Sydney by bicycle

Well, the wife had to go to Sydney to attend the congress of the FIAF and give a lecture on “Dutch Solutions To Clear Legal Obstacles”. She is a legal buff and a leading authority on the subject.  Best part of course, company paid trip to Australia!

While the wife did her thing, I had the opportunity to explore Sydney on my one. All I needed was a road bike of good quality with the essential stuff to make a couple of pleasant rides around Sydney. The best and most promising site on the net was Livelo.com.au, run by Peter Branes. I ordered a nice alu Cannondale road bike for three days, with Garmin 810, Kask helmet, water bottles, repair kit and lights. Even a set of Speedplay Zero pedals were included, so no need to bring my own pedals.

They brought the bike to the hotel, Aidan near the Central Station, on the Saturday evening instead of the Sunday and because it was a busy weekend for the rental business. I received a carbon Cannondale EVO with Shimano Di2 size 54.  A better bike then ordered by me, but who is to complain. Within 10 minutes the bike was setup to my measurements and I was good to go.

 

Sunday morning I rode off early to affoid the heavy traffic in the inner city of Sydney and to find my bearings in riding urban surroundings. Taxi’s, busses, cars… I use to cycle on roads with a lot less traffic, so I had to adjust a bit. First objective was Harbour Bridge. Followed by the Opera House and onwards to Bondi Beach. I did decide not to use the GPS on the Garmin 810. Finding your way in an unfamiliar city without GPS is an adventure. You never know where you end up or what things lay in your path. For the same reason I did not contact local riders to hook up with or planned a guided ride. I wanted to ride on my own in a foreign city. I had time to spend and road to conquer. Of course I got lost a view times, but that is the charm of it all.

That first day I found out that Sydney is not flat city, like my home town. I was very glad to have a 50/34 with a 28 at the back, at some moments. I found roads that make the Muur of Huy a pick nick in the park, and the legs got hurt a lot.

The second day La Perouse/Botany Bay was the main goal with a visit to Centennial Park on the way up and back. I used the Livelo programmed ride up to La Perouse to get me there without delay and to put some speed in the ride. Finding ones way without GPS tends to slower rides. I had a nice speedy ride up to La Perouse and enjoyed the view of Botany Bay. On the home run I visited the Park where a 3,5km loop of car free road, named Grand Drive, makes an ideal exercise round for cyclist within the busy city. I did some more City exploring on the way home; meaning got lost a lot in a fun way and ended up at the Rapha shop for coffee. There, I made the mistake NOT to buy the SKY British National Champ shirt…sold out by now.

 

The third and last day I planned a trip up North to West Head via Manly Beach. One of the nicer beaches of Sydney, I think. Bondi has the name, but Manly is the more beautiful one. Especially Sydney Harbour National Park and its views is a winner. That ride was also not an easy ride for a flatland guy like me, but worth every pedal stroke. And sitting on the Bella Vista Café terrace at the Park with a double espresso and homemade cake, topped the day.

That late afternoon, Peter came and collected the bike at the Hotel. Talking about service! I think Livelo has the best service if you ever want to ride a bicycle in Sydney. If you want they do guided tours as well. And the bikes are A class and well maintained.
 

I am a Specialized adapt…but the Cannondale was a perfect ride.

So, thank you Peter, for making my stay in Sydney a memorable one!

Rork Steijn

www.livelo.com.au