by Annette | Oct 27, 2014 | get Ready
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][themeone_spacer height=”41px”][vc_column_text]I went for a ride this morning and, what can I say, its wet here which means things are slippery. Tracks I thought I knew and could trust have become things to be wary of.
What happened? We climbed a bumpy track, I fell off and just lost my groove. I arrived home earlier than I had planned, so what to do with this spare ride time? Well, clean my bike.
A clean bike looks good, performs better, lasts longer and is easier to maintain. Enough said those are all great reasons to reach for your bike cleaning kit.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][themeone_spacer height=”18px”][vc_btn title=”Bike Cleaning Buying Guide” style=”flat” color=”violet” size=”lg” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fgoride-debugclone.mystagingwebsite.com%2Fportfolio%2Fbike-cleaning-buying-guide%2F|||”][themeone_spacer height=”18px”][vc_btn title=”Shop Bike and Chain Cleaning” style=”flat” color=”warning” size=”lg” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fgoride-debugclone.mystagingwebsite.com%2Fbike-chain-cleaning-products%2F|||”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]
If you are anything like me your bike needs to be cleaned more often than it does. To help you achieve a more regular cleaning routine you need a bike cleaning kit. A kit that is ready to go when find that spare moment to clean your bike. You can put a kit together yourself or purchase the ready to go kits at goRide.
WHATS IN A BASIC BIKE CLEANING KIT?Save
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A bucket – that you will need to fill with water.
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A solution/detergent that will help remove dirt, grease and grime. We recommend an eco-
friendly detergent
[/vc_column_text][themeone_spacer height=”41px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”12340″ img_size=”600 x 400″][vc_column_text]This is a ready to go detergent in a spray bottle. The spray helps to get the detergent into hard to reach areas. Once empty refill with 100ml of chain clean and add water to make 1 Litre. Shop here[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”12341″ img_size=”600 x 400″][vc_column_text]Add to your bucket of water and to your spray bottle at a ratio of 1:10 (solution: water) and it becomes your general bike cleaning solution. This product is also your chain cleaner (degreaser- in its undiluted form). Shop here[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”4059″ img_size=”600 x 400″][vc_column_text]Bucket of water and some eco-freindly kitchen detergent. Though not bike speicifc and not as good at removing grease and dirt it will do the job.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]
Cleaning Tools – Brushes and clothes to help you clean.
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Save[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”12342″ img_size=”600 x 400″][vc_column_text]A long bristled brush to allow reach into hard to get areas. This sized brush makes cleaning simple , quick and easy. Shop here[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17075″ img_size=”600 x 400″][vc_column_text]A small bristled brush. Eg a toothbrush. This is to get into areas that you found challenging with your long bristed brush or for spot cleaning.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”12344″ img_size=”600 x 400″][vc_column_text]Cleaning cloths and useful as a large cleaning surface and for using to wipe off grease and dirt.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”16889″ img_size=”600 x 400″][vc_column_text]If you want cleaning the chain to be an easy, clean job then adding a chain scrub tool to your cleaning kit is the best way to do it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][themeone_spacer height=”41px”][vc_column_text]Want to clean now….great, take a look at our general bike cleaning guide for all the tips and tricks you will need for a thorough basic clean of your bike. Remember once you have cleaned your chain you will need to lube your bike chain. If you want to clean with the kids or think it’s about time you learnt some things about your bike while you clean go to Bike Cleaning for the Kids & You.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Prefer a Kit that is ready to go check out goRide has cleaning kits.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”16915″ img_size=”600 x 400″][vc_column_text]goRide ‘Ready to’ Bike Clean Kit[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”16854″ img_size=”600 x 400″][vc_column_text]goRide Everyday Bike & Chain – Clean & Lube Kit[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”16853″ img_size=”600 x 400″][vc_column_text]goRide Deluxe Bike & Chain – Clean & Lube Kit[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”16914″ img_size=”600 x 400″][vc_column_text]goRide Chain – Clean & Lube Kit[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1503563327751{background-color: #427cb5 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column delay=”0ms”][themeone_spacer height=”14px”][vc_column_text]
get Ready and goRide –Â Whats in a Bike Cleaning Kit
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Thanks for reading. Used together our stories, resources & products support you to achieve and develop as a rider.
Related Resources:
goRide helps you find your riding SMILE. Now it’s your turn….Contact goRide. Your thoughts, comments or feedback will make us SMILE.
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Other resources to help make you SMILE when you goRide
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13955″ img_size=”600 x 400″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.goride.co.nz/bike-topics/women-learning-bike/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13957″ img_size=”600 x 400″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.goride.co.nz/bike-topics/places-to-ride/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”13956″ img_size=”600 x 400″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.goride.co.nz/bike-topics/types-of-riders/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”17004″ img_size=”600 x 400″ alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.goride.co.nz/bike-topics/riding-gear/”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
by Annette | Oct 27, 2014 | get Inspired
The goRide women profiles tell stories about everyday women who ride bikes.  These stories will connect you to real women and perhaps spark an idea about what you could achieve with your riding or remind you of what you have done.  We are all on a journey, regardless of whether you are beginning or an experienced rider, so be open and curious and see what happens.  Lets begin to build a stronger you and a stronger riding community.  Enjoy your reading…
RIDING WORD – ADVENTUROUS
When did you learn to ride and why do you still ride?
I learnt to ride when I was 8 years old and it is one of my clearest childhood memories.  I still ride because I love being connected to the outdoors.  It is one of the few things that I can do that still makes me smile like I’m 8 again.  Its also a great way to get around and feel like you are connected to your community.
 What type of riding do you do?
At the moment I mountain bike, ride in the weekend with the kids and try to ride the kids to school down our hill and through central Nelson. Â I still have the Avanti Sprint road bike that I got for my 21st birthday so you could say I’m also into vintage bikes!
Do you have a biking tip or piece of advice that you would like to share?
Join a riding group that interests you or get some friends together to make it social. Â It’s so much more fun when you can share in experiences and learn from others.
What, if any, are your frustrations with riding? Generally and personally.
I get really frustrated with my lack of knowledge about tools and how to use them so when something simple goes wrong it takes way longer than it should for me to sort it out or in some cases I just can’t and have to rely on someone else.  I don’t enjoy how cold I get on the bike at times – so I need to think more about good clothing choices.
In general terms it frustrates me when I hear men talk about taking their partners, girlfriends out for a ride and how they ended up walking!!  This puts off so many women – there are all types of riding we don’t all have to be mountain bike downhillers.
What is your favourite ride now?
I would have to say The Coppermine in Nelson for me and I did a bike/walk into Whispering Falls in the Hackett Valley with the kids which was amazing also Nelson area.
What is your favourite ride from the past?
Oh so hard to choose one. Â When I was 21 I did a 4 day cycling tour around the Mt Cook area which was magical because of the scenery, Â because it involved bunch riding, because I was extremely fit and because we had a van following us with all our gear.
Do you have a riding goal at the moment? Â (think equipment, skills/technique, rides)
Now: Â My goals at the moment are to get fit and technically capable to ride The Heaphy next season and to learn a couple of repair techniques e.g. fixing a snapped chain and dealing with slipping gears. Â I also want to ride to school with my kids more often.
In the future:Â To start riding a greater variety of mountain bike trails. Â I would love to do a bike tour with the kids especially overseas, so preparing them now with local bike rides/touring and thinking about the equipment we would need.
Thanks for reading Annette’s profile.  Used together our stories and resources support you to achieve and develop as a rider.   Do it, at your own pace, in your own time, in a fun, supported way – the goRide way.Â
Related goRide Resources and Stories
Women profile page
goRide is a shared journey, so we would like you to assist in guiding it along the way.  Contact us with your thoughts, comments or feedback in the box below. Thank you for being a part of the goRide way.
by Annette | Oct 27, 2014 | get Inspired
Its great to feel like you’re a part of something.  It doesn’t matter whether your part is big or small.  If you ride a bike you’re part of a world wide riding community. In New Zealand biking with kids is a big part of what we do. There are so many places to go and experience that kids would love.
We could think of no better way to start than with The New Zealand Cycle Trail or Nga Haerenga – which means ‘the journeys’. Â The New Zealand Cycle Trail is a diverse offering of purpose built cycle trails in some of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand. Â These cycling trails vary widely in length, trail surface and difficulty to ride. Â So finding the perfect one requires a bit of time & consideration.
Browse through what stories we have to offer on parts of the NZ Cycle Trail with more of a family twist as we gather great bike touring tips for families wanting to ride in different parts of New Zealand.
West Coast Wilderness Trail
The Great Taste Trail – Nelson to Kaiteriteri with Kids
The Central Otago Rail Trail – Â Bike Touring with Kids
The WestCoast Wilderness Trail – Bike Touring with Kids
Alps to Ocean – The Vercoe Family’s Inspiring Story
Above are the stories of how our NZ Cycle Trail journey went – see below for the details, the planning & preparation that gave us the outcome that we wanted – lots of riding SMILE moments…
The Kids Guide to Riding – Planning & Preparation
The Great Taste Trail – Planning & Preparation
The Central Otago Rail Trail – Planning & Preparation
The West Coast Wilderness Trail – Planning & Preparation
Alps to Ocean – Planning & Preparation
Check out the New Zealand Cycle Trail website at www.nzcycletrail.com and be inspired, gather ideas and begin to plan for you & your family…
Thanks for reading. Used together our stories, resources & products support you to achieve and develop as a rider.
Related goRide Resources.
Get Ready to goRide with Kids
Taupo – Mountain Biking with Kids
goRide helps you to find your riding smile…now it’s your turn. Contact us. Your thoughts, comments or feedback will make us SMILE.
by Jo | Oct 27, 2014 | get Inspired
The goRide women profiles tell stories about everyday women who ride bikes.  You will discover all sorts of tips from women who ride bikes. These stories will connect you to real women and perhaps spark an idea about what you could achieve with your riding or remind you what you have done.  We are all on a journey, regardless of whether you are beginning or an experienced rider, so be open and curious and see what happens.  Lets begin to build a stronger you and a stronger riding community.  Enjoy your reading…
RIDING WORD – SAFE AND CHALLENGING
When did you learn to ride and why do you still ride?
I think some of my memory of learning to ride is triggered by photos, but I was 5 years old and I was with my dad in the back yard. I can still feel and visualise my determination. I just kept going until I could ride. Â I still ride because I love the simplicity.
 What kind of biking do you do…All sorts. We commute by bike. Living close to central Nelson (we call it living in the village) allows us to primarily get around on our bikes. I have been asked a number of times, do you have a car? Yes we do! Other biking includes mountain biking, recreational rides and cycle touring with the kids, and in the past road cycling but I would have to dust the cobwebs off the road bike, I haven’t been out on that one for a while.
Do you have a biking tip or piece of advice that you would like to share?
Set a goal and don’t let it feel too big. Know that every goal is just about taking steps. What can I do next, or what can I do today, to work towards achieving my goal.
What, if any, are your frustrations with riding? Personally and generally.
Being a woman, and 5 foot 1″, the riding world just doesn’t feel set up for me. I feel like my needs and desires are not understood. Knowledge needs to be my weapon to ensure I get gear that is appropriate and works for me and I am not pushed into gear because that is all “they” have on offer.
What is your favourite ride now?
I love going up so anything that gets me high with great views makes me smile.
What is your favourite ride from the past?
Has to be cycle touring. When I was 27 I went on my OE to the UK.  As a physiotherapist I was able to do locums, so I could work for a block period of time and then travel, run out of money head back to the UK for another locum, and so on. When I travelled I did a lot of cycle touring Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain. The highlight the Pyrenees (the hills of the Tour de France), so we were a little slower than those guys. Loaded with gear  we were traveling up hills at about 5-6km/hour. Up 16km hills you can do the maths on how long it took us to get to the top. The achievement, the scenery, the villages, the locals and well deserved lunch stops …….eh bliss.
Do you have a riding goal at the moment? Â (think equipment, skills/technique, rides)
Now:  My trusty old bike has done a lot of miles, it has been a great companion but it is really holding me back on my enjoyment of a ride, and achieving my goals, so after 20 years it has to go… time to upgrade. Also gaining confidence on the downhill so it doesn’t limit my rides too much. Being organised, organised, organised so I reduce the barriers to getting on my bike.
Future:  Cycle tour with my family……starting with New Zealand. We have already completed the Rail Trail. The Heaphy is also on my list, that means new bike, more practise, more confidence.. can’t wait.
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Thanks for reading. Used together our stories and resources support you to achieve and develop as a rider.Â
Related goRide Resources:
goRide is a shared journey, so we would like you to assist in guiding it along the way. Â Contact goRide. Â Your thoughts, comments or feedback are welcome. Thank you for being a part of the goRide way.
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by Jo | Oct 27, 2014 | get Inspired
Last holidays we set off to Waimarama Sanctuary for a day of biking, bush walking, a picnic and playground fun. Â What did we want? A fun day out that everyone could enjoy, something exciting for the kids but manageable for us. Â What did we discover? Â To be safe on the road while riding with our group of kids, all of them are under 10, we needed to constantly communicate with them. Â Our problem on this particular day – everyone wanted to ride at the front.
We had a lot of jostling about who was going to be the leader so after a STOP! and talk about sharing and turns there was less of a race to the end, and more of a family ride.  The majority of this ride is on the road so we needed to set rules and responsibilities early on to keep everyone safe and us sane.  We had one adult in the middle of our group and one at the back, with four kids in between.  Our job, keep talking. Telling them whose turn next, when that might be, how long to go,e.g. when we get to the next signpost it will be Hollie’s turn to lead.
The kids ate, biked, walked and played, before we knew it we were heading back home. Â And it began all over again… getting to the front, cutting people off, when is it is my turn? (in a very whinny voice). Â Once again we had to stop, have a discussion about being safe and set the order of turns as the leader. Â Our group all wanted to lead, some a lot more than others, but it was really important to communicate what we wanted from them and how they should be riding safely as a group on the road – single file and always listening.
Check out the facilities and fun in the slider
Playground fun
The lunch spot
The flying fox
The pump track
If you live in Nelson or are visiting any time soon we recommend the Waimarama Sanctuary ride so check out the fact sheet which includes a map
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Thanks for reading. Used together our stories and resources support you to achieve and develop as a rider.Â
Related goRide Resources:
Waimarama Brook Sanctuary Fact Sheet – ride details and map
goRide is a shared journey, so we would like you to assist in guiding it along the way. Â Contact goRide. Â Your thoughts, comments or feedback are welcome. Thank you for being a part of the goRide way.
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by Annette | Oct 27, 2014 | get Better
All that sits between you and a very bumpy ride is some rubber and air. John Boyd Dunlop is given credit for inventing the first wheel to have rubber tyres and an inner tube. John lived in Ireland and the year was 1887. Today we have better bikes, better tyres, better tools but do we have a better ride? Your ride can only be as good as you are. Do you know how to get the most out of your tyres so you can enjoy your ride?
A goRide SERIES ON HOW PARTS OF YOUR BIKE WORK – The Bike Tyre
What are the basic jobs of your bike tyre? To provide comfort, give you grip onto the ground and stop punctures. How does it do this?
Pressure. For your wheel to give you a smooth ride and prevent damage, especially to your rims, your bike tyres need to be pumped to the correct pressure (PSI). This pressure will vary depending on the type of tyres, the surface you are riding on and how heavy you are. The max PSI on a mountain bike (MTB)Â tyre is a limit, not a target or recommendation. When checking the pressure on your mountain bike, a good rule is that you should be able to make a small indent with your thumb. Too tight = less tyre in contact with the ground = less traction. Different pressures will give you different levels of traction. For now lets make sure your tyre is pumped up to a firm pressure – close to your maximum PSI.
Traction. Traction is dependant on the tyre tread (bumpy pattern that touches the ground). Treads range between slick (smooth) and knobbly. Slick provides little traction but a fast roll and is more suited for road riding. Knobbly provides good traction but a slower roll and is more suited for mountain bike riding. There are all sorts of options and combinations of tread in between the two. Have a look at the type of tread on your tyres. Give some thought to what is the best tread to use for your bike and the type of riding that you do, slick, knobbly or somewhere in-between?
Protection. The tyre also protects the tube that lies underneath. Any defect in the rubber or fabric casing can expose the tube and cause you to puncture. Have a look at the state of the rubber on your tyre. Can you see any wearing or splits?
Getting to know your bike tyre can give you a better ride in terms of comfort and better control in terms of traction. It will also reduce the likelihood of getting a flat tyre something we would all like to avoid because once you leave the house its a big world of sharp stones, gravel, glass, nails, gorse…
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Thanks for reading. Used together our stories and resources support you to achieve and develop as a rider.
Related goRide Resources:
How to Buy a Bike Tube
goRide is a shared journey, so we would like you to assist in guiding it along. Contact goRide. Â Your thoughts, comments or feedback are welcome. Thank you for being a part of the goRide way.[/themeone_section]
