If you follow me on Strava you’ll see that most weeks I try to do a “Ladies’ ride”. My good friend Nat Go and I are the Ladies’ ride regulars. Typically we drive somewhere nice like the beach, or to a climb where we ride our bikes and then have some lunch. Coffee is, of course, consumed at one or two cafes along the way. Occasionally we will have a guest “lady” join us – but mostly it’s the two of us.
We typically start our drive early in the morning (6:00 or 7:00 am) and are home anywhere between lunchtime and sundown. I’m not really sure which of our clever working friends coined the term “Ladies’ ride” but I’m pretty sure it’s in reference to the “Ladies who lunch” phenomenon. Nat and I are “Ladies who ride”.
We head off on a workday – Thursdays normally, to ride our bikes and have a lovely day. For me, it’s an escape from the regular routes that we ride around town from our homes. Driving to a ride start is something we almost never do regularly so Ladies’ rides are a wonderful exception.
The Ladies’ ride is a chance to escape from routine and ride new roads. We’re blessed to have lots of spectacular riding within 100 km of home, and Ladies’ rides are where we explore. There are a few rules for Ladies’ rides.
Rule # 1 applies at all times.
The roads and routes need to be good for the soul – either through beautiful countryside, up a spectacular climb, or to a special destination. We’ve seen waterfalls, best of all look-outs, fudge shops, rain forests, sugar cane, tea plantations, beaches, spectacular views and awesome gravel roads on our Ladies’ rides.
Cafes and lunch destinations are carefully chosen for their views, ambience and/or location. Nat likes to have lunch with a view of the ocean if we are near the beach. Today we rejected a cafe with delicious Portuguese tarts due to a subpar view. We also found a new cafe with the delicious mixed aroma of chai, incense and curry. We only needed water but we of course stopped for a coffee.
We’re happy to have some routes on high rotation for Ladies’ rides – they are gifts that just keep giving. Today we “Frankenstined” together two of our favourite Gold Coast rides. Climbing, a valley road and the beach – all ingredients for a great day out!
Are Ladies’ rides a luxurious indulgence? Maybe.
Am I going to stop doing them? No Way – they’re good for me mentally and physically!
Ladies’ rides depart from Brisbane most Thursdays. Riders with a strong commitment to Rule #1 are welcome to apply in the comments below.
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Always my favourite ride of the week. Sometimes there may be a bottom lip wobble or a few tears from exhaustion but once I am watered, coffeed and fed and had a few laughs I can’t help but smile again. 😁 #ladiesridesrock