Riding on a Sunday

Photo: Ian MacPherson.

Photo: Ian MacPherson.

As I commute most weekdays by bike when the weekend arrives I have no desire to ride. Last Sunday the disused White Bay Power Station in Rozelle (Sydney) was open to the public. It is an amazing structure and I have always been fascinated by it. Rarely is it open to the public so to avoid traffic and parking hassles I rode my bike. I had a great morning photographing the decommissioned power station and it was fantastic riding in Sydney on a sunny Sunday morning. There was little traffic and a handful of cyclists, it was brilliant. I had forgotten what it was like to ride on a Sunday.

Robbie

Photo: Ian MacPherson.

Name: Robbie
Bike: SE Lager Single speed plus “Purple Lady” Single speed project built from scratch
Occupation: Photographer/ Part time ‘House wife’
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
Mon-Fri plus weekend Joyrides
Why do you commute by bike?
To escape Peak hour traffic chaos, excellent way to kick start the day. Doing my bit for the Environment!
Do you have any rain strategies?
Make sure to pack dry socks and spare shoes, be extra vigilant with traffic conditions and slippery roads.
Advice for new cyclists?
Build up your confidence slowly, respect all existing road rules and earn respect your self.
Name your dream bike.
A new Single Speed project, possibly with an old Italian made frame and top quality components….a Sexy Beast!
Favourite cycling shop/website?
Fyxomatosis, Wiggle, Ebay
Would you recommend commuting by bike?
Absolutely without a doubt, if you live within approx. 15 kilometre radius from your workplace give it a try.
Chances are you will get to work faster than a car AND/OR even public transport.
Favourite café?
Changes periodically, currently loving Sonoma @ Dank Street (best almond croissants) and great coffee too.
Additional comments?
I am a cyclist but I also drive a car, by being able to commute to work by bike I rely less and less on my car which basically serves to drive longer distances on weekends or holidays. Saving money on fuel and running costs not to mention one less vehicle on the roads!

Jimi

Photo: Ian MacPherson.

Name: Jimi
Bike: Bianchi Cameleonte VI
Occupation: Graphic Artist- retoucher/Illustrator
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
5
Why do you commute by bike?
So many reasons – because I always enjoy being on a bike, for the fitness/health benefits, for that feeling of being in the weather and close to nature; for the alert and invigorated state that I arrive to work in; for green reasons and the satisfaction that’s comes from powering your vehicle with your own steam; because I hate driving; because it allows me to have endless but enjoyable discussions with my fellow commuter comrades about geeky bike tech stuff!
Do you have any rain strategies?
Take a change of clothes and accept that you are going to get wet and muddy, then enjoy it like a kid jumping in puddles! Oh, and I am a recent convert to hydraulic disc brakes!
Advice for new cyclists?
Assume everyone is a blind idiot, and that’s not a deliberate go at car drivers – I mean pedestrians, other cyclists and pets too!
Name your dream bike.
My Bianchi is fulfilling it so far, my only possible complaint is that for a carbon bike, its on the heavy side – so maybe a lighter wheel set?
Favourite cycling shop/website?
I will admit to a Wiggle addiction.
Would you recommend commuting by bike?
I firmly believe that becoming a commuter can change your life. I use to do a 12km each way commute for years, then moved to a workplace in a crappy cycling area, with no shower facility so I had to drive. The effect on me was quite significant, I was unfit and could not seem to wake up or function until late morning after at least 2 strong coffees. Now I am riding again, I feel alive, non-stressed and fit enough that if someone says ‘lets go down the park and chuck the footy around’ I feel like I can do it without the paramedics on standby!
Favourite café?
So many, so I will just say the last one I went to – Sonoma in Dank Street Waterloo. And it’s a mighty fine bakery too! Some buddies and I went there after doing the Centennial Park circuit a few times on Saturday.

Questions For Bicycle Commuters

Here’s the questions I like to ask.

Name:
Bike:
Occupation:
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
Why do you commute by bike?
Do you have any rain strategies?
Advice for new cyclists?
Name your dream bike.
Favourite cycling shop/website?
Would you recommend commuting by bike?
Favourite café?
Additional comments?

Taek

Photo: Ian MacPherson.

Name: Taek
Bike: Charge Mixer 8 Black
Occupation: Photographer
How many days a week do you commute by bike?
3-4 days a week.
Why do you commute by bike?
Healthier, faster, cheaper and more fun.
Do you have any rain strategies?
I use the cooling fan behind mac computer to dry my stuff.
Advice for new cyclists?
Use your hand to signal when you turn and stop at red lights.
Name your dream bike.
Dodici Special, Cinelli Vigorelli and Colnago Super.
Favourite cycling shop/website?
Wiggle, Pedal Consumption and Tokyo Fixed Gear.
Would you recommend commuting by bike?
Absolutely 110%
Favourite café?
Café Bones in Leichhardt, Bourke Street Bakery and Deuce Bike.
Additional comments?
Love to see some program run by council or government to promote safer riding (laws and tips).