Surviving winter - Tip #1

As it turns out, one of our team is coming down from Brisbane in the coming weeks smack bang into Melbn’s winter. During our chat this morning, the topic turned to riding on cold mornings. This got me thinking about tips to help get through Melbourne’s chilly months.

Shoe covers are an excellent way to stay warm. I’ve just started wearing mine on every ride. They come in a variety of thickness to suit the temperature outside. I prefer the wind-proof models. They tend to be more functional than oversocks and look cooler than the big bulky neoprene versions, but that's just my preference. 

When it rains, remember to take them completely off your shoes otherwise they won’t dry between rides.

Rider Profile - The Captain

Gerard 

The original Team Planex member, Gerard’s family hails from the South of France. A second generation cyclist (very Euro), what The Captain lacks in distance he makes up for in intensity... Just stand back, he’s likely to explode at any minute.

He’s pictured here with son Jess (later fined €50.00 for not wearing Planex kit) riding in France.

 

Q&A
Most memorable cycling achievement: I once rode 7hrs:23min in my lounge room
My first job was: Elvis impersonator
I most admire: . . . Elvis
Before I retire I want to: Strangle the person who wrote this!
When I get in the kitchen I cook: Everything goes into the microwave
I can't do without: A hairdryer . . . oh, and my colourist.
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up to be: What do you think? . . . Elvis!
Favourite food: Anything not cooked in a microwave

Rider Profile - 200km Group Guide

Lee

Better known to Melbourne’s sport cycling community as ‘Hollywood’, Lee is a competitive racer and St Kilda Cycling Club’s communications director. When asked if he was fit enough to handle the 200km ride he answered “I can do it eyes closed and one leg tied behind my back!".

Q&A
Most memorable cycling achievement: 3rd place in the St Kilda Trophy Race 2011
My first job was: Paper boy
I most admire: Paul Keating
Before I retire I want to: Ride to the top of the highest French Alp (mountain)
When I get in the kitchen I cook: I don't cook, I buy chocolate
I can't do without: Chocolate & my bike
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up to be: A politician
Favourite food: Chocolate

Rider Profile - Tour de Frankston Group Guide

Stephen
Directing the 'Tour de Frankston' bunch, Stephen has ridden through 10 winters, the true sign somebody is a committed cyclist (or just plain crazy). Also a competitive racer and driver awareness advocate, Stephen can be found at 5:30am most mornings training on Beach Rd.

Q&A

Most memorable cycling achievement: Winning a women’s road cycling race!
My first job was: During school holidays at my Dad’s motor wrecking business
I most admire: Anybody who dedicates their life to helping others
Before I retire I want to: Work until I'm 100
When I get in the kitchen I cook: My ‘secret recipe’ pasta or learning to cook Thai street food
I can't do without: Riding a bike … too obvious? Good cycling shoe covers in the winter
When I was a child, I wanted to grow up to be: BIG like Arnold Schwarzenegger
Favourite food: Thai street food

Lycra - a cyclist's best friend

Those new to cycling are sometimes reluctant to wear lycra. Sure, riding around town for 30min is okay in a pair of jeans, but things can start to get a bit tender after that. Cyclists riding longer distances choose to wear lycra 'kit' because it’s far more comfortable and kind to a rider’s more sensitive areas than normal clothing. It makes a HUGE difference to the riding experience.

Not sure about what kit to wear? Like all subcultures cycling has some basic rules relating to the style of cycling attire. We'll get to that in a later post called 'Lookin' PRO'. In the meanwhile, keep an eye out for updates on the new Planex kit.

Image courtesy of St Kilda Cycling Club. If you're rider looking for a like-minded group of friendly people for riding, socialising, training or racing, SKCC are a great place to start. They even have an active women's committee. Look for the 'women' link on the SKCC homepage.

Puppy Love Rocks a BMX

This short film - 2008 Tropfest winner - may go some way to explain why we love riding our bikes.



Go to Youtube to view a larger screen size

We're Off!

Welcome to the Team Planex blog. Each new post will aim to help keep our riders focused, motivated and informed while keeping an eye on the lighter side of riding.  

Click on the image for a surprise. Fun on a bike is for everyone!