HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT AND STAY FIT
Riding to campus? You’re in luck! Darwin is warm all year, is mostly flat, there’s a great network of bike paths, and riding to campus can help improve your fitness while you commute. If you live close to campus you can probably make the short trip without the need to change or shower. But if you live a bit further or feel the need to freshen up, here are a few ideas how to make your journey more pleasant. If you’re new to the area and haven’t worked out the best routes, consider taking a ride on the weekend to find the best way. There are many pedestrian laneways that provide shortcuts, and the internal streets, while often circuitous, are not so busy. If you don’t like riding on roads, check out the Darwin and Palmerston bike map for paths leading to campus. Always carry some water with you – and don’t forget to stop and drink it!
If you think it takes too long, consider the time difference between riding and vehicular travel and tell yourself that the additional time is your bonus exercise time.
Spare tubes and pump? If you’re worried about punctures invest in tyres with puncture protection built in. While a little heavier, they save you the hassle of fixing a puncture or a long walk. If you should see broken glass on the path or other faults report it on the NT Government website - it is usually cleaned up in less than a day.
Now you’re almost ready! If you’re heading to Casuarina campus, look at the CDU Enviro Collective Cycling Map to work out the best routes and locations of racks and showers. All student marked showers can be used regardless of which building you normally go to. Some of the best and newest showers are in Blue 2, Pink 7, Pink 9, and Yellow 4. If you’re concerned about the safety of your bike, get access to the Bike Pod near the basketball court (Red 2) by emailing security@cdu.edu.au. The Bike Pod also has showers and lockers (BYO padlock, first in, first served).
All other student accessible showers do not have lockers and limited clothes hooks, although you probably wouldn’t leave your wet towel or sweaty clothes hanging around all day. So what to do? Here are some tips on how to freshen up at the end of your journey: Wear light synthetic clothing while riding (keep sun smart).
Use the cycling maps and plan your best route. This might include nice scenery or shady paths which makes riding more enjoyable.
Use a bike basket or pannier bags – backpacks can leave your back sweaty even in the Dry season. If you need to shower, bring a small travel towel (even a clean Chux or dishcloth will work fine!). You need something that will dry quickly. Hang it on your backpack as you walk to lectures, and be bike proud!
Some showers on campus have nowhere to put down a bag or have one hook. Your backpack will need to be well organised so you can have your towel ready, then when you are dry, pull clothing out in the right order. Hang your riding clothes under the bag if there’s only one hook. Use a cotton bag for sweaty clothes and carry them separately until dry.
Contact facilities@cdu.edu.au if you want cycling facilities improved or to report any faults at CDU. Don’t forget that all campus paths shown on the CDU Enviro Collective cycling map are shared cyclist and pedestrian paths. Cyclists must keep left and give way to pedestrians on all paths and pedestrians must look out for cyclists and give room for cyclists to pass.
Bryan Baker is a PhD student in aquatic science at CDU. When he’s struggling with study you can find him on one of the bike paths around Darwin. Image credit: Matthew Marchesi Image caption: CDU students and staff cycling to Casuarina campus.
