Freewheel Cycle – Sales, Service and Rentals of Mountain, Trail, Freeride, Hybrid, Road, Tri, BMX, and Comfort Bikes – Serving Dundas, Hamilton, Waterdown, Burlington, Stoney Creek, Brantford, Oakville, Mississauga, and the GTA!

Hi gang,

With bluebird skies above us, the Monday Night Road Ride can finally begin!  Just a reminder, make sure your bike computer is functioning and show up a little early to fill out the beginning-of-season group ride waiver.

See you soon!

Victoria, B.C.’s Ryder Hesjedal has taken over the leader’s Pink Jersey in the 2012 Giro D’Italia.  Ryder started his pro cycling career on mountain bikes racing for the likes of Kona and Gary Fisher.  Since 2004 he has been road racing and steadily gaining notice in the upper echelon of the sport.  The official Giro site is here.

Greetings readers and riders.  I was just reading an article on BikeRadar about whether or not wearing a helmet should be mandatory for all cyclists in the UK. (see it here: http://www.bikeradar.com/blog/article/we-should-be-made-to-wear-helmets-21398/)
A mathematician argued that cyclists are so concerned about their appearance that many would simply quit riding all together, costing the health system 0.4 billion Pounds per year due to the increased number of unfit, unhealthy people.
This got me thinking about the cycling laws in Canada. Our Highway Traffic Act states (HTA 104) that all cyclists under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet (for more cycling laws, visit here: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling-guide/section3.0.shtml).
The first question that occurs to me is, “Why does someone under the age of 18 have a more valuable head than someone older?” I know some would argue that, as adults, they are free to make their own decisions about their own safety habits, especially when they are skilled cyclists. However, the problem with that reasoning is that it’s not just about YOU.
If we take boating as an example, I’ve heard people reason that they don’t need to wear a PFD (personal floatation device) when canoing because they’re excellent swimmers. Well, it doesn’t matter how well you swim if you slip, knock yourself out and fall overboard. When driving a car, what’s the harm in wearing a seatbelt, even if you’re a skilled, observant driver? None. What’s the harm in NOT wearing one? Do you really want to find out?
As I said before, it’s not just about YOU. It’s about every Canadian that contributes to your health care expenses. It’s about the emergency responders that come to your aid. It’s about the search party that comes to look for you in the woods. It’s about the other people that love you and depend on you. I’m not saying that wearing a helmet will prevent all injuries (but they can certainly reduce the severity of a head injury). I AM saying that wearing a helmet is a sign of respect. Respect for the fact that you are not always in control of your surroundings and respect for how your safety choice can impact the lives of others.
-Adam.

Greetings, cyclists!  After a brilliant weekend for Saturday’s Women’s Learn-To-MTB clinic, which was a great success, and the Bike for Mike charity ride on Sunday, we hope to keep the momentum rolling for Monday’s Women’s MTB ride and the Road Ride.  However, the weather does not appear to be cooperating, as is the tradition for Mondays as of late. Keep an eye on the weatherperson’s report tomorrow and the Freewheel website and Facebook page.  If, by 4:00 pm, the rain has started, the Road Ride will be postponed until next week.  If we have substantial rain overnight or during the day, the Women’s MTB ride is in jeopardy too.

Finger’s crossed, see you tomorrow!