The Joys of Cycling

I brought my current bike in late 2006, so it's a little over three years old. Used mainly for journey's to work and recreation, it sometimes travels quite a long distance during a typical week. I have my hand-held GPS mounted on the handle-bars and it's useful for working out distance travelled, time taken, average speed (excluding stops) and the rise and fall of any route. The bike is also possibly a life-saver as it keeps me fit, especially with all the hills around Armidale.



Take today, for example, when my 17.6 km (11 miles) took about 50 minutes, or an average of 21 kph (13.2 mph). That's not too bad for someone going on 65 riding a hilly course. That to my weekly total to about 82 km (or a little over 50 miles. Hey! I've just cycled the equivalent to the distance from London to Brighton.

I own a Giant, a brand common in Australia, but selected a model without drop handle-bar as I'm not really into racing. That said, I'm rarely over-taken and mostly ride faster than others. Believe me, there's quite a buzz in speeding past some 20 yo taking it easy. The thing's got 27 gears, which is useful for the steep sections - especially as I'm usually propelling 90 kg around, 80 kg for me and 10+ kg for my backpack with its computer, books and papers. However, the machine is no use for shopping.

Cycling in Armidale is a pleasant task, despite the hills. There's a network of bike tracks, lots of great views, little pollution, and infrequent rain (though heavy when it comes). Most of the town's roads are quite wide which minimises risk from aggressive drivers. Car parking is becoming a nightmare at the university, so I feel quite imperious when I get there and elevate me and my bike to the top floor where it's parked in my office. After a stint there I carry the thing down flights of stairs - its got a very light frame and hop on immediately I get outside.

AS