January 17: Sydney, Australia

A three hour flight from Queensland, New Zealand and on to Australia. Sydney, sitting on the Tasman Sea, is the capital of New South Wales as well as being the largest city in Australia with an approximate population of four and a half million people. The city encompasses acres of green space which display an array of informal and formal gardens. The Royal Botanical Gardens as well as the Domain have occupied a ridge overlooking Darling Harbor since 1816. Just to the south sits Hyde Park, the oldest public park in Australia. Throughout the city are sprinkled smaller parks, each with their own personality.

What is the best way to see a city? By bike! So off the group goes to find a "guide" and four bikes. Unlike the "quiet" of the countryside, Sydney is a bustling city with its pedestrians and motorized vehicles. This is summertime in the southern hemisphere and the hordes of tourists are on vacation. Pedaling among the moving targets is a challenge, but the city is crisscrossed successfully.

Riding along side the waterway through the Rock; up and over the Sydney Harbor Bridge; exploring Wendy's Garden; sitting on Mrs. Macquaries Chair; cruising through the strollers in the Royal Gardens; ducking traffic in the Financial District; swerving in and out of tourists at the Harbor -- all in a day's ride!