There is nothing worse than rushing on a Monday morning - forgetting important stuff and having to rush out the door in a state. It may take a little longer to cycle to work, so remember to be well planned and prepared in advance. See the below tips. This helps take the stress out of it and make it more relaxing on your ride.
• Remember to pack your work clothes for when you arrive, if you‘re not biking in your work clothes and need to shower and change at work. Even leave a set of clothes or shoes at work.
• Get your bike and gear all ready to go. Check things like your bike, lock, helmet, shoes, drink bottle, gloves, spare tube and tyre levers are all ready to go. So all you need to do in the morning is ride your bike.
• Check your bike, your bike should be safe and ready to ride. Make sure you have the legal rear reflector, so you can be seen and your brakes are working. Check your tyre pressure is correct. There is a lot more resistance when riding if it’s not correct, so make sure it is to ensure an easier ride. You can find the correct PSI (Pressure per Square Inch) on your tyre wall, tyres can vary so remember to check.
• Plan your route prior the day before. Check out the best ‘cycle corridors’ to use from where you live to where you work. Its where lots of cyclists ride, so safer, its cycle friendly and its easy. I tried a cycle pathway/corridor in Auckland yesterday, from out west all the way into town – oops city centre – fantastic off road cycling and it was very well used by commuters.
• Make sure you wear bright clothing or a fluro back-pac cover so you are easily seen by other road users.
• If new to commuting maybe find someone to cycle with from work, till you are confident.
Check out the attached calendar to see where you need to go to on Monday. Inspire a mate to try! Yes, this year we are kicking off on Monday at MP Chris Tremain’s Office, Station Street, Napier. Hayden from Kathmandu has also kindly offered a spot prize so see you all there from 7am to 8.30am. See you all then!
Remember the 2011 BikeNZ Napier Commuter Challenge starts on Monday 31st October and runs to Friday Nov 4th. No need to pre-register, just register your name with Vicki at the breakfast each morning. Ride in between 7am and 8.30am each day and register. Receive a breakfast treat from your fantastic supporting business or organisation and there is a daily prize draw too. The calendar can be downloaded from http://www.sporthb.net.nz/
To be in the draw for this Grand prize you have to have ridden and registered for 4 out of 5 days. The Grand Prize is a weekend in Taupo with the opportunity to ride part of the NZ Cycle Trails. The prize is a luxury nights’ accommodation, dinner and breakfast, at Bayview Wairakei Resort, Taupo!
