On a regular Wednesday afternoon just a couple of weeks ago I, apparently out of nowhere, became OBSESSED with the idea of getting a bicycle. By Saturday morning it was decided: I was going to buy this beautiful little number.

Guys, meet Petunia!Petunia the bicycle In the end Chris bought her for me because he’s wonderful. He is also highly aware of my general aversion to the sports so he, like many others, was a bit skeptical.

And perhaps with good reason — it’s been nearly 10 years since I’ve cycled, and I was apparently so attached to my last bike that I left it behind when I moved out of a rental property and didn’t notice for about three months. But that’s besides the point entirely. Coming into summer, it seemed like the perfect time to have another go at cycling. Plus Petunia is just adorable! She also has seven gears so will suit my casual-cyclist ambitions perfectly. I immediately set about finding small excursions we could attempt to ensure Petunia gets out and about with some regularity.

Our first outing

Cycling the Yarra

Petunia relaxes by the Yarra

As it happens, the Abbotsford Convent was hosting a farmers’ market the following weekend, so Chris and I saddled up and off we went, following the eastern part of the Yarra Trail.

The moment we hit the road, I remembered what a wonderful feeling cycling gives you. Sure, my legs hurt after about 8 seconds, but that feeling of coasting along and flying down hills is just gloooooorious. Freeing and uplifting. Smile-making. So much fun!

The Yarra Trail was a great choice: most of the way we were riding alongside the water and all we had to worry about was taking in the scenery (including lots of people rowing on the river). There are a few parts where it gets a bit squeezy if there’s oncoming traffic and there are a few blind corners but mostly it’s a really relaxing, easy path.

Even so, by the time we arrived at the Convent, my legs were well and truly out of juice — willing but not entirely able.

Abbotsford Convent: Market and Breakfast

The market was a nice way to pass an hour in recovery, checking out the fresh local produce (and a tasty scone). I also picked up some organic yoghurt which is surprisingly light and airy, more like mousse in texture, and goes perfectly with my breakfast muesli and fruit.

A recharge was definitely in order, so we popped into the Abbotsford Bakery for breakfast. Abbotsford Convent breakfastAlthough on the pricier side, the food was beautifully fresh and so delicious! My eggs were actually that yellow, which says to me that they’re good quality (and they tasted that way as well.) The coffee was yummy too: a bit stronger than I’d usually like but a really nice flavour.

A bit sooner than I might have liked, it was back on the wheels and homeward bound. Petunia put her pedal down and insisted we take the shorter (more direct) way home which meant we had to follow the road.

Riding on the road was definitely a bit more stressful because, like driving I suppose, it’s important to keep an eye on everything that’s happening around you, so as not to get run over or smacked by a car door. We had no dramas though and made it back home (via Officeworks, yay!) in one piece.

The verdict

It’s possible that I over-estimated how easy Petunia would find her first outing, particularly the hilly sections, and she may have had a small tantrum after taking the long and winding route and finding at one point we were actually less than 4 kilometres from home.

Overall though it was really an excellent outing. It was definitely challenging and, I’m not going to lie, my legs were aching for hours afterwards. But even in those moments when my legs were screaming and I thought I’d topple sideways rather than keep pushing up a hill, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I’m excited to plan more little outings and perhaps work my way up to pedaling the entire Yarra Trail — and beyond!

Are you a cyclist? What are some of your favourite cycling destinations? Let me know in the comments below.