I Love Riding in the City

Name: Simon Brown
Location: Christchurch, New Zealand
Occupation: Project Engineer

Where do you live and what’s it like riding in your city?
The city of Christchurch is on the edge of the Canterbury Plains so it’s mostly flat, but with hills close by! Around 400,000 live here, so the traffic is never too terrifying. It’s a very English city with two lovely rivers winding through it, and trams that circle the city centre. All sorts of cycling abound, with forests and local hills all having tracks, as well as rail trails, and plenty of cycle lanes. The high mountains are also easy to reach for those epic adventures! It’s a perfect place!

What’s your favourite (or most exotic) city you’ve
ridden in, and what made it special or memorable?
Wherever I’m riding at the time is the best, and what makes any ride special is the friends I ride with. It’s absolutely about the people!

Why do you love riding in the city?
I’m a commuter, early morning, or evening, and that’s when the city shines. Morning light, a blazing sunrise, it’s awesome to be apart of. Riding in the city makes you realise how many different people makeup our community, it makes me feel apart of the city waking up. Even the cold frosty winter starts always hold the promise of a clear blue sky day. I love riding my bike, I give thanks to my God for such a great life every time I ride. Pet hates; big round-abouts, and the loss of Sheldon Brown (No relation). Tip: Want to avoid road rage learn to back-off! If someone thinks you’re dumb, yell “Sorry!” you’ll be amazed how forgiving people are and how enjoyable your trip becomes.

My favourite moment; getting a friendly wave each day from a handicapped rider I see, one day I’ll stop and say hello, at the moment I just don’t want to break the spell, we’re friends who’ve never met.

Or just say whatever you want about riding in the city…
Hey Dads, don’t forget take the wife and kids for a ride, they’ll appreciate the thought if not the exercise. It’s about having fun!

Poetry anyone?

A Simple Wave from a Stranger

It’s something new every day
That fresh graffiti on a wall
City lights reflecting all
Chasing a time or just on a cruise
Making memories you won’t loose
Pumping legs, avoiding danger
A simple nod from a stranger

What’s it about? What can I say
Coloured leaves off trees so tall
Morning sky says I’m so small
No matter how or what you ride
The shows out there on every side
Giving way, avoiding danger
A grateful smile from a stranger

That’s what it’s about, that’s what I say
A friendly wave from a stranger