I have a new bike.
A Specialized Turbo Levo 4, picked up from Humble Bike Shop in Vasse, Western Australia — and it’s already changing the way I think about mornings here in Pemberton.
Getting there started with a local tip. Mike Hudson, one of Pemberton’s resident bike experts, pointed me toward Humble (www.humblebicycleco.com) Bikes and told me to ask for Rex. Best advice I could have received. Excellent range, excellent support, people who know what they’re talking about.
My first ride took me toward the trail network in the hills just outside of town. Pemberton has tracks for every level: novice through to the kind that make you question your life choices. I started on novice, and I’m glad I did. I haven’t been on a bike in over a decade, and there’s no shame in starting where you should.
What struck me immediately was how much the technology has changed. Hitting a hill that would have been much more physically challenging years ago, I just rode up it…smoothly, comfortably…and got to focus entirely on the surrounding beauty rather than the strain of the climb. The suspension helped too. These old bones noticed.
I didn’t plan on riding 10 kilometers that first morning. But once I was moving through the karri forest, I kept going. It felt too good to stop.
I’m cautious and I am aware of my limits. But Pemberton, Western Australia is one of the most beautiful places in the world to ride, and I feel like I’ve only just opened the door on what’s out here waiting to be explored.
More rides to come.
Being Arthur 