My bike commute from home to Griffith Uni is about 23kms. I have a regular route that I take, which is mostly on linked up bike paths, but in parts requires me to ride on ride on Old Cleveland Road, which I find quite disconcerting and dangerous. I always make sure I am as safe as possible and take no chances when navigating this part of my ride. I’m always on high alert.
The last time I rode to work in the morning, I had the distinct feeling of being unsafe when on riding Old Cleveland Rd – and I mean more so than usual. It was a little unsettling. I thought that there had to be a better way to get to work that cut out this busy road section. But I was already on my way, so I acknowledged it, but purposefully chose not to invest into it, as I was already on my way and wigging myself out more while on the bike certainly was not going to help. I moved onto the pavement and rode very conservatively until I got to work with no problems.
On the way home that same day, I had stopped at a set of lights and looked over to see a yellow recumbent roll in front of me. I caught up with the yellow tic-tac and started a conversation with the rider by telling him I have a mate in Brisbane who has a red recumbent which I thought he would know. I felt pretty confident that he knew my mate (whose recumbent is red), had told me that he and two other recumbents sometimes go for a ride together – red, yellow and green altogether.
Who is in that yellow recumbent?
The rider introduced himself as Malcolm and asked me where I was going. It turns out we were pretty much heading in the same direction. Malcolm asked me if I wanted to check out a new way home – his route, which cuts out all of Old Cleveland Road. I was intrigued, had no time constraints, was up for a chat and after my strange premonition from the morning, I welcomed being shown a new route to work.
Well ….we had a great time.
We rolled along, chatting about bikes and riding, making connections and exchanging suggestions and ideas – it was a lovely ride back. The route he showed me popped me out exactly where I needed to go – it was safe, relaxed and we passed some amazing properties. I found out that Malcolm and his wife (who has the green recumbent) are into organising MTB orienteering events, which sounded like a lot of fun.
Synchronicity
When it came to parting ways, I thanked him for his time and for showing me my new favourite way to work. He gave me his card and I asked if I could take his photo. I rode away with a smile on my face, marvelling at providence and how the universe provides. Just another reason why I love riding my bike – those seemingly random encounters that turn out to have a significant impact on your life (and safety!).
I tip my hat to Malcolm, so freely supporting and helping other riders in such a friendly and organic way – I’m sure he has no idea how much impact my meeting him will have for me – a new safer and more enjoyable ride home.
Thanks so much Malcolm!!
