Ride on Summer!

Hooray!! Today in Australia it is the first day of summer!! Woopee!!

Summer is especially exciting living in the Brisbane bayside area. I can’t wait to ride on summer! For me it means long afternoon rides along the foreshore with everyone out and about. I love going for a cruise along the boulevard in the late afternoon after a stinking hot day –  the sun ever so slowly setting, warm breezes off the ocean, families starting to pack up after a day in the park, runners weaving in and out of couples strolling arm-in-arm and dogs getting their leashes tangled enthusiastically as owners apologise to each other for the happy mayhem.

Ride on summer!

I get my bike Leki – with flowers resplendent, grab a mate and go for cruise along the foreshore.

I ring my bell cheerily, smile at strangers and say hi as we whizz by in a flash of colour and happiness. I love seeing the kids playing at the water park, girls in bikinis, men chatting on seats, the elderly relaxing under trees and families bustling along.

I love riding my bike and being part of our vibrant seaside community.

So for those who also want to celebrate their love of all things two wheels, summer and community – here are 5 things you could do this summer to promote bicycles and positive social interactions:

1. Organise a social ride for a day. Invite another family/mates/others to go on a picnic bike ride. Make a day of it. For example in Brisbane, there are lots of family-friendly bike tracks to try. Load up the bikes and go for an explore. Take your swimmers, some shade and some games to play. Explore a rail trail, link you own riding winery tour, cruise down to the beach – whatever. You could even make a theme for the day! Just head down on your bikes with some others and enjoy the beautiful sunshine.

2. Join a Cycling Meet Up group. Find a bike/cycling group and get on two wheels for a social ride or a pack road ride. Go ride at a location you have not been before, meet some new people and do something different.

3. Go visit someone who can’t get out for a ride – bring a bike to them! Go to a Nursing Home or Aged Care facility in your area. Ask the reception desk who needs a visitor for half an hour. Take a copy of the (picture book or poem) Mulga Bill’s Bicycle –  make a new friend and read them the story. Ask them about their past riding experience, favorite bike ride or anything else and take the time to be good company for someone else.

4. Be the best volunteer at a local MTB event.  Find a local community mountain bike event in your area and volunteer at their next event. Encourage the junior riders and chat to the families and support crew. Be the best track marshal they have ever seen. Cheer on every rider that passes you and wear a big smile all day.

5. Collect bike for charity donation. Find a local bicycle recycling program, like Bikes4Life or Bicycles for Humanity  – or any others –  there are many bike organisations in other cities. Letter drop your street with a note like below. Even if you haven’t got bikes to donate at your place, canvass your local street/s and do it any way.

 

This way you will start the summer on a super positive note and set the intention for a wonderful summer. You don’t have to do these activities – make up one/s that suit you best – find your own ways to spread the summer sunshine, give a small bit of your time and energy to the community you live in and share your love of bicycles.

Happy first day of Summer!