Thanks Brett Hooker from Bennett & Pearson Optometrists for a great breakfast location, thanks also to Gav from Soul Cycle Repairs for supporting. The sun was shining for all 70 of you this morning and if you were heading to Taradale or Hastings you would have had a great tail wind! Don't forget to go see Brett if your eyes need checking and Gav if you bike needs checking. Special thanks to Brett Hooker – it's his 4th time supporting the challenge with a breakfast treat for all you commuters! Both these guys love riding bikes just like you! THANKS
Today for the spot prize Gav is giving away 4x bike tune vouchers! The lucky winners today of a Soul Cycle Good Time Tune valued at $45 each are: Jeremy Dunningham, Carolyn Foote, Keith James and Steve Watson. So just ring Gav on 8354183 to book in your bike at Soul Cycles in Munroe Street, you bike will thank you for the love
If you are new to commuting this week you may have experienced some sore muscles or a back side, don't worry it does get easier. As you continue to ride to work you will see improvements in your health. Anticipate finding your breathing easier, your blood pressure lowering and your resting pulse rate to decrease. You will sleep better and gain more leg strength. So yes your fitness will improve – simply by riding your bike to work. That said don't forget to look after your bike too!
TIPS
- Check your bike weekly – riding every day will cause some wear and tear on the consumable parts of you bike. Check your brake pads are not wearing out and keep your chain lightly oiled. Make sure you have correct tyre pressure in your tyre and check for tyre wear, glass and objects embedded, causing damage. When checking make sure all parts on your bike are secure including any quick releases. If you are not so keen on doing this then I recommend you book it in for a service at your local bike shop, every now and then. Don't forget Gav from Soul Cycle repairs is right in town.
- Regularly clean your bike – I recommend at least once a month to give it a clean. Particularly after a wet commute, the splash-back of road grime on your bike can make it dirty quickly. It's a good way to check your bike at the same time. Make sure your chain is cleaned and dry before lightly oiling and make sure you have the correct oil for your type of riding. Doing this regularly helps reduce unnecessary wear and tear.
- Spare Tube – it does happen now and then, that dreaded sound of hissing air followed by a funny noise and difficulty riding your bike – the flat tyre! I recommend taking a spare tube, tyre levers and pump on your bike. Get one of those little saddle bags for under your seat, put your spare tube/tyre levers in there and make sure a pump is attached to your bike. Practice changing a tyre, get someone to help or even go down to your local bike shop to show you how to do it. It's easy to do when you know how and takes the worry out of having a flat tyre.
Check out this link for an interesting cycle commuting website for further tips on repairs and maintenance. Paul has an interesting story on how he got started commuting.
http://www.runmuki.com/commute/commuting2.html
Tomorrow: Fishbike, Marine Parade, on cycle pathway behind Ocean Spa.
PS If you love road cycling and have Sky check out the Tour of Southland is on each night this week from 9.30-10.30 on Channel 110. Or tune into live updates at www.tourofsouthland.com Be grateful we don't have Southland weather conditions this week!
Remember the 2011 BikeNZ Napier Commuter Challenge Monday 31st October to Friday Nov 4th. 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 www.sporthb.net.nz
To be in the draw for this Grand prize: ride and register for 4 days at least, during the week. 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!
