Send us your Bike to Work story by email or with the form page provided.
Your stories inspire others to ride their bike to work and beyond.
They can be inspirational, amusing, serious or just for fun.

Another lesson learned....
Don’t leave the garage door up and your bike unattended for ten minutes while you fiddle around in the house getting ready to leave...
Sadly my bike went missing, along with two others, and its back to the train today.
Hopefully someone else is enjoying the ride as much as I was.

Caroline M - Water Cycle - Dep of Water - Carlisle to Perth.

I am a 'stay at home mum' with a 14 month old daughter (pictured), so I don't exactly Bike to Work, but once our daughter was old enough to go in a bike seat I was keen to start using the bike for leisure and transport.
My husband regularly cycles to work, so - having checked that 'non-corporate' entrants were also welcome to sign up - we decided to form a team together.
Participated in the challenge helped to motivate me to use the bike for small trips around town with my daughter - fun for her, good exercise for me, and saves us money by not using the car as much.
We especially enjoyed riding in to the Bike to Work breakfast all together, and we met up with my Dad there, who rode his bike in from Bassendean for the occasion. He used to ride his bike to work almost every day for many years, but stopped in recent years when the West Perth hill at the end of the trip got a bit much for the knees (he's 61 now). But he too was inspired to start cycling more often again.
Unfortunately my daughter often falls asleep in her 'weeride' seat, which - although very cute - makes steering a little awkward! So we haven't been riding as much as I had hoped. But the Cycle Instead challenge has definitely inspired me to use the bike when practical, and it's good to know we are introducing our daughter to 2-wheeled travel from such a young age - hopefully we will whet her appetite and she will enjoy the benefits of riding her own bike when she is older!
Thanks for the motivation and support to make cycling a normal way to get around.
Deb K - ECSB cyclists - Water Corporation - Perth to Perth.

Hi David
Thanks. I must say this is a fantastic incentive for people to become involved in cycling and to spread their success stories (in the short time since I started riding, I've gotten two others to join in, and both have purchased new bikes like me, so obviously that's a great indication that they intend persisting with cycling). Overall, a great campaign and promotion! Well done.
Kim P - Town of Kwinana - Thornlie to Kwinana.

I used to be a 3 to 4 day a week rider some years back when I worked in the city (east Perth) I changed jobs and worked firstly in Subiaco and then Osborne Park. While I had the good intention of riding again was always finding excuses like kids sporting pickups after school, no bikepaths from where I lived etc. Earlier this year I moved back to East Perth with work and bit the bullet as basically I had no more excuses. I could ride my old route from Ballajura through the back streets of Malaga and Morley and then onto the cycleway at Bayswater and enjoy the last 15 mins stress free.

I am now back to 3 days a week (so 6x 20km rides), feeling heaps better for it and have dropped a few kilos in the process( a bonus coming into Christmas). I find the cycling really supplements other sports I do so am reaping the benefits. We have good bike lock up facilities at work and ample showers. it only takes me 5 mins longer than if I drive, park then walk to work.

I am saving the money on fuel, creating less pollution, saving money on parking, getting fitter and feeling heaps better. The bike to work week and build up program reinforced the benefits and I will now maintain the 3 days a week with no excuses. so thanks for the extra boost and encouragement. As an added bonus my 2 boys are now more inspired to jump on their bikes instead of the car.
Cheers
Frank P - Patto - Dep of Health - Ballajura to East Perth.
Frank wins a prize.

After watching some of the tour de france and feeling inspired by the incredible efforts of the cyclists, I decided to invest in a road bike and start cycling to work. I hadn't ridden a bike in over 5 years and that was a pretty average bike as well so it has been a fair learning curve, and there have been some teething problems along the way. There was the first trial run to work where I had to labour up a 'hill' - it's something that would be considered as part of a flat road course, but for me it was like trying to cycle up mount everest with some bricks in my backpack and dragging a piano on wheels chained to the seat post. The very first ride in to work was not without incident - it took me 1 hour and 45 minutes due to straying from the bike path at one point, and also entering the wrong carpark by sneaking in behind a car. It took me 5 minutes of circling around the carpark like a mouse in a wheel before I managed to escape and enter the correct carpark. Overall it has been great fun though. Cruising along at what feels to me as a lightning pace is a great feeling - right up until a batch of serious cyclists roar past me like the road runner past the coyote. I'm looking forward to riding into work during summer and building up my endurance and strength over the next few months, so I look less like a stick insect working an egg beater...
Cheers,
Vince G - Chain Gang - Child Support Agency - Hocking to Perth.
Vince wins a prize.

Dad, why do you ride your bike so much?
- because it's good for the planet!
but why?
- because it helps me stay fit and healthy!
but why?
- because it helps save money so we can spend it on other things!
but why?
- because it's fun!
Can I ride too?

That was a recent conversation with my eldest daughter at the beginning of the bike to work challenge. The fact is that I ride quite a lot commuting to work on slicks (200kms/wk) then when I can in the hills on on the mountain bike.
In an attempt to get our young family used to bikes on a daily basis, and for them to understand that you don't have to use the car everyday, we bought a bicycle trailer for the youngest (2yo) and a tag-along (half bicycle that attaches to the seat post of the adult bike)for the eldest (6yo).Both of these things have been really great investments. These worked fine during our time in the UK before returning to Perth, but even better here; I couldn't believe the bicycle friendly environment here and the extent of the bicycle paths.
Wanting to do their bit and help me get my kms up during the challenge, the eldest wanted to ride the 20km commute with me from the city to home on the weekend. After seeing pelicans, and dolphins in the river, then wildflowers alongside the cycle path she told her sister what she saw.
Our youngest, so as not to miss out, wanted to go in the bicycle trailer and do the same thing. Unfortunately for our youngest, she falls asleep after five minutes in the trailer, so she didn't see the pelicans, dolphins and wildflowers. But I can add more things now to why I ride a bike so much...
-to see pelicans
-to see dolphins
-to see wild flowers
-to make your sister fall asleep.
Chris T - Chain Smokers - URS - Bibra Lake to City.
Chris and family wins prizes.

In 2004 I walked the Bibbulmun Track from end to end. (965 km in 47 days with 42 walking days) Due to a tight schedule I walked the last 425 km to Albany in 14 days. This proved to be my sea change for the future. Arriving back home in Maylands I pulled my mountain bike out of the shed and started riding to work on 19th October 2004. Six years later I have spent over 80,000 kms in the saddle. The first couple of years were spent just commuting at around 6000 km per year. With the purchase of my first road bike this figure leapt to over 13000 in 2007. This figure leapt again on joining the Audax cycling club courtesy of the long distances ridden in Audax events. Happily. the 5th week of the Cycle Instead in Spring bike to work challenge coincided with the running of the 4 yearly Perth Albany Perth brevet. This event had 85 starters, the majority of which were from the eastern states and with more international riders than WA riders. The start point was from Mends St Jetty on Tuesday 5th October at 5AM and finished at the South Perth Bowling club (near the Zoo) on Friday 8th October at 11PM. That's 90 hrs to traverse the 1220 km route which passed through Mandurah, Bunbury, Busselton, Margaret River, Pemberton (end of day 1), Walpole, Denmark, Albany (day 2), Stirling Range, Gnowangerup, Katanning, Wagin, Williams (Day 3), Dwellingup, Pinjarra then back up the freeway cycle path to South Perth. I finished at about 5PM on the Friday and with it I had achieved my ultimate 4 year cycling goal. A friend had mentioned the PAP to me on a cafe ride shortly after the running of the previous edition of the event on October 2006. At the time I thought 1200 km in 90 hrs well beyond my abilities and so it took me 4 years to build to that level of endurance.

To say that cycling has changed my life would be a gross understatement. I ride to work every day and indeed almost every else including errands, family visits and regional tours with fully loaded touring bikes. At Easter this year I rode with a small group of friends from Esperance to Perth via Peak Charles, Norseman and Hyden then back to Perth through the wheat belt. On leaving Norseman my bike and load weighed an estimated 45 kg including 12.5 litres of water.

Now, to next year and the Paris Brest Paris 1200 km brevet, the pinnacle of Audax events. I surely must be one of the luckiest individuals with this cycling life of mine!
Perry R - Stirling Street Stingers - Telstra - Maylands to Perth & Everywhere Else.
Perry wins a prize.

I have never previously been a cyclist, sure I did the occasional trip on my bike to the local shop when I was a kid, but since then, I have not touched a bike.
Exactly this time last year a few people from work encouraged me to take part in the bike to work challenge. The first time was not so successful, there was an incredibly strong head wind, my bike at the time weighed a tonne, it took me 1.3 hours to arrive at my destination and at the end of the ride I basically just gave up.
This year there was even more encouragement and I thought I’d give it a go again on a different bike. Mentally I was prepared for strong head winds but I did not anticipate how much difference a lighter bike would make. I was gliding and enjoying every minute of it!
Since then, I have been regularly cycling into work and it has been taking me 40mins on average. It is a great way to start the morning with breathtaking river views and stress free commuting.
So please don’t give up the first time!
Thanks to all those that have continuously encouraged me and taught me the ins and outs of changing a bike tyre!
Marsha B - WP PowerGel - WorleyParsons - Murdoch to Perth.
Marsha wins a prize.

Cycle Instead in Spring was the motivation I needed to get into the habit of using a bicycle to replace my public transport commute to work. It made a lot of sense in theory but I just needed that little push to get me going (kinda like learning to ride I guess). The great news is that my cycle commute time to work (including showering on arrival) is actually shorter than the bus ride!

I did check out the Glamour Push web page but was a little disappointed that most of the photos featured helmets as an 'accessory' to be dangled off handlebars - they were only worn in one picture that I could find... I gave this a go myself and quickly realised, glamour does not necessarily go in hand with helmets and the Road Traffic Act.

Although I did not go as far an donning the lycra, I chose comfort and warmth over style, although I must say that many would maintain that flanno can be stylish. Oh, and for those who are wondering, yes I wore a high-vis vest if riding in poor visibility conditions. Oh well, I'm lucky that my work provides facilities that allow me to get showered and changed post-ride.

I'm glad to say that cycling to work is now part of my daily routine and a big thank you to the Cycle Instead initiative for getting me there!

Ride on,
Maria S - Regional Services DAC - Main Roads WA - North Perth to East Perth.
Maria wins a prize.

My bike was stolen from my workplace this year and unfortunately even though my employer encouraged ride to work programmes of their own, the theft was not covered by their insurance.

So please make sure that your bike is listed on your home insurance so it is insured if stolen away from your home.

Unfortunately I have not replaced it, it was a road bike. I am now riding my husbands old old mountain bike. One good thing is that this bike really makes a work out of what was an easy ride! I am writing to Santa hopefully he will be generous!!!
Sue H - NAR Crew - Dep of Agriculture - Home to Geraldton.
Sue wins a prize.

Following our Bike to Work day at Hollywood Private Hospital we have commitment from our Bicycle Ambassador to upgrade the facilities and more female friendly configuration of the ablution blocks. This has not been recognised before as we have not all been in the same place to discuss the issue.

Whilst we are well supported these improvements will make it even better.
Marie Y - Amazing Team - Hollywood Private Hospital - Mt Hawthorn to Nedlands.
Marie wins a prize.

For most of my adult life I have ridden a bike or taken a bus to work. But due to declining state of my feet the bike ceased to be an option several years ago. Mid 2005 and the feet getting worse, I started driving my car a lousy kilometre to the bus.

At some stage it occurred to me that I ride around Rotto and it spared my feet. Why not ride it to and from the bus? So I tried and it worked!

After a number of challenges by bus drivers, I negotiated with the Public Transport Authority, a less restrictive policy specific to unicycles. When the southern railway extension was opened, I negotiated a similar policy. Now I can take a chainless unicycle on trains and buses, whether it is peak hour or otherwise, provided I do not dump it in the aisle and I do not take up an extra seat. I cannot find any reference anywhere else in the world to public transport policy specific to unicycles. Good on yer Transperth!

I now use the uni for all my home to work to home commuting all year round. I have locker and shower facilities at work and my wife periodically brings in fresh shirts. The daily commute is 10km unless I have extra errands to do. In addition I use it at weekends for some of my travelling needs. I also do some additional riding for purely recreational purposes including some on a six foot “giraffe”. It saves money, takes a little extra time I can afford, has improved the condition of my back and my feet and has reduced my dependence on anti-inflammatory medication.

Quick Facts
Relaxed speeds from slow walk to about 10kph. Extra effort to an absolute max of 15kph.
The daily commute is 10km but I cut out train legs for more. Annual distance for 2010 is on target for around 5,500km.
Did you know? A unicycle does not constitute a bike under the Traffic regs 2002. Do not need a helmet. Why not? Because you cannot travel much faster than a power walker and it is almost impossible to come a cropper off a uni to the road – If you “fall” off you simply end up in a quick walk for a step or two.
It is the optimum dual-mode public transport option. It is easy to handle and carry, there are no greasy parts or dirty brake pads.
Generally there is no need to leave it locked up – just take it with you into the shop or office.
When unicycling on the Freeway Bike Hike it is REAL easy to get sponsors.
Colin C - Rusty Frames - Dep of Housing - Bateman to East Perth.
Colin wins a prize.

When I was in my teens and early 20s, I used to ride my old steel 12spd racer everywhere, including from my then home in Floreat to Wanneroo, or McCallum Park to fly or work on model airplanes (I was only 78kgs then). Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle of life has caught up with me and, now in my 40s, I find myself weighing in at ~130kgs.

I made a contract with a work mate who was cycling regularly to work to join him by Easter this year, which I did on the Thursday before Easter! Unfortunately though, it took me nearly two hours on my old steel 12spd racer to go the 35kms to work, and the best I could get down to over the next month or two was 90mins (while others seemed to easily do it in a bit over an hour - as well as ride home again at the end of the day!) - and I was completely wrecked at the end. When you add this to the unpleasantly cold winter mornings of close to zero degrees, I was a bit discouraged and stopped riding for a couple of months.

Finally, 8 weeks ago, I decided to try again. I signed up with a group of other “casual” riders (yeah right - casual my left foot!) to do the ~70km Cyclosportif ride at Yanchep. Within the first few kms, I stacked and bent my brakes so they were partially on for the rest of the ride. Shortly after, my drink bottle carrier broke and I rode over and crushed my drink bottle with still the majority of the ride to go. Despite this, and with the encouragement of the rest of the group (even though I slowed them all down significantly) I carried on (see photo attached), until my back tyre blew out with a LOUD bang in the last km of the ride.

While the Cyclosportif Yanchep ride gave me a sense of achievement, I was still disappointed that I slowed everyone down so much and that it took so much effort for me while everyone else seemed to do it relatively effortlessly. Up to this point I felt I shouldn't buy a new bike until I'd "earned it", but given I was now faced with some further repairs to my old racer, and a friend said a new bike would actually make it easier for me, I decided to buy a new bike, and chose a Malvern Star Oppy C6.

Well, I haven't looked back since! Talk about motivating me! I bought the Oppy earlier than I otherwise would have so that I could participate in "Cycle instead", but I could do everything so much easier that riding 35kms just seemed like "a decent ride" instead of Mt Everest. For the second half of the six week challenge, I was on leave, but I enjoyed riding so much that I continued to ride in just for the ride, and on "Bike to Work Day" I did the trip in 73mins (a personal best), and then (after a nice breakfast put on by my employer) turned around and rode home in ~80mins, with energy still to burn, so I dropped into my bike shop in Cannington and bought some more gear!

Don't know if I've lost any weight, but gee whiz I feel so much better and more alert now. I look forward to every ride now, and no longer feel like I could have a heart attack at any minute. If there are any other people out there like me who need to make a change - do it! The more of us using the bike paths, the more bike paths they'll build for us, and it's so much nicer than sharing the road with trucks etc!

Thanks to those who organised the Bike to Work Challenge. You may have helped save my life.
Kim P - Town of Kwinana - Thornlie to Kwinana.
Kim wins a prize.

I started riding my mountain bike to work a couple of years ago to improve my fitness for the occasional mountain bike orienteering events. I travel 16km each way down the northern freeway bike path.

I reduced my time to work from 55 to 43 minutes and then found that the bike speed was limiting. Riders on road bikes seemed to effortlessly cruise past. I had to be there. So I bit the bullet in February and bought a lightweight quality bike and I found my ride to work times tumble to 30 - 36 minutes. This is equivalent to the average daily travel time over the same distance in a car. I now gain some guilty pleasure passing riders half my age.

There is little doubt I am now fitter and in better shape than I could be just from jogging. I arrive at work more alert. Bike to work week has encouraged me to increase my rides to work from twice a week to four times a week and to participate in long weekend rides.
Peter K - AAR - Anglo Australian Resources NL - Carine to Subiaco.
Peter wins a prize.

There once was a man from cycle in spring
Who sounded his bell with a ding a ling ling
He slowed round the bend
There was no room to lend
And his arm escaped from needing a sling
Gerard D - Team DBP - Dampier Bunbury Pipeline - Samson to Perth.
Gerard wins a prize.

About 6 months ago, I went to the doctor and was informed that I was borderline diabetic, a little bit overweight and had a high stressful life. I decided that I had to make some changes in my life. I resigned from my job, changed my eating habit and started to exercise.

I loved riding my bike when I was going to uni and thought to take up the sport again. I have now lost 12 kilos and my passion for riding has resurfaced where I am nearly every day.

When I registered your Bike to Work challenge, I had never ridden to work but now I am riding 2-3 times a week.

I really believe that by riding again, my life span will increase and I love life even more now than before.

Keep pedalling away!
Cheers!
Thai P - Blue Travel - Kensington to Perth.
Thai wins a prize.

Much to the amusement of my fellow cyclists at work my mountain bike has become a 'Beast of Burden' (BoB) while moving house. Thankfully I hired a van to move most items but there have been a few times where items have ended up strapped to the BoB including a vacuum cleaner one day after purhasing it on my way home from work!

BoB has served me well over the past few weeks and the move is over so it just has to contend with the weekly grocery shop!

The time spent with BoB has been great for my fitness as the road resistance is much higher than my trusty road bike so the km's logged for the bike to work challenge have been hard work but lots of fun!

I'm looking forward to taking part again next year but might just stick to the road bike!
Pauline T - Brownes Chillers - Brownes - Bedford to Beechboro.
Pauline wins a prize.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for a great incentive. During this challenge I rode to Freo and back (only 56k). However, this is my bike story in short.
I purchased a bike early 2009. I was too embarrassed to ride to work as I thought my colleagues would laugh (don't know why, it was my problem not theirs).
Almost two years on and with an attitude change --- I ride to work almost everyday --- and no one laughs at me! It is only a 9k ride to work but some think it a 'long ride'! I think, nonsense. It is all about attitude and mind set. I love riding. Summer time I like to leave home at 6am and enjoy the coolness and the quiet. It is my time.

Kind regards
Jasia H - To School - Education Dep - Bedford to Beechboro.
Jasia wins a prize.

The season of Spring, brings many cool colours
All tall and short, and some bright yellow flowers.
But I never appreciated this beautiful setting
Until I hopped on my bike and then got peddling.

Under the sun to the night time sky
Along the ocean, and the river wide.
To help our environment, and to help our hearts,
We can cycle instead, and just gaze at the stars.

Wind howling and breaking on my composed face
While I pick up the speed and my heart starts to race
Thirty, forty, and my speed starts to climb
Gliding on air, as I’m pushing for time.

Minutes later, legs feeling heavy
I shift my gear to get myself ready
Pushing forward into a setting sun
I throw my arms up as the race is won.

As the 6 week period now comes to and end,
I know a new adventure is just round the bend,
So I get on my bike, to climb the next hill,
Let’s cycle instead, because I know I will!
Colin Y - Numb Bums - Polytechnic West - Shelley to Bentley.
Colin wins a prize.

I have been riding to work for about 12 months now, and boy am I tired! No, the trip is actually only about 6 kms one way but it is a really relaxing journey. I travel past Lake Monger each morning and see the ducklings and goslings walking or swimming with their parents. It's a really nice way to start the day. I don't try and go a million miles an hour as the aim is to relax and enjoy the journey; a bit like life really. I think of those poor fools jammed on the freeway or into the train carriages and I do feel sorry for them.

My only gripe is the idiots who those bottles onto the road or bike paths. Apart from that, I have had no problems in the traffic.

Spring is such a good time to ride as it is a chance to take off the gloves. No more rinsing my hands under hot water for the first five minutes of arriving at work!

I look forward to many more days cycling to work.
Paul G - Office of Road Safety - Main Roads WA - Wembley to Perth.
Paul wins a prize.

My bike to work story begins in 1995 when I started to ride to work every day rain, hail or shine. I ride every day except when I have to take something to work that requires a car. I am now onto my 4th bike and have ridden approximately 115,000k's to and from work. Keep on riding !!!
John H - Academy1 - WA Police - Marangaroo to Joondalup.
John wins a prize.

I have been riding my bike on and of over the last few years for leisure and fitness. I typically get enthusiastic over the spring and summer months when the days are warmer and longer. I usually lose a few kilos and get my fitness to a point where I feel pretty good.

Then comes winter and I find all the excuses not to ride. It’s too cold, too windy, too dark or too wet. 4-5 rides per week become 1-2 rides per week and eventually I stop all together. My fitness drops off and my weight goes up. Eventually spring comes along and I start the whole cycle again.

In mid July this year I had stopped riding for about 2 months and had already put on about 3 kg. I decided to "break the cycle" and begin riding to and from work (this was before I had even heard about the Ride to work Challenge). Since that time I have ridden 6 days per week on average, travelled over 2,900 km and lost 5-6 kg.

My ride to work is about 12 km one way but if I have time I like to ride the "long way" home and explore different routes and might ride anywhere between 20-30 km. On the weekends I like to get at least one longer ride in and typically travel 50-60 km. I have recently encouraged my brother-in-law to come with me on the weekends and we enjoy discovering new places to go riding.

My next challenge is the "Santos Great Bike Ride" for Charity in November. I have registered for the 106 km section and expect to suffer from a lot of "bike envy" as I ride along on my mountain bike admiring the machinery of my fellow participants.

Having made my personal commitment to ride to work every day I have been pleasantly surprised by how easy it has been. Admittedly we have not had a lot of bad weather this winter. However, on the days when it has been bad I have found I didn't really think about it. I had made my decision to ride to work and as such riding had just become part of my daily routine. Other concerns I also had have not really eventuated (e.g. how are we going to get the kids to sport training, school events, weekend sport etc.). My family and I all adjusted by simply planning better and creating new routines. As a result of my ride to work experience we have recently started to discuss becoming a 1 car family.

Riding to work has been one of the best commitments I have ever made.
Tim N - B_fit_4_eva - Landgate - North Perth to Floreat.
Tim wins a prize.

Poem for Today:
Although the distance is small in kilometres – being five
Riding my bike, makes me feel alive
I’m not very fast
But I get there at last
To get fitter and faster I strive

Poem for tomorrow (goal):
Down the road I go – that’s me
Fit as a flea
Now I’m not just feeling alive
I actually thrive
As I ride my bike each day – come see!
Trudi M - OCS Murdoch - Murdoch University - Willetton to Murdoch.
Trudi wins a prize.

Well another Bike to Work Challenge has come and gone. As usual I enjoyed everyone of my 1133km ridden.
I have been riding to work for over 22 years now and the benefits to my health and well being have been significant.
And I have saved over $30,000 in petrol costs (I won't mention what I've spent on bikes in that time - yes have developed a passion for Italian bicycles).
I reported two cycle hazards using the link on the website and both were fixed up within a day or so. Good response.
We are so lucky to live in Perth - it's got to be the best city for cycling to work in the world.
I must admit I don't see what the "challenge" is in biking to work. Driving to work on the freeway is a challenge.
Peter V - Spatially Enabled - Chevron Australia - Trigg to Perth.
Peter wins a prize.

I’ve been commuting to work for some time now on my heavy, dual suspension mountain bike. It’s the only bike I have had access to until recently, when I picked up a old banger and fixed it up as a single speed road machine – just like all the cool kids are doing at the moment.

The fact that it is old and decrepit has led to some interesting mechanical incidents along the way. The rear wheel frequently slips forward in the drop outs and starts rubbing against the frame – meaning I have to stop for a bit of road side work shopping. It all adds to the fun, and reminds me of when I was a kid and the bike I rode were cheap hand me downs, and this sort of incident happened all the time.

The most impressive mechanical disaster came about when a crank bolt went missing and I managed to bend the chain ring, making the bike unrideable, and unfixable on the road side. Predictably this happened at the exact midpoint of my ride to work and on a day when my wife was not able to drive to rescue me. The wheels still turned, and the brakes still worked and I could steer. So if I could get going, then I could keep going. So there was only one thing for it – I had to scoot the bike the remaining 8km to work.

I alternated legs as they got tired, and walked up the steepest hills. It was much slower than riding, but way quicker than walking. I arrived at work 45 mins later and by midday my legs had recovered.
Michael R - DDI Health - Duncraig to West Perth.
Michael wins a prize.

Flying protein, while the latter is what helps us recover from the ardours of physical exercise and build muscle mass when combined with the former it turns what is usually an appetising meal into a water bottle draining enterprise as we spit and gargle the left over fly/midge/bug out of our mouths while trying to avoid running off the bike path and into the Swan river.
Now it has been nearly three years since I was last in Perth and a regular cyclist, having not been insane enough to brave the commute traffic in Bangkok, and I have to say that I have loved getting back into the clean fresh air of Perth and the great cycling facilities we have. Starting off on my return to cycling back in winter those chilly mornings were just the tonic to make sure I was wide awake by the time I made it to work. As the temperature has risen however I have noticed that so has the level of bugs, and while the abundance of bugs would make for a handy snack if you were part frog, it does make it hazardous to gulp in those fresh lung full’s of air as you battle into the standard summer day howling SW. I have lost count of the number of times my great gasp for air has turned into a loud gag and retch due to the unwelcome intrusion of flying foreign body at the back of my throat.
Still this unusual and unwelcome source of added protein has not turned me off cycling, though it has not increase my love of flies, and I see it as a small price to pay for a great way to get around.
Chris C - Andys Revenge - Wood Group - East Fremantle to Perth.
Chris wins a prize.

Congratulation to everyone who took part in the Cycle to Work challenge which ran from 6th September to 17th October. We encouraged (and I use that word with a firm tongue in my cheek) each other every step of the way with the highly sought after Princess Award (as in “Suck it up Princess&rdquo changing hands a few times over the weeks. I have to be honest and say there was more than one occasion that the thought of receiving the doll was enough to get me on the bike in the morning!

Avoiding Ducks, Pedestrians, skateboarders and dogs seemed to be a weekly occurrence, with even one bike being thrown into the bushes by a participant after a mechanical failure. (a Santa request coming up I think) The event culminated in a breakfast at the Perth Concert Hall, which we managed to get a couple of items for the next raffle prize.

As a group we have done 7082 Km’s in the 6 week period – that’s:
· 4401 miles
· 3824 Nautical miles
· The distance from Chicago, Illinois to Berlin, Germany
· The amount of new pipeline needed by Iraq to meet its export targets
· The distance over which remote controlled Surgery was performed successfully (New York to France)
· 1/5th the way around Australia’s Mainland Coastline (OK that one doesn’t sound impressive)
· Just a bit further than Perth to Melbourne and back again.
· 674 times around the bridges (Narrows and Causeway)
You get the point....
Full details of the team can be found at: BTFGPerth

Well done to the new riders who I hope will continue to ride now the challenge is over and not be put off by the challenges that can appear round each corner! A big thanks also to the organisers and already I’m looking forward to next year’s.
Paul M - BTFGPerth - Asgard Wealth Solutions - Woodvale to Perth.
Paul wins a prize.

The entire 6 weeks of the challenge has been unreal due to the great weather that we have experienced. I ride from Gelorup into Bunbury starting work at 7.00am so I leave at around 6.30am. Once I get off Bussell Highway the ride is very peaceful due to the low traffic volumes and the ride along Ocean Drive is a magnificent way to start the day. There are heaps of people out walking themselves or their dogs and its a great way to check out the surf (if any). During week five while riding past Hungry Hollow a very large Kangaroo jumped out from behind a garbage truck and almost flattened a rider metres in front of me. It was a long way from home and I don’t know how it got back. Apart form the scenery there is also the scent of spring flowers particularly the peppy trees. Overall the 6 week challenge has inspired to me to keep riding to work and it has saved me a few bucks in fuel as well. My fitness has improved significantly and am now riding up hills that I used to push the bike up.
Garry N - CoBbrs - City of Bunbury - Gelorup into Bunbury.
Garry wins a prize.

My daily ride consists of a 50 km round trip which for the most part is enjoyable and finding little ways of making it different and safe sure does help. Only one problem the main roads from my place in Maida Vale consist of Tonkin highway or Abernathy road (Orrong if I want to be super late and super slow). While they aren’t’ the safest roads or cleanest, I find the drivers especially the truckies (big rig’s) are usually very forgiving to cyclists so long as you aren’t weaving around like a maniac.

Residue from accidents or things that have fallen of the back of trucks like bits of re-bar, pieces of wood from pallets, metal shrapnel from god knows what and bolts and screws of all sizes, I could just about start a hardware store. A delaminated truck tyre and in one case a wooden log on Roe highway and not to mention every cyclists all time favourite glass. The peanut gallery starts around Belmont forum and increasingly worsens by the time I hit Northbridge, Motorists that think the road is theirs alone and cyclists shouldn’t be on it.

I noticed on one blog comment about cars honking them for not taking off from 0 to 60 in a few seconds better to be honked than squashed so use the road with care and ride defensively where possible take up the whole lane if need be instead of being a gutter bunny. Seeing other cyclists blowing signals gets on my wick (the because I can syndrome), usually at pedestrian crossings in the city.

Bells on bikes I find pretty useless in today’s cycling world the problem being they are not loud enough for earphone wearing pedo’s and cyclists with background traffic also a factor. This is where a loud voice comes in handy and the call “BIKE” in a loud clear voice especially in tunnels and blind corners or coming up to pedo’s to alert them of your approach although use with discretion and some distance, nothing worse than a pedo that jumps right when you’re heading that way to overtake them.

A good place for information for the newbie’s among us is the Dep of Transport website, this page is the cycling fact sheets which has quite a few things of interest. They also have maps of the city and suburbs in PDF format which come in handy on occasions for rides to far flung and exotic places.

Top tip is to be seen and heard I use a little 5 LED egg light for cycle paths and the 900 lumen light for night riding and flashing LED jacket which has had its fair share of comments both from motorists (mostly bad) and other cyclists (mostly good). The photo is close to the one I have mine has a few more LED lights in it. It has been a saviour on more than one or two occasions when I’m sure if I had just a flashing 5 LED light and red rear light I would have been toast.

Remember when riding to work “it’s better to be late, than dead on arrival”.
Chris W - DSR Dream Team - Maida Vale to Leederville.
Chris wins a prize.

There’s nothing hard about riding a bike right? As a five year old, wobbling down the driveway on my purple Malvern star after my dad took the trainer wheels off, I thought this is it, there’s no looking back. I can ride a bike!

Well it seems there’s more to it than that. I started cycling my trusty old Giant to work, a few weeks before the spring cycle to work challenge. This adventure was inspired by the usual things, desires to save on greenhouse gas emissions, save some money and get this city desk jockey a bit fitter. I had thought it would be a ‘few times a week’ thing, knowing that it would require some motivation to get out of bed a bit earlier and pack a change of clothes and so on, and besides, some days it might rain... However, I quickly succumbed to the cycling bug, rain and all, and found a new way to start every working day.

So what have I learned about cycling to work?

1. There’s rules: road rules, path rules and shared pedestrian/bike path rules. It seems you are not allowed to be on pedestrian paths if you are over 12 years old, even if the dedicated bike path ends abruptly and your only other option is to join the highway between a bus and a semi-trailer, or enter a one-way system facing the wrong way (Town of Vic Park are your ears burning?).
2. If you do choose to use the road (at your own peril) then you have to pretend you are a car, which means stopping at all the red lights and sucking up the exhaust fumes from the vehicle in front, then being honked at by the vehicle behind annoyed that you can’t manage a nought to 60km/h in 10 seconds when the lights change.
3. Pedestrians and drivers, by and large, do not know the rules, hence the honking. In my first week of cycling it seems I managed to annoy a few of each, despite doing my best to ride safely and courteously as all the pamphlets suggested. I’m getting better.
4. Drivers can suffer cycle blindness. I learned this from narrowly avoiding going over the boot of a car that pulled away from the kerb in front of me (while I hurtled down a hill).
5. No amount of fluorescent adornment and blinking light action is too much. Be loud, be proud, get home in one piece. That’s my new motto.
6. Pedestrians wearing headphones cannot hear you coming no matter how many times you ring your shiny new bell. Sigh.
7. When you go into a bike shop to get one thing, you come out with three. They are labyrinths of ingenious gadgets and accessories I didn’t even know existed.
8. Ponchos designed for bushwalking or the footie, and not cycling, flap like car yard bunting, and pedestrians (without headphones) can hear you coming from 50m away. I now have a nice streamlined rain resistant jacket with pockets and air vents and all the mod cons.
9. What volume thine hair stylist giveth, thine helmet taketh away.
10. Clothes rolled up, rather than folded, do not crease.
11. The need to take your shopping home in a backpack at the end of the day stops you buying too much at lunchtime in the city.
12. Cyclists seem a friendly bunch. Must be all that fresh air.

I have not (thankfully) learned the art of puncture repairs on the side of the road or (even more thankfully) the pain of skin vs tarmac.

I saw dolphins in the river the other day. I wouldn’t have seen that from the train.
Caroline M - Water Cycle - Dep of Water - Carlisle to Perth.
Caroline wins a prize.

A few years ago I was driving along a motorway in Lancashire behind a flatbed truck carrying gravel. Without any warning, the back gate of the truck flew open and a wave of stone chips washed over my car. At first, I couldn’t work out what the noisy cloud I was suddenly driving into at 70mph was. It was a surreal experience, and not a very nice one.

On a bike – at least when on a cycle path – there’s very little chance of you encountering a faceful of airborne gravel. But as the weather warms up, it seems there’s a Western Australian version – flies.

They hurl themselves at you, landing on your clothes like festering polka dots. They bounce off your sunglasses and on occasion sneak behind the lenses to rest on your eyelids. Unpleasant, intensely irritating and not at all conducive to the pleasant mood I usually find myself in when travelling on two wheels.

Breathing with your mouth open even the tiniest bit can mean an unplanned power snack of fresh mosquito – an added hazard and a very real one, particularly if, like me, you suffer from hayfever.

I’ve developed a special breathing style for when the flies and my blocked nose are at their worst. In a version of the technique used by swimmers, I dip my head to breathe in through my mouth, then raise my head to breathe out. I sometimes employ a method used in Pilates, known as blast breaths, where I force all the air out of my lungs at high speed – blowing away any bugs that have chosen to land on my lips.

It’s only going to get worse as it gets hotter, which in a Perth summer, it inevitably does.

Riding with my fly net under my helmet is probably not a practical option, but I could be tempted by a bandana wrapped round my face, bandit-style. And no matter how annoying the flies are, cycling still beats sitting in a car.
Val M - Murdoch University - East Perth to Murdoch.

When I started work at Murdoch Uni earlier this year I had to give up my four-times-a-week commute by bike and everything that went with it – the refreshed feeling I had when I got to my desk, the slightly more toned thighs, the smugness created by not polluting the atmosphere with petrol fumes and the right to talk to men in tight lycra about panniers and head winds.

Or so I thought.
It turns out my new commute, while considerably longer, can be done on two wheels.

Heartened by surviving – even enjoying - a couple of longish leisure cycles round the city, I decided to try riding to my office one Sunday, just to see if it would kill me or not. The plan was to train it back, but Transperth’s rules and regulations on where you can take a bike and where you can’t were just too complicated. So my husband and I set off on the trip, not at all sure if I’d manage to ride the whole way there and back.

We pootled from our apartment to the cycle path, had lunch on the green outside my office, and pootled back. I’ll not pretend it was the fastest trip ever, but I DIDN’T DIE. Although I did almost keel over when I discovered afterwards, thanks to the wonder of Google Maps, that a journey I thought was around 14km each way was actually 20. I’d just done 40km and DIDN’T DIE.

The following week I carted clothes into work, cleared out a drawer to use as a locker, got the security code for the bike storage cage, bought some sexy padded shorts and – here’s the clever bit – told everyone I was going to start cycling in. I’ve never been one to back out of something if there’s the slightest chance that I’ll be ridiculed for doing so, so I had no choice. I was getting on my bike.

Still not entirely convinced that the fact I DIDN’T DIE on the Sunday try-out was a fluke, I’ve started gently. Evening engagements meant I needed the car or to get back home quickly for most of the first three weeks, which was probably a good thing. So I rode in one day, leaving my bike at work overnight, trained it back and in the next morning, and cycled back on day two. I got used to it surprisingly quickly and now manage two return trips a week.

On the days I ride in, I do feel more awake. My thighs are benefiting and the smug feeling is definitely back. The opportunity to chat to the lycra brigade hasn’t arisen yet but I have had a couple of cheery ‘good mornings’ from fellow riders, which is more than I ever get driving down the freeway in a country where it’s rare to even raise a hand to thank a fellow driver for letting you merge. The benefits are obvious.

A pleasant spin-off has been that even this paltry effort by most cyclists’ standards has resulted in a weird admiration among colleagues. While they might snigger at my padded shorts, they seem genuinely impressed that I’m doing it (although there is a chance that they’re just surprised I haven’t died yet). One is even talking about cleaning up his own rusting racer and giving the cycle commute a go.

I don’t think I’ll ever lose the feeling that I’ve accidentally meandered onto the Tour de France route as I pootle along while ‘proper’ cyclists whizz past at twice the speed, but I can cope with that.
Val M - Murdoch University - East Perth to Murdoch.
Val wins a prize.

I never learned to ride a bike as a child and had decided that I never would. One year ago I decided to overcome my fear. I bought a bicycle, taught myself how to ride, and arrived at work on a Monday with many bruises and scratches to prove it! I rode over 300 km in the Cycle to Work Challenge this year which I never thought would be possible. Now I can enjoy the fun and fitness that comes with participating in every Corporate Sports event.

“We Love Ham” team on a very pleasant weekend cycle tour of the Swan valley.
Kate C - We Love Ham - Clough - Maylands to Perth.
Kate wins a prize.

This is my third bike to work challenge since moving to Perth from the UK, and it always galvanizes me to ride more regularly…whether it is the lighter mornings, higher temperatures or the need to officially log your distance it’s a good virtual training partner to keep you honest. It also allows the opportunity to have an excuse to ‘take the long way’ home. Despite plenty on the to do list at home the long way home seemed to become increasing more convoluted as the challenge worn on, the need to find a bike route that I hadn’t cycled became important somehow. Perhaps the inner geeky Engineer needed to be sated with a tick list of ‘been there…done that’ proportions. GPS technology came to the fore during minor geographically challenged moments however.

Our company also resurrected a group ride usually scheduled for a Thursday evening after work. This was when the weapons of mass destruction began to come out, bikes usually reserved for Sunday best were brought out to glint in the evening sun. The resources boom cascading into a carbon fibre boom. Competitive spirit was heady in the air during those rides, rolling speed averages crept up as everyone put on their race face when it was safe to do so. Excuses, sniffles, coughs and previous war wounds always seemed to be mentioned before each ride, laying the ground for a get out clause if your time on the front of the group battling into the wind seemed too short to others…or to play mind games with the rest before surprising them with a sprint. Good natured banter with a healthy dose of sledging is part of the theatre that is the group ride……it also recalls the childhood joy at the freedom associated with riding a bike with our mates, our first form of transport independence usually…..but more importantly perhaps it just reminds us that there is nothing more enjoyable than messing around on bikes.
Nigel U - X People - Xodus Group - Bateman to Perth (sometimes via the long way!).
Nigel wins a prize.

I used to live in South Perth and walked to work in the city, often catching the ferry over the Swan River as a lovely start to my morning. When I moved house - upgrading from renting to becoming a little aussie battler with a mortgage (and, hence, unable to afford to buy in South Perth) - walking became an unreasonable method of transport. It would just take too long.

I'm no fan of the bus but I put off riding to work for months, despite having been an avid rider in my uni days. I was intimated by the lycra-clad hordes of cyclists I saw swarming alongside the freeway and assumed that I would just get in their way each morning, riding my very old mountain bike in boardshorts and an old t-shirt. I also wasn't sure how inconvenient it'd be to have to shower and get changed at work - I never really got a sweat up on my short amble & ferry ride.

Luckily for me, an insistent cycling friend eventually convinced me to give it a go and I've never looked back. I ride every day. It's fantastic and I've started riding practically everywhere else, too: to visit friends, to doctors' appointments, even to the pub, which is a great way not to have to work out standard drinks for the trip home!

On my work mornings, I've never had any trouble sharing the path with the 'pros' & I often overtake the odd few myself. I think if I moved back to South Perth, I'd still cycle on most days, just taking something of a scenic route around the river on the way in.
Matt R - Juddernaut - Dept of Treasury & Finance - Como to Perth.
Matt wins a prize.

I started riding way back when I was a teenager, to school. That was in the dune systems of City Beach area, so a steep hill or two which we usually walked up. Cycling continued when I was at Uni in Qld, and now commuting to work at Murdoch Uni. I don't cycle very far (just 3.5km one way) but to me that is the perfect reason to cycle...it is convenient (same time as driving), not too sweaty on arrival (I hope!) and of course it is a win for the environment, my hip pocket and health. I'm also way more aware of the environment than when enclosed in a metal box of a car. It's amazing how just a short ride everyday adds up the kilometres, thousands over the years.
Last night I watched the movie 'Made in Dagenham'. This movie was set in late 1960's England and followed women fighting for fair pay. It strikes me we are turning full circle...they all rode to work in their nice work clothes (which was just normal for that time I guess)..just like the 'glamour push' riders of today! Go girls!
Claudia M - Team CMS Murdoch Uni - Bullcreek train station to Murdoch.
Claudia wins a prize.

It has been great to see what the events such as Bike to Work has had as far as the increase in the number of bike commuters. Personally I have been using the challenge to increase my distances travelled to prepare for a ride from Albany to Perth next month. Last year myself and six other riders took on the challenge of riding from Perth to Albany via York and the Great Southern Highway to raise awareness for Cancer Council of WA, successfully also raising over $16,000. This year eleven riders are completing the return journey, beginning from Albany on Monday November 15th and arriving in Perth on Saturday 20th November. Hopefully we will have the southerly wind prevailing in our favour! Please take the opportunity to support us in our endeavours if you agree with our cause.
Derek R - Juddernaut - Cannington to East Perth.
Derek wins a prize.

This years Ride to Work Challenge has found me with stronger knees! What?
Well, in previous years I have struggled with riding the 14km to work due to knees that start grinding somewhere along the way. This year after most of the year off cycling, my legs are obviously fitter for the challenge, and I'm sure that yoga has also helped strengthen the right muscles. The only time they have started to niggle was when I rode 20km straight trying to keep up with my 20 year old brother. However, with a regime of 'to work' one day, 'from work' the next (with train travelled the alternate trips) I've been finding no problems with the knees. So riding has really become a pleasure! and this time I'll be keeping it up.
Palenque B - Cycling for Cakes - Bassendean to Leederville.
Palenque wins a prize.

My cycle home from work takes me along the cycle path beside the Canning River in Cannington. A few months long ago I noticed a tortoise heading swiftly towards the road. Well swiftly in tortoise terms anyway.

The females often have to make hazardous journeys and leave the water to lay eggs in soft sand. As this tortoise or Booyi the Noonga name for them, was hurtling towards the road, I abandoned my bike, swept her up grasping her firmly around her hard dark shell. With her waving feet and sharp claws she tried to wriggle free of my grasp, but I hung on and deposited her safely on a sandy verge close to the river. She no doubt intended to lay her eggs in the sand and hope they remain undisturbed until they hatch in mid winter. By now I trust the babies will have dug themselves out and headed for the safety of the river.

Cycling to and from work has led me to many interesting places I would not otherwise have experienced.
Rosemerry D - Shared Cycling Services - Mt Pleasant to Cannington.
Rosemerry wins a prize.

What else do you do on a Sunday? Take a 50km bike trip along the State Barrier Fence. This is how they mended the fence 100years ago using bicycle teams when the fence was installed to keep rabbits out. Yes back then the fence was to keep rabbits out of WA....It failed. They even had a "Rabbit Department" back then, such was the seriousness of rabbit populations. They started from an original flock of 26 that was brought in to Geelong to " Offer sport and bring Englishness to the countryside". Today it keeps emus and wild dogs out of the cropping areas. It offers a great tourist route to see the country in a 4WD, but you need a permit from Ag Dept in Southern Cross, Merredin or Geraldton. So if you want to take a trip get a permit and don’t feed the wildlife...it bites.
Cameron W - Road Train Dodgers - Merredin Town to Ag Dept.
Cameron wins a prize.

I do some morning rides with a club called the South Perth Rouleurs. We regularly do a lap of the river and have a regroup at the Raffles hotel near Canning Bridge. On one of the mornings I thought that I would take this photo as it shows why a lot of cyclists are up early in the morning. Why wouldn't you be up to see a beautiful sunrise.
Jeff J - Aquamamils - Manning to Leederville.
Jeff wins a prize.

Seven years ago we moved to WA, from The Netherlands, and of course we brought our bicycles! We are used to commute to school and work by bike and without a helmet! Every Dutch person owns at least two bicycles, and so did we. It's a bit different here as infra structure is not everywhere that good and the hills... we are used to bikes without gears. Here you need heaps of gears to conquer the hills. Going down is my favorite part!

I cycle because I don’t know any better, since I was 4 years old I cycled to school and everywhere within the vicinity of about ten kilometers distance. And I still do, although there is no limit for distance anymore. It’s good for my condition, health, waistline and I like it. As a sessional lecturer at Curtin University I cycle there once or twice a week, depends on my work load but mainly its two days a week during the semesters. I have the most beautiful scenery on my way and I love to cycle early in the morning, passed by all the fast road bikes; my bicycle is a heavy Dutch brand with saddle bags full with my stuff. I don’t mind it, it takes me almost an hour to get there from Swanbourne but it’s worth it, besides, it takes the same time to take public transport, which I do when it rains.

Last semester, in May, when I had to start at 8am in the lecture theater, I made photos along the way and made a slide show for my blog. Have a look and cycle with me the most beautiful route in Perth: My Ride to Work Slide Show

It was a beautiful sunrise end of autumn but unfortunately on my way back the whole city was covered in a haze of smoke. What a difference with the clear crisp morning.
Wilma V - Curtin University Cyclists - Swanbourne to Curtin Uni.
Wilma wins a prize.

I hadn't ridden my bike for a good 6 months before starting the Bike to Work Challenge. My commute is from Como to Murdoch University. Although I'd done this ride before, I'd never done it regularly. The Bike to Work Challenge was the kickstart I needed. I noticed a significant improvement in my fitness over the 6 weeks - by week 6, hills became easier and I was less tired on arrival. I really noticed being more alert at uni on days that I'd ridden versus days that I had driven despite the early starts. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the rides (often sitting in lectures impatient to finish for the day so I could ride home again!!)

I also replaced occasional shorter trips to the library, post office etc. and tried wearing different clothes than those I'd normally ride in (not quite glamour, but I'm trying!).

I kept a regular blog on the Bike to Work website and wrote an entry (+ photograph) for every ride I did. Click here to see my Blog.

Some of my highlights in the BTWC included:
- Improving my commute time - down from 50 minutes to 45 minutes.
- The fabulous bird life on the river: black swans, pelicans, cormorants, herons, ducks, moorhens etc.
- Discussing ways to combat helmet hair with other BTWC participants on the BTWC internet forum.
- Enjoying national Ride to Work breakfast and seeing so many bicycles in one place at uni.
- Riding across the Mt Henry Bridge and enjoying the views of the water.
- Taking a photograph of the Perth city skyline every commute and comparing the first day I rode in week 1 (wet, stormy) with the last day in week 6 (cloudless blue skies).

From now on I plan to ride to uni regularly: at least once per week, twice if possible.
Kate H - VB Pedal Power - Como to Murdoch Uni and more.
Kate wins a prize.

I cycle into Perth from Padbury to set up the BOQ Corporate Challenge games at lunchtime. Its easy when I take my lightweight road bike but sometimes I need to transport games equipment across town. Thats when I attach a bicycle trailer to my mountain bike. The trailer carries about 50kg of games gear such as Petanque balls, scorecards and flags etc. So after an hour and a half of cycling into the roaring southerly to get to Perth last Thursday (thankfully it’s not always so windy and it doesn’t take so long!) I then attach the loaded trailer and make my way from Langley Park to The Esplanade. After the games its back to Padbury, hopefully with a sea breeze to push me along. I prefer to ride the road bike but the trailer won’t attach to the carbon fibre frame. Its hard work on the heavier mountain bike but its still fun.
Cheers, Janet M - Spring Riders - IHF - Padbury to CBD and further.
Janet wins a bicycle computer.