blog

Cross Country and Single Speed Champs

This Saturday, May 26th, sees an exciting day of racing held at Waikari Creek/Redwood Trails, with the Cross Country and Single Speed Champs. Entrants will race a course that takes around 20-30 minutes, with a set number of laps (usually 4-6) they have to complete depending on their category. The total racing time will be around 1.5 hours, and the first to complete their set number of laps will win a gold medal.

For the Single Speed Champs, we encourage you to dress up. If you don’t have a single speed bike, then you can still enter. Simply select which gear you would like to ride in and we will tape the gears. Entry for juniors is $30 and seniors $35 - or ride in both races for $50

Cross Country Champs: Registration opens at 9am and racing begins at 10am. The racing categories are:

• Under 15 boys and girls
• Under 19 boys and girls
• Open men and women
• Vet men and women 40+
• Master men and women 50+

​Single Speed Champs: Registration opens at 1.30pm with racing beginning at 2pm. The racing categories are:

• Under 19 boys and girls
• Open men and women
• Vet men and women 40+
• Masters Men and women 50+

This race has been organised by Ronel Cook, who is an integral part of the local mountain biking community.  She is also a 24-hour solo mountain biking champion, and one very inspirational rider! We sat down with Ronel to ask her a few questions about the upcoming race.

What motivates you to do the Otago Cross Country Champs?            
I love the challenge of racing and the sense of accomplishment when finishing a race. Racing is also about meeting like-minded people, trying to race each other, and having a laugh together at the finish line. I’m racing in the Single Speed Champs on the afternoon of 26th May because it is a fun event and we get to dress up. The single speeders do a few fun things in their races, so come along and find out. You can bring a geared bike - you choose which gear you want to ride and we will tape the gears up so you have a single speed.

Who are you aiming this race at?         
Any mountain biker that wants to race can enter. You will need an intermediate skill level as there will be small log drops, rocks, roots and tight corners. If the weather is true to prediction, it will be wet so there will be mud, but this will wash off.

How many people are you expecting?          
It’s hard to tell. If the weather is fine we could have many people, if it is wet some people stay away. The Facebook indication is around 30 people, but you never know.

What exciting features are there in the course or is it a secret?
Holler Coaster is one of the features, it’s got a great dip and if you hit it at speed its good fun. Also lots of cool berms and a seesaw; if you choose to ride it. It’s not a very technical course, so people will be able to ride most of it.

Who are Mountain Biking Otago (MBO) and what is their role in the race you are organising?
The stated purpose of MBO Inc is to promote and develop mountain biking as a recreational pursuit and competitive sport in the Otago region. I sit on the committee and volunteer and help wherever I can. This is the first race I am organising for the club.  MBO is offering support and guidance to enable the running of a quality event.

What happens if it rains?
We have shifted the venue to the Wakari Creek/Redwoods Trails so that we can still ride if it rains. Most trails are gravelled, so we will be able to ride them. Do expect some mud and puddles. Signal Hill will be too slippery and we would not be able to set a good enough course.

Do you have an alternative track or do you need to be hard?
You need some degree of hardness and a sense of adventure. It will be cold and might rain, but I believe if you dress for the conditions it won’t be as bad as you think it is.

How do you get started if you are keen to get into racing?
It’s easy, bring your bike and enter on the day, that is the best way to see if you like racing or not. If you have ridden in Wakari Creek before and enjoyed it, then give it a go, you might surprise yourself and win a medal.

Photo credit: Kane Fleury

Odds & Ends, Movie and Pizza Night!

Last night's shindig was a fantastic time. It was super nice catch up with so many lovely people over pizza, gingerbread, the movie Gamble featuring New Zealands own Blinky and Bulldog and Emersons on tap.

 

No dramas if you weren't able to make it last night - our Odds & Ends Sale is still on and is available to peruse online as well so check it out here.

 

Thanks to everyone who braved the weather to attend last night. Huge thanks to our fav legendary local brewery, Emersons.

Tips for Night Riding and Choosing the Best Lights

The days may be getting cooler and shorter, but that should’t be an excuse to stop riding over the winter months. Riding at night is a great way to get out on a winter's night and keep training and fitness levels up through the winter. It can also totally change a riders perspective on a trail that they may know really well in the daytime.

Two trails that are great for both winter riding and night riding are the Redwoods trails in Waikari and the Big Easy at Signal Hill. These tracks hold up the best in muddy, wet winter conditions and they drain relatively well so are not as slippery. They are also fun and relatively cruisy for a wide range of abilities. Even if you are an advanced rider, riding these tracks at night is still exciting as the darkness adds a completely new and fun dimension to it!

Of course riding at night means you do need to take into account some extra safety precautions. Tracks can feel really different in the dark and nightlights can reflect off features such as rocks and roots differently, making it hard to get a true sense of their location and size.

If you are new to night riding, it’s important to slow down and get used to the feeling of riding through the dark. You cannot see as far ahead as you can in the daylight and this can affect your perception and spacial awareness. Even if you are an experienced rider, tracks that you know well during the day can feel very different at night time!

It’s essential to be prepared when heading out for a night ride and lights are an absolute must, as well as your usual safety gear like a helmet, good gloves and knee pads. Reflective clothing is also a good idea, especially if you are riding on roads to and from the trails. Reflective clothing or accessories make you much more visible to other road users.

It’s also a good idea to bring extra layers of clothing, as temperatures drop in the evening time. If you are stopping for a break before your descent you can cool down quickly and its hard to warm back up. Carrying a spare light or battery pack, first aid kit, spare inner tube, and pump etc is always good practice too - just in case!

When it comes to kitting yourself out with lights, we recommend a helmet mounted light. This gives you maximum vision and allows you to see around corners better than just solely a bar mounted one. The ideal light set up is to run a handle bar mounted light and a helmet mounted light, but this can be quite a hit on the budget, so if you are just running one always go helmet mounted first! 

When it comes to choosing a light, lumens (or brightness) is the most important factor. Specific night riding lights are much brighter, with lumens ranging from around 800-2,500. The higher the lumens, the brighter and more powerful the lights will be. Some brands of night lights will also have a 2-cell or 4-cell battery option, with 4-cell having a longer lasting battery charge allowing you to go on longer rides. 

Night lights range in price from around $125 up to $700, so there is something to fit with every budget. At Bike Otago we range a few different brands and one of our favourites is Zero. This is a brand we have been working with for years, and they have two main options: A 900 lumen light for $125 or a 1,800 lumen light for $169. Both of these options come with handle bar and helmet mounts and a wall plug-in charger. 

We also stock Gemini which is is our more premium brand with prices starting at $249. They offer a few models at various lumens and battery cell options. A popular model that we range is the Gemini "Duo" model which offers dual LED's of 1,500 lumens and is an exceptionally lightweight night light at 68 grams. It also comes with a handlebar mount, head strap mount, helmet mount and wireless control unit (mounted to the handlebars).There is a 2-cell and 4-cell battery option, and we have the 4-cell option in store. The total cost is for this is $375. 

If you need help setting up your bike for night riding, then come into Bike Otago and have a chat to our staff. They will be able to find the lighting system that’s best for you and meets your budget.

How to Choose the Right Bike for You

Riding is an exciting sport that allows you to get out and experience the gorgeous scenery that New Zealand has to offer. If you are a newbie to biking, it can be a little daunting with all of the fantastic bikes on offer. So how do you know what one is the best for you? We’ve put together a list of things to consider when buying your first mountain bike. 

USEAGE

The first factor that needs to be considered, is what will you be using the bike for? Will you be commuting to work? Riding off road in the weekends? Or a bit of both? Deciding on how you will best use the bike allows us to narrow down the right bike for you. There is quite a difference in how certain bikes perform and ride in different conditions. 

SIZE

Getting the right size bike is extremely important as it impacts on how you ride. We recommend popping in store to Bike Otago and we can fit you with the right bike.  While there are height charts available, they can’t always predict the correct size as it depends more on a riders torso height, rather than body height. We can take a look at you on the bike to ensure it fits well and you don't need to go up or down a size. For our higher end bikes, we can also set you up with an at home trainer to get a really accurate position.

BUDGET

The third factor to take into account is budget. Bikes can range anywhere from $500 through to $5,000+ so it’s important to have an idea of what you would like to spend. Again, this gives us idea of which bike to place you with.

We recommend you come in store to Bike Otago and have a chat to us, so that we can find the bike that's perfect for you. We can also get you set up with any other gear you may need such as helmets and lights. 

Our Next Womens Ride & Great Mother's Day Specials

Our next organised ladies ride is a special Mother’s Day ride on Saturday 12th of May at 10am. Led by Natalie Munns and Rowena Geisreiter, this ride is open to women only, and we will be riding the Big Easy track near Logan Park. This is the perfect way to spend the morning riding with some other like-minded mums, or a great mother daughter day out!

This is a social ride and is designed for all abilities and ages, so is beginner-friendly. Of course, if you have been riding for a while you are also most welcome, as the group will be split accordingly on the various trails if people wish to ride at different levels.

After our ride we will head to Emersons for some well-deserved coffee, cake and chat!

All you need to bring for the ride is a water bottle, a snack, and some warm layers in case the day is a little chilly. We also recommend you bring a spare change of clothes and shoes incase your riding gear gets a bit muddy and you would like to come to Emersons afterwards.

There’s no need to register for this ride, but we will be leaving at 10am sharp from the Logan Park High School carpark so make sure you are there in plenty of time to join the group. The ride will take around 1.5 hours, and we expect to be finished up by about 1pm.

If the weather is bad, then please check our Bike Otago Facebook page from 9am for any bad weather cancellations.

We also have lots of specials in-store right now that make the perfect gift for Mum this Mother’s Day! These include:

Ladies Who Love to Ride - Winter Update

Sadly April sees the end of Daylight Savings, which means that our Ladies Who Love to Ride evening rides are now finished for the season. The 2017-18 summer has been sublime with such perfect riding conditions, and our group was able to try lots of new trails on Signal Hill and Wakari. We have also seen some incredible development in riders skills, with some women starting off as fairly novice riders and by the end of the season, feeling so much more confident on the trails. We were so lucky to have extremely passionate and lovely ride guides join us for our rides and share with us their infectious passion for riding! 

We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming a lot of new faces to the group this year, and have been really lucky to have a wonderful group of women, all of whom have a common interest - their love of riding.

We would love to thank our gorgeous Ride Guides who came along each week for the season: Catherine Shayler, Rowena Geisreiter, Natalie Munns and Roshni Mistry, and to those that came when we needed extra Women on Wheels - Devonia Kruimer, Sam Hope, and Linda Hope. Lastly, a special thanks to beautiful Ride Guide Catherine Shayler, who is so passionate about riding and sharing her love of riding with those who are new to the sport. We thank you so much and wish you so much love and luck in your new role as a mum!

We are planning to have a last get together before the winter season, and instead of a ride this will be a cycling-focused 30 minute Pilates session. This will be led by Lyndsey Cackette and and assisted by Rowena Geisreiter from Vogel Street Physio and Pilates. Please register your interest with us as we would like to limit it to 12 women. This evening will be held at our Bike Otago store on Cumberland Street, and will be followed by cups of tea, beautiful baking, and some good chat! All we ask is that you bring your own mat, and ensure you are wearing some comfy clothing!

This event will be held at Bike Otago on Cumberland Street on the 24th of April at 6pm. To register your interest, please email roshni@blackseal.co.nz 

Electric Bike FAQ - All your eBike questions answered!

Electric bikes have seen a surge in popularity lately, and it’s for good reason. Not only are eBikes a fun way to get around, they are also eco-friendly and definitely still count as exercise! They are also the perfect option for those of us that live in the city, as they are compact and easy to store, and have far less running costs that a car.

If you are completely new to the world of electric bikes, then this blog post will explain how they work and why we love them so much here at Bike Otago!

What exactly is an eBike?

An eBike or electric bike looks much like your regular bike except that it is equipped with a battery. This allows the bike to be propelled both by pedal power and battery power, making going up hills much easier! You can choose how much battery assist you would like to benefit from as you ride.

How fast can they go?

Depending on the brand and model of eBike, some can reach speeds of 35km per hour.  Generally a bike with a 300kw motor, like the eCity 300, will go between 25-30kph.

How long does the battery last and how long does it take to charge?

This does depend on varying brands and models, as well as factors like the weight of the rider and the amount of assist given. Typically a bike can go anywhere from 50 to 200kms before it needs to be recharged. Your average battery charge will take between 3-6 hours, depending on the bike.

If the battery runs out, what happens?

Never fear, if the battery runs out while you are out riding, you won’t have to push your bike! Your bike will still function like a normal pedal power bike. 

Are the bikes waterproof? Can I ride them in the rain?

Electric bikes can definitely be ridden in the rain and are deemed to be splash proof. While you won’t have any issues riding in the rain, we wouldn’t recommend riding your eBike through any significant amount of water like a river etc, as they are not completely waterproof.

Do I need a motorbike or car license to ride one?

No, as long as the bike is under 300 watts, you do not need a license. Anything over 300 watts is required to be registered as a moped here in NZ.

What brands are available?

At Bike Otago we stock Smartmotion, Lapierre, and Giant and Liv brands. Come in store and check out our range and we can find the perfect eBike for you. We also offer a free demo on some models, so you can ride the bike home and try it out before you buy!

If you have any other questions about eBikes, feel free to get in touch with our team here at Bike Otago. We are Dunedin’s electric bike experts!

Ladies Who Love to Ride 2018 Riding Group

Calling all Ladies Who Love to Ride! We hope you’ve all had a fantastic (and relaxing!) summer break and managed to get out and enjoy some of this amazing weather we have been having!

After taking a bit of a break over the holidays, our ladies rides are back! We are kicking off 2018 with a ride up Signal Hill which is perfect for both total beginners and more experienced riders. 

If you haven’t been on one of our ladies rides before, then never fear. They are very beginner friendly, so even if you haven’t ridden a bike in years, you can feel comfortable riding in this supportive group. As well as getting outdoors and enjoying some exercise, our ladies rides are also a fantastic way to meet other like-minded women and make some new friends. 

We will be riding at the slightly earlier time of 6.15pm on Tuesday the 23rd of January.  We will be meeting at Logan Park High School and will go from there.

As always, if you have any questions about our ladies riding group or need any assistance assistance with equipment or bikes, then get in touch with us here at Bike Otago. We are always happy to help! Grab your friends and we will see you tonight!

Holiday Riding

The summer holidays are nearly here, and for many of us this means a week or two off work to enjoy family, friends, and food. There’s also no better time to get outdoors and enjoy the glorious weather, as while we don’t get the snowmen and cosy sweaters at Christmas, we get sunshine and lots of it!

Now is a great time to get active outdoors and make the most of the glorious weather. For many of us taking up a new hobby, or trying sometime new is often on the cards for the New Year.  If cycling or mountain biking is something you’ve been thinking about trying, then now is the time as the trails are in perfect condition. As well as being a fun activity, riding is also the perfect way to socialise with friends while you explore new parts of the city…. all while getting that daily dose of exercise! There’s a style of riding to suit everyone, whether you are after an adrenaline filled downhill mountain bike ride, or a slower paced amble along the Cycleway. It’s also a great way to get the kids out of the house, and makes for the perfect family-friendly activity this summer.

Bike Otago have your summer riding sorted, with their current Christmas sale. Get some great deals on a range of mountain bikes, e-bikes, and all your riding equipment. They can also service your bike to ensure it’s in optimum running condition for hitting the trails over summer.

How to Look After Your Riding Gear

You’ve just gone and bought some great new riding clothing, and it’s looking all new and tidy. But how do you keep it looking that way and extend the life of your new pieces?

Riding clothing can get a bit of a hard life. It gets muddy and sweaty and therefore needs to be washed more frequently than other items of clothing. Many technical riding tops and pants are made from a polyester fabric that’s great for breathability and odour management, and the moisture wicking fabric helps to keep you cool. Polyester is a more delicate fabric than your regular denim or cotton, so it’s important to ensure you are looking after your gear correctly. Here’s a few tips on how to look after your riding gear that we at Bike Otago swear by!

Wash it Straight Away
While it can be tempting to get home from a ride, and sit down to relax, it’s important to get your gear in the wash quickly. Dirt and bacteria can build up on the clothing causing those nasty lingering odors. If the clothing sits around at the bottom of the wash basket for too long, not only will it not smell too flash, but the bacteria actually begins to break down the structure of the clothes. Just another reason to wash straight away!

Zip Everything Up
If there are any zips or velcro fastenings on your gear, make sure you do these up before popping them in the wash. This ensures any sharp edges can’t catch, creating pulls in the fabric. If you are washing tops and pants together, it can be a good idea to invest in a wash bag to keep the items separate while they are in the wash. 

Wash it Separately and on a Delicate Setting
Separate your riding clothes from your regular gear, and ensure you always wash in cold or cool water. If the water is too hot, it can damage the fibres in the clothing and begin to break down the elasticity in the fabric. If you can, also opt for a delicate setting and make sure you skip any fabric softeners.

Don’t Put Riding Gear in the Dryer
As tempting as it might be to get your gear dry quickly by tossing it in the dryer for a few minutes, this really is a no-no. Too much heat around the delicate fabric of the garments can cause them to break down quicker, shortening the length of their life. It’s best to dry your riding gear outside on the line or indoors on a clothes rack. If you really really must dry it in the drier, make sure you are doing so on the lowest heat possible (or choose the delicates setting), and don’t make a habit of drying your gear this way.

Of course it’s always important to read the tag on each item of clothing, as different fabrics require different wash cycles. Always make sure you never iron or use bleach on any of your gear!