Bike Ride for Forgiveness

It was very nice to go out on our bikes again. They did not miss a beat and took us there as though we'd been riding every week. And as usual we stopped at Azurea Cafe for a cuppa before returning. But not before Barb read aloud right through one book. Admittedly a small one but worth listening to on self-forgiveness by Timothy Keller. Very good for our souls to be reminded, from a foundational Christian perspective, how the celestial court has been adjourned and shut down. We won't be called to the dock. Making a defense for ourselves before God's assessment of our lives is a wasted thought, wasted worry, and a useless theological argument. Because unless Jesus has paid the penalty for humanity, for the world, we are out, out of the family of God, out of the kingdom of God, removed from God. Something amazing had to have happened 2000 years ago for this to be so. We act out of love and service because of Jesus' defense of us not the other way round, such as trying to earn acceptance before God, doing good stuff, getting in on the strength of our so called purity, generosity or suffering. Hey, our bike ride involved a helpful theological reading leading to our discussion about it that lasted quite a time. A divine moment no doubt. A special morning in our lives.

Biking to Brunswick

We decided to go on a bike ride to Brunswick if we could. It was winter but the day boded well. It took us two hours to reach CERES a community farm community on the edge of Brunswick. It was there that we stopped for a cuppa and lunch and called it our destination. We were able to follow a dedicated bike route for most of the trip which was very satisfying and safe.

Interestingly, at CERES each Saturday the community bike maintenance area is alive with people working on bikes. You have to see it to believe it. If you look closely, one of the work spaces is 'arched' by a 'geodesic dome' of discarded bike wheels, all lashed together. This metal canopy is fast being smothered by a passion-fruit vine. Bike riders helped themselves to community bike tools and experienced bike repairers were on duty to help and train.

We had a very healthy meal of organically grown produce sitting on box seats by a notice board absolutely covered in community advertisements. This was where it is at...

The community market at CERES was also a Saturday event and we stopped by to purchase a few things that were not too much to carry back on bikes. Near by were community farms and Barb took a few pictures of these. It looked very well planned winter garden. A rain shower swept over causing us to ponder how our return trip might go. It was good to wait under cover for it to pass because the rain went ahead of us and we had a dry run home. Even the cold wind was not so strong. That took another two hours but the excursion was empowering for us. We now know that what ever happens to our car and P/T, we know we can get to Brunswick and back by peddle power!

Bike Share

Biking at the Lakes II

This time Joy took Peter and Barb on the route. It was one of those Autumn perfect days... again. Barb was able to come this time and Craig was not well and so had to give it a miss. So it was three of us again riding by the lakes at The Lakes.

This time we stopped at the Lakes Cafe for a cuppa. In time the people here could make it a more attractive place to break their bike ride. There were too many parked cars and we were the only bikes at the time.

What happened here? What could have transpired? This is our secret. We enjoyed the ride and will have to make it a more common occurance.

Biking at The Lakes

Peter joined up with Craig and Joy on a relaxed bike ride into an area of Melbourne called The Lakes, a new housing development in South Morang. The path along by the waters was very impressive and just nearby was a nice looking cafe to relax at and have a cuppa. This time though, Craig, Joy and Peter rode further to explore more of the track.

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It is good to find the time to do this sort of thing and to take the chances when they come along.