Stranded at Sunset: How a Flat Tyre a Kind Stranger Made This Brasilian Intern Fall for Canberra's Bike Life

Hi there, my name is Diogo. I’m a physics intern at the ANU, originally from Brasil, and I just arrived in Canberra a month ago. Since getting here, I’ve fallen in love with exploring the natural reserves around the region on my bike. Some would say this is just because I don’t have a license, but let’s be real, they’re just jealous.

Last week I went for a ride out to Googong. The scenery was stunning, the air fresh, and I was enjoying every moment of my solo adventure. But about 5km from the airport on the way back, I suddenly heard pshhh, the dreaded sound of my front tyre going completely flat.

The sun was already setting, and none of my friends were free to come to the rescue. So I did what any stranded cyclist might do: I balanced my bike on its back wheel with my left hand and stuck my right thumb out, hoping for a lift.

Ten minutes later, a kind lady (whose name I shamefully forgot) pulled over and offered me a ride to the city centre. She immediately guessed I was new to biking, no spare tube, no repair gear, no idea, and we ended up having a great chat during the drive.

Thanks to her generosity, I avoided a three-hour hike into town and went straight to the repair shop. I thanked her from the bottom of my heart and let’s just say, I’ve since learned my lesson and always carry a spare tube now.

Despite the unexpected detour, I’m absolutely loving Canberra’s biking culture and the incredible nature that surrounds the city. I’m already planning my next ride.