Mac Forum / Country Specific / Australian Mac Group / August 2005

Twenty people came along for a very relaxed ride today. Starting from
Java Jolt cafe at the corner of Brisbane and Victoria St, the ride
headed east towards Town Beach.

It was a pleasant surprise to see that the council had installed bike
lanes on East Gordon St, even better to see that the bike lanes are
wider than the traffic lanes along the Esplanade at Town Beach itself.

After leaving the beaches, we travelled past the airport to the regional
botanic gardens, then though West Mackay and back into town via the Blue
River Trail. Once this project is completed it should be possible to
ride from the Hospital Bridge to the mouth of the Pioneer river on
pathways.

Back at Java Jolt everyone felt that the ride was a great success,
especially considering the windy, overcast conditions. All up we did
about 18km in an hour. The idea is to ride at the pace of the slowest
rider rather than being a fitness ride. I think the concept is fantastic
because it emphasises cycling as a social activity more than a sport.

Congratulations to Mackay Cycling Club, Mackay Triathlon Club and
Michele from Bicycle Mackay for organising such a successful ride.
There'll be plenty more to follow.

The rides start at 8am on the last Sunday of the month at Java Jolt. See
you there!

P