One ride that has already been put in the calandar is the one where we welcome boys on bikes as well.

It’s on Thursday 9 December, meet at the fountain @ Carlton Gardens for a 6.30ish departure.

It was roughly this time last year that I went on the very first all girls Thursday night bike ride. I’m not going to lie… I was pretty nervous and I felt like I was going on a blind internet date but I knew this was my opportunity to finally meet some likeminded individuals in a non-intimidating macho environment. It was honestly one of the best things I did for myself. I’ve met some really fantastic people from all walks of life who have come and gone over the last year, and I’m sure that I will continue to meet more excellent people in the future.

A question that I’ve been asked a lot recently is, “are the Thursday night rides still happening?”

Well, I hate to say it, but they pretty much seem dead. It would be all well and good to say that they are, but  realistically, I don’t think there are quite enough females (who currently know about the ride) to sustain the unplanned grass roots rock-up-if-you-feel-like-it and we’ll pick a route ideal that some of us have in mind. I’ve said it before, no one is charge. However, without someone who is willing to take the reins and plan routes and be there every week, not much happens. I would do it myself, but Thursday nights just don’t suit me at the moment, but in about two months or less, they’ll be great. I’d just hate for someone who has never come on one of these rides before (or anyone, or myself even) to turn up to Fed Square on a Thursday at 6.15, wait 15 minutes then realise that no one else is going to show up. That would suck. Anyone who’s keen to plan some routes and lead a ride, you don’t need to ask anyone, just do it!

With the weather improving at a rapid pace, it’s a safe call to say that weekly rides and fun times (think babes + beach + swimming + ice cream + beer + my favourite of deep fried potato) will be back on the agenda really soon. Until then, check back here (and maybe even Twitter if someone tells me how use it) and stay in touch on the forums and Facebook so you’ll know when someone has called a Thursday evening ride (or any other time, really). And I encourage anyone to suggest a ride at any time.

P.S. If anyone objects to me declaring that weekly rides are temporarily not weekly, you had better be prepared to show your face regularly on Thursday nights because no one else is showing up.

Photo stolen (as per usual) from ah_blake, where you’ll find a few more.

And hey… Remember how fun the rides were last spring?

In case you’ve forgotten, “reasonably fast” is just code for “not sitting at the pub drinking beer”, so once again, don’t let the name of the ride deter you. No one is left behind. On this (hopefully) pleasant spring evening, anyone regardless of gender is welcome to ride with us, and we will finish with delicious post-ride treats.

Meet at 6.15 for a 6.30 roll.

P.S. Don’t forget about the all girls roller racing (which is actually going to be on Wattbikes – super fancy exercise bikes, hooked up to a screen) happening on the actual first Thursday of spring. As the event starts at 7, it’d probably be a good idea to meet at Fed Square at the normal time to ride to Prahran together.

RSVP to the Facebook event… If you want.

The most fun ever. I still can’t believe how much fun something as simple as riding (and falling) in mud could be. Thanks Nik, Blakey and Eleanor. Other than stabbing my butt with my saddle so hard I bruised it when I stacked, I have no personal injuries to report.

Never Stop Pedalling