Page 7 - Tropic Magazine Issue 37

TROPIC • UP FRONT

EDITOR’S LETTER

We acknowledge the Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji and Yirrganydji as the Traditional Owners of the
area today known as Cairns. We also pay our respects to the custodians of the land in surrounding
areas and recognise their rich and evolving culture and continuing connection to country.

Do you remember your first bicycle? Today, road and mountain bikes are continuing to trend,
Or learning how to ride? Perhaps you along with more recent newcomers such as gravel bikes and
came a cropper a few times? e-bikes. Here in Far North Queensland, we’ve got the terrain
I spent my childhood getting around on and infrastructure to suit them all, and often with picturesque
wheels, both on a pushbike and roller scenery to boot. It’s led to a surge in cycling popularity, and out-
skates. This was back in the 80s, when of-towners are also taking notice. Tropic’s delved into the highs
to my young eyes it seemed the entire world was obsessed with and very highs of this phenomenon. You can check out the special
films like Xanadu and BMX Bandits. I certainly was. feature on page 35.
While skating is currently having a bit of a revival in popular We’ve also investigated how and why the opposite of the so-called
culture, bikes have been a mainstay. It’s just the style of riding ‘brain drain’ is occurring and shine the spotlight on some of the
which has changed over the years. In the 90s I remember my yet- brightest young minds headhunted by Cairns businesses (p.26).
to-be husband careening down steep bush tracks on a mountain You’ll find all this in Issue 37, along with the regular favourites and
bike for the first time, while the 2000s saw the emergence of the latest in lifestyle and events. As Nicole Kidman in her breakout
the MAMIL (Middle Aged Man in Lycra), signalling the growing BMX Bandits role once said – it’s rad.
popularity of road cycling.
Renee Cluff

What would entice you to commute to
work by pushbike?

Leah Renee Annabel Cat Melissa Mette Sasha
Convenient A form Designated More Not being so A guaranteed Separate bike
end-of-trip of public bike crossings consideration sweaty. tailwind. only lanes
facilities like transport that on every and patience Honestly, I’d along Mulgrave
the secure could carry me roundabout. from other rather ride a Road to ensure
parking, and my bike road users. horse. Perhaps I’m not riding
showers half of the way. a government- alongside cars,
and repair subsidised trucks, and
shop under e-bike buses.
Brisbane’s King would help.
George Square.

Cairns Museum

Discover something

new these holidays

Five galleries | Local guides
Family fun activity trails
10am - 4pm Mon to Sat

cairnsmuseum.org.au

7 • tropicnow.com.au