Still here, Just...

Boring update. Still riding not as often as my mind wants but my knees are very thankful. Gettimg in 3x30 kms rides a week. Mostly on the commuter riding home from work. But still getting on the simple mtb and even managed a quiet cruise to the top of Cudgera Creek Road, all without my knees more than twitching. I was surprised with the clean and smoth surface of the road, although the wheel tracks of the Rollers were still visible on the edges of the gravel road...

Summer winding down

I've had the shogun commuter returned via Jeff on his way home today. I've had to work back until after 1800 the last 3 nights and wanted to get at least one commute in this week. So tomorrows the day. Meant to be mild easterly in the morning and a hot tail wind for the ride home.

Each arvo this week the family including the dogs have been getting a short 4km Skateboard, ride and run to the end of the road. The only one of us to take it easy was little legged Jessie sitting in the front basket after a distance of 500 meters not bad for a 13.5 year old tubby little dog. The temps have been a pleasant 28°C and slightly cloudy to match with a weak southerly.  

The excessive heat finally starting to show signs of releasing it's grip has shown in the number of cyclists appearing on the Tweed coast cycleways. shame that most of who see fit to disregard the mandatory NSW helmet law. The police if they cared to would have a field day. I have not heard of anyone being prosecuted once, twice etc

Burnt Out Cars

I am unsure as to what is going on around the Tweed Coast when it comes to a Council Policy on BURNT  OUT CARS. Over the last few months, in my bike riding travels, I have come across at least three freshly burnt out cars, (three because with the others I can't remember the exact locations). Wattie Bishop Road, Round Mountain Road, The Coast Road... They are only left for a matter of hours and then quickly gone! I have seen none of them burning. But they are there after weekends, possibly stolen and burnt by joy-riders. It seems that they are being left in locations which are within walking distance and centred around Bogangar.

The removal of these cars must be a particular council policy as the dumped cars are left and left and left but the burnt out ones are gone within 24 hours???? The dumped burnt out cars seem to coincide with all the fresh burnout fishtailing skid marks on the back roads of the Tweed Coast, even though these occur every weekend with monotonous regularity there is never seen to be any police presence. Maybe they are too busy undertaking radar patrols from the motorway overpasses.

A few moths ago I approached a patrol officer and mentioned the activity but obviously that achieved nothing. more later... I'm going outside now to watch the dust cloud go though Tweed, for a while anyway.

Arrogance Personified

Tweed deputy mayor labels voters 'morons'

• ABC Source

The deputy mayor of the Tweed Shire in northern New South Wales says many of his constituents are morons.

Phil Youngblutt was elected to the position earlier this month when his name was drawn from a box, after voting was tied.

Councillor Youngblutt says he does not support moves to have the mayoral positions decided by a popular vote because he does not trust voters to make the right decision.

"Even when I [was] polling, there were people coming up who didn't know who they were voting for," he said.

"I mean, that's what I'm talking about, if you're polling and you're voting and you don't know who you're voting for, really why are you voting?

"Then I would say yes, they probably are morons."

The deputy mayor says he was not looking to cause offence.

"If I've offended anybody it's only the ones that probably are [morons]," he said.

"I'm not trying to offend anyone but certainly if the shoe fits, wear it."

Typical. This is what we get to LEAD US in our community.I get it! The white shoe brigade exposes it's real feelings about why they get into politics ie to represent the people (ie the morons) and not to impose their paternalistic one eyed will upon the simple folk. My opinion of this man is just not fit to print. If I am offended he feels that I am a Moron. Thus if it is alright for him to call me and others morons then lets try an adage of  "having the shoe on the other foot"

"Councillor Youngblutt, you are a moron if you don't feel the need to apologise!"

Do your Job! Represent ALL the voters or get out of local politics and leave it to someone with some level of intelligence and the required ability to represent ALL YOUR constituents.

Quicklet

Just a quick return trip to Marks this afternoon. Wind had dropped a bit and the knee was OK if I didn't pressure it.

After a short ride last Friday to Bogangar I knelt on one knee to remove my shoes and "CLICK!" my left knee went out (again) the return ride on that occasion was one legged pedalling, lucky they were SPD's.

Anyway this arvo's ride was the first in seven days, UGH!

Should add that I managed to lay down again by un-clip re-clip un-clip stop drop smile :)

Long time no knee

Iv'e been able to ride spits and spurts over the last weeks... culminating in the 30km circuit  against a decent headwind yesterday. Only problem is I can't seem to increase my cadence or peddle pressure without the left knee kicking up a stink!

It did prove to me that it is possible to ride my commuter distance, but still leaves a niggling doubt of bringing on some long term damage. Something I really want to avoid. I have another 22 days straight teaching relief work ahead of me so I will not be able to get in to see a Doctor until about the end of March. Ho hum!  But as two weeks will be only 10km round trip I hope to give the shorter commute a nudge! We will see.

Journey

Well, I'm off to the big smoke today for a few days via Grafton and the Central Coast.... taking the Cypress.... try to add some posts if I get rides then access and time.... later

It Should be called "Bicycle Sydney"

I Just got my latest issue of PushOn from Bicycle NSW. Nothing in it is pertinate to regional areas, especially this far from "the center of the universe" FGS why do they bother with a pathetic attempt at unified voice of ALL riders in NSW when they only provide articles and info within a radius of 2.5 hours of the CBD. The state is a lot bigger than that!

Bugs Bugs Bugs

Just a really quick 10 km this evening right on dark, had to breath by snorting in through my nose, it really cut the ride short. The bugs were a massive swarm and I swallowed a few before I wised up. On another note many of the glass shards have gone, thanks to some considerate people?

Save Hasting Point -Battle Win

The locals have had a breakthrough! The Tweed Shire Council has voted to create/implement a Development Control Plan (DCP), see the Echo Story, the developers and their council sympathisers were out voted by a slim 4-3 margin.

This may not be the end of the war on every natural and cultural environment destructive development in the area but at least it is a small battle victory.  The general idea that more of anything is better than less is something that I disagree with.

I feel a rant coming on....

The idea of sustainability was summed up in the late 70's when I was undertaking a Business Degree at Ku-ring-gai CAE and the theory of the Steady Sate Economy was presented to me! Ah the light was blinding... but the greed is good promoted to the community during the next 30+ years has lead to the economic crisis we find ourselves as a community fast required to deal with. Many of the precepts of a Growth Economy can easily switch to become that of a Shrinking Economy. The magical multipliers work geometrically just as well in both directions!

Both the Federal and State Parliaments are proving themselves incapable of consensual action, even though the economy ship is on the verge of sinking the powers to be are deciding what colour to paint the frigging lifeboats, even though there is no rescue ship close by to save those that can fit in the limited capacity lifeboats.

Remind you of a story you may have heard? Does the Sinking of the White Star Line's Titanic come to mind, not enough lifeboats, a ship said to be unsinkable, musicians playing to placate the passengers while the ship goes down, water to cold to survive in for long, passengers deciding when is the right time to jump ship, passengers thinking the crew will save them they can sit back and be told what to do, not enough life jackets for those that can't fit into the lifeboats, no practice drills in case of emergency, etc... the list of similarities between the economy and the Titanic sinking goes on, definitely neither are or were a boy scout

... ah that's better

Thinking of the Whole Forest

RANT RANT RANT

After reading through the comments on Yehuda Moon and the Kickstand Cyclery today. It becomes pretty obvious that the whole Cycling community is split over what is Best Policy, and it seems to depend upon the "Self", that is, Promoting the idea that will give the best outcome for themselves... The idea's are always set as the best from and for that individuals perspective. I think I find it difficult to describe what I am saying but thinking is that it really comes right down to selfishness, the same thing that is behind the so called bad attitudes of all road users, cycles, cars, taxi's, trucks and buses etc... The real situation is not going to simplified by saying "this is what I reckon ... the rest of the available ideas are just rubbish because....".

In a utopian reality, one in which the big picture were to be taken into consideration, that is, a long term world view rather than a selfish narrow minded view promoting only a short term gain for the individual, what does it matter what methods are implemented to get bums on seats as the norm for the general population of the oil fueled transportation obsessed western cultures.

With a dramatic climate change forcasted to be just around the corner and no foreseeable successful attempts to impliment any policy at all that might see it's impact diminished.

It's always the same thing. Points of view that diverge on how to achieve the consensually agreed outcome. The circular argument over the detail then begins. Why can't all the protagonists keep seeing the forest not begin focusing on just the tree in front of them!

Any action must be better than none at all! Inaction, for what ever the reason, is going to have nothing but a told you so effect on the situation in the future. Consensus is rubbish. With everyone agreeing that something needs to be done sometime. But it must only be imlimented by having the smallest proportion of any sacrifice going to themselves, don't you agree? 

BUT the present and past generations have already taken all the benefits long before they NEEDED TO BE PAID FOR, we and our kids have got to pay for them, now it is the time to pay up! Not unlike free primary and secondary public education you are "given" long before you are required to start paying for it with your taxes! It's not free, just bought on credit! There is no such thing as a free lunch!

Anything is better than nothing, if you have nothing to start with!  Why don't more people get started making a noise, any noise will do just so long as it is not in argument for pedantic selfish causes!

Human nature will continue to move along the same path it usually takes, with the same eventual outcome for everybody as it has always been for all previous generations. The individual will end up dead! 

The present generation of individuals will continue to look at decision making by what it considers the best option for themselves as an individual with little thought for it's consequences in the future, Why are so many overweight people? It tastes good so eat it, now!

As for complaining about taxation. Taxes are only required if society openly recognises that it's members are incapable of sharing without being told they have to and that they need to be penalised if they don't! Every society views greed as good and hoarding as one of the pinnacles of success (well not every society, but at least the modern western one does)... Take the lane and "F" everyone else! Slip past where there is no room and "F" the other person! Get out of MY way!  I'ts my space! Share, Why? Whose going to stop ME taking what I can? I'm here now I don't care about those that come after me I'll just chuck this here! I'ts not in my way or messing my car up now! 

 

WHOA! WOAH! enough already!!!!!! END RANT RANT RANT

 

PS I must of had too much coffee today!

Roadie Respect, or the lack there of

Begin Moan;

Today's little trip saw me pass by a couple of "roadies", don't know what else you would call them. I do not think they are members of the fellowship of general cyclists. The first, after I said Gid'day, returned the greeting whereas the other saw fit to yell a callous or could it be spiteful remark "Hope you fall off!" Nice I thought! I was in usual attire, so probably stood out like dog balls to a lycra clad unpaid billboard, but, as is often the case at this time of year when going for a light road cruise, wearing thongs on my feet. (yes If I was to come off at any speedI could do some damage to my feet, but lets not forget my elbows, shoulders, knees, palms and fingers, head,hip, bum, did i forget anything? oh yeah my face.)

During the rest of the ride my thoughts drifted to contemplating the passing comment. Why bother saying that? Why not keep your negative remarks to yourself? Do you hope that others will go through your own experiences? Are you such a bad rider that you expect to fall, again, during  every ride?  Is he the type of person who verbally abuses people whilst in a queue at the bank,etc? Does he just like to tell other people they are wrong to make himself feel better about his own decisions? Is he a road rage practitioner when he gets behind the wheel of his motorised vehicle which is probably a hotted up ute or some such thing? 

It must of got to me a bit, as our paths crossed only a couple of hundred meters from the start of my ride. 

Later around the half way point in the ride, I passed another solo rider near Clothiers Creek road and that consisted of a more standard experience, just exchanging "the wave" and move on about your business.

Moan Ends here;

Still Shovelling.....

Well I have finally managed to sieve two of the 8x10 cubic metre truckloads of the Terranora Red. Completed building the first stage of the vegie garden and planted it out... started with seedlings this time mainly as it is a little late to plant seeds for most crops... But have not managed any rides of any length this week... the energy and need has not been there. My arms, especially, as well as the rest of the body aches and groans. The hot weather has also been difficult wearing long trousers and long sleeve shirts in the full sun to ward off any more photosensitivity. I have found usng my bike gear (actually long sleeve ice-hockey shirt) to be the best alllowing the perspiration to evaporate rather than drench me!

Picked up an ALDI Tronica Wireless Cycling Computer for $20.00 for the Shogun. I will see how this very cheap computer holds up and post again later about it!

I will ride a couple of short 10km commutes tomorrow on the Cypress and  maybe a lop to finish off the day. I will post again after the outcome is clear and therefore more concise.

Sextons Hill - "The Scary Bit"

Just thought I would post an image of the only part of My Commute which always scares me! You have been cruising along at about 30-35kms/hr with the 60kms/hour traffic to hit the climb to the top of Sextons Hill where the traffic merges to 80kms/hour and you have been riding along the 800-900mm verge against an Steel Armco Railing with lots of past evidence of bad driving only to hit this little beauty about 1/2 way up and no way of looking leisurely behind to see if trucks, 4WD's or buses are about to take the left turn into Banora etc only to be confronted by NO Road surface space to make it past the Very Badly positioned Traffic Island. Sometimes I just ride over it and others I will turn into the intersection and wait for the traffic to clear before doing a U-turn to get back onto the Pacific Highway.

[caption id="attachment_276" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="The Scary Bit on the ascent of Sextons Hill South Tweed Heads NSW"][/caption]

Thanks to Google Maps Street View....

Cycleways of the Tweed Shire - Submission

Updated!

I wrote a little submission to TSC via the LINK, which may or may not be published so I will post it here as well....

Where do I start? I commute by bicycle as well as ride for pleasure or you might say leisure. Riding to the south, west or northerly directions on many streets and roads, both gravel and sealed, from the Tweed Coast area. Nowhere in the shire, where I do manage to ride my bike, is there evidence that bicycles are considered as more than a toy in the design of local bike paths, the dinky little signs at road crossings are amusing rather than any form of informative traffic signage for users.
Many other examples of to the irrelevance bike riding and it not being recognised as an alternative form of transport in the Shire are many…

Beside the football fields of Bogangar the bike path becomes a clean and dry viewing area for whole groups of families to watch the little tackers play there games and thus an obstacle course during these occasions. What say you, get off and walk? Gee I’d like to see the shire say that drivers should get out and push their cars through certain streets!

Most Tweed Coast bike paths seem to be designed first as pedestrian paths that are widened where conditions make it easy. Many residents would say they are there so use them, Why when the trip from South Tweed to my home is 6 kilometres longer if I take the bike path and possibly more dangerous when pedestrians are included in the mix than the freeway! Now that’s scary to think!. That said the verges of many other roads are strewn with loose gravel and/or broken glass. Many of these same roads when they are resealed are left with 50mm plus ridges splitting in half the verge area safe to ride in such as the Coast Road through the new developments of the Tweed Coast.

During recent road works outside the Kingscliff Library the bike path has been cut. The bike path, used by lots of students daily, had no temporary location during the works and riders were forced to line up with the cars and trucks, unlike the Cudgen Creek Bridge, thankyou.

The foot/bike-path along Marine Parade in Kingscliff has misleading signs stating that riders should use the Dedicated Path. It is not dedicated but only designated! Pedestrians still have right of way car doors still open onto the path! 

I could go on and on… but I will end with a question, Why not provide areas in residential locations, such as for example Casuarina, where cars should be the ones made to give way to both pedestrians and cyclists? This is shown to work. Warringah Shire in Sydney has areas around Narrabeen where this is implemented and working! There is then no need to provide and maintain pathways in these locations.

Most people that would read this might say what a whinger, and they are intitled to say it, that is their opinion. I have presented this because you encouraged comment.
I know it will fall on deaf ears and that decisions are made to appease the majority.

I will see if they let it through the moderation and update this post if they do..... OK today the Moderators have published the comment, the link above will take you to the TSC webpage to post your own comments if you so wish.

their site says "

Have Your Say

Only constructive or appropriate comments will be placed on this page. Please note that the comments posted on this page are not necessarily supported by Tweed Shire Council or Council officers."

Parking Drama

Well today sees the first block to commuting, lack of bicycle storage facilities at the workplace. Out of a staff of approx. 60, there are only 3-4 bicycle commuters (none of these ride everyday). There is a semi-secure car-park provided for those who wish to drive, many car-pool, but only outside bike racks open to the general population of the school for those that wish to ride to and from work.

That location is open to easy abuse. The work location is inside a "fairly tough" high school where some students would enjoy using any easy anonymous opportunity to upset a staff member, through any combination of misplaced humour, malice, spite or more likely just some thoughtless prank such as letting down tyres (which often happens to the few students who brave riding to school).

Up until today 2 staff members, including myself when I am called in, have been using a small lockable store room to park the bikes out of harms way. But today a fellow non-riding, and has said never would, staff member made a complaint at the location. In their favour it IS an OH&S issue in that location we have been sort of (un)officialy allowed to use for the past term. As with any group the decision of an alternative location was not successfully determined. I also don't have any sway in the decision, but one of the locations offered was an abandoned lockable Male Staff Toilet. Which, as I understand it, will be soon pressed into active service. I could see that it would once again soon become another contentious location, not to say insecure with the door being left unlocked Accidentally and the entrance completely hidden from any easy casual observation.

Another offered location seems to be Nearly Perfect, to me anyway, with the space to hang 10 or more bicycles with locker space, access to a male shower. This location is only accessed by one other person in the school and that is only occasionally. But this was argued to be too far to walk in bike gear in public by the majority vote user? I could not understand why? The area allows changing into work clothing, isolated storage of summers sweaty riding kit, showering, overnight storage if required and even a ramp for access!

At this time it looks as though it will become one of those situations where workplace politics will cause angst, division and ultimately become the reason to stop all work commuting by this little black duck.

 At this time I will try to take up the second offer, that is if I can get access to the storage area (if I am the only rider it might be overruled) but even if I do I am unsure about whether it is worth the effort to put in a hanging rack and locker, screen the barred windows for both Security and Vanity reasons, if it is just a short term solution.

Don't I just love workplace politics! I do understand the workplace is for students first and foremost, but I see the simple example of someone commuting by bicycle for no other reason than they enjoy it to be a good one for the whole student population and should be supported!

Bloody Telstra

Ever Since Thursday Afternoon when the Whole of Tweed and the Tweed Coast has been having trouble with their ADSL connections the internet has become unreliable with flaky connections. I have done a couple of onsite service calls. Heard anicdotal evidence and been suffering with the same up/down close up/down yo-yo connection status with the speed nearly halved. When you get on to the tech departments it is always YOUR fault and there is nothing wrong reported at the exchange! Well I am reporting it F#$% they would appear to be a facist corporation. You are guilty we could never be doing anything wrong and so innocent. We will never admit there is a problem, you must have faulty equipment that just happens to work reliably for days and days and then everybodys stuff just breaks at the same time it wasnt us so it must be you. Now Do this basic troubleshooting crap then repeat it 4 or 5 times because thats all we are trained to say!

What? you were expecting a service that you paid us to deliver, na we are allowed to say we provide a service but deliver whatever we feel like, and to keep your complaints falling on deaf ears we employ people in other countries to answer you complaints, we never get to hear them! So we have nothing to deal with,  ipso-facto It's just like the big banks. go somewhere else if you don't like the service! or lack of! We are in the business of making a profit for what was once a public utility company and so F@#& YOU... we no longer are required to serve the community that paid for our creation and development with your taxes. just the shareholders need service and only if they have enough shares to be able to make a noise if they decide to sell! Bring on the bonus for the directors they are doing such a great job give them some more OK

Glad I've got that off my chest, as thats all I can do just hollow blow hard noise.

I was told on thursday after being on the phone for service support that I would have to pay for a tech to come and see what the problem was if it wasn't their fault