Being green has become fashionable in the past few years. Concerns about climate change have sparked actions in countries all over the world - even the ones notoriously known for their high greenhouse gas emissions like the USA and Australia which has been in the "per capita top 10" greenhouse gas emitters for the last twelve years. Today we profited from one of these efforts towards becoming "greener". Adelaide has a great programme called BIKeSA which encourages its citizens to use the bicycle more often. Anyone can rent a bike for free (if it is returned by 4:30 pm - otherwise is costs 25 AUD) and use it for the whole day.
This was the perfect opportunity for us (Elvira, our new friend Inessa and myself) to explore the surroundings of the city on two human powered wheels whilst doing something for the environment and for our own health. The lovely weather (blue skies and ca. 24 °C) made the decision easy. We chose to head towards Glenelg, a small town rouhgly 12 km southwest from Adelaide located directly on the beachfront. Many people from the city go to Glenelg since a tram conveniently connects the two.
(Adapted from Google maps)
Although I have lived in England for four years cycling on the left side of the road was rather challenging after 11 years of driving on the right (=correct;)) side... Surprisingly there are numerous cycling lanes in Adelaide and even a separate bicycle path almost stretching the whole distance from the suburbs of the city to Glenelg. The girls left the honour of being "el navigator" to me so I had to find a safe (and preferably lovely) path out and afterwards back into the city. I won't tell you how well I did - but we're all alive and back at the hostel...
Smelling the sea and feeling the sand again was great after over a year of marine abstinence. We loved it so much that we cycled along the coast line up to West Beach before returning to Adelaide along the banks of River Torrens. All in all we loved exploring the area round the city by bicycle and we will surely do that a few more times. But next time we won't let the spring weather fool us and use sunscreen before going outside. The attentive observer will note that our noses have a slight reddish tough - reminiscent of a famous reindeer. But one that tried to cover up his conspicuous nose with some make-up...
Last but not least a few impressions of todays trip. By the way: wearing a helmet whilst cycling is enforced by law. Breaking it means certain death (judging by the well known rigor of Australian law enforcement).
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(All pictures: copyright P. Wettstein)
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