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.