Event Tested for Suitability for Bike On Mums.

Good news for Bike On Mums as the Cycle Challenge Taupo Event was tested for suitability for the Bike On Mums Organisation and was found to be completely suitable for a number of Mums who would clearly have no trouble whatsoever completing one, two, or even the entire course (you know that’s you Mum3).

As no Mum was available that particular weekend (and rafting is not an acceptable excuse) a team member was recruited from Bike On to ride the first two legs.

A huge amount of fun was had most notably going uphill and finishing was quite fun too.

Fun's over

Bike On Mums trainer, without whom none of this would have been possible, was pleased with the overall result.

BikeOnMums trainer - well we're pretty sure that's him anyway. 

Helpful advice – very much appreciated.

Some Mums have been concerned that I have not done enough training in one specific area for an upcoming event. And so, kindly took it upon themselves to assist me in what they call – not braking while riding downhill.

Mum5 had the first shift and thought I would like to have a go at one of the NZ Cycle Trail routes, the Tukituki River valley loop, reported to be scenic, true, and a bit hilly, also true.

We met at her shop Revolution Bikes at 9am sharp and then I waited 40 minutes for her to get ready. But that was fine as there was plenty to look at and I had my tires pumped up and tried on some stuff and then I got into a short and interesting conversation with a man who also had a black bike- mistakenly I thought that meant we had some sort of common ground but very quickly he made it obvious that he considered his black bike to be of a higher quality than my black bike. Nice. 

BikeOnMums trainer riding the Tukituki loop with hands near brakes- ready for an emergency

Anyway Mum5 is very nice to ride behind and talks informatively and knowledgeably on techniques of riding fast downhill.  Which she then demonstrated. Most of it I was unable to hear (even though some say she has a very loud voice) because she was so far ahead of me. When we were going uphill she did not have so much to say though.

Mum1 took the second shift and, cleverly refusing to pass me, instead rode behind me shouting at me in a distracting manner that only caused me to brake harder. 

Mum5 suggested I think of a downhill as just a flat with a slope on it. 

Which is what they are.

Mum7 at the Bikeonmums Testing Center.

Mum7 arrived at the testing center, sometimes known as my side of the garage to get the feel of her new bike and practice some more 'not listening when I'm talking to her' behaviour.

Mum 7 then accepted simple, tech free, condescendingly toned, information about gear changing (a new experience for her as her Boss 4000 was stuck in one gear) which she quickly and patiently mastered...

And so was allowed, under supervision, to take her bike out onto a public street.

A successful and enjoyable start to Mum7's biking experience.

Bikeonmums welcome Mum 7 with much goodwill.

Bikeonmums HQ is extremely pleased to welcome new member, Mum7, to the organisation.
The hand of goodwill and welcome was extended to Mum 7, who is herself all enthusiasm and cordiality underlined with control-like tendencies.


The contract was signed yesterday evening in the presence of Mums 1 and 5 (one of whom I am beginning to think shouldn't be allowed out at night.) There was some complaint that Mum7 couldn't understand the contract but that was put down to poor lighting in the cafe. 

Mum 7 signed by making the mark of a cross. Perhaps one of the most overused and unimaginative 'jokes'.  Still, Bikeonmums appreciate that an attempt at humour was made. 


Mum7 has already made a good impression by offering uncomplainingly to change the day that she receives her new bike to accommodate the fact that I was delayed in making it to Bikeonmums preferred mechanic who is booked in to do a pre-hand over check. 

bikonmumsmechanic: identity concealed

New Member attends pre-acceptance test ride/interview and awaits contract.

After some cursory consultation with other Mums, Bikeonmums HQ have decided that it is time to introduce a new member. We followed our tried and true membership drive technique, which we feel in the interests of politeness and decency should not be written down, but there was the usual amount of personal remarks made - none unkind - and finally a candidate was chosen.

This new Mum fits the general criteria. She has agreed in the pre-acceptance interview to follow all Bikeonmums fluid and arbitrary rules as decided by the Bikeonmums Commissioner as and when the Commissioner decides to make them.
When questioned agreed black was most attractive colour for a bike and peach most unattractive.
Understands difficult mental concept that current bike is interim measure until better bike is available.
She has her own, interestingly named and completely unsuitable bike, (soon to be replaced).

The Boss 4000

Is the name indicative of the owner's personality?

Powerbulge Ninja: seriously?

Test ride results.
Prospective new member was able to ride on the flat for 15 kilometers maintaining a reasonable pace while conversing.
Unable to change gears as bike has not seen the inside of a bike repair shop. Ever.