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CSIT RTW Bulletin #25: Mar 2003

http://cs.anu.edu.au/csitRTW/bulletins/RTW.25.Mar03.html
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Re: Security in the CSIT Area

Something that may help if your bike is stolen: registering it on the Bikeback database, bikeback@hotmail.com, an initiative by Cycle City, will make it difficult for a bike with your serial number to be sold by bicycle retailers in Canberra and Queanbeyan (from PP's Notice Board).

Greaseless Chains

One of the more irksome things about cycling for me over the years has been grease-covered hands resulting from a jammed chain or a flat on the rear wheel, not to mention to more ongoing problem of difficult to remove grease stains on trouser cuffs, shoes, and occasionally other parts of clothing. And I know of people who have been specifically put off cycle commuting because of this problem (front derailliers are incompatible with effective chain guards).

In this case, grease = oil + dirt. Maybe I have been slow on the uptake, but over the last few months, I found this problem can be greatly alleviated by removing the oil component, with oil-less lubricants such as a product called ProLink. It can also gradually displace any old grease, if one does not have the equipment to break/re-link chains in order to soak them in solvent.

Still, the chain remains the dirtiest part of the bike, so regular wiping of the dirt on the outside of the chain will help no matter what kind of lubricant you use.

Recent Events: Ride-to-Uni Breakfast, Thurs Feb 21

Organized this time by David Carpenter from F&S, himself a very keen and experienced cyclist. About 120 people showed up, and this time there was plenty of food (did not have to buy lunch that day :). David is also thinking of organizing some maintenance sessions for Uni cyclists; will keep you informed of any developments. (sorry again about the late reminder, although I guess most of you had seen the notices taped to the bike-paths hereabouts anyway).

Upcoming Events: The Big Canberra Bicycle Ride

The Canberra Connect Big Bike Ride is on again! FEIT/CSIT had a great team ride last year, and we seek to have another this year. It starts 8.30am Monday 17 March, and involves a relaxed 25km ride around Canberra streets.

If you'd like to join the team (CSIRO and RSC people also welcome), please contact Peter by cob Tuesday March 11. We will meet on Canberra Day at 7:50am at CSIT, or at 8:10am at Blundell's Cottage (need to register; also a good idea if a few of us can reserve a starting spot not too far back in the line-up).

Well thats it for these 2 months. Happy cycling! -Peter.

***** If you'd like to make a contribution to the next bulletin, *****
***** please email it to me by the end of Apr 2003 *****

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