When comes to cycling in Sydney, I'm a total newbie. I don't have a bike, to start with, and I'm a bit scared of being run over by a reckless cab driver.
However, I've recently embraced the joys of cycling thanks to Paris' fantastic 'Vélib' street bike hire scheme, one of the first and largest schemes of its kind in the world. Such a fantastic way to re-discover the city - especially comes spring and summer, when you can ride to your favourite sunny cafe terrace while perfecting your tan (and keeping your carbon emissions down).
The Bourke St cycleway; at Sullivan + Strumpf Gallery
So when I read about Art Month Sydney's free "ART Cycle" guided bike tours, I jumped at the opportunity to explore Danks St, Redfern and Waterloo by bike. It looks like cycling is the new black these days, and I didn't want to be missing on that trend!
First item on the list? Finding a bike. Quite essential for a bike tour...
So I headed off to one of my favourite cafes in town, The Commons on Burton St, Darlinghurst.
In addition to serving world-class coffee on their lovely outdoor terrace, The Commons have partnered with the Humble Vintage Bike Hire Co, a really cool bike hire company initially from Melbourne, the brainchild of brilliant Matt Hurst. For only $30 a day, you can rent a nice-looking bike, and the helmet, lock and light are included.
At Sullivan + Strumpf Gallery, checking out the Arlene TextaQueen exhibition and listening to photographer Darren Sylvester tell us about his latest work
Once I was all geared up, I rode to the relatively new Bourke St cycleway. Very safe for riders, very convenient - I loved it. The City of Sydney has invested a lot of money and efforts lately towards promoting cycling and making Sydney a cycling city. You can even sign up for free safe riding courses. Really great initiative championed by Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
Barry Keldoulis talking about collecting contemporary video art
And then the rest of the day was pure bliss - cycling from one art gallery to another checking out new exhibitions, with inspiring artists and curators talks galore.
The conversation with friends and artists Paul Higgs and Ivor Fabok at Stella Downer gallery, Danks St, was a definite highlight - really fascinating insight into the creative process and being inspired by jazz. Check out their exhibition if you get the chance, beautiful, beautiful work...
At the Danks St Waterloo arts hub
Hats off to Art Month Sydney and everyone involved in ART Cycle for putting together such a brilliant event!
Speaking of which, there's another ART Cycle tour in Paddington and Woollahra next week, if there's any spot left I strongly urge you to make a booking, you won't regret it!
So tell me dear reader, which type of rider are you? Are you more "Lance Amstrong meets Cadel Evans", or "Brigitte Bardot meets Carrie Bradshaw"?
Painter / mixed media artist Paul Higgs and sculptor Ivor Fabok in conversation with Stella Downer at 2 Danks St
Thrilled to hear about this Myriam - thanks for sharing. I love cycling around Sydney, and Redfern/Waterloo/Surry Hills a perfect area to explore by bike with so much to see and do. I've visited those galleries in Danks St (a favourite part of the city for me) and would love to have a guided tour there. The galleries and exhibitions are fascinating.
We're lucky to have you uncovering the best of what our city has to offer.
Best,
Tony
Posted by: Tony Hollingsworth | 03/20/2011 at 12:29 PM
Hehe well apparently I have agreed to learn how to ride a bike according to Mr NQN! I have t say that when we went on a tandem bike in Vancouver we had a blast!
Posted by: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella | 03/21/2011 at 05:26 PM
This looks like so much fun! Wish I could join you there for a lovely little trip. Thanks for brightening my day with these pics.
Posted by: limpopo accommodation | 03/24/2011 at 01:48 AM
I would really love to visit this place. I don't want to miss the beauty of Sydney!
Posted by: dining tables | 03/28/2011 at 06:36 PM
A good blog always comes-up with new and exciting information and while reading I have feel that this blog is really have all those quality that qualify a blog to be a good one.
Posted by: Polo Outlet Online | 08/12/2011 at 06:18 PM
Very valuable information, I am very grateful,I agree with your Blog and I will be back to check it more in the future so please keep up your work.
Posted by: abercrombie & fitch outlet | 11/11/2011 at 06:47 PM