MASSBUGGING to the city

Fiona - leader of the pack bike buses the group into work

If the world was like local cycle group Marrickville South Sydney Bicycle Group (MASSBUG) it would be a fabulous place to live.

I’ve always wanted to cycle to work but only just feeling confident to take on the road, I never had the courage to meander through heavy, cranky traffic.

Today I did it! My friend Sam suggested I join the cycle group so at 6:50am we met outside the Henson Park Hotel. I was already exhausted from the ride up from home. I immediately thought crikey as I saw the four other cyclists and their groovy bikes.

I need not have worried, Fiona, the leader of the group immediately took my side as we made the trip to work. At one stage she did have to drag me as I puffed like a silly billy cart. She offered subtle tips such as watching for people in parked cars (so that they don’t open the bloody door on you) and smiling at bus drivers (so they get your immediate support) and waving at abusive drivers (to deflate their anger). This chick really knew her stuff. While at times she would ride ahead, a more experienced rider would instinctively take my side. Another experienced rider would ride behind the group warning us of any approaching cars.

Once on Elizabeth street Fiona literally forced cars aside with her gloved hand as the cycle group took the lane. People power at its best.

I loved every minute of my trip to work and felt more confident on the ride home. Unfortunately the 5:15pm departure time is just too optimistic for this deadline chained journalist. But I don’t think I have to wait too long, Caroline my fellow cyclists has offered to ride back with me at the realistic time of 6pm, one day a week.

PS My mate Sam loves the experience so much, within a week she dumped her K-mart bike for a sexy number at cheeky money.