Saturday: we found out the hard way (200metres from the summit) not to do Evans Pass.  Despite the long grind back up over Dyers Pass from Governors Bay, all enjoyed the challenge! Sunday: perfect weather for the ride out to Hilltop.  I returned early but was grateful for the near perfect conditions – it doesn’t… Read More

Saturday group ride: no one was able to turn up so I did around the base of the hills to Evans; turned around 100m from summit on Lyttleton side; went along Summit road to Mt Pleasant but turned down Mt Pleasant as a farmer advised me of rock falls underneath gondola; back along base of… Read More

Tip for the week: Washing your bike tips (#3): use rubber gloves (disposable surgical ones) when cleaning the drive chain of your bike, and to keep your hands dry (and warm), under your cycling gloves.  All of these tips are online at https://christchurchcyclecoaching.co.nz/?page_id=1769 (you need to be logged in to view)

Tip for the week: Washing your bike tips (#2): clean your drive chain (jockey wheels, chain, chain rings and cassette – in that order) first, wearing (disposable) rubber gloves (also handy for wearing underneath gloves when racing in extreme cold and wet).  Then clean your frame and components after you’ve got all the chain grease… Read More

When stopping at a set of lights, unclip with your other foot.  This saves all the ware on just one clete.

Winter training tip for the week: clean your drive chain by running the chain through a rag then applying lube.  Finally clean the excess lube off the chain with the rag.  Do this weekly!  The other most important bicycle parts to clean regularly are your brake pads and rims – these wear out quickly after… Read More