Following alongside the now-disused railway track, the Hobart Innercity Cycleway makes for a great car-free cycle from the waterfront along the Derwent River up to Claremont and back. From my office, it’s a relatively flat 32km (~20 mile) return trip of wide and smooth purpose built concrete path.

Sunrises and cycles. Repping in my Woking CC jersey. Velo et Gateaux!

I like to ride this route one morning a week as an easier “active recovery” session. It’s no good for an all-out hammer as there are multiple road crossings, runners, other cyclists and pedestrians to contend with. It’s also handy as the prevailing wind direction usually makes for a headwind out and helpful tailwind back!

Clipping in and heading down past Salamanca Place, there’s always a slight nip in the air as the first rays of sunlight break across the horizon, the city still half asleep. You may spy a cruise ship docked in the harbour or even the bright orange Antarctic icebreaker, Aurora Astralis. On a weekday you’ll also need to keep your eyes peeled for the bleary eyed office worker – KeepCup in one hand, iPhone in the other – out hunting for that first caffeine fix.

Once you join the cycleway and leave the cars behind it’s time to relax and enjoy the view. Marvel at the Tasman Bridge as you pass underneath, sync yourself to the “stroke, stroke, stroke” call of the rowers, take a moment to soak up the fantastic sunrise over the river and mountains in the distance.

A friend of mine has just opened a new cafe on the other side of town, so on this particular occasion I took a detour off the Cycleway on the way back and dropped in to say hello. Any excuse to grab a quick coffee (with cake of course) and clock ride number two of the Cycle Life Challenge. After all, I only ride my bike so I can visit new places and consume more cake!

Tasty second breakfast at Sweet Sassafras.

Sweet Sassafras in North Hobart is a friendly little place focusing on locally sourced, delicious food and ethical choices. The cakes are all home made and the coffee roasted locally. I treated myself to a beautifully smooth cappuccino plus slice of breakfast loaf, sitting down for a great catch-up with Maya. I may be a little bias, but I this place is a winner!

Sweet Sassafras, North Hobart