tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72856399537888237552024-03-06T12:17:25.334+08:00Bicycle! Bicycle!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-57231694646698701792017-06-29T17:58:00.000+08:002017-06-29T18:02:51.478+08:00Hot Tricycle Gone Wild<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" height="480" id="id_9d7a_90fc_2936_3df1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4J7frpX7_TGpF5kFOn0wplXYni-9hAGhhJPBq9iB4slZ_dVYIc_qcDivNpO7Ob6bYu6u3tgMOrSiFPeYFwYhWU8CPLQ51D-fa5eSVX0Zs5cNY73Oq7lUWVQeEYzv1TwT3F5_BcJ-yrBM/s640/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="640" /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Look at this hot Gomez tricycle trying to blend with the municipal furniture in downtown Devonport. But you can't blend when you're this amazing. I bet that thing owns at the farmers market. Just taking KILOS of potatoes in that basket. I'm sweating.</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-4239299860283467672017-05-01T14:27:00.000+08:002017-06-29T17:37:44.551+08:00#30DaysOfBiking Part IIWith our bike handling skills returning and the nights growing cooler, Ginger and I continued with 30 Days of Biking on our quest to once again become Bike People. Returning to bicycling after so long was a treat, there's no other way to describe it. I knew I'd missed it but I didn't realise just how much until we moved somewhere it was possible to get the bikes out of the house without a team of Sherpas. Every day I tried to think of an errand or appointment to complete by bicycle and if I couldn't, we simply rode around the neighbourhood. Recording and hash-tagging our adventures gave me extra motivation, as did seeing the collected pictures and videos of all our fellow cyclists in both hemispheres. Whether it was around the block or a marathon, you could take a daily trip around the world on two (or three!) wheels by visiting the hashtag. As a bonus, Google Maps for bicycle routes is finally reliable here. It took me around all of the hills instead of up them and had accurate time estimates for a sweat-free journey. Here's a sample of the rest of our April:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZFWdpg-qaW8hyphenhyphen9IPaQdK69KGkwD93deVxXPpKlsNENCvz1ugKMKuw5hUZC_E0KBrCS3lYGd6DlgpUkRbrwJY7IyGvARRD8Q1pfH1fVTnDxjCD0-LX_bz_RSC292PqvlDkR4VRdtsjG4/s1600/Day11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZFWdpg-qaW8hyphenhyphen9IPaQdK69KGkwD93deVxXPpKlsNENCvz1ugKMKuw5hUZC_E0KBrCS3lYGd6DlgpUkRbrwJY7IyGvARRD8Q1pfH1fVTnDxjCD0-LX_bz_RSC292PqvlDkR4VRdtsjG4/s400/Day11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJIsrXn_Vp_oTKV0_fmhb3BzuOUP6tfTeli4XBlaHBDuwhHKjBYc7sSHP4l-vrmd1XvApGouuAPu-lx-RsRCyUWJGEnIg3An3qt6ItPIZIS-V-U0I5CjLecsayZeNMrKmOynh77ITREc/s1600/Day10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJIsrXn_Vp_oTKV0_fmhb3BzuOUP6tfTeli4XBlaHBDuwhHKjBYc7sSHP4l-vrmd1XvApGouuAPu-lx-RsRCyUWJGEnIg3An3qt6ItPIZIS-V-U0I5CjLecsayZeNMrKmOynh77ITREc/s400/Day10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I laugh in the face of gym when I have BIKE.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0CEYjmDo4odtslkM2xZa4qklHdHm3hqGz3WLmKbqHHwewip2YWDJ1UYs2VvDfwygHaT0loXWmcDt6gaV0iVJG3EknTDc0L24B5Brk8QEKp4YGBp0Q3kanwIpP5cwgR2VGgEA688bxWY/s1600/Day14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0CEYjmDo4odtslkM2xZa4qklHdHm3hqGz3WLmKbqHHwewip2YWDJ1UYs2VvDfwygHaT0loXWmcDt6gaV0iVJG3EknTDc0L24B5Brk8QEKp4YGBp0Q3kanwIpP5cwgR2VGgEA688bxWY/s400/Day14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0jUnZ6fD2lDPiohFootKV5tH26xfVvuOuFNxHjgajFTCgO_A_a_MPnSJynpUuxQJUY79guWHdKG6lIJoffqr4Qo_VwanD6rCP1wfBa2UKYJxL26lT_DhZ_PemJHAAkga9fJSFspLFp8/s1600/Day17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0jUnZ6fD2lDPiohFootKV5tH26xfVvuOuFNxHjgajFTCgO_A_a_MPnSJynpUuxQJUY79guWHdKG6lIJoffqr4Qo_VwanD6rCP1wfBa2UKYJxL26lT_DhZ_PemJHAAkga9fJSFspLFp8/s400/Day17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil Basket still the most useful accessory.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingGP3vyziLHCTSy3I7iDyMoGwPpStHfnbUvXW2P9l26GDWQ4doVsJirrROSA4Z53zF1a6WOsI2KRuojlxmbDM1O7yNiiV-C1Q0HB6_58TD0Gm9_Bu3rsVo8vD4-oVFVffynmjK8qvfzg/s1600/Day20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingGP3vyziLHCTSy3I7iDyMoGwPpStHfnbUvXW2P9l26GDWQ4doVsJirrROSA4Z53zF1a6WOsI2KRuojlxmbDM1O7yNiiV-C1Q0HB6_58TD0Gm9_Bu3rsVo8vD4-oVFVffynmjK8qvfzg/s400/Day20.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Stranger Things edition.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Out of the whole month, we missed 3 days due to being 200kms away from our bicycles. And we felt it keenly! 30 Days of Biking was an excellent way to get back into bicycling for transportation & pleasure. Now I just need a new headlight, as the Knog Boomer is on the way out…</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxE3Obrc5R9vcFf-8CaNC5Jw-3d1gNjKATOOVYG-_eoWfE767Y3DUPXjbzWIG272F0vQbIF2p7EaeehXMz_0g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwL3IBdPeYEiVtf3IyjRR7SD1_p2UbEzCeiq0a_Nio_dpiWBMOJpdqWe3sfHOudtMRqvi5n8enZRpI0dOC2HQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwFOj1uMAoVw1ua8LWDOg4lAh-x-LZsR2bv_3KN0I_XIAXtU5H391pnoWlax4WlO97C3s3v2DzcNOloe73zwA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-64091267749786354832017-04-09T11:02:00.000+08:002017-06-29T14:29:40.268+08:00Bigger, Backer, Biking-er?<div style="text-align: center;">
🎶<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RETURN OF THE BACK(side)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">once again</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RETURN OF THE BACK(side)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bottom of the world</b>🎶</div>
<br />
I was gone so long, emojis became a thing. And because I am forever your Cool Aunty who can name three out of four of the kids who used to be in 1 Direction, I am using them to herald my return to the bicycle blogosphere. It's been a while. Through illness and bicycle unfriendly geography I grew estranged from my wheels. But a move to a less mountainous area of Tasmania, one with shared paths (!) awakened the need. The need for transportation cycling speed. That's approximately 9km a mother-effing hour, baby.<br />
<br />
This need also coincided with the month of April, which is 30 Days of Biking month. I couldn't think of a better way to get back into Bicycle Land than forced goal setting and hashtags, so without further ado, here's Part 1 of my glorious return to bicycling, shamelessly backdated:<br />
<br />
<b>April 1st - Hello. It's me.</b><br />
Day one started off rough because there was a gin festival near our new house, and it turns out that those tiny little sample shots will take you down when you have 10 in a row. So I had to sober up before we could get on our bicycles for the first time in years.<br />
P.S. I have Snapchat now because what kind of Cool Aunty would I be if I didn't have a way to broadcast my day drinking BUT WITH A FLOWER CROWN FILTER?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSc7S1V5ObqDMtV_liMO9E2waKvPnABu1jmqWj9WNeh7-YjEGR0OxCKcMBViPfDY8vI79g8WSfyGR0sKUpz9GVt5wkSuOqkNA_n3Kfyo_yd-BW36x_IQUqxw4ST9R0h4ZH0Ag9_MR3DSQ/s1600/GinFest1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1600" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSc7S1V5ObqDMtV_liMO9E2waKvPnABu1jmqWj9WNeh7-YjEGR0OxCKcMBViPfDY8vI79g8WSfyGR0sKUpz9GVt5wkSuOqkNA_n3Kfyo_yd-BW36x_IQUqxw4ST9R0h4ZH0Ag9_MR3DSQ/s400/GinFest1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before Gin Festival / After Gin Festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
By nightfall, Ginger and I were ready to roll on the salubrious shared path infrastructure of Devonport, Tasmania. Our new home and also the home of The Spirit of Tasmania ferry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUPyVMtoEZ5lqTbFsjKq6JHJbU2yaBaXh_mSWuOLIohQf5tjh0X-QyOaZb5SGZmDPx_a9jDlU7qOqku6D07ukIsq8-04SUlszSJwM5DhCRHi5QDz__sVW1LLVPQn5WsB0Mz9QkJlEkSA/s1600/Day1.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyUPyVMtoEZ5lqTbFsjKq6JHJbU2yaBaXh_mSWuOLIohQf5tjh0X-QyOaZb5SGZmDPx_a9jDlU7qOqku6D07ukIsq8-04SUlszSJwM5DhCRHi5QDz__sVW1LLVPQn5WsB0Mz9QkJlEkSA/s400/Day1.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Filled with foolhardy enthusiasm, we bicycled to Devonport Bluff and back, never once considering the consequences for our car-seat-softened undercarriages.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6Y9XEN64RkVxv0UUsluUIgz8sP1l1KNpp4_VznhXJBENY9DRgZ6HGncF5ohTS5dQCseACJTQlobfIjqdt7qgQH8PUTrjU06wu8QNAsGcZj5NXNP0Tenl0w7vOWLfNcP2x8GdWdnc-qE/s1600/Day1.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6Y9XEN64RkVxv0UUsluUIgz8sP1l1KNpp4_VznhXJBENY9DRgZ6HGncF5ohTS5dQCseACJTQlobfIjqdt7qgQH8PUTrjU06wu8QNAsGcZj5NXNP0Tenl0w7vOWLfNcP2x8GdWdnc-qE/s400/Day1.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spoiler: I felt it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It was so good to be back, I don't even have a self deprecating thing to say about it. Bicycling is fucking fun. We threw ourselves into dutifully hashtagging the first quarter of the month, bicycling around the block, to the shops, to appointments, to dinner (where we saw some weird shit), and to a great community market event at Hill Street Grocer where the bike racks were blocked so we couldn't park properly but we got to eat a hotdog in a carpark while a jazz band played. Yes, hipsterism has finally reached Devonport and brought with it a late night dessert bar, a gin distillery, a boutique beer bar that sells alcoholic ginger beer and has espresso martinis on tap, and a grocery so fancy that you can buy a $30 German made dish brush while you wait for your professionally arranged flowers to be decoratively wrapped.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4fwDkNPuisYF9oizBhrfPxnyjGXVYGOQ5U2a8Q1Wv3d7pdXtpYJxZEihCynLmwmv0EKmcjHyzSbrQQaXYg2SwKzF7yw3Tf63UySs9lxqfcGtd8D_UaynTMoxwhq6d8u2DVpEz2e3vvw/s1600/Day3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4fwDkNPuisYF9oizBhrfPxnyjGXVYGOQ5U2a8Q1Wv3d7pdXtpYJxZEihCynLmwmv0EKmcjHyzSbrQQaXYg2SwKzF7yw3Tf63UySs9lxqfcGtd8D_UaynTMoxwhq6d8u2DVpEz2e3vvw/s400/Day3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29b7lZpJsL3E5aLSB6ycukO6aeKBKr4goFGnDoJg4D92JFQ_YnYiqw9ku_Y9kMgHA9ryLIQ3Hv-FQ7VxABKVCY4Mz0kreQRNuvaGAHpzn3AOu3XU0U41HiGYWiswvvzDJs1Vmb_rXU98/s1600/Day4.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29b7lZpJsL3E5aLSB6ycukO6aeKBKr4goFGnDoJg4D92JFQ_YnYiqw9ku_Y9kMgHA9ryLIQ3Hv-FQ7VxABKVCY4Mz0kreQRNuvaGAHpzn3AOu3XU0U41HiGYWiswvvzDJs1Vmb_rXU98/s400/Day4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08cZeXgsO8lxDAOlNGQUvon_XNUOkJO4vm46R0EdvBB6Ob2cwPwWVXDVkeaTVBg-XmqM9d7Xkn3Sk86kw0_pVHvhtUug5a-X8nvF9wxkW0LV8pUb_jPK_EOHwEfAd8Eyebit66Jnpd8Y/s1600/IMG_8912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08cZeXgsO8lxDAOlNGQUvon_XNUOkJO4vm46R0EdvBB6Ob2cwPwWVXDVkeaTVBg-XmqM9d7Xkn3Sk86kw0_pVHvhtUug5a-X8nvF9wxkW0LV8pUb_jPK_EOHwEfAd8Eyebit66Jnpd8Y/s400/IMG_8912.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Despite all my rage, I am still just Sous Vide in a cage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzpXhTIqujoS8c35kmsiT4GiiePEaLrQd6o5pyD6quO_t_9Y4JEm6I8spN3pTdjMEUmJctOFXF5CkR-UC3R-A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxd7PvT2qKj-iRq9R8Js7_UtRmF-T4O3efgEWw1r_Gp-bAns-GcXi_g843jOZAU4_WnBHxIQe6ospDlkUvYm2lktGoih1UcF3Nd0kQuIxWqzY01ujAnUgk-SBL3Upd82dyfuwTuVmKb0/s1600/Day6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxd7PvT2qKj-iRq9R8Js7_UtRmF-T4O3efgEWw1r_Gp-bAns-GcXi_g843jOZAU4_WnBHxIQe6ospDlkUvYm2lktGoih1UcF3Nd0kQuIxWqzY01ujAnUgk-SBL3Upd82dyfuwTuVmKb0/s400/Day6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg4Lb5Kuxmaj9-VIQjrstJq5iRtJBtBe7HseCjzDym3rxvKEw-W46SZyWXTJKeid49gK5ymLfnZPSnWcyT1SnuPXjXIl4N6Kare1X8AJkdmt-1dmVLsZq__gmVwD8yvdVj58MlkGK-fY/s1600/Day7.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg4Lb5Kuxmaj9-VIQjrstJq5iRtJBtBe7HseCjzDym3rxvKEw-W46SZyWXTJKeid49gK5ymLfnZPSnWcyT1SnuPXjXIl4N6Kare1X8AJkdmt-1dmVLsZq__gmVwD8yvdVj58MlkGK-fY/s400/Day7.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYRtGpJ76VrGRBgTAMIjc4JIuSh36HGEo42Ok8nEOlqkhe-xuMVzk6SrxpioaEmnbZtUylYKmu84iYkoCTxT5djwgGm_rh5wusNZVtiNzk9TaqrLCuelMgZUrYBPwpJJmE-Lr6k2opTY/s1600/Day7.2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYRtGpJ76VrGRBgTAMIjc4JIuSh36HGEo42Ok8nEOlqkhe-xuMVzk6SrxpioaEmnbZtUylYKmu84iYkoCTxT5djwgGm_rh5wusNZVtiNzk9TaqrLCuelMgZUrYBPwpJJmE-Lr6k2opTY/s400/Day7.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6zV8CfRQGSM7GSvmH9F-T4ce-uI-HvCZ-epPw2PNJA-uTSsf61-k2OtNCDm_tgVet_oQC3qQTND4K5x8iqZmo_tiJyOtzEhyphenhyphenDDb3QTZxbUL1_NQC-sCB9SgVPrH__mJ7cfPtbcoWvgY/s1600/Day7.3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6zV8CfRQGSM7GSvmH9F-T4ce-uI-HvCZ-epPw2PNJA-uTSsf61-k2OtNCDm_tgVet_oQC3qQTND4K5x8iqZmo_tiJyOtzEhyphenhyphenDDb3QTZxbUL1_NQC-sCB9SgVPrH__mJ7cfPtbcoWvgY/s400/Day7.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwJN7xFXiZthw7EEWM-AOjzBzo9K4XvdsQcehB6AdIYYCRxDLm1kwXls2EZ5sIAgeSnmJuFdOs49I_MEvTo9A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxwRNd5aPMn1G2sX8e43dJIhz3pdoGqJIX7yPqPsKJrSL2IGxzaErTUvpU4Fm5CoKXvG14Uj1JtGWlKQROsYw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76wpnIFSTB0Y0IOafIglyVUgzbOzYNUJoLjfq4acXSTCc9_wYJgwCiM3_4aydDb1FLgZTenBLZrvlectDsPjPpiyysRBiOPjV82FDUS5VdMdEZl17yWhW0CRD0DEc72eaA2L-Oya_R_M/s1600/IMG_9012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76wpnIFSTB0Y0IOafIglyVUgzbOzYNUJoLjfq4acXSTCc9_wYJgwCiM3_4aydDb1FLgZTenBLZrvlectDsPjPpiyysRBiOPjV82FDUS5VdMdEZl17yWhW0CRD0DEc72eaA2L-Oya_R_M/s400/IMG_9012.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antidote. The new late night dessert bar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3iFTLhPee4XvEYBrqcS-FiqFgB-ApJnTj507V86_YVz_HXDDOiw6nQScMTnNc9g5MvvDI_0XJ18glmC_dcJFrXwM4rRlIsnx5n1uduZMVuk-6ByBQpKRHI6_hLJYgJ929Al8OXsEyQk/s1600/Day8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3iFTLhPee4XvEYBrqcS-FiqFgB-ApJnTj507V86_YVz_HXDDOiw6nQScMTnNc9g5MvvDI_0XJ18glmC_dcJFrXwM4rRlIsnx5n1uduZMVuk-6ByBQpKRHI6_hLJYgJ929Al8OXsEyQk/s400/Day8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We were fatter of bottom and compromised of fitness, but dammit we were back, ready to ride into a bicycle heavy future on flatter land. Welcome to Devonport!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwRA66ELzSMb2VkMqMORRhuyqEy5qCJo6eqJJph9GAxePg3wVJfTsCyZIzKyfC1sS_CWNCwsPEHZEYh151bcQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEpiDA2z9hiUNrjmGQqQv2_p0RatnQQs9HYB7SIwfwr7N7p9bxrjcAA8XEERj9pE4MXKTbg90ZyZLq1Ej7yhoHCAFPUEh9_7id7EReJ_6TvZAfMLZUp8JaGderhJg5geqwPjLZVlU8bM/s1600/IMG_8756.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-68476578427953258152014-06-19T18:53:00.000+08:002014-07-24T00:29:31.757+08:00I'm On A Boat...cycle!I've noticed distinct patterns emerging in my wardrobe since I returned to bicycles. The most obvious being a sharp decrease in non stretch pants and corresponding increase in dresses for the freedom of movement they provide. (I said as much in my little bit of <a href="http://iwanttoridemy.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/the-girls-bicycle-handbook.html" target="_blank">The Girls' Bicycle Handbook</a>.) But another, quite literal pattern has been woven through this shift: A complete mania for stripes. Partly it's due to a proliferation of stripes in the shops but my stripes love has been building for some time, the increased availability has merely allowed me to target my obsession almost exclusively on navy blue and white horizontal, as though I were permanently about to board a yacht. Blame suddenly living by the sea, blame the fact my 'best for summer biking' dress back in Perth was navy blue and white stretch cotton, blame my willing adherence to fashion. Blame what ever you like but something about stripes on a bike (Or on foot) makes me happy to be alive.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghchjdzScNK_6Z8DvuEQVk1cG9y7zmJ7nTMhcyjmyOCPY8vyg_8VKrxL3OO1LTYTAc0UwzaNAu-G1yL4vVWIh_NMEzikdb0coRiU23-TiMA-F8sKnybpyMBWhy-kXXBYJHIKp2-dJQ8Wo/s1600/PashleyPicnic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghchjdzScNK_6Z8DvuEQVk1cG9y7zmJ7nTMhcyjmyOCPY8vyg_8VKrxL3OO1LTYTAc0UwzaNAu-G1yL4vVWIh_NMEzikdb0coRiU23-TiMA-F8sKnybpyMBWhy-kXXBYJHIKp2-dJQ8Wo/s1600/PashleyPicnic2.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike Stripes Genesis in Perth.<br />
Stretch 'T-Shirt' material dress from Target, perfect for sweaty, West Australian summers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm not a summertime fan but there's something of an endless summer feeling in navy stripes that I can still appreciate. Less of the sweat, swimsuits and sunburn, more of the blessed hour when the Perth sun finally relented and you could collapse into an outdoor chair with an iced drink, sea breeze and good friends around you. Plus it just makes me feel jaunty.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6VnFNIwFUyzUxnMVeQDryNqcsISBhFvUYNTXpxkeXZkgUPZrH53ph6vkWWBXqbFL_z_iZfkbyNbWpzul-Td2wjcjlKrQpKyR8W956axgLIVfs42OPatJQ6-tvKUs0HSAArEzbSer8pk/s1600/TableCapeSummer11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6VnFNIwFUyzUxnMVeQDryNqcsISBhFvUYNTXpxkeXZkgUPZrH53ph6vkWWBXqbFL_z_iZfkbyNbWpzul-Td2wjcjlKrQpKyR8W956axgLIVfs42OPatJQ6-tvKUs0HSAArEzbSer8pk/s1600/TableCapeSummer11.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike Stripes in Tasmania.<br />
Heavier cotton because sweat doesn't really happen in the summer here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unwilling to let go of the feeling, I've now collected enough
navy and white stripes to undertake one of those <a href="http://theproject333.com/" target="_blank">Capsule Wardrobe Projects</a> and seasonally whittle my attire down to a core of striped items and things that go with stripes. Of course the majority of outfits have to be suitably 'bikeable'. The great thing about Autumn/Winter in Tasmania is that all I really have to do is add tights and some outerwear to all my Spring/Summer outfits.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK_ZvGRSzm5y2GfBNoAU5BrQc5Ud9NC7u-qKcMwuv1EknKEagZiAqwEVrls2auIFSXn74ZdU52Yyga-X_KwejmuTgFu2LrosAoVKkWZAhsXr_RO1c9cZncF6_v5f3144gZqZMgwFBQ3g/s1600/AutumnStripes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK_ZvGRSzm5y2GfBNoAU5BrQc5Ud9NC7u-qKcMwuv1EknKEagZiAqwEVrls2auIFSXn74ZdU52Yyga-X_KwejmuTgFu2LrosAoVKkWZAhsXr_RO1c9cZncF6_v5f3144gZqZMgwFBQ3g/s1600/AutumnStripes.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not that this fact prevented me from buying a third navy and white striped dress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When I combine stripes with the polka-dotted <a href="http://www.nutcasehelmets.com.au/products/nutcase-street-gen3-mini-dots" target="_blank">Nutcase</a> helmet, I feel like I'm radiating happiness everywhere I ride. I also feel a lot more visible in all weathers. I'll be quite sad when stripes disappear from the fashion landscape.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-82459910689269641972014-04-20T17:54:00.000+08:002017-12-04T17:56:51.774+08:00Winter Is Coming. Obviously.Game of Thrones bandwagon title!<br />
<br />
After two years in Tasmania, I've decided I enjoy all the seasons pretty equally. Especially as we actually have four so you never have time to get tired of any particular weather. Distinct changes in season remain a novelty when you're from Perth. But if I <b>had</b> to pick a favourite, I'd pick Autumn because the turning leaves, cool gusts and soft light combine to soothe my Celtic DNA. I love to push my face into the crisp evening air and inhale the promise of winter deep into my lungs. I love to arrive at my destination with pink cheeks and wind-curled hair. And I love to cycle in Autumn! The Turners Beach to Ulverstone Path seems to be at its prettiest during this time so Ginger and I were on it the second things tipped over into 'tights weather'. For me, not him. Although, no judgement if he ever wants to wear tights. Different strokes, etc.<br />
<br />
I tried to take pictures in transit, with a lot less success than other bicycle bloggers. My rolling selfie game is weak. Also the front facing camera on my phone is not nearly as nice as the rear. (Insert bum joke here.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjEuBthtZ0fMOxYP4ApV7p4Ba1exqaT-VQgmxFKTd5aTZl9bUlomJa7AJXl84EpGXKSsyfx0ODrA7MJrB2_QnTQosHGEK52KymcskbX9ObMWNNgxfYeJUCoARTjU6jKkqdsjkPpIZJQs/s1600/OverTheShoulder1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjEuBthtZ0fMOxYP4ApV7p4Ba1exqaT-VQgmxFKTd5aTZl9bUlomJa7AJXl84EpGXKSsyfx0ODrA7MJrB2_QnTQosHGEK52KymcskbX9ObMWNNgxfYeJUCoARTjU6jKkqdsjkPpIZJQs/s1600/OverTheShoulder1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger over my shoulder.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlB6-xnYHsaFfs51dXvw3-oCzvaIaAF_sPVn85ZuRaq2S0jX76v4ei20LPUlxJ3ZOkjjgMLIdM88yS95PECMp6M0hUYlx77imvS7XpWclPo-o3S_1gqfFMQ4tdoRtIycq0SjNuazJkvo/s1600/SelfiePath1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlB6-xnYHsaFfs51dXvw3-oCzvaIaAF_sPVn85ZuRaq2S0jX76v4ei20LPUlxJ3ZOkjjgMLIdM88yS95PECMp6M0hUYlx77imvS7XpWclPo-o3S_1gqfFMQ4tdoRtIycq0SjNuazJkvo/s1600/SelfiePath1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I taught myself to arm knit off the YouTubes and<br />
made this snood/Infinity Scarf.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBaD4njtJe2p3xAFw3C09DuO4tYnbzfKqajRGQyZQYqKCAEytzjemhyVgHsgC0x8O7HPWn9WW-997XOTW6qLtkkF4a29wDheT69J5jMyhMAUVRFT2R1mHs3ES3bUOScO0HT5mNPX-Fbo/s1600/AutumnPath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBaD4njtJe2p3xAFw3C09DuO4tYnbzfKqajRGQyZQYqKCAEytzjemhyVgHsgC0x8O7HPWn9WW-997XOTW6qLtkkF4a29wDheT69J5jMyhMAUVRFT2R1mHs3ES3bUOScO0HT5mNPX-Fbo/s1600/AutumnPath.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn colours and an excuse for scarf wearing.<br />
What more could I want?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-16696617936875332822014-04-05T11:03:00.000+08:002014-06-19T22:54:49.446+08:00At The Hipster Corral.The sad thing about North West Tasmanian bicycle infrastructure is we have yet to link up the excellent but currently town specific shared paths. The happy thing about North West Tasmanian bicycle infrastructure is that this results in cyclist clusters at either end of each path, providing me with bicycle spotting opportunities. Especially in the case of the Wynyard path which ends (or begins, depending upon your point of view) at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Brucescafe?fref=ts" target="_blank">Bruce's</a><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="background-color: white;">*</span></span>, the beachside café with bike racks and a heap of community spirit. This community spirit compelled them to have an end of summer garage sale, at which Ginger and I bought a rotary phone (Peak Hipster) and mingled our two-wheels with the sunscreened masses.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxVGQZmPJxAt4caFj4oJOVggKKcOJ70_JB6KcwQERaZm-EzDtIP4GjzwMn7ZMMCWa91884Akzs4bGRIDWbZduWXhwbI3fsU6u2wVYAtF8hzJ51jeW0jCiQcClleTF6ojliRp4Wp2JK8g/s1600/WhiteMixteRedCruiser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxVGQZmPJxAt4caFj4oJOVggKKcOJ70_JB6KcwQERaZm-EzDtIP4GjzwMn7ZMMCWa91884Akzs4bGRIDWbZduWXhwbI3fsU6u2wVYAtF8hzJ51jeW0jCiQcClleTF6ojliRp4Wp2JK8g/s1600/WhiteMixteRedCruiser.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Mixte, Red Cruiser.<br />
The bike racks were surrounded by second hand goods.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-2HWXzyBsE8tESY0Hz4Xhs3yZSXV3mDvBEs1FGzkO3jD6bvr2XNC9DiI8czEuiwtWmQZof5ng9GGeT_l_kORZ8ZhNkvCANEwbcFpM7bdQeQETAv48zWlzQsKDZfXH3oN8gZHq6F2WZo/s1600/FluidCruiser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-2HWXzyBsE8tESY0Hz4Xhs3yZSXV3mDvBEs1FGzkO3jD6bvr2XNC9DiI8czEuiwtWmQZof5ng9GGeT_l_kORZ8ZhNkvCANEwbcFpM7bdQeQETAv48zWlzQsKDZfXH3oN8gZHq6F2WZo/s1600/FluidCruiser.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cruiser & us. The cruiser is apparently a Fluid brand bicycle - which, ew.<br />
A little bit. Right?<br />
But <a href="http://www.anaconda.com.au/Product/Bikes-and-Accessories/Bikes/womens-2014-venus-beach-cruiser-bike#90041862" target="_blank">here</a> is where Australians can buy them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The red <a href="http://www.fluidbicycles.com/" target="_blank">Fluid</a> (Again, ew. Yet I've no problem with the word moist. Go figure.) was certainly eye-catching, especially with more inbuilt carrying features than your average cruiser. Just look at Ginger's blue Schwinn next-door for comparison. Not even a back rack let alone front carrying. The front basket was added by the owner but fit so perfectly I had no idea until I Googled the bicycle brand. The rear rack has no 'rat trap' but as you can see in the first picture there's a gap for attaching straps or tying something on semipermanently. A pretty perfect bike for Wynyard which is flat, has some interesting shops, a boardwalk section of shared path and plenty of beach to pose your cruiser next to.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeVk6iSvSUi3mpSt1OHWcemRLZWkxQ0X_BWhVx3I17CG3U9WPpvk0Qr8Okz44XkL1klT1wJPtc6OB7l0O_3e5w4m9fjyhJM6fInahgh2NJFvRNdto3hsveIbFtRCG6REoIPMojmdgJpQ/s1600/WynyardSchwinn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeVk6iSvSUi3mpSt1OHWcemRLZWkxQ0X_BWhVx3I17CG3U9WPpvk0Qr8Okz44XkL1klT1wJPtc6OB7l0O_3e5w4m9fjyhJM6fInahgh2NJFvRNdto3hsveIbFtRCG6REoIPMojmdgJpQ/s1600/WynyardSchwinn.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or which ever kind of bicycle you own.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="background-color: white;">*Since I first mentioned Bruce's last year, I have befriended the proprietors. Another wonderful thing about life in Tasmania. I still pay for cake and tea like everybody else and they have no idea I am blogging about their café.</span></span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-53290838805996775602014-03-27T19:07:00.000+08:002014-06-26T21:02:16.310+08:00Burnie Bicycle Picnic - Summer Edition.What better excuse for a summer bicycle picnic than owning a picnic basket and a bicycle? How about perfect Saturday weather and a new floral dress? Honestly, any reason for me to eat egg sandwiches. Yes, I was THAT kid who always ordered smelly egg sandwiches on canteen day. Fortunately it didn't result in ostracism, it just meant nobody ever wanted to share my lunch. (Good! My lunch is mine! Back off!) But my love for egg sandwiches is so bordering on the unholy that I probably would have defiantly borne any loneliness regardless. Anything for that sweet, sweet, mashed up egg and mayonnaise. EGG SANDWICHES 4LYF. What was I saying? Oh yes, new dress:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_Rfu55No7P6eRG_4nfwDPCyX39jJHEo9O6bhHACPGHwj-a8LtqT5Ph4KlCdTcj91IedRY25LSx218fBRF0UrVI77keL25rUe_6tEg8UjK-lqAdo83n29sgTR6yGIlTrgLsLE569_WEk/s1600/SummerPicnic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_Rfu55No7P6eRG_4nfwDPCyX39jJHEo9O6bhHACPGHwj-a8LtqT5Ph4KlCdTcj91IedRY25LSx218fBRF0UrVI77keL25rUe_6tEg8UjK-lqAdo83n29sgTR6yGIlTrgLsLE569_WEk/s1600/SummerPicnic1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wE-7YDhOS76y58c4RlasDUgf_HGn5OJU3jd4xtDYJXbRmARMaT6vdakJii4gbcuV_4wkUD9U_Nilkk0FMyyUidN7OZDJG5_NgNIBEEf44yui6IWcgZLRRz8gtUK78uaWTNA-5M8NBiY/s1600/SummerPicninc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wE-7YDhOS76y58c4RlasDUgf_HGn5OJU3jd4xtDYJXbRmARMaT6vdakJii4gbcuV_4wkUD9U_Nilkk0FMyyUidN7OZDJG5_NgNIBEEf44yui6IWcgZLRRz8gtUK78uaWTNA-5M8NBiY/s1600/SummerPicninc2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And perfect summer weather. Burnie shared path is short but smooth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was a warm, direct sun sort of day so Ginger and I sunscreened up and made the brief trip to Burnie Park for frittata, the blessed egg sandwiches and little cakes from the Farmers Market. Burnie Park is surprisingly interesting for its diminutive size. It has a pleasant display of roses, war memorial, a tree trail, the original tavern building, plenty of playgrounds, some peacocks (sadly in an enclosure due to the highway being right next to the park), ducks on the loose, a lake and a hidden waterfall best viewed on foot, only a hundred metres or so into a rainforest. The picnic area is actually the most boring part, being next to the car park. But the trees are large and shady, the grass is soft and you can see the ocean sparkling in the sunshine. Plus everything is great when there's egg sandwiches, RIGHT?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97RzCkghAcVq77gyoqJSiFx97uPyytIV1CkMuc6LrNJTuuaQJtEVh6LG7AMWS-uCjYa6uXKxhv4NRU0qZ6zxnUi-5kpo1EdsdW2qC891ZJA_1E1BqwDaaymLTOIZ1egqYAK0pkghlc-U/s1600/SummerPicnic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97RzCkghAcVq77gyoqJSiFx97uPyytIV1CkMuc6LrNJTuuaQJtEVh6LG7AMWS-uCjYa6uXKxhv4NRU0qZ6zxnUi-5kpo1EdsdW2qC891ZJA_1E1BqwDaaymLTOIZ1egqYAK0pkghlc-U/s1600/SummerPicnic4.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very briefly considered designated picnic table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOX9XZcv93FrgKo9WIzy6xtItAHY3frhqnoI7NvZ_TP0tLrHFji_V2XEl0T5KTcGeYlNrnkfwDb0cPoqj79LBuLgUWwcH04z38_Qg9VgUrB5D3wOkOnQ2L-U4liH4rYAFsPFd0chmoi2o/s1600/SummerPicnic5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOX9XZcv93FrgKo9WIzy6xtItAHY3frhqnoI7NvZ_TP0tLrHFji_V2XEl0T5KTcGeYlNrnkfwDb0cPoqj79LBuLgUWwcH04z38_Qg9VgUrB5D3wOkOnQ2L-U4liH4rYAFsPFd0chmoi2o/s1600/SummerPicnic5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv99RoLCi-W5Cgvxm5ZxMXkl44ms739aaG0eDK8T4ZEGoJcFJ7i81GrCRaF9S2TsSgPdCOFYMa5ecN2kzYlLFtjnPHgNYWYkvYIC30Rp41_5zPSTY0M4kTQSgS8gbnpuBjTGmRU2UBE0/s1600/SummerPicnic9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv99RoLCi-W5Cgvxm5ZxMXkl44ms739aaG0eDK8T4ZEGoJcFJ7i81GrCRaF9S2TsSgPdCOFYMa5ecN2kzYlLFtjnPHgNYWYkvYIC30Rp41_5zPSTY0M4kTQSgS8gbnpuBjTGmRU2UBE0/s1600/SummerPicnic9.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnCkAPapDwyEMcWxxhEuO_7fthkgrU62IXhoPZM0ZIuMSV4jcHzAxFB0C3IpFX8zOrB37akERvh_2u36COcFHKz8SsXC43kM4CNDIW1eEovWpvs0-4Hp7jOGh-OiVr8pkutgkzLau_aE/s1600/SummerPicnic10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnCkAPapDwyEMcWxxhEuO_7fthkgrU62IXhoPZM0ZIuMSV4jcHzAxFB0C3IpFX8zOrB37akERvh_2u36COcFHKz8SsXC43kM4CNDIW1eEovWpvs0-4Hp7jOGh-OiVr8pkutgkzLau_aE/s1600/SummerPicnic10.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Post picnic we managed to run into another West Australian transplant so we all adjourned to nearby Makers Workshop for coffee by the beach. It's very easy to segue into these kinds of lazy afternoons in North West Tasmania. Just another reason why summer here is superior, egg sandwiches or no.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCu_XVSr6qnX0pKfDo9akNqGInMJSSotLMNyywAawgqcyfyR-8WDLbV1IfogSuwoGgs1GOWacFBJqhkWetY15xodHLil3tO3-rUim7dmSFx6DkylfMik1KTwo_PUh2HuYG6BFpDVuGGsQ/s1600/SummerPicnic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCu_XVSr6qnX0pKfDo9akNqGInMJSSotLMNyywAawgqcyfyR-8WDLbV1IfogSuwoGgs1GOWacFBJqhkWetY15xodHLil3tO3-rUim7dmSFx6DkylfMik1KTwo_PUh2HuYG6BFpDVuGGsQ/s1600/SummerPicnic3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Admiring my new yellow straps outside Makers Workshop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-63682075123023453252014-03-07T13:33:00.000+08:002014-03-07T22:07:30.436+08:00The Girls' Bicycle Handbook.An exciting package appeared in my letterbox this week. Actually, two exciting packages appeared and they were all BOOKS.<br />
<b>"But this blog is not about books! It's about bicycles and fat bottoms of the unappealing, Mom-jeans kind,"</b> you interject. Because you like to cut me deep.<br />
<br />
But! (Butt?) One book was about both Bicycles and tangentially, Fat Bottoms. I received a copy because my Fat Bottom is IN IT and 'IT' is a lovely slice of publishing entitled <i>The Girls' Bicycle Handbook</i> by Caz Nicklin of <a href="http://londoncyclechic.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">London Cycle Chic</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjethAMdb8zmswJYldfZQKD2J2eGaC2NQC-gS4ww1AMfY-EhqLrWHFBX8aDCDKoW9oQnJk8H78W_qpr3lBdaV9EUJapQOuFSk-Zrea7E975fKfdqh_FlTqQ3pu-qkI8N3OTqzrMXqzUb-Q/s1600/GBHB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjethAMdb8zmswJYldfZQKD2J2eGaC2NQC-gS4ww1AMfY-EhqLrWHFBX8aDCDKoW9oQnJk8H78W_qpr3lBdaV9EUJapQOuFSk-Zrea7E975fKfdqh_FlTqQ3pu-qkI8N3OTqzrMXqzUb-Q/s1600/GBHB1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is nestled in some ivy because lord knows we can't look<br />
at anything now unless it's Instagrammed within an inch of reality.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's subtitled <i>Everything You Need To Know About Life On Two Wheels</i> because it contains exactly that if you are a girl person who rides a bike or would like to get back on her bike without lycra or racing anybody to work. (Although there's a section about that if you want to!)<br />
<br />
The Handbook blends bicycles, history, fashion, advice, and stories into a healthful smoothie of informative reading and pleasant pictures. It's like your favourite bicycle blogs in physical format, quite literally as many Lady Bicycle Bloggers of all stripes are to be found within. The virtual, pink-spoked circle has crossed over. But the bulk of the book is a 'How To' garnered from Caz's experience as an everyday cyclist and purveyor of bicycle chic. The focus is firmly on cycling for transportation and incorporating your bicycle into your life without drastically changing your style or identity. I was very pleased to see the section on maintenance as this is something I've wanted to learn more of ever since I became reacquainted with bicycles. It begins with the most basic procedures like how to pump up your tyres and ends with things you can do to spend less time and money at the LBS so even if you know NOTHING, you can start here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHcFEv0Tj4v7PYWyP1RkSEoOmC3hJqQCpy2mcKDGiFmZLkC5-JnAIRaikoCIWLMKuyYsnfQaQlq8H7GN5paNR5LGdjzxsaEhcb5eJ9pn8FqNv7Old89oxaXoyqhyDBHhsWjoB0Od_eLk/s1600/GBHB3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPHcFEv0Tj4v7PYWyP1RkSEoOmC3hJqQCpy2mcKDGiFmZLkC5-JnAIRaikoCIWLMKuyYsnfQaQlq8H7GN5paNR5LGdjzxsaEhcb5eJ9pn8FqNv7Old89oxaXoyqhyDBHhsWjoB0Od_eLk/s1600/GBHB3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Noises and What They Mean is a very useful subsection of this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The guide is comprehensive enough that if you are yet to acquire the two wheels of the subtitle, there's advice on finding the right bike. If like myself you are already 'rollin' and subsequently doused in a tide of 'hatin', there is still plenty to enjoy with tales from women around the world, women biking with families, women who have gone to the next level for fitness or even… Yes. Here be the rarest of Roadies - The Lady Lycra. Softly calling from the pink-washed finish line, <b>"One of us. One of us!"</b><br />
<br />
<i>The Girls' Bicycle Handbook</i> officially launches on April 3rd, 2014 and is currently available for pre-order here at <a href="https://www.cyclechic.co.uk/shop/gifts/her/girls-bicycle-handbook-caz-nicklin-pre-order" target="_blank">London Cycle Chic</a>. (Fat Bottom not required.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs61TCCYGFP0a6Rv1ipvhhmCvEEtBgbI7fDCmjNVFxj-O5CXkQj9U_IeWr_TxistmGOxrRcK58zXcfTQQ3R5NaZj5md84xusMv7Z7bs4TfuFE1fU1GbDdNJOsfu3DAu9tcwrBA3T-Hq0/s1600/GBHB2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs61TCCYGFP0a6Rv1ipvhhmCvEEtBgbI7fDCmjNVFxj-O5CXkQj9U_IeWr_TxistmGOxrRcK58zXcfTQQ3R5NaZj5md84xusMv7Z7bs4TfuFE1fU1GbDdNJOsfu3DAu9tcwrBA3T-Hq0/s1600/GBHB2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More ivy and the other books that arrived this week.<br />
#Poseur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-4697061816577709792014-02-25T12:58:00.001+08:002014-02-25T12:58:31.050+08:00Nutcases and Australians Go Out in the Midday Sun.Several heatwaves have swept Australia since Christmas so I thought it might be optimum time to test out the comfort of my new helmet. One of the reasons I'd been a bit reluctant to buy a 'full' style helmet was because Ginger had his stormtrooper version and had proclaimed it to be both heavy and HOT.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY69yBdsoujpg00poaNdhkaJVELAjUN23v4NsEpHWwur4jgnKkglBAj6Dl4Wptv8al1sDXQMtJDvuHUCxprHKTJqayMpfc8Gd742uQYZ7p5ksekraSvVnuBgByVIG1YcVFxBPus0_UXIw/s1600/SuperTrooper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY69yBdsoujpg00poaNdhkaJVELAjUN23v4NsEpHWwur4jgnKkglBAj6Dl4Wptv8al1sDXQMtJDvuHUCxprHKTJqayMpfc8Gd742uQYZ7p5ksekraSvVnuBgByVIG1YcVFxBPus0_UXIw/s1600/SuperTrooper.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ve have vays oft making you bicycle!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When the <a href="http://www.ruthysrides.com.au/bike-helmets/bike-helmets-nutcase-simi-mini-dots.php" target="_blank">Nutcase Simi Mini Dots</a> arrived I was pleased with its lightness but had no idea how it would feel in summer. I had resolved to find out ASAP but ended up only doing a short journey the first hot day. I waited a bit for a proper trial through the sun scorched paddocks between Ulverstone and Turners Beach.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqmjaJZisI9znUbgf70WCZJFvci3WejNxucXk-o0W7sCgjuf6PaCfxNDqcmmmJHVu81AgyN_AATFEUsz_sAKcuj8qqkV81JCl7hoYAm6svhBS_3NPVpz-zoW_FdIPFXWQxHb2sVkf9e0/s1600/HotHeaded1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihqmjaJZisI9znUbgf70WCZJFvci3WejNxucXk-o0W7sCgjuf6PaCfxNDqcmmmJHVu81AgyN_AATFEUsz_sAKcuj8qqkV81JCl7hoYAm6svhBS_3NPVpz-zoW_FdIPFXWQxHb2sVkf9e0/s1600/HotHeaded1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First trip, The Nutcase. And her new helmet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3lWEvM8BFDagc9CX8MCaokQlkvGA3FZnbi9OJDhFQH5-Wfh0gJ2RiXEP10ImJBmfjunct4wDlpaZw5ookkjVto2Mp4qkJOZ4NmzbKi16WDhwkhyphenhyphenCENzvFrEUonFplWQF_spExj-BGSU/s1600/HotHeaded2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3lWEvM8BFDagc9CX8MCaokQlkvGA3FZnbi9OJDhFQH5-Wfh0gJ2RiXEP10ImJBmfjunct4wDlpaZw5ookkjVto2Mp4qkJOZ4NmzbKi16WDhwkhyphenhyphenCENzvFrEUonFplWQF_spExj-BGSU/s1600/HotHeaded2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a short trip, coffee and picking up some shopping.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Despite the sea breeze the route is one of direct sun with little to no overhead trees and many wind breaks so it was a good sample of sweaty bike conditions in the very high 20s (Celsius. About 82 Farenheit). Also I am bad at forgetting to go slow once the joy of being on a bicycle hits me. It was fairly spectacular weather and we set off around midday, passing many happy Tasmanians leaping into the sparkling Leven river, enjoying the Ulverstone water-slide or frolicking on the beaches. I was more than a little sorry I had not brought my bathers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6pIO8GO9LaKGFX5q2RNLboI7VS_kK3UBBL4LKXfmlBiKo0CZ9zptKGmMrIWtfWeFr-6WFcnP2ue5vaHdA2aN5zG3YSL4XW5HMVizfOTqOJJT6ty5u4sBliBJV2iVNjbeUFOD8ujdCGA/s1600/HotHeaded3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6pIO8GO9LaKGFX5q2RNLboI7VS_kK3UBBL4LKXfmlBiKo0CZ9zptKGmMrIWtfWeFr-6WFcnP2ue5vaHdA2aN5zG3YSL4XW5HMVizfOTqOJJT6ty5u4sBliBJV2iVNjbeUFOD8ujdCGA/s1600/HotHeaded3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathers regret at Ulverstone Surf Club.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Ulverstone Surf Club renovation has been completed and now offers a bank of unisex toilets as well as… A BIKE RACK! Wonders will never cease. Now it just needs a drink fountain and it will be the perfect pit-stop for everybody.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWDQ0GYVMcS3zQQ8TTKxE4FRtuKGTINs0_EotolRg-mor0O-ifU01Jyr0zfb2NJ84LSTwBjpUIirpLO0nOGs5rZW91aJJIo6PtqXvryNt2emDfjwZ91_UQmUQjhUWnYiCdUjqBieBC6o/s1600/HotHeaded5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWDQ0GYVMcS3zQQ8TTKxE4FRtuKGTINs0_EotolRg-mor0O-ifU01Jyr0zfb2NJ84LSTwBjpUIirpLO0nOGs5rZW91aJJIo6PtqXvryNt2emDfjwZ91_UQmUQjhUWnYiCdUjqBieBC6o/s1600/HotHeaded5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger's Trek pretending to lock-up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We cycled out to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaMarCafeProvidore" target="_blank">Le Mar café</a>, enjoyed an icy drink in their alfresco area and zipped back. At no point did I think to myself, 'This helmet is too heavy/hot!'. It seemed to provide just as much ventilation as my other helmet, ie 'an okay amount when you factor in lots of dark hair attracting heat to your head'. The padded chin strap felt a lot more comfortable than my other helmet, not at all sweaty and the visor seemed to cut more sun. As always in an Australian summer, the best air-conditioning is constant movement paired with the occasional sea breeze. And of course I felt jaunty in my polka dots as well as more visible. I'm officially satisfied with my Nutcase purchase and would do so again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzkBxmYL8RidpQEBekpm6snScMfujuq8Lx328MVfWgZheeHDWfQZgTJoiexMNGROffHVYrkKriA2_s8oxE8zdpF7Xj3nkDi7349sXdpVnc8ZVqLiEydwp2BW6m2Ho4BOVlxDOX3eDoTI/s1600/HotHeaded7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzkBxmYL8RidpQEBekpm6snScMfujuq8Lx328MVfWgZheeHDWfQZgTJoiexMNGROffHVYrkKriA2_s8oxE8zdpF7Xj3nkDi7349sXdpVnc8ZVqLiEydwp2BW6m2Ho4BOVlxDOX3eDoTI/s1600/HotHeaded7.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-79241932460894114702014-02-01T21:15:00.002+08:002014-02-01T21:23:57.578+08:00The Green Mile. (How do you get there?)When there's nowhere official to park your bicycle, what to do? Lock up to any old thing outside? Or take it right into work and safely behind bars? That was the convenient solution for the owner of this (probably 1980s) Repco, sealed within an entry to Albert Hall in Launceston last spring.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-f-vKlQ60zSw-A3LAEPpeKzWGrU7yh8ppynV90fMX1XHleV3_nqJV05AXssAeQ9GN6fqkasx9VFYSI5NnrQRvLmOigdsKxyO-pVQpxBmvU_qJwsbWjDnuA3nFDGmcFc8IjibegYhCEI/s1600/TheGreenMile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-f-vKlQ60zSw-A3LAEPpeKzWGrU7yh8ppynV90fMX1XHleV3_nqJV05AXssAeQ9GN6fqkasx9VFYSI5NnrQRvLmOigdsKxyO-pVQpxBmvU_qJwsbWjDnuA3nFDGmcFc8IjibegYhCEI/s1600/TheGreenMile.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Subsequently I couldn't get any closer to the cheerful vintage number, underlining its very effective security. Of course it's only my conjecture the rider was on business but regardless, if you had reason to lock-lessly leave your bicycle on the doorstep here, you probably would too:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtdvuRhdzHTj4UDmrJqdfDwA1V2EQ9SnVzEvGkX3dh5FFzQwUv5bwyZanTCe4JpygFSFV6poWn16TQ7CuXGjao20_8hmz2d2v2c0NW8E28AbAPZmodkVCkszbgWCfafX5XL0but7y9J8/s1600/Albert_Hall,_Launceston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtdvuRhdzHTj4UDmrJqdfDwA1V2EQ9SnVzEvGkX3dh5FFzQwUv5bwyZanTCe4JpygFSFV6poWn16TQ7CuXGjao20_8hmz2d2v2c0NW8E28AbAPZmodkVCkszbgWCfafX5XL0but7y9J8/s1600/Albert_Hall,_Launceston.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albert Hall - Launceston, Tasmania.<br />
Photo from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Hall,_Launceston" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It rather makes the humble Repco feel regal, don't you think? It certainly makes you inclined to forgive the absence of an official bike rack.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-6253679039504669352014-01-13T12:26:00.000+08:002014-01-16T12:27:00.476+08:00Duck and Cover! (It's a post about Helmets.)Just not about the politics of helmets because I'm provocative but I'm not entirely stupid. Bicycle helmets are compulsory in Australia. That is the beginning and end of relevant information regarding this post and I assign no judgement one way or the other. So with that in mind:<br />
<br />
I finally got my hands on (and head under) a Nutcase Simi Mini Dots Helmet!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmxusozrRiU-SGSk-gpvNpgTcdFB3fHms0TTusjHYMF-z4QrEYBis7qC-shyXQccAUT0m1iirO0MVj4DgYfnVH2Di5jAJC3yzDtnCvr13vXgvRiVOUNHHqHwdXVAcjVMIpI82LZcSdLY/s1600/IMG_9472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmxusozrRiU-SGSk-gpvNpgTcdFB3fHms0TTusjHYMF-z4QrEYBis7qC-shyXQccAUT0m1iirO0MVj4DgYfnVH2Di5jAJC3yzDtnCvr13vXgvRiVOUNHHqHwdXVAcjVMIpI82LZcSdLY/s1600/IMG_9472.JPG" height="400" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another victory for truth in labelling.<br />And taking pictures in your pyjamas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've wanted a higher visibility helmet for use with the slightly too understated black <a href="http://iwanttoridemy.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/pashley-princess-sovereign-in.html" target="_blank">Pashley</a> for quite some time. I've also wanted to experience a less 'sporty' style helmet. (Unless you count looking like a deranged gymkhana escapee as sporty.) Not to mention the convenience of having a helmet with each bicycle now that they are stored in two separate locations. Then there's the most important variable: The fact that a red and white polkadot helmet is as cute as a mutant ladybug's behind! After focussing my consumer lust on this particular helmet I was pleased to discover <a href="https://www.ruthysrides.com.au/home.php" target="_blank">Ruthy's Rides</a> as an online Australian distributor of Nutcase. Then I was extra pleased to discover they were having a sale on the latest models. I dutifully measured my head and placed my order just before Christmas.<br />
<br />
When it arrived I was amused to discover the cardboard fit instructions came '…with Punch-out Squirrel'. I popped and assembled and loled:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9EbQYx3oo-ARe7yF4wAEoQS-RQTdcmQdM9TSqxz0fWVN7U0F3QfP9CVZI0fADpTQUPH0YtYG4X8q0YTpzk5K7E9tjVEutDOILiwSV25T0UkGQRPp9e_CXzqPJHq33IrcOdEF0o40UBc/s1600/IMG_9455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9EbQYx3oo-ARe7yF4wAEoQS-RQTdcmQdM9TSqxz0fWVN7U0F3QfP9CVZI0fADpTQUPH0YtYG4X8q0YTpzk5K7E9tjVEutDOILiwSV25T0UkGQRPp9e_CXzqPJHq33IrcOdEF0o40UBc/s1600/IMG_9455.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well played, brand engineers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Nutcase also came with a green bracelet proclaiming 'I Love My Brain' and the usual foam inserts for custom fit, also screaming 'I LOVE MY BRAIN'. It was strange to me how much the packaging seemed intent on making me feel smug about my mostly utilitarian purchase until I remembered that it comes from a country where helmets are not compulsory.<br />
<br />
I haven't had a chance to ride with it yet but superficially I'm pretty impressed with the quality of the Nutcase. It's very light, it will definitely make me more visible with colour and reflective elements, the magnetic buckle is a revelation worth the cost (No danger of pinching your neck!). Even the foam inserts seem more luxurious than the ones in my cheaper helmet. The visor easily clips on and off for the fickle amongst us and it also features the same back of the head 'turn to tighten' device as my other helmet (a boon for a fast, secure fit). I'll be interested to find out just how much hotter this style of helmet turns out to be, if at all. The large ventilation holes are numerous and the whole thing is surprisingly weightless but it's high summer here in Tasmania and the country-wide heatwave has even made it to our little island so it will soon have a trial by fire. This nutcase will report back on that Nutcase in due time.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-37120552157326040562013-12-13T09:50:00.000+08:002014-01-16T12:50:46.456+08:00Was a Farmer Had a Bike, B - I - K - E - O?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Farmers markets being a delightful clash of suburban pretension and authentic livestock excrement, they are often excellent places for bike-spotting and the new Cradle Coast market does not look like being an exception. Held every Sunday on the wharf in Ulverstone, this latest edition to the north west Tasmanian market circuit is primed for bicycling shoppers as it's right next to the Leven River shared path. Sadly it's not accessible by bicycle to me but my own town also has a Farmers and lately I've seen a few people loading up bicycles as they circle the grounds, using them as shopping trolleys. I hope to join them one day when we live in a house where you could physically get a grocery loaded bicycle up the driveway. As it stands, getting an unloaded steel bicycle up to the door of our current residence is achievement in itself. I'd need to install a pulley to get it to the door with 10kg of potatoes and a few more of jam and cakes strapped to the back! In the meantime I've started 'collecting' the bicycles I see at markets. The variety I've seen so far (but not yet photographed as I only photograph unattended bikes) shows that there are many types of people adopting a bicycle/Farmers Market routine. Isn't that a happy thought?</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HrPdkjpGGoXQsnRW9bvH-1oAKc6gIc7nEjbJ5qIvRVz3cyGFzgbtN7-Gz9WF5pdh18dq9tzjQKZTRvCqeMHWne3oF0wmitKbLplfYtFC4bStjxEMQ2R-FzcSLGVpinheEbJVwYjvW6s/s1600/FarmersBike1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HrPdkjpGGoXQsnRW9bvH-1oAKc6gIc7nEjbJ5qIvRVz3cyGFzgbtN7-Gz9WF5pdh18dq9tzjQKZTRvCqeMHWne3oF0wmitKbLplfYtFC4bStjxEMQ2R-FzcSLGVpinheEbJVwYjvW6s/s1600/FarmersBike1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Recumbent/Trailer Combo, Burnie market.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitA-uYpnhJW7UYCRTwRmxsNel1t4Wnz9ho65OvvCj4fFZSwmzu7pFis7GIyx9Em8YHMyrI1EPOzrSJGDvaENJ6BWbzcFPnWn3tmbdhlDgGtxVzoSXzRIYHmYSf6jTLB0X6P7yIa8hzDWI/s1600/FarmersBike2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitA-uYpnhJW7UYCRTwRmxsNel1t4Wnz9ho65OvvCj4fFZSwmzu7pFis7GIyx9Em8YHMyrI1EPOzrSJGDvaENJ6BWbzcFPnWn3tmbdhlDgGtxVzoSXzRIYHmYSf6jTLB0X6P7yIa8hzDWI/s1600/FarmersBike2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Affordable Vintage Revival, Ulverstone market.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-25687833813093243722013-11-23T13:22:00.000+08:002014-01-21T22:39:32.686+08:00All Hail!And now, a Very Special Tasmanian Cycle Chic post:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw434FEp_Pbgl7yXfogO8HbEolGXeWsUcwHIoAnVTE-2G-L2IdYtPS6ru1Bssj870aJcwL90r4wPE96WcCDR-f2qxPbps_AERbXZdClbrk557rZK54OyPW9CaHxTbflsoEoksgwaqGQwY/s1600/Chocoholic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw434FEp_Pbgl7yXfogO8HbEolGXeWsUcwHIoAnVTE-2G-L2IdYtPS6ru1Bssj870aJcwL90r4wPE96WcCDR-f2qxPbps_AERbXZdClbrk557rZK54OyPW9CaHxTbflsoEoksgwaqGQwY/s1600/Chocoholic.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behold!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"But Fat-bottomed Girl!" you rudely interject, "What is so special about this perfectly ordinary looking and unfetishised bicycle? I see no wicker baskets or cute bells or even mudguards! I can barely picture a nubile, billowing skirted maiden upon the saddle! Surely this bicycle is the very antithesis of internet cycle chic posts!"<br />
<br />
Firstly: Pervert.<br />
<br />
And Secondly: I'll tell you why this bike is the most beautiful bicycle in the world if you'll just shut your trap for a moment.<br />
<br />
This bicycle is parked outside of a chocolate factory. Specifically it is parked outside <a href="http://www.anvers-chocolate.com.au/" target="_blank">House of Anvers</a>, a jewel in the North West Tasmanian crown of national highway attractions and most relevantly, the diametric opposite of bicycle friendly location and access. It is a car, car, car world after all but the beautiful soul who owns this bicycle knows it takes more than a string of high speed brushes with death and lack of bike rack to keep them from FREE CHOCOLATE.<br />
<br />
Yes. There are free tasters in the gift shop. And not free cake in the restaurant. And amazing Belgian waffles. They also do a shockingly delicious gluten free sandwich. Once again you're welcome, Tasmanian Tourism.<br />
<br />
I salute you, Anonymous Chocolate Seeking Cyclist.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-88244609907399934842013-11-13T16:48:00.000+08:002013-11-13T20:59:36.616+08:00See Your Oma and Raise You 1 Granny.Spotted at the Ulverstone Agricultural Show: The inspiration for your next bicycle/craft project/yarn bomb.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09R81_n0dMkvFIQmLRt8hNpLLfX8IT2eP13SiN-iu2ey5xVqIC9Ns6_yN3MCmY1wH5NGfEdYy_l9xeWp9soZyc98jy_oIEUvd6cCvvmSRhyIDVi-SCLUIDyAgiUFx11AJPRq1sUCiuGQ/s1600/GrannyBike1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg09R81_n0dMkvFIQmLRt8hNpLLfX8IT2eP13SiN-iu2ey5xVqIC9Ns6_yN3MCmY1wH5NGfEdYy_l9xeWp9soZyc98jy_oIEUvd6cCvvmSRhyIDVi-SCLUIDyAgiUFx11AJPRq1sUCiuGQ/s400/GrannyBike1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThD0HRBBoaXN_KhapKOor0ibnvP53ireL-_dV0YAjrtqCyaBiws_4Lhs36PsxofNTMYzd_qdMIihkVFrU8kg9fU4P6Ff1TshpNGb0vbwcf0cL_1YULww1geVFuO8Zy8PbycygZxFUJ3A/s1600/GrannyBike2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThD0HRBBoaXN_KhapKOor0ibnvP53ireL-_dV0YAjrtqCyaBiws_4Lhs36PsxofNTMYzd_qdMIihkVFrU8kg9fU4P6Ff1TshpNGb0vbwcf0cL_1YULww1geVFuO8Zy8PbycygZxFUJ3A/s400/GrannyBike2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You're welcome, Baby Boomers I blurred and cropped out for the sake of privacy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Obviously what it lacks in practicality it makes up for in panache. That granny-square covered basket and saddle are giving me ideas as well as reminding me that it's entirely possible to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/154929287/bicycle-skirt-guard-crochet-pattern?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">crochet yourself</a> a skirt guard or <a href="http://www.etsy.com/au/shop/Cycleskirtshop?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">pay somebody</a> on the internet to crochet you a skirt guard.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-10510588998690484642013-11-07T16:15:00.000+08:002013-11-13T17:05:09.750+08:00Wheels on Fire.Not too long ago, Ginger and I were taking a jaunt along the Turners Beach/Ulverstone path when we saw the most spectacular sunset over the fields. It was so striking that everybody we passed on the path had either their phone or a camera out trying to capture the mist gently curling around the long grass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfe-5zFwAITlA9_uGOMUQ0JNTCJXKGoaU6qCeJa7uiTLctETLkLy7MCPcC1qfWIT5yTShQ3z4TG-ztBTq37OtrojNczNOafTo2f_oXcfMqORi5fsstWRCbtoaDJvymhtxNPreuZ_bx68/s1600/IMG_7923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfe-5zFwAITlA9_uGOMUQ0JNTCJXKGoaU6qCeJa7uiTLctETLkLy7MCPcC1qfWIT5yTShQ3z4TG-ztBTq37OtrojNczNOafTo2f_oXcfMqORi5fsstWRCbtoaDJvymhtxNPreuZ_bx68/s400/IMG_7923.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoJSHKLy0AVXuBVZviBaRUdSt_ZFKMI4BSm5KK-Qw3sNwvT8yPpMS28hCztgTWIqgAi4rK0QeP9HnfBnj_84ZG-DzunheXRAE2TNtkFnljJc80JwTeVnIMh2aWZtrBdC0fgBux7snVuE/s1600/IMG_8143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoJSHKLy0AVXuBVZviBaRUdSt_ZFKMI4BSm5KK-Qw3sNwvT8yPpMS28hCztgTWIqgAi4rK0QeP9HnfBnj_84ZG-DzunheXRAE2TNtkFnljJc80JwTeVnIMh2aWZtrBdC0fgBux7snVuE/s400/IMG_8143.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEiZeGg6_LEKMZbofXFYZQbMEfvNA4We6KX1xo302CM64pcpyxx9kYZA17PVMB2fh0zHz8Esoux4YVFK38OyGJU7EG80OlPCdDesVlxk4XVU6IHyvPEDG6u0wZE5pqvpPEmBm0Ev_IQI/s1600/IMG_8144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlEiZeGg6_LEKMZbofXFYZQbMEfvNA4We6KX1xo302CM64pcpyxx9kYZA17PVMB2fh0zHz8Esoux4YVFK38OyGJU7EG80OlPCdDesVlxk4XVU6IHyvPEDG6u0wZE5pqvpPEmBm0Ev_IQI/s400/IMG_8144.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once we tore ourselves away from the photo opportunity (sadly we were only phone equipped) we reached the end of the path and discovered the 'mist' was actually smoke from Turners Beach petrol station that was going up in flames. As Australians we should have recognised a smoke reddened sunset when we saw one but as said smoke was strictly confined to the fields, the smell didn't carry to the path. I'm sure there's a profound remark to be made here regarding beauty in unexpected places but I'm not the fart joke connoisseur to make it.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-16892853546122980162013-10-18T17:50:00.000+08:002013-10-18T18:07:55.707+08:00Two Wheels Good, Four Wheels Baaaaad.Yes, that was a completely recontextualised Animal Farm reference. Blame George Orwell. While we're blaming George Orwell, Australian politics is growing ever more excellent/ridiculous regards the transport debate. After we managed to accidentally elect a member of the Motoring Enthusiasts Party and a bicycle infrastructure hating MAMIL at the last federal skirmish it was only a matter of time before <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/15/australia-cyclists-party" target="_blank">this</a> happened:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIWLrtQNB0egEBkRfpMIMHweJwr7JaStugr5I1HAlNSMJgQ467XGfggYWGxwAYa2VOs0DKZWBf9Ftu7kF7XMZCtDLTHmYb_r6_MOvRiaeoOEWxCWWpEAFVdDEhyZ5-rKXGl8qMvrB1bU/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-10-18+at+7.07.07+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIWLrtQNB0egEBkRfpMIMHweJwr7JaStugr5I1HAlNSMJgQ467XGfggYWGxwAYa2VOs0DKZWBf9Ftu7kF7XMZCtDLTHmYb_r6_MOvRiaeoOEWxCWWpEAFVdDEhyZ5-rKXGl8qMvrB1bU/s400/Screen+shot+2013-10-18+at+7.07.07+PM.png" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the terrible stock-photo entirely failing to illustrate the issue.<br />
But hey! THE BEACH!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Thanks for mentioning terrorism straight up, dude. I'm not sure even an obviously facetious reference to being a terrorist is entirely helpful to Australian perception of cyclists but whatever gets the click-through, AMIRITE?! Just kidding, this article does actually address the important issue of Car Vs Everyone Else culture in Australia. Namely the bizarre campaign by some newspapers and current affairs programmes to encourage enmity between people behind the wheel and people on pedals. Enmity resulting in serious injury or death. Can you imagine if you picked up a newspaper and read an article encouraging you to fight anyone you see waiting for a train? Or an article claiming that people who walk think they're better than you? Yet this is the kind of rhetoric lately published in a sustained effort to - what, exactly? Dismantle bicycle infrastructure? Spill blood on the suburban streets?<br />
<br />
With headlines like: <b>Police blitz on arrogant Sydney cyclists who push the law</b> (Actual headline) or <b>Cyclists making a fool of our bike laws</b> (Again, actual headline) the framing of the Australian transport debate is downright irresponsible. These headlines are poking motorists in the chest and saying, <i>"A cyclist is laughing at you RIGHT NOW - what are you gonna do about it?"</i> as though all cyclists are deliberately provocative. As though Australian cyclists are not also (mostly) car drivers. As though getting on a bike is an act of deliberate douche-baggery rather than a mode of transport. When was the last time you saw the headline <b>Police blitz on arrogant motorists who flout speed limits</b>? Bad motorists and bad cyclists happen every day. I'm betting there's even a large crossover in that particular Venn diagram (Show me a dickhead on 2 wheels and I'll show you dickhead on 4). But even if a motorist breaks enough laws to warrant a headline, I'm also betting there was a lack of character judgement in that headline. And if the issue is a problem group of recurrent law breakers within the group of people designated as 'motorists', I'm betting the more likely headline is: <b>Police accused of revenue raising through speeding fine blitz.</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievbbGEKFpUoM00fiUgvdiOOHVYP56frWZSBYVxlifDvDp9k24om8h7i3MKvxlrLGPlR45fBsjWZ8QuP8rWOGm7pmDmsfzfWzzdFU5ZoG-_PEEocbGykcx9cBDjTS0qFkBSE8kFK_SIbI/s1600/Prohibidado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievbbGEKFpUoM00fiUgvdiOOHVYP56frWZSBYVxlifDvDp9k24om8h7i3MKvxlrLGPlR45fBsjWZ8QuP8rWOGm7pmDmsfzfWzzdFU5ZoG-_PEEocbGykcx9cBDjTS0qFkBSE8kFK_SIbI/s400/Prohibidado.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just as irrelevant as the one above but at least it's not a stock-photo.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Look. People who deliberately 'push' road rules are all arrogant douche-bags in that moment, regardless of whether they're on rollerblades, bicycles or driving cars. Even if they are upstanding citizens in every other situation. That's because every single one of us believes that MY journey is more important, MY time is most precious and if I break the law it's because I HAD A GOOD REASON. See also: It was safer/I was tricked/I didn't have a choice. We're all to blame, not just George Orwell. The Australian specific problem is that we are so collectively in love with cars as an extension of ourselves (and ourselves are never wrong, remember) that we just don't view laws broken while driving as 'really' breaking the law. Ask your friends how many speeding fines they've had in their driving careers. Go ahead.<br />
<br />
Do you see the problem? The question should not be 'How many speeding fines have you had?' it should be 'Have you ever had a speeding fine?' But we take it as given that motorists will break the law. And that it's sort of okay. I personally don't subscribe to that attitude but then I'm not a motorist so many would discount my opinion. <i>"It was safer/I was tricked/I didn't have a choice,"</i> my driving friends and family say to me. I don't know about driving but I'm sure I've heard that argument before. Perhaps being made by <a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/mason-strand/2013/08/why-i-run-red-lights-on-my-bike/" target="_blank">'arrogant' cyclists</a>? I don't think people on two wheels should ignore road rules. Even if prominent bicycle bloggers with books out sometimes do. I don't believe riding a bicycle is a renegade action that ought to be packed with danger and excitement and directly challenging larger vehicles for your 'right' to the road. So perhaps a cyclists party is exactly what we need. So long as they focus on integration rather than competition between modes of transport. It looks hopeful:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Omar Khalifa, who is launching the new political party, says “a
motorist’s best friend is often a cyclist.” They ease congestion, lessen
fuel demand and free up parking spaces. It’s irresponsible to promote
bad feeling between motorists and cyclists. We need to co-exist
harmoniously – no good can come of any campaign that seeks to do
otherwise.</blockquote>
Now that's the kind of sentiment I'd vote for.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-90922662384159298512013-10-07T21:35:00.000+08:002013-10-10T21:38:53.990+08:00Bicycling Twits.Good news, everyone! Tasmanian bicycle advocacy organisation Bicycle Tasmania has started a Twitter account. Their 'handle' (sorry, I watched Hackers the other day) is <a href="https://twitter.com/BicycleTasmania" target="_blank">@BicycleTasmania</a> and so far they have burst onto the social media scene with this spectacularly exciting piece of bike advocacy:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-BvuAgCbkNzqpeiieZsgI1zDc0Cyz5I3WwSLosYhzCWCcib4jxX10Vh2-1fhQVlwnwpFRNZM8zXe_GGhfW6jR6jwj6W_ppKBwi11CR4AuBL7QarYOFLBvggjhkSAkC3ij9Ssx2nB5JA/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-10-09+at+2.05.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-BvuAgCbkNzqpeiieZsgI1zDc0Cyz5I3WwSLosYhzCWCcib4jxX10Vh2-1fhQVlwnwpFRNZM8zXe_GGhfW6jR6jwj6W_ppKBwi11CR4AuBL7QarYOFLBvggjhkSAkC3ij9Ssx2nB5JA/s400/Screen+shot+2013-10-09+at+2.05.38+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know you're exhilarated but try to remain calm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1648758716"></span><span id="goog_1648758717"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1648758716"></span><span id="goog_1648758717"></span>It's almost as thrilling as their profile header and bio:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F6o327PkeYn_H4_pwe63kpzGXt3dErrg8CyYSJrAeXFT8BZ8QkZbV6adxBYigtPpKP2c-p5ZuTrJH-L0uRDMcxDTvbFaXii3o0EfguCQgmBdRctVc6v_4rVoI1VBpdonbdarcBdnEu4/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-10-09+at+2.05.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F6o327PkeYn_H4_pwe63kpzGXt3dErrg8CyYSJrAeXFT8BZ8QkZbV6adxBYigtPpKP2c-p5ZuTrJH-L0uRDMcxDTvbFaXii3o0EfguCQgmBdRctVc6v_4rVoI1VBpdonbdarcBdnEu4/s400/Screen+shot+2013-10-09+at+2.05.54+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WOOO! YEEEAH!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But seriously, I'm glad they're making an effort and look forward to harassing them with direct complaints about people letting their dogs poo on the shared paths. It'll make a change from complaining directly to the Woolworths Twitter about how I can never find my favourite biscuits since they changed all their signage.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-81908776866422735192013-09-20T17:55:00.000+08:002013-09-21T04:15:24.652+08:00Democracy on Wheels.Earlier this month we Australians lived the dream (or Libertarian's nightmare) of compulsory voting and headed to our local polling place for a federal election. As it was a pleasant early spring day, Ginger and I decided to bicycle - thus revealing to our fellow democracy unenthusiasts that we are Commie-Pinko Tree-hugging Bicycle-Riding Left-Wing Voters. Or so you'd be justified in believing.<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJv8p5uMbb6JzrtebDfV0N_F_DgLBO5wcC3xipGHC0ucIwhy5l8aDH1s2oaTAs5LbH1BUNLgzkD5eeKNKO8Xwv7rQoqo1NOrDIJyS1WbK5HWS6BglbABYXRYHfr8bccIIltVagjvOjPXo/s1600/Democracy1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJv8p5uMbb6JzrtebDfV0N_F_DgLBO5wcC3xipGHC0ucIwhy5l8aDH1s2oaTAs5LbH1BUNLgzkD5eeKNKO8Xwv7rQoqo1NOrDIJyS1WbK5HWS6BglbABYXRYHfr8bccIIltVagjvOjPXo/s400/Democracy1.jpg.jpg" width="298"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: Lefty Posers exercising...their democratic rights, YEAH!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
And you'd be mostly correct. But post election, the way bicycles are perceived in Oz may be about to change. Dramatically. And terribly. You see Australia is a nation as full of political apathy as we are beer and BBQs (mean average). We knew we didn't want the Current Guy anymore but beyond that decision it was collectively agreed that we didn't much care for anybody else either. So as a nation we turned, proud and strong and said, "So I guess you win?" to the Other Guy. And the Other Guy is this guy:<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm01CUsInvi4XWuopB6QcneFQNtzRzcEMeVvezjbNFRANYAHioa6X2_6byb5hGC4rIJ-l0fyt2_2lZLIbjsMz0TkVsvfFbgxdKRb_zUfk13IxiK3Ra8s4uN5Uh8L-pCVgYCj5_Gk3RS74/s1600/510117-tony-abbott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm01CUsInvi4XWuopB6QcneFQNtzRzcEMeVvezjbNFRANYAHioa6X2_6byb5hGC4rIJ-l0fyt2_2lZLIbjsMz0TkVsvfFbgxdKRb_zUfk13IxiK3Ra8s4uN5Uh8L-pCVgYCj5_Gk3RS74/s400/510117-tony-abbott.jpg" width="300"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Guy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"Brilliant!" you might exclaim, "Sure he's a Roadie but he's a cyclist Prime Minister! This is a step towards a bicycle infrastructure renaissance, a cleaner and greener future, a serious look at where Australia's obsession with cars might cause problems down the track!"<br>
<br>
But you'd be ignorant and foolish because This Guy is also:<br>
<br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rzmvCWzEUQFTJVknSF5wv03OumEkS0mYtqrLRdoriy2L7xZn4XWmpPUrRqXu-Av1JC5LT3-EZJy0RodLG_nrZ4xOMCwRwE-N0WvGnEMoZluBkMOFl6bjozuZ2Pu_nO8qMyJFXNqzmlg/s1600/871319-ff936dce-1545-11e3-af42-07bd3660d6b5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rzmvCWzEUQFTJVknSF5wv03OumEkS0mYtqrLRdoriy2L7xZn4XWmpPUrRqXu-Av1JC5LT3-EZJy0RodLG_nrZ4xOMCwRwE-N0WvGnEMoZluBkMOFl6bjozuZ2Pu_nO8qMyJFXNqzmlg/s400/871319-ff936dce-1545-11e3-af42-07bd3660d6b5.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Guy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bhfVP6hUNQtSeI6XbBCDxXW-Gt9sjWKVqgkp-TKEPCnkVa9XswXlZQVFdqeNWykAz2ovT55saz2S9e4FnxtfPo1NegVpU3KEGjFP1KU1zQW-CsFX_mCDBMQiBQ61EHO6SzkUT2YRlLI/s1600/818826-tony-abbott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bhfVP6hUNQtSeI6XbBCDxXW-Gt9sjWKVqgkp-TKEPCnkVa9XswXlZQVFdqeNWykAz2ovT55saz2S9e4FnxtfPo1NegVpU3KEGjFP1KU1zQW-CsFX_mCDBMQiBQ61EHO6SzkUT2YRlLI/s320/818826-tony-abbott.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Guy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's right. We didn't give the top job to a garden variety Roadie, we gave it to a TRIATHLETE. The only reason This Guy rides a bicycle is to prove how much faster he is than other guys. He has no interest in sustainable/alternative transport or bicycle infrastructure or even the environment. In fact he's only been in charge a matter of days and he's already dismantled Australia's climate commission. He's also promised to extend highways across the country and help mining companies expand into World Heritage Areas. This Guy doesn't care about cycling unless it can be used to win at things or prove how brave you are by riding with cars.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Although This Guy likes to affirm his masculinity by staging photo opportunities at all kinds of sporting events, unfortunately an iconic bike image encapsulating This Guy's general attitude and deliberately testosterone-centric world view emerged during the election campaign:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ljZGPgV8LpNWCKAe_d7v7T5huKl_SiMBD4DxVYStKiDUOgUaOAt0_IA8qATGI5fhuv6FkrDyN0X-dq1Pr1NaWQ_dMPOxVz0IhwQDm5DpzVnfxJtG99eLj3aIcsQNBtQ8aNoGQ8D8lzs/s1600/spabbottbike-c9-20130809090400299473-620x349-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ljZGPgV8LpNWCKAe_d7v7T5huKl_SiMBD4DxVYStKiDUOgUaOAt0_IA8qATGI5fhuv6FkrDyN0X-dq1Pr1NaWQ_dMPOxVz0IhwQDm5DpzVnfxJtG99eLj3aIcsQNBtQ8aNoGQ8D8lzs/s400/spabbottbike-c9-20130809090400299473-620x349-1.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Added to all the other times he appeared on a bicycle, he is now inexorably tied to (road)cycling. This means that when This Guy inevitably upsets the country he will be remembered as 'That douche-hole on a bicycle' and contribute to the already swelling hatred of cyclists in Australia. I'm referring to the many Facebook groups about running over cyclists with your car (complete with actual photos from horrific crashes), the articles written by well known sports figures and journalists condemning cyclists for being cyclists and of course the general dominance of the automobile in the national psyche.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Worse still, due to the quirks of the Australian system we have managed to elect (albeit to a less important position than Prime Minister) a rogue private citizen running under the banner of 'The Motoring Enthusiasts Party'. Their entire policy platform is 'We like cars. But like car-liking people are a persecuted group and so you should just let us drive our cars through everywhere and on top of everything at whatever speed we please because CARS WON'T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CARS?!'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So with these post-election problems in mind I'll be very surprised if the next three years deliver any positives to the bicycle users of Australia. But that's compulsory democracy for you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the Record: I am actually pro-compulsory voting. Take THAT, Libertarians.</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-34724820271530900342013-08-27T13:39:00.000+08:002013-08-27T13:43:58.308+08:002013 Bike Hour II: The Bikening.It's that time of year again! Soon the equinox will be upon us and no matter which hemisphere you call home, the equinox means <a href="http://cycle-space.com/?page_id=11289" target="_blank">Bike Hour</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNll3QppLzHSD72iYJ-G61sAZT4GDM-ClQHpoeX9Y3fSgJ-ljt2C10VQCaz7m3aH2BgIycxCk9YbO3hHzis7XqliHDFBBAffRNHX-F5mOS7kH3mYlSLUvLUKOuD-Z2DyCIJrXBKXTsM8/s1600/BikeHourBeSeen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNll3QppLzHSD72iYJ-G61sAZT4GDM-ClQHpoeX9Y3fSgJ-ljt2C10VQCaz7m3aH2BgIycxCk9YbO3hHzis7XqliHDFBBAffRNHX-F5mOS7kH3mYlSLUvLUKOuD-Z2DyCIJrXBKXTsM8/s320/BikeHourBeSeen.jpg" width="224" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65o4ArXocIMIkSWiXG14cI1XDdZv_gPkDIe13mKZzC_QnOz9mIZlp4irVTcUk-8yTGNQPfWM_07_QVous00_FyZvDlPYotISw6wJWFn764qcrZDYTOkIaK2NQGb4a37GLf47W-bvL7P0/s1600/BikeHourPink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65o4ArXocIMIkSWiXG14cI1XDdZv_gPkDIe13mKZzC_QnOz9mIZlp4irVTcUk-8yTGNQPfWM_07_QVous00_FyZvDlPYotISw6wJWFn764qcrZDYTOkIaK2NQGb4a37GLf47W-bvL7P0/s320/BikeHourPink.jpg" width="226" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I explained in typically coarse language <a href="http://iwanttoridemy.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/bike-hour.html" target="_blank">last equinox</a>,
Bike Hour is a completely unstructured, unorganised excuse to celebrate
and ride your bicycle in the hopes of inspiring those around you to
think about bicycles. Whether you choose to channel that inspiration through a filter of Strava Obsessed Roadie, Penny Farthing Oddity, BMX Session, Twee Hipster Coffee Run or Urban Commuter is entirely up to you. My personal favourite form of inspiration is jealousy so I try to look like I'm a much more interesting person than I really am who is pedalling somewhere much cooler than I really am. (Reality: I am probably returning incredibly mainstream video rentals or buying cat food.) The point of Bike Hour is that none of these variables actually matter as the only goal is to be out on your bicycle during the designated hour.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This time around the promotional materials are hot-pink so of course the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BikeHour" target="_blank">Bike Hour Facebook</a> has been linking to women's bike blogs in the lead up to launch, thus handing The Patriarchy yet another gender-conformity victory in the Bicycle Wars. And as this is the internet, I'll just put this here:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: magenta;">THAT WAS SATIRE.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Anybody already familiar with the 'Lady Bike Blogosphere' (Blogs written by Lady Bicycles, obviously) will not be overwhelmed by new discoveries as it's all the regular offenders such as <a href="http://letsgorideabike.com/" target="_blank">LGRAB</a>, <a href="http://bikepretty.com/" target="_blank">Bike Pretty</a> and <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Bicycle!</a> but it's great to see somebody outside of the pink-spoked circle encouraging others to venture in. And you have my permission to use 'Pink-spoked Circle' as a euphemism because it certainly sounds dirty as balls. And that was AFTER I mentally took it down a notch from 'pink-rimmed circle'. Now that we've all thought about our genitals for a while, the only thing left to do is ask:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Where will YOU be this Bike Hour?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXtO5JFi3MKUoqAmqlMAwXZSmUDj_L7JRJ6XkMJ-TpFNrklMaGBROlt2dpQ5TkPreU4bF-XnXkxelD-jO6Bji2fp3phDXU0wOK4P2URSTPRbnnyczx9XtOI4huY80H87LMZ_UpHy8yX0/s1600/SaddleUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXtO5JFi3MKUoqAmqlMAwXZSmUDj_L7JRJ6XkMJ-TpFNrklMaGBROlt2dpQ5TkPreU4bF-XnXkxelD-jO6Bji2fp3phDXU0wOK4P2URSTPRbnnyczx9XtOI4huY80H87LMZ_UpHy8yX0/s400/SaddleUp.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your bicycle, not your Pink-Spoked Circle.<br />
At least not in public.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Gratis Bike Hour promotional materials are available <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BikeHour/info" target="_blank">here</a> if you do decide to organise a community event, otherwise you're free to crank your pink-spoked circle alone. I've heard it's just as fun that way.</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-77634304757019743512013-08-21T01:43:00.000+08:002013-08-22T01:45:45.306+08:00(Not)Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.With record rainfalls for the month of August (which is not yet over) and even a few flakes of snow making an appearance within 20km of my North West Tasmanian town (very, very unusual), there has not been much winter sunshine of late. It's hard to believe that just a couple of weeks ago Ginger and I were boasting about crisp yet sunny afternoons in defiance of the season. Now it's ALL RAIN, ALL THE TIME and I struggle to snatch some vitamin D between storms. While I am actually enjoying the rain I have misplaced my giant and ridiculous bicycling poncho and the weather report has been fairly useless at predicting showers so that any leisurely cycling risks a soaking. Aye, me! I'll just have to gaze longingly at this collection of Autumn/Winter beach themed rides from the last couple of months and keep hunting for that poncho!<br />
<br />
First: Ulverstone Pier in late Autumn by the River Leven. Contrary to expectations, Leven does NOT rhyme with 'seven'. Allegedly it is actually pronounced 'Leevin'.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwTImx-flAFW2EvXnV7uvB9wCfymUN0yVQyx0aKlGa0vc29PsBwjiEoVbnuYGX0fpw_u9VlabFK468t72dVtjO3kMxoIDj4BGITe8XcLcezadpQfCO3RckgWdAggKoxr4fvPnXVoClDw/s1600/Dock1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwTImx-flAFW2EvXnV7uvB9wCfymUN0yVQyx0aKlGa0vc29PsBwjiEoVbnuYGX0fpw_u9VlabFK468t72dVtjO3kMxoIDj4BGITe8XcLcezadpQfCO3RckgWdAggKoxr4fvPnXVoClDw/s400/Dock1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Bad Cat' on the water, how droll.<br />Better than Bad Wolf, I suppose.<br />
DOCTOR WHO JOKE NERD LEVEL UP.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YCPZx5TdqBMss044rY3XJz-fIgY9KORoiisMLOcCBRSYHJUoViqoIfx55bG6pdfmoEaghwX9Wsi5fXkqr7qRKhpQxGpsXB98D4cFQx95y8TftJQT1UyYf6lwNZONw9TH0etN7S9CWEM/s1600/IMG_7390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YCPZx5TdqBMss044rY3XJz-fIgY9KORoiisMLOcCBRSYHJUoViqoIfx55bG6pdfmoEaghwX9Wsi5fXkqr7qRKhpQxGpsXB98D4cFQx95y8TftJQT1UyYf6lwNZONw9TH0etN7S9CWEM/s400/IMG_7390.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They serve nice iced coffees here at 'Pier01'.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqm-Lvgj9gSdBGZlAmUrBUD-fbRQiwXBY9V_OZIjk5hsfKeOwnmfm45LdlgX9q4RZOPQSICXy8gf1OWJ2IN0zcMSuvL8kOpb7vfW8EpVjb58dftaRm0DI0Q3SJ-rVjlHyjf7vnWxAa_Z8/s1600/IMG_7478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqm-Lvgj9gSdBGZlAmUrBUD-fbRQiwXBY9V_OZIjk5hsfKeOwnmfm45LdlgX9q4RZOPQSICXy8gf1OWJ2IN0zcMSuvL8kOpb7vfW8EpVjb58dftaRm0DI0Q3SJ-rVjlHyjf7vnWxAa_Z8/s400/IMG_7478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjES9Zoh2AaSqL3VTtG39Zek8oGukL1VNTjNwE4nbDvf2-oTNYPqOsgRrCqztSMfE1hxQjDRQ0IDo5b_eWYwQYhrGqZoSgNVlsi1bfzJKeB1QFpsRN5GOgX5fs2B-aNaosDHReAQXlRcTo/s1600/Dock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjES9Zoh2AaSqL3VTtG39Zek8oGukL1VNTjNwE4nbDvf2-oTNYPqOsgRrCqztSMfE1hxQjDRQ0IDo5b_eWYwQYhrGqZoSgNVlsi1bfzJKeB1QFpsRN5GOgX5fs2B-aNaosDHReAQXlRcTo/s400/Dock2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, a Winter afternoon in Burnie that ended in the best possible way: Meeting Ginger for fish and chips.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mCNcj2WKyaEbNayYOAKfa8SPyW_GWiiFgGZmzouqpxQdlzXOW5EjYIWRwrG3GLz9ZusaApAa7xkCO4CGxtbj2asA0hpdMncQbJKEoI5jeiR5Uu4Ia9ey1FM4BTSI-G9sg3Ry50UR7N8/s1600/IMG_7578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mCNcj2WKyaEbNayYOAKfa8SPyW_GWiiFgGZmzouqpxQdlzXOW5EjYIWRwrG3GLz9ZusaApAa7xkCO4CGxtbj2asA0hpdMncQbJKEoI5jeiR5Uu4Ia9ey1FM4BTSI-G9sg3Ry50UR7N8/s400/IMG_7578.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain threatened but never made it to land.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhOHhuFbj81_TBXg22sltuUg2S6V-mVTK50SRYOLIuWdqEOEnoMBAndydfJpXwG1JyMJpo82ALnZSbQAB9h-cqgpNhvJrbz6pSt42zaJ8QdFfzWtQR2kVqepm0emckLQLMg1Wc_MXpzM/s1600/IMG_7579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhOHhuFbj81_TBXg22sltuUg2S6V-mVTK50SRYOLIuWdqEOEnoMBAndydfJpXwG1JyMJpo82ALnZSbQAB9h-cqgpNhvJrbz6pSt42zaJ8QdFfzWtQR2kVqepm0emckLQLMg1Wc_MXpzM/s400/IMG_7579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1YCM9Y4wGAkRaCgr5Buvx9Kvu8bGi_fTrPYX1E5tSXUTnGjiYg5AHw3wEIiuMuKKU88u3SpyNAGEiEDQVuYhdxEj6m8pJd03zYSifvi3MHZB-5-eCqekr5XUtffci2_iJJfH-5JRDEA/s400/IMG_7582.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sad end of Burnie bike path.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lastly, to give you an idea of just how much hydrogen and oxygen has been cascading out of the sky over Tasmania, here is the waterfall near my town (Guide Falls). Captured last weekend BEFORE we broke rainfall records:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxzIBI87IH8pd36vG-J5VqK3tFAkla4g2VkVyx-MIkdu3FUL4HsibgveohamMUzV7l3ZcSHzS5eJlg_iv3qMQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And here's me for scale, a fair distance away because the spray was so mad I could not get closer:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFr95z6ZtU5rQNNHQLHw1IvKAI5EQnK7PBUl_4t2JyBIMk7Rsr0XPDPAwlgmgIs5A1gLQWNbIaEhDEbj5y_4jeoUF1g6bsjgkYtO-RGR5qb1OlsRvRD5U_qQOJ_12PqgEYztRUtK2uZt4/s1600/IMG_7732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFr95z6ZtU5rQNNHQLHw1IvKAI5EQnK7PBUl_4t2JyBIMk7Rsr0XPDPAwlgmgIs5A1gLQWNbIaEhDEbj5y_4jeoUF1g6bsjgkYtO-RGR5qb1OlsRvRD5U_qQOJ_12PqgEYztRUtK2uZt4/s400/IMG_7732.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That Coat Pregnancy is actually pocket distention, I swear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-53857332798409921192013-07-30T22:58:00.001+08:002013-07-31T00:14:14.314+08:00Hittin' The Ground. (Why I hate the Pashley Princess Kickstand)<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Anybody who owns a factory standard Pashley can attest to two things:</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br></span></div>
<div>
1. The Pashley (Princess Sovereign) is a heavy bicycle, and</div>
<div>
2. The included kickstand is six kinds of incapable of dealing with fact number 1.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Even without any baskets, without any front or rear load, the included single kickstand just cannot be relied upon no matter how much careful front wheel skewing you may take as a precaution. And the second you add any kind of cargo you'd better start leaning it against a wall or handing it off to a friend if you want to let go of it for a minute. As you can imagine, this makes attaching said cargo an exercise in bullshit if you are travelling alone. All the more frustrating considering the included back rack is rated to carry a child seat! Better have great dental coverage for your toddler before you trust that single kickstand.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Yes, many a time in the first blush of Pashley ownership did I blithely turn<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"> my back only to hear the tell-tale sound of gravity beating the kickstand into submission. It's gotten so I am adept at accurately identifying potential kick-stand failure scenarios and with a special kind of vigilance specific to the anal retentive I was enjoying a long period of incident free Pashley ownership - Until last weekend, when the Pashley surprised me with a brand new kind of failure.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">I was putting the bicycle away after an invigoratingly chilly 20km through North West Tasmanian coastal farm lands (goose shit included). I began the Pashley propstand/kickstand ritual which is now automatic.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"></span><br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN2zEuBbW1WuzqHc3pLtnuNS6-59b8rliS0zBEVf-alyupah8AhI8TkC2fXJbrGO1nd0qutzZhSOrPIqMMXvuLq3znYzBaK2rtL0cRuY5tZyTqry3ellf7RAaArD-HFoMl_9i7wks4No/s640/blogger-image--1278526856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN2zEuBbW1WuzqHc3pLtnuNS6-59b8rliS0zBEVf-alyupah8AhI8TkC2fXJbrGO1nd0qutzZhSOrPIqMMXvuLq3znYzBaK2rtL0cRuY5tZyTqry3ellf7RAaArD-HFoMl_9i7wks4No/s400/blogger-image--1278526856.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rural bike path hazards.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQQP1NzGvsMFJbuT7SokBppOiuhHUUfvlS1MM1CZb4lWQG39RLKjWcKEmJbNmZW3EjENgt8oouSvcTYrXHMonY0FUhnCsD4Dhnz63XVSdH4pPNfUDwjw1x7hklDqfKw-YlFW0T7vw3Hg/s640/blogger-image--1414295998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQQP1NzGvsMFJbuT7SokBppOiuhHUUfvlS1MM1CZb4lWQG39RLKjWcKEmJbNmZW3EjENgt8oouSvcTYrXHMonY0FUhnCsD4Dhnz63XVSdH4pPNfUDwjw1x7hklDqfKw-YlFW0T7vw3Hg/s400/blogger-image--1414295998.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: Almost as much shit as you'll get from the Pashley kickstand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br></span>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Standing on the left of the cargo-free bicycle, I deployed the kickstand on solid ground to the right. I then positioned the front wheel to 'maximum skew' so that it could not independently skew itself and send the bike toppling over towards me. I gave the whole thing a bit of a jiggle to make sure it was sturdy, held it steady for a moment and then slowly let go to unlock the door. (I have to do this every. Single. Time.) It was then I heard that familiar warning creak. I quickly turned to catch the Pashley, expecting to see it bearing down on me as usual but as I grasped the left grip I realised it was falling <b>away</b> from me, the bloody useless kickstand having failed to fulfil the most fundamental requirement of the single kickstand/bicycle contract. In a final indignity, my quick reflexes did indeed allow me to catch the bike by the handlebars but only so that I could slow its descent and press the front tyre against my shin where the spinning wheel did a little burn-out on my leg. I was glad to be wearing thick tights or I would have lost some skin. I was compelled to photograph its shame:</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"></span><br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9X1bmeurfNMrGyKGmAczRRin6e7KtYDlwQsVv7A_BhArfyHmYqHvhqFMM1BjUiVMRYPd8ksLJbIJHSls07HqOhOup0LUx3_WT0AFWnkbtjk3UUG6cG1M4EaPVWTT6Cyj9Zi6yuOoQ5Y/s640/blogger-image--15826073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9X1bmeurfNMrGyKGmAczRRin6e7KtYDlwQsVv7A_BhArfyHmYqHvhqFMM1BjUiVMRYPd8ksLJbIJHSls07HqOhOup0LUx3_WT0AFWnkbtjk3UUG6cG1M4EaPVWTT6Cyj9Zi6yuOoQ5Y/s400/blogger-image--15826073.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You're embarrassing yourself."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">It is now my mission to outfit the Pashley with an annoyingly costly and unavailable locally double kickstand but I do so with a disgruntled sigh, resenting the fact that it did not come with one when the weight and potential for human (and inanimate) cargo so obviously requires something more than currently provided!</span></div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-9351885530863409282013-07-25T18:14:00.001+08:002013-07-26T04:25:15.688+08:00Red Right Wheel.I was pleased when I saw this glistening Cannondale. It was chained up outside a Burnie supermarket like a faithful dog awaiting the return of her owner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2_sC0UUAFq8-PDYd6rrwhpkiF5gujmnWZ7qoKRDinLh_9SGRBNxw0JU0LuxqKjF5h5MUPumI3lEuyN6X8C3rtsOPe4zrMSJV3pzJ3sx2NHsyP6AeBYw0n09xsClrwpTTVBY3sHNiI18/s1600/WooliesCannondale.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2_sC0UUAFq8-PDYd6rrwhpkiF5gujmnWZ7qoKRDinLh_9SGRBNxw0JU0LuxqKjF5h5MUPumI3lEuyN6X8C3rtsOPe4zrMSJV3pzJ3sx2NHsyP6AeBYw0n09xsClrwpTTVBY3sHNiI18/s400/WooliesCannondale.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The green pedal/bar tape combo and lonely red wheel caught my eye. It's an insouciantly eclectic colour mix that could either be left over from the factory or due to natural evolution of replacement parts. It made me wonder what happened to the other red wheel. Either way it's the kind of well loved and frequently used bicycle that makes me think the owner would not necessarily be a tool. I also appreciate anybody who matches their helmet to their frame.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-37359956985628002972013-07-25T17:47:00.000+08:002013-07-26T04:47:21.866+08:00Beach Blanket Baby (Electra Boogaloo Redux)In the fortunately flat town of Ulverstone, the bike shop is helping to disseminate more upright bicycles into the North West of Tasmania. Walking past after closing time, I spied this Electra beach cruiser in their window:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxw4z-0VIdw_RPDBwVQi1YdKkrq4-Y8tXtPXjViHllx7GrArG-c0BPxc2LdEH7YEiNqNgB5nt2KHzzqTa_Cwn6heiAKmX-R00Zp6iE9XuWhOquJkImLOs74G1hP46T96xxja66aSmup1Y/s1600/ElectraBlue.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxw4z-0VIdw_RPDBwVQi1YdKkrq4-Y8tXtPXjViHllx7GrArG-c0BPxc2LdEH7YEiNqNgB5nt2KHzzqTa_Cwn6heiAKmX-R00Zp6iE9XuWhOquJkImLOs74G1hP46T96xxja66aSmup1Y/s400/ElectraBlue.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAJxtHkODSdH7SNK7KIPH09rLeGfQyhQR2n3FAIToZsWVWnGgaa009QdKaDl8yn8qLZZqStdDirG965BnUIPxSuis2FR7leBNeQPCZ_rZsGO3B_preNb3YmEc52EJ3OZp21Z5yQ3agBc/s1600/ElectraBlue2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAJxtHkODSdH7SNK7KIPH09rLeGfQyhQR2n3FAIToZsWVWnGgaa009QdKaDl8yn8qLZZqStdDirG965BnUIPxSuis2FR7leBNeQPCZ_rZsGO3B_preNb3YmEc52EJ3OZp21Z5yQ3agBc/s400/ElectraBlue2.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's the steel framed ladies <a href="http://www.electrabike.com/Bikes/cruiser-cruiser-bikes-ladies-111178" target="_blank">Cruiser 1</a> in blue, priced at AU$359. Single speed, coaster/back pedal brake. I have an aversion to back-pedal brakes now that I'm a weak-kneed adult and I'd personally want more than one speed but then, I live on the side of a cliff and not beachy smooth Ulverstone. The colour is certainly a glorious match for the nearby sparkling water.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-64194556133287465362013-07-10T14:47:00.000+08:002013-07-10T14:50:34.972+08:00Tour De Bore 2013.It's that time of year again in the Fat-Bottom household. Time for late nights, tour tracker graphs and the piquant mixing of vague national pride with mind numbing boredom. Really, as an Australian watching the Tour De France this year I could not be more proud:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedVXaNkCIRnd2qc3RDRB8SnIEaLF_dIZj82tFfp6mKNdB7_aM1NxlQXKSB_FmNFxTrn46YzsKtjZbrKx5mhLJanKOr2An1mLPouqPNAvSHy3DeTfzoKvJCAWFyPd1jvsfEWaaQYP4kKk/s1600/driver_head_inhands_18t1k6f-18t1k6j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedVXaNkCIRnd2qc3RDRB8SnIEaLF_dIZj82tFfp6mKNdB7_aM1NxlQXKSB_FmNFxTrn46YzsKtjZbrKx5mhLJanKOr2An1mLPouqPNAvSHy3DeTfzoKvJCAWFyPd1jvsfEWaaQYP4kKk/s400/driver_head_inhands_18t1k6f-18t1k6j.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#OricaGreenWedge<br />
(Source: <a href="http://au.sports.yahoo.com/">au.sports.yahoo.com</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You're welcome, every person in the bicycle sport spectator world. Not only is it the most interesting thing an Australian has ever done in the Tour (And I include 'Our Cadel' in that sweeping statement) it also birthed the best Twitter hashtag of the week. Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there as Orica yawningly redeemed themselves by winning a couple of stages or something, I don't know - I was simultaneously reading Game of Thrones so it was a contest between which kind of carnage caught my attention. Something <b>did</b> catch my attention during ad breaks in the long broadcast and it was my adopted state of Tasmania's so-dumb-it's-genius application of, well…look, just see this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JCi5bBtmles?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
In case you didn't know, Tasmanian Salmon is a B.F.D in Australia. And in case you missed <a href="http://youtu.be/1hMD0eOFGE0" target="_blank">the long form of the campaign</a>, Tasmanian Salmon is a 'natural performance enhancer' (Sneer sneer on YOU, dopers!) as evidenced by the fact that Tasmanian Pride and Tour De France Person Richie Porte is a graduate of <a href="http://www.fuelledbyhuonsalmon.com/#slide-team" target="_blank"><i>'The Huon Salmon – Genesys Wealth Advisers Pro Cycling'</i></a> team. You know, <b>that</b> one. I particularly admire the whacked-out VICTORY! closing shot which I get to see every single ad break because the live feed cycles (see what I did) through the same 3 advertisements every. Single. Night.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTSDW-1rKyhQKsLvGmmdNQqqYnoRH68Mm3Jr_RQfrMxNMdKGxTLw0oWzzcJl-xj1thHkpvxHhg4sNE0uvMrK57MpBpEu6Vrel7p0W_VSh5B56_-aSQXt-kWE-yY-pH0XJKnGF511iC8Y/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-07-10+at+4.36.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTSDW-1rKyhQKsLvGmmdNQqqYnoRH68Mm3Jr_RQfrMxNMdKGxTLw0oWzzcJl-xj1thHkpvxHhg4sNE0uvMrK57MpBpEu6Vrel7p0W_VSh5B56_-aSQXt-kWE-yY-pH0XJKnGF511iC8Y/s400/Screen+shot+2013-07-10+at+4.36.52+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mother. Fucking-"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nsiQP1EzDLnM-I6olb2hXbcrQWnSiEM_PJjFCfMDFyhDu9EpqS7h02UiDBB5MIZ0XcABXnQCtfxlP3YvlwSDnPbR3abBr6wE48FK1Q-HBYMQd111Vi9G6JFH61_Jbvs5stg0NhDUW94/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-07-10+at+4.37.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nsiQP1EzDLnM-I6olb2hXbcrQWnSiEM_PJjFCfMDFyhDu9EpqS7h02UiDBB5MIZ0XcABXnQCtfxlP3YvlwSDnPbR3abBr6wE48FK1Q-HBYMQd111Vi9G6JFH61_Jbvs5stg0NhDUW94/s400/Screen+shot+2013-07-10+at+4.37.56+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"SALLLLLMONNNNN!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
There's also this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Zl_hoAaUUUiA6bwQKte484gAcwazX_frOGqvZjLuf6ag7SNNErjrfZEI_8mZjdhFulBJN3_ZBQJnddX_I41n653kvmiVqy5RJApiFxWTkyszD6GI8Vt9b6TetaquRhU4uSMUYgYyF8c/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-07-10+at+4.40.45+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Zl_hoAaUUUiA6bwQKte484gAcwazX_frOGqvZjLuf6ag7SNNErjrfZEI_8mZjdhFulBJN3_ZBQJnddX_I41n653kvmiVqy5RJApiFxWTkyszD6GI8Vt9b6TetaquRhU4uSMUYgYyF8c/s400/Screen+shot+2013-07-10+at+4.40.45+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, that's a pretend live salmon stuffed near his crack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Even before moving here I had eaten my own enormous share of Tasmanian salmon and while I can confirm it is delicious, it has yet to propel me far beyond the Burnie Boardwalk. One thing you will see if you watch the long version or visit <a href="http://www.fuelledbyhuonsalmon.com/" target="_blank">the website</a> is where Porte got his stamina; A lot of Tasmanian landscape is featured, nonsensically masquerading as France (The Allez! sign) or at least as somewhere more exotic than down under Down Under but you can clearly see it is made up of the kind of gradients that would serve you well if dreaming of the Tour.<br />
<br />
Until the bitter end of this event, Ginger and I will continue to stay up until 2am waiting to watch one minute of cycling even though the preceding 3 hours and 59 minutes contain not nearly enough castles and bloodshed. For that, I still have my Game of Thrones book.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7285639953788823755.post-86932518441149272852013-07-04T19:16:00.002+08:002013-07-04T19:16:48.521+08:00Devonport Bicycle Path Picnic.Last month Ginger and I decided it was high time we experienced both the Devonport cycleway and our new picnic blanket. So like the Middle-Middle classes to which we aspire, we bought some extra special treats from Burnie Farmers Market, packed up the basket and bikes and drove East to grab a perfect piece of the new Winter sunshine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6I9I9fOJ2KNYDZdPqXF7fbxL2rdkVFq2xoQz69VZ2d7kDTvlq4jBqMeICPmv7BPezcR8p8OnosMdktbTySjTcCul3kJ_T8zvwyUcrC0_kejI7_xUL-kR31LPpb-OcBkC_7MPc40HFEfM/s1600/IMG_7506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6I9I9fOJ2KNYDZdPqXF7fbxL2rdkVFq2xoQz69VZ2d7kDTvlq4jBqMeICPmv7BPezcR8p8OnosMdktbTySjTcCul3kJ_T8zvwyUcrC0_kejI7_xUL-kR31LPpb-OcBkC_7MPc40HFEfM/s400/IMG_7506.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what a fortnightly Treat Buying Expedition looks like.<br />
And also why I am fat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Devonport (third largest population centre in Tasmania) has an almost fully formed cyclepath network, the council has a pretty decent transportation strategy and the vision to implement it, if not the funds to make it as smooth and continuous as Perth. The section we chose was the <a href="http://www.railtrails.org.au/trail-descriptions/tasmania/northern-tasmania?view=trail&id=101" target="_blank">Don to Devonport trail</a>, running from the middle of town out along the coast and finishing at the <a href="http://www.donriverrailway.com.au/" target="_blank">Don River Railway</a> tourist attraction.<br />
<br />
The middle of Devonport is not your standard town centre,
it's also the arrival point for the Spirit of Tasmania ferries; luxury
passenger liners sailing from Melbourne to Tasmania, transporting
Grey Nomads and their caravans. You can even walk off the ferry and
hire a bicycle or bring your own if you're up for some touring. One of them was in port when we arrived so we stared at it for a while. We also stared at the ugliest lighthouse I have ever seen.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJu3osKBUaUe9JK0tETA0pIQEqHygBC0ZrsGUf8X02NP1wN3zb420ARcF6DDUQrktSIx8o8yU7gGRK1y828kMtAZVlwlWnTes_BdKmergYp9drw2CYJocik8yKDpY5FHI5o0D-alJ-kQ/s1600/SoT.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJu3osKBUaUe9JK0tETA0pIQEqHygBC0ZrsGUf8X02NP1wN3zb420ARcF6DDUQrktSIx8o8yU7gGRK1y828kMtAZVlwlWnTes_BdKmergYp9drw2CYJocik8yKDpY5FHI5o0D-alJ-kQ/s400/SoT.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spirit of Tasmania, Pashley in Picnic Portage Mode™.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JZ7x3Xdc_tbDinIxd-sfGC-nqcRZxS45BPyoaVIek7DhUKrkzNVeq68bNOjTrXAZyIUZbvIy9pmgvPP-ntfhXBTkp4YCbV4m4XUT8JCQ8b5AS7xPGzn_tm61bT_1nzRZaQU1fzKqwio/s1600/Dev2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JZ7x3Xdc_tbDinIxd-sfGC-nqcRZxS45BPyoaVIek7DhUKrkzNVeq68bNOjTrXAZyIUZbvIy9pmgvPP-ntfhXBTkp4YCbV4m4XUT8JCQ8b5AS7xPGzn_tm61bT_1nzRZaQU1fzKqwio/s400/Dev2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be more quaint and less functional!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BrsMrJDWwqjEqsB2TnXsqOj9bo1SnMcPCTuU0tlPZI5kaUEluT1ilWp_OnWLp2M_4o7J-bVezU6os1eQK2rkACk9GLKm5ToUefYwEVTVlg8DGU6vmdGVCktBaIfod9ZcIdYyNqlYsaI/s1600/IMG_7493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BrsMrJDWwqjEqsB2TnXsqOj9bo1SnMcPCTuU0tlPZI5kaUEluT1ilWp_OnWLp2M_4o7J-bVezU6os1eQK2rkACk9GLKm5ToUefYwEVTVlg8DGU6vmdGVCktBaIfod9ZcIdYyNqlYsaI/s400/IMG_7493.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculptures on the Mersey River path.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We were both eager to have lunch sooner rather than later so I saved most of the route documentation for the journey back from Don. The path led us along the Mersey river through the heart of Devonport and out to the recently refreshed waterfront. There you'll find a burger bar, playground, toilets, beach showers and the bluffs. Also the attractive <a href="http://www.lighthouse.net.au/lights/tas/Mersey%20Bluff/Mersey%20Bluff.htm" target="_blank">Mersey Bluff lighthouse</a> if you divert a bit but we were hungry so we rode on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AtHPdoiTyUG5GcWOrxS7yjCSdnFZ_nqdchwb2PAR-8H3Umj5bAmfrJ1e9qfX8ewgU39SC3gaq4_4C24IcN-rCniXHfgRbcwez6gjYqV5SrfW8YNNWnoohpwBKOTqEsCLUqLXC5RBYzc/s1600/BeFunky_null_5.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AtHPdoiTyUG5GcWOrxS7yjCSdnFZ_nqdchwb2PAR-8H3Umj5bAmfrJ1e9qfX8ewgU39SC3gaq4_4C24IcN-rCniXHfgRbcwez6gjYqV5SrfW8YNNWnoohpwBKOTqEsCLUqLXC5RBYzc/s400/BeFunky_null_5.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beach on the return trip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V-Zps0D45tvHBGvpeZ-KkXmeM0HT-nf0MUatXvLzEOr7K8mwxxOYnFx_AI3avABUsMOLXmW4XvPpUOxagd3WllrigN57aNEpSBl8h8HejfwYY_gVmSD7l1GqgFa3D031MNDvrzbR8_U/s1600/IMG_7502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V-Zps0D45tvHBGvpeZ-KkXmeM0HT-nf0MUatXvLzEOr7K8mwxxOYnFx_AI3avABUsMOLXmW4XvPpUOxagd3WllrigN57aNEpSBl8h8HejfwYY_gVmSD7l1GqgFa3D031MNDvrzbR8_U/s400/IMG_7502.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way there, where Devonport meets the sea and I photograph<br />
shifty looking men exiting public toilets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfULcDkdpxpJ8uzH6abPdomFAsu4bkdjotNh8xkCrzP4z_otGpYDUY3y6tfMPJWWSAc3H9T5PB_RPGdpE_n8-ldi7KBmJgDW-M5RWtQXiNgCOmAQzDbmeCnZnrX33adnrb-HwVh6q_BM/s1600/Dev4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfULcDkdpxpJ8uzH6abPdomFAsu4bkdjotNh8xkCrzP4z_otGpYDUY3y6tfMPJWWSAc3H9T5PB_RPGdpE_n8-ldi7KBmJgDW-M5RWtQXiNgCOmAQzDbmeCnZnrX33adnrb-HwVh6q_BM/s400/Dev4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Briefly considered this beach picnic spot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once we left the beach, the path quickly became empty and wound through some rapidly changing landscapes. After the typical gum trees and shrubbery of the main beach we encountered these oddly manicured looking 'transitional' flora, still right next to the ocean though it was hidden from us by their dense canopy and the rise above sea level. (Even though we didn't seem to climb) They looked like they'd spent a lot of evolutionary energy adapting perfectly to the windy, salty bluffs. The first trip through was at high noon so they looked especially odd without shadows, I photographed them on the way home at about 4pm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6cbdvpo4rIw020gpyqjujYgasmjhqblqyiX-wZ3BFqf8caa2n0QABmNK2qIUp1A7sQ4BAqV7ZAD0E-tWTtc3HhIhbK_fUHoSLRYhvKBBddisqKuNr34WLagkPMwkiW0ZVOToSdckwKU/s1600/BeFunky_IMG_3049.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6cbdvpo4rIw020gpyqjujYgasmjhqblqyiX-wZ3BFqf8caa2n0QABmNK2qIUp1A7sQ4BAqV7ZAD0E-tWTtc3HhIhbK_fUHoSLRYhvKBBddisqKuNr34WLagkPMwkiW0ZVOToSdckwKU/s400/BeFunky_IMG_3049.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdKel7-Dp8iqPbJ7a4zopSZBQlGD7d5jpebGpX5Wd0GxBY-t9QzmCO-Bg6GAIg3Q0Meg86P2jCODrGB62u6oGFVRVLsMWKPG1ROR3UhpXwJwMHN7NoYHtzdiWonklUaG5VuqXxEKez8Q/s1600/bestbest.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdKel7-Dp8iqPbJ7a4zopSZBQlGD7d5jpebGpX5Wd0GxBY-t9QzmCO-Bg6GAIg3Q0Meg86P2jCODrGB62u6oGFVRVLsMWKPG1ROR3UhpXwJwMHN7NoYHtzdiWonklUaG5VuqXxEKez8Q/s400/bestbest.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The rounded foliage gave way to an open view of the ocean and a brief flirtation with the suburbs before plunging us into some straight-up temperate rainforest. Here we started to descend. I wish I'd taken a picture of the zig-zag trail but the trees made it basically impossible and riding down it was far too much fun to stop. There were swoops and little wooden bridges all through it and I rode with a smile plastered on my stupid face even though the entire time I was dreading hauling the Pashley back up. This rainforest section of the path was quite narrow, unevenly surfaced due to tree roots and very busy with joggers and family strolls in some sections. I was pretty glad to have the weight of the Pashley rolling tank-style over bumps; although I discovered on the way back that a big enough bump will knock a hub brake right out of your front wheel. Fortunately the counter-discovery was that you can just pop it back in with your fingers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigdEzVDqsnK92VQ0RO5_YOBCVybbuVlp13L8OuPa5brhFOAMHNPHlqwUQdMi1RWCVxYU3_0WDGvCIQAt-ofc9YXQ2IgDNukx7QQmAViB3whSBfhkH3yj20gmVva7kib3Ahi-Ie84pvk4/s1404/BeFunky_Fotor0703223238.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigdEzVDqsnK92VQ0RO5_YOBCVybbuVlp13L8OuPa5brhFOAMHNPHlqwUQdMi1RWCVxYU3_0WDGvCIQAt-ofc9YXQ2IgDNukx7QQmAViB3whSBfhkH3yj20gmVva7kib3Ahi-Ie84pvk4/s400/BeFunky_Fotor0703223238.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well after the zig-zag, a return to flat land.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhP2sEH_8o9TDJhFjUH5mSllKr56BX8MIpWPFq0jQY2UfeJWgZXQEN3Vl2tK3Jc9chU2Ivv6nbS4ZlASywWFoDqvkPSCmCbBnY_fh-erewKxFCwZny7xN7BCAJcEW-e1sp1Lj180SJCQ/s1600/BeFunky_Fotor0703223510.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhP2sEH_8o9TDJhFjUH5mSllKr56BX8MIpWPFq0jQY2UfeJWgZXQEN3Vl2tK3Jc9chU2Ivv6nbS4ZlASywWFoDqvkPSCmCbBnY_fh-erewKxFCwZny7xN7BCAJcEW-e1sp1Lj180SJCQ/s400/BeFunky_Fotor0703223510.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eventually the forest thinned out, the tree trunks became more spindly
and we were expelled into the carpark of the Devonport Aquatic
centre before returning to the trail. We were crossing train tracks still in use but there was plenty of signage on the official crossing points. Towards the end we could see we'd left the coast entirely and come up next to the Don river. On the way back I made Ginger hold the Pashley upright (fie on the included kick-stand!) while I took a picture of the afternoon view, wood smoke was sitting like mist in the valley as the sunshine waned.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fLQWspVAcvCdM2ZRKIWljKTwR78cXIK1lGYlWIjOJu1fJHFMmD4aXuW4tDdjz253SHk56ov93K1eTvjkhS70Qn8etiqpsbKDbRUtTD3h88O5RD-9NN9_H3l0IqdzJdOfnrr3_JcgNHM/s1600/gbush.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fLQWspVAcvCdM2ZRKIWljKTwR78cXIK1lGYlWIjOJu1fJHFMmD4aXuW4tDdjz253SHk56ov93K1eTvjkhS70Qn8etiqpsbKDbRUtTD3h88O5RD-9NN9_H3l0IqdzJdOfnrr3_JcgNHM/s400/gbush.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hold my shit while I capture nature."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lZngMHBpuYMK7wk563g2SmkZ4sjMMC2NzKkyEj7wwckg9io4Rf_GeuviYMlf9S2-LkuBaKBMQiX4uXnFkBkyF4CNsVcPoQn7D3bu32V72EJNgYQ_Ks1idzZy2c_f4drPc3zkngl-pHQ/s1600/View.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lZngMHBpuYMK7wk563g2SmkZ4sjMMC2NzKkyEj7wwckg9io4Rf_GeuviYMlf9S2-LkuBaKBMQiX4uXnFkBkyF4CNsVcPoQn7D3bu32V72EJNgYQ_Ks1idzZy2c_f4drPc3zkngl-pHQ/s400/View.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Done."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At last we reached the Don River Railway leisure ground, just in time to see a delightful display of steam (not a euphemism) before 'Getting our Picnic On' (totally a euphemism). Next to a car park. Oh, well. It's a Car, Car, Car, Car World after all. But we had the whole place to ourselves and the banks made it remarkably peaceful. It was very tempting to fall asleep in the sunshine and we were very full of Ribena and cakes so we had a nice rest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEpUq7zlHSSDWZFE1IYCW2Z4QRw-_vhQtwuW3Am7ZwipGEEMPrPIeH1LSO3MBDPzoGAD00VkZpTWgsrnZlMrKVvWYhnavyIg6S-Njz2BpbYNGHs3_ywJiQ7ott6uQXxCmQtwxq_le-TY/s1600/Dev6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAEpUq7zlHSSDWZFE1IYCW2Z4QRw-_vhQtwuW3Am7ZwipGEEMPrPIeH1LSO3MBDPzoGAD00VkZpTWgsrnZlMrKVvWYhnavyIg6S-Njz2BpbYNGHs3_ywJiQ7ott6uQXxCmQtwxq_le-TY/s400/Dev6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don River Railway. We've been on the train. It's worth it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX2PWPxLAkcfm4-RmB29JV7b4EmRN8RZ3tPeV6g3gTDcGgIm8oolM3B_OmTTwCxBfGlJxVB7jcORWFE4dLuUwzeWa3q7KkrPyXCy1Hwt36hJNyZ-fUQyFgm6nOP0Oh78F774a4pXE604/s1600/Dev9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX2PWPxLAkcfm4-RmB29JV7b4EmRN8RZ3tPeV6g3gTDcGgIm8oolM3B_OmTTwCxBfGlJxVB7jcORWFE4dLuUwzeWa3q7KkrPyXCy1Hwt36hJNyZ-fUQyFgm6nOP0Oh78F774a4pXE604/s400/Dev9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not using the creepy picnic shelter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-KfQZ1nylGPW1wdqbVBqnGIpUsMtR3YzS_HRGaRULZV_HLMHGN6hq1TEwQ20afKmgCGH9swAUTuL0kiQ-Za3dXgmPv8b8weWPHoc6duFMN1zFVDHNmYgT1vYJFMzopg_Ou6oCkfFztQ/s1600/IMG_7500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-KfQZ1nylGPW1wdqbVBqnGIpUsMtR3YzS_HRGaRULZV_HLMHGN6hq1TEwQ20afKmgCGH9swAUTuL0kiQ-Za3dXgmPv8b8weWPHoc6duFMN1zFVDHNmYgT1vYJFMzopg_Ou6oCkfFztQ/s400/IMG_7500.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The not quite distant enough tranquility of the Don River Railway car park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UIb6IzCpViL15XPOTbeLIdcEKgrA_VLtEz3WdT27O8daAosToc1nX0rY5g8D3Kg3iHule3N_MNufWSwfyJqbCAU0rIX8NFr5NSSh_vugdk0sVia5KZSsOR8PfbpL608PF8xveSLVaHg/s640/IMG_7496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UIb6IzCpViL15XPOTbeLIdcEKgrA_VLtEz3WdT27O8daAosToc1nX0rY5g8D3Kg3iHule3N_MNufWSwfyJqbCAU0rIX8NFr5NSSh_vugdk0sVia5KZSsOR8PfbpL608PF8xveSLVaHg/s400/IMG_7496.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Idiots doing Picnic in public.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNG5cPhTMRacSsLbtHuQ50UJy-Ul9fBu_QNbr2Jb8jSKHEdqns-T3KUE0s4ruRLDDkwRbAo5cH-WL2Nk489Um5SQ5qhqNAyk-Jq6rhUo_2SXjnMEePYF0_8xY5KsMwbRMmwCf7YD8BbKU/s960/EditiPhone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNG5cPhTMRacSsLbtHuQ50UJy-Ul9fBu_QNbr2Jb8jSKHEdqns-T3KUE0s4ruRLDDkwRbAo5cH-WL2Nk489Um5SQ5qhqNAyk-Jq6rhUo_2SXjnMEePYF0_8xY5KsMwbRMmwCf7YD8BbKU/s400/EditiPhone.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tourism Tasmania version.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w0ABxeVpvHPnvWMTmDZrlHnUTlDtSuRx4UnjIO3VzUhL77nrIMF17MdG6QAcVh0KID19iTdoDnGY1ow1ojosgPsdPpw85xhjNxV3ATnK3lsYvab9HAhIPsbJ4wfoE7EXnRdIwT3NvbQ/s1600/IMG_7499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w0ABxeVpvHPnvWMTmDZrlHnUTlDtSuRx4UnjIO3VzUhL77nrIMF17MdG6QAcVh0KID19iTdoDnGY1ow1ojosgPsdPpw85xhjNxV3ATnK3lsYvab9HAhIPsbJ4wfoE7EXnRdIwT3NvbQ/s400/IMG_7499.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The winter sun combined with my wool tights for a toasty fat bottom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQfk6VmrSyI7CgOddqvvC8pK80sHhiFRjJMwVW2oHFrpea1BJHsVzcAq795TEPbG6tCg59sdJFulLAOcqwUWWK08McHR8C1lQItPXM5hQeQlQ7vFHDTvO1UOH-hVU4WU-UXOjybdLKBE/s1600/Dev7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQfk6VmrSyI7CgOddqvvC8pK80sHhiFRjJMwVW2oHFrpea1BJHsVzcAq795TEPbG6tCg59sdJFulLAOcqwUWWK08McHR8C1lQItPXM5hQeQlQ7vFHDTvO1UOH-hVU4WU-UXOjybdLKBE/s400/Dev7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Tourism-ready view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Sadly, we could not tarry because I had to get the Pashley up the zig-zag and back to town. I actually managed to do it without once getting off to push, though I've never before spent so much time in first gear! We reached Devonport with enough light to spare for a quick spin on a breakwater to mark the setting sun.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAStt2oVevAe2P2WjsfW1Gj2VmvLeFeKTTmXRdkmX9E-qXfsRHzwx0upCm5YY-YJGrTqqvhOIpw-ZqPrqJXKDctgOnnvK1Yc7O6_Wygh_xWsXIb0Hmd0vi_SgXTZJQuAGJ_O_XNDut2lY/s1600/BeFunky_IMG_3077.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAStt2oVevAe2P2WjsfW1Gj2VmvLeFeKTTmXRdkmX9E-qXfsRHzwx0upCm5YY-YJGrTqqvhOIpw-ZqPrqJXKDctgOnnvK1Yc7O6_Wygh_xWsXIb0Hmd0vi_SgXTZJQuAGJ_O_XNDut2lY/s400/BeFunky_IMG_3077.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As far as you're supposed to go.<br />
There were fishermen/women climbing over the rails anyway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrm2hMzxt0gxW7c2p_i-aNesf486vF6B8ddQBr3RI31891LpHZuTDRAQ-jh5OLdWTYA719veW7qvCvcCeMzecpTeRmN1yXoCPIfLzC8wGY_AQd0mko2RNMberPbatra2MWWfjBLw5lGVo/s1600/BeFunky_IMG_3064.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrm2hMzxt0gxW7c2p_i-aNesf486vF6B8ddQBr3RI31891LpHZuTDRAQ-jh5OLdWTYA719veW7qvCvcCeMzecpTeRmN1yXoCPIfLzC8wGY_AQd0mko2RNMberPbatra2MWWfjBLw5lGVo/s400/BeFunky_IMG_3064.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Public art unimpeded by railings.<br />
(No, I didn't climb over.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs43JngUkkxhCdaKGyp1XcHvCkfQlGqJWc3zsY0YtEFLURWHX3GFCGlrKnzP3SBaMX4g3mR0jnm6fLiqdvAQP_Gauyu_smGxEqnhyAOyohAoDKJV_QBc7EY0_3DFSzopiBlWqpFBGJl4/s1600/BeFunky_null_1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs43JngUkkxhCdaKGyp1XcHvCkfQlGqJWc3zsY0YtEFLURWHX3GFCGlrKnzP3SBaMX4g3mR0jnm6fLiqdvAQP_Gauyu_smGxEqnhyAOyohAoDKJV_QBc7EY0_3DFSzopiBlWqpFBGJl4/s400/BeFunky_null_1.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mersey Bluff sunset before the drive home. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00017567199169362903noreply@blogger.com4