Community Fun Ride 2012 – Fernleigh Track :

An event forming part of NSW Bike Week, the community fun ride from 9am to 11am this morning was well attended, with hire bikes, live music, a prize draw,  and free coffee/breakfast. There were bike safety checks courtesy of Hadley Cycles.

Bernie, a well known Newcastle cycling advocate had a great range of Dutch and classic bikes on display, and for hire. It was encouraging to see so many young people hiring bikes to enjoy the track on a warm September morning, perhaps to be further inspired to get into cycling.

a pre-ride adjustment

heading off …

for all ages

This aftermarket electric assist converted Gazelle Cabby (below) was very popular – I wonder if Gazelle will do one “in-house” ?

ploughing furrows

family taxi – note the front electro hub

smile !

jazzy vanmoof 3-speed with B68 saddle

an impressive huka (?) cargo bike 

a dutch lekker bike

three classics

Above from the front, the unidentified silver bike had lovely ornate lugwork but was mostly non-original (what a great project!), the second, an original Malvern Star “Roadstar” step-thru, then an original red Repco 10-speed.

Bernie and passenger in the cabby

The park at Whitebridge is roughly the centre and the highest point of the track, and there were rides in both directions from there.

A pleasant morning indeed …

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gazelle Cabby – A Quick Look :

The Cabby in blue.

I had a chance to check out the Gazelle Cabby at the Living Smart festival last weekend. It’s a variation of the Dutch “bakfiets” cargo or box-bike, fitted with hub gears and a collapsible cargo “soft box” with child seating. It is non-electric assist (there’s an idea !) and has a linkage from the handlebar fitted steering column to the steering head for the small front wheel. The great advantage of this arrangement is the low centre of gravity and high capacity for the load. Also the rider can keep an eye on the kids and/or cargo.

I thought it would feel strange to ride but I acclimatised to it in a few seconds and found it both enjoyable and easy to balance during a short ride unloaded. It also has a very wide and stable centre stand for parking.

Hail Cabby ! The rider's view.

The little front wheel looks strangely detached, and I found myself watching it in fascination as I rode along.

The hypnotic front wheel ...and a roller brake with cooling fins.

With a load, the Cabby feels a bit like riding a tandem with its long wheelbase and the feel of the extra weight. If you live near Newcastle, this bike is normally displayed at Civic Bikes in Hunter Street West for those who would like a closer look.

On the centre stand.

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