The Wadandi (Saltwater People) are the traditional custodians and inhabitants of the south west Boodja (Land/Country) of Western Australia (WA). Part of the wider Noongar group of Aboriginal people in the south west of WA, the Wadandi developed an ancestral six-season calendar that guides them to live with and better understand the local plants, animals and changing weather patterns. These seasons are defined not by specific dates on a calendar, but by observations of the subtle changes around them each year.
While most non-Indigenous people living in the various regions of Australia still generally refer to the European-derived four season definitions (Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn), also using “Wet Season” or “Dry Season” definitions for the far north regions of Australia, there has been increased awareness in recent years that these Euro-centric seasonal definitions don’t quite match up and apply as well in many parts of Australia where the native flora and fauna are distinctly unique from what is found in continental Europe or North America.
So while it is technically Winter here in Margaret River, Spring doesn’t “officially” start in Australia until 01 September, August generally has a noticeable shift in weather and season. Some local people call it “early Spring” and the Wadandi call it “Djilba” season, also known as the Season of Conception. Both describe the same observations; We start to experience more warmer, sunny days, mixed in with cool nights and occasional rainy days. And while on our mountain bike and gravel rides in the forests we see native trees and orchids that are starting to emerge and bloom, as well as native animals such as kangaroos with young joeys (or look like they’ve very close!).
Here in the store and workshop, we also see a gradual increase in demand for repairs, servicing, hires and new bike sales as people start to emerge from the cold and wet of winter, and want to take advantage of pleasant, mild sunny days. We all know in a few more months it will be hot and dry, and we will all be complaining about the heat! Aside from the occasional muddy puddle, the offroad trails are also running beautifully with the slippery “pea gravel” still stuck together allowing for fast, flowy riding conditions.
The next season of the Wadandi calendar is known as “Kambarang” (aka “Season of Birth”) which is the transition season from the cooler, wetter early-mid Spring weather, leading into the warmer, drier Summer conditions. There are many baby animals around at this time of year for visitors to look at (and locals to watch out for!). This season is also a great time of year for outdoor activities such as bike-packing, mountain biking and hiking, and we see a significant increase in business. During this time bookings for our hire bikes and workshop servicing/repairs is essential – all easily done online through our booking portal or by calling us directly on (+618)97587671.
Here at Life Cycle Bikes we love the area we live. We want to share that passion and knowledge with our customers, locals and visitors alike. If you are ever looking for solutions, guidance or information about anything cycling related – we are your one-stop-shop to visit!
AI notice:
No generative AI has been used in the design, creation, writing, proof reading, or formation of this article. As a result, there may be errors, mistakes or omissions which are entirely unintended, but realistically come with the territory of “organic” human made content. 🙂