Bike Week & Ride2Work Day 2016

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Sat 24 Sep 2016 - Wed 12 Oct 2016

I'm not sure about you but when I was growing up, I loved my bicycle - it was my sense-of-freedom vehicle, my two-wheeled chariot that would, could and did take me for miles and miles of fun exploration. Don't get me wrong, I have many stories of woe that I can still relate, where my trusty 'steed' let me down…..literally over the handle bars and over a wall, but these sorrowful tales tend to be far-surpassed by the memories of flying downhill with the wind in your hair; or cycling for miles and miles with a girlfriend, only to realise that you've gone too far and still have to get home. We didn't have mobiles in those days, so no ways could we 'phone Mom' to come and pick us up.



Once I was married with children we relocated to the Netherlands and you know the Dutch, everyone and I mean, everyone owns a bicycle. One only has to go to Amsterdam or Leiden and see the hundreds upon hundreds of bicycles that are left outside the train stations by locals and tourists alike to realise that this really is bicycle heaven. Hubby bought me my very own "Dutch" bicycle, with all of three gears, the first day we arrived, complete with two little satchels at the rear, ensuring I could do my grocery shopping and have room to pack the bags - this was our second 'car', I was told. Cycling through the Dutch villages, along the river banks and onto the beaches is an absolute breeze as the landscape is totally flat - the only 'hills' to encounter were the speed bumps. We spent many sensational weekends, with Jessie and Amber (our furry family members) running alongside us, while we could enjoy all the different scenic areas that were on offer.



Sunshine Coast Council have something in the 'bike'- line - a Bike Week (well not really a week, it's actually nine days) of everything bicycle - there's something for everyone with a selection of workshops as well as bike rides:-




Perhaps you'd love to cycle, but feel a wee bit less confident that you used to be or perhaps feel you don't have enough experience. No matter what age or skill level you are, you can sign up for a free workshop to start cycling or to get back into the saddle, metaphorically speaking, of course, and get to enjoy the Sunshine Coast's multitude of incredible cycling routes! For every free event you register for, you'll get one entry into the draw to win one of four $500 bike shop vouchers - it's a win-win for everybody!



To find out more about Bike Week 2016, the Bike Week Programme locations, and who to contact for registration (registration is essential), visit here

Ride2Work Day is scheduled for Wednesday 12 October 2016 and by joining a free commuter cycle training workshop before Ride2Work Day, you'll get to learn first-hand, invaluable tips and perhaps gain a bit more confidence to attempt that Ride to Work that you've been contemplating for so long. All participants who Ride2Work on the 12 October, can register their details to go into the draw to win a $1000 bike shop voucher.

The Council are also giving away complimentary breakfasts and coffee to anyone who pedals past one of their four celebratory breakfast locations:-


You can cycle your own route to work or if you prefer, join in with one of three guided rides across the Region. These guided rides are organised by Council and the Queensland Police - they will lead straight to some of the breakfast locations, with the choice to join in on the route. All rides depart at 6.15am - please arrive at the starting points ten minutes early for preparation. All day parking will be available at all the guided ride meeting locations.



Pull out your bicycle, dust off the cobwebs - or as in my case, the rust - and get ready - there's no better way than spending a weekend, with your family, exploring scenic routes on the Sunshine Coast, with the wind in your hair!

#cycling
#family
#outdoor
#sunshine_coast_surrounds
#workshops
#september
!date 24/09/2016 -- 12/10/2016
%wnsunshinecoast