This is me

Photo: Taek Yang

Welcome to iride – a blog about the art of bicycle commuting. I wanted to have a place where I could discuss all things bike, particularly the art of bicycle commuting.

Over the past nine years I’ve noticed a massive increase in the number of cyclists on Sydney roads and am interested in how people commute by bike. What bike they choose to ride and why? What they wear. The gear they outfit their bikes with and what bike accessories they can’t live without.

I live on the lower north shore in Sydney and started commuting by bike when the Sydney Harbour toll went from $2.20 to $3.00 in 2002.

This is me.

Name: Ian
Bike: Trek 2700 road bike
Occupation: Photographer
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
Mostly 5 (sometimes I get a lift).
Why do you commute by bike?
I don’t like paying for tolls or petrol and I don’t like sitting in traffic.
Do you have any rain strategies?
Get a waterproof bag; I use the Chrome Messenger.
Advice for new cyclists?
Cyclist have rights but don’t put your life in danger to prove the point.
Name your dream bike.
Mmm… sub 10kg road bike with disk brakes and tyres that stick in wet.
Favourite cycling shop/website?
Wiggle, Sheldon Brown.
Would you recommend commuting by bike?
I think if you live within 10km from your work place and provided there is a route you can take that has little traffic (i.e back streets, bike paths, shared paths) it’s definitely the way to go.
Favourite café?
Remy & Lees, Surry Hills, Sydney.