Our team mate Sharon M - who should get the prize if any are going! She out-pedalled all but our most tragic lycra-clad teammates, Gerry P (whose credentials were established when he took annual leave to retrace the Tour de France route), despite being a novice starter.

Fellow ride-to-workers can give Sharon a wave on the South Perth or CBD foreshore any day of the week.

With an incentive to compliment her weight loss program Sharon M, a novice in this year’s National Native Title Tribunal cycle to work team (Different Spokes) took to the cycle paths after 20 years out of the saddle.
Spurred on by colleagues to continue rising early on those fresh mornings, Sharon very quickly shed the novice tag to outshine some of our more credential riders in the number of kilometres per week.
Sharon happily tells of, arriving at work exhilarated by the fresh air and exercise which she believes put her in a better frame of mind in carrying out her work tasks and generally communicating with people.
Travelling on public transport or using a car to get to work is “in the past” despite the weather conditions.
Congratulations Sharon!!
Cheers, Sara B - Different Spokes - NNTT - Rivervale to CBD.
Sharon wins a bicycle computer and cycle instead prizes for the team.

Many thanks to Mike O of Calibre Controls for organizing our Team Calibre. It certainly got me motivated to get back on the bike and I’m now cycling regularly from Salter Point to Perth City.

Often Dolphins, birds and plenty of action to check out on the River ride so get into it!

Vin W - Team Calibre - Manning to Perth.
Vin wins a Cycle Instead Bike computer.

Here is our group photo outside the O.T. department at Sir Charlies Gairdner Hospital. Sporting our flash new Occupational Therapy Shirts as this week of the 26th is Australian Occupational Therapy Week!
We started meeting at a cafe on the first Friday of the month, a few months ago, and from that; the bunch you see here began increasing their riding frequency with the warmer weather and lately with the Bike to Work Challenge we have all moved up a gear and are riding 3-4 times a week!!
It's a great way to stay fit and for some of us is quicker than driving or public transport.
Already looking forward to next years challenge and recruiting more Occupational Therapists as well as other staff from the hospital. Thanks for the great work
Cheers. Jorge A - Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Riding Team.
SCGHRT win cycle instead prizes.

A big thank you to the “Cycle Instead in Spring” Challenge. Months ago I committed to riding the 210km Around the Bay ride in Melbourne with some friends and having only ever cycled over 100km once I was very apprehensive about the journey. I needed a challenge to assist with my training and that is where the Cycle Instead in Spring initiative has been the perfect fit. I have even managed to find a safer route rather than battling Leach Highway plus this has added some extra kilometres to my journey. The Around the Bay ride was a great experience and there were numerous times along the way I thought gee am I glad I took the opportunity to commute to work.
Evan W - Enigma - Enigma Business Products - Palmyra to Willetton.
Evan wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

Tues 08th Sept 2009, 9:53pm, I check tomorrow’s weather forecast, “Few showers, easing.” Wed 09th Sept 2009, 500am, no rain can be heard as I fumble around the dark house. Drink my freshly squeezed juice, dress for riding, pack may bag ……. decide to look for a raincoat just in case, nah, can’t hear any rain, she’ll be right. Final cycling attire, gloves, helmet, lights, back pack, cleats, bell ....... all check, 540am. I open the front door ……. I hear the sound of rain. I walk outside, feel nothing, look up the street at the pine trees bathed in a street light. I see rain filtering down between the branches ……. it sounds light ……. do I sit it out? ……. do I race it and try and stay in front?

I look off to the north and see relatively clear sky in the direction of our fair city as the sun attempts to shed its first rays ……. I can make it! Off I go, heading in a northerly direction for most of the trip. I feel a few droplets but they soon stop, I’m sure I’ve managed to beat the closing front. The next 10mins all is well, but the clouds seem to want to corner me before I turn east for the last stretch into town. They gather to the north, pushed inland from the ocean breezes. On the outskirts of Subiaco I feel the patter of rain on my back. Can I make it to the office? I will make it to the office ……. its Perth anyhow, if it rains it’ll only be for a few minutes and I’ll barely notice it.

As I leave Subiaco and turn east for the straight stretch to East Perth, the clouds gather and are hot on my heels ……. this was not to be your usual Perth slight soaking. The heavens opened up and buckets of torrential downpour were unleashed upon me. With no rain coat and no fenders, every nook and cranny were inundated with moisture, my shoes filled, my vision blurred, my backside splattered with a fine mixture of soil, sand and water.

Despite my drenching, I couldn’t help but break into a smile though as I hit the city limits ……. the rain cleared, the clouds broke and patches of blue sky could be seen with smirking rays of sunshine.
If only I had left home 5 mins earlier.
Daniel P - Team E&G - Worley Parsons / Bechtel - Cottesloe to East Perth.

Well, it comes to the end of the bike challenge and I achieved my goal of riding to Perth from Gosnells for the ride to work day and also building the number of riders in our team over the 6 weeks.

I had ridden to Perth twice before on a Sunday morning but tried for the first time during the week day on Tuesday morning with a friend and then by myself on Wednesday morning for Ride to Work Day. I have ridden to work many times previously - but only a few km and wanted to see how I’d go riding to work if I change workplaces and have to ride 25km each way.

One thing I did notice when I was cycling near the Causeway and Claisebrook was that very few people practiced good riding skills like calling out when they were passing from behind or looking behind and signalling before they overtake. With the denser cycling level such as on the Ride to Work day with many new cyclists around - more attention to signalling and calling is required. Cyclists also need to slow down in heavy cyclist traffic. I have seen or heard a few near misses where less patient cyclists have been inconsiderate to other cyclists or not correctly anticipated their moves.

More adult cyclists of all levels of experience would benefit from bike skills sessions similar to those held for the Gosnells Bicycle Group recently. Skill training included participating in a slow 30 metre race where the winner is the one who can control their bike and ride the slowest over the short distance without needing to put their foot on the ground. Another exercise included 20 cyclists riding slowly in a small circular area with some cyclists changing direction when instructed while still remaining in the circle. Cyclists had to avoid collisions with other cyclists without stopping or putting a foot down and the winner is the last person still cycling in the circle. These practical exercises help to build control and enable cyclists to avoid potholes, glass, other cyclists, pedestrians and obstacles. It is easy to ride fast and disregard others on the road and let them worry about me. There is more skill in being a considerate cyclist, slowing down when necessary, using hand signals and calling out when passing and being considerate when sharing the road or path with other users.

With more people cycling more often we need to take more care.
Thanks for organising a great 6 week challenge and encouraging more people to discard their cars as often as possible and cycle instead and improve their health as well as the environment.
Cheers. Jillian W. Gosnells Bicycle User Group - HealthBiz Consultancy - Gosnells to Gosnells.

This year we had 22 members participate in the challenge which was awesome, 11 more than last year. Cyclists joined us from almost every sector of the City - planning, rates, libraries, the recreation centre, engineering and parks. It is really satisfying to see bike racks being used and to know that as cyclists we can have a really positive impact in shaping a more sustainable City.
Colin S - CoBbrs - City of Bunbury - Withers to Bunbury CBD.

Thanks to everyone who took part in the 2009 Cycle Instead Bike to Work Challenge and especially to David and Janet Meyer for organising this successful event again this year.
The weather at the start to this year’s challenge was awful and I am surprised so many people managed to clock up so many kilometres in what were cold and wet conditions. Everyone at Bikewest is delighted by the anecdotes we are receiving from participants all over Western Australia. Obviously many participants have chosen to continue riding and to enjoy it despite the inclement weather.

For us it is particularly satisfying to see many companies returning year after year while expanding their numbers and attracting and supporting more novices to their ranks. Hats off to Woodside, can anyone take you on?

It is also heartening to see the number organisations participating for the first time in 2009. There definitely seems to be a growing acknowledgement in corporate Australia about the benefits of cycling to and from work.

This year we were hoping to encourage more novices and women to join the challenge by launching Glamour Push Live. The final figures will take some time to compile but the indications are our efforts have been successful. Glamour Push Live for women will be back in 2010!
Thank you all. Russell Greig, A/Manager Bikewest and team member of Breakfast at EPOs.

Thanks for organizing, it’s always a great motivational to get back on the bike after being slack over winter and to get back in shape before summer arrives.

Mostly from the cycling, but in addition to a combination of a Liver cleansing I’m doing plus some gym work, I’ve lost almost 10 kilos over the last 6 weeks.

Thanks to all of you at Corporate Challenge.
Daniel P - Team E&G - Worley Parsons / Bechtel - Cottesloe to East Perth.

We started with 5 cyclists in week one and since then recruited 5 novices! For those who already rode to work or on weekends, we were motivated to ride more often and to exceed our expectations.

Thanks very much for running this event, we have all enjoyed participating and encouraging each other (and new riders) to get on the bike more. I'm sure this will continue as the weather warms up.
Kind regards, Emma F - Cyclo-gIRls - Dep of Commerce - Leederville to West Perth.

This year the Lost Bearings from DAFWA could not make it to the Bike to Work Breakfast. Some of us were intrastate, and some interstate on insect business. Not wanting to miss out,we organised a breakfast on Friday at a local cafe. This is the first time that we have managed to do this, and we will be making it at least a twice-yearly event. Riding to and from work is a good excuse to organise social events either before or after work. We have had BBQs in Kings Park and on the South Perth foreshore, and on one memorable occasion, managed to pedal as far as Little Creatures in Fremantle.
Sonya B - Lost Bearings - Dep of Agriculture & Food - Mt Hawthorn to South Perth.

[Jeff rides up to the corner, gets off bike, unstraps the soapbox and gets up to speak]
Well over the last few months of riding again, I have increased the distance that I ride and the routes that I take. I am now a regular rider around the river from Como to Freo and up to Subi. In the afternoons I ride back home from Subi through the City and along the freeway to Como. Over this period I have been doing a bit of an experiment. Every rider that I see I try to say either morning or G'Day to depending on the time of the day. What have I learnt from this? Well it seems like I have a very weird backpack on or there is something growing out of my head or a very unique bike, because the looks that I get from my fellow cyclists seem to convey something like what I have described. What has happened to the friendly hello to a fellow cyclist. Yes there are those that do say hello when I pass, and I think I have worked out the formula to determine who will and who won't. That magic number is about 6 people. Yes there seems to be a pack mentality about greeting a fellow cyclist riding around the place in the early hours of the morning.

So, to all you pack and non pack cyclists alike. I issue you a challenge for the next year, until the next Cycle instead in spring. I challenge you to say G'Day to me before I say it to you. Lets actually encourage people to ride by being friendly to each other and welcoming cyclists (whether they wear lycra or tracky pants) of all types by giving a nod, saying hello and just being plain friendly.
So until next year, Morning and G'Day to all of you.
[Jeff hops off the soapbox, straps it back onto the bike and rides into the sunset...oh look there's a cyclist coming....wonder if they will say G'Day]
Regards. Jeff J. Bits and Bykes - CSC - Manning to Perth (Via Freo).

Here’s my picture in Adelaide, we went across to see the Tour Downunder and Lance Armstrong (isn’t he wonderful!) in January which is what inspired me to try and get a team together for bike to work!

I’m wearing lycra and after being in Adelaide with all those cyclists I’ve finally got comfortable walking around in it – it can be pretty unflattering – I’d really recommend you wear bright clothing – we’ve had a couple of near misses here in the early mornings so wear something bright and be seen!  Another safety tip, it doesn’t matter how much it mucks up your hair wear a bike helmet – and fasten the strap – we’ve had three lives saved in crashes (me included) in the last nine months with our cycling friends (one was flying doctored down to Perth).

Our team started off fine but as we’re in Broome the weather is just getting hotter and hotter (sorry we didn’t see everyone down at the Bell Tower we didn’t have enough notice to cycle the 2200 km!). Yesterday it was 39 and the early morning temperature can be 28 plus high humidity so the cycle to work has dropped off a lot recently, it has inspired a few staff to go out and buy bikes, try and cycle before and after work (early mornings and late afternoons to avoid the heat - 5am is perfect!). Up in Broome we cycle all year and the most we have to “winter up” is peel off long sleeves in the “dry” season. We freeze our water bottles to keep them cool and they’ve usually defrosted a few minutes into the ride. We only get around 10 days rain a year so it’s REALLY not a problem never riding on every given day, although hydration is important and we need to take supplements in the wet season to stop seizing up (you simply can’t drink enough water!)

If you’re ever in Broome for a holiday bring your bike, there are heaps of cycle paths, we only have one hill, and if you want to ride with a group pop in and see our local bike shop for who rides what and where, there are a good few groups who all do out doing different speeds and distances.

Next Saturday we’re off to the desert to camp at a station 120km bike ride – hope I make it!
Christine P - Racey Registrars - Kimberley District Education Office - Sunset Park to Broome.
Christine wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

Kangaroos off Duffy Tce, overlooking Yellagonga Regional Park.

You wouldn’t see things like this from a car.


Roland P - Terra Corpus - LandCorp - Duncraig to Perth.

Though there is still a couple of days left of this event, thanks are required again for the organisers and sponsors for Cycle Instead in Spring.
 
LandCorp has again participated this year with over 30 staff at least once riding in during this event, covering over 5,500km’s.  Though we can’t compete with the likes of Woodside (they are the giants of staff riding to work, who look like they will crack 48,000km’s), we are very pleased with our regular and new cyclists who took up the challenge this year and increasing our events results up again this year.  Looking back at previous year’s results, the number of participates in 2003 for us was 4 when the event was run in April and called ‘CYCLE INSTEAD BIKE TO WORK CHALLENGE’.
 
To see the bike paths this morning for National Ride to Work day, demonstrates how important these types of events are, to further encourage individuals to use bikes as a means of transport.  There were the ‘newbies’ who looked lost at intersections this morning, but a gentle point in the right direction helped them along, was rewarding and fun.
 
Thank you for again for organising Cycle Instead In Spring. 
Roland P - Terra Corpus - LandCorp - Duncraig to Perth.
LandCorp team at breakfast.

For the last three years the City of Stirling has fielded two teams for the Cycle Instead in Spring Corporate Challenge. One has been run by our Travelsmart officer, Joanne, whose role in life is to get people out of their cars into walking or cycling. For the last couple of years I have run the other team.

The event has been a fairly mild affair this year. Joanne ran a team of novice cyclists who she was encouraging to exercise their legs. My team comprised experienced cyclists. A study of the photograph below reveals that good looks were a critical prerequisite for joining either team.

But last year the contest was fast and furious. Joanne’s team, Birds on Bikes, was made up wholly of members of the fair sex, whereas mine was just blokes – apart from one young lady whose loyalty to her team tended to vary with the bribes she was offered to jump ship. The event soon became a battle of the sexes, with challenges hurled to the opposing team, and weekly Kms travelled scores closely monitored. Barbed emails were sent back and forth. The whole atmosphere was distinctly politically incorrect. Joanne and I exchanged snarls barely disguised as smiles as we passed in the corridor. We never quite got to the stage of nobbling the opposition – cutting chains, or puncturing tyres – but the idea was certainly floated.

In some inexplicable way, Birds on Bikes managed to clock up just a whisker more distance travelled over the whole six week period. Due solely to downright skulduggery combined with wholly nefarious recording methods, I hasten to add…….

So, quite a contrast to the contest in 2009 which was a sedate affair. Perhaps we should raise the blood pressure by challenging another local government authority to a contest in 2010. But they would have to be good to threaten Stirling………………
Peter B - Wecyclecos - City of Stirling - Karrinyup to Stirling.
Peter wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

I just love riding my bike, I do it most of the year and enjoy the different seasons we have. No traffic jam or being crammed into a train carriage for me. I ride along the river from Willetton to West Perth. Some days I see dolphins in the water or pelicans that majestically sit on the freeway light stands. The early morning activities on the river with all the rowing teams, the canoes and kayakers is wonderful. Not to forget the colourful joggers, walkers and cyclists along the path, all doing our best for our health and the environment.
Cheers. Lone P - Local Heroes - Dep of Local Govt - Willetton - West Perth.

1. The feeling of freedom that comes from getting up and going in the morning with only a cursory brush of the hair.
2. The complete exhilaration of riding the easterly to work and the sea breeze on the way home.
3. A hot shower at the end of a cold ride and a cold shower at the end of a hot one.
4. Overtaking gridlocked traffic (except if it’s pouring rain or 40 degrees – then I’d trade places).
5. Marking the coming of summer with the loss of jacket, gloves and bike lights.
6. Wry amusement at the sight of motorised push bikes on the bike path ridden by anyone other than the elderly.
7. Clearing away the lethargy after a day in front of a computer.
8. Still riding my husband’s “second-best” bike to work 13 years after we met.
9. The twinge of satisfaction to be had from a small boy telling me that when he is “grown up” he will ride his bike to work like mum and dad.

Now if only there were bike lanes in the CBD and West Perth, then I’d have a list of 10 …
Liz M – Cycle gIRls – Department of Commerce – Bayswater to West Perth.
Liz wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

The Department's cycle team is again enthusiastic about tackling the "Bike to Work Challenge" for 2009. We have gained some new participants that have been enticed by the challenge and UHY Haines Norton's generous sponsorship to make a total of 8 in the team.

This year the participants are pictured from left to right Mark S, Lone P, Stuart F, Caroline T, Roslind W and Charles H with the two not included in the picture who are Andrew M and Sue M.
 
The team adopted the name Local Heroes as it takes a hero to get out of bed in the early hours of the morning rain, hail or shine and cycle anywhere between 7 to 70km every day. However, the team are keen to do their best and prove that cycling to work is not only fun, but enjoyable and it keeps you fit as well.

Cheers. Lone P - Local Heroes - Dep of Local Govt - Willetton - West Perth.
Lone wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize for her team.

Here are some pics of some of our riders:
We ride from Camp – Leinster  to our Remote Mining site and back – Approx 25 km each way. Great time to ride with long shadows and brilliant Spring weather.
Recruited riders have taken a couple of weeks to get kitted and fitted but now looking the goods!
Pictured L to R (picture 4) Alex K, Paul & Dave V. Other pictures include the long shadows of the gold fields gallopers! And the turnoff, showing the region we cycle! Click on the pic to see more.
Cheers. Andrew U - Gold Fields Gallopers - Lienster to Agnew.
Andrew wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

I am a novice cyclist and recently changed from a mountain bike to a flat bar road bike (excellent decision by the way). I was coasting down a hill in Kensington on the new bike and signalled to turn right even though the street was very quiet. By looking too far around behind me to check for traffic (and having such a lightweight bike for a change), I got the mega-wobbles and squeezed the back brake on which made the snakeys worse and when I broke with the front brake, the back wheel came skidding around to the front and I landed heavily on my head now facing up the hill! Needless to say I cracked my new helmet and couldnt see for a quite a few moments. I had an instant headache and was immediately taken to Emergency at Royal Perth Hospital. After a few checks and hours of observation I was told I was lucky and that I just had a "shaken brain"-concussion. It took me a few weeks before I had the confidence to ride again but I am now back into riding to work regularly with a brand new helmet firmly strapped on.
Nadia B - Water Cycle - Dept of Water - East Vic Park - Perth.
Nadia wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

This is the second year that the Department of Water has entered a team into the Bike to Work Challenge. This year’s Water Cycle team has 15 members, five of them novices, which is great to see! So far, we met on three occasions to exchange experiences – a morning tea, an afternoon tea and a photo session – but the event we all look forward to is the ride to our Victoria Park office for a lunchtime BBQ on Thursday to catch up with one of our members over there. We will send in some ‘action’ shots from that… We also have members in Carnarvon, but unfortunately that’s a bit far to cycle for a visit.
Our member’s commuting distances range from 2.5km to 27km (one way) and some of us do quite a bit of riding for sport and recreation as well. Unfortunately, the rainy weather earlier in the challenge and the fact that many of our members were sick, injured or on leave at some stage, has kept our total distance down a bit. But, hey, it’s all about giving it a go and doing our bit for the environment, our health and the hip pocket. And to have fun!
Ute G - Water Cycle - Dept of Water - Heathridge - Perth.
Ute wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

Having both driven and ridden in several large cities, including a daily cycle commute into central London for several years, I have a near religious belief in the value of decent lights at almost any time of day. My current commuting lights are a relatively bright LED set that have quite a distinctive flash pattern with a couple of extra bright pulses in the sequence that make them really noticeable.

I was riding down The Esplanade in Mt Pleasant around dusk one evening recently (with my lights on) when a car coming the other way abruptly slowed almost to a halt as I drew level. The driver was leaning out of his window and as I rode past he yelled at me "That light is 'effing dangerous..."

I was riding fast enough that there was no time for a suitably cutting or witty reply that he would have heard but my overwhelming first reaction after the incident was "Great! A driver that's actually NOTICED a cyclist, possibly for the first time!" The small extra cost of those lights was immediately justified!

But cyclists are not the only ones who need to make an effort to be seen. As a regular user of some of the shared cycle paths around the river between the city and the southern suburbs, I am constantly amazed at the number of pedestrians who make absolutely no effort to be visible. Walkers in particular venture out for their evening constitutional dressed completely in dark non-reflective clothing and yet somehow expect cyclists to avoid them on unlit stretches as they meander unpredictably across the paths, nearly invisible to anyone. There are lessons to be learned here for all of us.
David G - Tyred - Woodside - Winthrop to Perth City.
David wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

When I look at the continuous line of cyclists passing me as I push into the strong sou-westerly heading away from the city, I start to ponder the question, “why does every other rider have more energy than me?” A faster bike, younger maybe… no, I come to the inescapable truth – I am basically lazy.

Yes, I could dash up behind the skinny kid with pimples, sit on his wheel and make snorting noises – but I would only blow a foofer valve and give some poor paramedic a heart attack when he or she attempts to pick up my 100+kg frame. No, better I should listen to the alarm on my heart rate monitor(HRM), find my groove and slow down a touch more… that’s better.

Just to make me feel better, an old fart just flew by whistling… you gotta be kidding ( I knew he was old, he had a telegram from the Queen sticking out of his back pocket). I check to see if the handbrake is on – no, everything is moving freely except me. Can’t be far to go now, head down bum up, try to start whistling (well it worked for the geriatric) – no can’t whistle, breathing way too hard.

Ah, there’s Canning Bridge – just cross here and I will be out of this sodding wind.

Oh – there’s a dolphin… oops, blast, some moron has smashed his beer bottle on the bridge – get off, walk through the worst of it (kick the big bits to side – got to look after those that follow) – check the tyres - looks ok. Off we go again, bugger, the wind has just swung from a sou-westerly to a westerly… I must have upset a gypsy at some stage ‘cause I can’t take a trick today.

Got to get into my groove, think of the ‘child bride’ waiting at home – ah home, the back balcony beckons – that’s it, a beer with the Freo Doctor on the back balcony.

I zip over the bumps around Como, scoot through the old folks home behind Melville Bowling Club – look out – poodle on a long lead – you gotta be kidding me lady.

Get back in groove… mmm beer-balcony… it’s working. Ok, just Mt Attadale to go (or Alpe de Swan as I know it) – not bad here, it’s out of the wind because of the size of the hill. I reach the top in pretty good shape – that pimply kid would have been checking out my back wheel here – eat my shorts (no too much groove now – getting carried away - dial it back a bit… mmm beer-balcony).

Now slide down the other side, down Wrexham, behind the tennis courts, round by Aquarama and The Left Bank – almost there. Not long now – mmm beer. Down South Terrace past Ginos – pull the gut in here – have to look good for the fans – dial it back a touch more, swing down Collie into Pakenham and I’m home.

A short struggle with the letter box, drop the mail on the ground, swear – apologise to the old lady walking her dog – pick up the mail, put the bike away, shoes off – take the lift to the top – open the front door and hobble straight to the fridge. Mmm beer – grab a cold Coopers Pale Ale and head for the balcony – sun is setting, low over the Indian Ocean, a quick sip and I almost throw up – the gag reflex has happened quite a bit since I turned 56.

Sit down, feet up – nah, brrr way too cold out here with the Doctor still howling – better I go inside and give the missus a kiss and get out of “the bike groove” and slip into the “bed groove”.
True Story. Mike O - Team Calibre - Fremantle to Perth.
Mike wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

PS. I should re-read things before sending them. At the end of my rather long story, it reads as though there may have been something other than “sleep” on my mind when I referred to getting into the “bed groove”. I want to assure you that I was pure of heart and mind at the time of writing, and honestly thought only of sleep – hey I’m 56 y/o, when the pillow beckons, it’s just a good nanna-nap that’s needed.
Cheers, Mike the Pure of Heart.

You see many things when you cycle that few others see… including “snow” in spring in Gosnells (though I am not condoning the prank that caused the snow – it was a lovely sight to see the clouds of “snow” drifting in the air and was magical early in the crisp spring morning… though not at all environmentally friendly and a pain for the City of Gosnells to clean up!). A few of the bike group members were privy to this as it happened to coincide with our bike group meeting time and venue. Members of our team – Gosnells Bicycle User Group – stopped by and watched the display – George seems to be indicating that it “was not him” – but Vicki or Jillian that caused the “snow”… (which we definitely did not!) while Andrew and Anne are looking at the extent of the “snow” in the background….
We have had so much fun this year.
Cheers. Jillian W. Gosnells Bicycle User Group - HealthBiz Consultancy - Gosnells to Gosnells.

The HealthBiz Team – Gosnells Bicycle User Group – is taking the Cycle Instead in Spring Challenge seriously and getting expert cycle coaching and motivation during the event.  We are also recruiting more novice cyclists to start cycling in the local area and giving them support too. The Local Member for Gosnells, Chris Tallentire, MLA, has sponsored some workshops for GO BUG. Others that live in the local area are welcome to attend too… even if they belong to other teams.

GO BUG meets every Saturday at the Gosnells Clock Tower (8.30am winter and 8.00am summer) and welcomes new members. More experienced cyclists in the group help others so they can cycle more often too. It is an informal social cycling group (opposed to a fast cycling group) that explores the local area and coffee shops plus visits other areas via train and bike.

To find out more about the GO BUG Free cycling skills workshops, click Here.
Cheers. Jillian W. Gosnells Bicycle User Group - HealthBiz Consultancy - Gosnells to Gosnells.

I recently got a unicycle as a birthday present. It took me at least two weeks to learn how to ride the unicycle. Now I ride to school each day. Its great fun as I also ride around the local streets and to the shops. I can easily take it on the train or carry it with me. I usually ride for about an hour or so.

I really recommend unicycling for people with two legs as long as you are prepared to put in the effort to learn how to ride it.
Daniel M - IHF - Giant Sub Unicycle - Padbury to Duncraig and more.

I love my bike. This is one of the uses for the baskets on my bikes.  The plastic bottles are my water bottles for my ride and the others are a few that we picked up from Ranford Road near Tonkin Highway.   
 
A few of the members of the Gosnells Bicycle User Group team often pick up so many bottles we find lying on the road or alongside shared paths as we would prefer to recycle the bottles than for them to be left only to be broken by vandals in the future.  It is easier to stop and pick up a bottle than to replace a tube and repair a puncture. It does look a little strange to have so many bottles in your basket and sounds even stranger as you ride along. No need to ring the bell to alert pedestrians you are behind them…   
 
We also report broken glass via the hazard report page on the Department of Transport cycling page so that major glass issues can be cleared up and try and clear up what we can with mini dustpans and brushes (from the $2 shop) that we carry along with our spare tubes and repair kits.       
Cheers. Jillian W. Gosnells Bicycle User Group - HealthBiz Consultancy - Gosnells to Gosnells.

This is how the Gosnells Bicycle User Group recruits new members via visiting different coffee shops en masse each week on our leisurely social ride. We get together and talk about where we have ridden and hope to ride. Many people check out the variety of bikes and riders and like the social aspect of our group. Several members were in the coffee shop wearing their fluro cycle instead shirts and others were too busy talking, enjoying the sun to pose for a photo in Armadale. I noticed one couple stand and look at our bikes, quite amazed at the array and variety of our bikes, from road bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes and those with baskets front and back and even a stuffed dog!

We explore cycling routes and have even helped out members of the cycle instead in spring team work out their ride to work route. Three of us accompanied one novice member from Gosnells to Perth so that she can ride in to work eventually. Many of the members live too far from work to ride easily so they are building up their fitness and their confidence so they can cycle into work in the future. Several have done it on a weekend when they do not have the time pressure as it takes roughly 90 minutes at the moment.

We just ran our first cycle skills workshop at a coffee shop in Gosnells last Saturday. We hope to attract even more novice cyclists to our team and to the group over the longer term.
Cheers. Jillian W. Gosnells Bicycle User Group - HealthBiz Consultancy - Gosnells to Gosnells.
Jillian wins a Cycle Instead Bike prizes for her team.

School holidays are a great time to get the kids out on their bikes.
My nephew Callun tagged along for a leisurely ride, Hillarys to Freo yesterday – a cool 30km extra to add to my tally.  Scenery was beautiful and loads of riders out enjoying the mild day. Perth riders are so friendly, greeting and encouraging everyone they pass.  Lots of little tots out and about too which is great to see.
Cheers. Kathy S - Woodvale Wobblers - Dep of Env & Cons - Beldon to Woodvale 3.5km.
Callun wins a Cycle Instead prize.

It was a beautiful fine day,
I should have Ridden
I had taken the train to work
I Should have Ridden
I was getting the train home
I should have Ridden
The train was late
I should have Ridden
The Royal Show was in full swing
I Should Have Ridden
The train turned up
I Should Have Ridden
It was absolutely packed
I Should Have Ridden
How do people do this every day
I Should Have Ridden.
Regards. Jeff J. Bits and Bykes - CSC - Manning to Perth (Via Freo).

This year, having been in Europe for a while, I have missed half the challenge already. And while Europe was great, I did miss my daily ride. But I’m home now and back in the saddle and keen to see others sign up.
 
I ride each day all year so in a sense I am not in the target group for the Bike to Work Challenge. However, my commute is a little unusual in that I ride a unicycle, not a bike. This enables me to commute in a dual-mode – Ride to train, take train, then ride the rest of the way to work  - a daily staple of  about 10km, plus any errands. And an occasional trip home without the train.
 
However I use the Challenge to up the effort and dispense more with the train legs and even the occasional full trip both ways (36 km, three hours – ooh, the rash, the rash!) So, in a sense I suppose I am in the target group.
 
To anyone reading who has not taken the plunge, a ride to work via Riverside Drive and taking a break at the boatshed for a coffee and muffin at Sassy’s on Swan is THE best way to start the work day. See you there!
Colin C - DOHers - Dept of Housing - Manning to Perth.
Colin wins a Cycle Instead prize.

Mark C (aka Captain Teflon - the only man to stay clean when MTBing)
of Team Legless from the Dept of Planning decides a 100km mountain
bike race might be a lovely way to spend the weekend.



Mark C - Legless - Dep of Planning - East Perth to
Mark wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

If you are out riding and hope to spot some spring wildlife on your trip into Perth, such as a dolphin in the river or a snake on the path, you may not have had much luck. With your eagle eyes you may have spotted some strange bugs traversing the cycle paths. The Portuguese millipede invasion continues to sweep across Perth. They are a feral pest and are usually harmless but can cause damage to your vegie gardens, plus their secretions can sting your eyes and stain your clothes. They have even been known to slow down trains if enough of them get on the tracks.

To find out more about the Portuguese millipede at the ABC click here:

For the School of Sustainability at Murdoch University, there are even more reasons to cycle to work. There are the obvious health, fitness and wellbeing benefits for individuals, but especially important to us are the greenhouse gas emissions saved and car trips not taken by cycling. We are all very keen to a more sustainable transport system in Perth!

Our team began with just 6 staff from the School of Sustainability, and we’ve recruited Sustainability students and staff from all over the university to our team (including a few who have never cycled to the university before). There are 20 of us now, with new members joining all the time.

We’re also publicising the Bike to Work challenge around the university, so that hopefully by next year the Murdoch University contingent is even bigger.
Here’s to the sustainability benefits of cycling!
Nicole H - School of Sustainability - Murdoch University - Hamilton Hill to Murdoch
Nicole wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

The Corporate Challenge games continue down on Langley Park each Thursday. A number of Bike to Work Challenge riders take the opportunity to get in a few more kms at lunchtime.

Daniel S rides down to Langley park to play for the WorleyParsons Soccer team at lunchtime.

Jana Z from Breakfast at EPOs team, Dep of Planning, recently rode from Perth to Leederville for a meeting and said the trip was faster than taking the car. Much more pleasurable too.
Photo - Daniel S - WorleyParsons Power Gel - Mt Lawley to Perth.
Daniel wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

Sunday was the perfect day to enjoy Spring weather for the first time this Spring. David and I decided to try out the new bicycle path alongside the Kwinana freeway extension. We caught the train from Greenwood to Mandurah and set off towards the freeway via Pinjarra road. There is a bike path along Pinjarra road but it runs short of the freeway by about 2km. On the path we expected to cruise along at 30km/h but the north-easterly slowed us to about 25km/h. We both took two water bottles for the trip and they were very much needed as the path is open, hot and dry. Its 30km along the path until you come to the service station at Safety Bay road so you need to be self reliant on food, water and spares. I really enjoyed seeing and smelling the wildflowers as we rode along. There were also emus, horses and cows, BUT look out for the snakes as we spotted two on the path.

Halfway along the path there is a turn-off to Golden Bay(4km) at Paganoni road. After 30km of riding David thought that Golden Bay sounded like an inviting alternative to finish the ride but we pressed on taking regular breaks. Our lunch destination was the Raffles Hotel at Applecross. The thought of an ice cold beer gave David the inspiration he needed to keep those pedals turning. Once we reached the older section of the freeway path the established vegetation shielded us from the wind and we managed to pick up speed.
We reached the Raffles in around 3.5 hours from Pinjarra road. After a relaxing lunch break we travelled the final few kms to Perth and caught the train back to Greenwood. David reckons it was a tough trip(90km) and wonders why bicycle seats are so hard!!!
Janet & David M - IHF - Giant Sub Unicycle - Padbury to Perth.
Taking a break among the wildflowers on the Kwinana Fwy Extn reserve.

PS. Its been a wet and windy start to Spring but after this Tuesday the weather is looking fine. Its great to see you take up the Challenge and enjoy your rides in the rain. With the fine weather coming its time to recruit some of your workmates into your team and get them riding to work. You can also recruit cyclists from other companies as well. They’ll be so glad you started them on such a great adventure. - David M.

Having cycled in Bike to Work 2008 and continued cycling from that point on, I have felt stronger and fit enough to tackle my next personal challenge. So the chance to ride 250km in a day through the scenic national parks, wheatbelt and country towns from Kalamunda to Walunga National Park, Bakers Hill, Northam and back with the Audax Spring Witch ride was the perfect challenge. Well, I signed up and prepped my gear for the ride (as Scouts say with good reason "be prepared"), arrived 6am on Saturday 19 Sept all excited to get going and five of us set off on this ride. I had to work through hitting the wall as hill after hill we climbed. Two riders pulled out and the three of us continued. Hoping I could hang on, we rode on seeing kangaroos, cockatoos, enjoying the delights of bakers Hill bakery, seeing the ute muster in Spencers Brook, and talking with locals in country towns. We rode 60, 120, 180, 220, and 250 to the end.  I was stoked to be able to join this ride and make it back to Kalamunda Hotel with the others just after sunset. The friendships, personal achievement and knowledge gained from this was well worth the effort. I hope you have found yourself a personal challenge and are going for it.   
Cheers, David T - Alcoa ReCyclists - Inglewood to Booragoon.
David wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

Having entered Melbourne’s “Around the Bay” ride in October meant plenty of training was required. Cycle Instead in Spring couldn’t have come at a better time for me knowing it was a perfect opportunity to train and also have Enigma involved in such a brilliant initiative. The daily drive to work is a chore that involves watching the car in front and making sure I am not being driven off the road by trucks. Just yesterday when riding to work I was heading down a cycle path along Leach Highway when I looked up at the overpass to see a bunch of 15 cyclists most probably commuting to work and being a part of “Cycle Instead in Spring”. To me the Leach Highway/ Kwinana Freeway area is a terrible area for cyclists and on a weekday a place to avoid thou with plenty of care it is manageable and I urge others to take the time to get through this area safely. I for one have never felt fitter and wish all the other cyclists involved in this challenge the best of luck.
Cheers. Evan W - Enigma - Enigma Business Products - Palmyra - Willetton.
Evan wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

The most important information I seek everyday is the weather forecast. I listen for wind speed, wind direction, likelihood of precipitation and then decide if I’m riding tomorrow or making up excuses. BUT, during Cycle Instead in Spring, I don’t even bother listening cos IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER. Gonna ride rain, hail or shine (or howling gale) and boy, hasn’t it been wet this spring!
Cheers. Kathy S - Woodvale Wobblers - Dep of Env & Cons - Beldon to Woodvale 3.5km.
Kathy wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize and a super absorbent sports towel.
Picture of Kathy home after work, soaked with rain dripping from helmet.

This spring marks the completion of two years' cycling in Perth. And what a change cycling made to my life!
I enjoy going to work. The journey seems more exciting than work itself.
I feel free. I'm not cramped in like commuters on the train.
I've slimmed a lot. I feel healthier.
I've made friends. I found them in the locker room at work.
I tinker with my bike on weekends. I'm no DIY-er, but maybe I'll get to become one.
This morning, I saw a dolphin foraging for worms near the limestone wall. It was almost struggling in the shallow water. Its efforts to find food made me wonder: despite all the gloom and doom about global warming, we'll yet overcome threats to human existence.
Riding has made me more creative. Last week when I battled 50kph winds, I found myself wanting to write beautiful verse about the angry waves of the Swan threatening to lash my face with huge drops, and the blustery gale churning up sand to blast my glasses.

I wonder why I hesitated so long before I made up my mind to buy a bike and ride it to work.
Cheers, Bob C - WorleyParsons Power Gel - Como to CBD on a flat bar bike. 8km
Bob wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

On Sunday 20 September my father and I took part in the new Perth/Bunbury Highway Bike Ride - riding the full length of the freeway extension (30kms). The event was well organised with people directing cyclists to the start line and a staggered start so that the faster cyclists could race off first leaving us mere mortals to meander along in our own time. 

Many people caught the train to Warnbro Station and cycled the 6kms to the start line. Part of the road was blocked off to assist us on this short ride. Some cyclists choose the more challenging option of cycling from Perth to the start line and then riding all the way back.  When we were still 10km from the finish line, we could see groups of these cyclists heading back to Perth on the new cycle path alongside the road. I admire their endurance but not enough to join them!

People of all ages, on all sorts of bikes, took the opportunity to ride on the new road. We saw one little guy sleeping peacefully most of the way in the baby seat of his dad's bike.  We really enjoyed riding along and having a chat without being interrupted by cars, pedestrians or traffic lights.
Kind regards, Emma F. Cyclo-gIRls - Dep of Commerce - Leederville to West Perth.
Emma wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize pack.

It was the 2nd of September when I received the email regarding the bike to work challenge. I found myself in 2 minds, part of me enjoyed the drive to work (even in Perth longest moving car park), however the other part of me wanted to start a new chapter in my life, a healthier one.

I kept thinking about the email for the following days and somehow found myself in a local bike shop talking to the guy about what bike would be best to commute to work on. Then I found myself talking to a few daily riders at work, asking them why they do it, how long it takes, how they manage their daily routines around riding and if they'd be keen to enter the Bike to work challenge if I did. They may not of said it to me but I read some doubtful faces that day.

It was the following Sunday afternoon when I made my decision and on Wednesday 9th I started my first ride to work. A work friend had said he'll show me the way as he commuted right past where I was starting from. The first thing he said to me after good morning was "you're wearing that?". Apparently tracky's, T-shirt and a jumper was inappropriate cycle wear!

So the ride began with me in tow, at the 500m mark I had a quick look on the ground behind as I though I may have dropped a lung, also a look forward to find out who was standing on my chest! My heart was beating fast and my legs were burning, my buddy offered to keep an eye on me as I think he was worried due to the fact he may have left his defibrillators at home.

At the 15 minute mark I started to feel a bit better, until I laid eyes upon the hill we were about to encounter. I just kept grinding the pedals and going through gears until I had no more gears to go, at this stage I checked my pace and realised that walking would probably be quicker.

Before long we made the half way mark and surprisingly I was feeling better than when I started out, although it was at this stage I felt like I may not be able to sit down once I actually got to work due to a throbbing sensation coming from my buttock ( I now understand why people buy after market seats).

It was about 30 minutes later when my buddy shouted "congrats mate, you made it to the city" changing my attention to the setting in front of me, it was glorious. It was a cold but clear morning and the city had a glow about it that reminded me of those sunrises you get to see every now and then when on holiday. It was then that I realised how much you miss out on when your stuck in traffic and also, that I would be regularly cycling in.

Last week I rode in twice and this week I've rode 3 times, as I am building up to riding the whole week. I would definitely recommend to cyclists starting out that you take heed of the advice given to me and build up to the whole distance. I have also found out how good proper cycling wear is (although I still have to buy more).

Attached is a photo of me making it to work this week, every time I do, it feels like a massive achievement.
Regards. Scott P. The Spokes - GHD Oil & Gas - Greenwood to Perth.
Scott wins a Cycle Instead Bike pack, Cycle computer & Champagne.

With the right gear, especially strong front and rear lights, night riding can be a real joy. As a member of Parliament I work very odd, very long hours. So night riding is an inevitable part of my ride to work routine. The ride home last Tuesday night began at 10.30pm, it was a beautiful run in quite warm conditions. I felt like I was riding just ahead of the rain. After sitting in the chamber for eight hours it was exhilarating to be powering my own way home on the Freeway bike path headed south. With the lapping river on my right, I got to my modest cruising speed of 32 km per hour by the time I passed the Milyu Nature Reserve. I wondered if the dolphins I’d seen cruising the river in the morning might still be there. Further south, a change of direction as I joined the Roe Highway bike path with its occasional rises and vantage points. Climbing above the traffic, night views across bushland and golf courses give an amazing sense of space. Distant lights define areas of extensive suburbia. Passing by the Canning Vale precinct, there’s a strange but not unpleasant mix of odours coming from a huge bakery and from a cement works. By the time I’ve reached my home in Thornlie I’ve been riding for an hour; I’ve mulled over the day’s events and had some thoughts for the next day’s debates. Time for a shower and bed. Hope tomorrow’s weather is good for a ride in too!
My best wishes to all cyclists.
Chris T. MLA - Gosnells Bicycle User Group - Thornlie to West Perth.
Member for Gosnells - Parliament of Western Australia
Chris wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

As the weather fines up, consider modifying your bike route to include a ride along the coast.  There can’t be many places in the world where you can ride next to the ocean, and enjoy sunsets and incredible views, whilst travelling on a bike.   There is dual-use paths along most sections of the coast, and though these can periodically be busy with joggers and walkers, just give them a polite ring of your bell, and a thank-you when you overtake them.  Take your time and enjoy the views.
 
Left photo taken from The Boulevard, City Beach using the dedicated cycle path in this area.
Roland P - Terra Corpus - LandCorp - Duncraig to Perth– during the warmer months via the coast on the way home. Roland wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

Having just read another blog post in respect to lights, I thought it worth ‘bumping’ the issue due to its importance. As a cyclist and motorcyclist, I can testify to dangers that our smaller road profile presents, so it is vital that we do everything we can to raise that profile, and light are one of the most basic ways of doing that.

With that in mind, it is important that you put a little time into selecting the right lights for your riding. Prices and styles vary dramatically and so does the effectiveness of the lights. All too often people will test a light by turning it on and shining it at their face or an object that is only a metre or so away. Neither is beneficial, and is only likely to result in temporary blindness if it is a strong light! I’d suggest that people defer to those that have used & reviewed or tested them. A place to start is Choice Magazine that has a free review of both front and rear lights; but most online bike shops provide user reviews.

Once you purchase your lights, take the time to fit them correctly. There is not much point in buying lights and putting them on the seat post only for them to be half obscured by the saddle bag that is over it; or as is commonly done, directed at eye level for a Leprechaun. You’ll be guaranteed to safe from the little folks, but it is likely to dramatically reduce the visible range of your light for other road users.

Now, this being a corporate challenge, I hope that all of you employers out there are talking the time to ensure that your employees (participating or otherwise) are riding safe. No doubt, you’ll find this an ideal time to add the ‘Ride safe’ message as a topic for your safety meetings. etc…. You might also find it a great time to encourage new riders by providing free quality lights!
Kevin C. - Halliburton - Halliburton Australia - Canning Vale to Canning Vale.
Kevin wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize.

I have been back into cycling for about three years now after a period of a number of years away from the sport and I have noticed a distinct lack of either knowledge or care in some cyclists. This is in relation to lights. Over the past few weeks as the Corporate Challenge gets into full swing, I am aiming this at those that do not have the knowledge as I don't think I will sway those that don't care. I am talking about lights and the lack of them on some bikes. It is not yet light enough to ride without them, yet I see so many without them or with very weak ones. Let me let you all in on a secret. Lights are not so that you can see, it is so that you can BE SEEN. Having a front light and no back light is good for those cars and bikes coming towards you, but what about those coming from behind. You are more likely to be hit from behind than you are from in front (in my opinion). Get a good rear red flashing light people. It may save your life. Cars have enough trouble seeing each other on the road and most drivers are not looking out for a bike. If you have a bright flashing red light (the more the merrier in my opinion) the more likely they are to see you. Make sure that your lights are working as well. I have come up behind a few bikes and been ready with my usually tirade of "Get some lights" only to realise that they have some but that they are very weak. So.......1. If you don't have lights Get some. There are bike shops a plenty in Perth or you can go online and search Google for bike lights (I use the website Torpedo7). You can get a set for as little as $30 (front and back). 2. If you have lights, check them to make sure they work well, change the batteries etc. And that is it for my Safety Soapbox. [Jeff gets down from the soapbox, loads it on the rear carrier and rides away].
Jeff J. Bits and Bykes - CSC - Manning to Subiaco.

Well it is that time again when we all get out the bike, dust off the rain jacket, get the cycling clothes on and again start (or continue) to cycle to work as part of the Cycle instead in Spring challenge. I have been riding to work for a few weeks now. This morning I decided to extend the trip by cycling down to Mount Henry bridge and then back up to Canning Bridge on the West side of the river. Now this morning was a little wet and overcast, but instead of putting my head down and powering through I decided to look around and see what was going on. As I passed under the Canning Highway bridge I was surprised to see two fishermen (one with his pants down - The bare Bum) I'm not sure what was happening but I am sure he was just taking a leak. With that surprise behind (ha ha) me, I crossed Canning bridge looking around to see what else was happening. There just under the bridge was a Dolphin swimming around. This made my morning and made the decision to extend my ride worth it. I further extended my trip to work by riding from the Narrows to the Causeway bridges. (I work at Subiaco). As I crossed the Causeway Bridge I noticed some paddlers out so gave them a wave. It was while I was doing this that I noticed the second Dolphin of the morning. What a great way to start the week. It just goes to show what you miss out on if you ride with your head down and don't take the time to have a look around at the great views (apart from the bare bum) along the river.
Regards. Jeff J. Bits and Bykes - CSC - Manning to Subiaco.
Jeff wins a Cycle Instead prize.

This is one of the bikes that I will be riding during the Cycle Instead in Spring Challenge. I plan to ride in dresses and everyday outfits whenever I can during the challenge rather than specially put on cycling clothes.

I recently purchased the old red Malvern star bike I had a ride on during bike week. I would still like to win the red bike from the glamour push photos (prize for ladies in the challenge)… but this is a much cheaper one that I can lock up at the local shops. This is the photo of the bike. The owner thought of me and contacted me when she wanted to sell it.

I have just had a black wire basket added to the front so I can ride it to the shops. It has the star embossed in the metal at the front of the bike, just under the handles. It has no gears and a back pedal brake as well as a front hand brake. It rides well as it is quite light with no gears. It has been fully restored with new tyres and brake pads, handles and comfy old style seat with springs, but I think the rest is original. It has been repainted in an original Malvern Star colour I have been told. I will have to see some more people I know from the Historical Bike Group as they will be able to give me more of an idea of the age of the bike. It may be a 1960’s bike or earlier? My old bike was not a Malvern Star I think… but was a restored second hand bike that I received for Christmas when I was 10 and rode to school when I was 12 until I left year 12. My old bike only had a back pedal brake. I just took off the stickers as I did not like them and preferred plain paint, like my original old bike.

My other bike is a lovingly maintained 25 year old Indi Hawk ladies racing bike which I have modified slightly so that it has upright handles and baskets front and back so that I can carry more items!
Cheers. Jillian W. Gosnells Bicycle User Group - HealthBiz Consultancy - Gosnells to Gosnells.
Jillian wins a Cycle Instead Bike prize & Champagne.