Need to recuperate on the sofa after a 60km ride on a Thursday morning? How would you go clocking up 5000 kms in 10 days? (Without batteries!)

When 54-year-old Allan Jefferson signed up for the Race Across America — billed as the “world’s toughest bicycle race” – he never expected to win.

The rescue helicopter crewman from North Queensland rode almost non-stop for 5,000 kilometres to cross the finish line after 10 days and 15 minutes.

This year, 33 solo racers took part – but 19 of those did not finish.

“There’s nothing in the book that tells you about how much it hurts afterwards,” he laughed.

Jefferson arrived home in Townsville on Thursday, receiving a hero’s welcome from a legion of supporters who followed his race online.

Read more at ABC News >>>

Planning a cycling holiday? Here is one to jot in the diary…

The Encounter Bikeway, south of Adelaide, is a scenic trail on shared paths quiet residential streets, linking the four coastal towns of Victor Harbor, Port Elliot, Middleton and Goolwa. The distance of The Bikeway is 30km in each direction (60km return).

A range of riding distances are available, making it suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

There is also an option (on Wednesday and Sunday) of catching a train back to the start of the ride.

The Bikeway is suitable for use by cyclists, walkers, skaters and roller bladers, and is wheelchair accessible.

Learn more >>>

While the current wet weather here in Kiama has limited our local cycling opportunities, progress has been made in the establishment of a rail trail on the old rail line south of Queanbeyan – a line that we have all pondered from the car on our trips to the Snowy region.

The Snowy Monaro Regional Council has announced it is working jointly with the Monaro Rail Trail group and Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council on the next steps towards developing a rail trail between Queanbeyan, Cooma and Bombala. Continue reading Monaro Rail Trail agreement signed →

Members of Kiama BUG have been pooling their knowledge and resources to provide enjoyable rides for local cyclists over many years.

Many of these rides have now been documented with maps and directions, mainly for use by visitors to the local area.

The documented rides are categorised in geographical areas, and many include a link to a GPX file containing GPS information.

These maps and guides are now available at the Ride Guides page on the Kiama BUG web site.

This time last year we solicited members for interest in becoming a Ride Leader, we once again make that call. Anyone interested contact Larry via email (larry.parkes@gmail.com)

A smart phone application called Emergency+ has come to our attention. This application (sponsored by Fire and Rescue) is free to download and install on your phone. It is available for both Android via Google Play Store and the iPhone via the App Store. This application provides quick access to emergency phone numbers and your current position should you need impose on emergency services for assistance. Might be useful for you.