What about getting out on the bike in the New Year?

With the New Year fast approaching, it must be time to consider which New Year’s resolution might be worth attempting. I’m sure you know where this is going, and what I’m going to suggest you try, don’t you?

Well it’s cheap, you’ve probably got the equipment in the garage already, all the family can take part, it can help you lose weight and become healthier, and it’s good for the environment.

Yes, why not get that old bike out of the garage and see if you can manage a few miles. It doesn’t have to be a huge distance, just enough to get warmed up and in the swing of it, and then a few more pedal strokes to enjoy the experience.

To get the most pleasure out of your debut cycle ride of 2010, can I suggest a few tips; pump up your tyres before setting off. People get quite flustered about tyre pressure, it’s usually written on the sidewall of the tyre, but if you can’t see that or if you don’t have a tyre gauge, just pump the tyre until it is quite firm, err on the side of being softer rather than being rock solid.

Make sure that the saddle height is correct; you should be able to put your heel on the pedal when it is in line with the frame tube, when you are sitting on the saddle. This probably feels rather high, but it does make it much easier to pedal. By the same token, it’s also physically more beneficial to choose a gear that you can pedal without too much effort, this will give your heart and lungs a better workout and you’ll go further with less input.

A drop of oil on the chain might be an idea; anything that will make it easier is to be recommended, but don’t spend all day getting ready- get cycling.

Finally, if you haven’t done anything energetic recently, you’d be wise to get checked over by your doctor before you attempt anything strenuous.

Braking News

Below freezing temperatures foil topless cyclists

Cycle campaigners in Brooklyn, USA, were considering a topless protest ride last weekend, to complain about the loss of a bike lane that ran through Bedford Avenue, in the Hasidic part of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Popular opinion had it that the Jewish Hasidic community were opposed to ‘scantily clad’ women riding through their area, but they claim that safety and parking were the principle issues.

Since the cycle lane markings were removed in early December, there have been several attempts to get it reinstated. The most resolute act took place on the night of December third, when activists repainted the entire bike lane, complete with logos.

Check it out on YouTube: Repainting the Bike Lane on Bedford Avenue.

Scotland’s Commonwealth Games Board lifts its lifetime ban on David Millar

David Miller, who is currently serving a lifetime ban imposed on him by Commonwealth Games Scotland, for using the drug EPO in 2004, has had his ban lifted by Commonwealth Games Scotland. This will allow him to represent Scotland in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India.

In 2004, Millar also received a two year ban from international cycle sport, and a lifetime ban from the British Olympic Games authority.

Since 2006, when Millar returned to competitive cycling, he has become a strict anti-doping campaigner. He has worked with the International Cycling Union and UK Sport, amongst others, in their anti-doping campaigns, and Commonwealth Games Scotland feel that this merits the lifting of his ban.

Sprint Bonuses

• Alberto Contador was chosen as the season’s number one cyclist by the International Cycling Union.
• New for 2010, from Taiwanese company First Bicycle Components is a cycling jersey with built-in indicators. They can be removed for washing and are operated wirelessly from the handlebars.
• The British Cycle Trade put this year’s supply problems down to the weak and fluctuating pound, mixed with the long lead times that are normal with goods from the Far East.
• Bianchi has lost 15,000 bikes in a fire at one of its warehouses in Bergamo in Italy. Fortunately, as this was a stand-alone warehouse, and it only contained bikes rather than components, production of new bikes has not been effected.
• Raleigh is now the UK importer for BH bikes from Spain. Many people still consider Raleigh to be the definitive British bike brand, though in actual fact, most of what it sells is made abroad.

And finally,

Was it a paparazzi on an economy drive, who crashed his bicycle into the side of film star Anne Hathaway’s Audi in West Hollywood last week? A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department said that the rider, Freddy Ferraro, was carrying an expensive camera with a huge telephoto lens.

• Arthur Lamy is the author of Jersey Cycles.

• He has written books, guides and articles for, among others, IPC Media, Ottaker’s Bookshops, Seaflower Books and Jersey Tourism. He is a Blue Badge qualified tourist guide and is also a keen photographer.

More information can be found on his website: www.arthurlamy.com