The Morning of the Event
I woke up at six in the morning, just like usual, but today felt different. It was the long-awaited day of the cycling event. Looking out the window, I saw drops of rain starting to fall. The weather was uncertain, but inside me, excitement was quietly building.
On the way to the venue, I began to see cyclists here and there—some dressed casually, others in colorful racing outfits. My own energy rose naturally at the sight. The realization struck me: this was really happening. At the same time, I noticed how “underprepared” I was compared to others. That small regret, however, became a lesson. Next time, I would step in more fully ready to enjoy it.
Riding Together
At the starting point, Andy—the friend who had invited me—was waiting with a smile. “Isn’t your bike too loaded?” he teased, then suggested I leave my luggage with the organizers. Suddenly lighter, I lined up for the start.
The first minutes felt strange. For months, I had always pedaled with all my gear attached. Riding without weight almost felt unsteady, but very quickly, the joy of lightness overtook everything else. Laughing and pedaling alongside others, I discovered how different—and how fun—group cycling could be.
At one of the rest points, free beer was handed out. The sky had cleared, the atmosphere was relaxed, and I enjoyed the moment as if time had slowed down.
Surprising Connections
Then something unexpected happened. A woman came up to me and said, “I know you—I follow you on Instagram.” To my surprise, she not only recognized me but also invited me to stay at her house that evening. Her warmth touched me deeply. In that moment, I was glad I had continued to share my journey online.
Along the route, I met many other cyclists. Some cheered me on, others joked, “That bike looks heavy!” But each word, whether encouragement or laughter, lifted my spirit and carried me forward.
Though the roads were rough at times, and I even thought I had punctured a tire, I reached the finish without trouble.
At the Finish
Small stalls lined the goal area, and once again, new encounters followed. Jack treated me to a beer. David shared practical tips for long-distance cycling. And I reunited with Andy, who had invited me, and was able to thank him properly.
Looking back, I felt once again how much I liked Australia. People here seemed to balance seriousness and relaxation so well—easygoing most of the time, but reliable when it mattered. That rhythm suited me.
An Evening of Warmth
After the event, I headed to the house of the woman who had invited me. As I opened the door, a dog came rushing to greet me enthusiastically. That welcome was enough to melt away the day’s exhaustion.
I still had one important task left. I had forgotten my GoPro Quik at a previous host’s house, but by chance, they were also in Melbourne that day. Thanks to that coincidence, I was able to recover it safely.
Dinner that evening was a simple plate of spaghetti. Sitting at the table, sharing food and conversation, I realized how much the day had given me.
From morning to night, I had been surrounded by laughter, encouragement, and new faces. Cycling can be done alone—but the joy of riding together is something entirely different.
What I learned that day was simple yet powerful: encounters are never pure coincidence. They happen because we set out on the road.
