When I first learnt to cycle, it was like the city I’d lived in all my life became unlocked. While I’ve certainly always enjoyed the natural beauty of Sydney – my newfound ability to ride has given me the chance to immerse myself in the outdoors in a way that’s entirely new.

I have the freedom to explore my local surrounds, like a souped-up flâneur on wheels. This has meant discovering new spots of beauty across the city, and even parks in my neighbourhood I’d never seen before.

Posting about my exploits online, and sharing photos of what I’ve seen has attracted a fair bit of interest. The updates I share illustrate clearly the joie de vivre that cycling brings me. I hope that by sharing these updates I can encourage others to give cycling a go.

One day after work, I jetted on a whim to the then newly installed ocean pool, Marrinawi Cove. I spent the afternoon riding around the stunning harbourside landscaping at Barangaroo and explored the grassy Stargazer Lawn above, before taking a dip in the ocean pool at sunset. Afterwards I relaxed in the afterglow of golden hour on a warm sandstone block, watching the the sun set over the harbour. Pretty magic.

These movement of spontaneous joy tacked on to the end of a busy workday just wouldn’t have happened before I learned to ride. And I would argue that even if I was able to drive, I wouldn’t be as free to explore my surrounds in the same way that my trusty trike allows. (Have I convinced you to try cycling yet?)

It is these impromptu experiences that prompted my friend to tell me: “Congratulations, you’ve won Sydney”. The phrase stuck with me because it certainly seems to be true. Having a trike rewards me in so many different ways. It allows me me unwrap my city over and over, like a new gift every day.