Wednesday, November 30, 2016

RACV Great Vic volunteer rescues drowning koala

Every year on the RACV Great Vic there are things that happen that remind us that there is more to the event than just riding a bike.

Yesterday in Apollo Bay we had that moment when event volunteer Muzammil Patel took time out to rescue a drowning koala.

Muzammil had just arrived at the Apollo Bay campsite which lies next to the winding Barham River when a woman alerted people of a koala struggling in the water, right near the river's mouth at the ocean.

After speaking with a wildlife rescue service Muzammil realised that the koala didn’t have much time left and needed immediate help. He floated some tree branches into the river, but the koala couldn’t grab on, leaving Muzammil with just one thing to do.

“There was no other option, I had to jump in and save the koala. It looked like it was going to drown” said Muzammil.

“It was amazing saving a life, it felt beautiful. The lady who spotted him was crying after she saw that the koala had been saved.”

Muzammil Patel speaks to ABC South West Vic about rescuing a koala from the Barham River at Apollo Bay.

Muzammil finished his final week of study for the year just last week before joining the RACV Great Vic as a volunteer and has just one semester to go before finishing his Masters of Engineering.

He hasn’t thought about whether he might change his career from engineering to rescuing wildlife, but he does love animals.

The RACV Great Victorian __bike Ride is currently in Apollo Bay as more than 4,200 riders supported cycle 527 kilometres over nine days from Halls Gap to Geelong. The event is supported by around 350 volunteers.

Last night it was revealed that next year's event will visit the world famous Wilsons Promontory.

RACV Great Vic set to share the spoils with Gippsland

Wilsons Promontory has been revealed as next year’s stunning destination for Bicycle Network’s RACV Great Victorian __bike Ride. The iconic event will start at the world famous Tidal River and make its way through Gippsland to Trafalgar over nine days next year.

Taking place from 25 November – 3 December, the 34th edition of the RACV Great Vic will be the first one to visit ‘The Prom’ and will also include a visit to Ninety Mile Beach at Seaspray and an extended stay at Bairnsdale.

Bicycle Network General Manager of Events, Rebecca Lane, said the ride is an incredible opportunity for riders to experience the very best of Gippsland. 

“We can’t wait to visit Wilsons Promontory and Gippsland. It will be the first time the RACV Great Vic has been to Tidal River, which is really exciting for riders, and we’re grateful for the support of Parks Victoria who have helped make this happen,” said Ms Lane.

“The RACV Great Vic is known for visiting Victoria’s most beautiful landmarks and towns and 2017 will be no exception. With Wilsons Prom and Ninety Mile Beach just some of the gems, it will not be one to miss.”

Thousands of riders from Victoria, interstate and overseas are expected to join the next year’s RACV Great Vic, which delivers a huge economic impact to the regions it visits.

“Riders love getting to know different parts of Victoria, sampling local produce and dropping into restaurants, pubs and cafes, and we have no doubt they’ll love the local Gippsland hospitality,” added Ms Lane.

The full route for next year’s event is Wilsons Promontory (Tidal River), Foster, Yarram, Seaspray, Bairnsdale (rest day), Maffra, Glengarry and Trafalgar. Entries open in May at www.greatvic.com.au.

For more about the 2017 event, check out our website. 

The 2016 RACV Great Vic is currently camped at Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road as it makes its way from the Grampians to Geelong. More than 4,200 riders are on this year’s event. Use #GreatVic to follow the event online.

RACV Great Vic reaches Apollo Bay

The RACV Great Victorian __bike Ride has hit Apollo Bay and riders are enjoying a well deserved rest with no riding tomorrow.

We've waved goodbye to our five day riders, but can't wait to say hello to three day riders arriving tomorrow!

We've seen beautiful scenery, classic country towns and had a few chilly mornings. Some of our favourite photos from social media are below, to see more check out #GreatVic on Twitter and Instagram.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

The Best Techy Gifts for Cyclists

Does your favorite cyclist obsess over new technological advances? These forward-thinking gifts are sure to please. 

Po Campo Fulton Powered Handlebar Bag
Po Campo Powered Jarvis
1/19 Emily Hlavac Green
Po Campo Fulton Powered Handlebar Bag
The beauty of Po Campo’s __bike bags is that they don’t look like __bike bags. The Fulton attaches to your bike’s handlebar with adjustable straps, and can be converted to a cross-body purse when you arrive at your destination. Tucked inside is a Joey battery that’s designed specifically for bags (read: it won’t overheat), stores power for several months, and can charge your phone up to two times. Grab one for a friend, and you’ll be giving two gifts in one: For every 50 bags Po Campo sells, a girl in Africa receives a bike to ride to school. — Emily Furia


Po Campo Fulton Powered Handlebar Bag
Price: $150.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Bontrager TLR Flash Charger Floor Pump
Bontrager TLR Flash Charger Floor Pump
2/19 Photograph courtesy of Bontrager
Bontrager TLR Flash Charger Floor Pump

This pump is game-changing tech for those who run tubeless tires, but struggle to get them to seat with regular floor pumps and/or CO2 inflators. Just pump up the pressurized chamber, flip a switch, and blast your tires with the air pressure they need to set up tubeless—no air compressor required. It also works as a standard pump and is Presta and Schrader compatible. —Selene Yeager



Bontrager TLR Flash Charger Floor Pump
Price: $119.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
DJI Phantom 4
Phantom Drone
3/19 Photograph courtesy of DJI
DJI Phantom 4
Film your next mountain bike adventure like a pro with this autonomous “follow me” drone. You have complete control and a live 720p HD view of everything the camera sees, and it can follow you with an eye for cinema or speed, depending on your ride plans. An advanced stereo Vision Positioning System (VPS) gives the Phantom 4 precise hovering and it can brake instantly and hover when joystick controls are released. The footage you could get with this— the crashes! the sick stunts! the sprint finishes!—is pretty much limitless. — Molly Hurford

 
DJI Phantom 4
Price: $1,400.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Lattis Ellipse Keyless bike Lock
Lattis Ellipse Lock
4/19 Photograph courtesy of Lattis
Lattis Ellipse Keyless Bike Lock

This 17mm-thick steel smart lock promises keyless entry with the tap of your phone, the ability to self-charge via a built-in solar panel, a theft-detection feature that can alert you as far away as three city blocks—and if you’re in a crash, the Ellipse will notify your emergency contacts. But you’re not SOL if your phone dies or takes a tumble into the toilet. A hidden touchpad on the lock that goes dark when not in use lets you key in a personal code to unlock it. —Jennifer Sherry 

Lattis Ellipse Keyless Bike Lock
Price: $199.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
FeedBack Sports Team Edition Tool Kit
Feedback Tool Kit
5/19 Photograph courtesy of Feedback Sports
FeedBack Sports Team Edition Tool Kit

The Feedback Sports Team Tool Kit contains almost all the implements you need for on-the-road repairs. All the tools are professional grade with chrome plating, with handles that feature a molded non-slip construction that holds up well to grease and is unaffected by solvents and lubes. The whole package is housed in a zippered nylon-coated case that's excellent for draping on a travel repair stand. —Mike Yozell
   

FeedBack Sports Team Edition Tool Kit
Price: $249.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
GoPro Hero5 Session
GoPro Hero 5 Session
6/19 Photograph courtesy of GoPro
GoPro Hero5 Session

For riders who love sharing video and photo footage of rad rides, but hate mounting a full-size camera on top of their heads, GoPro has taken its minimalist aesthetic to a whole new level with the Hero5 Session. No bigger than a mini-Rubik’s Cube, the 1.5-inch Hero5 Session is capable of shooting stabilized 4K resolution video and 10 megapixel burst shots at 30 frames per second. It offers five fields of view and wind noise reduction for totally pro video quality. It’s also waterproof to 33 feet to capture your all-weather adventures. —Selene Yeager

GoPro Hero5 Session
Price: $300.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
​Outdoor Tech Kodiak 2.0
Outdoor Tech Kodiak Plus Powerbank
7/19 Photograph courtesy of Outdoor Tech
​Outdoor Tech Kodiak 2.0
There’s nothing worse than pushing the button on your bike light, only to find it’s out of juice and you’re stranded in the woods after the sun has set. If you’re the type of person who routinely finds yourself heading out the door with a questionable charge on your lights or phone, slip the Kodiak 2.0 Powerbank in your pack or jersey pocket, and let the darkness fall. With 10,000 mAh of power, the Kodiak can charge an iPhone four times— and it’s got two USB ports for multi-device capability. A silicone case makes it water- and drop-proof, and a handy 100-Lumen LED light on the front can instantly turn the powerbank into a flashlight or emergency tail light if you're stuck on the road after dark. — Lydia Tanner
Read Our Full Review
Outdoor Technology Kodiak 2.0 Powerbank
Price: $49.95
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Where To Get It
Amazon
Buy It Here
​Delorme inReach SE
Delorme inreach SE
8/19 Photograph courtesy of Delorme
​Delorme inReach SE
Many of the best rides take you far from civilization, where coverage for mobile phones doesn’t exist. Satellite-based trackers and SOS emergency notification devices have existed for years now, but Delorme takes these to the next level by allowing incoming and outgoing text messaging, too. The device can send and receive up to 160 character texts with GPS coordinates to cell phones and email addresses, along with delivery confirmation so you know it got sent. Subscription plans are required and range in length from 30 days to 12 months. — Ron Koch


    
​Delorme inReach SE
Price: $300.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Where To Get It
Amazon
Buy It Here
​Garmin Varia Taillight
Garmin Varia
9/19 Photograph courtesy of Garmin
​Garmin Varia Taillight
Garmin’s Varia Radar Taillight pulls double duty by not only letting approaching cars know you’re on the road, but also alerting you to the cars, too. The Varia recognizes vehicles from 153 yards away and flashes more frequently the closer they get; when paired with a Varia head unit or Garmin Edge bike computer, it will also relay traffic alerts and even a car’s distance from you. — Hannah Weinberger
​Garmin Varia Taillight
Price: $200.00
Weight: 2.2 ounces
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Where To Get It
Performance Bike
Buy It Here
Apple Watch Series 2
Apple Watch Series 2
10/19 Photograph courtesy of Apple
Apple Watch Series 2
The Series 2 version of the Apple Watch is less about email functionality or apps, and all about fitness. This evolution is water-resistant up to 50 meters (so rainstorms won’t stop your ride), and offers built-in GPS so you can leave your phone at home while you Strava. Built-in heart rate plus Bluetooth-pairing capabilities mean you can also track your heart rate with the wristband or a strap for even more in-depth ride-monitoring. (Plus, you know, you can still check your email and make calls from your wrist.) — Molly Hurford

 
Apple Watch Series 2
Price: $369.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
​Pioneer Left Arm Power Meter Installation Kit
Pioneer Power Kit
11/19 Photograph courtesy of Pioneer
​Pioneer Left Arm Power Meter Installation Kit
This power meter, which attaches to your Shimano Dura-Ace, Ultegra, or 105 left crank arm, costs just $499, making it the cheapest model on the market. While just measuring left-leg power seems like a strange technique, it’s been shown to provide power numbers within two percent of more traditional power meter readings. And the best part? It’s literally just a box: You send your crank to Pioneer, and they handle the installation for you. Plus, if your giftee wants to upgrade in the future, he or she can add Pioneer's drive side upgrade kit for the full complement of power metrics. — Molly Hurford
 
​Pioneer Left Arm Power Meter Installation Kit
Price: $499.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Where To Get It
Competitive Cyclist
Buy It Here
​Giordana Ceramic Longsleever Baselayer
Giordana Baselayer
12/19 Photograph courtesy of Giordana
​Giordana Ceramic Longsleever Baselayer
The Resistex fabric in this stretchy, high-tech baselayer is a microfiber blend embedded with bio-ceramic crystals that reflect external heat. That’s crucial in winter’s variable weather, where on a sunny climb you might otherwise build up sweat that will freeze on the descent. — Joe Lindsey

 
​Giordana Ceramic Longsleeve Baselayer
Price: $90.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Where To Get It
$71.96 at Competitive Cyclist
Buy It Here
​Industry Nine MatchStix Thru-Axle Multi Tool
Industry Nine Matchstix
13/19 Photograph courtesy of Industry Nine
​Industry Nine MatchStix Thru-Axle Multi Tool
Never worry about being stranded without a multitool, thanks to Industry Nine’s ingenious use of free space. MatchStix fits everything you’ll need for basic trail maintenance inside a 15mm thru-axle, including hex bits, torx bits, a spoke tool, and more. — Hannah Weinberger
 
Read Our Full Review
Industry Nine MatchStix
Price: $160.00
Weight: 102 grams for 15x100mm
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Fabric FLR30
FLR30
14/19 Photograph courtesy of Fabric
Fabric FLR30
Ever wish that cars around you could know when you're slowing down? The Fabric FLR30 taillight uses a built-in accelerometer to make that dream a reality. When you slow down, the light senses it and gets brighter—it's kinda like a brake light, but for your bike. A simple rubber strap makes it easy to mount just about anywhere, while a USB cord makes recharging easy. — Taylor Rojek
Fabric FLR30
Price: $40.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Wahoo KICKR trainer
Wahoo Kickr
15/19 Photograph courtesy of Wahoo
Wahoo KICKR trainer

Long the standard for indoor trainers, the redesigned KICKR ups the bar with new features like a more realistic resistance feel, simulating up to a 20 percent grade or a leg-destroying 2,000 watts of power. At just 61 decibels, it’s quiet enough for you to still have a conversation, and with ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth Smart connectivity, it works with dozens of popular training software programs and apps. —Joe Lindsey

Read Our Full Review
Wahoo Kickr
Price: $1,200.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Where To Get It
R&A Cycles
Buy It Here
Performance Bike
Buy It Here
Lumo Herne Hill Jacket
Lumo Herne Hill
16/19 Photograph courtesy of Lumo
Lumo Herne Hill Jacket
Stay safe and seen with this fashionable light-up jacket from Lumo. It's crafted from a cozy water-resistant fabric, with soft, comfortable cuffs that prevent cold breezes from sneaking in. And there's a surprise built in: Hit a button in the pocket to turn on LED light strips in front and back. The battery lasts between 6 and 14 hours (it's easily removed and recharged via a USB cord), and the LEDs are fully washable and waterproof. — Taylor Rojek
Lumo Herne Hill Jacket
Price: $260.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
​Bellroy x MAAP All-Conditions Phone Pocket
Bellroy x MAAP pouch
17/19 Photograph courtesy of Maap
​Bellroy x MAAP All-Conditions Phone Pocket
Australian company Bellroy is known for its weatherproof leather wallets, and its collaboration with another Australian brand, cycling-focused MAAP, takes the styling of this protective phone pouch to another level. Made from water-resistant leather embossed with MAAP’s signature polka dots, the 6” x 3.25” wallet is sized for a jersey pocket and fits an iPhone 7 (or similar). A microfiber lining prevents screen scratches, two interior slots keep cards and cards organized, and a YKK water-resistant Aquaguard zipper (with a pull cord in MAAP’s signature robin’s egg blue) keeps water out. — Leah Flickinger
 
​Bellroy x MAAP All-Conditions Phone Pocket
Price: $110.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Lazer Genesis Lifebeam Helmet
Lazer Lifebeam Genesis
18/19 Photograph courtesy of Lazer
Lazer Genesis Lifebeam Helmet
Track your heart rate without a bulky chest strap in the Lazer Genesis LifeBEAM, the first smart aero road helmet. The helmet is equipped with an inconspicuous, rechargeable, forehead-based optical sensor, which transmits heart-rate data to your bike computer or smartphone via both Bluetooth Smart and ANT+. Nineteen vents, sleek looks, comfortable padding, and an optional taillight round out this feature-packed device. — Hannah Weinberger
 
Lazer Genesis Lifebeam Helmet
Price: $230.00
Weight: 280g size M
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Where To Get It
Performance Bike
Buy It Here
Küat NV 2.0
Kuat NV 2.0
19/19 Photograph courtesy of Kuat
Küat NV 2.0
Küat made its flagship NV hitch rack even better this year, with tire cradles that hold up to a 4.8-inch fattie, an easier-to-use pivot system to lower the rack out of the way of your trunk or tailgate, and simpler, more secure ratchet arms. The NV 2.0 still has integrated cable locks, the Trail Doc repair stand and no-tools installation to your 2” or 1.25” hitch receiver to remain the most full-featured hitch rack on the market. — Joe Lindsey

 
Küat NV 2.0
Price: $630.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Where To Get It
Performance Bike
Buy It Here

Sweet New Camping Gear for Cyclists

Bikepacking may be all the rage right now, but car camping totally rules, too: You get to bring all the tools and amenities that will fit in your vehicle, but you still get to sleep under the stars and swap stories by the campfire. #Win. This gear will take your camping and riding trip to the next level. (Start planning out your best year of __bike camping with the 2017 Bicycling Calendar!)

Nemo Helio Pressure Shower
Nemo Helio Pressure Shower
1/8 mitch mandel
Nemo Helio Pressure Shower

The Helio doubles as a camp shower and mobile __bike wash. No need to suspend it up high to make it flow—just fill it, pump it up to pressure using the attached foot pump, and then hit the trigger on the seven-foot hose for a stream of water that has enough power and spray time (about five to seven minutes) to clean off bikes—or legs—covered in dry mud. A silicone Helio shower mat ($20) works well for changing before and after rides, too. —Gloria Liu

Nemo Helio Pressure Shower
Price: $99.95 Available in blue and gray
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Coleman Fyre Commander Grill
Coleman Fyre Commander Grill
2/8 mitch mandel
Coleman Fyre Commander Grill

Coleman offers a modern, versatile propane cooking solution that can act as a grill or a stove thanks to interchangeable tops. It packs down small for the drive to camp, and telescoping legs mean it won’t take up precious space on a table when you get there. —Ron Koch

Coleman Fyre Commander Grill
Price: $250.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Where To Get It
$213.00 from Amazon
Buy It Here
Big Agnes Helinox Chair One
Big Agnes Helinox Chair One
3/8 mitch mandel
Big Agnes Helinox Chair One

Big Agnes leveraged its expertise in lightweight, technical outdoor gear to make the ultimate no-frills folding chair. It packs small enough to fit in the back pocket of many car seats, and quickly unfolds into an incredibly comfortable and supportive chair that holds up to 320 pounds. —Ron Koch

Big Agnes Helinox Chair One
Price: $100.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Feedback Sports Pro-Elite Wash and Work Stand
Feedback Sports Pro-Elite Wash and Work Stand
4/8 mitch mandel
Feedback Sports Pro-Elite Wash and Work Stand

Of the dozen or so portable repair stands I’ve used in 30 years as a bike mechanic, the Pro-Elite is one of the most stable and packable, making it the one I reach for when traveling.

It folds down to about four feet by eight inches, gets stashed in its included padded tote, and always finds room in the most crowded car. Three legs create a large footprint that prevents tipping on uneven surfaces. —Mike Yozell

Feedback Sports Pro-Elite Wash and Work Stand
Price: $284.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Where To Get It
$244.99
Buy It Here
Igloo Sportsman 40
Igloo Sportsman 40
5/8 Mitch mandel
Igloo Sportsman 40

Igloo’s Sportsman series offers similar performance as today’s trendy, superpremium coolers, for less money. The rugged, US-made shell is rotomolded, so it features a continuously thick (1.5 to 2 inches) wall of high-density foam to keep ice frozen and food cold for days longer than cheaper coolers. It’s also certified bear-resistant. 

The 40-quart version holds five six-packs or enough food to fuel two people for about three days. And at 23 pounds empty, it’s fairly easy to lift and maneuver. —Joe Lindsey

Igloo Sportsman 40
Price: $220.00
Weight: 23 pounds
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Where To Get It
$196.96 from Amazon
Buy It Here
CamelBak Forge 16
Camelbak Forge 16
6/8 mitch mandel
CamelBak Forge 16

A good travel mug prolongs the pleasure of a morning camp coffee. CamelBak claims that the double-walled, vacuum-insulated steel Forge will keep your brew hot for six hours, and I’ve come close to being able to vouch for that. A screw-on lid with a sealed mouthpiece lets you stash it in a pack without spillage, and a side button opens up the mouthpiece just enough for a pull, but not enough for hot liquids to flood your mouth. —Gloria Liu

CamelBak Forge 16
Price: $30.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Where To Get It
$18.94 from Amazon
Buy It Here
Redverz Gear Atacama Expedition Tent
Redverz Gear Atacama Expedition Tent
7/8 mitch mandel
Redverz Gear Atacama Expedition Tent

The Atacama tent was designed for adventure motorcycle use, but its “garage” vestibule design makes it equally great for camping with bicycles. The large walk- or ride-through garage—which is tall enough to stand in—is separate from the three-person sleeping compartment, keeping multiple bikes and gear protected and your living quarters clean. A clever kit ($65 for two poles and some guy ropes) expands coverage by turning the garage door into an awning. —Ron Koch 

Redverz Gear Atacama Expedition Tent
Price: $599.00
Weight: 14 pounds (average minimum weight, claimed)
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.
Rumpl Beer Blanket
Rumpl Beer Blanket
8/8 mitch mandel
Rumpl Beer Blanket

This quilted puffy jacket insulates your beverage well, feels great in your hand, and makes foam or neoprene coozies seem uncivilized. —Ron Koch

Rumpl Beer Blanket
Price: $7.00
Bicycling may earn commissions on products that are independently selected by our editorial team.