Comments on: The Best Cycling City In Australia? http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/ Cycling Tips, Hints, and Tricks Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:08:40 +0300 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: dirty_harry_123 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/comment-page-1/#comment-7565 dirty_harry_123 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:18:22 +0000 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/?p=7724#comment-7565 adelaide is definitely great never ridden anywhere else so don't have an experienced opinion but living in lobethal definitely gives me some wicked rides, no easy ones so you gotta love hills, i always feel demoralised when the "pros" from town eat me on hills but when i go into town i swallow people due to the hill training its good and the cars aren't all that bad either adelaide is definitely great never ridden anywhere else so don't have an experienced opinion but living in lobethal definitely gives me some wicked rides, no easy ones so you gotta love hills, i always feel demoralised when the “pros” from town eat me on hills but when i go into town i swallow people due to the hill training its good and the cars aren't all that bad either

]]> By: Archie http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/comment-page-1/#comment-7561 Archie Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:30:08 +0000 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/?p=7724#comment-7561 Wade I'll have to get Brad to help educate on riding in Sydney. If you are lucky enough to live on the North Shore (as I do) then cycling is superb. Lots of national parks with excellent climbs, and even the rides up to the Central Coast have good quality roads (many recently re-surfaced) with wide shoulders and/or designated bike lanes.<br>The South, East and West of Sydney? Well I wouldn't ride there, that's for sure - too many red necks and bad roads Wade I'll have to get Brad to help educate on riding in Sydney. If you are lucky enough to live on the North Shore (as I do) then cycling is superb. Lots of national parks with excellent climbs, and even the rides up to the Central Coast have good quality roads (many recently re-surfaced) with wide shoulders and/or designated bike lanes.
The South, East and West of Sydney? Well I wouldn't ride there, that's for sure – too many red necks and bad roads

]]> By: roblynn http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/comment-page-1/#comment-7527 roblynn Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:20:31 +0000 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/?p=7724#comment-7527 Bright rates very high. Big fan of Apollo bay as well or anywhere on the GOR for that matter. Bright rates very high. Big fan of Apollo bay as well or anywhere on the GOR for that matter.

]]> By: brycerider http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/comment-page-1/#comment-7496 brycerider Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:26:40 +0000 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/?p=7724#comment-7496 If you like some hard efforts into a savage headwind then Perth would be the winner. Good for the bikeshops as all the sand about the place grinds up the running gear like no tomorrow :P If you like some hard efforts into a savage headwind then Perth would be the winner. Good for the bikeshops as all the sand about the place grinds up the running gear like no tomorrow :P

]]> By: Andy Prosser http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/comment-page-1/#comment-7488 Andy Prosser Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:21:40 +0000 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/?p=7724#comment-7488 It's sad the Perth seems to always be over looked by every other state. Yes, we are further away than many overseas countries, but we are still part of this country. Oh and many forget that Western Australia contributes significantly more to the Australian economy than any other state. It's funny how everyone always forgets that one... But that's not the debate here. <br><br>So as a local can I provide some insight into what it's like to be out on a bike way over here in the West? I'll do my best:<br><br>The Good:<br>Perth is built on a coastal plain. This means for the most part, the terrain is fairly flat. We do have some hills that are very popular with weekend riders. Lots of groups out there mean the locals are used to large groups of riders. Then you have the coastal rides; West Coast Hwy is one of the best. Expensive houses on one side, magnificent ocean views on the other. Low speed limit (50km/h) and nothing that classes as a hill (bit like Beach Rd in Melbourne), but the best bit is taking in the "sights" as they walk, run, or jog past! Finally, most of the major roads (well the newer ones anyway) in Perth either have a cycle-lane or cycle-way as part of their design.<br><br>The Bad:<br>The Wind. The famous Freo Doctor blows very strongly. This is good if your heading away from it, but if not you'll hate being out on your bike. Locals learn to plan their trips around the time of day and wind direction. As mentioned above, Perth is built on a coastal plain, so you can't hide from the wind! The other bad aspect is that unless you live in certain areas you'll have to drive to find a decent calibre of cycling group. You either have to live on the coast, in the hills, or near the city. Anywhere else and you'll be faced with idiot drivers and/or poor roads.<br><br>The Ugly:<br>"Red Neck Drivers". Yes, every city has them, but Perth seems to have more than our fair share. Now these drivers aren't the typical sort that just yells abuse at you. No, these are the sods who throw stuff at you (bottles, beer cans, bricks, etc...) or try to drive so close and literally push you off the road. Fortuantly I haven't experienced this too much and it IS improving, but you do hear of another close call from fellow riders each week.<br><br>So is Perth a great place to be out on a bike? Hell yeah, and it's getting better with each passing month. We don't have a strong cycling culture here, but that is rapidly changing. We may be a bit slow and backward over here in the West, but we do catch on and when we do, we do things quickly. The growth rate of Cycling as a sport is increasing every year. <br><br>Verdict: Watch this space. :) It's sad the Perth seems to always be over looked by every other state. Yes, we are further away than many overseas countries, but we are still part of this country. Oh and many forget that Western Australia contributes significantly more to the Australian economy than any other state. It's funny how everyone always forgets that one… But that's not the debate here.

So as a local can I provide some insight into what it's like to be out on a bike way over here in the West? I'll do my best:

The Good:
Perth is built on a coastal plain. This means for the most part, the terrain is fairly flat. We do have some hills that are very popular with weekend riders. Lots of groups out there mean the locals are used to large groups of riders. Then you have the coastal rides; West Coast Hwy is one of the best. Expensive houses on one side, magnificent ocean views on the other. Low speed limit (50km/h) and nothing that classes as a hill (bit like Beach Rd in Melbourne), but the best bit is taking in the “sights” as they walk, run, or jog past! Finally, most of the major roads (well the newer ones anyway) in Perth either have a cycle-lane or cycle-way as part of their design.

The Bad:
The Wind. The famous Freo Doctor blows very strongly. This is good if your heading away from it, but if not you'll hate being out on your bike. Locals learn to plan their trips around the time of day and wind direction. As mentioned above, Perth is built on a coastal plain, so you can't hide from the wind! The other bad aspect is that unless you live in certain areas you'll have to drive to find a decent calibre of cycling group. You either have to live on the coast, in the hills, or near the city. Anywhere else and you'll be faced with idiot drivers and/or poor roads.

The Ugly:
“Red Neck Drivers”. Yes, every city has them, but Perth seems to have more than our fair share. Now these drivers aren't the typical sort that just yells abuse at you. No, these are the sods who throw stuff at you (bottles, beer cans, bricks, etc…) or try to drive so close and literally push you off the road. Fortuantly I haven't experienced this too much and it IS improving, but you do hear of another close call from fellow riders each week.

So is Perth a great place to be out on a bike? Hell yeah, and it's getting better with each passing month. We don't have a strong cycling culture here, but that is rapidly changing. We may be a bit slow and backward over here in the West, but we do catch on and when we do, we do things quickly. The growth rate of Cycling as a sport is increasing every year.

Verdict: Watch this space. :)

]]> By: woodie http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/comment-page-1/#comment-7487 woodie Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:15:22 +0000 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/?p=7724#comment-7487 bendigo : great list of champions there BUT on beach road there is a guy awith a yellow pinarelo ... beat that ! bendigo : great list of champions there BUT on beach road there is a guy awith a yellow pinarelo … beat that !

]]> By: A_C http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/comment-page-1/#comment-7476 A_C Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:36:10 +0000 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/?p=7724#comment-7476 Possibly? Although Lee and I (Andy) left Adelaide almost two years ago now. I miss the hills rides and the track nights, but I don't miss getting my arse kicked by Dave Miller that's for sure... Possibly? Although Lee and I (Andy) left Adelaide almost two years ago now. I miss the hills rides and the track nights, but I don't miss getting my arse kicked by Dave Miller that's for sure…

]]> By: carrie http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/comment-page-1/#comment-7472 carrie Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:58:40 +0000 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/?p=7724#comment-7472 Re cycling cities<br>As illuminating as you selection for cycling cities is – you’ve missed the capital of cycling in Australia – Bendigo. The following highlights some of the reasons I put Bendigo forward:<br>Roads<br>Within a few minutes from the Sternberg roundabout ( the popular gathering spot) you have a series of roads that include undulating hills, long straight flat sections, a mountain to climb, a few tight pinches and all in low traffic country surroundings. No picking your way through traffic and stopping at lights. Bendigo riders can choose famous local rides including the gooseneck, the Turdberg, Ball Biter or Five Ways.<br>Bunches<br>Bendigo prides itself on catering to all abilities. From 7am on a Saturday, bunches head off at 15 min intervals with the last at 7.45.am During the week there is also a variety of rides. The earliest bunches are a mixture of long efforts and a series of sprints. Later bunches cater to the beginning cyclists and are always accompanied by riders passionate in sharing their skills and knowledge with beginning riders.<br>The Company<br>In an earlier bulletin you acknowledged the Bendigo Cycling Club being the nursery of champions. It is not unusual on a Sat ride to find yourself swapping turns with notable riders past and present from all disciplines of cycling including: Zac Dempster, Glenn O’Shea, Darren Lapthorne, Kristian House, Tom Southam, Rohan Dennis, Steve Flood, Chris White, Tim Decker, Phil Sawyer, Tony Hughes, Andy Stirling, Matt Wallace, Jess Berry, Jo Wall, Peta Mullins, Jarrod Moroni and the list goes on. Everyone one of them ready to chat or offer advice. No class distinctions in our bunches!!<br>The Clubs<br>Bendigo marshals the fanatical cycling community through a variety of clubs. There’s plenty of road action through the VETS and Bendigo and District Cycling Club, track racing on Thurs night and of course the world famous Maddison. The Bendigo Mountain Bike Club (<a href="http://www.mtbbendigo.com" rel="nofollow">www.mtbbendigo.com</a>) host club races and recently the National MTB Marathon Championships. If you cant find a club to suit your cycling needs you’re not trying.<br>Keeping in Touch<br>We enjoy a phenomena called Eddie’s email. Eddie , a keen local rider and networker keeps the local cycling community in touch with each other through his weekly email. I believe the email group is in excess of 500 currently. This email offers news on rides, community fundraising, cycling events, cycling tips, bikes for sale and Eddie’s own reflections to nourish the soul.<br> <br>Find a weekend to come and join us for a ride. I’m sure you’ll be amazed at what happens on two wheels in Bendigo. Check on moronisbikes.com.au for information on rides. Re cycling cities
As illuminating as you selection for cycling cities is – you’ve missed the capital of cycling in Australia – Bendigo. The following highlights some of the reasons I put Bendigo forward:
Roads
Within a few minutes from the Sternberg roundabout ( the popular gathering spot) you have a series of roads that include undulating hills, long straight flat sections, a mountain to climb, a few tight pinches and all in low traffic country surroundings. No picking your way through traffic and stopping at lights. Bendigo riders can choose famous local rides including the gooseneck, the Turdberg, Ball Biter or Five Ways.
Bunches
Bendigo prides itself on catering to all abilities. From 7am on a Saturday, bunches head off at 15 min intervals with the last at 7.45.am During the week there is also a variety of rides. The earliest bunches are a mixture of long efforts and a series of sprints. Later bunches cater to the beginning cyclists and are always accompanied by riders passionate in sharing their skills and knowledge with beginning riders.
The Company
In an earlier bulletin you acknowledged the Bendigo Cycling Club being the nursery of champions. It is not unusual on a Sat ride to find yourself swapping turns with notable riders past and present from all disciplines of cycling including: Zac Dempster, Glenn O’Shea, Darren Lapthorne, Kristian House, Tom Southam, Rohan Dennis, Steve Flood, Chris White, Tim Decker, Phil Sawyer, Tony Hughes, Andy Stirling, Matt Wallace, Jess Berry, Jo Wall, Peta Mullins, Jarrod Moroni and the list goes on. Everyone one of them ready to chat or offer advice. No class distinctions in our bunches!!
The Clubs
Bendigo marshals the fanatical cycling community through a variety of clubs. There’s plenty of road action through the VETS and Bendigo and District Cycling Club, track racing on Thurs night and of course the world famous Maddison. The Bendigo Mountain Bike Club (http://www.mtbbendigo.com) host club races and recently the National MTB Marathon Championships. If you cant find a club to suit your cycling needs you’re not trying.
Keeping in Touch
We enjoy a phenomena called Eddie’s email. Eddie , a keen local rider and networker keeps the local cycling community in touch with each other through his weekly email. I believe the email group is in excess of 500 currently. This email offers news on rides, community fundraising, cycling events, cycling tips, bikes for sale and Eddie’s own reflections to nourish the soul.

Find a weekend to come and join us for a ride. I’m sure you’ll be amazed at what happens on two wheels in Bendigo. Check on moronisbikes.com.au for information on rides.

]]> By: Mighty Mikey http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/comment-page-1/#comment-7471 Mighty Mikey Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:04:01 +0000 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/?p=7724#comment-7471 Ridden in most of the cities nominated above - my money is on Adelaide - not just the variety of roads - hills and wineries to the east, beaches and flat fast esplanades to the west - but the atmosphere that comes from participation - Saturday morning Cobwebs, Coast to Coast, Grand Slam Series, Mutual Community Challenge. All coordinated nicely by the ever active BIKE SA. Ridden in most of the cities nominated above – my money is on Adelaide – not just the variety of roads – hills and wineries to the east, beaches and flat fast esplanades to the west – but the atmosphere that comes from participation – Saturday morning Cobwebs, Coast to Coast, Grand Slam Series, Mutual Community Challenge. All coordinated nicely by the ever active BIKE SA.

]]> By: Daniel S http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/comment-page-1/#comment-7460 Daniel S Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:09:25 +0000 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/?p=7724#comment-7460 Haha I'm a PACC member too - would I know you?? I joined about 2 years ago... Haha I'm a PACC member too – would I know you?? I joined about 2 years ago…

]]> By: TT http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/comment-page-1/#comment-7450 TT Sun, 29 Nov 2009 01:55:17 +0000 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/?p=7724#comment-7450 I lived in Hobart for 3 years and it never got over 25 degrees the whole time I was there. It sucks! probably good for MTB if you can stand the wet and cold. I lived in Hobart for 3 years and it never got over 25 degrees the whole time I was there. It sucks! probably good for MTB if you can stand the wet and cold.

]]> By: tk http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2009/11/the-best-cycling-city-in-australia/comment-page-1/#comment-7449 tk Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:10:32 +0000 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/?p=7724#comment-7449 We need to formalise this a get some kind of grading system created based on some common variables.<br>Roads, climbs, type of riding (Road, MTB) etc .. either way the reading this post has got me inspired to go interstate and experience some new terrain. We need to formalise this a get some kind of grading system created based on some common variables.
Roads, climbs, type of riding (Road, MTB) etc .. either way the reading this post has got me inspired to go interstate and experience some new terrain.

]]>