Vol 7, #11 - March Break
Produced almost every Thursday by Velo Cape Breton. E-mailed without cost or obligation to more than 1000 bicycle advocates around the world.
In this Edition
- Spring Bicycle Maintenance
- This Week
- Local News
- Important VCB Events - Mark Your Calendars
- Letter to the Editor
- Changing Gears
- Another "WOW!" from Google
- Fenders for Your Bicycle
- Road Rage Explained
- Quotes of the Day
- Mountain Biking in The Maritimes
- St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
- For Sale / Wanted
- Next Goal: Bigger Than Ice Fishing
- Happy Mental Health Day
MARCH BREAK
Since March Break was introduced in the school year, it was associated to a week at the hills to snowboard, ski with friends, or leave the country for a trip to sunny beaches of southern latitudes. I don't know where you all live and what you see today out of your window but what I see here is very little snow in the ditch, yellow grass all around the house, daffodils shoots 10cm off the ground, open water in Sydney Harbour, blue skies wall-to-wall, no wind, a perfect day for outdoor sporting activities one would think of doing in late April.
Did Old Man Winter throw the towel and went to bed that early? No matter what, this is unusual. Let's get out and play.
SPRING BICYCLE MAINTENANCE
source: http://askville.amazon.com
There really isn't any set time that I do maintenance on my bikes. I ride my mountain bike all year, even in the dead of winter, so I tend to work on things when they need work, without regard to what it says on the calendar, or the thermometer.
Most people can learn to maintain their own bikes. There isn't much that you need to have done in a bike shop if you have a few common hand tools and are willing to pay a small price for the few specialty tools you do need. These consist of:
1 set of tire levers. About $4.00
1 chain rivet tool. About $12.00
1 set of hex whenches. About $8.00
1 spoke wrench. About $8.00
1 cable cutter. This is the most expensive tool you'll use, at around $25. It cuts the ends of brake and shift cables cleanly; ordinary diagonal cutters don't do the job well.
Common hand tools that you'll use most often are 8mm and 10mm box end wrenches, needle-nose pliers, and a #2 phillips screwdriver.
The cost of all these tools combined is typically less than a bike shop will charge for a single tune-up, depending on what that consists of. Since you have more than one bike, I'm sure it's worth your while to do the routine maintenance myself.
When I do a tune-up on a bike, it consists of the following:
1) Inspect the tires. If the tread is worn, or there are cuts or tears in the sidewall, replace.
2) Inspect the chain and clean it. If it's making noise or shifting poorly, replace it. Use your old chain to size the new one.
3) Check all bearings:
Hubs: while the wheel is on the bike, try to move the rim from side to side. If you can feel any play in the bearings, they need to be serviced. For this, you'd probably go to a shop. Likewise, if the wheels do not spin very freely when you lift them off the ground, they need service.
Head parts: Apply the front brake. Sit on the bike and try to push the bike forward and backward. If you feel any play in the bearings, they need to be serviced. Lift the front of the bike off the ground and turn the handlebars from side to side. If the bar does not turn smoothly, the bearings need to be serviced.
Bottom bracket: Derail the chain by shifting it onto the smallest chainring, then push it off the bottom of the ring while turning the crank backwards. Move the chain so you can spin the crank freely. If it does not turn smoothly, the bearings need to be serviced. If you feel any free play when you try to move the crank arms side to side, the bearings need to be serviced.
4) Inspect the brake shoes. If they are worn or glazed, replace. This takes patience and a 4mm or 5mm hex wrench.
5) Adjust the brake clearance, if needed. This can be done with the adjusting barrels on the brakes or the brake levers. If you have more than a quarter-inch of thread showing, you need to take some slack out of the cables. However, don't make the mistake of leaving yourself no room to open up the brake clearance. Turn the adjusting barrels all the way to the right, then back them up by one full turn.
6) Inspect all of the cables for kinks, frays, or rust. If you find any of these things, you'll need to replace the cable. One little tip: You can recycle a rear derailleur cable or brake cable to the front if it's in good shape.
7) Inspect the wheels for true. If there is more than 1mm of unevenness in them, they need to be trued. You can learn to do this yourself, but it takes practice. Always turn the spoke nipples in small increments - no more than 1/4 turn at a time.
8) Clean up the entire bike, using a water-based degreaser on the frame and wheels. To degrease the mechanical parts, use WD-40. Use a dry, silicone lubricant on the chain and brake and deralleur pivots.
This is what most shops will charge you up to 100 dollars for. It's easy to see how you can save a lot of money and hassle by doing it yourself. For more specifics on inspections, adjustments, and repairs, I can't think of a better source than Sheldon Brown. Sheldon, sadly, is not with us any more, but his legacy to the cycling community is golden.
LOCAL NEWS
Frameworks Cycle & Fitness
It has been our pleasure to give Velo Cape Breton members thousands of dollars worth of gift cards over the last few years as a membership reward. Hundreds of them have been redeemed on items ranging from just $10 worth of parts, up to almost $2000 for bikes. This has helped cement a great partnership between Velo Cape Breton members and FrameWork Cycle & Fitness. We will continue this program for as long as we can, in one form or another.
As with any similar program, a large number of cards have not been redeemed. It is clear that many of these cards will never be redeemed. In order to reconcile our books, we are going to de-activate older promotional cards that are still outstanding at the end of April 2010. "Older" cards are those that were given out as our gift, prior to the 2009 season. If you have an older card that you have been saving for a rainy day, now is the time to use it. Cards that you are receiving with your 2010 membership, as well as cards that you received with your 2009 membership will remain usable for 2 years from the time they were issued.
This expiration only applies to the cards that were issued as a gift from us as a membership bonus. If you purchase a gift card, it will not expire.
All valid gift cards may be used toward anything we sell. Merchandise, sale items, clearance items or service work. If you have any questions regarding your gift card, please let me know.
Bill Goldston
902-567-1909
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CBRM Special Volunteer Awards 2010
The Cape Breton Regional Recreation Department invites nominations for its special volunteer awards being presented at the April, 2010, meeting of the CBRM Council.
The special volunteer awards include the Gary McDonald Memorial Award in recognition of an outstanding community project, the Anne Holland Memorial Award in recognition of an outstanding community volunteer, and the Youth Volunteer Award for an outstanding youth volunteer. Deadline for nominations is March 15.
Nomination forms available here. http://www.cbrm.ns.ca/images/stories/recreation/volunteer%20form/Volunteer%20Form%20CBRM.pdf
Don’t forget the deadline for nominations for CBRM’s special volunteer awards is this Monday, March 15! Attached is an outline on the award program.
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Bikeways Presentation in Port Hawkesbury
For those who missed the Bikeways Presentation in Port Hawkesbury, here is a link where you can find information about the Bikeways initiative. A copy of the slide show is available at this link under the heading "Presentation to AT Committee of UNSM."
http://www.eastwindcycle.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=38&Itemid=153
If you have any questions about Bikeways, please contact Peter Williams at:
Eastwind Cycle
Halifax Nova Scotia
902 471 4424
IMPORTANT VCB EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS
VCB Season's Opening Banquet - Saturday, April 24th
Across the Highlands Challenge in St. Peters - Saturday, July 17
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
by: Paul Mackenzie
My Two Cents
The biggest reason I hear from other parents for not letting their kids bike/walk to school is safety. I personally think we as parents have a tendency to put our kids in bubbles and not let them out of our site for fear of something bad happening to them. But when we were kids we biked and walked everywhere we wanted to go.
I think anything that encourages kids to be active and act independently is a great thing. A lot of kids don't get a chance to be independent and still have to take responsibility for their actions. Having them get to school and home on time on their own promotes this.
To provide a real life example...
My wife and I encourage our kids to bike/walk to school, their friends and activities. Our son who is currently in grade 7 has biked to school since grade 4, not in the winter (yet!). He biked to school at Harbourside, 2 bike racks provided, and now at W.P. Memorial where there are no bike racks. He walks most days in the winter months. Our daughter has walked to school in the fall and will start biking to school this spring now that she is getting older. Now there are days when they get a drive to and/or from school because of the weather or a project needs to be taken in, etc.
My oldest son biked/walked to school til he finished grade 12. He still does not have a drivers license by his choice and uses his bike or alternate means of transportation to go where needed, even while currently living in Grande Prairie.
CHANGING GEARS: INCREASING YOUNG PEOPLE CYCLING IN NOVA SCOTIA
by: Janet Barlow, Ecology Action Centre, Halifax.
This is an invitation to the workshop Changing Gears: Increasing Young People Cycling in Nova Scotia taking place Saturday, March 27th from 10 am – 3 pm and held at the Dartmouth Sportsplex Nantucket Room. Please RSVP before March 25th to workshop@cyclehalifax.ca. We want groups and organizations with an interest in youth health, safety and the environment to join us to learn from each other, coordinate activities and plan new actions.
The number of young people who cycle to school, recreational activities and just for fun has plummeted in the past two decades. This decline in personal mobility has resulted in increased time in “Mom’s and Dad’s Taxi” and to physical inactivity that is causing significant long-term health problems for the next generation.
The reasons for this decline are multifaceted. They include infrastructure, land use, safety, perceptions, and various other factors. This workshop will consider these obstacles and identify solutions. Our goal is to create a collective action plan that can be used by governments, schools, young people, parents and anyone with an interest in youth health and well being to make it safer and more convenient for young people to cycle or to be cycled.
We hope that you can join us. To confirm your attendance please RSVP at workshop@cyclehalifax.ca.
We will hear from experts and youth who have examined the issue and offer solutions. Officials from government will explain what they are doing now and planning for the future. Together with young people who are looking for new cycling opportunities, attendees will develop a plan for all stakeholders to consider in providing more opportunities for safe, active transportation in our communities.
We will keep the workshop short (from 10 am to 3 pm) and provide food and refreshments. Given your area of focus, we hope that you can contribute to the discussion.
This event is co-organized by the Ecology Action Centre’s Active & Safe Routes to School program and the Halifax Cycling Coalition. It is supported by Transport Canada, The Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection, the Halifax Regional Municipality and Mountain Equipment Co-op.
~Janet
Janet Barlow, Coordinator
Active & Safe Routes to School
Ecology Action Centre
2705 Fern Lane, Halifax, NS B3K 4L3
(902) 442-5055
Follow ASRTS on Twitter: www.twitter.com/asrts
ANOTHER "WOW!" FROM GOOGLE
source: RBR eNewsletter, http://www.roadbikerider.com/
Google has launched maps for cyclists in the U.S. The unveiling was yesterday at the National Bike Summit in Washington, DC.
This new version works like Google's mapping for drivers, walkers and users of public transportation. It includes turn-by-turn riding directions, route outlines on a map, and a new "Bicycling" layer that indicates bike trails, bike lanes and bike-friendly roads.
Says the announcement: "Simply enter a start point and destination, and select Bicycling from the drop-down menu. You will receive a route that is optimized for cycling . . . and it avoids hilly terrain whenever possible."
We tested it by asking for a route between RBR headquarters and our favorite bike shop, South Mountain Cycles & Coffee Bar. Google instantly produced a map and directions. Unfortunately (and needlessly), during the 14.2-mile (22.9-km) trip, Google put us on major highways for a third of the distance.
The good news is that it's easy to click and drag within the map to change the route. It takes just a few seconds to detour onto roads that really are better for cycling, and the turn-by-turn text directions update instantly.
Of course, in our example, if we didn't know these roads and simply obeyed Google, we'd have been riding in fast traffic. This is the beta version and user feedback is encouraged.
Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists, notes there are 57 million American bike riders and this new Google mapping tool has the potential for creating more.
"It will open people's eyes to the possibility and practicality of hopping on a bike and riding," says Clarke. "It is a game-changer, especially for those short trips that are the most polluting."
Check it out at http://maps.google.com/biking. Read Dr. Z's overview at about.com and additional analysis from the New York Times. Watch a demo on YouTube.
FENDERS FOR YOUR BICYCLE
source: commutebybike.com
Fenders or mudguards protect your bike and your clothing from grit and grime when the roads are wet from rain and melted snow. Although they won't keep you completely dry when it's actually raining, fenders help tremendously to keep your backside and bottomside dry and clean. Good fenders also protect your bike by helping to keep dirt and road grit away from your frame and out of your moving parts.
Riding in the rain
Full fenders allow me to ride in the heavy mist that Californians like to call "rain" with only minimal wetness. I wear a rain jacket and sometimes wear rain pants, but with full fenders and a mudguard my shoes get only a little damp and my socks stay completely dry. My raingear only needs to be water resistant rather than water proof and seam sealed, which saves me money and gives me more options on riding wear.
I've cycled through thunderstorms in the U.S. Midwest and Texas and even a typhoon or two in Tokyo. For the Californians on the list, fill a bucket with water, toss in a tray of ice cubes (for the hail) and have a friend throw the contents on you -- that approximates about half a second of a typical Midwestern spring storm. In downpours like this you'll get wet even with fenders, of course, but fenders are still useful to protect driving spray from penetrating your bottom bracket and headset.
Even in these areas, fenders keep you dry when you venture out after the storms, when your tires throw grit, sand and salt up into toward your clothing, frame and moving parts.
Full fenders
In my opinion, if you can't install full length fenders, you probably shouldn't even bother installing them. Full length fenders curve all the way around both wheels. The rear fender should extend from the bottom of the seat tube all the way around the top of the tire and back almost to the level of the axle. The front fender doesn't have a tube to protect in front, but it should wrap from in front of the fork to about the level of your feet when the pedals are horizontal. A mud flap at the bottom of the front fender keeps your feet dry.
Fenders for road racing bikes
Many Americans have road racing bikes with absolutely no provision for fenders -- there are no fender mounts, and even if you have the mounts there's no clearance between the tires and brakes to fit a fender. A good compromise solution is Planet Bike's SpeedEZ Road Fenders. They're only half fenders so the rear fenders won't protect your seat tube, but they will prevent the stripe up the back, keep your shoes dry, and protect your downtube and bottom bracket.
Shorties
Short fenders fads come and go; recently, we mentioned Ezra's short Fast Boy Fenders. They look beautiful, and though I've never tried them I'm dubious about their actual utility. If somebody uses shorty fenders like this let me know if they actually work.
Clip ons
I have used clip on fenders. They're a useless waste of money as far as I'm concerned. I'm talking about the kind that attach to your seatpost with some sort of quick release mechanism. Even when they don't swing out to the side, they provide zero protection for your bicycle and almost no protection for your backside.
Stay dry on your commute by bike with fenders aka mudguards!
ROAD RAGE EXPLAINED
source: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6793/9/21/abstract
Amal Kinawy of Cairo University found that rats exposed to gasoline fumes were more aggressive than those breathing clean air and more likely to show signs of anxiety. What’s more, their brains experienced changes in neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and cerebellum. Although Kinaway limited her research to rats, she says the findings could apply to humans and be a factor in road rage.
QUOTES OF THE DAY!
Teenagers, if you are tired of being hassled by unreasonable parents, now is the time for action. Leave home and pay your own way while you still know everything. - Anonymous
My other car is a bicycle.
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE MARITIMES
by: Lawrence Plug Vice President NSMTBTA (902) 477.1604
We met briefly at the Across the Highlands Challenge in Chéticamp last year. Thanks again for the ride! I had a great time and hope plans are in progress for this season's ride.
I am writing to contact you about the Nova Scotia Mountain Bike Trails Association (NSMTBTA). This is a brand new organization. It's main goal is to provide a provincial-level organization that helps to develop and protect access to trails for mountain biking.
We've also started a provincial inventory of trail systems for mountain biking. The intent is to act in support of existing regional clubs and MTB trail groups. There has been one general meeting so far (today!). The momentum is building! Everyone involved in the NSMTBTA believes it is very important to have participation from across the province. So far we have good participation from the Annapolis Valley, Pictou area, Truro area, HRM, and some from SW Nova.
Is there someone(s) in Cape Breton who would be interested to serve on the NSMTBTA board? This would involve keeping the board up to date on Cape Breton trail issues, voting on provincial issues, etc.
We plan to move our meetings around the province (especially where there is riding close by...) and can look into conference calls. Also, we hope that quite a lot can be done by email, especially once things really get rolling.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
We really hope for your participation!
Lawrence Plug Vice President NSMTBTA (902) 477.1604
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IMBA Canada Partners with MEC to Boost Regional Office Program in 2010
IMBA Canada is excited to announce a national partnership agreement with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) for 2010. The Vancouver-based outdoor gear and clothing retailer has made a generous contribution towards IMBA’s regional office program. Funding will enhance existing offices in British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario, as well as expand the program to other provinces.
IMBA Canada’s goal is to have four regional offices up and running in this year, adding a staff position in Alberta for 2010, and eventually expanding to six regional offices by 2012 – with the Maritimes and Central Canada being next on the list. Read the full press release here.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATIONS
ACAP Cape Breton Celebrates “St. Planet’s Day”
by: Katherine MacDonald, Senior Project Manager, ACAP Cape Breton,
For a very brief time on Wednesday March 17th, 2010, ACAP Cape Breton is borrowing St. Patrick’s Day and instead will celebrate “St. Planet’s Day.”
A fundraiser luncheon will be held at the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion at 12 noon, and will feature keynote speakers who are environmental leaders in the community. Their presentations will update attendees on their eco conscious initiatives and projects.
Cape Breton University will bring us an update on the Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment (CSEE), while the CBRM Water Utility will be present to discuss water conservation and protection.
“ACAP Cape Breton is inviting you to ‘go green’ in a different way this year,” says Eleanor Anderson, Executive Director of ACAP Cape Breton. “We feel we have been blessed with the luck of the Irish to be able to do the work we do, and look forward to continuing into the future, with support from events like this.”
Tickets for this event at $25, tables are $200. Tickets are available at ACAP Cape Breton’s Centre for Sustainable Communities, 582 George St., Sydney, or by calling 567-1628.
ACAP Cape Breton is a non-profit charitable community organization that integrates environmental, social and economic factors into projects focusing on action, education and ecosystem planning.
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Celebration at the Bicycle Friendly Bras D'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's -
by: Rhoda and Chef Jean-Pierre.
March 17th is one of the best days at the inn. Come and join us for a great meal and magical music provided by local musicians. Paul Davis, "Mr. Ireland", has chosen our facility to celebrate this fun day again. Last year we sold out so reserve early to avoid disappointment. See poster attached.
FOR SALE / WANTED
Vic Gouthro Wants to Buy:
Bike trailer suitable for carring one or two small children. Something which easily attaches securely to the back of my bike.
Please phone me at 561-1965
NEXT GOAL: BIGGER THAN ICE FISHING!
source: http:bit.ly/ag8wM8
According to a report cited at the link above, bicycling now makes a bigger economic impact in Wisconsin than deer hunting does. "State Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, commissioned this first-ever study, done by graduate students in UW-Madison's Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies.
The results: Recreational cycling generates $1.5 billion (with a "b") in annual economic activity in Wisconsin. That tops the $1.4 billion economic impact of deer hunting in 2006, the most recent DNR study." This is quite the news, really, as Wisconsin has long been regarded as one of the premier deer-hunting states in the nation.
HAPPY MENTAL HEALTH DAY!
You can do your bit by remembering to send an email to an unstable friend...
Done my part!!!
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Jacques Cote
Editor, Velo Cape Breton eNewsletter
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