Join us as we ride the forest roads and beautiful coastlines of NSW’s Mid-North Coast. Along the way you’ll experience the warm hospitality of Aussie country towns, enjoy spectacular views and make many new friends. The view from behind the handlebars is the best way to see and explore rural New South Wales. You’ll ride at your own pace and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the great Aussie outdoors! There’s always a new conversation close at hand: another rider or a friendly local. Along the road in a leafy park or shaded paddock we organise lunch, and morning tea stops. Here you can relax, refuel and enjoy fresh scones or slices baked that day by the local community group. Yum!
Cyclists’ On Ground Support – COGS
The COGS are a team of Bicycle New South Wales volunteers that accompany participants on BNSW rides like the NSW Big Ride and Sydney Spring Cycle.
The COGS team are experienced cyclists in their own right having taken part in many Big Rides, other multi-day tours as well as independent tours and have accumulated extensive experience. They are enthusiastic about cycling and its personal as well as environmental benefits. They want to pass on their joy of cycling to others by sharing their knowledge with others, especially those new to or returning to cycling.
On the NSW Big Ride each morning members of the COGS Team will farewell riders as they leave for the day. They will remind departing riders to check that they have sufficient water, food and sunscreen to get them through the day. In addition there will be track pumps available so that riders can check their tyres before they leave.
The COGS team members will also suggest people check their helmet adjustment and assist the owner to make the necessary adjustments with their approval. In addition the COGS team will help people make minor adjustments to their running gear, and brakes if requested. The purpose is to empower people by assisting them rather than doing the job for them.
The COGS will be wearing a distinctive top and have flags mounted on their bikes to aid their visibility. The COGS team members will start at staggered times so as to be distributed throughout the riders. The last COGS members to leave will finish towards the end of the field that day. There may be riders between the last COGS and the Sweep Bus but these will be advised as they are passed that COGS assistance is no longer available and should they require help they will have to use the Sweep Bus.
On route COGS will provide support to those that may need assistance with minor mechanical repairs although they are not a replacement for professional mechanics. They will carry a small number of spare tubes and some tools to assist those people that have exhausted their supplies, or neglected to bring them. Those using these supplies are expected to replace the items used so that the COGS have them for the next person.
In addition to this the COGS will carry a small amount of water and food for those that are inexperienced and have not carried enough to get themself to the next supply point. COGS are well aware of the importance of fuelling and hydrating working bodies and will emphasise this to all riders.
On route the COGS Team will offer suggestions to people that will help them complete the ride more comfortably. This may involve helping people understand how and when to use their gears. It may involve positional adjustment such as seat height. If people approve the COGS will assist the rider to make the adjustments immediately or at a later time.
Another helping hand offered by the COGS team is motivational. Many new riders may become distressed for various reasons. COGS members will try to assess the cause and offer suggestions that will allow the rider to continue cycling. If continuing is not an option then the COGS will encourage the person to take the Sweep Bus
On the Rest Day the COGS Team will conduct a Puncture Repair Workshop. Hints and Tips will be published in The Courier. Depending on the skills of team members other workshops or sessions may be conducted, for example, stretching.
At the start and finish of the Ride COGS members will be available to assist cyclists with unpacking or repacking their bikes for transport. Again, experienced people are expected to complete their own however the COGS will assist those that require help with the view of empowering the owner to be able to do it themselves next time. This support may be available as half-ride cyclists leave and join the ride and if bike transport is required.
Do not hesitate to ask a COGS member your cycling related questions. The COGS will have the answers or, if they don’t, they will direct you to someone that does. The COGS are there to enhance your experience on a BNSW ride and nothing gives them more satisfaction that assisting others.
