Cycling 65km for a cause!

I've lived in a few different places in Canberra, but I've always commuted by bicycle (or bus for those lazy, sick or rainy days). The photo above was from my daily commute from Cook when I used to live there. I love the signs (especially the top one). This stretch of road was always exciting for the tunnels, hairpin turns (see the mirror just before the tunnel entrance?), and dive-bombing magpies.

Canberra has a great bicycle network, with a mix of on-road cycling lanes and shared (pedestrian/cyclist) off-road paths.

This year, I'm straying from the well-beaten track (to and from Uni). I'll be tackling a nice hilly 65km ride on my trusty commuter bike, organised by the Amy Gillett foundation.

• Check out the route: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/AGF-Canberra-Ride-2010-64km
• Check out the hills: http://www.cyclingprofiles.com.au/HTM/Recreational/REC_AGFCAN201064.htm

If you would like to sponsor me for the ride, please visit

https://www.registernow.com.au/agf/Donate.aspx?F=292
Donations over $2 are fully tax deductible (in Australia)

All money raised will go to supporting the Amy Gillett Foundation’s road safety initiatives:

The Amy Gillett Foundation's primary objective is to reduce the incidence of injury and death caused by the interaction between cyclists and motorists. In doing so, we hope to promote a safe and harmonious relationship of shared respect between the two groups.

Regardless of whether or not you choose to donate, please keep an eye out for cyclists on the roads wherever you live!

Thanks for reading, I'll be back to the regular crafty posts soon.

Victorian Bushfire Appeal

There are many ways you can help out, wherever you are... The OzBushfireAppeal Etsy shop is filled with donated items from Etsians all over the world. They are no longer accepting donated items, but the shop will continue to sell existing ones until the end of March. All items come with free international shipping and the funds are all donated to the Australian Red Cross.


Another website which has been set up is Handmade Help, which lists auctions which benefit the appeal. It has info on donations, including handmade items, craft supplies and rainbow comfort packs to keep kids busy.

{photo source: Nikki @ Handmade Help}

For those in Australia, Our Community has a lot of information on drop-off centres, donating food, money, blood and tips on avoiding fundraising scams.

Also, you can drop off second-hand books to any Borders store. These will be used to restock libraries, and borders will match the dollar value of books donated as a cash donation: read about it here.