Get documents about "Stickers_ stickers_ we got stickers_
Document Sample
SpokeLore
Summer 2 0 0 1
175
MEMBERS
The Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition
STRONG! Cyc
A member of the BC Cycling Coalition
Stickers, stickers, we got stickers!
NEWS FLASH!
FLASH
The board has changed the meeting plan: General Meetings I NSIDE ...
will be fewer but more interesting (more Guest Speakers, and
less business than previously); Board Meetings will be at the
FREEWHEEL..............................P2
same time and place, during those months which don’t have a
URBAN GEURILLA....................P4
RBAN EURILLA
General Meeting.
CYCLING THE LAND OF THE KIWI....P5
All meetings will (still be) the third Wednesdays of the
BODY MECHANICS: GETTING FIT P6
ODY
month, and still at Bowen Park in Activity Room 1.
CLEAN AIR CHALLENGE STORIES P7
The next General Meeting is the AGM, on October 17th.
DIRT!...........................................P8
IRT
2 SpokeLore v5 i9
F r e e W h e e l
O p i n i o n s & L e t t e r s
ANNOUNCING THE FIRST BIKE MONTH RAFFLE RESULTS
ESULTS
EVER YELLOWPOINT PANT
ELLO ALL BUT ONE PRIZE HAS BEEN AWARDED
& PADDLE RELAY EVENT
ELA
RAFFLE TICKETS PURCHASED DURING BIKE MONTH
PURCHASED PAID OFF BIG FOR A
NUMBER OF AREA RESIDENTS
A new outdoor, multi-sport event will take
place in Yellowpoint, on Sunday, Septem- Six great cycling clothing items were raf- stairs.
ber 23, 2001, from 9:30 am to 2:30 PM. fled off during Bike Month, and all have The one remaining item, a black Core
Called the Yellowpoint Pant & Paddle, it been claimed...except for one. Rat mesh jersey, was won by the holder
is a team relay race on a varied course in Donated by Pacific Rim Bicycle, two 666334.
of ticket number 666334 It can be
this scenic rural area. Beginning and ending pairs of cycling shoes (valued at over $100 claimed by calling 756-3803, or emailing
at the renowned Crow and Gate Pub, there each) and four jerseys were up for grabs. dunlopallan@home. com.
are six race legs: an 8 kilometer run, 5 All but one of these items were handed Funds from the raffle draw will be
kilometers by canoe across Quennel Lake (2 over to excited ticket holders present at used by the Greater Nanaimo Cycling
contestants), 26 kilometers on road bike, 5 the second annual Bike Film Festival at Coalition for carrying out its many cycling
kilometers by ocean kayak, 11 kilometers by Global Connections/The Gallery Down- advocacy projects and community events.
mountain bike, and finally, a 9 kilometer run
to the finish line.
The Yellowpoint Pant and Paddle is open
to teams of seven, and all entrants must be BOARD MEETING MINUTES SUMMARY
UMMARY
over age 19. The race entry fee is $175 per
team. June 27, 2001 at Windward Pub, in January, April and June. We will have
The event is being organized by a volun- Meeting convened at 7:10 pm the exec board meetings in the months
teer group of community members, outdoor we dont have general meetings. All the
sports enthusiasts, and area businesses Present: Don Oliver, Keith Brown, Allan meetings will be in Activity room 1, at
that have been planning since 2000. The Dunlop, Debby Keith, David Grey, Odette Bowen Park, 3rd. Wednesday of the
group have participated in many similar Moreau, Chris Hofstrand, Gay Cunning- month at 7:00.
events, and really wanted to do one locally. ham Guest: Luc Begin 6. Tools: We can afford to buy bike tools
All are very much committed to ensuring it
NEW BUSINESS for tuneups. Odette will shop for the tools,
is well organized. It is also a non-profit event
Keith will store them. Moved that we
with any net income from registrations to 1. Policies and Procedures Manual - We
spend up to $625.00 on bike tools and a
be donated to the marine conservation char- need one. If the board is in agreement,
ity, Georgia Strait Alliance. stand. Carried.
Allan will feel out Go Green coordinator
The event will be physically challenging, Kathy to see if we could use the remain- 7. Correspondence
but we are hoping that there will be teams ing Bike Month money for the manual. If OLD BUSINESS
with varied fitness levels. We are promoting she says yes we will draw up a contract 1. Bike Route Map: Richard Harding at
health, exercise and the beautiful with Allan.
Yellowpoint and Cedar areas of the island,
Parks and Rec. will pay for graphics and
explains Peter Bowen-Roberts, a doctor in
Moved, seconded and carried. printing in black and white. GNCC group
Ladysmith, and one of the event s key or- 2. Next years speakers: Suggestions should ride routes and critique.
ganizers. It s a beautiful course, and there is were made for speakers at the meetings. 2. Bike Week/Month Manual: Needs to
no doubt that having the post-race activities Debate on doing business at general be finished by Allan.
and awards at the Crow & Gate Pub will be meetings. ACTION: Debby will line up 3. Tourism Nanaimo: Bike Tour wont go
an added bonus. speaker for the October AGM. until Spring 2002.
All participants will also be invited to 3. Spokelore: Keith is stepping down. Gay 4. Membership Committee: Brochures
earn team pledges for donating to Georgia may take over.
Strait Alliance. There will be fabulous prizes draft done and needs reviewing. Did re-
awarded to teams and individuals that earn 4. Emergency Preparedness - Luc Be- newal letters get sent by Greg?
the most pledges. gin: Luc is willing to be a contact person ACTION: Don will email Chris updated
The event will have a 30 team limit this between Jim Kipp and the GNCC. We will membership list.
year, so all teams are encouraged to regis- invite Jim to next Board meeting.
NEXT BOARD MEETING:
ter as soon as possible. A brochure with 5. Monthly meetings: Lets cut down on
Wednesday, Aug. 15 at the Windward Pub
entry form and event details will be mailed the general meetings: from now on we will
upon request (enclose a stamped self-ad- at 7:00 pm
have the Oct. AGM, and general meetings
dressed envelope), or check to see if Pant &
Paddle brochures are available at your lo-
cal sports/outdoor stores.
To obtain an entry form, contact Peter CAUGHT ON THE CBC:
Bowen-Roberts: primula@islandnet; fax: While watching a bit on bicycle helmet Only retards fall; were not re-
(250) 245-3094; (snail mail) Finchingfield, wear by the Ottawa CBC on Newsworld, I
13344 Doole Road, Ladysmith, BC, V9G caught this gem from a young lad who
tards
1G6. looked to be in his mid to late teens: Ah the immortality of youth!
Summer 01
S CIENTISTS I SSUE D IRE SpokeLore3
PREDICTION O N W ARMING . is published nine times a year by the
FASTER CLIMATE SHIFT PORTENDS
LIMATE ORTENDS Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition
Unit
Unit 130, #34-1150 N. Terminal Ave.
b A low registration fee of $5 GLOBAL CALAMITY THIS CENTURY
OBAL ALAMITY ENTURY
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5L6
b $1.00 of the registration fee
By Philip P. Pan phone: (250) 722-4665
will be donated to the District 69
Washington Post Foreign Service emails:
Stroke recovery club Tuesday, January 23, 2001; Page A01
b Each participant will receive info@thegncc.org
a commemorative medal and a BEIJING, Jan. 22 In the most forceful membership@thegncc.org
warning yet on the threat of global spokelore@thegncc.org
pancake breakfast
warming, an international panel of
b Refreshments will be web: www.thegncc.org
hundreds of scientists issued a report
provided at each checkpoint and today predicting brutal droughts, floods
ice cream at the finish line. and violent storms across the planet over The purpose of the GNCC is to pro-
mote and improve conditions for
b 15/35/70/90 & 100 km the next century because air pollution is
cycling in the Nanaimo area, by:
causing surface temperatures to rise
cycling routes faster than anticipated. l providing a unified voice for all
The report, approved unanimously at cycling interests in the area
a U.N. conference in Shanghai and l operating as a citizens advocacy
described as the most comprehensive group in cycling-related matters
study on the subject to date, says that l promoting more cycle-friendly
Contacts: Earths average temperature could rise by roads and recreational riding op-
Ocean Cycle (250)248-0200; as much as 10.4 degrees over the next portunities
Lotar Maurer (evenings) (250)752- 100 years the most rapid change in 10
1604; millennia and more than 60 percent GNCC Board of Directors
RDN Recreation (250)248-3252 or higher than the same group predicted less Keith Brown, Gay Cunningham, David
(250)752-5014; than six years ago.
Grey, Chris Hofstrand, Barbara
email: bikelife@island.net; .................................. Hourston, Debby Keith, Aaron
web: www.island.net/~bikelife. Ride your bike. McKean, Odette Moreau, Don Oliver.
Questions regarding content or adver-
tising may be directed to the publisher,
Keith Brown, at the above address.
If you would like to contribute to
SpokeLore , please call Keith Brown at 390-
4005, or email spokelore@thegncc.org.
Views expressed in SpokeLore are
not necessarily those of the
GNCC.
4
4 SpokeLore v5 i9
Y E S! The dollars in order to create a new natural
park for Nanaimo. This is appropriate,
I WANNABEE
I WANNABEE Urban
with the area already on the Citys prior-
ity list for park acquisition.
NALT felt the project was timely, since
par t of the GNCC!
part of the GNCC! Guerilla the owners had said their option for rais-
ing money immediately would be to log
Your contribution will help us (and you) take the property this summer (as has been
a pro-active approach to creating a more done on a nearby section). There is also a
hospitable cycling environment in Nanaimo. chance that acquisition of Section 13 will
provide leverage for the City to acquire
As a member, you will get: adjacent DL 56 (about 260 acres) from
the province, thus creating a 400 acre
SpokeLore newsletter nine times a year. CYCLISTS CAN HELP
CYCLISTS green space in the midst of suburban
Find out whats going on and whos
involved. CREATE MAJOR PARK
CREATE PARK development.
As cyclists, it will be important to have
Better cycling facilities.
Get involved or support those who are
VALLEY
IN LINLEY VALLEY a representative on a management com-
working to make our region more There is an amazing area of Nanaimo that mittee once the property has been ac-
cyclist-friendly. is a secret, even from many people who quired, in order to see that there is de-
$15 per member, $10 for students & live in developments surrounding it. velopment of bike trails consistent with
seniors and $5 for the unemployed. Linley Valley in total is about 1,100 acres, protection of sensitive ecosystems and
25% off the total price for two or more much of which is still relatively undis- wildlife habitat. BUT
.before we can
members in the same household. turbed. It is roughly bounded by manage this park-in-the-making we have
Hammond Bay, Rutherford, Uplands and to acquire it. This is where Urban Gue-
Make cheque or money order payable to the Lost Lake Roads. Conservation-minded rilla activity is needed by all those who
Greater Nanaimo Cycling Coalition and mail people have had discussions with some think the goal is important.
to: of the owners over the years about land To help move this project along, cy-
GNCC Membership acquisition. The City of Nanaimo made an
offer on a 145 acre parcel, Section 13, clists can do any or all of the follow-
Unit 130, #34-1150 N. Terminal Ave.
about a year ago, which was rejected. ing:
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5L6
This parcel contains a mix of mature · Sign the endorsement sheet re-
Douglas fir forest with many old growth
Name____________________________________ trees, open meadows and woodlands, questing that the City of Nanaimo
sun-drenched bluffs, and hidden support the acquisition of this
Address_________________________________ wetlands. At the centre of the property property for a park
lies tranquil Cottle Lake home to cut-
City __________ Postal Code _______________ throat trout and waterfowl. The valley · Make a tax-deductible pledge of
supports an abundance of wildlife, includ- dollars (called in by June, 2002)
Phone (h) ________________________________ ing deer, beavers, frogs and other am- towards the fundraising campaign
phibians, bald eagles, hawks, and some
(w) ______________________________ of the rarest songbirds in the Nanaimo · Give financial support now to help
region. Several kilometres of trails have with campaign costs
email: ________________________________ long been used by those familiar with the · Take an endorsement sheet to your
area as walking, cycling and horseback
Waiver riding routes. workplace
During GNCC activities, I will be responsi- After much negotiating, Nanaimo Area · Volunteer your time to help with
ble for my own safety and, if cycling, will Land Trust has a contract with the own- the campaign
obey all the rules of the road. ers of this 145 acre property. The price is
I will participate only in those activities for $2.5 million. NALT has commitments to For more information or to volunteer
which I am physically fit enough and for collect 5,000 signatures from residents for any of the above, GNCC members
which I have suitable equipment. and $500,000 over the next 10 months.
I release the GNCC from all claims made by
could phone the NALT office at 714-
NALT is further committed to approach
me or my successors regarding death, in-
Nanaimo City Council for the remaining 1990 or email gail@nalt.bc.ca.
jury, or loss or damage to my property dur-
ing any event or activity for which I was a
participant or a volunteer.
Signed:__________________________________ CLASSIFIEDS
CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE - Rear Mount Bike and Ski a Swagman type 3- bike rack (used once
Signature of parent or guardian if 18 or under:
Racks. only): $45
1) Rhode Gear multi-position trunk My car now has roof racks; the items are
_________________________________________
rack (holds two bikes with ease): $30 no longer used and are in good condition.
Contact name/phone in case of emergency:
2) Swagman 3-bike rack with attach- Prices are firm. Cash preferred. Phone
ment to SUV rear spare wheel: $35 John Shelbourn at 758-7232 (there is
_________________________________________
3) Vertical, lockable ski/board rack for voice mail if Im away from the phone).
Summer 01 5
CYCLING THE LAND OF THE KIWI b The East Coast is beautiful and Although I ride a mountain bike at home
many tourists visit Kaikoura to swim with this was my first touring experience and
Penny Robertshaw
the dolphins. I also cycled past several it was a fantastic one.
I flew half way around the world to cycle seal and gannett colo-
New Zealand this winter. The stunning nies, riding only feet
scenery made biking a joy and my biggest from undisturbed sea
challenge was remembering to ride on the life. Lonely Planet Cy-
left! This small country has immense vari- cling Guide awards this
ety in terms of geography, vegetation and ride the Best Wildlife
climate. It is green and beautiful with the Spotting for marine
proportion of land protected in wilderness mammals in NZ.
areas one of the highest in the world. These
areas are easily accessed by bike.
b The NZ Out-
back, featuring long
On the North Island, I cycled through
distances between tiny
lush, semi-tropical forests, past geysers
towns, is dotted with
and thermal pools, over rugged moun-
huge lakes and is
tains, along stunning coastlines with de-
populated mostly by
serted 5 km sand beaches and alongside
sheep. The roads are
kiwi fruit orchards. There are so many
shadeless and I
opossums in NZ they are squished all over
traveled the only
the roads making riding an aromatic ex- Beach near the entrance to the Able Tasman
straight roads in NZ
perience in the hot weather.
here. The distances are National Park on the north tip of the south island.
The New Zealand Outback and the
long and I stayed sev-
Southern Alps dominate the cooler South
eral nights on sheep stations where I fed
Island making cycling most challenging.
the chickens and rode on the tractor. I
Spectacular scenery
loved meeting the real Kiwis (not the fruit,
abounds in temper-
not the bird, but the people).
ate rainfor-
ests, b I should have known this would be
a tough day when Lonely Planet gave this
description of my ride from
Queenstown to Wanaka:
Best Ascent- New
Zealands
highest high- The wild and wet west coast north
way features a
of Westport
solid 3.7 km
ascent remi- b I learned how to pack my panniers
niscent of the
just so and how important sunscreen,
classic hairpin
insect repellent and rain gear can be.
climb in the
Through this trip I came to experience the
French Alps,
strength of my body, joy in my heart and
the Alpe
awe in my spirit. I am really quite proud
dHuez, fol-
of myself for doing this ride. I did decide
My favourite place was Punikaki and this is a photo of the lowed by an-
however, that you cant just like cycling
Pancake Rocks. At high tide there are roaring sounds and other 9 km to do a trip like this- you need to love cy-
blowholes of water. very exciting. stretch to the
cling. And I do.
crest at 1100
snow-capped mountains, glaciers, a wild meters. Did I mention that I still
and wet West Coast (sound familiar?), had another 67 km to pedal that
huge sheep stations and glorious day? And I did it all!
beaches, vineyards and orchards. b I absolutely loved cycling the
I had a fabulous trip with a wide vari- West Coast. Riding the battered
ety of experiences. My total distance cy- coastline along the restless Tasman
cled was 1500 km completed in 19 days Sea was a fabulous experience for
on the bike. I actually hung out on the me. My riding partner of 5 weeks
beaches and toured for a total of 9 weeks. gave up in the wind and rain,
I hope that you enjoy some of my high- rented a car and offered me a way
lights cycling the South Island: out. What was it that kept me on
b In my first few days cycling I me- the bike for another 500 km cycling
andered along the East Coast to on my own?
Christchurch. The Canterbury Plains are b New Zealand is beautiful, Packing my bike to head home. Trying to
rolling hills with countless sheep farms clean, green, friendly and afford- figure out how to get it back into that
interspersed by picturesque orchards, able. There is not much traffic on neat little package I flew there with.
emu and deer farms and cheese facto- the South Island and hostels
all photos Penny Robertshaw
ries. abound for travelers of every kind.
6 SpokeLore v5 i9
BODY MECHANICS:
ODY
GETTING FIT
ERGONOMIC BICYCLE SET-UP
ICYCLE
Taryn Langford (B.Sc.P.T)
Registered Physiotherapist
Adjusting your bicycle to fit you correctly
not only is more comfortable, but will also
prevent injuries.
There are many methods used to de-
termine fit. Here is the easiest method for
the average recreational cyclist. The idea
is to have a nice balance of weight be-
tween the hands, feet, and seat.
STEP 1 DETERMINE FRAME SIZE:
To determine the correct frame size
stand over the top tube of the bike with
your shoes on and your feet shoulder
width apart. Lift the bike up off the ground
until it contacts
your crotch. On a stroke and your pelvis should not rock handlebar on a
road bike there side to side while pedaling. road bike should
should be 1-2 of be equal to the
clearance. On a width of your
mountain bike the STEP 3 ADJUST SADDLE POSITION shoulders. A
clearance should mountain bike will
The next
be 2-4. If the have a slightly
step is to ad-
frame is a wom- wider bar for in-
just the fore
ans frame or if the creased control.
and aft posi-
top tube is sloped tion of the
like most mountain bikes, estimate the im- saddle. Sit
aginary horizontal line where the top tube on the bike
would be. in your
usual riding
STEP 2 SET SEAT HEIGHT:
EAT position. STEP 5 EXCHANGE HARDWARE
ARDWARE
The height of the saddle is the most Turn the If after completing the above sequence
critical adjustment for preventing knee in- pedal so that your bicycle still doesnt fit, you may need
juries. If you do nothing else, adjust your the crank to exchange the stem or cranks. With your
seat height. Sit arm is at the hands on the brake hoods or grips look
on the saddle in 3 oclock horizontal position on the right down. The handlebar should obscure the
a normal riding foot. Now have a friend drop a plumb line hub of the front wheel. If you are reach-
position. Place from the bony knob ing too far to the handlebars, you may
your heel on the just below your knee need to try a shorter stem. The standard
pedal in the 6 cap. The plumb line size crank is 170 mm, however shorter
oclock position. should bisect the and longer ones are available if your
Adjust the saddle center of the pedal axle. knees can not be accommodated for by
height until your Adjust the saddle for- adjusting the fore and aft position of the
leg is straight in ward or back until it saddle.
this position*. To lines up. The tilt of the
confirm this, saddle should sit level,
STEP 6 NEW BIKE
pedal backwards neither nose up nor
If all else fails, this is a great excuse
with the ball of nose down causing you
to shop for a new bicycle. Consult your
your foot on the pedal. Your knee should the slide off the front or
local bike shop for advice.
be slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal the back of the saddle.
*This is a good guideline for riding on pave-
There is a wide range of comfortable
ment or easy trails on any type of bicycle. Rid- STEP 4 ADJUST THE HANDLEBAR
ANDLEBAR positions. The above guidelines are a good
ers who tackle more technical off road terrain
will want to lower the saddle a few inches. This
HEIGHT: place to start for the average recreational
is why many mountain bikes come with a quick For balanced weight through the rider (98% of people). If you are planning
release seat post. Mark the two different set- hands, the top of the handlebar should to race, ride difficult off-road terrain, or if
tings on your seat post so adjusting the height be at the same height or 1 lower than you have any physical limitations these
back can be done more easily. the top of the saddle. The width of the guidelines may not be appropriate for you.
Summer 01 7
CLEAN AIR COMMUTER at Cambie, he skated to the central bus changes in the way they get to and from
CHALLENGETHE STORIES
STORIES depot, taking the bus to Horseshoe Bay
and onto the ferry. From there, he made
work, as well as how they travel in their
off time. The enjoyment of Challenge par-
WITHIN A STORY
ORY
STOR his way up Brechin Road to the BCBC ticipants was obvious, and many stories
Allan Dunlop offices on Barons Road. It should be noted were passed on. The following tale by an
that he did this with a 14 kilogram pack anonymous entrant is by far the most
The Clean Air Commuter Challenge has
on his back. humourous one received:
come and gone, but the effects remain.
Many of the 530 Nanaimo residents who Gordon Curry, an employee at Fish- “This would not have happened if I had
took part have developed new habits. By eries & Oceans Canada, cycled 64 kilo- not been participating with my company in
taking part in the Challenge, they made metres each day. Said Curry with an ob- the Clean Air Commuter Challenge.
significant inroads into reducing pollu- vious smile, It was my ass that paid for
“Normally I drive my car and sometimes
tion. They also discovered (or reintro- it, cuz I havent been on my bike for a
bike to work but have never walked to work
duced themselves to) fun, inexpensive while. I think I need a new saddle
.
before. However, seeing that I could earn my
and healthy ways to get to and from work Gordon was glad to have taken part, hav-
company more points by walking to work I
or wherever else they need to take them- ing been reunited with his favourite
decided that I would get up earlier and make
selves. Organised by the Greater Nanaimo means of transportationhis bike. For a
the 40-minute trek.
Cycling Coalition, this annual event has number of years, cycling was his means
become a prime impetus for people to re- of entertainment, fitness and transpor- “Monday, I was able to get up early
duce their dependence on the single oc- tation. It was the Commuter Challenge enough, pack my clothes in my backpack and
cupant vehicle. that got him back in the saddle. get to work on time. Tuesday, I was running a
Why take part in this event, and why Others combined walking, cycling, little late and ended up jogging the last half.
continue the new habits formed? There public transit and carpooling in the same Not long after I had started to jog, I noticed
are many reasons. Fitness, cost savings, week. Mike Guther from the former Min- my white shirt flapping in the wind as it hung
stress reduction, enjoyment, and cru- istry of Environment, Lands & Parks from my backpack. My pack had come un-
cially, reduction in the rate of climate walked an impressive 32 kilometres each zipped! I packed the clothes back in and
change. Indeed, unless all of us take im- day for his commute. There were others looked up the street to see my belt on the
mediate and significant steps, the latter who rode in from Duncan on their bikes road. I continued onto work after running back
issue will soon impact all aspects of our a 60 km trip one way. to get the belt.
lives. Its not only the big numbers that “Once at work I discovered that I had also
Still, we have time to make changes, make a contribution worthwhile. Many lost my panties and pantyhose on my com-
dont we? After all, surely its not too late people in Nanaimo have chosen to live mute. Thank goodness I did have spares in
to prevent drastic climate change. Sadly near to where they work, avoiding the my locker.
thats not the case. We have already be- need for a lengthy commute. Fne exam-
ples of this is the employees of Lanarc “I thought that no one would pick these
gun the damage, and only widespread
Consultants on Franklyn Street. Most of items up off the street and I would find them
changes will bring about a slowing in the
the staff there live and work in the down- on my way home. Not true. They were my
rate of change to our environment. We
town area, allowing them to easily walk loss and someone’s gain, the day I lost my
all have heard the facts. We are not look-
or bike to work. Others regularly ride their panties on the streets of Nanaimo.”
ing at a fifty-year time frame for the
changes to begin to show. They are hap- bikes to the office in any weather. Actions Name withheld to protect the innocent.
pening now. Within ten to twenty years, such as this make a huge difference to
each of our lives will be directly impacted our community, through developing con-
by the choices we are making today. nections with our surroundings and by JUST ONE MORE GOOD REASON
minimising our demand on resources.
Quick fact: By the year 2020, Montanas TO CYCLE: CHOCOLATE!
CYCLE HOCOLA
Glacier National Park will be virtually de- Still others walked, biked, carpooled
void of glaciers. Thats the rate of change or rode the bus a small distance, but it
we are faced with. was a major change in their lifestyle.
Fortunately, there are many things we Small changes, after all, are the best for
can do. Pollution from transportation developing a long-lasting new habit. To
sources is a major contributor to the all who made this effort and reaped the
greenhouse effect. This is an area in rewards, congratulations and thank you
which we can all make changes. The for making a difference. Remember, its
Clean Air Commuter Challenge demon- not just one week a year that we need to
strated to many of us that these changes make these changes. Its daily. By doing
are not only possible and incredibly ef- this, the air will be cleaner, our environ-
fective, but they can be fun, as well. ment will remain liveable, we will save
money, get fitter, and have more sociable
Many stories emerged from this years
lives. For real.
Challenge, indicating the commitment
that people in Nanaimo made to our en- Allan Dunlop, Bike Month Coordina-
vironment and to their well being. tor and organiser of the Challenge, was
very pleased with the outcome. In com-
Mike Muir, a participant with the
piling the results for the Challenge and
champion BC Buildings Corporation
talking to participants, Dunlop found that
(BCBC), rollerbladed in to work starting
a considerable number of those who took
at 5:00 a.m. on a Monday
beginning
part in last years Challenge have made
from Vancouver. Leaving from West 10th
8 SpokeLore v5 i9
DIRT
DIRT
A BIKE IS JUST A BIKE,
AND A LOT MORE.
A rhetorical questionyou know the an- burning, too. That, and the fact that I have the bus driver. Of course, having saved
swer: What can get you to your appoint- to eat anyway, so the actual additional several hundred dollars in any one
ments and meetings, carry a weeks worth expense is minimal. month, I can easily afford to call a cab on
of groceries, pull a double mattress and My bike doesnt need a $30 fill-up these days. Would I want to buy a car
boxspring and all your other household every week. Taking some of those savings again? Not a chance, for a lot of reasons.
items during a move, roll leisurely with and putting it into food results in some I get exercise every day, and feel alive. I
you to the café, and thrash down fright- pretty decadent treats. No $28 oil dont have the responsibility of a main-
ening 70° rock-strewn slopes out on the changes, no replacing the water pump or taining something that can cost $800 to
trailsall without any real adjustments? spark plugs, and Ive never once had to repair at the drop of a hat. Any road rage
Yep. Pretty damn versatile, arent they? vacuum my current transportation. No I might accumulate is invariably burned
If youve never stretched your idea of guilt over hastening global warming just off by the time I get home. I can eat more
what you can accomplish on your bike, to go for coffee. I see the places I ride ice cream. I know that my choice makes
try it some time. Youll be amazed. Au- through, up close, and I smell the sea air a calculable difference in terms of the
gust 10th marks carless month sixteen. when I ride past Departure Bay every day. environment. I like to ride my bike.
Last April I got rid of that particular thorn. How many times do we say hello to some- And any time I want, I can (and do)
This was just after some friends in the one when were driving? On a bike, it take my trusty daily commuter vehicle out
GNCC helped me move my entire apart- happens all the time. Average number of and launch it off five foot drops in the
ment by bikebed, desk, and all the rest. times for me from Departure Bay into bush. My Honda Civic wouldnt have liked
I started saving myself about $300 a downtown: 5. Ive met some truly inter- that.
month and a lot of headaches. Lets see esting people on my bike (interesting in a Allan Dunlop
that adds up to about $4800 less that I good way, I mean). dunlopallan@home.com
needed to earn to enjoy the same (in my I figure its about $100 a month to P.S. Im hearing of more and more
opinion, much better) lifestyle. Worked maintain the Hammer, including the re- break-ins to vehicles up at Doumont.
out to be an incredible deal. cent replacement of the drivetrain (total Some riders are trying to reduce their
Last summer I laughed when I caught cost: $300). An incredibly low cost for full chances of being thieved, so theyve come
myself riding past a gas station, looking transportation and all the off-roading I up with a completely novel idea. Theyre
at the increasing prices and thinking want to throw at it. Last time I replaced a all going to the same destination, so they
quite casually hmmm, thats expensive! transmission in my car, it was $2200 take turns driving, with one person be-
I realised that I had no direct way of in- the price of an amazing Rocky Mountain ing the designated car-sitter. Strange, but
terpreting that cost, as it wasnt some- Edge with full-suspension and front & this sounds a lot like something that peo-
thing that affected me up front. Sure, I rear disc brakes. I wont ever make that ple have been laughed at for suggesting
still pay for those costs in the fuel to bring mistake again. Think about this the next carpooling. Still, some poor sap has to
things to the stores, and in other goods time the absolutely necessary vehicle is stay behind and babysit a 1500 kilogram
that I pay for, but I havent filled a gas up for a huge repair bill. dead weight instead of riding. Of course,
tank for a very long time now. Now, pass- Do I ever miss my car? In some ways, you could always just ride to the trail.
ing a gas station and seeing prices of over at some times, yes. Maybe twice a month, Take five minutes today and find out
70 cents a litre, I realise that my fuel is a after riding 50 km in a day and still want- something about climate change. You can
lot more tasty. Sure, a litre of spaghetti ing to go out in the evening, it would be contribute to it, or you can get fit, save
sauce costs three times that, but I can go nice to be able to slide behind the wheel cash, reduce your headaches and ride
about eight times further with it. Cleaner and just drive. But I can leave that up to your bike.
For Wheely Good Food
wheel into the Windward
Neighbourhood Pub
141588
Boundary
Crescent
