This time it was much closer to home - and all the much harder for it. Given I'm pretty new to Sydney I don't know all that many bike paths, so decided to start with something pretty simple - the only "serious" ride I know down here. And so, this morning I dressed up in my new BMC gear, new sunnies, and new Garmin GPS slash bike computer slash heart rate monitor slash coffee machine (installed Friday night - because that's what I do on my Friday nights...), pointed my nose in the right direction and started off.
To get to Centennial Park from where I live, a trip across the harbour bridge is in order, followed by a much less interesting, lot slower journey through the city. After a little bit of getting lost and going down roads where apparently cyclists aren't allowed (although the sign is only visible half way down the road, go figure) I made it to the park. For those who haven't been before, Centennial Park is beautiful, and large. There's a loop nearly 4km around the majority of the park - this road is full of cyclists of all shapes and colours. There's plenty of runners making their rounds, and even a few people on roller skates - straight out of the 70's!
After riding for about 50kms I stopped off for coffee at one of the cafe's in the park, before turning around and heading home for a grand total of 65km.
One thing that I really noticed - just how unfit I am at the moment. With 160kms to ride there's still a lot of work to do before I'll be able to comfortably make that distance. Tomorrow I'm planning on going for another ride - target distance is 40km so fingers crossed I make it.
To help track progress, I'm using my Garmin in conjunction with a website called Strava. If you are a cyclist or a runner, and like knowing just what you're putting yourself through I'd suggest jumping on and having a look. For an example of the stat-tastic Strava, check out the below!
Absolutely super effort mate!
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