Testimonials: From those back on the bike

 

"Funny, isn't it, how getting to the start line is often the hardest part of beginning something new?

Certainly, there was nothing hard about putting my name down for Bike Victoria's Over-50s program, but then somehow a whole year rolled by without me doing even one of the rides. Not that I'm a wuss, of course. It was just always too hot or too cold, too windy or too wet (in the middle of Melbourne's drought!) and I was always too busy or too tired or just too damned unready, having let my fitness slide for far too long.

Still, I was missing that 'spring in my step' feeling and wanting a fun way to work on getting it back—and hopefully people around my own age would laugh with me, rather than at me, when I struggled with gears or easy hills.

So I pumped up tyres, splashed some oil about and gave my bike a few local airings, all of which must have been pretty exciting for a set of wheels that had spent most of its twenty years hanging around in a garage. Then I finally committed to a Bay Trail ride graded 'easy'—and still very nearly didn’t make it to 'GO'. Thirty kilometres with a forecast of 35 degrees? Nah, no way!

In the end, it was ride leader Robert's cheery promises of sea breeze and cappuccino (plus my own secret plan for slinking off to a station if I was completely bushed) that got me there.

And yes, the ride was great fun! So too were four more in the next few summer weeks, all with seagulls and sand just an oh-so-fresh breath away…and unfamiliar views of a too familiar city…and much hard pedalling and cruising…and chatting over coffee cups and handlebars. That last is one compensation I've found in my fitness shortcomings: I get going with the first starters and then have lots of mini-conversations as the rest progressively catch me.

I had actually thought group rides would be more or less single pace: too fast for some, too slow for others (and with—dare I say it?—some rampant egos in the mix). Not so. In this group, at least, we can each set our own pace and gradually improve fitness without sacrificing sociability. And it's Robert who makes it work, of course, by setting a decidedly friendly and inclusive tone for the ride and then stationing himself at the back with his advice and encouragement. I know I've very much appreciated him.

I'm definitely 'springier' than a month ago and very definitely enjoying myself. In fact, I'm just plain glad I stopped procrastinating and got on my bike."

Judie Litchfield