Over the years my fleet of bikes has diminished somewhat - some have been sold and others have been dismantled and put in storage. Many of the small bikes were assembled using mainly discarded parts. At one stage I owned several dragsters as well as a restored chopper, and this was when they were all totally unfashionable! Only recently have these styles started reappearing - it seems that classic examples are in demand again.
Check out the little blue bike. Okay, this is a home-made effort. (I've also had a few other accessories on it at various times since the early photos were taken: water bottle, cable lock, stunt pegs and trip computer!). The frame is a typical early-style BMX type - brand unknown. Cranks, pedals, seat, handlebars and stem: also normal BMX. Wheels are standard dragster type with coaster brake. Forks are from a 26" cruiser - note the extra clearance! You would have to reach an insane cornering angle to scrape the pedals. And the seat post is a section of torsion bar from the front suspension of a Valiant. Being solid steel, it adds a bit of extra weight... but it will NEVER bend or break. I had the frame sandblasted many years ago which was a big mistake - although I primed and painted it with automotive-type paint right afterwards, it soon showed surface rust. Oh well, at least it matches the rest of the bike... those wheels look nice and bright but that's only from using silver paint!
The geometry of this machine takes a bit of getting used to, especially for an adult-sized rider. As can be seen in the pictures, the wheelbase is quite short and the seat ends up just about over the rear axle. Hence it is quite easy to loop out when doing wheelies. Handling is generally okay though and it's actually quite a comfortable bike for short trips and a bit of off-road use. Oh, and a few stunts too! I think freestyle tricks are really cool, especially flatlanding stunts. I'm no expert at them myself though - this stuff is far from easy, despite how it might look when done skilfully.
Now it's time for me to get on my soapbox for a moment and outline a few of my opinions on cycling. I think there are generally too few facilities for cyclists in Australia. Rural areas aren't so much of a problem, but urban planning seems to leave a lot to be desired. In some areas of Sydney, useful cycle paths have been allocated; in many other locations bicycle riders are forced to choose between riding on dangerously narrow and congested roads, and riding (illegally for adults) on footpaths. Also some official cycle paths cover terrain which cannot be negotiated without dismounting or riding over kerbs. It is clear why many urban cyclists choose mountain bikes - they simply have to be able to negotiate poor roads and other obstacles, which shouldn't be the case. Choosing to ride in rough conditions off-road is different altogether! If you ride a road bike like I sometimes do, you will know all about watching for potholes, uneven paving and the rest. Queensland has generally better-quality roads and more allocated cycle paths - some cycle hazards still exist, but at least cycling on footpaths is generally permitted.
Some may be under the impression that there is no justification for providing proper facilities for cyclists. After all, they don't pay any licence or registration fees or fuel taxes, right? WRONG! Number one, these levies aren't allocated exclusively to roadworks or specific capital works. Funds for such things are derived from general taxes, and most bike riders are taxpayers after all. Number two, most cyclists are also motorists as well in any case. They just might be cyclists more of the time too, if conditions were safer!
Having said that, there are a few places in the Sydney suburban area where it's possible to find some excellent trails for MTB or BMX riding. This sure makes a change from mixing it with the traffic, and some of these tracks are fairly well hidden.
Transporting bikes to suitable areas for enjoyable riding can of course be done with a vehicle (and optional trailer) or by public transport if you're really keen. Many places are best explored by bicycle - you can cover a substantial distance and see heaps of interesting things.
If you're riding any further than just around the local neighbourhood, be sure to take a suitable small tool kit as well as plenty of water and some food. Oh, and put on some sunscreen too!
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Bike Rides Around Sydney