This was a ride in late September this year, it was the full length in one day of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. It was lucky for me 😉Magpie season and by the end of the day, I have been swopped over 20 times. Thankfully though non made any contact.

It’s that time of year again !!

So, I was fortunate enough to ride my bike away from this storm last week. I managed to climb up my local climb of Mount Coot-tha and was given this great image at the top. Meanwhile in the city below a mini storm, was visiting parts of the city with hale and severe winds. Sometimes your just lucky.

New local pump track is open.

Its spring here in Australia, I have been enjoying the early morning rides around the town with my camera and the morning colors.

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. What an epic day of riding 165km to my welcoming accommodation in Yarraman.

Today marks a watershed moment for me about 3 years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. During that period I was not sure what my future body would be able to cope with. Thankfully my body responded well to chemotherapy and have been in remission for two years now. Riding a bicycle has always been a part of my life to feel my body returning its strength has been a humbling experience. The lesson I learned from this was to create the environment you want and live the experience of life, whether it’s good or bad. Today I completed a solo 165km (100 mile) Gravel ride on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.

Time to take out the upgraded gravel bike. A view from above the fog and in the fog. #BNE

The fog blanketed Brisbane on ANZAC day. Enjoy your day lest we forget.

Time for a ride to my local mountain bike trails and back again.

My first Tour De Brisbane done. There were highs and lows, tunnels and bridges. Fast friends and every type of bike. @tourdebrisbane

Just made myself a homemade number plate for spare parts in my toolbox. My first Tour De Brisbane I’m doing the 80km course. Taking in the city view. @tourdebrisbane

Sometimes you need to take it off road. It’s the best, I love mountain bikes.

Another easy ride around town taking in the sights, it’s getting into Autumn slowly for the next 9 months in Brisbane I love to ride. Autumn to Spring I am lucky. 🍀

Like the frog 🐸 in this Kingfishers mouth, I too sometimes get caught in not ideal weather conditions. A bit of rain today and some windy conditions to deal with. At least in QLD when it rains it’s still warm.

Cruising through the city, on the way back home from a hilly Mount Coot-tha ride.

A new green bridge for Brisbane for Breakfast Creek at Newstead.

I have been using wet chain wax from a bottle on my bikes for sometime now. It’s time to send my chains to the day spa, and have them immersed in hot chain wax. Testing has shown that this can save you money on your drive trains in the long run. Thanks @zerofrictioncycling

I love my ride home from work.

Finishing off my ride with a roll along the river at Southbank.

Cruising up the mountain on a hot summer day is Brisbane Australia. On my mountain bike. No e-bike yet. I’ll give be it a few more years.

Climbing in the dirt to start then cool down with a ride around town.

Different bike same destination. But the trail done is way more fun. 🤘

On most days when I make it to the top of this climb and go to the lookout to take in the view.,I’m surrounded by people doing the same. However you know it’s a hot day when you’re the only one there.

This Australia Day I decided to go on a bike ride. What ever you did I hope you enjoyed it.

Riding in summer in Australia, there’s always a good chance of seeing a snake or two. This clip does not show one but I did pass a 3 metre python about 1km back.

My trusty BMC Fourstroke Mountain bike. Seen here resting against a wall.

Northern Rivers Rail trail. Fun easy 25km out and back from Murrwillumbah, NSW , Australia. Beautiful part of the country.

Lake Fenton an hour climb in the Tasmania Alps. Cold and windy at the top.

Just another role around town. Getting my mountain bike ready for a little adventure. Stay tuned.

An easy ride home, taking the long way of course. Spring in the city is deluxe. But watch out for those Magpies.

Just another day on the bike. Taking in the city views.

Even though its been a tough year health wise for me. If I can find the energy to ride I will. Take in the sights go outside and feel the day on my skin.

Sometimes you just gotta let me fly like a peacock. 😉

Time to climb some hills and take in the views.

Just a ride around town, this piece is at the Howard Smith Wharf it's probably now one of the best drinking spots in Brisbane, next to the river and under the Story Bridge.

Getting to know the place you live on a bike is a journey in itself. Depending on how your feeling or what type of training you need to do or it your commuting will determine your route. I move to the city of Brisbane ,in Australia, about ten years ago. Through that time I have a few good routes to choose from. Routes for hill training, or flat easy rides, or maybe some undulating rolling hill work. Routes that are more bike friendly away from the main roads and heavy traffic. This for me is something that has been learnt and developed over time. If it means taking the longer way through back streets and less traffic Im there its safe and less stress. Do you have your favourite routes ?

Downhill Mountain Biking.

Most times on the moutain bike I will do a set trail, something I know well and see how my fitness is but on my last times around. Today however large sections of the forest where closed due to backburing. Leaving me to find a new route. So I went off trail and went looking around. I saw no other riders just a couple of walkers. #bike #bikes #ciclismo #bicicleta #bikelife #pedal #cycling #borapedalar #bicycle #strava #prefiropedalar #praquempedala #cyclinphotos #cyclist #cyclinglife #RideBikes #BikeLife #Bikeporn #CyclingShots #ride #mtb #mountainbike #xcmtb #xcc #xcm #xco #mtblovers #allmountainstyle #mtblife #mtblove

That sastified feeling you get when you finish a solid workout. This for me even more so on the indoor trainer. I'm sure someone can tell me why but doing training outside seems easier. The distractions of the surroundings, the not so fixed gaze on your numbers, watts, speed cadence. For me the indoor ride has become more like a meditative state where controlling the mind is the training. Does anyone else feel the same ?

Just an easy ride around town.

Get out and see the world. When you ride a bike you are able to find the places that are a bit slower not car speed. You are not restricted to the roads but you can take that little lane way, that little dirt track, or check out the narrow back streets and lanes in your city. Explore your neighbourhood, trip through a new city while on a holiday.

Zen and the art of pedaling circles. After riding for many years I have come to find the meditative process of cycling the perfect revolution. Not mashing the pedals down or up but trying to complete the 360 degree rotation without favoring a side. I can get lost for minutes on end trying to perfect and instruct my nervous system on how to achieve pedaling nirvana. This technique is so important for Cross Country mountain biking as it keeps the traction of the tyre constant. This helps to eliminate the tyre spinning on loose terrain while climbing. Its also helps with strengthing the hamstrings due to the pulling up motion.

The final build, wells it's now finished. My Klein Attitude Race commuting bike. Complete with mudguards. As seen on GMBN. Sporting custom built 26inch wheels, Chris King components, and 1 by drive train. Brooks saddle and Box 2 v brakes. What do you think ?

Dont you love a new trail ? Unfortunately 2022 was a year of no riding my bikes due to illness. But now thats all done, I'm back and get treated with some new (for me anyway) trails at my local state forest. This is a blue trail in the Daisy Hill Conservation Park (Queensland, Australia) and its called Bronzewing. Its fast and flowing and has a few little doubles thrown in for some air time.

Indoor trainers nowadays are way better than they used to be. My tacx flux S has bluetooth connectivity to my training program Systm X. This means that if the exercise I'm doing requires hard sections to pedal it will automatically load an electromagnetic fly wheel on the trainer to increase the load. Leaving me to focus on getting through training program.

Operation Resto Commuter Part No. 12. The piece that ties is altogether, the frame. This is a KLEIN and it is a work of art. They are no longer in production and stopped in 2009. These bicycles where ahead of their time using large diameter alloy aluminium tubes. Making them stiffer and lighter than the competition. They are 30% stiffer than other alloy frames due to being heat treated and then cooled and straighted. In my twenties I had a race bike made by KLEIN called the Adroit see pic. It had inch and one quarter headset bearings (ahead of the rest), and a one piece bar and stem. It was the best climbing Mountain bike I have ever owned. The paint on these bikes also are beuatiful and even now 20 years later on this current build its still looks brand new. While I was in Hospital for a couple of months I one day stumbled upon this frame on ebay. From that day forward my new project to bring this bike back to life took shape.

The bicycle is so many things to diferent people for me on most days its a transport around town. Getting me in and out of the city. No hassles with parking, waiting for public transport or getting caught in the peak hour flow of the city. Its my gym, my time out, and my fun all in one package. What do you use it for ?

Operation Resto Commuter No 11. Tyres for these I went with an all round tough cased set of Maxxis DTH [Size: 26 x 2.3]. These are great all rounders and have a solid casing with tread for all conditions and good rolling resistance.

Operation Resto Commuter No. 10. The work horse of all entry level mountain bike drive trains the Deore group set. I have decided on a 1 x setup and have selected an 11 speed combination for my shifter and rear derailuer. Cost effective and reliable, Shimano Deore is hard wearing a easy to replace in needs be.

On some days I chose to take the longer way home. Alot of my time on the bike is spent training to improve my fitness and compete in Cyclocross or Cross Country mountain biking. But on the way home I have a choose of riding through the park its beautiful and green and a welcome sight from the city.

A structured training plan is needed to improve your fitness, routine is key and nowadays we have a few choices when it comes to training on the bike. After a year away from training due to having cancer its now time to start training again. I had used TrainerRoad in the past and I found it good to gvie me routine and structure to my training. I had also heare of The sufferfest which I found out is now called Wahoo Systm. So its now time to try something different. Do you use a training app ? #bike #bikes #ciclismo #bicicleta #bikelife #pedal #cycling #borapedalar #bicycle #strava #prefiropedalar #praquempedala #cyclinphotos #cyclist #cyclinglife #RideBikes #BikeLife #Bikeporn #CyclingShots #ride #Indoortrainer #indoorcycling

Operation Resto Commuter No. 9 Chris King head set. Only the best for the commuters hard wearing parts. This is the product that started Chris King, headsets their reputation for quality is famous. They are very precise with there build quality and it shows with how they work when installed. Buttery smooth mmmmmmmmm buttery. #bike #bikes #ciclismo #bicicleta #bikelife #pedal #cycling #borapedalar #bicycle #strava #prefiropedalar #praquempedala #cyclinphotos #cyclist #cyclinglife #RideBikes #BikeLife #Bikeporn #CyclingShots #ride #ChrisKing

Operation Resto Commuter No. 8 Chris King bottom bracket for 24 mm shimano cranks. Because this will be my daily driver going to and from work and getting about town. I went for a bottom bracket that is durable and will stand the test of time. Chris King products are built to last. #bike #bikes #ciclismo #bicicleta #bikelife #pedal #cycling #borapedalar #bicycle #strava #prefiropedalar #praquempedala #cyclinphotos #cyclist #cyclinglife #RideBikes #BikeLife #Bikeporn #CyclingShots #ride #ChrisKing

I have been a mountain bike rider since the early 90's. And since then I have never not had one in the garage. This is my Cross Country race bike its a BMC fourstroke. It has SID rockshox 100ml, and FOX evlove rear shock with 100 ml travel. Vittoria tyres, Extralite bar, stem and hubs. XTR 12 speed rear derailur, brakes cassette, chain and pedals, . It weighs 10.1kg or 22 pounds. Whats your bike of choice ? #mtb #mountainbike #xcmtb #xcc #xcm #xco #mtblovers #allmountainstyle #mtblife #mtblove #RideShimano #shimano #shimanoxtr #rockshox #rockshoxsid #extralitecomponents

I soak in the days when I get to enjoy the view from a mountain top. I live in Brisbane in Australia and often climb Mount Coot-tha on my road bike, Gravel (CX) bike and Montain Bike. Most of the mountain area is public land there are walking and riding trails all over it. On the back side not facing the city is the Gap creek reserve in here you will find more dedicated mountiain bike trails.

Operation Resto Commuter No. 8 This handle bar I had as a spare and it needed a good home. So this was added to the build.

Operation Resto Commuter No. 7 Brooks saddle B17 model. Its the flagship saddle made of leather and gets better with age. Brooks have been making saddles for over 100 years. They must be doing something right. I have never had one before I knew the brand and thought what better bike to put one on. Over time the leather models to you. Making for a more comfortable ride. Have you tried Brooks saddles ? Whats you favorite saddles ?

Operation Resto Commuter No. 6 ZTTO hubs I have not used these hubs before. But since having recieved them they are very good quality. And the rear clutch noise is crisp. Sealed beargings with all the different standards you will need I have a shimano free hub with quick realise skewers.

Operation Resto Commuter No.5 the bike is old school therefore it needs a 26 inch wheel. And because 26 inch wheels are not as common as they used to be I decided to source the parts to build my own wheels. I started with Sun Rims which are double walled alloy. For the spokes I used DT Swiss double butted in black with gold nipples to match some other gold bling I was putting on the bike. The hubs I used where ZTTO these are a chinese made hub there sealed bearing and have 54 tooth pick up clutch. Because Im not a heavy rider I used a 2 cross spoke for a little extra flex in the wheel.

Today marks the day I am finally able to get back to doing what I love. Riding my bike. 2022 has been a rough year for me due to health problems. So I rested and planned and took in the journey to hopefully get the chance to get back on the bike. At times I was unsure if I could ever ride again. I am through the worst of it and coming out the other side now. I am grateful, I am changed I'm still a byke rider.

Operation Resto Commuter No. 4 Due to the bike being a little old school I needed to get brakes that fitted onto cantilever brake mounts. After doing some searching I found these anodized blue V-brakes from Box Components. I have not used their products before so am eager to check out their performance. Other parts for Operation Resto Commuter can be found here. No frame hints today please see previous days to catch up on these.

Operation Resto Commuter Part No. 3 Shimano spd flat pedals What can be said about Shimano SPD pedals. The cleat system has truly stood the test of time. Reliable, well engineered. I have used spd pedals for a long time and enjoy the no nonsense pedal system. They work well and have earned there places as a off road pedal system. Even at the base model of these pedals the quality of marterials may change as you go up in their range with titianium and other fancy materials. But the design and engineering remains the same with these great clip in pedal system. I chose the flat pedal spd variation so that I could wear a non clipped shoe. For those quick rides to the shop. Find other parts for my commuter build click here. #Hint 3: American designed frame.

Saso Rigid carbon fork 26 inch The Saso Rigid Carbon Fork. As this bike build will be for commuting mainly, I have decided to go for a rigid fork. I found these forks on ebay. My needs where 26 inch wheel, rigid fork and cantilever mounts. The forks themselves after unboxing look great. Given that they are carbon fibre the will provide some damping qualities also. What do you think ? Hot or Not ? If you have riden these forks drop me a line I would be keen to get your impressions. For other parts of Operation Resto commuter can be found here. Hint No. 2. Frames where powder coated and not spray painted.

Power Metres. What are they ? Power metres are a training device used on bicycles to gauge how much force is being applied to the pedals at any given time. They allow a cyclist to see how hard they are working. The advantage of using a power metre is that it does away with guessing how hard or soft a cyclist needs to pedal to achieve their training target zones. At the beginning of using a power metre, the cyclist will be expected to do a baseline test to help set the numbers in watts of each zone. How to use them. These tests Functional Threshold Power (FTP) works out how long a person can sustain a number in watts for an hour duration. These tests are done sometimes as a twenty minute duration and then calculated to extend over the hour. Power metres are usually placed on the crank or on the pedal. Other locations include in the hub of the wheel, the chainring spider and the bottom bracket. The most used type is on the cranks. These can be either a one sided sensor or sensors both on each crank arm. Both crank arm sensors allow the cyclist to see if they favour one leg to another. History The first power metres were around in the 1980’s but were not available to the public until around 1989. Since that time they have become a key part of a amatuer cyclists training tool. The cost has come down significantly, with a single arm crank setting you back around $500 USD. Why you use them. It's also now made it possible for budding cyclists to understand their potential as a cyclist earlier on. This is due to the fact that you can now see professional cyclists data. And then gauge yourself directly against their numbers. Additionally it's now much easier to be more effective with your training as you are able to see improvements within the power data. As opposed to the old heart training model. Where seeing increases in fitness were not as accurate and feedback was more about feel and resting heart rates. For those of you who like to ha

If you would like to feel more confident that your bicycle is going to get you from point a to point b. Then checking it over before you start out and knowing what to look for can save a lot of headaches and keep you safe. As a base of checking a bike over a bicycle mechanic will do these basic checks. Here's a quick checklist. – Tyres pressure place the right amount of pressure in them (there are numbers on the tyre to for max pressure rates ) – Pull brakes levers to the check if they work. – Check the wheel bolts and or fasteners are tight and secure. – If you have it and it needs it, give the chain some lubricant, don't overdo it. (as a guide imagine your putting on drop of oil on each link ) Tyre Pressure This is the best thing you can do to make your ride more enjoyable, comfortable and confident in getting to your destination. Flat tyres and punctures in most cases are from the tyres being too low in pressure. Brakes It's pretty obvious that you need brakes to stop. So before setting off make sure when you pull the levers in they feel firm and don’t go all the way into the handle bar. Once you have pulled the levers in, push the bike forward. You're aiming to have both wheels not rotate the wheels should remain locked in place. Wheels Whatever type of mechanism that attaches your wheels to the bicycle make sure they are clamped correctly to the frame and fork of the bike. Chain Lube Lubricating the chain helps with better gear changing, easier pedalling and a quieter ride. It gives your chain a longer life and will save you money in the long run. You can use a specific chain lube from your local bike shop. Or you can use a light oil. The amount of oil to use is to image a drop of oil on each link so it's not a lot. Too much lubricant just attracts dirt onto the chain and it's not needed. Contact us. Have any other questions about bicycle mechanics drop us a line rider@bykerider.com. We will be more than happy to point you in the

Operation Resto Commuter Part No. 1 While in hospitpal for 2 months I went shopping online and found some bike parts for a new commuting bike. First part of the build are my ESIgrips handle bar grips these are the extra chunky version. I have used these on my Cross Country race bike and have been really happy with there performance. They grip well on the hand and add a little extra absorbtion for the bumps. This is not a sponsored post I just like the product. Hint 1. The bike frame in question its going on is a 26 inch Mountain bike frame. More hints to come. #esigrip #mountainbike #mountainbiking #vinatagebikes #restomod

During the race season I try to do some cross country mountain bike and some Cyclocross racing. Cyclocross is a great form of bike racing which is a set track. Usually on grass, dirt and gravel it has obsticles thrown in like stairs to run up or vertical boards to jump over. Its a fantastic spectator sport. As you can see the riders for a lot of the course. And its custom in its home country of Belgian to mock the riders as they come past (in a friendly way). Due to it being a Belgian sport the odd Beer and Chips (Fritts) are take during the watching of the event. Its a winter sport with mud and ice and cold. #cyclocross #cyclocrosss #cyclocrossbike #cyclocrosslife #cyclocrossrace #cyclocrosslife #cyclocrossbike

I have always been a fan on Mountain biking and its a large part of my riding focus. In 1996 I ventured up the Cairns in Queensland, Australia to watch the best dual it out for the rainbow jersey. There was a young Cadel Evans racing on the Volvo Cannondale team. Along with Missy Giove, Tinker Juarez. The tracks where fantastic both cross country and downhill. What do you love about riding bikes. And what kind of bike do like riding ?

Another photo from the Commonwealth Games in 2018. Same rider Matthew Glaetzer taking a victory lap with an Aussie cape. He just won gold in the 1km time trial. And its was time to celebrate.

The Humble bicycle, the most efficient human powered travel method, bar none. You want to help with lowering your carbon footprint look no further than the bike. You want to get exercise without paying gym membership, look no further than the bike. Unwind out of the traffic humdrum or the daily commute on public transport it’s me the bicycle to the rescue. Nowadays the bike has many places to attach itself to your life, commuting, recreation, racing. It has stood the test of time and continues to grow in popularity. I have no doubt that there has been one in your life already at some point or will be. Whatever form and shape your bike was, its aim was to provide you with freedom, freedom to see the local sites closer and take you around areas you may not have seen before. Feel the elements and make you feel alive. Take you on an adventure of the mind and body. Wherever you are a bykerider (you and the bicycle) are always ready to go how much you do and why is up to you. In my lifetime I have nurtured and aided my being to let the bicycle be a companion with me across many levels of use. I wish to invite you to open the door a little more, take a look at what’s going on, sip a little or drink it down. It can make you feel fantastic, it will make you fall in love with the back streets of your town or city you never knew, find secret paths and quiet streets away from the main streams of vehicle runs. Free drugs endorphins are yours. Polish up on your training for races you wish to do. Get tips for bike mechanics. Learn about all the different styles and types of bikes to choose from.

Bicycles are our thing. Our site is aimed at providing real world information around all things cycling. We are a community of Byke Riders. Here to help you get the best out of your next ride. Whether your ride a little or ride a lot.

As a fan of all forms of cycling I was lucky enough to see the track cycling finals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold Coast, Australia. As you can imagine it was a full house. I was lucky enough to get some good seats and got this wonderful photo of Aussie Matthew Glaetzer hugging his Mum after winning gold in the 1km time trial. #CommonwealthGames #commonwealthgames

Flash back to a picture taken on holidays up their to watch the 1996 world Cup in Cairns, Australia. Me and a mate had just ridden to this fantastic little spot. For those that dont know this part of the world is in the tropics so its warm and the swim in the rock pool was welcome. Waving at all the pro's along the road rollng their legs over for the upcoming racing. I was running pretty lean then. I still have the tshirt at home. #uciworldcup #uciworldcupmtb

Bike racks are a little bit more of a sign your are commiting to a cylcing lifestyle. I have been using the Thule 598 bike racks for sometime now and find them to be easy to use. The only thing you need to remember is the height of your car with them on. I have a not so fond memory of hitting the height bar in a shopping centre with my bike when is was attached to the roof racks. It made a hell of a sound and scared the pants of me. Have you had an similar experience with a bike attached to your car in a rack ?

On the days I get to ride my mountain bike. I remind myself to focus on my line choice. Look to where I want the bike to go. I dont try to muscle the bike around but let the bike do the work for me. I let the bike come to me and try to be a part of it. I have ridden Moutain Bikes for over 25 years. I still practice the basics. What do you do to improve your skills on the bike ?

When you ride a byke your community becomes more familar easier to access and explore. This sign was around the corner from my place. You have the time to slow down and see things you may not otherwise have noticed. I decided not take the signs advice this time. On ya bike.

This byke rider at the moment cant get on his real bike. So in the meantime I’m using this sexy thing to spin my legs over.Just an easy spin to keep the legs and mind from going a bit stale. I have been in this place for just shy of 50 days. I love riding my bike. I’m very glad to have this comapanion in here to help. I will do what I can to be back out there. But in the meantime I keep pedaling on.

Some days you get dirtier than other. This was one of those days. As a mountain biker and some times Cross Country racer. Its important to ride in all conditions. Improve your skill in the changing a slippery terrains. Just put yourself in a different environment. Its help with the mental race when the conditions may be the same. It allows you understand how your speed my differ in these conditions. Adjust tyre pressure and using different tyres for these types of conditions. These things make a difference.

It was my birthday and we heli dropped into the first cabin location. We where on the Old Ghost Road, on New Zealands South island. It was foggy and the wheather was coming in. By the time we came out the woods into the higher parts of the trail its was raining sideways and we where in the clouds. No majestic views for us. The trail is approx 80 km long and has accomdations huts along the way. Great adventure. https://oldghostroad.org.nz

New tan wall Vittoria Mezcal tyres. They iz pimpin. On a set of FSE 32mm 1300 grm wheels with Sapim X ray spokes, Extralite Hyberhub 2. Running Shimamo 12 speed XTR cassette. Delicious.

Easy ride to take in the city sights.

On ya bike! Ok then I will

And now for something completely different.

Out and about on the bike.

Time for some wheel building. Extralite Cyberdisc 24 hole disc brake wheel. Nearly one of the lightest around for a disk wheel.

My custom Canyon Cf SL 8, with Ultegra Di2, colour shift paint, Extralite Cyberdisc 38s with ceramic bearings, Goodyear F1 eagle tubeless tyres. Weight 7.1kg.

Summer in on the way.

Thankfully during my lock down I’m still 10 kms away from my door. Meaning I can still enjoy the great view. On the bicycles.

What goes up….Whhoooohoo!

Ride home on a beautiful night along the brown snake.

Back on the trainer watching the women’s mountain bike racing at the Olympics. Chapeau Yolanda and the women’s Swiss team. First , second and third.

Nothing left to do but watch the Olympic Road race and do some interval training.

Brisbane valley rail trail

What goes up must come down, whooo hooo !

I am not great at wheelies but I’m practicing.

End to a great day.

A year in summary.

Last of the sun hits Brisbane Australia for 2020. Happy New Year to all. Bring on 2021.