As published in www.moregoldcoast.com.au here are my Top 10 Things to Love about Cycling on the Gold Coast…
1. I have ridden my bike in many places around the world and the Gold Coast is still one of my favourite places to pedal. I love the variety – from a beachfront cruise along the ocean to a tranquil and scenic hinterland ride, the challenge of long mountain climbs, the thrill of the descents, quiet, grassy dairy farm plains, the rainforest, creeks and waterfalls. It’s just pure beauty.
2. I love that on the Gold Coast we can be out of traffic and the hustle and bustle of the city within 15 minutes and riding on quiet roads without another soul in sight. Just bliss! In other cities it can take up to an hour of riding through traffic to get to quiet areas.
3. Forget Surfers Paradise, the weather on the Gold Coast certainly makes it Riders Paradise!
4. Given the variety in the landscape of the Gold Coast, as a rider we get to enjoy breathtaking views. These are from vantage points that are just a stone’s throw away and usually blind to the passing motorist but cherished by the rider. These lookouts afford views that stretch from the surf to the hinterland and beyond. We even have a lookout where we can stand on the eroded rim of a volcano to take in the extraordinary sweeping panorama of Queensland and New South Wales!
5. The Gold Coast has become a home and a hub for some of our country’s top sports people and cycling can be a common denominator to get together. It is not unusual to see rowers, race car drivers, footballers, triathletes and kayakers all enjoying cycling for some cross-training or even a catch-up.
6. I love cruising along the esplanade of our beautiful coastline early in the morning. There is nothing like the splendour of dawn, watching the sunrise creep over the horizon and across the beach, and feeling the warmth of the sun’s rays finally splashing across our faces and lighting up our world. I just wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
7. I love the mountains that we have here on the Gold Coast with ascents of up to 30km. They’re part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, containing a cluster of giant gnarled 3000 year old Antarctic Beech Trees. The outlooks are stunning with crisp mountain air to rejuvenate the spirit.
8. Cycling affords a beautiful way to feel free and to feel connected, either with the environment or with a riding partner. There’s no better way to enjoy our wonderful piece of paradise whilst feeling fit, healthy and active at the same time!
9. I love that on a bicycle I can explore territory that I would have not otherwise seen. We have so many beautiful places here on the Gold Coast and I wouldn’t have discovered half of what I have if it weren’t for pedalling. I also wouldn’t have met half the people I have if it weren’t for the bicycle bringing people together.
10. And last but not least, I love heading out for a coffee after a ride and we have some of the best cafes to sit back and relax after a rejuvenating ride.
Feeling inspired? The Gold Coast has 800 kilometres of bikeways to explore that link to beaches, shopping precincts, neighbourhoods and parks.
Check out the Gold Coast cycling guide here and plan your next cycling adventure.
View published article on More Gold Coast here: www.moregoldcoast.com.au/sara-carrigan-gives-us-10-reasons-love-cycling-gold-coast
