CSIT RTW Bulletin #15: May 2001

Now with the days getting shorter, please ensure you have a good set of lights if riding home at dusk or after dark. In this Bulletin, we have 2 features - many thanks Markus B. for the second.

Repair Kits and Repairing Flats

To repair flats, a pump, a spare tube, tyre levers and whatever tools needed to remove a wheel (if you are an old timer like myself needing a spanner, I recommend buying a good quality socket one: the lightweight multi-headed ones can break when a strong force is applied). Spare batteries in the winter months are also a good idea.

Just on changing and repairing the tubes: it needs to be done with some skill and care, if you want to prevent the repair itself from causing another flat, possibly hundreds of kilometres into the future. Some tips:

• when changing tubes, try to locate the puncture (probably will need to re-inflate the tube; immersing it in water is the surest way, although you can hardly do that on the road). Then check the corresponding part of the tyre, in case the offending agent (eg. sliver of glass) is still there.
• Also, avoid if at all possible using tyre levers to put the tyre back on the wheel. On deep-rimmed wheels, this may not be possible, but seek advice on how to do so without pinching the tube (which can cause anything from an immediate to a long-delayed flat).
• I recommend the small round rubber spot patches for the repair. These more easily stretch than the larger thicker patches, and thus are more likely to last indefinitely without breaking. They also cause less distortion, which will result in less outer tyre wear.
  However, they need to be placed very accurately. Outlining the area with texta will ensure that after the glue is applied, you can put it in exactly the right spot.
• for large tears, or for tubes with more than say three patches, I'd recommend replacement rather than fixing.

Bikeshed News

Cyclegaines

Have you ever considered an alternative use for your (mountain) bike than just riding it to&from work? Fancy a bit of a scenic tour under time and path-finding pressure? Then try a Cyclegaine. What's a Cyclegaine? Simple, it's just a Rogaine with your bicycle.

Oh - so what's a Rogaine? Ok. I'm sure you've heard of orienteering - where you get a map of a region with a set of markers scattered across it that you have to visit in a set order. The pressure here is finding the fastest way between markers, finding them as you approach, and completing the course in the shortest possible time. Typical events are a few hours.

In a Rogaine you essentially have the same map, and same set of markers. Here however the path is not stipulated. Each marker has a certain value in points, depending on its distance and location. You get to choose your own path through the area, and pick up points for each marker you visit. You have a time-limit by which you have to return to the start/finish line - if you're late you start to lose points at a great rate. A typical rogaine is run over 6, 12 or 24 hours. If you're lucky, the 24 hour event has a full moon - but no allowance is made for cloud. Cyclegaines are usually run over 6 or 12 (daylight) hours.

If you look at the ACT Rogaining association website you will see more details of this sport and associated events, including various Cyclegaines. Keep in mind the ACT association is fairly small, so also check out the NSW pages for additional nearby events. Every state and territory has an association, and the sport has global coverage. The National Association also has a web page.

Note that beside Rogaines and Cyclegaines there are also Canoegaines, Snowgaines and Metrogaines (if you want to start a bit easier) and "upside-down" rogaines (night-only).

Disclaimer - I've never tried a Cyclegaine, but have done a Rogaine, and will again.

Upcoming Pedal Power Events

• Fri May 4 Heart Week Ride to Deakin Shops. To support the National Heart Week, this ride is for lunch outside the Gambit at Deakin Shops, getting there at 1pm. If you wish to participate, please wear or decorate your bike with something RED. Donations to the Heart Foundation will be welcome there.

  I went last year, and it was a lot of fun. Regretfully a teaching commitment prevents me from going this Friday.