Staying Positive | Sydney Cycling VLOG 

Hey guys, it seems the intentions of this Vlog to highlight some potential cycling positives and provide some light entertainment have been lost in the edit or in the way it has come across. Any inference that I am undervaluing the medical community is completely wrong, our family is in awe of their bravery and expertise at this time. We also did not set out to flaunt current NSW social distancing laws, which we adhered to during the ride. This is obviously an incredibly serious time, one that required all of us to make solid mature decisions. As a family nucleus we closed our loop weeks ago, giving us the best chance to secure the safety of our at risk age group parents as well as reducing the social interactions of our family as a whole. You guys know I will always accept criticism of the channel, especially when it is centred around my cycling ability, but for people to infer I have placed my family and the broader community at risk, undervalued my role in this family. There is no producer, no director, no editor, on this channel ... by that I mean bouncing what should and should not be on the channel is something that happens on the fly with me at the laptop. This channel is essentially about providing light entertainment, sure sometimes we chat about serious subjects like weight loss (and gear ratios), but the goal is always to entertain. So with that said, it might be worth me re-thinking the daily vlogs during this period, as I never want to offend or increase the sense of frustration out in the community, especially at a time people are paying such a high cost. Stay safe out there guys, Regards, Chris.

Having being a cyclist for 46 years I agree with you that it is an awesome sport. In the current lockdown phase and in countries where you can still ride your bike, cycling became almost unique in the fitness / leisure / sporting arena. Which other activity allowed you to escape the lockdown, enjoy the scenery, exercise and still socialize (albeit with only one other person)? I went for a 90km ride on Sunday and I checked later one of the segments. It had nearly 700 cyclists riding it that day! That’s a lot. This freedom doesn’t go unnoticed. Suddenly you are doing something that everyone else would like to experiment: be ouside. People who never ssked about my cycling suddenly are asking questions: - did you go out? - how far? etc If only we could have the Tour de France this year, even w/o spectators, that would be a game changer.

One potential positive I see is that traffic has been massively reduced on the roads, particularly early on weekends and this could have a lasting effect if companies realise the benefits of people working from home even after the isolation. Would be a great change for the environment and liveable cities. Would make training and recreation rides much easier and more enjoyable!

It would be cool to see a zwift race with the nrs teams. Even some time trial stuff.

Thank you Chris for giving us a perspective we all need focus on: "Positive Positive Outcomes on the other side"

Hi Chris, I had to go into my LBS today... had a chat and they told me that business for them had been surprisingly good. Lots of folks were coming in to the store enquiring about bikes as cycling is one of the few things you can actually get away with, outdoors, at the moment. Hopefully, this will open the eyes of many to what a great sport cycling actually is; not just for the physical benefits, but also the benefits it provides for mental health. Having a society that is pro active about health and well-being has gotta be a positive. Cheers from Leroy. PS.... the shot of Stanwell Tops brought back some fond memories.

Same boat here, not sure when I will be racing this year. Hope we will be racing. Changing some goals for riding.

This might be an opportunity for the substantial majority of society (like myself) to be "less substantial" for want of a better term (e.g. being more careful of what we do and also being healthier) as well as being more positive/nicer et al. (Her Majesty's 6th April address trying to be more inclusive and uniting being an example)

As always good vlog ! Hey like the purple shoes over your buddies. Speaking of products I know you wear Rapha , as I do love their stuff ! But any comments or a vlog on MAAP kits ?? Would be cool !

Wheelie in the background at @9:43 goes unnoticed 😂

Awesome video as usual Chris. Keep them coming as they are such a lifeline during the lockdown times, we're lucky in the UK where we can still at least still get outside on the bike. I think the sport has grown massively in the past few years with the opportunity to spectate stages of the Tour de France, world championships and the tour de Yorkshire, speaking of the U.K and it has become more mainstream for participation but how it is screened on tv needs some thought. Speaking from a personal point of view the more I watch and understand I can appreciate not only the skills/ attributes of the individuals do the riders but more so the tactics of the teams (it's like a very complex game so chess) but I think this cannot come across as entertainment when viewing by the general public. Very long live coverage of days in the peloton on tv do little to promote the sport to someone who has little knowledge. I've found the coverage of the city crit racing to be for more engaging to viewers. White shoes by the way are 👍but I think the Rapha shoes you are wearing look awesome

Another vote for the white shoes!!! They're a pain to clean but look cool and apparently go faster if you believe 70's NFL. (Apparently red cars and white shoes are the fastest combo LOL)

I believe that maybe, perhaps, there will be a very shortened domestic racing season here in the States Sept/Oct/early Nov. Nothing more.

Hey Chris, this may have been discussed before, but what's with the big bike packs on the front? What do you carry in them?

I agree with your comments in the pinned tweet Chris. You may need to change the vlogs. As this crisis bites & worsens people's best & worst sides will shine through. Personally I believe any footage of you outside on your bike will bring a heap of criticism upon you, it's not worth it. Ineos for example are promoting zwift meet ups etc. Following their lead & online connecting with people who are unable to ride outdoors is the way to go at this time. All the best for you and your family.

Hi Chris. Just a GoPro question. How do you get such clear audio while riding the bike? Is it a filter and post production?

Here some positive... Because of my work before covid, during week days, i ride the bike on the trainer only and out in the weekend, since 2 weeks i lost my job and i can finally go out everyday on the road (solo). I shouldn't say this, bit i am actually enjoy this time...

Keep up the content Chris! There is nothing wrong with staying mentally & physically healthy within the bounds of the guidelines. Let the keyboard warriors worry about 5G causing COVID-19.

I guess sponsorship will be the challenge going forward, I hear Decunic (?) are pulling back sponsorship of that great Belgium team!

Beard!

Have you ever thought of trying to pedal a bit harder than 170w rather than losing weight?

First?

1 vote for white shoes

Chris - clearly Sydney isn’t in quarantine and your not required to keep social distancing whilst cycling....thanks for respecting the others of us that are !

When racing starts up again really depends on how seriously Australians treat this pandemic and avoid social interactions. Things like, you know, riding bikes with mates.

That easy for you to say when u don't work on the front lines in a hospital

Social distancing is not meeting up with a mate for a ride. Everyone’s doing there part. Ride solo or stay home.

Don’t understand why you and Jessie were riding together. It’s only solo riding or riding with someone who lilies in the same house as you. Why can’t you follow the guidelines.