Spring Time in Perth AUS

       

09.04 hrs  stopped at the bike shop for maps etc before getting on the track

 
I am in a bicycle shop at Perth. We rent our bikes here. It seems there is a big demand for rental of bikes from visitors and tourists that come into the city. Besides rental new bikes and accessories are also sold. The bike shop is a stone's throw from the apartment we were staying. Rental for 1 week is AUS $ 50.00. complete with a helmet, hand gloves and lock.


Believe it or not on the 8th of September 2012 I managed to cycle 35 kilometres from Perth to Fremantle in Western Australia. We rode in a group of seven persons, five men and two women all Malaysians. Actually we had joined a small group of eleven for a five day trip down under with the express condition to cycle there. Earlier planning was to bring our folding bikes along but possibility of renting bikes there make things easier.

The episode, I consider an achievement for a person of my age. The rest of the members, die hard cyclists from Putrajaya were younger 'youth' of 65 and below. Tired, exhausted after the return from Fremantle, yet we had the satisfaction indeed. However we cycled one way only and returned by train. However a day earlier we had a good exercise with cycling around the city of Perth and the Swan River. That alone must have made us clocked about eighteen kilometres. 

Weather wise in September and the terrain at Perth Western Australia were perfect for cycling and good cycling tracks all over the place would surely induce you to cycle at any time.

Let me take you on the track with several photos taken along the route. Should you feel like giving a test at cycling on such a route do feel free to contact. Perhaps we can plan one ahead. Nevertheless the early spring weather would be a good choice to descend on Perth or Western Australia.  

The two pictures above shows how the residents and visitors to Western Australia and especially to Perth took to the great weather during early spring time. Families gather at parks for picnics and to see the blooming flowers in the gardens and parks.

Perth in Western Australia offers cycling facilities many countries can adopt and put into practice. Malaysia especially the Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur area can definitely see to the facilities and planning done there. Be assured however it must take a strong and determined objective to carry out such a project because it needs dollars and cents besides contributions and commitment  from the public at large and all the relevant agencies. Cycling has to become a way of life again. Young and old, men and women cycled before. How much better if we could go back to that mode of transportation helping in many ways to curb some of the current issues that continue to plaque us.

                   
 0828 hr 8/9/2012 in front of Mont Clare on Hay Street with a Mongoose bike

                                              
0907 hr at the bike shop on Hay Street

     

 1005 hr We had just crossed the bridge with the sign indicating that it was the highway from Perth East

1010 hr   We are set to cycle along the river bank on good cycling track all the way, passing fields, housing estates and parks.   

      1014hr.  As described above, with scenes like these all along the route you cannot feel tired far from being exhausted. While holding on to the handles, one arm naturally is positioned to click the camera.

  1140hr Our first halt for a breather and a good cup of coffee before the second stage to Fremantle . A restaurant cum facilities area by the cove allow all to enjoy the breeze from the Swan River and see people boating, para gliding water skiing etc.

               

1210hr The sign shows that it is 8 kilometers away from Fremantle but it will

  pass along some 'good' route as we moved through hillocks and natural countryside scenery.

1217 hr Sdr Hasnul ready to step on the peddles along the track set on this small hillock with a great scenery on its right side.

1216 hr the great view along the hillsides as we cycled on to Fremantle several minutes away.

1238hr . Just after noon as we near the Fremantle Port with scene like this representing the live styles of the people of Western Australia. Though there are large open space around, Parking of boats, yachts etc has to find a good approach. Deck parking is one sure way.

     1317 hr All seven of us two ladies and five men arrived at the Harbour 4 hours after our initial start at Hay Street Perth. Two ladies came by train and joined us here.

                       

1334 hr Fish and Chips the favourite dish at the Harbour was our choice too

 

 

     1452hr after a short rest and brief visit to places at Fremantle we caught the train back to Perth. One compartment is always reserved for cyclists to board the train with their bikes. Ticket price was AUS$4.00 only one way.

This was a holiday break different from any we had had in our senior years. However it was good to know your 'capacity' and whatever else that make your body ticks. It is one sure way of not getting on to the doctors! 

Thank you to all the members of the group that make the brief visit down under to Perth especially a memorable one. Do I understand a trip somewhere else is being planned? With bicycles in mind too.

Zainal Abidin Mohamed  14/09/2012