Bike Life Blog Category: Health

BQ Meets: Bike Fit Studio

In a custom fit-out studio in Brisbane’s West End, riders of all types are finding their sweet spot – on the saddle. This is Bike Fit Studio, and for founder Nick Formosa, the mission is clear: help people ride in comfort, avoid injury, and make cycling an enduring part of their lives.

Nick’s journey into professional bike fitting started decades before the technology caught up.

“I started working in bike shops in the mid-’80s as a kid – sweeping floors and washing windows,” he says. “Back then, we did basic static fitting in the shop, and I was always intrigued by it. I wanted to get my own fit right, and I liked helping others do the same.”

Fast forward to 2008. After years of coaching and referring people elsewhere for fits, Nick recognised a gap in the Queensland market. “There wasn’t too many people in Queensland actually doing this professionally,” he recalls. “I was sending people away all the time, and there was clearly a need.”

That need wasn’t what he initially expected. “It started out as more of a performance need, to be honest,” Nick says. “But over time I realised the market was predominantly recreational road—people who just wanted to be comfortable on their bike.”

The evolution of the everyday cyclist

The demographic walking through Bike Fit Studio’s door has shifted significantly over time. In the early 1990s, Nick says, most of the cyclists he knew were from the racing or triathlon scenes. Recreational riding simply wasn’t as widespread. With the growth of rides like the MS QLD Brissie to the Bay, the B2GC and of course fondo events around the country.

“Now it’s massive,” he says. “It’s the biggest part of the market.”

He recalls a recent day where three clients came in – an ENT surgeon, a property developer, and a lawyer. “They were all riding for the same reason: a bit of mental health support, stress relief, and physical activity away from their day-to-day lives.”

This rise in recreational riding means more people are discovering that discomfort on the bike isn’t something they have to just put up with. While some still arrive sheepishly, unsure if they’re in the right place, Nick says that mindset is shifting.

“I used to get that question a lot—‘Am I in the right place?’—but not so much anymore. People are starting to understand that a bike fit isn’t just for racers.”

What to expect from a bike fit

A professional bike fit might not be the first thing riders think of when they experience discomfort, but Nick believes it should be.

“You know, some people come in and say they’ve spent the last six months seeing a physiotherapist or doctor because their knee’s been bothering them,” he says. “Then a medical practitioner might refer them to us, and sometimes we pick up things that are actually contributing to the issue—whether it’s saddle position, handlebar reach and height, or cleat position.”

The most common complaints? “Saddle discomfort, neck discomfort, and upper back discomfort,” Nick says without hesitation. “Knees now and then, but mostly it’s the upper body and saddle issues.”

Many of these can stem from poor fit or incorrect bike sizing, but often it’s a combination of both. And while some riders come in without a particular complaint, they often leave with a clearer sense of what a good position feels like.

“A bike fit is essentially about understanding what your body can cope with and making decisions around the position to support that,” Nick explains. “We look at the three contact points—the saddle, the feet, the hands—and how pressure is distributed across those.”

The process is very in-depth. It starts with a range of visual assessments around a rider’s mobility, or any anatomical issues like minor leg discrepencies. Nick uses the Retul fit system, which uses the motion detecting camera and a bunch of smart tech including a tool that looks like Dr Who’s screwdriver to map out your current fit and assess how you fit when pedalling on the bike, including under load. It looks like a mix of art and science – but specific tools and new technology really help to quantify things.

This feeds a lot of data into the system for Nick to analyse. While we see figures on a table, Nick sees signs of incorrect crank length, a stem that may be too long, a saddle that is too high or maybe a case that knee stability has been neglected. This is when the work starts. For a new buyer, Nick can analyse sizing and geometry to get frame size and even the bike choice right. For those with a bike already – the changes begin, as required.

The evolution of a bike fit

A bike fit isn’t a one-and-done process. Nick’s team takes the time to understand how much a rider is using their bike, what their goals are, and how those goals might evolve. For someone riding once a week, the fit prioritises comfort above all. For riders logging four or five sessions weekly, there’s more room to incorporate performance elements.

“Fit definitely evolves over time,” Nick says. “Say someone comes in riding once a week, and then their kids get older, they find more time, they start doing three or four rides a week… suddenly they’re more capable, and their position can shift with them.”

Changes in body composition also play a role. “If someone loses 10 or 15 kilos, their mobility and position on the bike will change. We usually recommend a review fit in cases like that.”

Time-trial and triathlon bikes, in particular, require ongoing tweaks. “Triathletes are always evolving—starting on road bikes, then moving to a time trial bike, and eventually upgrading again,” he says with a laugh. “Some of them are our best customers. They’re always chasing small gains.”

The price of pain-free riding

With a standard road or mountain bike fit starting at around $400, Nick acknowledges it’s an investment—but one that’s minor compared to a new bike or recurring physio appointments.

“We hear it all the time: people spend thousands on a bike, but they’re in pain after 20 minutes,” he says. “For a lot of people, a fit can mean the difference between riding more or letting the bike collect dust.”

Post-fit, riders are encouraged to give their bodies time to adjust. “Typically within two weeks, you should have a good indication of how the changes are working,” Nick says. “We send a follow-up form after five or six rides to see how they’re going.”

That process is key, because riding style, frequency, and goals all shape the ideal fit.

“We’re not trying to make everyone look like a pro. Most of us aren’t racing in the Tour de France,” Nick says. “It’s about finding the right position for where someone is now—and maybe where they want to go.”

The Bike Fit Studio philosophy is simple: comfort leads to consistency, and consistency leads to better outcomes—whether that’s performance, fitness, or just peace of mind.

“If you’re not comfortable at least 85% of the time you’re riding, then you should probably come in,” Nick advises. “Because the goal isn’t just to ride. It’s to enjoy it.”

Visit the Bike Fit Studio website.

Ride the Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer

Last year the Mater’s Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer attracted over 5000 riders, taking on a variety of cycling challenges and raising awareness of the essential work that the event supports. Rowan Foster from The Mater had been on course much of the day, and Bicycle Queensland caught up with Rowan soon after midday last year at Southport, when the majority of riders had made it to the finish.

‘The Mater is really delighted with the event this year. With over 5000 riders we raised more than $550 000 to support cancer research. While it started as a wet day the spirits were high amongst the riders, with many smiles and the appreciation of taking on a good challenge by tackling 100km. Of course, it was great to see some blue skies at the finish here in Southport.’

The Brisbane to Gold Coast has had a long history, and now under the direction of The Mater, the event’s legacy is not lost on Rowan – for both the community impact and driving awareness and support of cancer research.

‘This event has really established itself thanks to a long history and the stewardship from Bicycle Queensland. The Mater is really proud to take on the challenge of continuing that success. With over 5000 riders, this event is one of the most popular events in all of Queensland from a mass participation point of view. We’ll continue to provide that opportunity for those who want to take on the cycling challenge but who also want to have a positive community impact as well.’

Those who were part of the ride, or who donated to the fund-raising effort may be asking – just what sort of difference does half a million dollars make for either cancer research or treatment support?

Register your interest for B2GC


‘The Mater has a really interesting place around this, not only with world-leading cancer research, but also how that transfer works from the bench side to the bedside with our clinical elements in a hospital setting,’ Rowan confirmed. ‘The impact from the fund-raising is really around providing improved treatments for those facing a cancer diagnosis. Chemotherapy can be really brutal and the outcomes can fail. We aim to provide greater hope and the best chance of long term remission for those fighting cancer.’

Here at Bicycle Queensland, the Brisbane to Gold Coast event always offered a way to encourage more people to get out on a bike, to challenge themselves and share that experience with friends. Over the years the impact that made is truly incredible. And the new life with The Mater as the event became the Cycle for Cancer means the impact is even wider.

‘We want to honour the history of the event that Bicycle Queensland have stewarded for so long,’ said Rowan. ‘We’re keen to continue our collaboration with Bicycle Queensland and its members and the wider cycling community to go from strength-to-strength with this event.’

‘The Brisbane to Gold Coast has become a must-do ride for so many people in Queensland,’ stated Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine. ‘The popularity of the event is evident right here, as we are surrounded by thousands of people who have taken up the challenge today.’

‘The Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer has really expanded the appeal of the event, as not only do keen bike riders take part, but those who have family and friends impacted by cancer. I am certain that not just the popularity, but the effectiveness of the event as a change for good will grow under The Mater.’

Get your diary out and and lock in October 12 for the 2025 Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer – don’t miss it!

Mulga Bicycle Tours seeks new owners

In a tourism industry increasingly defined by speed, spectacle, and personal storytelling, Mulga Bicycle Tours offers something rarer and more reflective: a deliberately paced encounter with landscape, culture, and personal achievement. Founded by Mark and Denise in 2016 and inspired by a transformative, year-long bicycle journey around Australia, Mulga represents more than a business. It is, in many ways, a distillation of values—care, community, resilience, and discovery—refined over thousands of kilometres and countless conversations on the roadside.

The impetus for the business was born from a mix of experience, adversity, and reflection. After running a previous business focused on event management and multimedia content creation, the couple took a sabbatical to cycle around the country. What began as a personal sabbatical unexpectedly laid the foundation for a new venture. As they pedalled through the vast and varied Australian terrain, they were often met with the same wistful refrain from strangers: “I wish I could do what you’re doing.”

“In the early days of our trip we’d reply, ‘You can,’ but they’d say, ‘Oh no, it’s not that easy.’ and we’d reply, ‘Actually, it is, you just need to take the time to plan and tackle the trip in small chunks,’” Mark recalled.

Over time, they realised it wasn’t just about planning—it was about confidence and support. “Not everyone feels comfortable heading out on the road alone, especially in remote areas,” Denise added. “That’s why Mulga is appealing. It gives people the support they need to go on multi-day rides they might not otherwise attempt.”

This insight—pairing access and safety—became the conceptual core of Mulga Bicycle Tours. It wasn’t about enabling elite cyclists or chasing records; it was about making adventure achievable for the ordinary rider, many of whom are far from ordinary in spirit or intent. The emphasis on logistics, compliance, and personal support creates a quiet but powerful distinction from many commercial tour offerings.

“Safety is our top priority,” Mark explained, highlighting Mulga’s comprehensive risk management approach. Support vehicles, clearly marked with ‘Cyclists Ahead’ signs, are positioned both in front of and behind the group. The team stays in contact with truck drivers and other road users to ensure they’re aware of the cyclists’ presence. Riders receive real-time updates via radio about approaching vehicles, keeping everyone informed and alert.

“It’s all about situational awareness — for our riders and other road users alike,” Mark added.

“We measure the success of our safety and risk management plan by the fact that the first aid kit rarely gets opened during the tour,” he continued with understated pride. “More often than not, we’re replacing expired items, not used ones.”

This meticulous care builds genuine rider confidence and loyalty. Many participants return again and again — not just for the magnificent scenery or the joy of the ride, but for the sense of security they feel. As one rider put it, “I feel safe.”

But the appeal of Mulga lies not just in operational excellence. It lies equally in their commitment to crafting experiences layered with narrative, local knowledge, and memory. “We don’t just go for a bike ride,” Mark explained. “One of the taglines we have with the business is discovering unforgettable stories… and it’s mostly the unforgettable stories of the people we meet.”

Whether it’s the dish-to-dish tour from Tidbinbilla to Parkes, inspired by the couple’s own winter ride along some of New South Wales’ quietest back roads, or a sunrise at the Undara Lava Tubes in Queensland, each tour is curated to balance challenge with reward, and movement with meaning.

“There’s one fellow I remember,” Mark said. “I discovered after the trip he’d had some health issues the year before. But there he was at Karumba, holding his bike above his head, looking out over the Gulf of Carpentaria. And he said, ‘I couldn’t have done this 12 months ago.’” For Mark and Denise, that single image contained volumes. “That,” Mark said simply, “was quite special.”

Mulga’s name, drawn from the many-coloured parrot native to inland Australia, captures something of its character—vivid, community-oriented, and tuned to the rhythms of the land. The company’s pop-up morning tea stop is affectionately dubbed “Bill’s Roadside Café,” a tongue-in-cheek homage to Banjo Paterson’s Mulga Bill, who famously crashed his bicycle into ‘Deadmans Creek’. In contrast, Mulga Bicycle Tours offers assurance and guidance—enabling riders to venture beyond what they imagined possible.

There’s something inherently philosophical about Mulga’s approach. It’s not simply a commercial service with room for growth. It’s a deliberate practice of hospitality and encouragement.

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A new era for Mulga Bicycle Tours

The couple is now preparing to hand over the reins to someone with the energy and focus to grow it further. “We’re certainly not going to stop touring,” Denise clarified. “We’re just going to stop taking people on tour.” They’ve run between five and seven tours per year—often in remote or logistically complex areas such as Cape York, the Eyre Peninsula, or Carnarvon Gorge. The next owner could feasibly expand this, with custom itineraries and social groups presenting particular areas of opportunity – especially as interest in gravel riding grows.

For the right person, this is a business that combines meaningful work with genuine lifestyle appeal. “You don’t have to be a bike rider,” Mark said, “but it helps. What really matters is that you care about people, and that you can put together the best available experience for them.” Event management, logistics, customer service, and a deep respect for both landscape and guests are all essential ingredients, all guided by a system of proven processes that make it easy for the new business owner to follow.

The sale of the business will include all intellectual property, registered domains, hire bikes, branded trailer and the customer database, along with the project plans, documented processes and budgets for their diverse itineraries.

Mark and Denise can be contacted on 0412 309 711 to discuss their business and what a training and handover period can look like, to be able to set new owners up for ongoing growth and success with Mulga Bicycle Tours.

BQ Tests: SP arms Everyday and Original Arm Sleeves

By: Imogen Smith

SP arms are a local company based on the Gold Coast providing high-quality sun protection garments to lovers of outdoor sports from cycling to tennis. Their range of UPF 50+ garments include arm sleeves, leggings, leg sleeves, body shirts, gloves and shoulder wraps.

I first tested the Everyday sleeves, which come in one size. Featuring a slight compression fit, these are super stretchy and despite having very long, thin arms, fit me really well, with no sign of slipping down under my jersey like winter arm warmers so often do.

They felt reasonably cool to touch when on, and in really hot conditions I found wetting them down with a bit of water really helped keep me cooler. Additionally, on chilly mornings these provide a basic additional layer that helps a little with the cold before the day warms up.

Being impressed with this product, but after some black arm sleeves, I thought I’d try SP arms Original sleeves using my BQ member 20% discount. Unlike the Everyday sleeves, these are a sized product, and the staff were really helpful in offering me advice on what size to buy when I called them up. The Original sleeves are super stretchy and made from an incredibly soft, thin meryl microfibre and spandex blend that is cooling to touch. They also fit supremely well, like a second skin, with sufficient length to protect my wrists.

Compared to the Everyday sleeves, Originals felt lighter and cooler. The Everyday sleeves were stretchier and I liked the compression fit, although ultimately my Originals fit more snugly around the wrist because I was able to buy them in a tiny XS size. Everyday sleeves were more versatile, however, offering a little more protection from cold in variable weather.

The Originals were an essential companion when riding the Mawson Trail in South Australia.

The Everyday sleeves weigh 36g, and the Originals a mere 24g, perfect for bikepacking if you like to keep things ultralight. Both dry extremely quickly and are easy to wash out at the end of a day’s riding. Being just 24g, the Originals are also my pick for packability when pocket space is at a premium.

Designed, tested, and certified UPF 50+ in Australia and made in Korea, both the Everyday and Original SP arms come in a huge range of fun colours, as well as neutral shades like white and black. With their base on the Gold Coast, shipping is lightning fast and products come in a handy little ziplock pack that doubles as a riding wallet.

www.au.sparms.com
$29.95 AUD (Everyday) / $34.95 AUD (Original)

Own your home five years sooner by riding to work

Bicycle Queensland members don’t need convincing about the benefits of bike riding. We’re all getting fitter and having fun while saving the planet by lowering our carbon footprints. According to a 2021 article in The Conversation, riding a bike is 10 times better for the planet than buying an e-vehicle.

But one aspect that isn’t often highlighted, but can be a major factor for people making the switch to riding to work is that: riding a bike is the cheapest time-effective way to travel for distances up to 10km. But what does it cost to ride your bike to work?

We did some maths … but we would be keen to have Bicycle Queensland members check our work. We reckon that if you’re careful, commuting by bike costs less than $20 per week, or less than $900 per year. We’ve based this on buying a commuting bike for $1000, and spending $400 on accessories to make your bike more commute-friendly. And because you’re frugal, you’re keeping this bike for five years, sounds reasonable to us.

Cost of commuting by car versus bike

Compare this with the average cost of transport for households in Brisbane, which is a whopping $458 per week. Yes, you read that right.

So let’s say that 25% of trips made are to work. That’s way too low by the way, but let’s say that. The average weekly cost of car transport in Brisbane is $398 (that’s the total cost of transport, minus public transport fares). So let’s just use a quarter of that cost $99, and take those trips by bike instead. Suddenly we are saving $80 per week.

Let’s consider using the additional $80 per week in a way that could greatly benefit us, such as putting it towards our home loan. An extra $80 per week on the average home loan repayment equates to owning your home five years sooner!

Of course the assumptions in this article can be challenged. But you do your maths and let us know what you might have saved by riding your bike to work?

Our Director of Advocacy has been riding to work for 38 years. On 2022 figures this has saved his household $146,000. He just hopes nobody asks him what he did with this money. It can’t all have gone on Campag hubs and lunches.

Coping with the Christmas countdown

Everyone thinks that Christmas Day is the time you can feel stressed, depressed or lonely, but for many people the lead up to Christmas can be just as overwhelming. 

For a lot of people that means sorting out your plans, who is coming and who isn’t, organise food, buy presents and put up the decorations.  These are just the basic, most common stressors.  We know that for many people, there is a raft of other, often more complex issues, at play. 

Now that the countdown to Christmas has officially begun, here are just a few tips for keeping your mental wellbeing in check: 

Stay healthy – eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep can help you cope with Christmas stress.  Remember, overindulging in food and alcohol often adds to your stress and guilt. 

Plan – Make sure you do up a budget and stick to it.  Don’t overspend. Work out your shopping list and get it done early to avoid the crowds and the risk of making last-minute, over expensive purchases! 

Be creative – if your money is not stretching as far as you’d like with the rising cost of living, then look at how you can do things differently.  Consider a simpler version of Christmas lunch – perhaps a BBQ or picnic and ask guests to bring a plate.  Get crafty and make some presents or give the gift of your time – maybe a voucher to do some dog walking or gardening – there’s always something you can do that others need! 

Connect – If you’re separated from your family and friends by distance, make sure you stay in touch with them online or by phone.  If you are on your own, there are ways to connect with others such as volunteering or attending local community events such as Carols by Candlelight.    

Be realistic – Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect or the same as other years.  Situations and families change….children grow up, relatives pass away, some parents may divorce.  Nothing stays the same forever.  Just make sure that you acknowledge and appreciate any feelings of loss or disappointment you may have and realise that its normal to feel that way. 

Chill out – Amongst all the Christmas parties, planning and shopping, it is important that you stop and take some time for yourself.  Go for a walk, listen to some music, take a long bath or read a book.  Even if its just for 15 minutes at a time, it can make the world of difference. 

If you feel like it is all getting on top of you, remember its okay to reach out and get some help.  Talking to someone can be great to put things into perspective.

Our partner White Cloud (07 3155 3456) can help arm you with some good strategies to help you get back on track and cope with all the Christmas commotion. You don’t need a GP referral or Mental Health Plan, you can access it from wherever you live and, best of all, its free. 

What are the benefits of riding to work and how can you make it easier?

Sustainability is understandably a hot topic just now, with governments, businesses and individuals all seeking ways to create a greener future for us all. Commuting became a distant memory for millions of workers during the pandemic, but now, with lots of people making a return to the office, this is the perfect time to reset and adopt better, healthier habits.

Riding to work is nothing new, but more employers and employees are waking up to its benefits. Not only can riding benefit the individual’s health and wellbeing, it’ll also help to protect the local environment. Employers may even stand to benefit, with riding shown to have a positive impact on brain power and productivity. 

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of riding to work in greater detail, and highlight a few ways you can make bike commuting even easier.

What are the benefits of riding to work? 
  • Improve physical fitness and mental health. We’re all aware that riding is a great way to help keep your body fit and healthy, but did you know it can also help to support your mental wellbeing, too? One study reveals that riding is the second best form of exercise for a lower mental health burden, just behind participating in team sports.  
  • Improve productivity. Riding has been shown to improve brain function, with it increasing blood flow to the brain by 28% compared to resting, according to one study. As a result, this can help you to arrive at work in a more positive frame of mind, and help to improve productivity throughout the day. 
  • Helps the environment. If you’re passionate about sustainability, riding is a great way to play your part and help create a greener local environment. By replacing a car for a bike, not only will you be saving on harmful emissions, but if more people chose to cycle, it’d reduce congestion on roads, helping to cut pollution even further. 
How to make riding easier 
  • Use an e-bike. E-bikes are gaining popularity across the country, particularly since the 2012 legislation was passed which introduced guidelines around using e-bikes, in line with European standards. An e-bike works like a traditional bicycle, but offers the added thrust of a battery-powered motor, to take some of the strain out of your commute. Read more about e-bikes here.
  • Be organised! Riding to work will generally take a little longer than public transport or a car, meaning you’ll have to be organised to give yourself as much breathing room in the morning as possible. Be sure to pack up anything you need the night before, and also leave heavy items at the office where possible, to save you carrying them on your commute. You should also make sure to pack some food for the office, to give you the energy for that evening ride home.

    Take a look at all our commuting tips – including route selection and surviving summer.
  • Make use of company facilities. You’ll want to arrive at your desk feeling and looking fresh, so particularly after a longer ride in, you’ll likely want to have a wash and get into a change of clothes. If your office doesn’t already cater for active travel, ask your employer whether it would be possible to invest in some equipment and facilities to encourage more people to ride to work. Or, see if there is a local end of trip facility, where your employer could arrange for employees to make use of the changing facilities.

Even small changes like some showers and changing rooms can go a long way. It’s also helpful to consider how or where you’ll keep your bike during the day. Employers should look to include some safe storage facilities on-site, to give their pedalling personnel peace of mind that their bike will be secure during the day.

To sum up

In this post, we’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to exploring the potential benefits of riding to and from work. It may seem like a major lifestyle change, particularly if you’ve been driving or getting public transport for many years. But why not try riding just one or two days a week at first, before building yourself up to a bigger commitment? You’ll likely feel the benefits almost immediately.

Article by Ross Hansen

Interested in becoming a BQ member? Sign up! Bicycle Queensland membership includes public liability and accident insurance, free legal advice, member discounts at a variety of retailers, and it supports the advocacy work BQ does to make Queensland a safer and better connected place to ride.

‘I decided to use my bicycle as much as I could in my everyday life, and I was surprised by what was possible.’

One of the first questions I’m often asked is “are you still riding your bike?” That’s usually from people who I haven’t seen for a while and my answer is always an enthusiastic yes! With people who I see more regularly, I’m often met with “did you ride your bike here?” Or the more assuming “I guess you rode your bike”. Or after glancing around and finding no evidence of a bicycle nearby, “not on your bike today?”. My life has become synonymous with riding a bike. It’s a fact that I love but it hasn’t always been that way.

There were years when my bicycle sat unused in the garage. There were years when I didn’t even own a bike. But then there was the year when an unexpected change left my life in need of reshaping.

I needed to do something positive for my life and wanted to be healthy, save some money and have some fun. So, I began a two-wheel revolution. I decided to use my bicycle as much as I could in my everyday life, and I was surprised by what was possible.

As a young girl growing up in Queensland, I learnt to ride in the gravel driveway of our sugar cane farm. Trainer wheels, five years old and soon to start school – learning to ride a bike was essential for transport. Decades later, my bicycle again became central to how I moved around my neighbourhood. Both times, building confidence was key. And the only way I could find out what this bicycle lifestyle could bring me was by having a go.

Living without a car wasn’t my goal. Driving the car less was. Discovering what I could realistically do by bicycle involved trial, error, persistence, creativity and slowing down. At times I felt frustrated but mostly a surplus of fun. I watched where life took me – to the shops, the local markets, coffee with friends, out to dinner, swimming at the beach, to weddings, parties and holidays – and asked myself, can I ride my bicycle? Can I carry what I need to carry? Can I ride the distance? What type of road, lane or pathway will I be on? Does the weather make riding possible? And, if I chose not to travel by bike, was I being a wimp or being wise?

Full panniers after the local markets.
As I rode through each season, I discovered my limits.

The torrential rains of summer make mudguards and a good waterproof jacket a must. Magpie season means I put my head down and ride fast! Tropical thunderstorms and a wedding in a 25 knot south-easterly have stopped me in my tracks. Getting a tray of mangoes home from the local market gave me cause to get creative.

Eventually, I learnt where my bicycle life can take me and where it won’t. I ride my bike to the beach, to meetings, markets, cafes, shopping centres and parties. I use it for returning books to the library, commuting to work, seeing art exhibitions and live music. When I take my car for servicing, I take my bike with me and ride home. Deciding to use my bike in everyday life brought the positive changes that I wanted – I’m healthier, happier and saving money from using the car less.

Another thing I learnt is that any bicycle lifestyle is unique to where and how you live. Where you live – hills, highways, pathways – will influence how easy it is to ride out from home. What makes up your life – family, work, interests – will shape where and when you can ride. What connects us though is a shared knowing that a bicycle lifestyle is a good thing.

A two-wheel revolution is something worth starting. Whether you start big or small, start somewhere.

Gail Rehbein is a bicycle-riding writer who loves to share stories, information and inspiration about life seen from two wheels on Australia’s Gold Coast and beyond. You can find her work at her website A Bike for All Seasons. She is also an ambassador for Bicycle Queensland.