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Date: 2/11/2026
Subject: Bike North Newsletter: 11 February 2026
From: Bike North



   11 February 2026 YOur Bike North NewsLETTER

Change to waitlist timing

The time members have to respond to a waitlist offer will be extended from 4 hours to 8 hours, for a trial period. 
 
A four-hour response time was sometimes problematic, for example if those four hours were from 1am to 5am!!! 
 
As a courtesy to others on the waitlist, we ask that you still respond as soon as possible after receiving the offer.  
 
If you have any feedback about this new waitlist setting, please let your ride leader know, or email info@bikenorth.org.au
 
David Thomson
President

#TdC2026: Ready to Roll!

Easter is just around the corner and this year’s edition of the ‘Tour de Cowra ‘offers  a full holiday package of cycling and social events ready to go!
 
Building on the fantastic history of Bike North’s Tour de Cowra event, the new TdC sub-committee has injected fresh ideas, modernized and revamped the weekend to ensure inclusivity for all cyclists and non-cyclists.
 
All Bike North members (and why not ask your friends too?) are invited to attend the Tour de Cowra between Thursday 2nd April and Monday 6th April.
 
TdC2026 features:
  • Routes traversing well-loved country routes capitalizing on scenery!
  • Daily gravel rides to explore more of the back countryFaster, digitized sign-out and sign-in process to get you rolling sooner
  • Expanded social programme including ‘jersey’ days, dinners, a picnic & more
  • Full access to digital route files for download prior to the weekend.
Even if you have attended a previous Tour de Cowra, we invite you to explore the full details of TdC2026 on the website: Tour de Cowra. We would love you to join us this year!
 
All rides are now available on the Bike North Calendar for you to register.
 
Log into the website, select your desired routes and register. Then, download the route file from Ride with GPS to your on-bike device and / or print a copy to take with you.
 
And finally, remember to book your accommodation!
 
Looking forward to a bumper year at the TdC2026!
 
Tour de Cowra sub-committee

Your guide to pedals and cleats

Have you been puzzled why some Bike North riders use different pedals and special shoes, whilst others just use ordinary pedals and runners?
 
Here is an interesting article by Bryan Lynne outlining the advantages and safety concerns of upgrading to a cleat system.
 

Ride Leaders' Meeting

Our Ride Leaders already volunteer their time to make Bike North one of the most successful bicycle user groups in NSW but on Sunday 8th February they devoted more of their time to attend a meeting to discuss how we could make Bike North even more successful.
 
The theme for the meeting was improving safety. Whilst Bike North has an enviable safety record, Rides Coordinator, Brian Lynne, reminded the meeting that "safety doesn't happen by accident". Only by continually focusing on safe practices can we minimize accidents whilst we participate in "a dangerous recreational activity".
 
It was agreed that, as part of our activities we will do a monthly focus on a specific area of safety to highlight not only the hazards involved, but solutions as well. 
 
Safety cannot be the exclusive domain of Ride Leaders. It is incumbent on all riders to follow safety instructions to ensure their safety and that of other riders.
 
Brian Lynne
Rides Co-ordinator

CHAIN REACTION ARTICLE DEADLINE

Bike North members are keen to hear about your rides and ideas. Send your article to editor@bikenorth.org.au by 1.00pm each Tuesday for publication in our weekly newsletter Chain Reaction or for your article to be added to our News library.
Before sending your ideas please read the Guidelines for Contributors.

Submit your article

BICYCLE NSW DISCOUNT

Did you know that membership of Bike North entitles you to a 15% discount on a membership to Bicycle NSW? Use code 15NORTH when you join or renew. Bicycle NSW members receive global, comprehensive (personal accident and public liability) rider insurance and a range of other benefits as well as advocacy and legal support.

Find out more

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info@bikenorth.org.au
ABN 54 709 768 966