Welcome to Issue #2 - October 2025

How quickly the month has passed. Already time for our second edition. It was good to see so many people reading B-SPOKE in this world of saturated social media.

One of the “accidents” of social media on our inescapable devices is the intuitive nature of our new think piece. My phone is littered with bike riding features, charity rides, virtual rides, walks, swims, daily tips on nutrition, training, new bikes, accessories, and the latest lycra. If you thought it was hard to stay on a wheel in your riding group - try to keep up with never ending group set of posts and pics. 

However, we hope you find the time to read this edition because we have some interesting stuff for you. No gossip though.

This month we feature a couple of stalwarts of the peloton – Nick Barr and Charles Moore. Riders #157 and #217 by our count. That tells you a lot since we are approaching #1000. They are extraordinary supporters of Chain Reaction. 

BJ and Bagley have their usual spots to help you ride smarter and safer- tips for the rider and for the bike. And time to watch your diet!

Planning for our challenging 2026 events is well underway, and I encourage those who haven’t signed up yet to please do so. This makes planning and budgeting easier and we are keen to start our rider communications through the WhatsApp channels once we have everyone on board and registered. The banter never ceases to amuse on those comms but importantly we update you on important issues like training days, kit, and any changes we make to our plans. But we will communicate by email too. Chances are that some of you might even get a call from the team for a rider profile or story.

Corporate support is our key to major fundraising success. Early commitments have come from Aliro in Sydney, Hutchies in Brisbane and City Circle in Melbourne and we would like to thank all our corporate sponsors for their support. We will be featuring our sponsors in future editions and throughout, in the preparations and events for 2026.

We are very pleased to continue our relationship with Provelo (thanks Aaron and Matt). Jointly, through our marketing and communications we aim to keep us all connected and engaged, especially as the national series is essential to our international success in cycling.

Michael Byrom,

CEO, Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation

UPCOMING EVENTS

Chain Reaction is proud to be the Official Charity Partner of the ProVelo Super League. The PSL was built for the next generation of Australian cycling talent - the riders chasing WorldTour and Brisbane 2032 Olympic dreams, writing their own stories along the way.

The inaugural season saw an incredible 14 nationalities and 321 athletes compete across 34 stages, with the league’s broadcast and digital platforms generating 9m views in Season One.

To date, more than 10 emerging Aussie cyclists have secured their World Tour opportunity - a fantastic validation of the league’s vision and future potential. 

From epic stage races in stunning locations to iconic one-day classics, the 2026 season kicks off in January and will once again put Australia’s best on display for the world to see.

If you are not already following the PSL, please join their community by subscribing here.

If you would like to know more about how your business could take advantage of their marketing platform, bespoke experiences, and corporate hospitality offer - please reach out to Aaron Flanagan, Co-Founder at [email protected]

Support the next generation of Australian road cycling.

Sea Otter Australia #SOA2025

Global Outdoor Industry Leaders Summit comes to Australia!

For the first time, the world’s leading voices in the outdoor and bike industry will gather down under to share #wildideas and shape the future of global collaboration.

Yes - the Summit is just around the corner! Our CEO will be presenting on 22 October 2025 to what’s expected to be a packed audience of leading professionals from across the cycling industry. It marks an exciting first for Sea Otter on Australia’s east coast.

With Matt Keenan as MC, we will be in esteemed company and look forward to Michael’s paper on the Chain Reaction story which he has called ‘People Presence and Passion: Making an Extraordinary Difference for Kids in Need”

Exclusive offer: Our Chain Reaction community receives 20% off tickets with code CRCFSOAS25.

2026 Chain Reaction Challenges

2026 Melbourne Chain Reaction Challenge

March 1 - March 7, 2026

Sydney to Melbourne

2026 Brisbane Chain Reaction Challenge

March 22 - March 28, 2026

North Island New Zealand

2026 Sydney Chain Reaction Challenge

April 25 - May 1, 2026

Adelaide & Surrounds

COMMUNITY NEWS

Supporting Kids in Need Through Sydney Major Charity Partner So They Can

A World Bank and UNICEF report shows that while global child poverty has declined, over half of children in Sub-Saharan Africa still live below the poverty line.

2025 marks six years of So They Can’s partnership with Chain Reaction’s Sydney Cycle Challenge, raising $1,086,037 to fight child poverty through education in Africa.

These funds support So They Can’s Family Strengthening Project, helping vulnerable families in Kenya become self-sufficient - this year supporting 40 families and 193 children - and their Keeping Girls in School Project, which works to prevent Female Genital Cutting (FGC) and child marriage, improve girls’ school attendance, and protect their rights.

So They Can partners with medical centres and community 'Champions', to provide reproductive health education, support mothers and girls, and distribute reusable sanitary products- over 3,500 so far this year, so girls can stay in school during their periods.

With Chain Reaction’s support, So They Can have increased awareness of girls’ rights, boosted girls’ school enrolment in Baringo, Kenya (where up to 60% of girls face FGC), by 76%,and empowered girls to stand up against harmful practices.

Together, we are moving closer to a future where every child can go to school, reach their potential, and break the cycle of poverty.


Have a story or community update you’d like to share in our monthly updates? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Leeanne at [email protected].

RIDER PROFILES

Rider Profile: Charles Moore #157

Charles first joined Chain Reaction at 40 - new to cycling, inspired by a team from his workplace, and looking for a challenge. What started as a chance to ride with colleagues soon became something far greater: a community of like-minded people united by purpose and generosity.

Now 14 rides in (and officially earning his blue bands in 2026 with 15!), Charles has become part of the fabric of the Chain Reaction family not only as a long-time rider but also as a valued Board Member, helping guide the Foundation’s continued impact. It’s fair to say what began as a personal challenge has become a defining part of his story.

A few things we learnt about Charles:
We asked Charles to share a bit about himself, and here’s what he told us:

• He’s 55, a husband, and proud dad to three amazing young women.

• He leads an incredible team in the aged care and community services sector -something he considers a real privilege.

• He’s 10kg lighter than he was back in school!

• He enjoys landscaping and gardening.

• And thanks to Chain Reaction, he’s gained a bunch of mates he otherwise never would have met - something he feels genuinely grateful for.

Quickfire insights:
We threw a few fun questions his way, and here’s what he said:

• If my bike could talk, it would say… “I’m too heavy.” We reckon the bike’s just being dramatic - 10kg lighter than school days and still spinning strong after 14 events says otherwise.

• Most people don’t know that I… “am quite shy and introverted.”

• If I wasn’t in my current job, I’d be… “a Bunnings welcomer” Well, we know whatever Charles sets his mind to, he’d do it with passion and purpose - two things we’ve seen firsthand over his many years with Chain Reaction.

Rider Profile: Nick Barr #217

For Nick, cycling wasn’t always on the cards, but after his father, an avid triathlete and cyclist, passed away in 2012, he found himself the proud owner of a lot of cycling gear. Looking for a way to honour his dad and push his own limits, he stumbled across Chain Reaction… and the rest, as they say, is history.

Now preparing for his 13th Chain Reaction Challenge, Nick proudly rides as a yellow band rider, a true veteran of the peloton who brings equal parts heart, humour, and music to the road.

A few things we learnt about Nick:

• He doesn’t ride all year round, but when he does, it counts.

• He never turns up to a Chain Reaction Challenge without his trusty boom box to break the silence on those mental grinds.

• His current bike has seen eight Chain Reaction Challenges, and according to Lukey (our event mechanic), it’s officially time for an upgrade (“don’t turn up with it again” were the exact words).

• He’s now signed on for his 13th event, proving once again that once you’re part of this community, it’s hard to let go.

Quickfire insights:

• The soundtrack to my life right now is… “We are the pride of Brisbane Town, we wear maroon, blue and gold, we always fight for victory.” (apologies in advance to any Cats fans in his slipstream).

• Funniest moment on Chain Reaction? Watching a first-year rider roll into training with white cream smeared all over their saddle. When Nick asked what it was, they said, “Chamois cream.” Let’s just say… they learnt the correct application method pretty quickly.

• Best post-ride coffee order? Banana bread and an almond flat white - a classic combo for a man who’s done this 12 times before.

MECHANICAL TIPS

Last month we talked about why your helmet, cleats and even bar tape deserve a check-up. This month, we’re shifting gears - dive into the latest tips below!

Tyre Pressure: Daily Gains

The correct pressure makes a huge difference to comfort, rolling speed, and puncture protection. A quick squeeze isn’t enough - use a pump with a gauge. Aim for consistent pressures that suit your weight and road surface.

The tyre pressure chart can be found HERE. Not a bad calculator

Chain Care is Free Speed

A clean, well-lubed chain reduces friction and wear. After a few dusty or wet rides, wash it and add a drop of lube to each roller on the chain. Wipe off the excess so dirt doesn’t stick - small effort, big return. We can talk about waxing further if you have questions. Feel free to reach out.

Quick Bolt Check

Once a week, run an Allen key across your key bolts - stem, seat post, pedals, and bottle cages. Just firm them up, don’t overtighten. It’s the fastest way to stop creaks and prevent loose parts mid-ride.

Operating by appointment only, Luke will soon open Velotec Sports - a premium workshop in Richmond dedicated to cyclists who value precision, care, and personalised service. From late October, he’ll be ready to welcome riders and their bikes into this new space.

To book your appointment, simply contact Luke on 0422 055 532 to discuss your needs and secure a time.

See you out on the road,
Luke

COACHING TIPS

With everyone preparing to start their training or increase the number of hours they ride each week, something to consider is the nutrition we consume before, during and after our rides. It is essential to your performance and will help you make the most of your training sessions.

Before a Ride, Carb-Load: Eat meals rich in complex carbohydrates like whole grains, pasta, oats, or potatoes to maximize energy stores. Balance Macronutrients: Include lean protein and healthy fats in your main meals to support muscle repair and overall health. 

During a Ride, Consume Carbs: Aim for 30-90 grams of carbohydrates per hour, adjusting based on ride duration and intensity. It’s important to stay hydrated: Drink water and electrolyte drinks to replace lost fluids and minerals. 


Fuel Consistently: Eat small amounts of food frequently, like energy gels, chews, fruit, or rice cakes, to maintain steady energy levels. 

After a Ride: Refuel with Carbs & Protein: Consume a balanced snack or meal containing carbohydrates and lean protein within 30-60 minutes to aid muscle recovery. 


Include Micronutrients: Eat colourful fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall health and recovery.

General Tips:

Practice Your Plan: Test different foods and strategies during training rides to determine what works best for your digestive system and performance.



Listen to Your Body: People respond differently to various foods; be aware of your body's cues and adjust your plan accordingly.

Training will be more enjoyable if you can get your fueling correct, so have fun and make sure your body is charged with energy from start to finish!

Coach, Brenton Jones.