construction similar to todays organised in the forested hills near machines with the exception of the missing seat tube. The ride wa• Melbourne by the cou11try 1s first all­ hard as the pneumatic tyre still had to be invented when this beauty terrain enthusiasts club the fat Tyre went on sale. FREEWHEEL/1 G 5 SunTour Service to solve your gearing problems

Up until now the freewheel has been the weak link in the modern be changed from five to six or seven speeds depending on the riders bicycle gearing system. Cogs would always wear out unevenly and requirements. new freewheels were always available in the wrong sizes. Replace­ A range of 1 2 to 32 teeth cogs are available allowing complete flex­ ment of the complete unit was often the only way out of the problem. ibility for replacement of individual worn cogs and new freewheel design. Not satisfieci'with that situation SunTour's research and develop­ Precisely adjustable bearings which use a double nut system allow ment improved the existing designs and produced the first fully flexible adjustment to 1/ 100 mm without the use of shims and spacers. Preci­ rear freewheel system - New Winner. sion ground ball races assure the smooth rotation one would expect Whats more the new winner system is sold and serviced through a from a product of this quality. network of specialist bicycle dealers throughout Australia. Look for the New Winner Service Board at your specialist bicycle Sun Tour's New Winner is the first freewheel in the world which can dealer. Its a sign of good service and quality gearing equipment.

Following on the world wide suc­ cess of the New Winner system, Sun Tour have now developed the Microlite all-alloy freewheel designed specifically for the racing cyclist. Spare and replacement cogs are a/so available for this system.

6 FRt,,"" WHEELING present being installed. When it is ready Bicycle Industry Rejects are significant users of the public there will be bicycle related information Victorian Government roads'. Most people begin cycling at a available to its subscribers. Australian Bicycle very early age and the education of Cycle Trails is proposing to act as a clear­ Proposal to Force these young people to be safe and ing house for advocate groups with com­ Riders to Wear Helmets. competent road users should be of puterised databases. That way a large major concern to Governments. enough input could be made into the The bicycle industry in Australia is Excellent 'Bike Ed' courses have Telecom system to justify a bicycle sec­ concerned at recent moves by the been developed for school age tion. The way would then be clear for Road Traffic Authority of Victoria to children but the program is greatly participating groups to communicate make the wearing of safety helmets restricted because of lack of funds and with whole new sections of the com­ compulsory for all bicycle users. co-ordination between the states. munity. If the system is up and running The president of the industry's na­ BITA believes that Governments before 1988 it could handle all bookings tional representative body The Bicy­ must give as much emphasis to for the Bicentennial Rides as well as cle Industries and Traders Association Engineering and Education as it does draw new members into the par­ Mr. John Henshall, said today that to Enforcement. It further believes ticipating groups. while the industry wholeheartedly that existing on-road enforcement As Gorge Orwells year draws to a supported government moves to en­ programs will be endangered if Police close it is interesting to look at the courage helmet wearing it was not in officers have to enforce compulsory development of this new technology on favour of compulsory use. helmet use. our culture. The advent of the micro 'There is a tremendous need to Mr Henshall says that for a cyclist computer is a large blow to Big Brother educate cyclists in the use of safety the use of a helmet may reduce the as it has given new power to the smaller equipment but these items are only severity of an accident but better road user groups and has removed the poten­ one of a number of measures which traffic engineering and education pro­ tial for control by large organisations should be taken to improve the safety grams will greatly reduce the poten­ which have previously held a mono­ of cyclists', he said. tial for such accidents to occur. poly on computerisation. Hopefully it 'The safety of the estimated BIT A feels furthermore that the will give our advocate groups an oppor­ 850,000 Victorian cyclists and the wearing of bicycling safety helmets tunity to tackle the issues of the time two and a half million cyclists na­ should be encouraged as part of cycle head on and to actually train their tionally needs to be recognised safety education but to make it com­ members for this important work. through a range of road design and pulsorary, where the major group af­ traffic control measures designed to fected will be young people, is likely Frewheeling wishes its readers a safe make the riding environment safer. to make any enforcement difficult and happy 1985. 'The needs of cyclists are largely and increase tensions between this Warren Salomon Publisher forgotten', he said 'even though they group and the authorities.

;;,,. \l t, In a world of mass production there's something spcial ~. C={] @ ~ C={] D about a Hillman Hillman's offer all their customers the option of per­ Quality spokes and nipples sonalised bike selection and after sales service. Each bicy­ cle can be custom built to meet individual needs from the from Japan extensive Hillman stock of quality components and frames. With over forty years experience in cycling its any wonder HOSHI INDUSTRIES CO. LTD. a Hillman bike is something special. No. 1- 40 Minarto 2 - Chome, Hillman Cycles 44-46 Grantham SI., West Bru nswick Vic. Izumisano City Osaka Japan Te l: (03) 380 9685 111 Brighton Rd., Scarborough WA Tel : (09) 341 3581 Trade enquiries: Repco Cycle Company Melbourne Sydney Brisbane

FREEWHEELING 7 WriteOn

Latest gear Would anyone be able to inform me of the different new makes of bicycle gearing involving the automatically l=JW&Bft!13 changing diameter sprocket principle? Source addresses for these with either Austr alian or overseas agents would 5 Alpha Street, Blacktown be trem endou sly appreciated. I am WE OFFER YOU ... ONE-ON-ONE SERVICE! equally interested in any other new For those who have not heard the term 'one-on-one' kinds of gearing. It's where you become the charge of one of our K. Everett experienced staff whose job it is to ensure you are Cl- Dobson Substation given individual specialised treatment. Westland, NZ. We Stock and Sell FRAMES CLOTHING The Deal Drive is now in full Full range of touring Wide range of shorts, production in Britain but an frames complete with shirts, shoes, helmets Australian distributor has yet to be all braze-ons. & rainwear. appointed. The Drive is a clever device which gives the user sixteen usable gears with out the need for a rear derailleur system. The chain• wheel expands and contracts over COMPONENTS RIMS& TYRES a size range of Z6 to 56 teeth. Brak­ Alpine gearing All types of rims, road ing clutches hold the elements in Pannier Racks & touring tyres the selected gear. When the foot Bags, Saddles. stocked. pressure is reduced below a pre set level the clutches are released and the chain wheel is expanded to a All this and much more for larger size. the beginner to the seasoned cyclist Mechanically the Deal Drive con­ Call in, phone us or drop us a line. sists of a floating backplate with All correspondence answered. six similar pivoting legs mounted on the inside face. The chain is car­ ried on the end of each leg, two of which have sprocket teeth. The legs are linked to operate in . unison rather like the iris of a camera. Two of the legs are con­ nected to powerful springs which

8 FREE WHEELING WriteOn

The ~- improved are pre set to expand the legs and thus the size of the chainwheel. WONDER LITES The unit is fitted to a conven• tional framed bicycle and has a chain tensioner attached to allow are here! for the contracting and expanding chainwheel. Three major English manufacturers are now fitting the Deal Drive to selected models in their range. The Drive is also designed to be retro fitted to an ex­ isting ten-speed. Enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer: Deal Drive International, Ketts House, Winchester Rd., Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh Hampshire, UK SOS ZFZ. wonder YOUR ASSURANCE 24 HOURS OF QUALITY OF NON COMPETITIVE Look at these great new features CYCLING FUN • Fully silvered reflector - increases light output • Opaque body - no light wasted upwards PORT FAIRY Jan 19120th 1985 • Conforms to British Standard BS 3648 - recognised world standard. • Redesigned body, lens + switch - greater strength, longer life and increased resistance to water penetration • New heavy duty battery cell - 3 times the life: Extra strength and inq. SONIA GIFTS, super strength batteries also available. 59 Sackville St, • Brighter headlight globe - increases light output Port Fairy 3284. Trade enquiries: Atom Imports Ply Ltd Phone. (055) 68 1094, Get 1hem at your local bike shop (02) 699 8930

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Amazing new inner tube simply No more mending - no more pumping. can 't go flat. Fit 'No More Flats ' and forget about all the old Here's a new inner tube you never need to tube problems . Forget about glue and patches, and repair , because nothing can make it go flat . It's pumping , pumping , pumping ; battling with tyres and easy to see why. Look at the drawing . New 'No tussling wit h spanners on cold winter nights. Now you 're More Flats' are hollow tubes of toug h, resilient , free from slow leaks and sudden stranding ; free to ride smooth-riding rubber . They don't need air to keep safe and sound over jagged, metal , sharp stones etc . them firm, so normal dangers like nails.broken - if you must ! glass etc . won 't put you off;.t:..::he:....:..:ro.:.ad:.:.·_,,,,.;r----.~ AVAILABLE FROM You'll never have YOUR LOCAL BIKE SHOP to buy another tube. 'No More Flats' are guaranteed to last and that adds up to big savings. They help your tyres last longer too by DISTRIBUTED BY keeping them at peak BICYCL ES INCORPORATED PTY L T D firmness .

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JO FREEWHEELING On the plains of Inner Mongolia

Robert Fletcher has just returned from leading a trip through one of the least accessible regions of China. This is liis account of the first journey by Australian's into the region which was the west's gateway to the Orient in the days of Marco Polo.

by Robert Fletcher

"Widespread snowfalls in N.S.W . . . . 3 degrees in Melbourne this morning .. . ". Winter had hit with a vengeance. There was an air of smugness about us for soon we would escape these cold July mornings.

Our destination was Beijing anct then Inner Mongolia. Our group was to make history as we were the first from Australia to undertake a cycling expedition through the Grasslands of this region of China. Stories of harsh living and strange foods did not deter us.

Beijing, of course, was warm and hazy. The schedule was hectic as we wanted to see as many of the highlights of this city as we could. The grandeur of the Forbidden City, the elegance of the Summer Palace and the mammoth Great Wall ade­ quately reminded us of the power of past Dynasties.

As we stood on the Great Wall, a sinuous epitaph to the fear those of Central China held for the Mongols, we looked to the land beyond. Mongolia, a name that stirs the fires of the imagination. Soon it would be beneath the wheels of our specially­ prepared bicycles. Truly something to consider. It was a slow trip from Beijing to Datong in our first class sleeper, com­ plete with lace tablecloth, bedside A Mongolian father and son met along the road. Inner Mongolia. lamp, velvet curtains and, naturally, a FREEWHEELING 11 12 FRt.EWJ-IEELING thermos of hot water for tea-making. The Chinese know how to make one feel comfortable. The smell and sounds of steam engines only added to the romantic aura. Agatha, where were you? The overnight train winds its way through the Xionger Mountains and remnants of the Great Wall can be spotted towering overhead. Vast plains intensively cultivated extend for miles surrounded by craggy moun­ tains. Mudbrick houses, all with high thick walls facing north and bright glass windows and doors facing south reflect centuries of care in design in order to keep out the bitterly cold winds from the Polar regions that sweep across Siberia and the ~ongolian Plateau and bring temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius.! Datang is a bustling city over 2000 years old and is the centre of one of China's major coalfields. At nearby Yungang the earliest examples of religious stone carvings in China are found. Carved in the fifth century the 53 caves contain 51,000 bas-reliefs Christine Fletcher is the only westerner to be seen as she mixes with and statues ranging in height from a the bicycle traffic in Hohhot the capital city of Inner Mongolia. few cm to 17 m. Cave art originated in India and the To familiarise ourselves with the winter. A small earth stove provides Yunang caves show influences from bikes we set off on an escorted tour of cooking and heating. We were for­ India, Persia, Byzantine and Greece. Hohhot city. An escort was needed as tunate to have a Yurt experience and It is imbued with a spirit of intense we swerved and jostled our way we are suitably impressed with the creativity and energetic religious amidst seemingly endless streams of cosy comfort of these ancient dwell­ devotion. cyclists. The curiosity of the locals ings. Datang has a wealth of attractions towards 16 Europeans on strange Mud houses are dotted in small including the Temple in Mid-Air, bicycles was an obvious recipe for groups over the grasslands. Their seemingly suspended half-way up an traffic congestion. Crowding round to styles are varied. Circular, domed, enormous cliff face. Shanhua and examine us and our bikes when we square, cut into hillsides, alone and in Huayan monasteries are excellent ex­ stopped created bicycle jams long to small groups. Stark on the outside, amples of architectural and religious be remembered by the Hohhotites. but inside? One of the virtues of cycle statue styles of the first and second Hohhot is at 1000 m altitude and on touring is being able to stop whenever centuries. Huayan is a declared na­ the edge of the Mongolian Plateau. A you wish, whereas with a bus or train, tional monument. long uphill trip over the Daqing many chances to explore flash by, lost We arrived in Hohhot, the capital of mountains takes you to the true forever. Inner Mongolia, early in the morning. grasslands, rolling green hills that It wasn't long before curiosity over­ After breakfast our destination was to stretch away as far as can be seen. came shyness and individually we ap­ the Sports Institute, to be introduced Sprinkled over the green, like crumbs proached the brown islands in the to our bikes. Special arrangements on a carpet, are small flocks of sheep green sea, be it mud house or yurt. We had been made by Tailwinds Bicycle and goats which are still the mainstay all had the same tale of open friend­ Touring, the organisers of this first of the rural communes and the ship. A welcome bowl of Mongolian trip to Inner Mongolia, to have lifeblood of many Mongolian tea was offered as we were ushered in­ specially prepared lightweight 15 families. to the compact and orderly room. The speed all-terrain bikes available. Mongolians make up about 20% of neat interior was decorated with These specialised bikes excelled, and the total population of Inner posters of far-off places in China, the proved perfect for the roads we en­ Mongolia but up to 90% of the occasional national hero adorned the countered. herders. Traditional nomadic life is wall beside the calendar and the radio. "Roads" is perhaps an overstate­ slowly fading as improved The single room houses reflected ment . Tracks, complete with agricultural and husbandry methods comfortable but simple lifestyles. washouts, corrugations that tested are introduced. It is a curious process Meanwhile our hosts calmly pro­ the resilience of all behinds, sand as many of the better known aspects duced numerous bowls of a variety of drifts and dry river beds, mud, rocks of Mongolian culture are intact. Yurts goat and sheep cheeses, yoghurt, salt, and of course open grassland make a or "r,,ongolbau" to the Mongolians fried breads, seeds and some uniden­ better description. All this made for are still used. These unique shelters tifiable comestibles. exciting cycling and we faced the using an intricate wood frame wrap­ We had been warned about challenge calmly. Our group ranged ped in layers of thick felt, are portable Mongolian tea. There is a ritual to it, widely in ages and cycling experience, and easy to move to new grazing as goat or sheep milk is mixed with but we all found that with the right lands. They are comfortable in sum­ the tea, along with salt, sugar, bikes this rough riding was rewarding. mer months as well as the depths of yoghurt, butter and ,if you like a little FREE WHEELING 13 ---MINOURtt.. BICYCLE PARTS

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14 FREE WHEELING extra, some millet seeds. The original folk songs, to which we were ex­ herbs beneath and we realised why meal in a cup. While drinking, you pected to respond, folk dancing, the mutton was tasty. pick at the servings of cheeses and speeches and of course toasts with The grasslands support flocks of fried breads. The hospitality was hard that fiery 140 proof liquid Maotai. Be sheep, goats and camels, and the to refuse and the snacks delicious. warned - beware the host who herders dependent of these ;mimals. It Our group was fortunate in that the knows but one word, 11 ganbei, 11 at has bred a class of horseman respected route we followed is only available to which another round of Maotai is ex­ the world over and was once the cen­ cyclists. We felt privileged and elated pected to pass down your tortured tre of the largest Empire ever known. at whatever was in store for us. The throat. For us it was beauty, solitude and an towns we passed through don't rate a Chinese food is known the world avenue for excitement. mention on any map we could find. over for its variety and great taste. All good things end. Reluctantly we Very small, two shops, mud brick Mongolia's basic ingredient is mut­ returned our bikes to their caretakers, buildings, often a protective town ton.The seasons were with us and our inwardly happy knowing that we had wall, one dusty main street, hitching tables bore a great variety of vegetable experienced · ;i rare part of the world. rails for donkey, horse and camel. dishes. Delicacies appeared from The cycling was over and it was time These little Mongolian towns bear nowhere but it wasn 't hard to guess to return· to progress and cities far such unpronouncable names as where the huge bowl of boiled mutton removed from the gras~lands way of E'erdun'aobao, Zhaohe, and originated. Baked leg of lamb and the life we had comfortably eased into. W angfuerdui. Each has its own famous Mongolian hot pot were We felt richer to have enjoyed the vast character and its own people; all offer treats. open landscape of rhe Mongolian genuine expressions of welcome that I had assumed a great deal of grasslands and the open friendship of make you feel at ease immediately. monotony when I first envisaged a cy­ its people. Hongge'er is situated on a river cle journey through the grasslands of * * • bank with rocky outcrops as a Inner Mongolia. Far from it. T4e roll­ backdrop, a contrast to the previous ing green country, a huge treeless ex­ Robert Fletcher was the leader of the days of rolling hills and dry river beds panse, a land that can be serene one first group from Australia to under­ that· effectively bogged bicycle and moment but fierce the next. A land of take a bicycle expedition, in Inr1er support vehicle alike. It is an ancient cont~asts that seems as far removed Mongolia. The trip was organised by religious town with two Buddhist from all images of China as possible. Tailwinds Bicycle Touring, a com­ monasteries. Much damage was done A land that has much to offer. pany specialising in bicycle adven­ during the Cultural Revolution but The "grass" is a mixture of a huge tures. Following the success of this the Tibetan texts and religious ar­ variety of small flowering plants, first group a second trip is planned for tifacts were hidden and the lamas pro­ arom atic herbs and some grass. The June 1985. Tailwinds can be con­ tected by the community. Restoration fat · tyres of our bikes triggered the tacted at G.P.O. Box 930, Canberra, is in progress and the old lamas teach release of delightful aromas from the A.C.T. 2601. Phone (062) 416413. again, but officials point out that there are no new monks. The presence of pilgrims young and old, relaxation of controls on religious ex­ pression and strong traditional beliefs have led to a new lease of life for many of China's ancient religious sites. Hongge'er is a pleasant little town that reflects calmness and beauty, both aspects of the religion it har­ bours. Watching the setting sun from a nearby vantage point as the day crept out of the peaceful town below and the surrounding valley and moun­ tains were coloured with soft evening hues, I felt that this was it. We had reached that part of Mongolia we had sought after. The small towns opened their doors to us. After m eeting the welcoming committee, we were ushered to our IT'S JUST AROUND THE BEND~ accommodation. Four single beds The Kryptonite® K4 Bike Lock is th e only lock that featu res the unique with hard mattresses and cotton Ergo-Dynamic Angle.™* quilts with elaborately embroidered One "foot" of the lock shackle bends outward, allowing it to be inserted into the silk covers, dirt floors, an enamel crossbar from virtually any angle or position, and actually locking the shackle at both wash bowl, and a full thermos. No ends of the crossbar. The Ergo-Dynamic Angl e'.M plus longer shackle length make the Kryptqnite® K4 Bike Lock stronger and easier to operate tr,an any other bike lock. first-class tourist facilities here. It That's the Kryptonite® Difference. was great, I thought. One of the *Ergonomics is the design of products for efficient human use. rewards of cycle touring is the oppor­ tunity to es_cape the mainstream. One comment I remember was that "it is like trekking on two wheels". KRYPTON/TE® Our visit was a big event tor the TRADE ENQUIRIES PO Box 152 WALLSEND NSW community. An opportunity for a (049) 52 4403 banquet complete with Mongolian BIKETECH

FR£Ef¥HEELING 15 Foul weather friends

by Gay Sprenglewski Dawn broke and clouds closed over. decimated by the force of the cross The wind rose, our spirits fell. With wind. Even Alan's bare skinny ankles 'We left England,' said Alan, heads down and teeth clenched, we pumped with less rhythm. Rain stung 'because of the weather. All that rain fought our way along the main my face and forced my cape flat and cold.' He peered at me through highway to the Ardrossan tum-off. against my brake levers, further slow­ the fine, silver-grey curtain which Only nine kms, but we counted every ing me. I wondered dully if there had separated us. Droplets coursed down pedal revolution until, at last, we been a cyclone warning we hadn't the stubble on his face, met under his turned left and enjoyed a thundering heard. chin and dripped onto his shiny tail wind. At last we swept down a sheltered yellow raincape. A frilly showercap A few kms further on Alan stopped curving hill to the little town and it protected the top of his head. Below and glanced upwards. 'I think we'd was only a matter of a few hundred the cape, bare skinny ankles pumped better put our capes on,' he said, yards to the beach-frontage caravan the pedals up and down in undaunted 'There's a passing shower coming.' park. Ahead, Alan suddenly swung rhythm. Altogether, he resembled a Two hours later it was still passing over to the other side of the road. member of some sort of weird at roughly the same speed as 'What's he doing?' I asked Ted. 'Look religious sect. ourselves, and it was through these out!' he replied as a greyish-white 'What do you think of all this cold previously mentioned silvery veils wall of foaming water reared over the and rain?' I asked. that Alan began recounting stories of sea wall and cascaded on the road im­ 'This?' He looked about in surprise, cycling in the Mother Country. Lil mediately in front of us. We dodged it and indicated a thin band of pale blue and Bob, also from England, agreed - just - and continued on. I suppos­ visible just above the horizon, below that in their home country weather ed that angry seas featured pro­ the unforgiving canopy of drizzling like this was commonplace and a con­ minently in English touring rides too. grey. 'This is just a clearing shower.' stant if not welcome companion to This was, ominously, the second most bicycling adventures. 'Except day of our tour of the Yorke Penin­ it's a lot colder,' said Lil. sula, one of the jagged fingers of land My feet had long since lost all feel­ Gale-whipped rain rattled like of the South Australian coastline. ing of unity with my legs. My rain­ stones against the side of the camper­ . The previous day, our group had cape, flattened clammily against my van. We huddled within, clutching left Gawler, north of Adelaide, back, seemed to be retaining as much the ubiquitous mug of tea, shoulder to beneath an uncertain sky. Tumbling water within as it was meant to be shoulder. We were warm, dry and two-toned cloud castles dwarfed us, repelling without. My gloved hands freshly-showered. Before the fan but we clung stubbornly to the were soaked, and water spraying up heater many pairs of socks and shoes weather forecast of rain contracting to from my front wheel had saturated were drying odorously; outside, just the south. Instead, it expanded to the my shoes, socks and woollen longs in as intimately huddled, were our north, catching us just before lunch that order. 'You need a mudflap,' said shackled bikes, showercaps protec­ on the only S kms of dirt road we Alan, 'on the end of your mudguard. ting their saddles. would encounter that day. Stops the water getting on your shoes. The pot of tea, the rain without and Within minutes we were stucco'd In England we have one on the rear the warmth within made our English with clay. Tour leader Alan cast a mudguard as well, so the guy behind contingent pensive. knowing Celtic eye skyward and ad­ doesn't wear it.' 1I remember riding in rain like this vised us that the weather would clear. in Scotland,' said Lil. 'This friend of It did, allowing the clay on our bikes ours assured us it was only a Scotch and persons to dry and crumble; my mist.' feet changed from being wet and cold Impressed as I was by the Pommy 'Oh aye,' said Bob . 'Blinkin' Scotch to less wet and less cold. cyclist's consideration for his fellows, mist. Remember Geordie? We were We reached Port Wakefield after a my only thought was of a drawn-out on this long ride and Geordie got the prolonged battle with a head wind hot shower at our destination, Port Bonk. He was so hungry he ate an that gusted at us, unencumbered, Vincent. I had rarely been colder in orange skin and all, like.' across the flat featureless paddocks my life, and I confided as much to Lil 'We'd get ever so hungry,' Agreed and the flat, featureless road. But all and Bob. Alan, 'Our club used to ride from things must end and eventually we 'But we've got a tail wind,' said Lil, tearoom to tearoom. We never had were ensconced on the bank of a tidal surprised at my faint-heartedness. much money, so we'd drink a pot of mangrove creek bordering the caravan Eventually the tum-off to Port Vin­ tea and one of us'd go and ask for a bit park, sipping wine and luxuriating in cent appeared through the grey haze more milk, then a bit more hot water · the last rays of the sun. The sky was a of rain. Only another three kms. for the pot, and finally for a few more clear, washed blue; the wind dropped Gratefully, we all swept into a left­ tealeaves ... it was ages before they and our spirits soared. handie and immediately were woke up to us!'

16 FREE WHEELING - ·~-.

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18 FREEWHEELING said, referring to the day's various 'It's not going to rain,' said Alan mishaps. 'Once in England, we was with conviction. I was less certain. all going at a fair lick down this hill, Tomorrow-was my birthday. and I was going like a rocket past Under an indecisive sky we enjoyed everyone. But the road curved at the a good old Aussie barby tea washed bottom of the hill and I didn't, and I down with white wine. Bob spent went flying through a hedge and land­ some time mending punctures incur­ ed on me head. When everyone else red on the dirt roads: scorning tyre went past they all waved and smiled levers, he worked his spidery fingers and kept going .. . they thought I was around the tyre with the ease of years' going to the toilet!' practice until the bead came away We tutted sympathetically. It was from the rim. not for us to question the Pommy way We went to bed that night complete of looking at things. with wine and bonhomie, convinced 'And sometimes they'd bring a Next day saw us heading down the that all was well with the world. plate of cakes/ said Mary. 'The south-west coastline of the Peninsula I was woken by the roar of rain on waitress never had to put it on the in delightful sunshine. Progress was the campervan roof. It was 3 am - table, she'd just lower and raise it, slow because Alan preferred the dif­ three hours into my birthday. and it'd be empty!' ficulty of dirt to the tranquility of tar­ After breakfast we surveyed the Another furious gust of wind rocked mac - 'You always see more on out­ bleak dripping bush gloomily. We had the campervan on its moorings. Alan of-the-way roads.' Which wasn't real­ two choices - staying in the camp indicated the steaming footwear by ly true because our eyes were locked and getting on each other's quoit all the fan heater. 'See, in England,' he desperately on the wheel in front in day, or going for a ride anyhow, and explained, 'All that stuff would never case o_f mishap on the sandy road. getting wet as shags. The shag option dry. Once you got wet, you stayed There were hilarious moments when proved more favoured. Shrouded in wet. Dreadful it was.' We shuddered, someone, despite all caution, hit a capes and sou'westers, we set off. Ted and I, trying to picture the land of sand-drift and zig-zagged crazily for a At least the sandy coastal road was Field and Coppice perpetually im­ few yards in an often unsuccessful at- packed firm by the wet. We mersed in dank, chill, dripping mist negotiated the gentle undulations through which putty-skinned cyclists with little difficulty, dismounting to moved in miserable lines. shelter behind bushes when the rain Alan laughed reminiscently. 'When got too heavy. In no time we were wet we was coming to Australia, the im­ through, and it didn't matter any migration bloke asked us which part m ore. we wanted to go to. He said Then Lil drove her bike at a lake of Melbourne was nice, so I asked him water completely covering the road, what the climate was like. He said, got halfway and fell in. Her bike it's quite nice, just like London. So disappeared completely and only her we said, we won't go there then. So cape, floating on the surface, then the chap suggested South prevented her from disappearing as Australia, and told us there was even well. When we all stopped laughing a city in S.A. full of Porns, and we said about twenty minutes later, she told we won't go there either. We'd had us that she had been informed once enough of Porns.' tempt to stay aboard; and there were that the best place to cross a stream 'You sound like a pair of whingers other moments when our bikes hit was through its deepest part. Ted and to m e,' I observed. hard corrugated patches and vibrated I concluded there must be some Next day dawned fine. Having like pneumatic drills. Bitumen, final­ s trange natural phenomena in decided on a rest day, we walked ly regained, seemed as smooth as silk, England. about town and later followed Alan and encouraged a resumption of con­ When we reached the headland over along a trail worn in the grassy versation. looking the beach on which sat the re­ headland. It was a golden afternoon, I told Alan of a book I'd just finish­ mains of the 'Ethel', the wind roaring filled with the drowsy hum of insects ed reading about a Pommy chap's solo in from the ocean seemed like and the scent of wildflowers and the excursion to the Cape of Good Hope Cyclone Tracy's twin sister. It was soft sigh of the turquoise sea; but the via the Nubian Desert where he push­ virtually impossible to move against cyclo-cross had come out in Alan and ed his bicycle through flies and dust it, and those of us wearing capes near­ he delighted in dragging us over hill along a railway track for umpteen ly had them ripped over our heads like and dale, riding the bits that were flat miles. Alan said, 'He must be daft. and hauling our bikes over the bits Touring riding should be fun!' I that weren't. thought of our days of rain and our On the way back to the caravan more recent battle with the sand­ park the gears on his three-speed drifts and nodded dubiously. tandem became no-speed in the wink of an eye, necessitating some on-the­ We reached Stenhouse Bay, on the spot repair work. Then Mary's bike southern tip of the Peninsula, on an struck a patch of sand and s.topped evening marked by approaching dead and I, on her wheel, stopped clouds. Tomorrow would be another even more abruptly. It was all a bit of rest day, spent cruising around the a giggle for a while, and inspired more coastline to see attractions such as cycling reminiscences later on. the wreck of the 'Ethel', Pondalowie Cups of tea and mugs of wine ap­ Bay, and the abandoned historic town peared. 'Cor that was funny,' Alan of Inneston. FREEWHEELING 19 inside-out umbrellas. Alan and his 'Wonder if it'll stop raining tomor­ The next leg of the journey was over daughters negotiated the narrow track row?' someone mused. a series of undulations. Still reacting down to the beach and endured a 'Bound tQ,' I replied. 'My birthday to the unfamiliar tail wind and fine sand-blasting to photograph the will be over.' weather, we began staging sprint wreck which, according to a local, is Next day we headed up the centre of primes, flogging our heavy tourers in­ deteriorating yea-r by year. The the Peninsula, towards Warooka for to unaccustomed bursts of speed, pan­ wonder is that it's lasted this long, lunch, and ultimately Minlaton to niers flapping wildly. Alan and his given the force of the wind. _ camp. We had a fine day and a brisk elder daughter (Stoker No 1) on the We lunched at Pondalowie Bay dur­ tail wind, a good road and sparse traf­ tandem were massacred on the ing intermittent showers, listening to fic. We belted along at a fair clip, a uphills but whooshed past everyone the roar of the surf beyond the heads. going down. By the time we galloped The _bay itself was calm, and into Warooka, dishevelled and blow­ beautiful, and deserted. I tried to im­ ing like a mob of wild ponies, my legs agine a place in England similarly were aching with effort and my lungs devoid of human life, but couldn't; it were on fire. was hard enough to visualise any rural But yes, my bum was OK. areas in that tiny crowded country. For a while I let my spirit soar with The journey ended two days later. the wheeling gulls and polonaise with Ted and I farewelled the others at the sandpipers, and felt the familiar Mallala, a tiny outpost of no par­ rush of love for this land. How cou:ld ticular beauty about sixty kms north mists and coppices compensate? of Adelaide. We had our last meal as a That evening, back in camp, I was group on a footpath beneath some presented with a birthday cake overhanging pepper trees, and our decorated fetchingly with cut-off tight bunch of six, all of us feeling bikes attracted a blond young man in striped drinking straws stuffed with quite toey. Mary in the support vehi­ a cableknit jumper who, in a soft wildflowers, and pressies of nuts and cle only just beat us to the morning Swiss accent, told us he'd cycled chocolates. We sat around the fire tea spot. Sipping my coffee, and eas­ 2,500 miles since leaving his with the ever-present wine, becoming ing my complaining seat-bones, I ask­ homeland eighteen months earlier. happily, less and less aware of the rain ed Alan why I never got a sore He was now resting with friends which still pattered occasionally. In­ backside while racing. before attempting a traverse of the describably filthy socks draped rocks 'You lean forward more in a race; Nullabor. and logs around the fire, steaming and your legs are working harder, I_ wondered what he thought of gently. Happily we were less aware of like. The pressure's on your legs, not bustling downtown Mallala as a pied them, also. your bum.' a terre.

\ •

20 FREE WHEELING Driven on by the winds of the Roaring Forties the great rolling waves of the Southern Ocean travel 6 5 00 km to crash ashore on Victoria's coastline. The most spectacular sections are easily accessible from the Great Ocean Road near Port Campbell. The Twelve Apostles are only part of the magnificent coastal scenery along one of Australia's great bicycle touring roads. Bicycling in Victoria

The state of Victoria offers bicycle travellers some of the best roads and sights in the country. Ray Peace author of two books of tours dealing with his home state presents an overview of this great touring destination.

Victoria, smallest State on mainland areas hilly in varying degrees and in­ tourist with limited time to explore, Australia, is probably the easiest and land, the vast Murray River basin, the State can be conveniently broken most interesting to to ur by bicycle. mostly flat. up into a number of regions, most of Thousands of Victorians do, but they Rainfall varies from m ore than 2 m which are within a day's ride or less of often take a great deal for granted: to per annum in sm all pockets along the a rail line. Each has something well the v1s1tor everything from coast to less than 40 cm in the north­ worth seeing: Melbourne road-signs to road laws west of the State; vegetation ranging The coast in the SOUTH-WEST, regarding trams to booking a V-Line from sub-tropical rain-fo rest to semi­ best approached by a train to Geelong, (Victorian Railways) train can be baf­ desert, apart from the areas in the 75 km SW of Melbourne, or Warr­ fling. This article is intended to give a north-east above 1400 m classified as nambool 270 km WSW, is famous for few brief pointers in the right d irec­ alpine. the 350 km Great Ocean Road. The tions. coastal scenery on this route ranks What is Victoria physically like? among the best and most accessible in The Garden State measures roughly Melbourne, the centrally located 800 kilometres east-west, and about capital of about 3 million p eople, has 300 km across at the widest p oint. an annual average rainfall of 1.1 m Australia. Worthy of special attention The southern end of the Great while the annual average temperature is Port Campbell National Park, Dividing Range splits the State into is a mild 18 degrees. The city is also which includes the famous Twelve coastal and inland areas; the highest the focal point for Victoria's air and Apostles, London Bridge and Loch peak is just under 2000 m, the coastal surface transport. For the cycle- Ard Gorge. The City of Warrnambool FREEWHEELING 21 and nearby town of Port Fairy both and Aboriginal cave paintings (Vic­ TRAL), large fruit-growing areas, preserve historic buildings and relics toria Valley). The Grampians are also several wineries and three large Na­ of maritime and military history. Old surrounded by many lakes, several tional Parks: Hattah-Kulkyne, Big volcanoes at Tower Hill (14 km west suitable for fishing or swimming, and Desert Wilderness & Wyerfeld. of Warrnambool) and Mt. Eccles (60 wineries at Moyston and Great NOTE: Travel in this area in summer km north-west) are excellent places to Western are an added attraction. can be restricted by heat and lack of see local flora and fauna. The NORTH WEST, 600 km from water. Bindi-eyes are common, and The central WESTERN district is Melbourne, is the region most remote appropriate precautions should be dominated by the sandstone Gram­ from the capital. It is dominated by taken when going off sealed roads or pian Ranges, last outpost of the Great the City of Mildura as the only major cross-country. Divide. Trains on the main Adelaide centre, and the vastness of the semi­ The flatness of the Murray Valley in line via Ballarat to Ararat (210 km arid Mallee when cycle-touring. Ac­ the NORTH-CENTRAL area makes west of Melbourne), or Stawell (240 cess is by " The Vine-lander", which for easy cycling when head-winds km west) bring cyclists to within SO makes the 10 hour journey every aren't around. The region can be ap­ km of the only sizable town in the night except Saturday. The area proached from Bendigo or Swan Hill ranges, Halls Gap. The area features features the Murray River and a (160 and 350 km north-west of spectacular scenery (Pinnacle Look­ number of paddle-boats (refer also to Melbourne) on the western side, or out. Mt Victory), several waterfalls Swan Hill & Echuca, NORTH CEN- al tern a tel y Shepparton ( 180 km NNE). Old gold towns fringe the lower slopes of the Divide, for exam­ ple Bendigo, Rushworth and St Ar­ naud. The long length of the Murray Repco's All-Terrain Bicycle River valley includes several expanses of riverine forest, wineries, historic Offers rugged reliability for off-road cycling together homesteads and classified river ports, with the versatility of comfortable city commuting. notably Echuca (200 km north of Melbourne), and Swan Hill. Tourist The 8epco Mountain Bike features large diameter river-boat cruises operate out of both chrome moly tubing with quality Japanese ports but there are no regular services components. between them. The CENTRAL HIGHLANDS offer some of the most pleasant cycling areas in the State, combining good terrain and excellent scenery, easy· ac­ cess and a large number of attractions. The area can be approached from Ben­ digo (see above), Ballarat (ll0 km west of Melbourne), or the towns of Castlemaine, Woodend and Seymour, on the Bendigo and north-eastern lines within 100 km of the city. Virtually all the towns and cities in this area display their backgrounds as major centres in the gold rushes 130 years ago, mostly in original street­ scapes, for example Maldon, and also in reconstructed tourist parks (Ballarat and Bendigo). Some towns also have more specialized points of interest, for example Daylesford's mineral spas and Maryborough's rail station. The area is one of those best suited to cycle-touring as far as ease of travel and density of attractions are · ·f~ "\1lI concerned. 1,-/#PR •1 11 ]l=l~•t""&"2""&"!""¥'"J• In the NORTH-EAST the Victorian . ~3 Alps make for more spectacular scenery, although relatively easy Equipment: touring is still available in the Ovens, Diacompe X-long cantilever brakes King and Kiewa river valleys. Usual Sug ino TGT chainwheel and crank access is via Wangaratta (250 km north-east of Melbourne) or Wodonga SunTour MounTech derailleurs (300 kms north-east). The towns of Araya 7X Alloy rims Beechworth, Yackandandah , Chiltern Ku zuki bu llmoose Ch- mo handlebars and Rutherglen are all classified to varying degrees, housing wineries, Available from leading cycle dealers museums, waterfalls and numerous Trade enq uiries: other attractions wifhin easy day-ride Repco Cycle Com pany range of each other. The upper Mur­ Melbourne Sydney Bris bane Ad elaide ray valley east of Wodonga contains superb low to medium level scenery.

22 FREEWHEELING The valley resort towns of Bright and Mt Beauty provide the best points of access to the alpme areas south ot this region. However, cyclists intent on admiring the superb scenery of the high country should note that this should be attempted between October and April only, as alpine roads are often poor and terrain very difficult. Over the Great Divide in the SOUTH-EAST, Gippsland offers easy touring around the Gippsland lakes area, or the rugged hills of the Strezlecki Ranges traversed by the Grand Ridge Road. Access is by train to the Latrobe Valley (120 km east of Melbourne) or Bairnsdale (270 km east). In the Lakes area, the flora and fauna preserved in the Lakes National Park can be easily reached in the Paynesville area, although the Ninety Mile Beach can only be approached via the town of Sale at the western end. In the Strezleckis, the Tarra Valley Victoria is called the Garden State of Australia for good reaso~. This and Bulga National Parks, south of park in Bright turns on a vibrant display each autumn as the European Traralgon, preserve the sub-tropical trees herald the coming winter. rain-forest which once covered the areas the lighting of camp-fires is Seats on most (but not all) hills, while elsewhere Victoria's often restricted or not permitted due passenger trains which run more than lushest dairy-farming districts are to the high summer fire risk. Camp­ 100 km from Melbourne require reser­ backdropped by superb views of the ing in road-side pull-offs is also possi­ vation. This can be done by telephon­ Great Divide to the north and of ble in many areas, but not advisable ing the Melbourne Central Reserva­ Wilson's Promontory National Park close to main roads. tions office, or one of 16 offices in to the south. ''The Prom'' and also TRANSPORT: Public transport in regional centres, up to seven days in Phillip Island are worth exploration if Victoria is run by V-Line (State advance. The tickets can then be col­ time allows, the former with ex­ Transport Authority, formerly lected and paid for up to three days cellent bush-walking and the latter VicRail), who control seven passenger before the journey at the point of featuring the koala and fairy penguin rail lines plus two more to be re­ departure or at a convenient local sta­ reserves. opened this year), and several dozen tion or agency. bus services to areas no longer served Bicycles are normally carried in the Useful things and by trains. Transport of bikes by bus is· guard's van on V-Line country trains places to know possible in some areas but little or no (except rail-motors) at a flat rate of official provision is made for them. $2.00 per one-way journey regardless In basic subjects of interest to the visitor, such as accommodation, road When you are tired of your bike there is always the water. On the laws, and travelling costs, Victoria is Murray there are l"llany river boats suitable for day cruises qr longer very similar to the rest of Australia. journe:ys. The PS Melbourne is the last steam driven paddle steamer still There are, however, a number of local operating on Australia's longest river. peculiarities which can and do cause confusion to those unfamiliar with them. The following are a few of the more common ones: ACCOMMODATION: Pubs out­ side the capital city usually provide counter meals and accommodation as they do throughout the rest of Australia, with the normal proviso that those of popular areas in season require booking. The Youth Hostels Association maintains a network of 11 full and six associate hostels across the State. These vary in size from seven to over 100 beds, and cost from $3 to $7 per night. Most Victorian towns of any note have camping grounds or reserves suitable for overnight stops, although facilities vary widely. Camping is also permitted in most National Parks, State Parks and State forests, where a similar situation applies. In these

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Contact to: REPCO CYCLE COMPANY Head Office : 25 Hamilto n Street, Huntingda le, Vic., 3 166 Phone 568 0211 N.S .W. Branch : 16 Street, 216 4 Phone: 609 2322 U FREEWHEELING OLD. Branch : 30 Ly sa ght Street, Acacia Ridge OLD 4110 of distance. Removal of packs is not normally required. On suburban rail lines in the Melbourne area bikes can usually be taken in the carriages (out­ side peak hours) at the concession fare rate. Cyclists arriving by air from wherever at Melbourne's Tullamarine International should note that it is difficult to ride out of without win­ ding up on the freeway, and that apart from airport buses to the city public transport is non-existent. Some intra­ State flights depart from here, but a good many also go from Essendon air­ port (11 km north-west of Melbourne, 1.5 km from Pascoe Vale railway sta­ tion) and also Moorabbin airport (21 km south-east of Melbourne, 3 km from Cheltenham railway station). Some outlying regional centres like Mildura have regular air services to and from Melbourne, but space for bikes (and people) is limited, and the cost considerably higher than by rail. The magnificent Queenscliff Hotel on the Bellarine Peninsular near GENERAL INI:ORMATION: The Geelong is a fine example of the many historic buildings to be Victorian Tourist Commission's of­ discovered by bicycle. fice at 230 Collins St, Melbourne has a good collection of hand-outs and danger to cyclists, however, is a sim­ outside Melbourne. The larger ones maps for all areas, although these are ple one: always cross tram-lines at a inevitably lack some detail, and un­ invariably designed with the tin-can sharp angle or your wheels can be fortunately don't provide any terrain tourist in mind. On the other hand, caught by the slots the tram-wheel informaiton, but are generally reliable the Bicycle Institute of Victoria at 285 flanges run in. for indicating overall road surface Little Lonsdale St is concerned with MAPS: Road-maps of Victoria are quality. Those marked as minor nothing but bikes, though published easily obtained from petrol stations, tracks can sometimes be the best, but tour-guides for the State are still newsagents and many information local inquiry is recommended. relatively few. centres. However, like most of the On the other hand, National Survey maps of the 1:50,000 type provide a In addition to these sources, the tourist information these tend to be wealth of detail but are more difficult Forest Commission's office at 601 car-oriented. Of those commonly to carry, and don't cover the entire Bourke St is highly informative on available, the "Broadbents" map State. Despite this, they can be very parks and State Forests. The Commis­ series are worth considering, as they useful in remote areas such as the sion publishes its own highly accurate provide a range of sheets, from the en­ Alps. A combination of both State- maps of areas under its control, even tire State to the Dandenong Ranges though these are somewhat limited. Peaceful coastal areas like Mallacoota Inlet in Gippsland can be ROADS AND ROAD LAW : Most visited from the rail head at Bairnsdale or included in a longer journey Victorian road law is similar to that through to New South Wales. applied to the rest of Australia: cyclists are allowed on all roads ex­ cept the State's 350 km of freeway. Sealed shoulders are virtually non­ existent in the Garden State, making rural highways somewhat dangerous. Road signs are generally good except in the major cities, where their absence or ambiguity in some areas can be confusing to anyone unfamiliar with the road lay-out. Melbourne is the only Australian city with an extensive tramways net­ work, and a number of road laws app- 1y specially to them. Cyclists should always stay on the left-hand side of tram-lines, even when making a right hand turn across them. Stationary trams may only be passed at a ter­ minus or one of the large yellow 11 safety" tram-stops. Under a new system it is now an offence to impede the progress of a tram on any road marked with a yellow line down either side of the tracks. The main FREE WHEELING 25 wide or regional maps fo r g eneral 5. FORESTS COMMISSION: 601 bookshops such as McGill's at 187 navigation, and large-scale s heets for Bourke S t, Melbourne. Ph (03) 617 Elizabeth St, and the Technical venturing off the beaten track i s s ug­ 9222. Bookshop at 295 Swanston St. This is gested, with frequent m eetings with 6. JOHN DONNE'S: 372 Li ttle conveniently close to locals a useful back-up. Bourke St, Melbourne. Pb (03) 67 7. (a) BUSHGEAR: 277 Little Bourke 4383. Cartographers of excellence. A St (b) PADDY PALLIN'S: 55 Hard­ Contacts good range of maps is also available ware St. These are two of Melbourne's best light-weight camp­ TOURIST COMMIS­ from major city newsagents and 1. VICTORIAN ing & bush-walking shops. SION: 230 Collins St, Melbourne. Pb (03 ) 602 9444. Victour also has offices in all other Australian capitals except Darwin. 1 MELBOURNE 7 NORTH CENTRAL 2. V-LINE: (a) Transport Information 2 OTWAY-GEELONG 8 GOULBURN Centre, Pb (03) 602 9111. Provides 3 SOUTH WEST 9 NORTH EAST details of all train and bus services run 4 CENTRAL HIGHLANDS 10 EAST GIPPSLAND 11 GIPPSLAND by V-Line. 5 WIMMERA 12 MELBOURNE"S (b) Reservations Office, Pb (03) 62 6 NORTH WEST LEISURE REGION 0771. Printed V-Line time-tables are available for 50 cents from the newsagents in Spencer St Station foyer, the city's main country and in­ terstate rail terminal. This publica­ tion also contains locations and phone nos. of all regional booking of­ fices and agents. 3. BICYCLE INSTITUTE OF VIC: 285 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne. Pb (03) 663 3509 . Cycling informatin, publications and helpful hints o f all kinds. 4. YHA VICTORIA: 122 Flinders St, Melbourne. Pb (03) 63 5421. Informa­ tion and bookings for all hostels, plus regulation sleeping-sheets.

Symptoms: C.h.aj n·d at ter. Discomfort., Leg fat~gue. A c9mbination du~ foimprei ciq,fslif(\ii:ig apd the inab,ihty to sliift. gears while pedaling uphill. Prognosis: The use of a wide.range freew.heel requires a rear deraiUeur wHicha..pplies constanfl ensio~ on the ; V : .. ,<• in . ,_:-:-;c ha ~ ": Duopirliy Huret. The The Duopar Effect: Second illeur iµJhe1wbrld granted parallelogram maintains same dis­ ••.•.· ··•• r lts uqique duq} 'paral- tance between roller and sprocket leldgt . es:ignJGapatity: 12 .. 3,5 at . regardless of sprocket size. theffe w eel. A vailable:in Titanium/ forged' t alioyor light alloytsteel. Huret:.® D ainfai · n t tension For general or trade inquiries contact : by g,the le , .· ... h~in be .e 1;1pRei _roUer '_and eacll fre ·spr0ck~tvirh.1 ~1ly the' same. esult: the'sinoothesf shift- ing tourin,g derailJeur ever! · PEDLAR P,O. Bo~ 930 Canberra City ACT 2601 Phone: 48 8911 7 ==--~, --

26 FREEWHEELING CYCLING SHOES WITH GRIP The Last Whole Earth Feet slipping out of pedals at vital moments are a thing of the past. New racing and tour­ Cyclists' ing shoes from major American surgical com­ pany incorporate leather/nylon uppers and fully hydraulic hand prosthesis attached to each sole. Guarantees a grip on pedals you CATALOGUE won't forget. Internal hydraulics powered by special miniature motor that runs on steam rising from between rider's toes. Also Summer '84 available in model for people who pedal left- handed.

STATUS-CONSCIOUS CYCLING JERSEYS Fine weave wool/acrylic cycling tops for the mobile and upwardly mobile. Made with three button-fastened rear pockets and are strik­ ingly silk screened on front and back with corporate logo of your favourite top fifty national or multinational company. Show LIGHTWEIGHT CYCLE COMPUTER your friends and your stockbroker's friends BICYCLE ORGAN DONOR'S just where you're at. Discontinued 'seconds' The latest in advanced miniature bicycle 1.0. TAGS available at cost: Poseidon Mining and Nugan computers. Weighs only 5½ grams. Can be Hand. mounted on handlebars by any Microsurgeon Worn around rider's neck on chain, metal friend. Instant digital readout of 45 functions tags are engraved with name, address and including maximum speed, average distance, detailed Brand-name listing of all bicycle's elapsed time, price of a cappuccino, current important components. Should cyclist be hit number of missiles in Europe and account and killed by motor vehicle, presence of tags statement updates of owner's expenditure immediately informs attending mechanics on bicycle equipment. Accessory kit con­ that victim wishes legal donation of any un­ tains jeweller's glass & 12 kms of extension damaged parts to another bicycle undergoing cord. emergency in-shop repair somewhere.

INTIMATE REAR VIEW MIRROR SELF-CONTAINED TOURING SHORTS The final answer to wobbly and vibrating bike State-of-the-Art shorts for the dedicated touring cyclist. Fashionable mirrors. New rear view mirror contact lens design In stretch cotton/Polyester and equipped with 14 spacious flap fits snugly in right or left eye and provides pockets containing: lnsewn extendable stained maple picnic table, dependable covert cycling safety. Also white linen tablecloth, three-course cutlery, baked chicken with lemon allows wearer to attend parties without sauce, sliced shoulder ham, pate, french bread, greek salad, fresh feeling self-conscious. strawberries and a cheeky Chablis. Crotch is lined with disposable \ serviettes.

'COMMUTING CYCLIST' PAPER WEIGHT A delicately crafted glass paper weight that will add its own special beauty to any cyclist' s desk. Encloses an undisturbed scene of a bicyclist in an urban landscape. Shake it gently and suddenly a swirl of black flakes recreates all the romance of traffic at twilight. Contains distilled water and all your favourite hydrocarbons.

ULTIMATE BICYCLE SADDLE RUBBER 'LOVE' BIKE For those involved in the spiritual search for riding comfort comes the For the urbane and sophisticated cyclist this Is the perfect companion. definitive bike seat. Constructed from miraculous Polyeuroesterockere­ A life size and totally inflatable rubber bicycle that Is complete in every phylene it is supported in a pinewood base and filled with one thousand detail and will provide days of adult fun for the broadmlnded tourer. litres of water. Takes just 2-4 days to mount. Available In both male and female frames.

FREEWHEELING 27 CONG RA TULA TIONS AND THANKS TO ALL Guarantee THOSE CYCLISTS WHO INVESTED IN AN your bike ALLYN AIR SEAT! against and for those who haven't, consider this: theft! The Allyn Air Seat is an air inflatable seat cover that is anatomically designed and shaped. When fitted to your bicycle it provides the ultimate in comfort without changing the smooth, streamlined appearance of your machine. You ride on a cushion of air!

CHECK THE BENEFITS * eliminates pressure points and soreness * Absorbs impacts and bumps * Fits like a glove to all seats * You sit only 1/ 8 inch higher * Deflates and stores easily arranty pays up to $350.00 * Never wears out The CITADEL lock is the most ef­ * Far superior to sheepskin and foam seat covers fective system available for stopping * No matter why you ride a bicycle, you need the comfort of the air seat. the bike thief. To prove it we offer this unique warranty: "If your bike is PREVENT SORENESS ON BICYCLES - GET THE KISS OF COMFORT stolen because of the failure of the WITH THE ALLYN AIR SEAT. Citadel to prevent the theft, we will TRY ONE TODAY! pay you the value of your bike up to An excell,ent Christmas present for your cycling friend ..:.... ($18 post $350.00." paid). Available from leading cycle shops.

Trade enquiries to: FROM: A.G. IMPORTS, P.O. BOX 355, SUB/AGO 6008 WESTERN AUSTRALIA. Leisure Bikes OR S/MPL Y WRITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPH. PO Box 1026 ALSO AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BICYCLE DEALER. NEW TRADE INQUIRIES WELCOME. North Richmond VIC 3121 (03) 861 6771 Vittorio Touring Shoes Ride in stylish comfort with Europe's top bicycle touring shoe. Made in Italy from only the finest materials this specialist touring shoe is available in sizes 38 to 46.

Distributed in Australia by John Trevorrow Imports PO Box 635 Morewell VIC. Wholesale enquiries phone: (051) 34 8181

28 FREE WHEELING Bicycle Touring

Myall Lakes Tour

At the tail end of the loop, outside Gloucester, a blunt rock formation known as The Buckets dominates the rider's view.

road touched the edge of the Craven The Great Lakes District on NSW's central north coast holds State Forest, 'so I took a forestry road bountiful pleasure for those who like to explore slowly. and made camp about 500 metres off Connoisseur of landscapes, Jim Scarsbrook, describes his winter the main road. Considering I had seen three cars since Gloucester, and -this cycling tour of the area. forestry road had a gate at its beginn­ ing, the chances of humans tonight were slim. In a grove of turpentines I was joined by some inquisitive horses A cool winter's day greets me as I ching cows. This is to be a pleasant who cam e back several times during push off down the main street of three or four day trip across to the the night to sniff at this strange Gloucester late in the afternoon. A coast and back, and for once turned monster. few locals stare and then return to out just that way. Morning was glorious and promised their business. Just east of town, I Soon the tar gave way to reasonable fine cycling down the Myall River leave the Buckett's Way and turn gravel and Waukivory was passed just valley. A good breakfast and a quick south on to the Waukivory Road, on dusk. Not much to see, a couple of pack up and then it was back on to the through grassy paddocks and mun- houses and a local kid on a BMX. The main road and the most resplendent

FREE WHEELING 29 ·PACK ITALL AWAY

••• EXCEPT YOUR MONEY The days when you had to pay + $ + $ for a for your Pinnacle pack, you'll appreciate having pannier and for a handlebar pack to get the state­ some money left for the ride. of-the-art, are over. We , at Pinnacle studied the Available from your specialist bicycle dealer. rest then made the best for less. All Pinnacle packs are made of the most rugged nylon available 840/ 420 denier self-healing pack cloth. Front and rear panniers and handlebar packs are complete with storm covers, ensuring dry packs at all times. Everything about our packs is planned for functionality and dependability. We want them to last as long as the bicycle you put them on. Distributed by: you analyze a Pinnacle pack, Cycle Circuit From the moment 6 Tengah Crescent you'll recognize the cycletouring experience and MONA VALE NSW 2103 thought behind every feature. And when you pay (02) 997 6606

30 FREE WHEELING scenery I have seen for ages. A beautiful valley revealed the road winding down past small farms. A road junction with a sign that had seen better days indicated the turn off to Bunya. I followed the Manning Hill Road up and over a high ridge with some good views until Horses Creek Road, a fire or forest road, which was easy cycling, through the Wang W auk State Forest. At a small reserve along this road are the remains of a trestle .. railway bridge, one of the few remain­ ing pieces of a timber railway that ran t 25km from these forest areas to the Myall Lakes, where especially built boats took the timber to Tea Gardens and coastal transport.

With the sounds of steam whistles next to the Myall Lakes. The and we inspected the display of well and bellowing oxen in my mind, I caretaker at Legges Camp, next to the made and interesting toys. cycled on through pleasant forests un­ ferry, was most interesting to talk to, At Pacific Palms we stopped by a til suddenly there appeared the Pacific and it was nearly dark before he took grassy area which ran along side Highway. To my left was the us across the lake. There was a $1 fee Wallis Lake and cooked lunch. The O'Sullivan's Gap Flora Reserve but for this. day was sunny and clear. A few this would wait for another day. Tur­ It was pitch black when we reached kilometres on, we came to the Green ning right, there was a drawn-out Mungo Brush and a strong wind was Cathedral at Tiona. Leaving our bikes climb over a gap, and then down to blowing off the lake. The tents were at the entrance we walked down the Lakes Way Junction, and on into pitched, dinner cooked and eventual­ through giant ferns to the lake where Bulahdelah for lunch. One of the road ly the sleep overtook us. Next day we an open air church had been built. houses made it most enjoyable, and took the old mining road north, This is a quiet, peaceful and enchan­ then around to the main street to find which follows the coast and, although ting area and we were pleased we had a store. corrugated in many parts, is fairly flat stopped. Then on into Forster. As I came around one corner, two for the 30 km from Mung>Brush to As evening was approaching, I other cyclists came around another Seal Rocks. The view coming into decided to try the local camping area and a third from somewhere else., all this village is magnificent. but my companion had a long way to of us to pull up at the general store We talked to the shop keeper about go, so we said farewell and he headed together. We talked about our trips the area and she told us that the seals north. By a stroke of fate, the then the two waved farewell and no longer came to sit on the rocks off caretaker turned out to be an ex headed north whilst the other fellow the point. No doubt they upset the neighbour so instead of a nylon tent it and I took the flat river road down to local fishermen. We cycled west to was a comfy bed and home cooked Bombah Point Ferry. He was going to Bungwahl and turned north on to the meals. Cairns (actually Andrew cycled on Lakes Way. There was more traffic Next day I headed north, turning through the gulf to Darwin in the end) now but quite acceptable. A sign in­ west to Failford and south back on the but tonight we would camp together dicating a toy factory caught our eye Pacific Highway. It was only a short trip to Nabiac and once again I left This long, ope n and well-packed dirt road, skirted by low-scrub coun­ this busy road for the tranquil country tryside, is typical o f the unpaved routes in the Myall Lakes area. roads westwards. I was told that the Kramback road was busy and had some big hills, so I turned off to Dyer's Crossing and onto Bucca Waulka. This proved to be a very plea­ sant journey through rolling coun­ tryside, and the odd farm slid past me. Being a gravel road I saw few cars. Rain joined me and only served to accentuate the scenery. The single big hill before reaching the Buckett's Way was a breeze. Pushed on by the rain and a couple of nasty ups later, I came on a beautiful view from a ser­ vice club lookout where the road from Bundook was joined. Nestling below the Bucketts, the town of Gloucester looked magical, as the first lights twinkled on. A swift descent and over the railway line, and I was in town, heading or that milk bar and a look at a poster on the Bunya Bush Dance. A very enjoyable trip.

FREE WHEELING 31 TandemTalk

ceeded. The main campsite was slow­ minute s1zmg on the rear for kids, Tandem '84 ly turning into a quagmire still it was plumbers nightmares everything im­ fascinating to see all the vehicles aginable was there and there were This annual get together was adapted in various ways to carry long many cries of '. . . my goodness, organised by the British Tandem Club bikes - there were even a triplet come and look at this', or ' ... and this year happily coincided with along. heavens, can you imagine trying to out planned trip to England - so with The Saturday afternoon was ride that' or wistful mutterings about a certain amount of juggling with our devoted to informal rides to what I saving up for one of those. already jammed itinerary we were suspect were local beauty spots but There must have been well over 100 able to deviate northwards to attend the rain and hail were so fierce that bikes there - certainly no two the the weekend. We were join in the scenery was just a blur and it was same - it was absolutely fascinating. Shrewsbury by Caroline and Andrew a great relief to retreat to our bed and The improved weather had raised McDowall who had made a special breakfast accommodation with a hot spirits generally and people were far journey from Germ any, and thence bath and a drink in the pub. more chatty on the Sunday - the we boarded a train bound for glorious The following day was overcast but plentiful food at lunchtime must also Crosly in Lancashire. thankfully not raining and we headed have helped. Just south of the lake district this is off to join one of the varying length Several manufacturers had displays not the most scenic part of England day rides. Lunchtime was the only oc­ although not as many as the previous but undeterred we journeyed on, casion when everyone was able to get year - Lancashire is just not so ac­ rather surprised that we hadn't been together for a chat and a good look at cessible as Kent. Nevertheless it was joined by thousands of other tandems. all the assembled tandems - and lovely to be able to participate and I We found Crosley to be teeming, what a collection! Nearly every look forward to the day when tan­ not only with tandems but more un­ known framemaker was represented demists in Australia can rally in such comfortably with rain which started along with a multitude of lesser, large numbers. the moment we left the station and home made or unknown varieties. gathered force as the afternoon pro- Side cars, trailers, kiddy cranks, Paul and Carolyn Farren.

THE TANDEM SPECIALISTS

A fine example of Christie craftsmanship This four seat tandem was hand built by Christie Cycles of Melbourne for the Solar Energy Research Centre, Queensland University. Winner of The Cairns to Bri•bane Courier Mail 'Great Paper Chase: -.-.. ------Technical detail: Reynolds 531 tandem tubing , oval top tube, reinforced moun­ .. - tain bike forks, Dia Compe 960 cantilever brakes plus drum brake and heavy duty = :. =~ =-- = = headset. - - ... --~ - -== The finest touring tandems made to order Christie Cycles 85 Burwood Road Hawthorn Victoria 3122 Christie's are the tandem and touring experts. Come and see our Telephone (03) 818 4011. wide range of touring bikes, bags and accessories.

32 FREE WHEELING The high-tech traveller Jenene Porter discovers a high-tech tourer currently travelling around the USA with some very interesting equipment and some amazing stories.

Put a computer on a bike? American The bike itself is an interesting piece work, where he 'hears' the call 'Hey, freelance writer Steve Roberts has done of technology, designed :with wordy! Where U B to-nite?' just that, and created a new kind of aerodynamics and ergonomics in mind. A dusty Ohio farmer, seeing the bike high-tech lifestyle around it. It is fitted with CB radio, halogen and computer linked to the local pay­ Steve can be found anywhere in the headlights, something called a xenon phone while Steve squatted over the States tapping out his living in his mobile strobe, and two solar panels which pro­ keyboard in the dust, ventured 'you with 'office': tent, bike, woods or beach. All he vide power for the computer, lights, pager NASA?' A gang of convicts on work has to do is hook his lap-size solar­ security system and horn. In addition to detail cleaning up an overturned powered Tandy Model 100 computer* all that it carries 61 kg of gear as well truckload of cakes loaded him up with into any public telephone, and he has as its passenger. Sara Lee from their stash in the Maryland access to a whole computer network, as The eye-catching bike and fittings pro­ woods. well as his manager/editor in his home voke some curious reactions, as well as Steve says people are really fascinated town, Columbus, Ohio. many invitations. 'not so much with the magic of the Fed up with his sedentary job and Steve says 'on a bicycle I am non­ technology but the fact that someone has suburban home, he has taken to the road threatening. Perhaps a harmless eccen­ actually woven all this into his lifestyle.' on a 22,000 km round trip, on a custom­ tric, but certainly trustworthy.' Steve is writing a series of articles for built recumbent 18-speed Franklin bike. Loneliness, he finds, is tempered by the computer magazines and is planning contacts available on the computer net- to write a book about his nomad adventures. A child prodigy on computers who became a corporate consultant at the ripe old age of 21, Steve sees his trip as a solu­ tion to the 'one central conflict that's plagued me all my life: freedom versus security.' Two-wheeled freedom, the hi-tech way. • Steve has since changed computers and is now using the Hewlett Packard lap portable.

---'''--'-'''- •"'--'-.• ,.,~ .,_. ---~•- -•:,---- • ¥\ ......

FREE WHEELING 33 For the cycling purist, tradition dies hard. And when that tradition is associated with a Raleigh from the Nottingham factory, it never dies. It is thereforewith more than a little priqe that Raleigh announce the availability of two British built cycles - the Record Sprint 12 and the Raleigh Team 10. . -·, Each of these su~erb cycles has been_designed_ ~md . manufactured to the exacting standards for which the Bnt1sh Raleigh has been legend for almost 100 years. The Record Sprint 12 is a super lightweight 12 speed racer featuring high tech Reynolds 501 double butted Cromalloy M aero tubing, whilst the Raleigh Team 10 is a high quality 10 speed racer with lightweight Hi tensile aero tubing and finished in the new Raleigh Team colours. To celebrate the return of the mighty British built Raleigh, the first 500 purchasers of either the Record Sprint 12 or Raleigh Team 10 will receive a top quality French knit Raleigh cycle/sports shirt (est. retail value$24.99)absolutelyfree. Don't miss out on this strictly limited Ml... . &I w· offer. Check out these super British machines at 6 your bicycle dealer today. .

34 FREE WHEELING Summer Gift Ideas

Warren Salomon makes a ••lectlon of clauy gift Ideas friends and f amlly for the •~mmer ••••on.

under the tread. This say the manufacturers is enough to repel even the most persistent bits of glass nails and other road junk. Ride easy so they say.

Play It safe with a safety helmet · A bicycle safety helmet is a wonderful gift from genuine sheepskin ad is fully that looks after the future well being of the washable. One solution to the proverbial wearer. Good helmets are available in small No 111ore bruised bu111s pain in the bum is to float on air. The Allyn sizes for kids (Li'II Bell Shell) adult and kids If you experience saddle soreness from a air seat inflates to provide you with genuine sizes ( Guardian, the new Bell Biker 2 and long day in the saddle there are a number air suspension an fits to r.nost saddle types. Tourlite, and MSR) . For the cool headed of new products which will help you put The Spenco saddle pad uses a synthetic sports rider the Skid Lid or Bell V l -Pro offers comfort and enjoyment back into your body fat substance to cushion the pummel! lightweight protection with maximum ven­ biking. of your bummell. The saddle pad fits tilation. But what ever your preference A woolly seat cover is cool in summer neatly to most saddles and is available in wear your helmet always you never know and warm in winter. The cover is made two widths. when it will be needed. 3rd -

MICHELIN AUTUMN DAYTOUR SUNDAY MARCH 31st 1985

Handy gadget The best value for your gift buying dollar is a small but extremely useful device called a Blackburn Stop Block. This is a simple wedge made of moulded plastic that fits into your brake lever and immobilizes the front bike wheel. With this little gadget your parking worries are now forgotten. Excellent for loaded touring bikes that want to always Once again we invite you to Go MAO. roll away when they are parked against a pole. The third annual Michelin Autumn Daytour will again Bullet proof treads be run in the attractive North East Hi 11 country on the There is nothing worse than continually outskirts of Melbourne. Held over a 100 km route having to repair endless punctures. Some (with a shorter option of approx. 45km) it is organised relief from this tedium can be had by using the new IRC Durotour tyre. The tyre has a by the Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club. For full details belt of tough Kevlar (the substance they contact (03) 818 4011 BH or W3) 241 4453 AH. make bullet proof vests from) imbedded

FREEWHEELING 35 An Impossible Ride?

The Impossible Ride by Louise Sutherland reviewed by Michael Borlace.

'It will be quite impossible to do. It's an and that would allay some of their fears. ed by the locals, however, while a hub absolutely crazy idea,' is the start of a 'But being alone you are so very gear probably wouldn't have been. Her marvellous adventure story. vulnerable,' Mrs Long had said. previous odometer broke down after 400 The story is told by Louise Sutherland 'They would never understand that as miles and the one on this trip lasted 360 about her ride along the newly completed I was alone this vulnerability was by far miles so she is suspicious of 'modem' Trans-Amazonica, a 4,500 kilometre my greatest protection, Sutherland said. bicycle componentry. 'highway' of mostly mud and dust across 'What would I do if I were caught out in The ride is an epic one, the tale is told South America. She was apparently the the middle of the jungle at night? in a matter of fact way with little indica­ first person to do the ride and she would Loneliness didn't worry me. I was tion of the real struggle to keep the pedals let nothing stand in her way, including never lonely while I was cycling. I had turning for that · enormous distance the person who told her it was impos­ my bicycle to talk to. It was at night, or through an area with none of the facilities sible, one of the engineers on the road. in a strange town where I didn't know we are used to in our cosier tours. There anyone that I really felt alone.' is no mucking about in the riding either. He was by no means the only one tell­ She struck problems with the natives She puts the distance behind her and ing her it was impossible. Sutherland in Britain. All her early touring, including covers a lot more ground than seems seems to be the only one who believed it a round the world trip, was done on a possible under some of the conditions she possible, let alone worthwhile. But she Raleigh ladies roadster with a three-speed encounters. Despite the fairly dry style of thrives on adversity, contradiction and hub. She approached Raleigh to see if writing, she manages to communicate apparent danger. The book's jacket they would supply her with a bicycle. those emotions of triumph, frustration, makes much of her small size, her age Their reply was that they had 10 to 12 joy and despair which seem to populate (53), and yet it is just those features com­ requests a week, so 'No: any long cycle trip. bined with her gender in a particularly 'All along the Trans-Amazon Through her writing I got a picture of macho area which help to carry her highway?' she queried. what it could be like to listen to her tell through. Also helping her along are her 'No, mainly John O'Groats to Lands the story. At times she comes across like indomitable spirit, her smile ('My only End, (one end of Britain to the other) but many of the explorers of the last century weapon.') and her faith in humans and it's all the same,' was the reply. with a lot of preconceptions of what life animals. She ended up carrying a She eventually lined up some gear is like and how people are, and this is machete which was used only when from Peugeot which included a five-speed heightened by her stated inability to learn people said she should carry a gun. rear derailleur which gave her her first the language. The lack of language limits Then, she would point to the machete mechanical problems. It was readily fix- her understanding and contact and makes the journey more difficult. But it On her travels along the Amazon valley Lo uise Sutherland stayed in doesn't stop her seeing what the people's many houses. She experienced great hospitality from the people needs are and after her return to the throughout her journey. Western world she raised 20,000 pounds sterling in aid to set up a bus travelling the road as a medical clinic. She is certainly a person for challenges. Not that she sees it that way. Sutherland describes herself as a plain old- fashioned girl and she comes across as uncomplain­ ing -the book is written in a very modest way. There is a delightful irony in this New Zealand nurse being asked to sing at a church service and only coming up with Waltzing Matilda which thus becomes her theme song. 'I have always found, in every country I have cycled through, that the more primitive the people, the greater their hospitality. I find it is by far the best to go into a strange area willing to accept people on their terms and with an accep­ tance of their way of life. Not with a 'frightened' attitude or a 'superior' attitude. In most cases they respond with kindness even when I cannot actually communicate with them. I am the .;' *: stranger, the visitor. It is their homeland.'

36 FREE WHEELING ankle and And then later: 'This, I think is one of 4500km with only 130 to go and finds heart.' After the trip a septic going the wonderful things about living in the she is stuck -literally. The mud brings her cracked ribs healed, but she started eyes and jungle. A party of 25 people can turn up to a depressed halt, and she makes plans blind. After operations on both she can sort of see in the middle of the night, totally unex­ to fly out. But her incredible drive has special contact lenses, t will stabilise pected, and no one turns a hair. They her on the road again as soon as it is dry and is hoping her sigh again. chatter happily, have some food, or just and she pushes and pedals on again. enough to allow her to start cycling her to return is coffee, and can all be bedded down in Does she make it? Well, it won't give Whether it will allow their harnrnocks for sleep. I tried to away the plot to say 'Yes; As she flew out, another question. , inspir­ imagine the kerfuffle there would be if she said' au revoir', rather than goodbye, In short, the book is delightful , and to say the least, this had happened in someone's home in planning to return. ing, fascinating . the civilized world. It made me wonder 'Yes I was frightened sometimes. There unusual in topic and style of the were too many people telling me I The book is available from Australian Cycle about what is the true definition 2007 for do it. What had started as a Tuils Mail Order, PO Box 57, Broadway word 'civilized!' couldn't $11.65 including postage or by calling into The book is hard to put down and as it challenge had finished as a love affair. Australian Cycle Trails in room 9, ground floor, is only short (111 pages) it takes little time The journey had proved to be physically Trades Hall, comer of Dixon and Goulbum streets, $10.05 over to read. But it is also the sort of book to possible but the jungle had conquered my Sydney, (02) 264 2521. The book costs the countet dip into after it is over, picking up a bit of what she did here and a bit of what she did there. So I find myself re-reading bits every now and then. It is inspiring and makes me want to do the trip. She hard­ ly mentions vehicles except for the ones she has dealings with -carrying her or her bicycle through some particularly mud­ dy stretch or to a rnine or settlement off the highway. I was left wondering whether there were more vehicles which were not mentioned. Similarly with set­ tlements, it seems the ones mentioned are the only ones, but perhaps others are there but not discussed. There are other gaps in the text because of her spartan writing style. This is the tale, briefly told, of how she did it. It is not a description of how anyone else might do it in her wake. The traffic volumes ranged from a truck every two days on her favourite stretch to 300 a day on a very corrugated section covered in thick powdery dust which soon covered and choked her. On this latter section she saw lots of animals dead on the side of the road. Despite jaguars (the sort with leather legas as well as seats), marauding insects, rats and various humans she covers almost *optim ~ 101 GIFT IDEAS F~~ XMAS.....,.. The diminutive author pic­ ~ tured prior to a TV interview in , us stove $47.85 "" ar-er,d . o-e $'l ·"" mirror $4.25 Port Velho. \\O)' ea.., ~\.) " '~~ ~.• bottle&, a. ~~- :?,i" ()0 'li., * • Vla.ter . * ~'b-~ • c:ic\e '5i • \l.e)' $1• t'b-~ ~ • \lo\l.e ~ '/J, 'o\ .5 TV RONl><>N1A 'llell/ •tool kits, from $5 ':! 0ut s '\'J'b-~ 1oJ R... canai4 _...,,_ .... r...... , • e/s Ii ~ \O \\1- :noes $1\0.00 ~\~'bot • Vla.ter buc\l.et $ t..• tnaps $J e-;,111< • *\\o •\ea.tner s ~'b-~ N•• ~ -Oo e,!tht ~ ~'b-"' •3 d ~ /Jq ~ t.,'b-~ Pql/ r hand $1.50 *cycling mits $10.50 "1/J $.y ~i *'-~'b- •:;\~_O Cfllre I'. · I { S1.7s I 011 $ ~"' *blackburn alloy racks, from $49.95 lic111d b . •u-lock 35 lli/t l .Oo ~ ~ \?JSlO '° •• \1 l• TOURING SPECIALISTS • BICYCLE HIRE • MAIL ORDER ,.. . . • . • 32 GLEBE POINT ROAD, GLEBE, PH : (02) 660 6605 -~e~- · · . :#. :#. :#. :#. :#. :#. :#. :#. FREE WHEELING 37 The

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Here's the book that dedicated cyclists turn to for a round-up of the year's events and a run­ • One bolt fitting method - no down on what's new and what's drilling necessary coming up on the national and international bicycling scene. • The Custombu ilt Bike Carrier fits You could call it a yearbook or to the existing towbar. Remove an almanac or a cyclists' guide­ the towing ball and fit the mount­ book. ~-- ing bar under the towbar, or World Survey of 21 countries above if convenient.• From Australia to the top of the Alps in Switzerland, THE • TOW TRAILER OR CARAVAN CYCLING GUIDE highlights AT THE SAME TIME the developments and takes --~ you on tour through the most • Instruction leaflet supplied with important and active cycling ~-- unit for easy assembly. countries in the world. When it comes to touring, • AVAILABLE FROM the world's top cycling jour­ BICYCLE SPECIALISTS nalists take you all ;ver the globe - on an d off the road .. And, you get all this (and more! ) at no risk! Use the Manufactured by coupon below to send for Leisure Cycles your copy . also manufacturers of Australian made frames and manufacturers of: 0 YES. Please send me a I ------copy of the 19.8 4 Internati onal 1Cycling Guide. If I am not comp- le tely satisfied I ca n return it for a I full refund. I enclose cheque/ · 1 money order for $14.50 (Postage and packing included) Bank Card CYCLES customers use order form enclosed I FOR OUTLET ENQUIRIES m magazine. I VIC/TAS: (03) 793 3150 Name: __I NSW: (02) 602 4445 Address: ______OLD: (07) 376 4544 I S.A.: (08) 268 9044 ____ Postcode: ____ I W.A.: (09) 344 2733 I AUSiRALIAN CVC.Ll!TRf!.!L$ Leisure Cycles of Australia Pty Ltd • P-0-B-W-Oil Regency Park S.A. Tel : (08) 268 9044. 38 FREE WHEELING Discovering Sydney

Sydney Bicycle Rides with route maps, published by the Bicycle In­ stitute of NSW, reviewed by Michael Burlace.

How often have we heard the cry, 'What Canberra, Ray Peace's two books and catch the eye on the first skimming of this country needs is a book of rides to a few others. the book, but they don't lose their appeal get people using their bikes'? It seems to For Sydney cyclists there is now a with time either. They are by Phil be a very common statement, yet very guide to 22 one-day rides around their Somerville who is well known to little has been done about it. There are beautiful city. They range from gentle Freewheeling readers and they range very few guides to where to ride your to medium, are well set out and beauti­ from the light to the scathing, but are bike in Australia. There are the fully presented. always humorous. Melbourne to Sydney and Sydney to The maps are clear, the text is simple The book is just what cyclists have Brisbane cycle trails, the guides to the and has occasional bits of humour, the been wanting to help get their friends on­ Blue Mountains, Forty Rides Around cartoons are superb. Naturally they to bikes gently. It is attractively packag­ ed, gives all the necessary info and hints at some extensions and variations to 8 some of the tours. It is easy to read, the maps give the route information, though D istance: 10 hlomerru bkycle is the only kind of i:chide bad about .~etting oil am.! walkmg. On Starting .1.nd Finishing Point; :tllowcd up there on that dayl, ;md ar. yout left is the s.aaclstonc c,Hficc of St. on some trips it is in the text as well. Manly Wharf - regular fe.rriCJS excellent place to watch rhe. s~mrise ---­ Patrick's Col.lcge, Sydney's Catholic from Cfrcul.ar Qtlily midwinter, mi&summer or anytime in seminary. Go through the old ~tone There are some nice touches in the bctwecm. gattWa}", pitst the former Quaranti:uc From Manly Whnrf, witlk to the • s~ation iim! you arc in 1.he Pttrk. The writing. Most of the descriptions open A short ride to a superb \'i.ew. Cor:;o. This i.s a pedcstrfao boulev;rrd heulhland; which had become dcgrad• North He.ad is aow part of the Sydney and tbc cenuc of Manly. A.t the beach ed, is graduaily hcir.g restored to iu up options rather than prescribing fixed Harbour National Park. From the top, end o.f rhe Ciirso turn right Into South natural stare. by the r .ark Ser.vice, and 70 metres above the pounding w,:ives, Sreync. At the imd of South Stcyne aoti-e.rosion m<:.isures ar~ being ,,uried rides. you can .'>ce out over the Tasman Se.a, rb1m: is a pdtb tha;. fo!lows the v,•,m:r out. Awllnd the cliff faces you can pick This book is the result of more than and at:ross the HarbouY to SQutll Head, arouud pas• Fairy Bower 10 Shelley out some of the u.ld wartune sentry the ellStem suburbs and the cit}·. It is Be:i.cb . ,Come back then to Asbbu.rner boxes. It is lonely 1u:11.! desol.:m: up here, two years work, mostly by volunteers. the best plate to \'r'at<',h the start of the Street, then aim left iruo Darley Road. the wind is i::, your hair m:1d somehow Sydney to Hoban Yacht Race jyoll!" This par.· is pretty steep so don't feel you fed yo11 Me a long W.l}' from 1hc The project was funded by the NSW city which you can see actoss the harhl1ur. State Bicycle Advisory Committee. It O:1 your way hack, cake the road starts off with the easy rides and works Jown to Collins Be;ich. A shott .:ra<.:k at 1 he end

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Bicycle touring spoken (and sold) here Nearly everyone in the Melbourne bike scene knows that Hillman's started back in the 1930's selling and servic­ ing racing bikes and have continued to do so since then. As recreational cycling (thats bicycle touring) started to take on Hillman's were one of the first to develop their FRONT stock range and technical expertise to service this activity. Nowdays Hillman's are known all over Australia for their LOW RACK involvement in touring. If its a pannier bag or a 26 tooth Model AFC-LR1 inner chainring they stock the lot. Weight: 380g HIiiman Cycles 44-46 Grantham St., West Brunswick Vic. Tel: (03) 380 9685 NAGAOKA METAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 111 Brighton Rd ., Scarborough WA Tel : (09) 341 3581 1-8, 1-CHO MEIS HING U C HI TOYO N A K A C ITY, JA PA N

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40 FREEWHEELING Overle_.f: Part of the gathering of the riders at Belmore Park. Here the Lord Mayor Doug Sutherland sent the riders off on their Journey. The morning was overcast with a little light rain to dampen saddles before setting out. ry1dney to the 'Gong

This years Repco Freewheeling Sydney to the 'Gong riders started off with wet feet but easily made the 85 kilometres to the city of steel. For the first time we present a record of the day in colour. Words are by Robyn Robinson who with her family rode to the 'Gong on Australia's bi~ bicycle day ride. Pictures are by Ric Bolzan, Nigel Jenkins and Max Norden.

FREE WHEELING 41

Above left: The winners of the rides organizers, Nigel .lenkins, Below: After a long day in the team prize this year put in a fan­ says that you couldn't find a saddle its good to relax with tastic effort with these handy nicer place to fix your tyre. friends and watch to world pass skinsuits made especially made This years ride by. This year the State Rail for the occasion. The profes­ witnessed an epidemic of punc­ Authority moved the majority of sional team winners were the tures and various other tyre riders and their bikes back home crew from Woolys Wheels. Two ailments. Many rjders picked up to Sydney proving that bikes sections were created this year glass leaving Sydney while and trains and people are a good and safety helmets awarded to others with low tyre pressures combination. Congratulations both lots of winners. succumbed to the rocks of Lady to the State Rail Authority on a Above rights This One of the Carrington Drive. job well done.

'

44 FREEWHEELING by Robin Robertson We cheated. We joined the ride at Sutherland Station instead of Belmore Park in the city. But, we were punish­ ed for it. As we unloaded our bikes from the car, it started to rain. It poured steadily down as we cycled towards the Royal National Park. It was cold too . .. well, at least my sun hat kept the rain out of my eyes. We saw other cyclists on the road. They looked very professional, with their helmets, smash-proof glasses and skin-tight cycling pants. I wore my gardening shorts and my hat had crossed tennis racquets embroidered on it. We started the downhill descent to Audley, and I squeezed my hand brakes to slow me down. As I kept squeezing, my hands started to hurt. I Competition in the professional class of the Team Competition was found that if I stopped squeezing, I particularly fierce this year. The eventual runners up were the sped up to 200 kph, or that's how it Freewheeling super hero team consisting of (L to RJ Supe.- Chicken felt. (who was almost broiled in his own juices by pedalling fifty of the At Audley, the rain stopped, and we eighty five kilometres in a very hot costume; Robin; Batman and the found the morning tea stall. They Phantom • Ghost who rides (and doesn't walk). served lemon herb tea, ordinary tea, coffee plus huge hunks of cake. There is nothing delicate about the appetite of a cyclist. People milled around the stall. Many appeared to be part of a team, and wore identical tee-shirts. Two people, riding a tandem, were dressed as twins. Even their tans matched. A group of men and women wore skin-hugging, all-in-one cycle outfits, with low cut backs for optimum sun­ tan. These outfits were cleverly decorated. With material of a con­ trasting colour, shapes of hands had been cut out and sewn, with fingers outspread, onto the rump area of the outfit. This was best seen from the rear, when the cyclists were pedalling Part of the cheerful Oz bike morning tea catering crew who dispens• uphill, and the hands pumped up and ed over 1700 cyclist size servings of tea coffee and fruit cake on this down in the same rhythm. years Repco Freewheeling Sydney to the 'Gong Ride. The cake inciden- After morning tea, we cycled along tally was home made for the occasion. · Lady Carrington Drive. The trees were a cool canopy, and I saw the oc­ casional rosella. The road surface was dirt and stones, and my bike shook so much, my morror fell off. After a while, I realised I was dawdling. People kept passing me. I was cycling on the hump of the road because it seemed to have fewer potholes, but that was also the right­ hand side of the road. This confused people who wanted to pass me, accor­ ding to the road rules, on the right, and t,here was usually a tree fern in their way. I either had to speed up, or move over into the hollow of the road, along with the puddles, sand fill and dead branches. After a few kilometres of this shud­ Repco Cycle Company employees who rode in the Sydney to the 'Gong Ride 1984 dering, shattering cycling, my arms L-R: Mark Robertson (Sydney Branch), Darryl Mather (Qld Branch Manager), Peter started to tingle and itch. No doubt Gow (NSW Branch Manager), Frank Nachtigal (Sales Manager), Bob Berridge my muscles were being shaken loose (Brisbane), Dennis Moore (Sydney), Geoffrey Coleman (Sydney) FREEWHEELING 45 from my skeleton. But, I bravely car­ was left to contemplate the serene 'How do you get rid of leeches?' he ried ou for the remaining seven silence of cycling through bushland. asked. There was a leech attached to kilometres of rough road, telling As I laboured up Otford Hill, I passed his ankle, on the outside of his sock. myself that people were tougher than two cyclists. Finding someone slower How did it get there? Did it leap on as cycle mirrors. than me was a momentous occasion, he cycled past? I suggested salt, but he At the top of Lady Carrington Hill, until I noticed their bikes had no didn't have any on him. Matches? my family waited for me. 'Where gears. . Perhaps a hang glider, some of whom have you been?' they demanded. Up Otford Hill. I did it without were picnicing on the grass, had 'We've been waiting 20 minutes!' I stopping, but I had to continuously some. If they were smokers .. . sat down to rest. They stood up. tell myself that cycling was fun fun cyclits, of course, don't smoke. 'Come on. Let's go!' fun. At the top, the breeze was brisk, I went on, not wishing to see a sing­ The next stop was Red Cedar Flat. and hang gliders hung in the wind ed leech, or the cyclist's socks on fire. When I arrived, my family had over the ocean. After Otford Hill, there were higher already eaten lunch, and were ready My family were waiting for me. and steeper hills. I'd climb to the top to move on. Nevertheless, I sat down They left when they saw I'd survived of one hill, and find another. But, the and ate my sandwich - it would be the hill. I sat alone on the grass to rest down had to come, and when it did, it · one less thing to carry up Otford Hill. . . . the family that cycles together was as steep as a slippery slide. As I Off we went again. My family doesn't necessarily stay together. whizzed down, there was a cliff edge disappeared over the next hill, and I Another cyclist sat beside me. on one side of me, a line of passing cars on the other, and my aching brake hands in the middle. And, my ears clicked. At the bottom was Stanwell Park. :: ~~~/,__...... ,.L1'Y Then the road followed the coast. Up. ~ Down. Up. Down. Hill after hill. Little hills for a car. Big hills for a IMPORTED DIRECT bike. I was hot, tired and every hill had been placed there only to in­ PRESENTS ISkidlid .l FROM U.SA. convenience me. I was concentrating so hard on go­ ing forward, or, in most cases, up, I missed the ocean views. At one point, I saw a sign saying 'Watch out for fall­ ing rocks'. It gave no instructions about what to do if I saw one . . . S69 includes jump off the cliff, which formed the removable sun visor edge of the road? Throw myself into and chin guard, the window of a passing car? clip on mirror and I pedalled on. Past Clifton. Past Scarborough - the station sign had chamois sweat band. the 'S' broken off. Past a cemetary. I peered in the gate, with some envy. S59 Basic model. The people in there were having a rest. Near the gate was a sign: 'In­ dependents'. That, I knew, was where THE HELMET TO WEAR . .. they buried dead cyclists. Past a pub - the cyclists with the extra hands IF YOU DONT LIKE WEARING A HELMET! had stopped there for refreshment. The locals seemed delighted. LIGHT, COOL AND DESIGNED TO FLEX To Austimer, and the official after­ noon break. My family were sitting in AND ABSORB SHOCK ON IMPACT. the park. However, they were show­ ing signs of exhaustion. They didn't jump up when I arrived. They just FINDING YOUR SIZE MAIL ORDER SERVICE seemed surprised. SYDNEY METROPOLITAN AREA AND I don't remember much about the last seventeen kilometres, except it AUSTRALIA WIDE was flat. Never had a flat landscape Satisfaction or your money back seemed so beautiful. And, when I Write or phone your order. reached the Flagstaff Point Send a cheque or quote your Lighthouse at Wollongong, it was Credit Card Number and Expiry Date. beautiful too. Not for itself. But, because I had arrived at my final SMALL EXTRA LARGE ADD S2 .00 FO R POSTA GE 18.1cm o r less 20 .0cm destination, and I could now get off AM ER ICAN my bike. MEDIUM SUPER EX I E>G>RESS 18.7cm LARGE 1· Hundreds of other cyclists had ar­ w e lcom e l'lere CLJ.JB 1~ .,J rived before me, and as we sat on the LARGE 20.6cm m grass near the lighthouse, we shared 19.3cm • SSXL 104 CLARENCE STREET, SYDNEY 2000 21. 2cm that special feeling of achievement. f0ZJ Z9.496Z We had cycled to Wollongong. And why? Because it was there. That's all.

46 FREE WHEELING ment on our bikes increased! It was worth it. With a 25 kilo bag of rice, some spare parts and John's household car for our support vehicle Ride to Roxby we were set to go . Immediately before our ride we held a protest ride in Sydney and camped overnight at Lucas Heights to publicise the Roxby ride and the Downs uranium gas leakage which had just occurred. Sunday, 19th August was the of­ ficial start of the blockade. At Central Railway there was pandemonium as The recent history of long distance bike rides in Australia owes 37 Roxby activists boarded the Indian­ much to the anti-uranium protest movement. Between 1975 and Pacific. There were other bikes being 1977 some four thousand young people pedalled their machines as taken to Rox by besides ours. The plat­ a form of protest from the coastal cities to the national capital at form was piled high with bikes, ban­ Canberra. ners, tents, shovels, boxes of food, woks, sunhats and guitars. To show that the pedal or perish spirit is not drowned in the We were met in Broken Hill by apathy of the eighties an intrepid group of pedallers rode to join the John, our fellow cyclist and support­ recent blockade of the Roxby Downs uranium mine in the deserts vehicle driver. It was cold and raining of South Australia: - no one cared much at this stage as we were filled with excited expectan­ cy about our ride ahead. With the Meredith Brownhill describes the 500 km trip made by bicycle­ other Roxby activists who were conti­ riding protesters from Broken Hill through Port Augusta and nuing by train to Port Augusta, we Woomera to Roxby Downs in August, 1984. sang songs, said fond farewells and held up our "Pedal for Peace" banner Having decided to particpate in the we found others and planned our bike as the train moved past. Roxby Downs Uranium Mine ride and actions at the blockade. This, the first stage of our ride was Blockade the thought of a bicycle ride Before the ride, some of us attended the hardest as we cycled west, instantly occurred. A bicycle ride weekend training workshops in non­ straight into the dreaded westerly seemed an excellent way to publicize violent, civil disobedience. It was a winds. Alfred, a long-time intrepid the cheap, energy efficient and non­ worthwhile experience where bonds tourer, was the only person to enjoy polluting aspects of cycling. The of trust and caring were established what he called a challenge! For the social contact with local people that that would give us strength and rest of us it was hard going. occurs when cycling seemed an ex­ solidarity. Skills were also acquired in For me, a slow rider at any time, the cellent opportunity to talk about the decision-making procedures which head winds made the journey dangers of uranium m ining, the gave me hope that, at last, there were physically very difficult and nuclear fuel cycle and the nuclear alternatives to boring meetings. demoralising. We seemed to move so arms race. And besides, cycling is fun. The nine · of us who rode together slowly across the almost flat, open Filled with enthusiasm and excite­ had a couple of workshops prepari~g salt-bush plains, a bend in the road ment I found another like minded our bikes for the task ahead. Our en­ became a longed-for goal, as did the cyclist, Anarchist John, and in tim e thusiasm soared - and the equip- car with John standing there offering sustenance. On site repairs to the riders clothing was performed by this ingenious However, there were moinents of pedal powered sewing machine. enjoyment in the early mornings and evenings when the wind dropped and all was calm. Having travelled through this country by car, I discovered a new beauty in the vastness of the plains and sky, The drought · had broken and Salvation Jane, saltbush and grasses grew thick­ ly on1 the red earth. On the first night we established some common agreements about cooking, rest stops etc. We also agreed not to graffiti buildings in town and to establish as much friendly contact as possible with local people. So we kept graffiti for the highways and billboards. We also agreed to stick together in towns in case we were at­ tacked for being 'greenies'. In our second day's cycling, motorists began to stop and tell us of another cyclist who was trying to catch us. It was Phillip, who had been

FREE WHEELING 47 to the mountain bike trial en route - John drove back and gave him a lift so we could all be together. The towns we drove through con­ sisted of petrol station, pub and shop, and even there we found a few sup­ porters for our ride. The publican of the Olary pub used to work at the Radium Hill uranium mines and told us many of his work mates were dead. Indeed, the Registrar of Deaths shows that 40% of those who worked underground at Radium Hill have died from cancer. We rode on through Yunta, Oodlawirra and Peterborough, At times the ride resembled a travelling carnival. Here the riders through headwinds, torrential rains meet up with their vehicle support crews for a chat and a welcome and a hailstorm. breather form the heat and head winds. We made it to Wilmington which is sheltered by the Mt. Remarkable Ranges, and made camp in Debbie's favourite spot, an old river bed with gum trees and celebrated her 21st bir­ thday. An assortment of bongo drums, whistles, cowbells and a lager­ phone appeared. Wil played his PRESENTS cannondille recorder and we all drank a lot of port around the camp fire that night. IMPORTED DIRECT Next morning up the road came more bicycles with flags flying in the FROM U.S.A. breeze, a tandem towing a trailer with a child in it, and a very old green bus with yet more bicycles stashed on top and behind. We were now 25 cyclists and a child.

We learned from the Adelaide cyclists that they too had been riding Panniers start through wind and rain, and on muddy from $59 per pair and roads . They had spent time in Port all have an internal Pirie and erected a sign at the tailings frame made of glass­ dam indicating its hazards. This 'dam' was a children's playground un­ reinforced nylon resin til 1978 when it was fenced off. The to retain shape and tailings have been eroded by wind and reduce stress on in 1981 high tides caused a breach in zippers and seams. the dam. Our first night with the Adelaide * RACKS * SHORTS riders, and our last shower, was just * PANNIERS* GLOVES south of Port Augusta. We had to camp at Stirling North because the * SHOES campsites at Pt. Augusta would not * ALUMINIUM TOURING FRAME accept us on political grounds. It was here that motorists began to throw Innovative design gives convenience and objects and to yell abuse at us as they dependability in roared past. We were not surprised by cannondale optimum touring systems. this hostility as this mining/in­ dustrial area has been affected with 'PHONE OR WRITE FOR rising unemployment. Once out of Port Augusta and FULL CATALOGUE pedalling north, the countryside changed to light scrub with brightly coloured wildflowers growing. It flew (02) 29.4962 past as we cycled along and indulged ourselves in trick riding. Martin had an unfortunate series of punctures - ~--:: ~~ remedied by a new Cheng Shing tyre. 104 CLARENCE STREET. SYDNEY (Cnr. KING STR EET) And Ian and Louise powered along on 48 FREE WHEELING the tandem, sometimes singing whilst Sassa in the trailer passed food supplies to them. Someone always rode behind the trailer to protect Sassa from passing cars. On our ninth day on the road we had 90 km to go to reach Narrungar, U .S. military communications base, by mid-afternoon. Helen, who deserves a special mention for pedall­ ing a women's single speed bike with an 84 inch gear ratio all the way from Adelaide, set off early. Battered old bikes arrived at Roxby just as well as any of the well-equipped touring bikes from Sydney. Bicycles are marvellous and never to be underestimated! The "Star" police force (specially trained and named for the blockade) came to meet us on motor bikes, and the unmarked police car that had tail­ The author battles the head winds on the way to Roxby. The coun• ed the Adelaide bikes all the way pass­ tryside shown here is typical of the terrain encountered on most of the ed us. journey. Shady sun hats appeared on heads as we cycled up one of the few hills on We stopped to rest and plan our en­ There would be no stopping us now the ride, and climbed up onto a trance to the base. that bicycles had become new tactical plateau. It was a strange and Our imaginations and activist am­ vehicles in the struggle against U.S. fascinating landscape. Salt lakes bitions soared as we saw ourselves nuclear proliferation. could be seen glimmering at the base cycling straight past the police, who We saw the top of the dome-shaped of the plateau cliffs - almost like couldn't catch us on our bikes, into a tracking station shining in the valley looking at the ocean. There were no top security base. Road barriers would as we approached, then we saw the trees, no scrub, just very prickly cease to be an obstacle as we'd ride ' ' all clear'' signal from our SO or so ground cover and lots of blue sky. around them and go across-country. supporters. Excitement and tension

FREEWHEELING 49 mounted as we gathered speed and up and down over the sand dunes. The turned the comer, cycling through a Star Force motorcycles passed us yet cheering crowd. We flashed past the again. With great enthusiasm 21 first sign saying ''No entry .. . seven bicycles and a tandem with the trailer years in gaol". There were still no headed for Rox by. A police helicopter police in sight, so we thought "great flew over, circled and flew away. I had - let's go for it." And we did. Over to laugh - were we really such a the grid, past another sign, past threat? another cheering group and then Great joy, there was the camp with down the hill to the base. All too soon people welcoming us. We soon arriv­ a white barrier, cement-filleq drums ed at the main gate in style, taking up and the Star Police Force loomed up in the whole road. The scene looked front of us. Worse, there was no way familiar with the police and drums of around as they'd dug a tren~h. End of cement. People were singing and fantasy! drums were playing and wr were at Before we left for Roxby next morn­ Roxby - we'd made it. ing John planted a date palm and laid a First Rob, then Martin and Manfred stone next to it with the date and our disappeared with a police escort. cyclist logo painted on it. We also Then it was my turn to be arrested. I erected a sign on the Stuart Highway still had my foot in the toe clip, so saying ''Narrungar: Nuclear Target'', sooner than drag me off the bike two but it didn't stay up for very long. police officers wheeled me through Stefan and David couldn't wait so the gate and to the paddy wagon. I felt they rode on _ahead. The rest of us had SOUTH I was arrested in the best possible lunch in Woomera, a strange town AUSTRALIA manner - on my bicycle, so for me it with a park full of aeoroplanes and was all worthwhile. weapons. This glorification of war Twelve cyclists were arrested with was more than we could bear. east-west across the centre of 50 other blockaders who came onto We now had 80 kms of dirt road left Australia, there are often claypans the road to support us. We were all to cycle - we were almost there. The and stony flat ground that have very charged with loitering. Most of us sun was getting hot and the tail wind prickly grass and thorns galore. Many pleaded guilty, made a statement had long gone as we rode into sand of the claypans are sacred to the about uranium mining in court and dunes. The rolling sand dunes have Kokotha Aborigines. were duly fined $25 . small scrubby trees growing on them Our last moqiing's ride was hot, and in between the dunes, which run dusty and windy with the road rolling I felt as if I was passing through a time warp as we were driven straight back to Woomera Police Station. The police were accommodating and gave us vegetarian salad sandwiches for tea. As we were starving everyone decided that the cyclists deserved an extra sandwich - that made 3 each. Minutes later, we were all curled up together for warmth under shared blankets and fast asleep on the floor of the cell. I dimly recall hearing voices amusedly saying " gee, look at the cyclists, they're all asleep" . . . no wonder. At 1.30am we were awoken and taken into court. At 6am the 12 of us retrieved our dusty bicycles from the mine security •. . for secure handling ~t any $peed. guards. All the flags had been broken Aztec stopping power gives you high speed confidence In all conditions. and removed from the Adelaide bikes, In city traffic. On fast descents. Even when it's wet. and _the panniers of some had been Integrally moulded by a pa~ented process, Aztec Power Pads use a searched. unique high friction coefficient material to Qeliver dynamic braking We continued to stay together at control - on any rim surface. Roxby as an affinity group and built a A precision rim alignment facility matches the extra beautiful camp site for ourselves, long contact surface to ypur rim. That's why Aztec bicycles forming part of the wind­ Power Pads give even or(:linary systems the progressive break. The uses of bicycles at Roxby action and light levered feel of a premium brakeset. were endless: one powereq a sewing Check with your dealer for the most advanced brake machine to make banners, others pads available. {Cantilever model a/so available} charged batteries by running Sanyo ® dynapower generators when cycling or by wind power at night to provide r . .. I / I POWER™ light. - We felt that not only had we made a I PADS valqable contribution to the Roxby FOR INSTANT SPE;ED CONTROL blockade, but w e had really demonstrated a practical and alter­ .®. A Madison product Distributed in Australia by H & L Imports. Trade enquiries (03) 387 301 2 native energy source. 50 FREEWHEEL/NG Rambling

'Pick a plank!' is the cry often heard would be a success. I suspect it will from training or racing cyclists achieve a lot more. encountering what touring cyclists There are some things which give more often seem to call a bike-eating a great deal of pleasure and make bridge. These longitudinally-planked cycling safer, more comfortable and bridges are rapidly being replaced easier. For me, the use of what by concrete ones, but there are are lmown as north roads - flat thousands left. Most people who have handlebars with full returns (they difficulty riding them find that it point back rather than out to the becomes :possible once they get their sides) has made a big difference. eyes raised to a more nonrtal position. After two years of using the north The problem is usually that they are roads I fitted thumbshifter gear focusing on the bridge just in front of levers. After two years of using their tire. Just as we focus on a ball to thumbshifters I am still delighted improved comfort and by Michael Burlace hit it, if we focus on a gap it's easy with the to go straight into it. Keeping the eyes control. Now I can steer, hang on, higher and looking two to ten metres brake and change gears at once - Marie Stopes was the first 'sex ex­ ahead usually solves most of the something I don't have to do often, pert' in modern Britain to whom peo­ problem. Of course, convincing but it does happen on the odd descent ple wrote about sexual problems. She people to look somewhere other than on a rough dirt road. In other riding also opened Britain's first birth control where they think the problem is can I often brake and change gear clinic in 1923 and published a book be difficult. simultaneously. The thumbshifters called Married Love in 1918. The also make it easier to make those following extract from a letter to small changes needed after moving Stopes was passed to me by Wendy The Caltex Great Victorian Bike one lever and having it affect the Davies after reading my item last issue Ride takes place as this issue is on its alignment of the other derailleur. about the liberating effect of the bicy­ way to you and looks like being the cle on young women. September 23, greatest lOCDSt plague in some years. 1919, Galway, Ireland: The Reverend The chocolate and ice cream conces­ SB to Marie Stopes - 'I have been sions would be worth a fortune. At struck by watching girls in London the time of writing there were 2086 outskirts riding cycles, you did not hungry cyclists preparing to hit the refer to this in your book - they tarmac on election day to celebrate elevated the peak of the cycle saddle 150 years of European settlement of and put it too high, in riding, it Victoria and several years of work necessitated an overstretch of the by a small team of dedicated people. leg at each downward stroke of the Two people deserve particular pedal, which rubbed the peak of credit for the idea. They are Anna the saddle where it should not be, (Erben) Lannigan who conceived the those girls were always inclined to idea several years ago, and Ron be fast... .' Shepherd who kept the idea alive for the past few years despite a lot of Touring cyclists usually have delays and problems in the powers large toilet rolls in their bathrooms that be. Ron also helped it change rather than small ones. The end of from a ten-week circuit of the state to Tyres need valve caps. they keep the roll with the last hundred br so a manageable and achievable nine­ the dust out and believe it or not, squares gets popped into a plastic day event. There is no doubt that this can keep the air in. With some bag and taken off to visit the more will be an introduction to touring for valves, particularly car (Schrader) scenic parts of the country-anything a lot of people who would not other­ valves the centrifugal force can help to save weight. That's what's lmown wise take their bikes out of the city. to let air out of tyres. It is only likely as the butt end of the toilet roll. If it achieved nothing else, the ride to happen at high speed, but the cap can maintain the same pressure on each side of the valve and reduce your air loss if the force isn't with you.

Good news for people planning a trip to Tasmania. The old Empress of Australia looks like she will abdicate in favour of Nils Bolgersson. The new ship, according to the Tasma­ nian tourism people, offers better facilities and a much greater passenger capacity which will allow more people to get a trip at the last minute. FREEWHEEL/NG 51 Steyr-Daimler-Puch Austria Since 1864

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Winner of two major awards at the Australian Bike Expo 1984.

Dealer enquiries: PO Box 157, Mulgrave, VIC , 3 170 Phone: (03) 546 0111

52 FREE WHEELING Australia's only all-terrain bike club held its first big race. The . Freewheeling Fat Tyre Fanatic sent this report.

The inaugural 1984 Repco Fat Tyre Classic was held on Sunday November 11 th in and around the Kinglake State Forest near Kinglake Central, Victoria. It was organised by the Fat Tyre Flyers Club, which is the only mountain bike club in Australia. The country around Kinglake is scenically attractive and there are many tracks of varying degrees of difficulty. The tour of Kinglake offers accommoda­ tion and other necessities. The course for the event was set to in­ clude as much varied terrain as possible. Starting and finishing at the Kinglake Central Hall meant that there was a long flat section of sealed road at the beginn­ ing of the race giving an exciting and very fast start. Riders, however, found that this last section was exhausting at the end of the race as it gradually climbed uphill. The competitors were divided into time categories by their own nomina­ tion. Those in the expert category raced about 45 km starting at 600 m above sea level and descending to 340 m and up again twice. Excursions were also made into the bush for the 'rough stuff: The maximum grades in the expert course were roughly 35 degrees on des­ Equal first place went to Eric Sto ne of the Hillman Team. Eric, a cent and 30 degrees on ascent. Though former UK cyclocross champ, rode th e grueling course on a specially mainly on vehicular tracks the experts built bicycle. The machine was constructed of Reynolds 53 I tubing and had to contend with some sections that has a wheel base of 990 mm. This lightweight machine was equipped would challenge the most enthusiastic with Dia Compe cantilevers, Mavic GP 4 rims fitted with Michelin cyclo four-wheeled driver. cross tyres and Sun Tour sealed bearing hubs. FREEWHEELING 53 The novice course was tamer all round, being about 35 km long and making the descent to 340 m only once. All obstacles that would have been. dangerous to speeding maniacs were removed in a successful attempt to keep the road toll down. The riders seemed to enjoy both courses. The experts were tired, but could still manage the hour-long drive back to Melbourne. The only complaint about the novice track was that it wasn't 'off-road' enough, but this was a con­ scious decision on the part of the organisers. As this was the first event of its type, no-one really knew what to Amazing scenes from the Repco Fat Tyre Classic. Mud was part of the expect or at what level the competi occasion. This rider artfully skirts a large puddle on the rough course. tion would be. Some confusion resulted from inade­ quate marking of the expert excursions. ~, The committee, in consultation with the riders, decided to split the first and lh ,m second prizes between the two com­ petitors first over the line in the expert N section: Eric Stone and Jamie Hales. Confusion over markings in the under-16 division also resulted in equal first going to Jamie Kibble and Tarquin Bradley. Most of the competitiors were on mountain bikes, except for a few road bikes on the novice course, and Eric Stone's cyclocross bike. The closeness in -I time betwen Eric and Jamie has led to I much speculation on the future of further competition between cyclo cross bikes and mountain bikes. There were no main equipment failures. All bikes, however, were scrutinised before the race. All riders also had to conform to safety precau­ tions such as helmets. Thanks must be extended to the spon­ sors, Repco Cycles, without whose financial support the 1984 Fat Tyre Classic would never have been more than a dream, and to all the entrants who participated. Rather than list particular people, the credit for the organisational successes and failures must go to the members of the Fat Tvre Flyers Club. Official Results 1984 Fat Tyre Classic Expert Category Eq ual 1st Eric Stone 1.45.1 5 Equal 1st Jamie Hales 1. 55.03 3rd Nick O' Brien 1. 58.00 4th Richard King 1.59.34 5th Dave Cooper 2.01. 08 Novice Category 1st Ewen GeJlie 1.11.50 2nd Jamie Walsh 1. 22.38 3rd Tim Lowe 1.22.53 trade inquiries contact: 4th Ray Lawn 1.23.44 5th Terry Hales 1.24.45 Women Novice Category 1st Wendy Orams 1.41.01 P.O. Box 930 Canberra City ACT 2601 Phone: 48 8911 2nd Jeanette Cartledge 1.42. 18 3rd Suzie Nachtigal 2.04. 18 Under 16 Expert Category Equal 1st Jamie Kibel 2. 15.28 PEDLAR Eq ual 1st Tarqui n Bradley 2.24.49 54 FREEWHEELING

.... Sore bottoms a thing of the past?

Heather Nesbitt reviews a new range of sports medicine products from the USA

The Spenco saddle pad comes bones are poorly protected from the in two sizes and two colours. Reviewed by Heather Nesbitt " bumps and grinds" of the road. The Spenco Saddle Pad is designed to ab­ According to the technical blurb, This recently-released range of sports sorb pressure and shocks which lead Spenco Grips are made by ''injecting medicine products, I'm certain, will to soreness and numbness and have nitrogen bubbles into sheets of make cycling physically safer and in­ been successfully tested by riders in Neoprene under intense pressure!" finitely more pleasurable (is that the 1983 3200 mile Ride Across They are bound with polypropylene possible?). Probably the most useful is America. If you can survive that event which, like the saddle pad, is durable, the Spenco Saddle Pad which the without saddle soreness, it has to be a friction-free and washable. The com­ brochure describes as ''made of winner. pany guarantees that the grips will lifelike elastomer'' and to the layper­ Tested in our recent humid not stiffen, crack, fade or shrink as a son, feels almost like human tissue. weather, the saddle even survived the result of sunlight, heat or weather ex­ It's soft, flexible, firm and really ... great Aussie ailment - heat rash and posure. So with a wrap-up like this interesting to touch. In fact, you may chaffing. Covered with weather-proof they have to be good. And based on think it a little strange, but I've been polypropolene, which draws moisture evidence of the rest of Spenco's range touching, squeezing and feeling this away from the body without absorb­ who would argue. Good handlebar saddle pad all week! Sitting on it is ing it, the saddle features a friction­ grips are essential to absorb those road even more exciting! If your backside free, fine knitted cover. For comfort vibrations and really make for much is like mine (but let's hope not!) sad­ and protection, the Spenco Saddle Pad more comfortable, enjoyable cycling. dle soreness is a real problem, is streaks ahead of the traditional If you don't use padded · grips now, especially on long tours, as the pelvic sprung, leather covered or full leather you really don't know what cycling saddle. Retailing at $28-30 this saddle is! The Sp enco gloves. Insert pad is good value. You'd think Dr Spence, this self­ shows the synthetic 'body fat· Other products in the Spenco range professed triathelete, physician and tha t is at the seat of Spenco·s suc­ include cycling gloves, handle bar entrepreneur would have stopped at cess in the USA. grips and insoles. The cycling gloves that. But his biggest seller, which were of particular interest as although helped establish the Spenco Medical I don't usually wear gl,oves (I've Corporation, was the development of always found they offer few advan­ a protective insole which Nike Shoes tages and a poor suntan) a friend's re­ contracted for use in their top running cent complaint of numb hands and shoes. And for cyclists the range in­ tired arms, led me to try them out cludes orthotics and insoles to absorb carefully. A quick glimpse at the pedal pressure and prevent foot and books reveal that the hand's anatomy knee pains. They are odourless and is not designed for cycling as little washable and fit any joggers. If you're - skin tissue pads the delicate nerves not keen on racing cleats, Spenco in­ and prolonged pressure on the wrist soles could be good value. They cer­ and base of the palm can lead to tainly beat numb feet! physiological problems. Particularly Cycling is one of the safest forms of ~ on a ten-speed, where most of the exercise, suitable for people of all ages \ rider's weight rests on the hands and and levels of fitness. But like all ·, handlebars, numbness, pain and forms of exercise, there are dangers serious injury are possible. and excessive stress placed on the Made of fine black leather with cot­ body, particularly if not fit, can lead ton webbing on the top-side, Spenco to injuries. Rest is usually the best gloves have that wonderful cure for torn ligaments, tendons and 1 1 elastomer'' incorporated into the muscles but a doctor should be con­ palm padding. The inside is lined sulted if the problem continues. In with terry cloth to absorb perspiration the meantime, try to work out why and if you use tape grips, these gloves the injury happened - perhaps you would be a real plus. If you already pushed too hard, used too high a gear use padded grips, you might find the or weren't fit enough. And take a look gloves like double-decker padding and at Dr Spence's range of sports perhaps over-indulgent. The gloves medicine products which aim to cure retail for $28-30. the cause rather than the sympton.

56 FREE WHEELING

Will London~ Cyclists SuNive? by Heather Nesbitt that from 1972 to 1980 cyclists in­ • review of new highway and traffic England has had a long and enduring volved in accidents have averaged management schemes in light of relationship with the bicycle. 3985 reported accidents each year. cyclist safety and needs, Nowhere is this more evident than on Preliminary figures for 1983 indicate • introduction of projects for cycle the streets of London where en­ an above average number of 5249 provision on main roads and at thusiasts on tandems, tricycles, reported accidents. Add to this the junctions (including cycle lanes racers and the ever-popular compact unreported accidents, near misses and and specially designated turns) Molton can be seen cycling to work, buckled wheels, and the extent of the • encouragement of cycle parking the local shops or just out for a ride. problem becomes clearer. The GLC facilities particularly in conjunc­ Rising Tube fares and heavy traffic describes the London cyclist as having tion with public transport. snarls have encouraged a younger ''more than ten times the risk of in­ breed of cyclist to take to the road. jury per mile travelled as a car or a bus Up to now, the GLC has allocated 1 % Today, cycle commuting is growing traveller''. Of course, for those of its transport budget to cycle rapidly in London as cyclists of all cyclists travelling short distances, schemes, totalling 1. 7 million pounds ages, backgrounds and styles weave this risk is reduced considerably. per annum. For individual schemes, their ways through its crowded and Nevertheless, the statistics are an interesting " value for money" narrow streets. disturbing. criteria has been developed through a Accurate statistics on cycling are One of the loudest voices on bicycle comparative study of projected time difficult to locate, but research planning in London is the Greater and accident savings from new road recently completed by the Greater London Council which, recognising schemes. The GLC use a guideline of London Council (GLC) indicate that the need to increase cycle safety, has 120 pounds per mile per day per cycle from 1977 to 1981 cycling has in­ set up a Cycling Project Team. in 1983 prices. Using this standard, creased by 20% per annum in the Established for 2 ½ years, the team the team can justify spending 60,000 Greater London area and 4½ % of all has a staff of sixteen officers, all con­ pounds per mile on a cycle route commuting trips to Central London centrating their efforts on cycle catering for 500 cyclists per day! are now made by bicycle. The scale of schemes within the Greater London At a national level, the Department cycle commuting is even more evi­ area. As the GLC are responsible only of Transport's contribution seems to dent on major routes into the city, for metropolitan roads, the team relate primarily to policy-making and such as Fulham Road, where cyclists works through local Boroughs (Coun­ minor legislation rather than real ac­ comprise 15% of the peak hour traffic cils), encouraging provision for tion. Admittedly, it does have a Cycl­ and Waterloo Bridge averages over cyclists within the community. ing Unit which aims to encourage 500 cyclists in the morning peak Major objectives embodied within local authorities to provide for period. the GLC's planning policy are: cyclists. Funds are available for ex­ Unfortunately though, as cycle • creation of 1000 miles of cycle perimental and approved cycle numbers have grown, so have the pro­ routes on lightly trafficked roads schemes. However, on London's blems. Accident statistics, also with the aim of making cycling as streets there is little evidence of a available through the GLC, suggest safe as possible, commitment to the cyclist.

The new cycle crossing at Newington • Butts is part of the Greater So what has actually been done? As London Council's plan to improve cycling facilities in London. The yet, London can only claim four com­ cyclists only wait 60 seconds for the lights to change in their favor. pleted cycle schemes ranging from a by-pass of a heavily trafficked round­ about (terrifying on a bicycle!), to a cycle priority lane scheme near Hyde Park. 15 schemes however have been approved by the GLC and are awaiting implementation. Some 31 schemes have been proposed for further in­ vestigation. Interesting innovations that have proved popular with many cyclists are shared bus/taxi/ bicycle lanes, which operate in peak-hour periods on major roads. Sealed with red bitumen and well-signposted, these lanes provide direct access for commuting cyclists to and from Central London within the relative safety of a carless lane. Similarly, the GLC has also funded a bicycle parking scheme whereby

58 FREE WHEELING local Boroughs are subsidised to in­ stall bicycle racks within their area, primarily at shopping centres, hospitals, libraries and railways. Shef­ field stands are considered to be the most suitable, minimising wheel and derailleur damage and requiring little maintenance after installation. Busy public centres such as the National Theatre on the Thames and the main Victoria train station have installed bicycle parking facilities. For many, recognition of the Lon­ don cyclist came this summer through a major media campaign by the GLC aimed at making motorists more aware of cyclists on the road. Posters appeared on the back of Lon­ don buses, community noticeboards and billboards. With the slogan "Cyclists should be seen and not The bicycle racks at the national film theatre on th River Thames. The hurt" the posters ·showed a cyclist be­ Sheffield type racks are recommended by the GLC. ing hit by an open car door, and cycling safety and a directory of cycle perhaps to be a little more conser- another swerving to miss a pothole dealers, magazines and organisations. vative, CTC is a respected voice on only to be hit by a nearby car. LCC sub-groups, in most London cycling issues and has been in opera- Together with two advertisements on Boroughs, actively lobby local coun- tion for over 100 years. Services in- TV the effectiveness of this campaign cillors on cycle-related issues such as valuable to London cyclists include is not yet certain. Hopefully next by-passes, bicycle access through road free legal aid for member cyclists in- year's accident statistics will show an closures and even the filling of pot- valved in accidents (CTC will defend improvement. holes. The larger body co-ordinates the cyclist's rights in a court of law) London-wide activities and provides a and full bicycle insurance. The policy When compared to other European unified voice on government commit- covers theft, accident damage and per- cities though, the London cyclist has tees, delegations and protests. sonal injury. Recent recognition of few concessions and evidence of new Last summer, LCC staged a highly the need to cater further to cyclist's planning measures are few and far bet­ successful "Power to the Pedal" pro- rights came last year with the ap- ween. It seems that the biggest pro­ test ride through Central London en- pointment of a Rights Officer who blem facing bicycle planning is ding at Jubilee Gardens near City also advises on planning issues. CTC perhaps the bureaucracy itself. For all Hall. The protest ride culminated in a hope that this will enable them to lob- the official policies, meetings and Cycle Festival of live theatre, trade by more effectively. research, little has actually been stalls, music and food on the banks of These two groups torm the done. The GLC admits that cycle the Thames. Activities like these help strongest voice on cycling issues in schemes take a long time to imple­ to make the non-cycling public and London but are well-supported by ment with most of their schemes politicians aware of cyclists and their associated interest groups such as averaging two years from inception to rights to the road. Friends of the Earth, Transport 2000 completion. Obstacles include legal The Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC), and the London Amenity & Transport problems, consultations with various although representing cyclists from Association. Together with officers of governments, citizen groups to con­ all over England, also act as a pressure the Department of Transport & GLC sider, unco-operative local Boroughs group for London cyclists. Tending they form a Cycling Co-ordination - the list goes on and on. Group which meets informally to To the London cyclist this is discuss cycle-related issues, schemes perhaps more than just a problem of and policies. Although the group has streamlining the process - competi­ no real power, it is an important step tion for road space in London is fierce in the right direction. and for many years cyclists did not What does the future hold for Lon­ make their presence felt. Now don cyclists? Poor relations between cyclists have begun fighting back! the GLC and Thatcher government Over the past five years, London has have resulted in legislation which seen the gradual emergence of will abolish the GLC by 1987 and cen­ politically-active pressure groups tralise much of it& power back to seeking to improve cycle rights on the Whitehall. Those cycle schemes lying road. in wait may be pushed further back, The ·London Cycling Campaign while the GLC's valuable support of (LCC) claims to be the biggest cycling cycle-related issues will be lost. The pressure group in the world. It only hope lies in groups such as LCC employs a full-time co-ordinator, and CTC which, as they become bet­ prints a quarterly newsletter and ter organised and more politically ac­ publishes an annual " On Your Bike" tive, will effectively lobby, protest cycling guide to London. This and demand better conditions for the wonderful booklet is invaluable, pro­ London cyclist. These groups seem to viding " tried and tested" lightly traf­ provide the only assurance that the ficked routes through London, tips on London cyclist will survive.

FREEWHEELING 59 The Australian view of bicycle planning - the integrated approach - was put to the delegates from nineteen countries who attended Europes biggest planning conference recently.

The Velo City conference was one of the safer cycling. The budget also employs most interesting gatherings to take place a full time staff of 20 bicycle planners. during the year. Delegates came from all The London Cycling Campaign is over the globe to adress the main theme: likewise unique in our cynical world in Planning for the Urban Cyclist. the nineteen eighties. The LCC regular­ The conference was hosted by the ly indulges in large and often outrageous London Cycling Campaign with the public demonstrations to bring their par­ assistance of the Greater London Coun­ ticular point home to errant politicians. cil. Both groups are deeply involved in Chaining bicycles to city hall entrances improving the lot of the urban cyclist is a common occurence in old London in their city. The GLC actively town. The Americans expressed surprise acknowledges the role of the bicycle by that such gestures has such a powerful allocating 1 % of the total transport affect. They were also taken aback with budget (2 million pounds) for bicycle the opening speech by Ken Livingstone programs. of the GLC who blasted the Thatcher Most of the money is being spent on government for trying to get rid of the improving intersection design to allow GLC and its bicycle programs. The Australian experience was presented to the conference in a paper authored by Joe Gately and Alan Parker. Freewheeling Magazine in association with Tailwinds Bicycle Touring is proud to announce an Aussie firstl The paper is a fascinating document in that it chronicles all the good developments in bicycle facilities plan­ ning throughout the country in the last The Snowy ten years. This period of time is signifi­ cant as it is now ten years that Alan Parker took up the struggle to improve the lot of Australias urban cyclists. Mountains Alan is presently working as a planner on the Pedestrian/bil,epath development in Melbourne. Joe Gateley who is the Summer Tour projects manager delivered the paper Experience the beauty of the Australian Alps from the saddle of a bicycle in the best of company. Come aw ay to where to the London conference. the air is cleaner and the mountain streams run crystal clear. You'll be well looked after by experienced tour operators. The paper reiterates the planning Th•Tour liturgy of the three 'E's' of Australian Both tours will be Jed by FreewheeJ· ,ng Publisher Warren Salomon and bil,eplanning the core of the so called Robert Fletcher of Tailwinds Bicycle Touring who both have extensive 'integrated approach' - Engineering, knowledge of the region and of bicycle Education, Enforcement and Encourage­ touring generally. An onentation day ride to explore tne ment. The substance of this paper puts countryside surrounding Canberra will Australians to the forefront of the inter­ start the tour. From the Nations's Capital the tour transfers to Cooma for the Start national cycle planning community. of the alpine section . The route then follows the Snowy Mountains loop as This added to the physical results in featured in the March Bicycling (U,St\) Victoria and other states means that magazine and explores the_ unique features of the region. On the way you Aussie cyclists have a good future in will stay 1n comfortable lodges and store for them. hotels and in the wilderness areas sleep in spacious dome rents. Certainly there If our future looks good then the are hrlls in an alpine region but all days are graded to allow su fficient physical outlook for Indian cyclists seems challenge as w eU as the opportunity positively grim. The delegate from that for quiet rel axation . On each days ri de there are cyclist size meals and a picnic country said that at present in India the lunches along the road. bicycle was the only means of transport The Itinerary for the large bulk of the poorer people. Fourteen days ex Canberra . Three nights campinq in Natronar Park However as the legislators regarded the wilderness. Cost: SA795 .00ex Canberra which includes all accom· bicycle as a poor persons vehicle much mOdation, most meals, ride support of the public money being spent on roads (tour guides and mechanic/ and trans· portation tra nsfers. was benefiting only the motoring Tour prices from the West Coast USA minority. !Los Anqe!es or San Francisco/ are SUS 2450.00.which rncludes return air fares The only hope the delegate held for his (maximum of 4 stopovers across the Pacific) unlimited air travel in Australia people was that the bicycle would con­ after the Tour. day excursion in Sydr:iey tinue to grow in popularity in the west. pnor to the Tour and all tran sfers from Sydney to the start of the Tour. As the Indian upper and middle class Two deparrure dates 1n Summer 'bS : Sa turday January 12 • 26 tended to emulate western trends this and February 9 • 23.__ _ was the only way that the millions of Indian cyclists would get some govern­ ment recognition. 60 FREEWHEEL/NG Bicl-JcfefS Wilt witlf stre11gtl1 and precision NJN il1 Austmlia

...... r . . . . ••••• II • . - : • . • • . • • .- • • I . • . . • • . • • I . • . • • • • : •• • • • • . . . . • .. . • . ... . I•• • • • I • ' . . .

FREE WHEELING 61 Bicycle Road Test In our last issue we looked at one of the first fully equipped specialist touring bicycles to go on sale in Australia in modem times. The bike, the Repco Cresta, was similar in many ways to the multi-geared touring bikes now used widely in the USA. Many of these bikes are built in Japan. Nearly all of the quality bicycles buught in this country are also manufac­ tured in Japan. It is more a measure of the influence of the American style of touring rather than a study of local con­ titions that has led to the US machines being imported here. Strangely enough the US style touring biltouring bicycle. ment of usable roads. Much of the tour­ ing which is being done at present is around the populated coastal regions with no need to carry large and heavy loads. If this pattern of development con­ tinues the three touring bikes reviewed Shogun 15000 in this section will suceed with the Australian public. At present all bikes properly equipped for touring have a number of common The connoisseur's touring machine specialist features: Wide range gearing with a low of at least 1: l; touring bag The Shogun is a top quality machine The Deare XT cantilevers with rack; high quality braking system (usual- with no effort spared to fit the very best Shimano's extra long bral

62 FREEWHEELING cellent brake pad compound is that they frame with cast lugs and double eyelets front are very messy in the wet. The black end rear. Brazed on mounts for two wa ter compound mixes with the water bottles, brake and gear cables. Box welded fork and crown. Tange Levin alloy head set. dribbles all down the forks and seat Head tube angle 72.5 ° stays. This is a common occurence on Seat tube angle 72 ° most bikes but one would like to think Bottom bracket height 280mm that such a fine machine Fork rake 55mm should always Wheel hase 1035mm look imaculate. Chain stay 445mm The 15-speed wide-range transmission Tran'i1nission is a mixture of Shimano and SR alloy l'hainwhcel Set: SR Alloy CX Triple equipment with a set of gear ratios Chain: Shimano Uniglidc Derailleurs: Shimano Deore XT suitable for loaded travel. The Shimano Frecwhcel: Shimano Uniglidc • Deore XT gear changers offer smooth Gear Levers: Shimano Z series down tube and sure changing of the wide range Wheels gear system. Rims: Araya 16A alloy Hubs: Suzuc scaled hcanng small fla nge The alloy rack is fitted to brazed-on alloy QR mounting bosses and similar mounts are Spokes: 14 gange rustless provided for double water bottle cages. Tyres and Tubes: IRC Durotour 27 x -1 ¼ Suzue sealed bearing quick Schraeder valve release Equipment hubs and 14 gauge spokes are used in Pedals: KKT Pro Vic 2 al loy conjunction with the excellent Araya Brakes: Shimano Deore XT 16A rims. The Kevlar belted IRC Handlebars: All oy Randonneur type Durotour tyres should ensure many Handlebar Stem: SR custom 80mm Handlebar Covering: Kyptonite firm grips puncture free kilometres. Saddle: Selle Italia leather covered anatomic As expected from a conisseur's touring Detail of the e x cellen t Saddle Pill ar: SR La prade bike the Shogun is equipped with some Shimano Deore Rackls): Alloy rear XT cantileve r Fram e Mounting Eyelets: Double front and rear nice finishing touches like the Selle brakes fitted to the Shogun. Italia touring Gearing saddle, Cannondale water­ 52.0 42.0 32.0 bottle and Kryptonite handlebar grips. 14 .0 100.3 81.0 61.7 The bike also comes with a Zefal Select Shogun 1500 15 .0 93.6 75. 6 57.6 pump which Suggested Retail Price $695 17.0 82.6 66.7 50.8 has a built in setting device Sizes 1cm ) 49, 54, 58 & 63 which 21.0 66.9 54.0 41.1 cuts out when the desired Size Tested 58 26.0 54.0 43.6 33.2 pressure setting is reached. Frame Tange 900 double butted chro me moly 30.0 46.8 37.8 28.8

The triple chainwheel set of the Traveller has a good spread of ratios. The bicycle also comes w ith two waterbottle cages.

FREEWHEELING 63 A leather covered Italia anatomic sad­ dle with its rounded contours should provide an acceptable first point of Traveller 300 contact for most riders. Traveller 300 The touring bike comes of age in Australia Suggested Retail Price $675 (now selling for $575) Sizes (cm) 49, 54, 58 & 63 The Traveller is a good mid price range Size Tested 58 good rigity. The Champion number two Frame Tange Champion No. 2 double butted touring bike from a specialist Sydney butted chrome moly frame on this chrome moly tubing. Cast lugs with double dealer. The fact that such a bike should machine performed well fully loaded eyelets. Braz~d-on fittings for rack, two watter be imported by a retail business is a giving a firm ride in all conditions. bottles, brake and gear cables. Chrome chain product of the apathy (until recently) stay protector. Tange Falcon head set. Box welded fork crown. of the major distributors towards Head tube angle 72 ° bicycle touring. Seat tube angle 72 ° On first sight the Traveller 300 looks Bottom bracket height 280mm like a US touring bike. A closer view Fork rake 55mm Wheel base 1050mm reveals a number of features designed to Chain stay 445mm keep the Aussie tourer happy. The large Transmission section Specialized Expedition 27 x 1 Chainwh"el set: SR Super custom triple 3/8' tyres give a good ride both on the Chain: Shimano Uniglide gold Derailleurs: Shimano AL-11 bitumen and the many outback gravel Freewheel: Shimano Uniglide roads. Gear Levers: Shimano Bar-end Bar-end gear levers are a nice touch Wheels and the cables are neatly fitted under the Rims: Araya 16A Alloy Hubs: Suzue Sealed Tech soft sponge handlebar covering. Spokes: 14g rustless Two waterbottles and their cages Tyres and Tubes: Specialised Expedition come as standard equipment and the 27 x 1 3/8". Schraeder valves brazed-on Dia Compe cantilever bral,es Equipment Pedals: KKT Pro Vic II give firm positive stopping power. All Brakes: Dia Compe cantilever important items of equipment are Handlebars: SR World Custom brazed onto the frame such as the rear Handlebar-Stem: SR Custom alloy rack brake and gear cables and Handlebar Covering: Full Sponge Saddle: Selle Italia leather covered anatomic rear derailleur. Saddle Pillar: SR Laprade Rack(s): Alloy rear The wide step fifteen-speed gears give Frame Mounting Eyelets: Double good usable jumps between gears and Gearing the Shimano AL-11 mountain bike 52.0 42.0 28.0 The rear wheel assembly of the 14.0 100.3 81.0 54.0 changers do a good job of gear ratio Traveller showing the Shimano 17.0 82.6 66.7 44.5 selection. AL-I I long arm changer, Double 20.0 70.2 56.7 37.8 Touring with heavy or moderate loads eyelets on the rear dropout and 24.0 58.5 47.3 31.5 calls for a lightweight frame that has alloy touring rack. 28.0 50.1 40.5 27.0

gearing is well thought out however the half step will be more useful for faster cruising as its usable gear ratios are more Gemini towards the top end of the range. The braking system on the Randon­ neur uses the high quality Shimano 600 cantilevers matched with a new style Randonneur brake lever fitted with extensions. Brake extension levers are popular with begin­ A well equipped touring bike at a very good price ners and so the Randonneur has a set of Shimano DEL-80 extensions as part of its equipment. These levers are superior This bike is the first real touring bike neur's performance. In fact most of the to all previous designs as the extension to go on sale in Australia at a price that equipment is good quality mid price is connected directly to the lever most can afford. It is even possible to say range componentry. mechanism and not just added on. that the Randonneur could be classed as The frame is made from mangalloy The wheels are built on standard a mass merchandized machine except 2001 tubing and offers adequate Shimano alloy quick release large flange for the fact that it will be sold through clearances for mudguard fitting. Unfor­ hubs and rims are Ukai alloy 27 x 1 1/4;' a specialist dealer group and not from tunately the rear dropouts do not have a Spokes are fourteen gauge rustless. discount/department stores. second set of mounting eyelets so Toe clips and straps are fitted as At $429.00 this machine represents mudguard fitting would be a tricky standard to the Shimano PD-AD20 excellent value for a bicycle of its type. business. platform pedals. The selection of equipment is good and The Shimano Deare gears shift well The Randonneur comes complete the necessary economies which have to and the bar-end gear levers are a with an alloy touring rack which is be made in order to sell at a very com­ welcome addition to any true blue tour­ bolted to braze-on frame mounts. The petitive price do not impair the Randon- ing bicycle. The half step and alpine frame is also fitted with two sets of

64 FREE WHEELING waterbottle cage mounts, brake and The crank set on the Gemini Size Tested 58 is fitted with SZ, 47, Frame Tange mangalloy 2001 double butted cable guides. The saddle is another Randonneur frame. Cast lugs w ith rear vertical drop outs. Japanese attempt at an anatomic saddle. JO chainrings to give half step One set eyelets on rear lugs, two on front. Two Its bumps are rather angular but as the plus alpine gearing. water bottle mounts. One bottle and cage sup­ padding is generally soft there should plied. Box welded fork crown. Tange MA60 and not be any discomfort. The Japanese are headset. Brazed-on fittings for rack, brake Gemini Randonneur gear cables. still to get their act together and come up Suggested Retail Price 429 .00 Head tube angle 72 ° with a really comfortable saddle design. Sizes (cm) 49, 54, 58 & 63 Seat tube angle 72 ° Bottom bracket height 280mm Fork rake 55mm Wheel base 1035mm Chain Stay 435mm Transmission Chainwheel set: SR Super Custom Chain: Shimano Uniglide Derailleurs: Shimano Deore XT Freewheel: Shimano Uniglide Gear Levers: Shimano Bar-end Wheels · Rims: Ukai 27 x 1 ¼" alloy Hubs: Shimano large flange QR alloy Spokes: 14 gauge rustless Tyres and Tubes: IRC HP 90 27 x 1 ¼ ". Schrader valve Equipment Pedals: Shimano PD-AD 20 platform type Brakes: Shimano 600 cantilever Handlebars: Alps Alloy randonneur Handlebar Stem: Alps 80mm reach Handlebar Covering: Cloth tape Saddle: Taihei moulded anatomic Saddle Pillar: Alloy straight type Rack(s): Alloy rear Gearing 52.0 47.0 30.0 14.0 100.3 90.6 57.9 17.0 82.6 74.6 47.6 20.0 70 .2 63.5 40.5 The front end of the Gemini showing the Shimano 600 cantilevers 24.0 58.5 52.9 33.8 and the bar end controls 28.0 50. l 45 .3 28.9 FREE WHEELING 65 Effectrv'e Cycling

Ron Shepherd reviews what is possibly the most important book for adult cyclists of the decade

This isn't just another book on how Effective Cycling has grown over to ride a bike. It is the best one ever the past ten years from some notes on written. John Forester's Effective cycllng in traffic which Forester wrote Cycling is intended to cover for his adult cycling class. The course The strength and weakness of Effec­ "everything a cyclist needs to know he developed has now been accepte·d tive Cycling is that Forester has work­ in order to use a bicycle every day, for by the League of American Wheelmen ed it all out for himself over a lifetime whatever purpose he or she desires, (LAW) and there are now more than a of effort. When there was no research under any reasonable conditions of hundred qualified instructors data on whether sidepull brakes work terrain, weather and traffic" . The ad­ throughout the USA. Effective Cycl­ better than centrepull brakes, for ex­ vice it offers is inadequate on touring ing is still a controversial course ample, Forester designed his own test or racing, despite Forester's long ex­ because fearful politicians and parents rig and did his own measurements. As perience as a hard rider, but it is believe that people should not be a result of this uncompromising ap­ brilliant on commuting in traffic, and taught how to ride bicycles in traff~c, proach he has definite opinions on on do-it-yourself maintenance and and many cyclists, being rugged in­ every aspect of cycling, and most of improvisation. dividualists, think that there is his comments are illuminating and nothing for them to learn. It is only indisputable. But he can also be when it is all put down in a book like dogmatic where other experienced, this that you realise just how much thoughtful cyclists have come to dif­ knowledge and skill the experienced ferent conclusions - for example, cyclist picks up through years of trial Forester believes that half-step gear­ and error, and how much better it ing is best, that rear-view mirrors Quality would be for newcom ers to have have no safety value, that leather sad­ something to learn from. dles are best, and that you need to Bicycles / Stockists of- RAPALLO DECORDI PUCH EUROPA NISHIKI & CUSTOM BUILTS Triathalon and Touring Specialists Mail Orders and country enquiries welcome!

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66 FREE WHEELING take extra salt in hot weather. At least you are in no doubt about where he stands on any topic. The sheer honesty of the man shines from every page. You know ex­ actly what John Forester is after - a recognition that bicycles can be made into reliable vehicles, and that people can be taught how to ride them com­ petently .and safely on the roads. He reveals, to the embarrassment of the bicycle trade and government ' 'plan­ ners" alike, that modern bicycles are unsatisfactory vehicles and that "bicycle facilities " such as paths and lanes are useless humbug. What Forester gives us instead is hard-won information on how to make our bikes roadworthy, and how to ride them, for utility travel or for recrea­ tion, on any road in any weather. Effective Cycling now published by the MIT Press, is a b ig book, 334 pages, a quarter of a million words. Far too many words with too few il­ lustrations. Yet Forester writes clear­ ly and personally, and making the ef­ fort to read right through his book gives you an insight into the man himself. The book has six sections - on bicycle component s , on maintenance, on position and fitness, roads. We are closely watched, and Australian Competen t Cycling on riding in traffic, on recrea.tional likely to be fined i f we break traffi c c.ourse. cycling, and on education, enforce­ laws. Editors note: send your c omments to Ro n ment and politics . This final section Yet anyone of any age is free to ride Shepherd c/ - F reewheeling Box K26 Haymarket is a considerable overlap with his a bicycle without training a nd with NSW 2000. We w ill gladl y pass them on. other book, Bicycle Transportation , little fear of law enforcem ent. No which was reviewed in the May/ June wonder cyclists have unnecessary ac­ 1984 issue of Freewheeling. Forester cidents! The first step to a recognition shines a s earching light into the dark of cyclists as legitimate road users is corners of a c ynical bicycle trade and to agree on how we should behave in of Government departments defen­ traffic, and t o develop a course to ding their meaningless regulations, teach this behaviour. and into the warped minds of bicycle At its 1984 conference, the Bicycle " activists" who are more interested Federation of Australia decided to ask in browbeating politicians than in the Commonwealtp. Government to helping other cyclists. Tailwinds unique programmes recognise cyclists' rights to ride on all can take you to: roads, 11nd to establish an Australian Every bicycle organisation and club Competen t Cycling Course fo r in Australia should get a copy of Effec­ teenagers a nd adults". Effective Cycl­ • South China tive Cycling. So should all govern­ ing provides a good m odel t o work ment departments which concern from, although a version should be • Mongolia themselves with bicycle education, developed t o s uit Australian condi­ regulation or facilities. And as a keen tions and its content put into a m ore •.Canadian cyclist, of course, you'll want your teachable format than Forester's personal copy, too . discursive treatise. The existing Bike­ Rockies Most everything in Forester's books Ed course for k ids is o nly a start, and • Mexico applies with frightening accuracy in needs to be fo liowed 11 few years later t h is country. Governments in by the teaching o f advanced cycling Australia at present hammer a theme skills e fficient position and ----~ of ''bicycles are dangerous - get cadence, gearing, use of traffic lanes, For more information on a well rur, them off the roads'' . They paint lines em ergency manoeuvres, riding at relaxed cycling vacation write to and signs which relegate cycling to night, coping w ith weather extremes, Tailwinds Bicycle rough, inconvenient paths to carrying luggage, long-distance riding, Touring nowhere. The only c ounter to this P.O. Box 930 Canberra City routine m aintenance - enough for a T. 2602 idiocy is to teach people, as Forester useful and fascinating course t o A.C. does, how to ride bicycles competent­ challenge teenagers and adults. As the MS/MR ...... ly in traffic. After all, we are required Education Committee of t he BFA, ADDRESS ...... to be adults and to undergo stringent David Martin and I would be very glad PHONE (hm) ...... training and testing before being per­ to receive c omments from r eaders of (wk) ...... mitted to u se other vehicles on the Freewheeling on what is needed for an

FREEWHEELING 67 Way back in March 1983 Geoff fate Geoff was killed in a head• 'Gong Ride we are sorry Geoff Terry left Sydney towing his dog on collision with a utility truck was not with us to see how the Katie behind him in a trailer not far from a relatives house event and cycling generally has heading all the way round the near Melbourne, Victoria prior grown since we last parted continent. By a cruel stroke of to the commencement of the last company. leg of his long journey. Geoff is probably still pedalling the back The publishers of this roads of Australia in spirit. magazine deeply regret the loss As a participant in the first of this traveller. The driver of Freewheeling Sydney to the the vehicle has been charged.

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Yimf'* ••• ~;~~ ACT Australi an Cap ital Territory. Melbourne ~rra 4. This is a small area of land Geelonry - ~ Cl, independent of o ther states in whi ch the Federal Capital city T!\M!~ Canberra, is located. TAS\J/~ob•rt

National the bicycle planning situation in Australia BikeW FEBRUARY MARCH 9 - 23 Snowy Mountains Summer Tour. Bike Week Victoria. Held this year during Events Second departure for 1 985 of this tour organiz­ March . No details yet to hand but full info will ed by Freewheeling and Tailwinds Bicycle appear in the next Freewheeling or in local bike Calendar Travel. See January listings. shops. 23 - 24 Evandale Village Fair. Northern 31 The Third annual Michelin Autumn Day­ Tasmania incorporating the National Penny Far­ tour affectionately known as MAD . 1 00km or thing Championships. A wonderful weekend of 45km mutes with badge and certificate for JANUARY fun and out of the 'ordinary' excitement. Details those completing the course. Organized by the contact Di Sullsivan (003) 9 1 8223. Melbourne Bicycle Touring Club as a communi ­ 12 - 26 The Snowy Mountains Sul)lmer Tour. ty service. A great day for all. Contact (03) A luxury fully supported tour of Australia's high 23 - 3 M arch Bike Week in the Au stralian 818 4011 or (03) 241 4453(AH). country. Organized by Freewheeling Magazine Capital Territory. A great week of even ts to br· and Tailwinds Bicycle Travel. Most m eals pro­ ing the bikes out of ·the garages and onto the APRIL vided and most nights spent in comfortable streets. Events include: Monday 25 Bike com­ 5 - 8 (Ea ster) Tour of the Sou thern hotels and lodges. Departure dates in February muter Ride to Work morning with a champagne Highlands or TOSH. A taste of 1988 in 1985. also. Contact (02) 264 8544, (062) 49 6634. (sic) breakfast in Civic. Cycling in the Park Day This year TOSH, Australian Cycle Trails annual March 3. A big day of events starting at 1 0 am ride between Sydney and Canberra is adopting 19 - 20 24 Hours of Competitive Cycling. when riders leave from Woden/Belconnen and a new format. It is no longer a fully supported Port Fairy Vic . An event where riders aim to ride Dickson for Commonwalth Park. At 11 am a tour instead it will be run along the lines of the for up to 24 hours wi th regulated rest stops record attempt will be made to form a bridge to proposed Bicentennial event rides. Riders will every hour. Over 1 60 people entered last year. bridge loop of end to end bikes. Speeches by be organized into groups of approximately nine Distance is not important as the aim is to ride for Pedal Power heavies and various politicians in and will have a trained leader to accompany a set t ime. Contact (055) 68 1094. respect of the state of cycling in Canberra. 1 2 them on the journey. Gear will be carried by noon Lunch and displays through to 5 pm. At each rider and halls or own tents will be used 26 - 29 ACT's Australia Day Weekend Ride. 7.30 pm Tailwinds Bicycle Touring will present for accommodation along the route . Numbers A chance to get involved in the organization of a film night on China and North America at the will be limited and full entry details will be Australia's developing touring routes. Full Griffin Centre. Full details from Canberra bike available in January from Australian Cycle Trails details contact (02) 264 2521. shops through January or ph: (062) 48 7995. (02) 264 2521.

68 FREEWHEELING MELBOURNE

McVilly. He completed the round trip record - " the ultimate ride in in 71 hours 22 minutes. Australia". It was a ride of am azing courage and endurance: In almost three days on Bicycle Helmet Wearing this road Woodrup had only 83 On The Increase m inutes sleep . . . he battled head­ winds, cold, rain and pain, yet still Bicycle helmets are rapidly becom­ produced h is strongest riding on the ing the in-thing with school age return journey. cyclists. Three times more children Conditions could hardly have been are wearing helmets now than last worse. Graham headed out of year, the Acting Minister of Melbourne i nto a blustery westerly Transport, Mr. Tack Simpson, said wind and cold drizzling rain. He was last month. already starting to slip behind schedule when n ight fell and the wind mercifully dropped, allowing him to quicken the pace as he headed across Glen Waverley Cycles the Wimmera an d· into South Record Smashed in Australia. An extensive ra nge of quality bicycles & " Like Cliff Young you just have to Gruelling Ride accessories. Good old-fashioned service tell yourself you can do without & 24-hour repairs. Graham W oodrup rode a s tandard sleep", says Graham. " You just keep Raleigh Team P rofessional bike i nto going." But where Cliff needed to Au stralian cycling history last maintain only his famous shuffle, Ask for Craig or Michael - weekend (November 23), shattering Graham Woodrup h ad to sustain a " The Problem Solvers" the record for Melbourne-Adelaide brisk 26km an hour for the three days. and return. But now the record is firmly in the books, Graham Woodrup is looking 106 Kingsway, Glen Waverley Woodrup slashed 2 hours 11 for even t ougher challenges. He'd like VIC. Phone (03) 560 2178 minutes off the old record held by Reg to tackle Kevin Hunt's Perth/ Sydney

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FREE WHEELING 69 MELBOURNE

Mr. Simpson said a survey just per cent last year to 5.1 percent in the as common place and natural as wear­ completed by the Road Traffic last survey." ing seat belts in a motor car. Authority [R.T.A.) claimed that more The two Australian manufacturers than 13.3 per cent of primary school of helmets approved by the Standards age children riding to and from school Association of Australia report record 24 Hour Race wear bicycle helmets. ''This is a con­ sales of helmets, with increases of The Port Fairy 24 Hour Race is a siderable increase from the 4. 6 per more than 100 per cent. Mr. Simpson cycling event where for the first six cent observed in a survey conducted said the RTA believes these increases hours riders travel around a one in October last year. There also ap­ are mainly due to the Government's kilometre circuit, then move to the pears to have been a flow-on effect in­ special mass media campaign con­ cycle track [lit by floodlights) for the to secondary schools with increases in ducted in April and May this year. It night riding. wearing rate in that group from 1.6 also included extra RTA promotions Returning to the one kilometre cir­ in schools through Bike-Ed and cuit for the final hours. special mailings to schools to en­ Five minutes per hour are allowed , <";- courage children to wear helmets. off for rest. Special commemorative Last year 1218 cyclists were killed medalions are awarded to those com­ or injured on Victorian roads. Two pleting the full twenty-four hours. out of three of these casualties were Anbyody doing twelve hours WEFREEDO,M~ school age children. Furthermore, [unlimited rest time) as long as MACHINE about 75 per cent of cyclists fatalities twelve hours on the bike is completed are due to head injuries. and the same for eighteen hours Gitane Peugot Raleigh The minister stated that "Many receive a medallion marked either Apollo Puch Malvern Star parents believe severe accidents hap­ twelve or eighteen. pen only on main roads. Statistics As this is a ride for time and not Family-Touring-Triathalon show that in fact, many child cyclists distance it has proved to be very suc­ Specialist accidents happen in quiet residential cessful in previous years, with up to Accessories & expert repairs. streets close to where the children 160 riders competing. live." 401 Chapel St, South Yarra This will be the fourth time that The RTA predicts that over the ne.xt VIC 3141 Ph: 241 5014 the event has been run. It will be run few years helmet usage will become this year on January 19-20.

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70 FREEWHEE!,JNG -PERTH 0 2km

Section 6 been mapped out in a brochure available from the Western Australian Department for Youth, Sport and Recreation, and makes use of existing cycleways, dual­ use pathways, and lightly-trafficked roads. Perth cyclists can now completely cir­ cumnavigate the mouth of the Swan Touring Award River on a 50 km trip, specially designed A Cycle Touring Association of West for the recreational cyclist. With the your fitness it will take you between Australia rogaine was held on the 20th sparkling Swan at your side, you can three and five hours to complete. October This is a gruelling 6 hour team make a leisurely trip of it with a picnic The Cycle Touring Association of competition which involves cycling and stop on the way. W.A., the National Safety Council, the walking between checkpoints. The route follows the Swan from the Road Traffic Authority, the Cyclists Ac­ The C.T.A. of W.A. held its Annual central city through Nedlands, Mosman tion Group and various local Authorities General Meeting on 4th November. The Park, Fremantle, across the bridge to put together the route early this year. evening included the award of 'Cycle Point Walter, Applecross, and along the For residents and visitors who would Tourist of the Year' and 'Hard Luck Story freeway back to Perth. Depending on like to know more details the route has Of the Year' (fact or fiction I wonder?)

The MICHELIN guide

to better bicycling

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Australia's All-terrain CLUB TOURIST A new tread design Bike Centre with a wide and Hillman's sell and service the top brands of all-terrain thick centre band and all-purpose bicycles including the superb Hillman for long wear. A fast Alpine with sealed wheel and bottom bracket bearings. long distance tour­ Hillman's are the sponsors of Australia's first ever A TB rac­ ing tyre. Available in ing team entering riders in all major events. Bikes, parts or service: Hillman has the range. 27 X 1 1/8". Hillman Cycles 44-46 Grantham St., West Brunswick Vic. Tel : (03) 380 9685 Avaiiable from leading cycle shops. 111 Brighton Rd., Scarborough WA Tel : (09) 341 3581 WHOLESALE STOCKISTS HAN•TRADE .(02) 666 9633; (03) 379 6941

FREEWHEELING 71 ADELAIDE

New Bike Info Leaflets InJuries in real crashes. Through a survey of cyclists who had experienced Two new brochures have just ap­ head injuries in the state, the study infer­ peared to help you explore Adelaide. red that 'given an impact of specified They are the 'Adelaide Bicycle History severity, unhelmeted cyclists have about Tour' from the Department of City Plan­ 19 times the risk of dying from head ning , and 'Enjoy Adelaide by Bike.' The injury as do bicyclists who use a good latter comes from Life Be In It, and maps 'hard' helmet!' out three rides, plus details of bike hire. Both are available from S Pirie St, Adelaide. Bike Hike pcks 'em in in Adelaide Bike Events has once again organised a succesfull 'Bike Hike' for radio station Helmet study SA-FM. This yares ride was run in A study made by the Road Accident and similar weather conditions to the Research unit of the University of previous year (threatening rain) but at­ Adelaide conclusively shows that tracted an additional one thousand 'Bike Hikers· In period costume helmets reduce the severity of head riders. The Bike hike is the big fun ride for South Australians and is held anually in late Spring. The SA-FM Bike Hike featured Michael Turtur, one of Australia's AUSSIE HEADS NEED Olympic gold medallists, and a flurry of released pigeons who led off the family ride. The 23 kilometer ride, sponsored by radio station SA-FM, was enlivened THE GUARDIAN by buskers, clowns, Life Be In It games, health food stalls and even breakdancing displays.

Protec1Ion Shock Aboorbalon Comfort The tough ABS sheU is designed to The full polystyrene liner provides all The fitting system allows each helmet to shiekt you from all types of possible round impact protection. be custom fi tted for each head shape. accident. Fitting Awallablllty ADELAIDE FRAME FRAUD! Helmets are available in sizes from Guardian is sold across Australia young child up to futly grown adult. through a network ot specialist dealers. Ventllatlon Eleven aerodynamically positioned vents Appl'ONd Vlalblllty keep fresh air circulating through the Look for the Standards approved Bright yellow colour with reflectorized helmet. sticker. It's your guarantee of quality. tape that helps you to be seen at night.

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72 FREE WHEELING -BRISBANE

\, The delegates, speakers and members of the organising committee at the end of the Queensland Bike Plan­ ning Conference.

The Queensland Bike Planning serious cycle accidents occur 2 hours The conference adress was made by Conference after school. Sandgate High· School Olympic Gold Medalist Kevin Nichols presented an audio-visual on bike use in who pointed out to the Minister that the their area to show why this may occur. one thing he has noticed over the years The Queensland Bike Conference The conference was opened by the is that motorists kill cyclists. 'Cyclists took place on the 19th October to give Queensland Minister for Transport Don don't kill motorists so perhaps a lot the only state without Government Lane MLA who told the 100 delegates more has to be done on the emphasis co ordinating body some impetus to that he would be very happy to recieve of educating motorists to give us a bit begin the mammoth task ahead. This is submissions and, within the limits of more room.' really a matter of urgency comparing what can be done as a Government in a Quoting from his experience as a Queensland's high fatality rate with legislative way, be of assistance when racing cyclist for the last 19 years Kevin other states: Studies show the most he could. said, 'When you are riding around ~THEGREAT~

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FREEWHEELING 73 -BRISBANE Europe you ride on a bike path and Brbane Bicycle Touring Association and The confrence was told of much where there's not a bike path you ride on bicycle accidents and injuries by Jim pioneering work being done in the area the street When you are riding along a Nixon of the Queensland University and of bicycle traffic management planning. street you see big signs every where that Dr Chris Armson from Redcliffe Base Ian Angus from the Mackay City say 'Give cyclists a metre when you Hospital. Cuoncil told of his councils innovations pass: It's as simple as that. All we ask is Bob Taylor of the Brisbane City in road treatments but felt along with just a little bit of room.' Council told of the $1 million four others that they were being given no The keynote address was made by kilometre bikeway which is nearing support from the Main Roads Depart­ Freewheeling publisher Warren completion along Coronation Drive as ment or other Government agencies. Salomon who set the scene with a part of the Brisbane Bikeplan. This plan Throughout the conference the tnain presentation of on the need for bicycle proposes 23 separate local bikeway recurring theme was the urgent need for planning with his 'view from the saddle: systems of only 100 km total length, so the State Government to set up a State Addresses were made on recreational let's hope the conference spurs on a Bicycle Committee to oversee spending bike needs by Ken Sampson of the more all- embracing approach. and set adequate engineering guidelines. The Victorian 'experts' dominated the afternoon session. Sgt Ted Wilson the Police Bicycle Co ordinator for Victoria gave his usual polished presentation on ,. 2. the need for a four 'E' s' approach to bikeplanning. This message was rein­ forced by Tony Adams the Executive Planner to the State Bicycle Committee of Victoria. The experience of the conference was neatly summed up in the final session by the President of the Bicycle Federation Alan Parker who strongly advocated that Queensland bike planners take all the.short cuts possible by drawing on the wealth of experience developed in other parts of the country in the past five years. The conference concluded with a unanimous motion to form a working 3. 4. committee to begin negotiations with the Minister with the view to setting up a Queensland State Bicycle Committee. The future for cyclists is now looking great in the sunshine State.

TIRES TOGO FHE NEW HANDTIOUR FROM IIIC Lightweight and portable, IRC 's new HandyTour is just what the name implies : Handy-folds without creasing , the perfect clincher when you ' re in a pinch . Tour-a tire for long distance touring , featuring IRC 's_ popular herringbone tread _pattern and nbbe~ ~,dewalls. Designed for maximum control and m,n,mum roll­ ing resistance . So when you 're on the go , go with HandyTour, the newest member of IRC 's family of tread winners. Available at dealers In areas such as safety educa­ nationwide. tion the Queensland Govern­ ment is making good progress Skin wa/1: 27 x 1, 27 x 1-1 /8 with this helmet awareness cam­ 700 x 25C, 700 x 28C paign and a childrens safe cycl­ Inoue Kasei International, Ltd., 3-11 , Sakae 5-Chome, Naka-ku, Nagoya-460, Japan ing course. 74 FREEWHEELING -BRISBANE most relaxing! The tour involves on private travel is neither energy effi­ THINKING riding through scenic tarrn area:; to cient nor conducive to maintaining OF the Bay where a ferry transports the sort of city we would like with a MOVING TO vehicles (cheap rates for bicycles!) and living heart'! Also, it states, that 'All passengers to Straddy. demands for private car travel to the THE SUNSHINE Once on Straddy cyclists enjoyed central city cannot be met. 11 Indeed! riding on the quiet roads of the Island Let's hope the Policy Committee STATE? with obligatory surfing at one of the can be convinced that bicycle use many fine beaches on the ocean side. could ease traffic congestion and pro­ There are opportunities available The Queensland Government intends perly designed or reconstructed roads in Queensland for people ex­ building a bridge to link the mainland could encourage greater use of perienced as Bicycle Salesmen, and the Island. From a cyclist point of bicycles for transport. Mechanics, Assemblers and view let's hope the Government will Soremen. allow sufficient space on the bridge for cyclists so that we can continue to Border Ranges Tour Interested? enjoy our annual tour. Then initially telephone (07) 277 2700 Keep this date free! Australian and ask for Mrs. Myra Duncan - or Cycle Trails is investigating the write giving details of experience to: Car demands cannot be met possibility of holding a bicycle tour of PREMIER BICYCLES P.O. Box 243 the Border Ranges of South East A Archerfield, 4108 recently released report on Queensland in Easter 1985. The ride Brisbane's Major Road System, issued will commence at Beaudesert and by the Policy Committee for Brisbane travel through many scenic areas of Island Touring Region Transport Planning is a the Border Rangers National Park and disaster for cyclists. It completely ig­ will include Rathdowney, Wooden­ The Brisbane Bicycle Touring nores cyclists and the positive con­ bong and Kyogle. The route for the Association recently held its annual tribution bicycles could make to an ride is presently being researched .and tour to Stradbroke Island. The ride is efficient transportation system. The developed by the Staff of Australian one of the most scenic of the Associa­ Report states that 'The type of city Cycle Trails. tion's tours - it also is one of its form that results from over-emphasis Peter Brandis.

SUMMER SPECIALS

Huret Multito speedo - silent, friction­ GITANE - French bicycle racing company. Winner of less, extremely accurate. Fits directly to 1 983 World Championship. Winner 1 983 & 1 984 hub of wheel. $10.50. Tour de France. Pressograph pump - in shraeder or Grantour - Gitane's superb presta valve fittings . Measures tyre touring bike pressure up to 160 p.s.i. $7.50 • Vitus 1 81 Chrome moly frame ZZIPPER ROAD FAIRING • 1 560 Huret Duopar Gears • Mafac cantilever brakes • Reduces air drag by over 20% • Stronglight 99 triple • Fastens easily to brake levers crankset • Non restricting • Extras include toeclips & • Increases stability at high speed straps and braze-on fittings • Exceptionally light for rear rack and 2 bidons. • Excellent wet weather protection $103. Beautiful $555.

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FREEWHEELING 75 ' LAUNCESTON

High Wheelers entrants' appreciation of tradition to cover any innovations. The third Tasmania National Penny In the interests of safety, the Farthing Championships are to be organizers ask that head safety held in Evandale on February 23rd and gear be worn, and that 24th, 1985. The event promises to be no toe straps or clips be fitted to bikes. bigger and better than ever, and all are invited to join in on a full weekend of cycling and comaraderie. The format of the weekend will be much the same as the previous year. Competition is open to all comers, A Friday night auction will be held to and again the aim is to make provi­ auction goods of a cycling nature on a sion for all levels of ability. Competi­ commission basis. At competitors re­ tion machines are restricted to direct quest the slalom event will be includ­ ed in Saturday's programme, leaving drive 'penny farthing' type, and must Sunday for the Clarendon race/ ride, a comply as closely as is feasible with traditional high wheeler designs. series of novelty events and the all­ Penny farthing riding has always been important social exchange. A Satur­ day a sport of gentlemen, and we rely on night function will be conducted to bring spectators and competitors together in a hearty social at­ mosphere. For full information con­ tact your travel agent or: Secretary Di Sullivan, 29 Murray St., Evandale 7212 Tas. Ph: (003) 91 8223.

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Available from all leading The ideal gift REPCO CYCLE DEALERS - Just $20 postage paid. r------1 IMr ./Ms. . . • . • · · · · · • · · · · · · • · · I ! No./Street ...... • · · · · · · · · · · · · · I I I Town . . Postcode ...... I 11 wish to order . ... NUM-BU,>I PROTECTOR/$ andl 1:!;~:.;~:_e~_:1.:;.::~:.-~-~~~~--.J Send to C. & N. LOCKER, Happy Valley, HEAD OFFICE - 25 HAMILTON ST. HUNTINGDALE, VICTORIA. AUSTRALIA Adamindaby NSW 2630. Trade enquiries welcome. 76 FREE WHEELING Bicycle safety education is recom­ Bicycle Buying Guide there is strong evidence that bicycle mended as the centre-piece of a com­ has just released a injuries are grossly under-reported. Pedal Power ACT prehensive road safety package for the guide to buying bicycles in conjunction For example, hospital records show young. This is seen as potentially the with Life Be In It and the Department of that bicycle casualties are approx­ most effective general road safety Territories and Local Transport. It tells imately 10% of all road injuries. countermeasure for the longer term. where to buy, how much to pay, In-depth study of the bicycle crash you The safe, responsible young cyclist of gearing, the right frame size, what records shows that improvements to about today will become the safer motorist and provides useful cyclist and motorist behaviour must accessories to buy of tomorrow. and an extensive section on be the prime goals if bicycle safety is references Dr. Mathieson called on the Federal bikes. to be improved. This conclusion is in children's and State Governments of Australia illustrated brochure will be stark contrast to the traditional view This to commence in 1985 a National free from all Canberra bike that bicycle safety improvement can available 5-Year Bicycle Safety Plan: the Department only be made by construction of off­ shops, public libraries, ' 'To make .bicycle use for all age Government road cycleways. of Territories and Local groups as safe as that for motor centres in Canberra (Petrie Illegal and dangerous road Information vehicles; at least on a time of ex­ Ave, Dickson). behaviour is the norm for most young Plaza,and Northboume posure basis." copies and Australian pedal cyclists; with wrong­ Pedal Power will also provide If adopted and efficiently im­ assist with enquiries, ph (062)487995. side riding, failing to obey traffic lights and road signs, and night riding plemented, this plan would reduce without lights being the most blatant the overall injury rate by at least 75 %. offences. Dr. Mathieson estimated that total­ BFA Addresses Safety ly unnecessary bicycle crashes cost Conference The needs and abilities of adult and child cyclists are different and Australia at least $75 million per an­ Dr. John Mathieson told the separate approaches are needed in num. Such an amount could cost­ National Road Safety Symposium both engineering and behavioural justify the creation of more than 1000 held in Canberra recently that there is programs. jobs to implement bicycle safety pro­ believed that currently a major bicycle road safety Although the provision of some off­ grams. However, it was bicycle safety problem in Australia, but its causes road bicycle facilities is very impor­ a small number of are becoming recognised. There is tant, full separation of cyclists from workers could be effective and the every likelihood of substantial im­ motorists by construction of Federal and State Governments were provement if Governments imple­ bikepaths is economically unrealistic urged to move quickly to make the ment education, enforcement and in existing urban areas, and by itself is National 5-Year Plan a success. engineering programs. unlikely to improve overall safety Dr. Mathieson, who was an invited because at least 80% of all bicycle speaker at the symposium, is Presi­ crashes involve no other vehicle. dent of both the Bicycle Federation of Head injuries are sustained by half Australia and Newcastle Cycleways of hospitalised bicycle casualties and Movement. by 80-85%' of those receiving fatal in­ He went on to say that bicycle juries. Therefore, promotion of the fatalities represent 2% to 3% of all use of bicycle safety helmets is one of road deaths, and officially reported the most effective methods of reduc­ bicycle injuries are a similar propor­ ing the severity of the bicycle crash tion of total road injuries. However, toll. Police enforcement of the use of lighting systems by cyclists can CYCLISTS' substantially reduce after-dark ACCOMMODATION crashes. Use of daylight conspicuity DIRECTORY aids is recommended. The Directory is a list of people who offer simple hospitality to touring cyclists. Anyone on the list can stay with anyone else on the list. Cyclists who use the Directory are asked to write or call in advance. They are urged not to drop in unannounced. Canberra~. Bicycle Centre To be included on the list, please send me your name, address, and ph number, with an indication of where Speedwell • Puch • Bennett you live, e.g., 7 k SE Melbourne GPO. Peugeot • Graecross Please enclose a stamped, self­ addressed 230 x 60 mm envelope for A full range of bicycles, parts and your copy of the Directory. accessories for competition, touring The Directory is printed and and pleasure. distributed privately, and a $2 dona­ 3 months free service on new sales. tion to defray costs would be ap­ preciated. Send to: Canberra Bicycle Centre Marjorie and John Barrett, 52 Alexandra Street, 11 Dickson St, ACT East St Kilda Vic. 3183 Ph (062) 48 8861 Phone: 527 8030

FREEWHEELING 77 SYDNEY

The National Heart Foundation's popular Pedal for Heart attracted New South Wales Transport thousands of riders like this family group. The ride took participants Minister Barry Unsworth with through the Eastern Suburbs starting and finishing at Centennial Park. the outgoing President of the Bicycle Institute of NSW at the Councils act on Bikeplan cyclists however report a number of launching of the guide book of The City of Sydney bikeplan is being disturbing occurences surrounding the Sydney Bicycle Tours. The book implemented by Sydney City Council City Council's activities. Cycle routes launching by the Minister was with the first stage (Linking Erskineville through Erskineville have been under­ part of this years Bike Week to Moore Park) almost complete. Local taken in conjw1ction with multiple activities. street closures which make it impos­ sible for vehicles to get through the · suburban precict. Bike riders fear that Bike riders hope that the illegal signs are the unpopularity of the closures with not a misguided attempt by councils to the motoring public will further create implement their bikeplan. At present tensions on the overcrowded city the neolithic DMR is being tipped as the FOR streets. instigator of the signs. More later. PERFORMANCE. (these AND A number of no cycling signs WEATHER signs have a red circle with a red slash PROTECTION covering the bicycle symbol) have also appeared unannounced in parts of the city and North Sydney. The signs are not NSW Government creates two a legal design and some groups are even bicycle co ordinators jobs considering legal action to challenge the Cyclists here are eagerly awaiting the right of groups like the Department of impact of the two new bicycle project Main Roads to errect such signs. co-ordinators in the N.S.W. Ministry of Other moves to get the Inner City Transport. The new Bicycle Coordinator Bikeplan are underway in Leichhardtand working within the Ministry of trans­ North Sydney and will give joy to com­ port is the former Bicycle Institute of muters and recreational bike users alike. NSW-Safety Officer David Martin. David's job is to co ordinate the various programs undertaken by the State Government in the ares of Educa­ ROCKDALE tion, Enforcement and Encouragement. "It is the m ost sensible and CYCLES Hiated priorities are to : Support the Bike valuable investment I ever Ed course in private and public schools; made in cycling. " develop a comrnwtity approach to Andrew Scaife, England Southside specialist in encouraging safer bicycle use; develop­ commuting, touring and all off­ ing education programs for children road needs. aged 5 to 8 years; raising public aware­ Available from leading cycle shops. ness of issues relating to safe bicycle use 309 Princes Hwy, Banksia and assisting the parents role of supervis­ Trade enquiries to: ing their childrens use of the bicycle. Leisure Bikes Phone 597 3981 PO Box 1026 We wish David sucess in his new North Richmond VIC 3121 position. (03) 861 6771 The second position is for an engineer­ ing co ordinator and is yet to be filled. 78 FREE WHEELING The Sydney Spring Cycle An estimated one thousand riders turn­ ed up in Sydneys Hyde Park for the run­ ning of the Bicycle Institute of NSW Spring Cycle Ride. The event was held at the conclusion of Bike Week and took its riders across the roadway of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and on to Parrarnatta via Lane Cove National Park. Riding a bike across the 'coathanger', as the bridge is known to Sydneysiders, was a wonderful experience with the steel lattice work casting unusual pat­ terns across the roadway. Soon the riders were spread out along the Pacific Highway on to the morning tea stop at Lane Cove. Unfortunately the highway is a busy road and we wished the BINSW had taken us along one of their quiet commuter routes. Once in Lane Cove National Park traf­ fic tensions dissapeared and the morning tea stop was soon reached. From the park the ride proceeded across country to finish in Parrarnatta Park where the Institute provided a bush band as enter­ tainment while hungry bikers tucked into lunch. Last year the BINSW ran a shorter ride from the City to Centennial Park. This years event had more to offer its riders and hopefully if it remains as part of next years bike week will become a regular part of the rapidly developing Aussie recreational cycling calendar. Big bike rides are a social event for some and a physical challenge for others. What ever your bent don't miss the next Two urban gorillas made a shock appearance on this years Sydney Spring Cycle: the organizers promise it Spring Cycle. Riding atop of a single speed tandem bicycle (gracious­ will be bigger and better. ly loaned by Centennial Park Cycles) these plucky primates went along as part of a training run for the Sydney to the Gong ride. They were joined at morning tea by the Erskineville Chooks (alias Sydney to the Gong organizer Nigel Jenkins and Jenny KerrJ. The chooks aim to start a new fashion in helmet decoration. The gorillas, safety conscious as ever, also wore hard shell helmets.

Kathmandu to Darjeeling on two wheels THE Mountain Bike trek of a lifetime through the terai of Nepal and the foothills of Northern India. Also social cycle tours to China and a kaleidoscope of trips worldwide.

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FREE WHEELING 79 NEWCASTLE

Newcastle Commuter Day The warmth of spring was in the air in spite of the overcast skies. Gastric juices moved in anticipation of a breakfast later in Birdwood Park as we gathered at Wall­ send for the start of our ride. The Newcastle Cycleways Movement those efervescent promoters of safe cycling were there in force with a truck load of bikes to provide the Newcastle media with a taste of the real thing. This was to be a 'try before you buy' morning for the willing staff of two local radio stations. Soon we were off along the magnifi­ cent East West Cycleway into the city. With me this morning was the secretary of the NSW State Bicycle Advisory Com­ mittee Bob Ritchie who was up in New South Wales's Bike City to give Govern­ ment support to Bike Week. I could only agree with Bob's glowing apraisal of the cycleway as being perhaps the best of its kind in the country. Certainly it does not have the senic appeal of the Yarra River Bikepath in Melbourne but its smooth wide surface and its direct transport func­ Members of the Newcastle media find themselves on the other end tion make it an asset the citizens of of the camera while enjoying a relaxing ride Into work during Bike Newcastle can be proud of. Week. The picture shows the splendid East West cycle way not far from Wallsend.

THE PERCEPTIBLE DI FFERENCE:

BETTER VISION THROUGH INnWGENT DESIGN. Th e Mirryc le®rea r view mirror looks good but it works even better. This durable polyca rbonate mi rror is the fi rst bicycle mirror designed excl usive ly for drop style hand!ebars. ,A, ur.lque hollow bolt mounting sys tem allows use o f th e entire hand lebar for all riding pos itions And because th e Mirrycle is mounted on th e bicyc le Over 25 different crank permanently. it's hard to with the rider's comfort lose and and cyc li ng safety in mind. sets from $35.00 IT'S AMIRRYCLE. Hillman's stock one of the most extensive ranges of bicy­ Ask for a Mirryc le at your c le e quipment in the country. We sell all the popular TRADE bike shop brands o f equipment plus the more e xotic hard to get --r--" INQUIRIES: BIKETECH varieties. Our range of chainwheel sets is backed up by a wide selection of replacement cogs and small parts. PO Box 152, Wallsend, N.S. W. 22 87 Hillman Cycles 44·46 Grantham St., West Brunswick Vic. ! elephone: (049) 52 4403 Tel : (03) 380 9685 111 Brighton Rd ., Scarborough WA Tel : (09) 341 3581

8U FREE WHEELING NEWCASTLE Classifieds

The Num-Bum Protector. A sheep skin bicycle The cycleway for most of its route Melbourne's bikers have been seat cover. Suits standa,d and racing saddles. follows a disused tramway abandoned in breakfasting in parks for years. Initially Comfortable, .durable washable . $20 postage paid . the fifties when Government transport the idea grew as part of the Commuter Money back if not satisfied. Send cheque or M/O to C & N Locker, Happy V'llley , Adamindaby NSW policy in NSW was in its most short Day activities held during Bike Week. 2630. sighted phase. Now, in more enlight­ Now at least one club regulary does it TOUR NEW ZEALAND - Fantastic scenery, ened times, the bicycle has returned to in style during the warmer months. All bargain rates accommodation, information and the roads and the off-road sections of this you have to do is get up early and take equipment. JACK TAYLOR TANDEM. $150/mo. route are providing many many people your physical exercise before you eat. Bruce O'Halloran , 40 Amy St, Auckland 5, NZ. Ph : with the opportunity to regain their Birdwood Park is at the busy intersec­ 59 1961 . pedalling legs in a safe and comfortable tion of the Pacific Highway and King environment. Street so many thousands of passing RENT-A-CYCLE TASMANIA 10-speed, low gear· ing, all frame sizes, ladies or gents. Completely The East- West Cycleway is one of the motorists witnessed the mornings ac­ equipped for touring. Postal bookings accepted. first transport/recreational routes to be tivities. Many more heard of the event Seven years hirihg experience. Brochure, rates, completed as part of the Newcastle from the ABC radio announcer broad­ your questions. 36 Thistle Street, Launceston, Bikeplan. This ambitious scheme will casting direct from the caravan located Tasmania. Phone : (003) 44 9779. eventually provide Newcastle with a net­ in the centre of the breal

FOR SALE The ilu halogen headlamp FOR SALE Or Lease. Isa Cycle World, Mt Isa Freehold. Modern shop. Large repair section . $60.000 plus S.A.V. Phone (077) 437570 or 433482 a.h. trade inquiries contact: Lennie Rogers Custom Bicycle 23 " Frame, As new, rarely ridden. Reynolds tubing 531 D/Butted throughout, Shimano DuraAce gears & brakes, Campagnolo H/F O/R Hubs, Fiamme rims (singles) , Sake Royal Crank, 3T Record H/Bars, and stem , Cinelli calf saddle. $550 o.n.o. Phone (02) 7 4 7 3232. One Bickerton Folding Bicycle, as new condition. Includes carry bag, Guardian helmet, Sheep-skin seat cover, pump and lights. $300 or n.o. Ph : (02) P.O. Box 930 Canberra City ACT 2601 Phone: 48 8911 660 5820 (ah). FREEWHEELING BOX K26 HAYMARKET NSW 2000

FREE WHEELING 81 ITourMatesl If you are planning a tour and are seeking compa­ nions o r want to join a tour. this service is for you. But here's the best part: the service is free. Your Tour-Matesadvertisemenl should be kept to 30 words (e xcluding name and address.) Ads over 30 words cost 20 cents per additional word (please in clude payment with ad.) So, if you are tired of the same old crowd use the Tour-Mates column to find new touring people and places. Send your ad enclosing name . address and a s tamped addressed en velope to Han trade/ Free whe eling Tour-Mates Box K26 Haymarket NSW 2000.

Companions wanted part or all tour starting Japan April or May, '85. Will continue across Canada, Spain, Israel, Turkey, Greece, India, Malaysia and Indonesia. Route advice welcomed. Contact Brian Rubb, 10 O'Connor St, Tugan, OLD 4 224. (075) 3 41 554 . Companion wanted for 6 week camping tour of NZ. Both islands. Some tramping . Late January­ earl y March, 1985. Contact: Craig Bellam y, PO Box 381, Grafton NSW 2460. Ph (066) 421997 or work (066) 420 64 5. leather reinforced d ouble stitched canvas or cordura bags Ch ris tian companions wanted for tour of Bali in with quick release buckles and double drawstring for the July 1 985. Contact Rob Archer, Post Office, Kocian Island , WA 6 733. Ph : (091 ) 911 ultimate in convenience and waterproofing. 575. Cyclist wishes to join club or individuals riding from Melbourne to Adelaide after Great Victori an Bike Ride (10 Dec). Prepared to ride any speed, FROM INNER CITY CYCLES camping o r h otels. Andrew Martin, 4 Cougar St., 31 GLEBE POINT ROAD lndooroopilly, OLD., 4068. (07) 3 786193. GLEBE 2037. (02) 660 6605 Sophisticated female companion for 6 week cam­ ping tour of NSW comlllencing Goulburn mid April NSW SOLE AGENT 1985. Contact K en Lyall , 19 Mainoru Place, Hawker ACT 2614.

Australian Cycle Trails Post Office Box 57 Broadway NSW 2007 Telephone (02) 264 2521

22 suggested rid es, ea ch with a comprehensive text and We've got the mop . Cartoons ore by Ph il So merville. $4.95. Mail Order and the Selections from Catalogue Until our new catalogue is ava ilable, here is a sample of Service our present stock. The Bicycle Australian Cycle Tra ils hos just token over t he M oil Ord er and the Bush $23.80 Richards Bicycle Book service which Freewheeling previously offered . W e hove $7,95 a f u ll time staff to provide a continued service a nd we ore Around Town Cycling $2.95 in th e proce ss of expand ing our stock and producing a International Cycling Gulde 1984 $ 14.50 Trangla new catalogue . We offer a s election of books especia lly Lightweight Camp Stoves ... Small stove set chose n to appea l t o cyclists, from the experienced . . . 27 (1 to 2 person} $37.25 enthusiast to th ose just starting out. Al l books hove a A nd don' t forget our money-bock g uarantee. So if it's not the book yo u compre hensive t o uring packages for the east coast of Australia. expected, then simp ly return it for a full refund. When ordering, please make your cheques payable Highly Recommended to Australian Cycle Trails, and note our address which is PO Box 57, The I mpossible Ride by Louise Sutherland: This is a Broadway, NSW 2007. story of courage a nd end urance in which the author simply Prices and full stock-ti tle listing c o m ing ne xt issue. Mean­ but vividly g ives o n account of her odyssey across the while please refer t o p revious issue of Freewheel ing for Amazon region of South America on a bicycle . $10.05. th is information p lus order form. Add $1.60 Sydney Bicycle Rides: This well overdue but excellent postage/ handl ing for ord ers up to and including $10; g u ide comes from the Bicycle Institute of NSW . Th ere ore $5 for orders over $10.

82 FREEWHEEU NG Spedal announcement To Freewheeling Mail Order customers

Freewheeling Australia Publications announces that our mail order business has been sold to the Australian Cycle 'Irails organization and will form part of their drive to give both local and overseas cyclists an information and mail order service that is truly world class. In explaining the move Freewheeling publisher Warren Salomon said that with the magazine growing both in size and quality of content it was necessary to concentrate on P.ublishing and leave the specialist supply of general and route information to the people who are developing the trails and facilities. Both the old and new proprietors said that customers should experience very little inconvenience during the change over and that all existing back orders would be processed normally as new stock arrived. ACT plans to make few changes for the moment to the present catalogue of over fifty titles however ACT executive director Michael Burlace said that his organfaation intended to rigorously develop the touring information side of the business to meet the needs of the growing touring scene. All mail order enquiries should be addressed to Australian Cycle 'Irails PO Box 57 Broadway NSW 2007. Tolephone (02) 264 2521.

,------II!' - 1 Introductory Subscription Offer If you can't get to Freewheeling I D YES! I would like to subscribe to Freewheeling. I enclose$ ...... Let Freewheeling come to you! cheque/ money/ order/ credit card. (JJ> D I would like to subscribe for 6 i ssues r, (I year) $12.00. D I would like to subscribe for 12 issues (2 years) $24.00. Overseas 1 year Subscription Rates Surface: $18.00 Airmail: N.Z., P.N.G. $21.75 S.E. Asia, Japan, China $27.00 U.S.A., Canada, Middle East $3 1. 50 Europe, U.K. $33.00 Overseas subscribers please $Australian.

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A subscription to Australia's leading bicycling magazine means the sheer Address convenience of receiving it right at your door. At six issues per year it's a great way to keep abreast of all that's happening in recreational cycling. FREEWHEEL/NG is your reminder of why cycling is pleasure and excitement. It postcode brings you bicycle reviews, news of the latest equipment, personalised touring articles, technical information, travel ideas, history, politics and humour. And it's all wrapped up in a publication you'll enjoy reading. bankcard or mastercard no. Subscribe now with this order form and discover the sense of regular home delivery! ~------Freewheeling P.O. Box K26 Haymarket 2000