S.L.U.T. Workshops - almost, my best work to date.

Nobody told me it would be like this. It's nothing like what happens in the movies. As I type, TK is in the hospital about to give birth.

I'm pacing and fidgety. I'm smoking beyond my lung capacity. My last two scotch's have not had the sleep effect I was expecting. The phone is running hot and I can hardly keep my mind on anything else but her and what is about to happen.

Pics and details to come.

S.L.U.T. workshops - restoring a little gem

This quaint little ladies bike came our way and from what I can see, It is an original, Australian made, Malvern Star Roadstar.

I'm having trouble finding out how to actually put a build date on the dear lady, but from some googling around, it is definatly pre 1987.

This bike has hardly been ridden. There's very little wear on the Sun Tour 5 speed, and the rear Deraulier is Shimano Eagle 2.

The tyres had persihed with age and they too looked original. The rack on the front will be removed and I have some old school gumwalls for treads to go on.

If anybody can help with putting a date on this fine old girl that would be very much appreciated.

I'm restoring it for my Mum but seriously considering keeping it for posterity.

The bell works perfectly and aprt from a few blemishes on the chrome, there's hardly a mark on it considering it's age.

S.L.U.T. workshops - more sustainable cycling

In true SLUT spirit, I have a couple of recycling projects. Mum and Dad both want a bike so I'm resurecting a hard rubbish shitter.

I'm on standby for a while so I have to stay at home. Nothing could be better than tinkering around with old bikes and making them ride sweetly.

A post for new commuters - get on your bike

With Melbourne fuel prices soaring (almost $1.60 p/litre yesterday) and some commentators tipping the price to reach the $2.00 mark by Christmas, it's pretty obvious that car dependant commuters are going to have to re think a few things.

Melbourne's public transport system is already bulging at the seams and there is no short term fix for that. The obvious solution for some, as has already been seen in this fine city, is people will turn to the bicycle as their form of transport.

It was reported on the local news last night that the average family will pay an extra $10.00 per fill. Add this to mortgage stress and the pressure really comes on for a lot of people.

In my opinion, for most people, starting cycle commuting can be daunting. Where do you start? What should you ride? How far is it? Will I make it? These are all questions I had to have answered before I started commuting. For the commuting newbie there are answers to all these questions and more.

This is a community service announcement people. Most of your questions can be answered here.

My introduction to bicycle commuting was forced by my disregard for road laws. But getting on the bike was still a mystery and the good people who contribute to the BV forums helped me a lot. Some brilliant tips are here, here, here and here

Since starting out, I've found lots of good tips at other sites as well. I suggest subscribing to Melbourne Cyclist as well for some practical tips and advice.

Autumn commuting rocks. And personally, I prefer winter commuting over summer. You dont need to be a lycra clad, red light running, Tour de France wannabe, but you can of you want (without running the red lights of course).

So, stop complaining about rising fuel prices and Melbourne's public transport, get on your bike and do something about it.

Eastlink

I went for a little pootle along the Eastlink freeway the other day. Funnily, not a car in sight.

It's a nice piece of ashphalt!

Actually, I rode a few KM in either direction from where I got on. Just like driving the car on a freeway, it was bloody boring

Piggyback!

Poor planning and bad management meant I had two bikes at work. Gotta get the other one home somehow!

Utility cycling - Bought to you by SLUT!

TK is nearly due - check her out at Eat, Sleep, Shit, Repeat

We set up a little blog site for our pending arrival.

Check it out here.