“PPCC Communication”
February 2021
Hi all….Welcome to the February 2021 edition of the PPCC Communication.
Happy New Year to all and let’s hope 2021 is a better year than 2020.
January 2021:
The start of 2021 has left us wondering if we were about to get a summer or not. Cool nights, cooler than average days but just enough days around the high 30s and low 40s to remind us that there are still hot days to be had. Still three groups taking off each day which now appears to be the ‘norm’ which gives everyone the option for which ride they wish to participate in all be it the shorter course being ridden. There has been talk around the coffee table about getting back to the longer Abattoirs Road course but as yet, it has not eventuated. For those thinking “I won’t be able to keep up on ride that is longer and generally faster”, this should not be an issue if we get back to the ‘old ways’ of only riding as fast as the slowest rider. We also have the ‘ride leaders’ who should be calling the shots on the speed of the group. Ride leaders….use your voice and the rest of the group, please pass the message to the front. Don’t expect the Ride Leader to contact the front riders by yelling out from behind the group!
For those who do not want to ride at the pace of the group it should not be a problem for you to ‘ride away’ at your pace but do not expect the rest of the group to battle to hang on at a speed that is not comfortable for them.
Let’s see if we can get back to the longer course which will enable Gary to ride the shorter distance and get around most of the way without being caught prior to getting to the top of Locks Road.
Unfortunately COVID-19 is still with us and although SA has been very lucky with the no community acquired cases for quite some time, we still need to follow the Covid safe rules. For us this means social distancing of 1.5m both while at gatherings after rides and during each club ride. Yes, we are allowed to ride two abreast but 1.5m apart so think about where that puts you out on the highway during a ride.
AGM:
Good numbers at the December AGM with all positions filled for 2021
President: Brenton Hoare
Vice President: Bronte McLaughlin
Secretary: Peter Smale
Assistant Secretary: Brenton Hoare
Treasurer: John Malycha
Club Captain: Hugh Paterson
Vice Club Captain: Jon Rutgers
Ride Leaders: Hugh Paterson, John Malycha, Bronte McLaughlin, John Dennis
Membership Fees:
PPCC Membership fees are now due. Single $20, Pensioner $10 payable to the treasurer.
Injury and Sickness:
2020 saw our club ‘hit’ with a number of injuries and illnesses which had an effect on the numbers out riding on many occasions. All though early, the start of 2021 has not been without sickness to a number of riders. The biggest concern is the number of melanomas/skin cancers that have been detected which have to be removed by surgery. As cyclists riding during the summer months we are all vulnerable and this is something we should all be aware of and organise to be regularly checked for suspicious looking skin blemishes, moles, freckles etc. Something that can be done through your GP or one of the many Skin Cancer Clinics available.
An article (with content I am sure we are all aware of) I came across while looking for information on Cycling and Skin Cancers.
Cycling: (Sun Smart Cancer Council Victoria)
Whether you’re a weekend rambler, weekday commuter or Tour de France contender, don’t let UV crash your ride. Cyclists are often outside for extended periods of time and are subject to UV reflected off the road as well as directly from above. Road cyclists can be out on the road for hours at a time so even at very low levels of UV, good sun protection is needed.
Five tips for how to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide on the bike:
1. Cover up exposed skin: SLIP on clothing designed for athletes that covers as much skin as possible while still being safe and comfortable. Instead of mesh, choose UPF50 Lycra cycling gear or clothing with a tight weave to help block UV.
2. Apply sunscreen correctly and frequently: SLOP on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen to any parts of skin not covered by clothing. Sunscreen won’t provide 100% protection but used in conjunction with other sun protection methods it will greatly reduce your risk of skin damage. Pay particular attention to the tops of your hands and the back of your neck which are often forgotten. Leaning forwards on a bike also means the back of your legs are vulnerable.
Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before heading out. Look for a dry touch or active formula that won’t make the handlebars greasy. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours and more regularly if you’re sweating, so put a tube in your pannier or backpack so you always have a supply on hand and don’t get caught out when you extend the ride. Hydration breaks, traffic stops or shady parts of the path provide the perfect opportunities to reapply. Correct application of sunscreen is essential. 85% of Aussies don’t use enough sunscreen putting themselves at risk. Check out our sunscreen calculator.
Try the ‘Sunscreen Calculator”….you will be surprised at the amount you need for adequate protection.
3. Protect your face, neck and ears: SLAP on a helmet attachment to help shade the face, neck and ears. It will also help with sun glare. Take a broad-brim, bucket or legionnaire hat to put on during rest breaks off the bike. Choose a design that will crumple easily and fit into your back pack.
4. Avoid peak UV times of day: Try to ride earlier in the morning or later in the day when the sun’s UV isn’t as intense. Download the free SunSmart app to stay on top of UV levels and sun protection times. SEEK shady bike paths whenever possible. Hydrate and rest in the shade.
5. Protect your eyes: SLIDE on sunglasses to help protect your eyes from UV and sun glare. They can also help protect your eyes from wind, dust, grit and bugs. For best protection, choose a wrap-around style that meets the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1067). There also UV-protective glasses made specifically for cycling which are designed to cover more of your face and help with peripheral vision.
https://www.sunsmart.com.au/advice-for/sports-groups/top-sunsmart-tips-for-your-sport/cycling
BikeSA:
Please check your BikeSA memberships as you may find it is up for renewal. Renewal can be completed on the BikeSA website, by phone or ‘snail mail’. As per previous years, forward your receipt to our Treasurer for reimbursement of the fees. As a Bike SA member you can participate in their organised rides. Contact Bike SA or check their web site.
(08 8168 9999) (office@bikesa.asn.au)
Have your say:
This is your newsletter as well so email your article to me and I will add it to the monthly newsletters and our web site. Ie: Coming events, cycling news articles, items for sale/wanted etc. Please email me anything you would like to contribute’ J
Be safe, consider others and enjoy your riding.
Cheers,
Brenton
0417823057
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