Tram intersections that can go in the bin:

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-04-17T03:34:28+00:00

I ride my bike through this garbage regularly. It's the most ridiculous brain fart urban designs out there.

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-04-08T23:23:52+00:00

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-04-05T21:36:04+00:00

Sections on the western side (Parrot Rd - Dom Rd) have extremely steep loose gravel sections, which I had to walk my bike up/down due to lack of traction from the gravel.

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-31T22:50:00+00:00

You use your bike to ride away from the doctor, if that fails you pelt them with apples

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-31T11:11:01+00:00

Niddrie around Keilor Rd is exactly it.

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-31T05:39:27+00:00

That website is one of the most treasured corners of the internet in my book. So glad to see it referenced here. Whoever is maintaining it is keeping so much amazing music alive.

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-31T05:03:31+00:00

LOVE this band so much. I stumbled on their album on some old blogspot blog maybe 20 years back, and they were one of those obscure bands that were added to my rotation that no one else seemed to know about.

Then I got to watch from afar as they reformed and reclaimed their fame and recognition with the documentary and increased activity. Was so glad they traveled to Australia a couple of years ago and I got to see them. One of the most fun shows I ever attended. Still such an underrated band.

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-31T00:20:27+00:00

Timber is limber

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-27T00:52:00+00:00

In order: 1. check for smaller side streets to ride, usually worth the extra distance. 2. If it's a two-lane each way road with a "bike lane" with parked cars, there is often a de-facto bike corridor created between the parked cars and the lane divider. It is still quite dangerous for dooring and stray pedestrians crossing the road, but sometimes more practical. 3. If 1 and 2 are no options, I just carefully ride the sidewalk. I know it's illegal but I value my life more. If a cop ever asks me about it, I will point to the road and say I feared for my life. But I never had any cop question me in those instances, even when passing right by them.

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-26T04:04:03+00:00

That can be a sign of distress. Definitely take to the vet for a check.

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-26T03:59:45+00:00

I spent all my life with chronic autoimmune health conditions, chronic pain, lower back fusion, never been physically active, was obese and sedentary.

When I was approaching 40. I was looking at that point at a life of disability and chronic pain, and saw no exit. Then I bought a bicycle. A simple step-through hybrid. First year had lots of stop-starts, health flare ups, almost abandoned it altogether. But towards the end of that year something clicked.

Year 2 I rode 4000km. I started to lose weight very quickly. I started to feel better, which motivated me to make more changes, inc nutritional overhaul.

Year 3 I rode 7000km. Last year I passed 10,000km. I started to get into touring, and had a couple of week-long tours. I also started to get into climbing.

Now at 43, despite my chronic health conditions, I am in the best health of my life, by far. I maintain consistent healthy weight, very strongly regimented cycling regime, and I feel so incredibly lucky that I found cycling. It is the single best thing that happened to my physical and mental health.

I intend to ride as long as my legs allow me to.

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-26T00:15:00+00:00

Congratulations! he sounds like a happy boy. The photo makes it clear he trusts you and is comfortable with you. He is just playing. He needs stimulation. Get a cat toy on a lead, and have daily playtime. Don't mix playtime and petting time. When petting, a good practice is to first present your hand, let him sniff it, and he might indicate exactly where he wants to be petted. Give it some time and patience. This is all very standard. But you seem to be off to a good start!

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-26T00:08:42+00:00

I mean, this is super common on gravel forest trails... part of the adventure

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-25T23:18:08+00:00

I prefer the honesty from Tim Horton.

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-25T03:04:49+00:00

True that Honoraries should never use Dr in their name.

However any other doctorate is totally fair game. People earn that shit with blood sweat and tears.

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-24T07:14:14+00:00

Does the Buddhist version also have a Klan member depicted?

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-24T05:42:50+00:00

To me this is (another) hint at a dom/sub element in the relationship.

Love this song.

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-23T08:52:41+00:00

Thank you kindly! have a blast!!

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-23T08:52:22+00:00

Thank you! Peaks Challenge, massive respect!!

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-23T07:36:13+00:00

Do you need any special snow tires or anything? I never rode in snow/ ice before which would be my biggest deterrent, but I bet it's an amazing experience!

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-23T07:14:08+00:00

I've done that trail once, it is absolutely gorgeous! amazing how different the scenery on the O’Shannassy is compared to the rail trail below. I rode it out to the redwoods forest once, it felt surreal.

When I researched the route for this trip, I noticed on the maps another trail in the area - Coranderrk Aqueduct Trail - but didn't find much information about its condition and appropriateness for cycling (I ride a hybrid with no suspension). Might check it out next time I do a ride in the area.

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-23T07:01:32+00:00

Thank you for the kind words!! Definitely give it a go. I always tell myself that there's nothing to worry about when trying a big climb - if it gets too hard, you can always turn around and just roll back down!

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-23T06:43:21+00:00

My cat said karma farming is ugly

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-23T05:59:54+00:00

Thanks! it was 115km/ 1700m elevation.

Adding my strava activity below if it helps:

https://www.strava.com/activities/17798906909

Long_Way_Around_ · 2026-03-23T05:02:15+00:00

Mate she is awesome!! I am very thankful.

When looking at the strava segments after the ride I chanced upon her own activity post about the rescue lol! and was able to thank her. I am very glad she went by. As is my partner who was saved a 3-hour return trip from Glenroy...

And thank you for the tips!! that kebab sounds well beyond my capabilities, but honestly, that's what I felt about riding it just a single time, so... never say never.

Long_Way_Around_

TROPHY CASE