Spring Cycle

As I multi-task,

looking at my ma's and sister's excitement of new, good quality, cheap Deepavali clothes; 

I recollect today's Spring Cycle event. 

Having two hours of sleep after settling my friend's accommodation,

Being sleep deprived the day before,
I dragged myself up to take the spot of another cyclist who pulled out at the last moment.

Seeing the message on my phone go (at 5.15 am):

'There's a person near IGA who's smoking. I'm around the corner.'
I rushed out, sensing the discomfort in my friend's text. 

Sunrise was beautiful. 

The whole train compartment was filled with brightly coloured orange shirts. 

People were tired and perky at the same time. 

The two of us sprouted nonsensical phrases that I cannot seem to remember any more.

We lamented the waste of time and energy the night before in trying to figure out directions to our destination while we were walking with the huge crowd. 

North Sydney was abuzz with a quiet pool of good vibes. 

It was pretty and we started taking a ton of videos.

As we approached the starting point, we saw the 100km participants all geared and set to go.

I loved the amount of grass and the specific amount of rays in this picture.

We started out shaky on our bikes.

Hence, we decided to remain at the end of the group since we considered ourselves to be a hazard to the others.

Swerving left and right, with momentary breaks here and there, we contemplated pushing our bicycles up the slope.

We did not do so.

A random thought: My first time cycling in a decade. The seat was too high up.

I was nervous of the thought of cycling.

It went reasonably well, despite occasional heart attacks when someone passed by my side at a near distance.

The open view of the Harbour Bridge with it's massive steel construction, contrasting against the blue sky was breathtaking. I felt extremely thankful at that point of the path.

My friend and I randomly sang songs together when we were more comfortable with our vehicles.

Going past Mrs. Macquarie Chair in Royal Botanical Gardens, we looked in awe at the amazing sea line view with the Opera House, standing regally across the shimmering blue waters.

The closer we got to the city, the clearer my vision became.

We discovered new parts of the city we never knew existed. 

It was as if we were embarking on an adventure into a hidden fairy portal amidst a flower bush filled with little pine cones and minuscule toy cars and figurines.

We cycled by the Haymarket area and through familiar points too.

It felt surreal to actually be able to waddle through crazy traffic in the city on a Sunday.

One of the best parts of the cycle was definitely the positive encouragement shown by the people: the police, the volunteers, fellow participants, pedestrians. 

We reached Pyrmont first from the last.

Nevertheless, it was an achievement for the both of us.

It was a good ride. 

Heightened sensations from perked senses, good company and a beautiful weather.

It has been a wonderful day.

Albeit a slightly painful one.