mambi's commute
Written by: Samantha Boswell
Age: 29
Lives: Sydney, Australia
Rides: Live 2
sam@spikeandmambi.com
Blackwattle and Rozelle Bay
31 january 2010
A sunny Sunday always means a bike ride. Today was no exception, we headed over to nearby Glebe and took a slow ride around the Blackwattle and Rozelle Bay walking loop. 
I'd done the walk before, so I knew doing the loop on the bike would be a nice relaxing ride. Fortunately the track seemed fairly quiet and I got the chance to road test Elliot's new accessory... an elastic rack net, to keep it all luggage in (today my camera)!
We entered the loop via Ferry Road (see a similar route) enjoying the bay views, looking out to the Anzac Bridge as we emerged onto the track. Riding around the water, through parklands and past the marine scrapyard before finally taking on the bridge! The bridge ride was fine, I think knowing there was a big downhill really helped. Once on the street again we headed past the fish markets... oh the smell... let's just say I pedaled hard to get past that one. Stopped a couple of times to admire things that usually go unnoticed and headed down some back streets home, finding an old man selling about 30 bikes outside his house, needless to say I didn't stop.
The elastic rack net, went down a treat, I highly recommend them for anyone riding the 'Live'. I picked mine up from a cute little bike shop in Newtown called Cheeky Transport. The net has 6 hooks on it so it nice and evenly grips the frame, holding everything together snug. Will be a good test to see how it handles boxes, or whether I'll end up reverting back to the good old okkie straps (can post more photos if anyone want to see more detail of the net).
Anyway I'm off to watch the gripping third set of the Australian Open... Come on Andy!
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Friday Photos
29 january 2010
This week's photos come to you straight from the heart of the city, where I work. Unfortunately I don't sit near a window, but noticed something that made me smile one afternoon when passing one; the beautiful afternoon light was splashing against the modern structures and illuminating them brightly with colour, even if momentarily. I stood and watched as it disappeared as quickly as it arrived. The following day I tried capturing it, and here's what I caught. (if you look closely, a cheeky Sydney icon has crept in... can you spot it?). 
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Friday Photos
22 january 2010
This Friday's photos are from the Patrick Watson gig we went to as part of the Sydney Festival. Was a tranquil and intimate gig, and as I haven't seen Patrick live before... it turned out to be candy for my ears... it was bliss. I particularly loved the fact that they make music with unlikely objects. Mingling sounds from a deflating balloon, a saw, and megaphone into songs seamlessly like that was their intended purpose.
As Patrick played 'To Build a Home' my eyes closed momentarily, allowing the piano keys to ripple over my ribs, and stir up emotions that only a live performance, and a hushed crowd can. Patrick's harmonic voice was a real treat.
P.S. Dolly Parton, if you're reading this, you really should consider doing a duet with Patrick; the song he wrote for you is great.
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Love Patrick Watson! Went to a gig of theirs about 2 years ago and was mesmorised. Looks like an amazing venue you went to.
Emma- Globe Bikes
A Weekend in the City on Bikes - Part Two
18 january 2010
I apologise for the delay on this but the week has been manic... excuses, excuses, I know.
So the second part of a weekend in the city, saw Chris and myself take a ride (dare I say it) over the bridge to Kirribilli's art and design market. For me this seemed like a long ride, approximately 10kms of backstreets and busy roads until you meet with the iconic coathanger... the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 
Riding over the bridge was a brand new experience for us both, turning our faces into ones of first time tourists doing a picture postcard activity...our grins were huge, and also it meant we were nearly there! The end of the bridge saw a meeting with the stairs and a very steep bike ramp...not looking forward to that one on the way home! The bike path across the bridge had lead us straight to the markets... and shade! Yet strangely no bike parking!. So JD and Elliot stayed with us, disabling me from looking too much and definitely not buying! We eventually found a random pole and locked up the pair and kept wandering. 
Feeling a little on the sweaty side, we pulled up a grassy patch and knocked back some water. Deciding the markets were done, we grabbed the bikes and ventured around Kirribilli... another first. Our ride gave us harbour views, hills (boo) and eventually some well earned caffeine... I was beginning to flag.
The way home saw us take a detour, and head for Circular Quay. We took the bikes around to the Opera house and indulged in the views. With the Sydney festival in full swing it was a little crowded, but kind of fun people swerving! After hitting a dead end - the Botanical Gardens 'No Bikes Allowed' sign - we headed back through the city and home, showing Chris my daily ride, it was a familiar but nice feeling. Maybe I'm becoming a local after all!
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Weekend in the City on Bikes- Part one
11 january 2010
The month long Sydney festival kicked off at the weekend with a bang. This year sees a pretty good line up, and i'm off to see Grizzly Bear on Wednesday night and can't wait! The design theme of the festival is very yellow and every time I see the ad I can't help being reminded of a Coldplay gig (Yellow balls etc). Nevertheless I quite like the black typography and the yellow is rather lively.
So we skipped the Saturday crowd and decided to hit the streets with Elliot and JD instead. The sun had been beating down all day, so we left late afternoon to avoid getting burnt and headed towards the eastern suburbs for a ride round Centennial Park.
I must admit the heat had put me in the mood of an angry scorpion... I was very volatile and ready to strike at any given moment... and don't be fooled Sydney's hills weren't helping any. I cursed ignorant drivers as I rode behind JD and eventually hit the pavement, where I continued to curse the council. The lack of dropped curbs is disgusting, being handicapped in this part of the city would suck.
We did finally reach the Parklands, where I at last cracked a smile and gulped some water; it was comforting to see some green with bike tracks! We took the 3.5km Grand Drive track at a very leisurely pace. We then cut through the middle of the park to investigate other areas only stopping to take 5 under the shade of a large leafy tree, and check out the horse riding.
Upon leaving I frowned at the hum of traffic, but soon realised the ride home was predominantly downhill. This I could do, and once home with the bikes inside, an icy cold shower awaited me.
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You Don't Take Coal to Newcastle
10 january 2010
During our last week of holiday time...after meeting a client deadline we decided to take a well earned break. With no plans, a tent, a cake and a bag packed we decided to hit the road! We called some friends, and my brother to check all were about and went visiting, leaving the city behind for who knew how long.
First stop was about 1.5 hr up the road to see some friends and their little one by the lake, enjoy their view for the last time (they're moving very soon), and indulge in an early dinner and cake. It was great catch up time but it always goes too fast and we had to keep moving. It was almost dark and now raining... camping was not looking good.
Next stop, another 1hr, was my brother's house in Newcastle. Named after England's famous coal port, Newcastle is also known as for it's steel, hence the nickname 'Steel city', however the steel works have since shut down. Still it's Australia's second oldest town, so lots of history remains, including forts, swimming holes and shipwrecks! Newcastle is a place which I strangely hold close to my heart for many reasons: I
lived, studied and worked up there for four years... a time where I
learned about design and life in a grungy looking town by the sea. Let me show you a little...
So after leaving my brother's place, we decided camping just wasn't happening. Instead we splashed out on a nice hotel for the night - a room with a view - the main reason being that, well, Chris kinda hates Newcastle, which is my fault. Let me explain... the first time I took Chris to see "Newie", I told him about the beautiful beaches, cafe lined streets, cool bars and a laid back lifestyle. What did I show him? Rough pubs, shady areas, and his first prostitute sighting on my scenic drive to the beach. He's never really recovered from these images, and me wanting us to relocate up there...well ain't going to happen yet. However I am persistent and Chris isn't narrow minded so I got him to take another look.
Our 'harbour view' room was nice, and although we arrived late, and Chris was worried about our car being nicked... we finally exhaled from a busy Christmas period and had a laugh over a late night cup of tea. The morning was unfortunately overcast, but dry so I took a quick picture of the 'harbour view' before we left for breakfast (I never eat at the hotel).
For breakfast we went to downtown Darby Street, a street known for it's food and cool little shops. I used to have a favourite cafe, but it's been years so we tried "The Kitchen". I had a craving for porridge and although mid summer, it was a fairly mild morning so why not? The waitress talked me into trying the semolina porridge with mixed berries. I enjoyed it very much, however it was strangely too smooth!
After a wander round the funky little shops, and a scout through the second hand bookshop I took Chris to see the beach via the lush King Edward Park. No one was about, it was very relaxing, but very warm... the sun was finally out. Heading towards the sea we took a peek down at the 'Bogie Hole', the water temperature was sharp, so we didn't feel too bad about not jumping in and instead continued the tour. 
We caught up again with my brother for a late lunch, more old book shops and then headed to nearby Stockton to try and find a camp spot... unluckily for us everywhere was full and free camping isn't really an option there! Instead we made the most of the late afternoon sun with a long beach walk, shell collecting and a walk up the break-wall to check out the historic shipwrecks and local fishermen's catches... (one guy was pulling in a huge fish as we passed). 
As the sun set, we made the regrettable decision to head back to the city, but not before we ate dinner! I had a flashback of an awesome Chinese place I used to go to near where I once lived, and Chris being a fan of Chinese food, it was right up his alley and still as tasty as I remembered.
In conclusion, although we didn't go camping, or stay away for as long as hoped, I think Chris may have seen a brighter, more promising side to 'Newie'. For all those visiting, I hope you enjoy it, or at least stop for a coffee and a beach walk.
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Friday Photos
09 january 2010
Basking in the late afternoon sunshine after fitting a new accessory to Elliot. She now has a brushed metal water bottle holder...sweet!
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Nice photography Sam
sm
20-10
07 january 2010
20-10 or two thousand and ten, you decide... for me it’s 20-10 and happy new year to you all!
Well New year for us Aussies involves... a bbq, friends, alcohol and some illegal fireworks... or if you’re lucky Sydney Harbour. This year, we caught up with some great friends on the coast, ate like there was no tomorrow and drank pretty much the same way... hitting the hay just before sunrise. We stayed at my friends for three nights instead of the usual one, and it was the best start to the new year one could wish for; staying up late talking, playing cards and heading to the beach to swim in a storm...stupid, perhaps...fun and memorable, most definitely.
Anyway, now back in the big smoke, but not back in the office! So took Elliot for a spin with JD to Sydney Park (see pic), for a well needed breather from some client work. Sydney Park is a nice open patch of green, with ponds and wildlife surrounded by the bustling city. From the top of the highest hill in the park you can see the airport to the South, the City to the North and to the sides, industry and apartments. As we rode through the park, a pair of dogs chased our heels, the afternoon sun warmed our backs and the light breeze sent the sounds of arriving planes around the park; the repetition, like a dog continually chasing a ball.
Now back at the house, lush dinner consumed, Rolling Stones in my ears, staring at my Christmas candelabra which arrived today (oh well!)... I’m slowly working my way through my last bottle of red from Adelaide (brought on from chatting to a very dear friend staying out there at the moment) and, true to my new years words, eating chocolate; what a combo! The book beside me tops the night off... LP’s ‘Pacific Northwest trips’ and as my friend reminded me today, ‘So Sam, when you guys heading to the States...’. Well... frankly I would love to do a working stint out there... have been back in Oz two years, and have really itchy feet... 20-10 bring it on!
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