This event at Kiama Library will be of interest to many Kiama BUG members…

Kiama Library is hosting an evening with Jacqui Webster, sharing the story about her travel memoir, Two Bugs on Bikes: Our middle-aged gap year cycling across Europe and Africa.

Jacqui and Joe will share some of the highlights from their experiences of cycling 18,000 kilometres through 30 countries across Europe and Africa – braving bears in Bulgaria, conquering mountain passes in Slovenia, taking bold leaps of faith in Türkiye, and crossing rivers, traversing deserts, and dodging wild animals across the African continent.

Through it all, Jacqui and Joe forge connections with people from all walks of life, and confront the harsh realities of people’s lives in the face of increasing food insecurity compounded by climate change. It’s a trial of resilience, forcing them to confront their futures.

A talk not to be missed.

Books available for signing and purchase.

• Where: Kiama Library
• When: Tuesday 25th November | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• Booking: Register online or call 02 4233 1133.
• Cost: FREE

Visit Kiama Library website>>>

It’s going to be a Kiama BUG kinda Christmas….

There are two steps to follow if you will be attending the 2025 Christmas get together….

Step 1 – Transfer $20 pp to the Kiama BUG bank account….

• Account name: Kiama Bicycle User Group Inc
• BSB: 032-689
• Account No: 135138
• ‘To’ Description: Include your name, followed by the code CD25 (eg F Nurk CD25)

Step 2 – Let the caterers know you will be there….. Click/tap on the Kiama BUG Christmas wheel below to go to the RSVP form – before Monday 1st December. (If you are a late entry, no probs – just let someone know that you would like to be there and we will get it sorted – info@kiamabug.org.au is probably the best contact option.)

RSVP

As noted in a previous KBUG News post, new e-bike laws being introduced in NSW, aimed to curb the fire hazard caused by lithium-ion batteries, have been pushed back to February 1, 2026.

Many e-bike hire businesses across NSW say they will still be unable to afford compliance before the new date, and face closure.

The NSW government is being asked for different considerations for bike hire operators to help them replace bikes that do not meet the new standards. 

Under NSW law, a hire is classed as a sale.

Unlike retailers who can sell non-certified stock before the February deadline, hire operators rely on the e-bike manufacturers to get the certification, or replace their fleets themselves.

Read more at ABC News >>>

NSW e-Bike product standards, introduced earlier this year, were to be a nationwide first to tackle the risk of lithium battery fires, applying to e-Bike sales and e-Bike hire, and micro-mobility products like e-scooters & skateboards.

Fines of up to $825,000 were meant to commence from August 1 for manufacturers and suppliers who did not have e-bike models and parts certified on time — including lithium-ion batteries or chargers.

Retailer 99 Bikes began clearing stock in preparation, while US manufacturer Trek said it would be forced to withdraw from sales in NSW in order to comply with the original date.

After some pressure, the NSW government quietly announced last week the cut-off was postponed until next February.

Read more at ABC News >>>

Attention all Kiama BUG members….

The 2025 Kiama BUG Annual General Meeting and Dinner will be held on Wednesday 27th August, at the Oak Flats Bowling Club.

The function will commence at 6:00pm.

Our AGM will be held at 6:30pm, followed by Dinner at 7:00pm

Please review the information below – to either:

1. RSVP for the AGM and Dinner
   and/or
2. Nominate for the Kiama BUG Committee

Please RSVP by Monday 11th August.
Continue reading KBUG AGM and Annual Dinner 2025 →

This year’s Kiama BUG Cycling Tour will visit the NSW Central Coast and Newcastle during the week commencing 12th May 2025.

There will be three days of riding….

• Tuesday 13th May: Tuggerah Lake Loop (54 km)
• Wednesday 14th May: Fernleigh Newcastle Track (55 km)
• Thursday 15th May: Lake Budgewoi Loop (35 km)

Our base for the trip will be the Norah Head Holiday Park. The Norah Head Holiday Park offers a wide range of accommodation.

More information about each of the rides is available in the Ride Information document below. (This document will be updated as planning progresses.)

All rides will be on paved surfaces.

You will need to organise your own accommodation, staying in the area from Monday 12th May, to be ready to roll on the Tuesday morning, when we will be leaving the Norah Head Holiday Park at 8:00 am. 

To assist in the organisation for the trip, please register at the link below, before Wednesday 30th April.

• Central Coast Ride information >>>
• Central Coast Tour Registration Form  >>>

More discussion and planning will no doubt take place on our regular rides over the coming weeks.

It’s going to be a Kiama BUG kinda Christmas….

There are two steps to follow if you will be attending the 2024 Christmas dinner….

Step 1 – Transfer $25 pp to the Kiama BUG bank account….

• Account name: Kiama Bicycle User Group Inc
• BSB: 032-689
• Account No: 135138
• ‘To’ Description: Include your name, followed by the code CD24 (eg F Nurk CD24)

Step 2 – Let the caterers know you will be there….. Click/tap on the Kiama BUG Christmas wheel below to go to the RSVP form – before Tuesday 3rd December...

RSVP

When Queensland’s South Burnett rail line closed after a century of servicing communities in the region, it seemed the beginning of the end. But ABC Back Roads presenter Lisa Millar (who grew up in the area) discovers new life and prosperity is coming down the same corridor in the form of cyclists, tourists and runners.

The Rail Trail is bringing thousands of people to the region, as well as uniting the locals in the towns along the trail – running, walking, cycling and even riding horses along the trail. Last year 32,000 people passed one of the Rail Trail measuring points at Kingaroy!

Watch the ABC Back Roads ‘South Burnett Rail Trail’ episode >>>

(Note: You will need to login to the ABC to watch – alternatively, you can stream it on your TV.)