I thought that when I moved to my new flat I’d get out on my bike more. I’ve cycled most of my life, but where I used to live, there was large hill I had to conquer before I could go anywhere else and it was enough to put me off. I still took the challenge every couple of weeks, but the top of the hill usually became my destination. With so much more time on my hands and without the psychological barrier of the hill at my new home, I thought I’d be on my bike almost every day.
Ironically, I haven’t ridden much recently because I’ve been spoilt for choice. The guide map that I picked up from the local library showed an intricate network of bike paths that was difficult to follow and I couldn’t find an obvious destination. I was looking for something like the path along Parramatta River – with a scenic route that used to inspire me to get out every Sunday morning.
Disappointment is often fueled by expectation. During my first months in Belgium I’d looked forward to getting my bike out and going for a ride before work. The morning after my bike was delivered (along with all the furniture I’d brought with me from Japan) I got up excited, but lost interest when I saw it was raining. I was about to give up and get ready for work when I realised that I would never ride in Belgium if I let a little drizzle stop me. So I got out the bike and went anyway, then enjoyed riding a few times each week for the next three years.
In Sydney it was the same. On Monday, I decided to get out the map again and find somewhere to go. Right in the middle of the map was a path through a national park. That was perfect. Along the way, I discovered some great paths that I could use to get to the major shopping centre near me, to get to archery along a dedicated pathway beside the tollway and many interesting back streets. It’s all well sign-posted and they even have special traffic lights for bikes where necessary. I’ll be out enjoying the Australian outdoor life properly from now on.