How many Australians participate in mountain biking?

In July, Nao Kamakura joined Bicycles Create Change as Research Assistant. Nao is investigating rates of participation in mountain biking, with a particular focus on rates of female participation. Below is Nao’s first post for BCC where she shares a few preliminary findings and thoughts.

How many Australians participate in mountain biking as a sport?

Brisbane City Council claims that “Mountain biking is one of the fastest growing recreational activities”.

But, how many people actually participate in mountain biking as a sport?

According to 2016 data from the Australian Government Australian Sports Commission, cycling is the 5th most popular sport in Australian for women (over 15 years) old and its total number of participants was 85,5231.

The total female population (for all ages) in Australia is 12.2 billion in 2016. Therefore, statistically, 7% of Australian women ride bicycles! This number includes both road cyclists and mountain bikers.

To participate in mountain bike competitions, riders need to register with Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA), which is the peak national organisation for mountain biking.

MTBA covers a number of off-road biking styles, including cross country, downhill, observed trials, cross-country marathon and cyclocross. Currently, MTBA has over 15,000 members and 175 affiliated clubs nationwide.

The number of female MTBA members in 2017 was 2,481 – and this gives provides our initial baseline for female participation and interest in the sport of mountain biking. However, these membership rates do not adequately signify actual participation rates.

Although MTBA registration offers membership in categories such as: race, non-riding, recreation, public liability, value-add, free trial, family and day licenses – it is important to keep in mind that are still a number of riders who are/have not registered with MTBA who mountain bike – and that their participation would not be represented in these rates.

Many riders are registered, but not all MTBers participate in competitions. In particular, these numbers do not include the account for many riders who enjoy mountain bike without participating in competitions.

The approach, definition and classification of mountain biking vary significantly between the individual states and territories. Such differences impact how data is analysed, where funding is allocated and how the sport is viewed (and represented) by each state’s governing body. This is an area that will be of concerted interest for the project I am working on.

Interestingly, Western Australia is the only state that has clear statistics on mountain bikers. The WA government published the WA Mountain Bike Strategy 2015-2020 to encourage more people to engage in mountain biking. The report clearly states that the number of women who mountain bike is 14,400.

However again, these results do not mean that each of those 14,400 riders engages with MTBA as a sport, but it does list that the top three reasons Western Australians ride mountain bikes is 1) for the outdoor experience, 2) for fitness, and 3) for socialising.

So initial investigations show mixed results about the rates of mountain biking registration and participation.

So far, my research has not yet confirmed the actual number of female mountain bikers in the whole of Australia – the rate is still unconfirmed.

One reason for this is that the definition of mountain biking is ambiguous.

Depending on what you read or what states/territory you are in, mountainbiking can be classified as a sport, as recreation, or as transport. This lack of consistency means that it can be difficult to compare data sets.

It is a challenge and a pleasure to be learning more about mountain biking in Australia – and I look forward to sharing more insights and findings as they arise.

I hope mountain biking is more recognised as a sport in the near future and that rates of participants will increase!

27/08/201829/08/2018

US National Dog Day

Yesterday was the US National Dog Day. In honour of this dog-gone day – today offers a smattering of pooch-and-bike tit-bits. This post is dedicated to my own amazing trail dog, Zoe! Many more happy trails to come! NG.

Image: Nina and Zoe (Forest, VIC).

Happy US National Dog Day

The American national holiday Dogs Day started in 2004 by animal behaviorist, author and animal advocate Colleen Paige. *

This day was originally designed to highlight adoptable dogs and rescue services – but is also recognised more widely to acknowledge the contribution, achievement and positive role that dogs have in our homes and communities.

This commemoration is also known as National Dog Day, Dog Appreciation Day, World’s Dog Day, and International Dog Day.

This event has also been adopted by other countries outside of the US.

“Love is a four legged word.” – Unknown

BCC loves dogs!

Regular BCC readers know that dogs are a regular feature on this blog. Some of our previous doggie reports include:

US National Dog Day. Bicycles Create Change.com 27th August, 2018. — Source: National Dog Day 2018

Third Wheel

To celebrate US National Dog Day, I found this sweet edit from Transition Bikes called Everyone Third Wheel. I appreciated the simplicity of the footage – and laughed where I saw the comment on Pinkbike under the title Everone needs a trail dog, which was:

Sick of seeing people rail trails harder than you ever could? Ready to smile while watching a bike edit instead of being overwhelmed with a feeling of inadequacy? We’ve got the answer.

Third Wheel: Deep in the woods of Vermont’s Green Mountains, mountain bikers escape to some of New England’s most pristine singletrack. The thick forests provide a refuge for those seeking adventure.

Rider Adam Morse and his dog, Flow, revel in the in the solitude and transform the green tunnel into a private playground.

So here it is!

And for the US readers – here are the top 10 US states that love dogs the most:

*Coincidentally, did you know…….August 26th is also Women’s Equality Day!

National Dog Day was founded by a woman (Colleen Paige) in 2004 and this date is significant for a number of reasons. August 26th is when Colleen’s father adopted their first family dog.

Interestingly, there was nothing about Women’s Equality Day found on the internet in 2004 (when Dog Day was initiated), which makes these two special initiatives, which come together years later, to be even more auspicious for those who know about this synthesis.

So give a dog in your life and extra special cuddle and trail ride today!

Happy National Dog Day to our American cycling brothers and sisters.

Ride on you awesome #Bike_CISTAS teams – the day is yours!

23/08/201824/08/2018

GCCRP Climate Change Symposium – Abstract

While participating in the Looping Masterclass earlier this year in July, Claire Tracey (my wonderful collaborator) suggested we put in an abstract for the GCCRP Climate Change Symposium.

Claire and I have produced a number of environmental/art performance projects over the years like The Wattle Festival ‘s Pop-Up ReCycle Shop (2013), Leki and the Ova (2014) and The Bio Bike: Your Future Thanks You (2018).

Recently, we have been workshopping our newest eco-performance idea.

It was our newest project’s conceptualization and development she thought would be an interesting addition to the GCCRP Climate Change Symposium program.

And of course – she was right!

So we put in an abstract and are presenting at the end of this week!

GCCRP Climate Change Symposium - Abstract. Bicycles Create — Claire and I working on our last eco-performance project ‘The Bio Bike’ for the national Sustainability Living Festival (Melbourne – Feb 2018).

Griffith Climate Change Response Program (GCCRP) Climate Change Symposium.

The GCCRP Climate Change Symposium is a research forum where HDRers and Early Career Researchers from Griffith University share their discoveries, outcomes and innovations.

It is on at Griffith Uni Southbank Friday 24 August 2018, 9 am – 4 pm

The symposium features a range of research presentations that showcase the cross-cutting nature of climate change research.

The five key research themes are:

Climate change impacts
Climate change and food security
Community engagement in climate change adaptation
Climate change policy and theory
Climate change and health

Our Symposium Abstract

Here is the abstract for the session Claire and I will be presenting:

Furthering climate change discourse and action through performative works

Presenters: Claire Tracey and Nina Ginsberg

Collaborators Claire Tracey (Visual Arts) and Nina Ginsberg (Education) use performance and audience engagement to communicate environmental issues. Through community art engagement, they aim to connect with local communities on an immediate level, furthering climate change discourse and action through performative works. Their work links Climate Change and Environment Science themes with performance, design and community- art interaction.

This research explores the intersection of climate change research and artistic interpretations of how to convey complex environmental issues to communities in a proactive and engaging manner. Their work seeks to increase community awareness about climate change issues in ways that are novel, participatory and educational. Their projects are informed by feedback from the engagement of the project itself, creating a direct relationship between the action and the sustainable and environmental issues that affect our immediate society.

The result of each performance interaction is offered with an open spirit- with the reception by the public to be determined in the moment as a collaborative process.

This session will outline a number of climate change projects we have undertaken to explain how theory and practice are enacted, using archetypes such as a feminine ecological shadow warrior, whose presence echoes of hope and perseverance derived from historical ideas of female protection, nurture, power and subversion.

About GCCRP

The Griffith Climate Change Response Program has been leading Griffith University’s research into climate change adaptation and mitigation since 2007.

GCCRP leads Griffith University’s research into climate change adaptation and mitigation.

As climate change issues cut across many fields of study its research projects are transdisciplinary. The program brings together the wealth of Griffith research expertise from across the University, enabling climate change problems to be addressed in a comprehensive manner.

GCCRP has successfully developed a number of strategic domestic, regional and international partnerships in the area of climate change adaptation and attracted significant external research funds.

The result is a growing portfolio of research and applied research projects where GCCRP works in collaboration with other research institutions, governments, international bodies, NGOs and communities to effectively understand, plan and respond to the adverse effects of a rapidly changing climate.

GCCRP now has a strong platform from which Griffith University’s research and expertise can influence the climate change policies, plans and actions required for effective adaptation and mitigation.

I’m excited to be part of this discussion!

I’ll let you know how Claire and I go!

19/08/201825/09/2018

Trail Troll – MTB Art

How often do you see art installations when you are on a bike?

Road riders see the most given they’re on roads and bike paths which have more art in public spaces, but it is rare for trail riders.

So how to bring more art to MTB trails?

Easy – have an arts festival in an MTB forest.

That way you can promote the outdoors, trail use (biking/walking), sustainability, community and the arts all in one place.

The annual Breckenridge International Arts Festival (BIFA) is one such event that showcases how exceptionally well the trail-art unity can work.

And this year BIFA’s trail art installation was particularly impressive…..

Trail Troll- MTB Art

This year Danish artist @thomasdambo created the most awesome thing I’ve seen in a long time on an MTB bike trail (aside from the actual wicked bike trail systems themselves).

A massive Trail Troll made from out of wood from the surrounding forest.

The best part of this part of this Trail Troll?

Hidden inside is a heart-shaped stone the local kids gave the artist when he was building the installation.

And – only those who ride (or walk) up the trail can access the sculpture.

For those who want to see it: Start at the trail sign at the east end of the Northern parking lot and walk up the trail to stairs. At the top of the stairs take a left and then a right onto Moonstone Trail and hike up the trail for 20-30 minutes.

The Trail Troll installation, BIFA and @breckcreate collectively, are brilliant models of how the trail using community (riders, walkers and others) can collaborate with industries to extend and innovative tourism, sustainability and public/arts opportunities and access.

What is the BIFA?

This festival is held annually in Breckenridge, Colorado (USA).

It is a unique meshworking and celebration of all things active, outdoors and creative.

Inspired by themes of environment and mountain culture, the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts brings together a variety of performances, installations, exhibitions, screenings, workshops, talks, and surprise collaborations, with an eclectic mix of music, theatre, film, visual and street arts, and family entertainment.

BIFA 2018 was held August 9-19th.

The festival’s key themes are:

Music & Performance
Visual Arts
Multidisciplinary
Film and Cinematic Arts
Contemporary Circus
Acoustic Flow
Workshops, Talks and Demos
….and most importantly for MTBers- the TRAIL MIX program!

What is the BIFA Trail Mix?

Trail Mix combines art, music, hiking and biking along the trails of Breckenridge through free outdoor concerts and environmental installations, featuring pop-up performances throughout BIFA. Featuring artworks by Nicole Banowetz, Thomas Dambo and Edina Tokodi. Co-presented with Breckenridge Music Festival.

The Trail Troll was a key part of this year’s Trail Mix Offering.

So if you are in the area – grab your bike and get on Moonstone Trail to check it out.

For those who are not in Colorado – perhaps the Trail Troll will fire up the imagination and action for an installation for your local trail.

I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Happy Trail Trolls!

14/08/201816/08/2018

On ya bike for World Elephant Day 2018!

How easily we forget or disregard that which is not part of our immediate daily experience….like the plight of elephants.

Elephant populations have declined by 62% over the last decade, with 24,000 Elephants poached last year in Africa alone.

Sunday (August 12th) was World Elephant Day 2018.

To celebrate the majestic elephant – and as a reminder that just because we don’t see them every day – much still needs to be done for those elephants still left.

So, here are a few ways that cyclists are progressing elephant conservation, both off and on the bike.

Ride a bike, not an elephant – Khatsahlano Street Party

One way to show support off the bike is by wearing a t-shirt like one of these below, which comes from annual Khatsahlano Street Party.

This event had local bands, artisans, food trucks, and giveaways. The T-shirt featured here was a key part of the event fundraising campaign to protect elephants from the unethical tourism industry. 100% of the net profit of these T-shirts went to free an abused elephant to a sanctuary in Asia.

Bike for Elephants 2018

‘Bike for Elephants’ is a 2-day charity bike tour arranged as part of the Dutch group Bring the elephant back home group. This bike ride is in eastern Thailand and the cost of participation goes towards innovative wild elephant conservation projects. This ride is promoted as an adventure and fun biking trip through the mountains and plantations and through forests in Chantaburi Province.

Cost includes safety instructions, a t-shirt, overnight stay, mountain bike rental, helmet, all meals and drinks. Also included are opportunities to meet the research team, see live elephants and new conservation techniques (like the beehive fences) in action and being part of an experience that is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

So what’s all the fuss?

Elephants are amazing creatures.

Green Global Travel’s website is focused on drawing attention to the challenge elephants face – and goes on to state that:

In the early 1900s African Elephant populations were estimated to be in the millions, while there were around 100,000 Asian Elephants. According to World Wildlife Fund, today there are around 700,000 African Elephants in the wild, and just 32,000 Asian Elephants.
In 1989, CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) banned the international ivory trade. Yet poaching for ivory has been steadily increasing, with 800,000 African elephants killed over the last three decades.
In addition to poaching, habitat loss and conflict with human populations are key threats facing Elephant populations. Climate change projections suggest key Elephant habitat will become hotter and drier, so poor foraging conditions may threaten the survival of more calfs in the future.

So sometime this week, take at least one small step to support elephant rescue and conservation – and show the world that cyclists are connected and care about our world – both on and off the bike.

Click here for an extensive list of links, places and ways you can help elephants.

And next time you’re riding with cycling buddies, here’s a few other interesting elephant facts you can share…

Elephants are incapable of jumping, but these massive mammals can run at a maximum speed of 25 miles (40 km) per hour.
Elephants, like people, have a ‘prefered side’ of using their tusks: Some are “lefties,” others are “righties.” They’ll favor that tusk when fighting other Elephants, picking things up, or stripping leaves and bark off trees. Because of constant usage, their preferred tusk gets shorter over time.
The elephant’s trunk (called a proboscis) contains 16 muscles.
Elephants have incredibly poor digestion, with only 50% efficiency. As a result, they release an incredible amount of gas (methane) and produce around 250 pounds of manure a day!
Elephant skin is over an inch thick. But because it’s loaded with nerve endings, their skin is also highly sensitive. Elephants from the same herd will often use touch to greet each other, either wrapping their trunks around each other or giving each other friendly “hello” taps on the body.

09/08/201813/08/2018

Thigh Bicycle Tattoos

Bicycle Tattoos - on thighs. Bicycles Create Change.com 9th August, 2018 — Source: Swoopsworld Pinterest)

Many cyclists are fanatical about bikes.

There are umpteen ways for bicycle enthusiasts to exhibit and share their love of bikes.

One of the most permanent commitments is to get it tattooed on your body.

I posted my first bicycle themed tattooed blog post here on bicycles create change back in August 2016, called Cycle Ink (Part 1).

I wanted to give a snapshot of the variety of bike tattoos and to showcase some of the standard and more unusual styles of bicycle tattoos around.

However, permanent tattoos are not everyone. So, my next bicycle tattoo blog post, was on Bicycle Temporary Tattoos (April 23rd, 2017).

Thigh Bicycle Tattoos

For this post, I wanted to see what kind of bicycle tattoos there are out there specifically on thighs.

I’ve seen a wonderful array of individual, quirky and incredible cycling tattoos over the years (go to a Singlespeed World Championship and you will know what I mean!) and I love how bold and unique they are.

I chose the tattoos below, not because they are the best looking tattoos, but because they show a good range of personalities and styles (both in riders and tattoos!).

I divided them up into 4 categories.

Here’s what I found….

1. For the fun of the ride

The first group of thigh bike tattoos include those that are fun, light, playful and a little bit sexy.

2. Colour and movement

Other people prefer some colour and movement in their tattoos.

3. Each part is a thing of beauty

Tattoos also celebrate the mechanical nature of ‘the parts of the greater whole’ and various types of bikes.

4. The hard truth about cycling power

For others, it is the raw pedal power that excites and motivates.

And there are many others!

Love them or hate them, tattoos are here to stay.

Some riders have bike tattoos and some riders don’t – maybe someone you ride with has one – but you just can’t see it.

So next time you are on a ride, keep your eyes open for a cycling tattoo gem and have a chat with someone who has their tattooed love of bicycles on display.

05/08/201807/08/2018

Giving it all up to cycle the world with your dog

I remember reading this story ages ago – and it really stuck with me. As a bike rider and dog owner, there is nothing more appealing than hitting endless trails on bikes with a furry mate. For our honeymoon, husband and I took the bikes and Zoe and spent three weeks driving up the east coast of Australia riding all the best MTB trails along the way. We had an amazing time. So when my work gets more than the usual crazy (mostly around marking time) and I’m feeling like there’s a lot going on, I think back to our time on the trails with Zoe and I reread this story…..and it makes everything okay. Just to know that this is an option and there are riders out there living the dream makes me happy. In our house, there continues to be talks of future cycling puppy inclusive cycling travels. Hazah!! Ride on #bikes_CISTA teams! NG.

Joshua Sivarajah sold all his possessions and set out to bike around the UK with just his dog Nero for company – a year later, he has found no reason to stop.

For the first 34 years of my life, I led a fairly conformist existence – university, a succession of jobs, my own sales business – but I never felt fulfilled.

When my mum suggested I move to Indonesia with her, I thought, “Why not?” and started making preparations. But as the departure date got closer, I realised how much I was going to miss the UK.

I decided I’d spend some time touring the country on my bike with Nero, my five-year-old collie.

Giving it all up to cycle the world with your dog

I sold my car, gave away my furniture, quit my flat, bought panniers for my bike and dragged my tent and sleeping bag out from under the stairs.

By the end of the week, I was on my way, Nero trotting beside me.

My plan was to cycle round the UK in about seven weeks. But a fortnight in, I realised there was no need for me to go fast – I just needed to appreciate what was around me.

It was tough going sometimes, but I learned how keen people are to help.

Most nights we camped on farmland or in parks (even in a castle once) but we also met people who were happy to put us up for the night.

Travelling with a dog, you make friends wherever you go.

Very early on, Nero burned his paws on hot tarmac and took to riding on top of my bags; an ironmonger in Whitby welded a special shelf on to my bike for him to sit on.

I’ve seen and done much more than I expected. The west coast of Scotland was particularly thrilling – I learned to sail and fish, I caught wild mackerel for breakfast and saw sea eagles with two-metre wingspans.

It was around that time that I phoned my mum and said, “I don’t think I can come to Jakarta, Ma. This is what I was born to do.”

My only outgoings are food for me and Nero, about £300 a month.

I carry my tent, my sleeping bag, hammock, and my laptop – other than the bare minimum of clothes and a few cooking utensils, that’s all I have.

I feel lighter, both physically and mentally.

We’re now cycling across Europe – we’ve visited France, Spain and Portugal so far. I never want to stop.

We’re slightly limited by Nero’s pet passport, so we can’t go to Africa or Asia, but I hope to cycle in the US next year.

After that, who knows?

As long as my knees hold out, I’ll keep going.

As told by Joshua Sivarajah to the Guardian’s Chris Broughton. This article was first published in the Guardian 9th July 2015. Images not attributed are from Joshua’s Facebook page or Dog Training website.