See Sydney By Bike
I’m not exactly the fittest girl in the world. I like to count a trip to the grocery store as exercise, and I tend to avoid breaking a sweat. Yet somehow I found myself sitting on a bicycle for the first time in at least a year on Saturday.
My husband Steve and I were signed up for a ride with Sydney Bike Tours, an exciting new local tour company which promises to show you the sights the green way. Forget piling into a cramped tour bus, or traipsing around until your feet hurt. This bicycle tour offers a whole new perspective of the city, whether you’re a tourist or a local.
The rain which plagued Sydney all week had me feeling nervous, but the skies were a brilliant blue as we neared Sydney Bike Tours’ headquarters in The Rocks. We were introduced to our guide Andrew, who expertly paired us with the perfect bike, a protective helmet, and a fashionable fluro vest. The bright yellow attire made us look a little like council workers, but I soon got over the shame.
Andrew gave us a little time to adjust to our bikes and then we were off to enjoy The Rocks, Bridge, and Bay tour. We travelled around the historic streets of The Rocks, stopping every now and then to admire the sights and learn more about the heritage buildings around us. Then it was time to enjoy every tourists’ favourite Sydney spot, the Harbour Bridge.
I must admit, I have a love-hate relationship with the bridge. It looks great from a distance, don’t get me wrong. But I hate the traffic. I hate the nerves that come with never being quite sure which lane I need to be in. But taking it all in from a bicycle is a different kettle of fish. The bike lane is safely to the side of the cars, so you can focus on your ride and those amazing views. It’s also all downhill from the halfway point, which is bags of fun.
Once we were over the bridge we got to see how the other half live with a trip to Kirribilli. Our Prime Minister wasn’t home, but it was still a thrill to peer in the gates of Kirribilli House and Admiralty House next door. From there we wound our way down to Luna Park and Lavender Bay before taking that iconic bridge back to the city.
Before I embarked on the ride I wasn’t sure how I’d manage three hours on a bike. At about the halfway point I was wondering whether I’d make it. But I got my second wind, and was incredibly proud of myself. The ride is mostly flat and there are plenty of stops, so anyone who’s even half fit will probably fare a lot better than myself! There’s added incentive to get to the end as the tour concludes with cold beers at the Orient Hotel. What’s more Australian than that?
Sydney Bike Tours run The Rocks, Bridge, and Bay, Sydney Explorer, and Wheels and Meal rides. Call (02) 9252 5505 to book one today!
Trading hours: Tours run daily.
Location: Tours leave from the Sydney Bike Tours office in The Rocks
Address: Shop 120, Clocktower Building, 35 Argyle Street, The Rocks
Public transport: Take the train or ferry to Circular Quay station. The Sydney Bike Tours office is a short walk away
Parking: Limited street parking available
Cost: Tours cost from $49
Website: http://www.sydneybiketours.net.au
Image source: own photo
2 Comments
Seems like a great way to see the city. I should try this the next time I am in the area. I would love to visit both New Zealand and Australia and take in the sights without imposing too much of an enviromental impact. This certainly seems like a healthier way to see the city.
Definitely Richard. There’s not a lot of tours that allow you to get a bit of exercise and be kind to the planet at the same time. This tour is great fun. Hope you head over to my side of the world to try it!