This week's Haul

Today's expedition to the Melbourne Showground's Farmers Market was an interesting one - and not only because I was on 2 wheels instead of 4.

It was about 9am as I was riding along the Maribyrnong, when just before the giant golden statue I heard the unmistakeable sounds of dance music pumping out over the river. Surley enough, there was a dance party happening in the bushes! Didn't they know the Big Day Out was on just a bit further up the river today?
Nevertheless it looked like this mob had been enjoying themselves for hours - and didn't seem to be packing up to head over to the racecourse any time soon.

Upon arriving at the market, I sat down to enjoy one of Chef Michael's burgers with the lot and some iced mint lemon water - how thoughtful on such a hot day! I had to shop carefully today, with only my basket and panniers to carry my goodies home. I've really been enjoying the lemon apple cucumbers from Yellow Box Rd Organics and couldn't go past those beautiful organic blueberries at 3 for $10! And yes - that is 2 dozen eggs you see there - I carried them safely in my basket - just for added difficulty.

2 dozen eggs for $7! 3 punnets of organic blueberries for $10!

Today's haul set me back $50 including a delicious breakfast - for that price why wouldn't you want to buy fresh, in season, locally grown, organic, free range food??

Spring Challenge Day 28 - I did it!!!

Departure: 8:25am
Arrival: 9:05am
Conditions: sunny, humid with a nice breeze, 21
Attire: skirt, tshirt, heels

I was greeted with a bright blue sky when I peeked hesitantly out of the window this morning. Yes! The heavens had decided to back me on my last challenge day. It was a beautiful sunny morning as I headed out of our street, and I could feel the humidity in the air. I decided to make my final challenge trip in style and felt pretty good as I pulled up at the lights with my lycra-clad counterparts. It really was a beautiful morning ride to work and I'm already looking forward to my riding days long after this challenge is finished.

Looking back I'd say this is exactly what I needed to do - starting up a regular routine to make things habits - like packing my panniers, planning my wardrobe and handling different weather conditions. I know I'll be rewarded in so many ways now that I'll be incorporating my bicycle into my weekly commute.

Spring Challenge Day 27 (1 day to go!)

Departure: 8:20am
Arrival: 9:05am
Conditions: grey, cloudy, humid, 20
Attire: skirt, tshirt, sneakers

It was a muggy morning, as I neared the city I felt the odd drop of rain on my cheek, which turned into more than the odd drop and I found myself pedalling in heavy drizzle most of the way to work. Didn't get really wet and I didn't really mind riding in it either - I just really hope that tomorrow is a good day to ride - it's the last day of my challenge and this isn't the summer weather I've had in mind!

Spring Challenge day 26 (2 days to go)

Departure: 8:15am
Arrival: 8:55am
Conditions: sunny and fresh, 15
Attire: jeans,  tshirt, sneakers


Another wonderful, easy ride to work. I left home much earlier than usual so that made me smile too! It feels like second nature to pack my panniers and put on my helmet each morning and my commute is now a highlight of my day - especially with a beautiful morning like this one!

Spring Challenge Day 25 (3 days to go)

Departure: 8:35am
Arrival: 9:20am
Conditions: cloudy and a bit of a breeze
Attire: jeans,  tshirt, sneakers

'3 days to go? But there's only one day of spring left!'  I hear you cry. Back at the start of this challenge I decided to include all 14 weeks which gave me a few extra days at either end. This is all about creating a new habit and lifestyle - not getting wrapped up in the details!
I've got 3 days to finish my challenge which I'll be doing this week, weather permitting of course. Tuesday and Wednesday are looking OK - maybe a shower or 2 but the timing could work in my favour.
I felt really strong and fast on my ride this morning - but it was still a 45 minute journey, I'll be looking forward to when they've completed the Docklands Highway upgrade, it's a bit of a mess down there at the moment.

Spring Challenge Day 24 (4 days to go)

Departure: 8:25am
Arrival: 9:10am
Conditions: cloudy and still
Attire: black 3/4 pants, tshirt, sandals

The radar gave me the go-ahead this morning and I happily jumped on my bicycle for another adventure. I actually felt a bit jumpy when I reached Lorimer street for the first time in ages - I actually even slowed down behind parked traffic so I wouldn't have to compete for space with the cars and trucks that were whooshing by - one of them got so close I could feel the heat from the engine!

Spring Challenge Day 23 (5 days to go)

Departure: 8:30am
Arrival: 9:10am
Conditions: cloudy and warm, breezy
Attire: 3/4 pants, singlet, sneakers

Aaah, back on the bike. We've had a rough start to the week but I was really looking forward to soaking up this nice weather. I've definitely learned my lesson about leaving too late though - it was pedestrian peak hour at Docklands and even though I'd ring my bell for the people walking straight towards me and staring at me - they still didn't move over an inch and I almost found myself in the gutter twice! That wasn't the pleasant part of the journey - I think the highlight was when I crossed paths with a Michael Buble look-a-like!

Spring Challenge Day 22 (6 days to go)

Departure: 8:08am
Arrival: 8:53am
Conditions: cloudy and mild
Attire: camos, t shirt, sneakers


Another lovely, cruisy ride to work. That's 3 days in a row for this week and guess what - I'm still loving it! Yep I'm officially hooked now!It's such great thinking time for me as I roll along the bike paths, allowing every other cyclist to overtake me.
Today I came up behind a family of four, both parents were each carrying daughters on their racks. When I stopped at the lights one of the little angels said 'You aren't as fast as us because we got here first' she then went on to ask her mum to smell her thumb because it doesn't smell like anything. Precious!

You see I would have missed pearls of wisdom like that if I'd been driving today!

Spring Challenge Day 21 (7 days to go)

Departure: 8:05am
Arrival: 8:52am
Conditions: Sunny, warmish, mild
Attire: Jeans, t shirt, sneakers

After a quick stop off at the drycleaners I was on my way, last night I realised that I actually prefer to ride to work. I got up early this morning determined to make the most of the sunshine and felt positively radiant as I zoomed along. It's not even hard work anymore, I sail along happily and can't imagine starting my day any other way. Is this it? Has the transformation occurred?

Spring Challenge Day 20 (8 days to go)

Departure: 8:30am
Arrival: 9:10am
Conditions: Cloudy, dry, warmish
Attire: Jeans, t shirt, sneakers

Yesterday I drove to work and felt sleepy all day. Today I rode and hit the ground running (so to speak) when I got to work). What a great difference - I almost feel backwards if I don't ride.

And here's some free advice for all those drivers trying to make sense of the road closures on Docklands Hwy last night- leave the car at home and take the bike! There's still bike access the whole way alongside the roadworks so you can avoid the headache altogether. I won't stress myself any more than necessary so you'll see me on the bike for the rest of this week!

Spring Challenge Day 19 (9 days to go!)

Departure: 8:25am
Arrival: 9:15am (hey it was windy alright!)
Conditions: Cloudy, windy, with a light sprinkle of rain
Attire: Shorts, t shirt, sneakers

It was a bit blowy this morning but the temperature was mild so it was still really enjoyable. I even enjoyed the odd drop of rain. Haven't things changed? I never thought I'd choose to take a 40 minute ride to work if there was even the slightest chance of getting wet!
The countdown's really on now! Only 9 days to go - Spring finishes on Tuesday 30th November, so I think I'll do 3 days, then 4 days, then 2 days. I'm feeling great - I really feel like I've started to change my thinking around riding to work. I've actually ridden 3 times this week and 2 days in a row! There's always a reason not to - but it's not that hard to pack a spare top, jump on the bike and pedal into town, in fact, it's really enjoyable and all the positives outweigh the negatives! I can't see myself falling back into the old pattern of excuses - I really look forward to my ride these days!

Spring Challenge Day 18 (10 days to go)

Departure: 8:35am
Arrival: 9:20am
Conditions: Cloudy but warm and still
Attire: t shirt, jeans, sneakers NOTE TO SELF: Do not bother wearing jeans for temps above 25!!!


It's always nice to bump into a friendly face on my way to work - this morning I saw Marissa and Rohan strolling along with their breakfast as I began my journey. What a great start to the day!

On the way home:
I had the nicest suprise ever another friendly face! You know when sometimes you have a regular daydream, then the day it comes true you think you're going mad? Well it happened on my way home yesterday - I was taking it slow, cursing the fact that I wore jeans on a 29 degree day and a familiar face on a familiar bike appeared as I approached Costco - Trav had ridden down to accompany me home! I was just thrilled - it made the trip home a lot more fun and we stopped at Hello Gelo in Yarraville for an ice cream on the way home! I couldn't stop grinning all day - and I'll always remember that moment each time I ride past that spot now.

Spring Challenge Day 17 (11 days to go)

Departure: 8:20am
Arrival: 9:00am
Conditions: Big blue sky, lots of sunny-shine
Attire: Skirt, tshirt and sandals

Oh what a glorious morning! Over the last week I've noticed that third gear, where I spend most of my time seems to be feeling a little easy. I wonder if I'm actually getting fitter?
Anyway it was such a pleasure again to ride to work this morning, maybe spring is finally settling in now!

Spring Challenge Day 16 (12 days to go)

Departure: 6:50am
Arrival: 7:25am
Conditions: Big blue sky
Attire: Jeans, top, work shoes

Ahhh I truly love it when I get up early enough to enjoy the morning. On my way to South Melbourne for my weekend job the air was still crisp but full of promise for a beautiful sunny day. Riding home in all that sunshine was a wonderful way to relax at the end of a busy day!

Oh and although we had a lovely morning at the Melbourne Showgrounds Farmer's Market on Sunday, there's no piccy to drool over this week as everything went straight into the fridge before we ran off to the pub for an afternoon of birthday festivities with our friends and family. I was so excited to pick up another one of those succulent Yapunhay Meadow chickens again, can't wait to roast that baby tonight!

Spring Challenge Day 15 (13 days to go)

Departure: 8:30am
Arrival: 9:15am
Conditions: warm, sunny and still

Attire: jeans, t shirt and sneakers

 

Over the hump now, and another beautiful morning. The last few days I've been rushing around, not getting to bed early and generally feeling low, but this morning the sun on my face took all that away. It's truly amazing what a positive difference exercise can have on our mind and body.

Spring Challenge Day 14 (14 days to go)

Departure: 8:15am
Arrival: 8:55am
Conditions: warm, sunny and still

Attire: black capris, t shirt and sandals 

Did you see the numbers? I'm at the halfway mark!
What a stunning morning, I find myself breaking into a huge smile on Pashley these days - what's not to love? The air is filled with the scent of spring and there's just nothing to worry about. I had some precious cargo on board today - a bottle of Sparking Salmon by Geoff Hardy - all ready for our Friday night drinks. I had my camera with me but absolutely forgot to use it on my journey! Darn it! I'll make sure I' snap a few shots on my way to Bakerlite this evening...

Happy Birthday Pashley!

This time one year ago I couldn't wait to get home so I could catch the bus down to Yarraville and pick up my precious new wheels. I remember the weeks of saving, and months of waiting as the shipment was forever delayed.Good things are worth waiting for aren't they!
Fast forward to today and I've got so many happy memories of life with Pashley, she is as strong as an Ox and so comfortable to ride. I feel free and safe when we coast along on our journeys together. Today marks our 1st anniversary but unfortunately we'll miss our ride together. Still, I'm very content that I've been sticking to my Spring Challenge, and glad that this habit is now a part of my life.

Another thing that's been well and truly worth the wait is the grand opening of the new Bakerlite Trading store in Bay Street Port Melbourne - this is the only Melbourne importer of the Pashley range and I've been invited along to attend the launch tomorrow evening. I intend to arrive with Pashley and I hear that Stephen has some more exciting brands up his sleeve, can't wait to fill you in!

Spring Challenge BONUS Day 13 (15 days to go)

It was Sunday morning and without a car I had to take Pashley along to the Farmers Market. It was such a good ride that I thought it definitely counts towards my Spring Challenge.

Departure: 9:15am
Arrival: 10:45am
Conditions: warm, sunny and mild

Attire: jeans, t shirt, cardi & sneakers - it's all about comfort on Sunday!

I rode along the Maribyrnong River which I haven;t had the chance to do until last summer, it was really peaceful and then my journey lead me up Smithfield Rd (bike paths) and along Epsom Road and Langs Rd to the market. It was a suprisingly quick trip - even with the slight incline up into Ascot Vale. I knew it would be a lot slower on the way home!

After 40 minutes I'd loaded up my 2 panniers and basket and wobbled my way out of the gate and down Langs road towards VU. I rejoined the river path and took the long way through Yarraville home so I could stop in at Chalk and Wattlebank Nursery So it was a 50 minute trip home and after carefully unpacking all my goodies I actually weighed them to see just how much I'd carried all this way...6.5kg in total!

Anyway I'd happily do the ride to the market again, it's just a shame you get limited to how much you can carry - I wonder if I could convince Trav to bring Rossi's trailer next week?

Spring Challenge Day 12 (16 days to go)

Departure: 8:00am
Arrival: 8:40am
Conditions: 16 and a BIG BLUE SKY!

Attire: 3/4 pants, t shirt, sneakers

Today was just beautiful! I found myself pushing quite hard and decided to take it a bit easier - afterall this bike was made for cruising! There were so many delicious scents in the air from gardens beginning to bloom. I managed to leave 10 minutes earlier today, and if I can leave a further 10 minutes earlier on each of my rides next week - I'll be at my goal of 7:30am! Nothing like a new challenge...

On the way home... ahhhh Friday afternoon. We enjoyed some wine and cheese at the end of the day and although the temperature read 27.9, it was slightly cloudy with a breeze. I was in no hurry to get home tonight and left at 5:20. I quickly got into my speedy pace until I resolved to cruise the whole way home, even if it took an extra half an hour. I had to check myself a few times - and I also had to push against the headwind from time to time, but I still conquered both inclines and arrived at home in 45 minutes. I distracted myself all the way with my plans for the evening, and my little sister's wedding plans...

Spring Challenge Day 11 (17 days to go)

Departure: 8:10am
Arrival: 8:50am
Conditions: 11 , mild, still.

Attire: 3/4 pants, t shirt, sneakers

After a week of illness and another week of inclement (OK normal Melbourne Spring) weather, I'm back on the bike! And not a moment too soon. With a lingering cough I saddled up and really enjoyed my ride in. It was nice to be in short sleeves and sans gloves. Pashley felt a bit heavier initially but soon I was gliding along like I'd never stopped.

Now I need to play catch ups so I can achieve my spring goal -  6 weeks and 17 days to go.

Let's make it happen!

This week - 2 rides

Mon 25th week - 3 rides

Mon 1st week - 2 rides - remember it's Melbourne Cup week so Tuesday is out of the question!

Mon 8th week - 3 rides

Mon 15th - 2 rides - day off on Friday for La Dolce Vita!

Mon 22th - 3 rides

Mon 29th - 3 rides

It's going to be a good Spring!

On the way home... it was a brilliant 25 degrees with a nice breeze! It felt a lot harder so that's my 2 week break catching up with me, by the time I got home I remembered the hot sticky days of last summer - bring it on!