It’s Getting Hot in Here.
Global warming, is it a concern to you? Well today the predicted westerly winds finally hit town, straight off the deserts they came. The predicted 36 C was soon eclipsed as the mercury hit an official 40.2 C (104.4 F) in the city at around 3pm.
Was it hot, oh yes! The thing about Australia is the heat in summer. I’ve been reading a number of US based bike blogs and all the bloggers are working away indoors or jugged up with all the winter kit to hit the road. We live in different worlds.
Well yesterday was a warm one without a doubt, driving home just after 12pm I thought to myself, “What’s up with the air-con today?” The vehicle has just hit its two year mark, the air-con unit can’t need a re-gas at this early stage. Looked down to the dash and the external temperature was sitting on 42.5 C (108.5F). As soon as I stopped at the next set of lights I could see a blog coming on and whipped out the mobile and snapped off the stats as proof.
At 12:19pm it was 42.5 C (note I was not moving at the time this pic was taken)
In a way global warming will increase the uptake of “bums on bikes” as more and more take up the challenge to reduce their carbon foot print on the planet. I personally own a car, as most do. As mentioned above it two years old and only gets used on weekends to cruise around and catch up with mates or head over to the “Temple of Worship”. I take the train to work to avoid traffic and outrageous parking fees in the city. Thus improving my carbon footprint by using public transport.
I do believe the following statement by “Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum” has hit the nail on the head:
"My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my son drives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel."
To put a cycling spin on it I think it should read:
- “My grandfather rode a bicycle, my father drives a BMW, I drive a VW, my son will drive and green vehicle, his son will ride a bicycle.”
This is a huge positive approach for cyclists, in a decades or too once the oil reserves have been bled dry by the need for progress we will return to bicycles, think of it a world with no cars, buses or trucks to ruin the club bunch ride. A true Cycling Nirvana.
The future of traffic for cyclists
The Weather
BrisbaneFriday, 29 August, 2008, 1:31 pm 
Partly sunny
current temperature: 21°Csunrise: 6:04
sunset: 17:34
Forecast Saturday, 30 August, 2008 day Partly sunny
20°CForecast Sunday, 31 August, 2008 day Partly sunny
21°C