by Carla Caruso

Hahndorf-based Sue O’Brien can be summed up well by her Instagram bio. “Enjoys time spent outdoors. Outdoor educator/guide [including in] bushcraft and survival. Maker and repairer of outdoor gear.”

Her social media account is a visual feast of where she’s been cycling and hiking most recently, from your Adelaide Park Lands to interstate and abroad.

We pinned her down long enough to ask her more about herself.

Hi, Sue. What compelled you to start your ‘Active Suezen Outdoors’ account on Instagram? And can you tell us a bit about the work that you do? 

A few years ago, I wanted to try and inspire other people – mainly women, friends, and family – to get outdoors and explore more, either by bike, hiking or kayaking.

If I could do it, then anyone could. 

I work in outdoor education and outdoor guiding as an extension of getting more people outdoors — to stimulate curiosity of what being adventurous is on many different levels, and to start to feel comfortable being outdoors. 

My outdoor ed work is as a freelancer, so I work with schools on a contract basis. I also work at the Graveller Outdoor shop in Aldgate and help guiding on their rides.

As well, I am a repairer and maker of outdoor gear via my small Trail Threads business. This was established as I really do not like some outdoor gear going into landfill. If we just repair or recycle a product, we can extend its life.

How far and wide have you travelled to cycle and hike? And what do you ride?

I’ve travelled to many local South Australian, NSW, and Victorian locations. I’m also a firm believer in very local travel. Hence, my love of riding around the Adelaide Park Lands.

Every time I do it, I have such an uplifting experience. 

I recently travelled to England and we rode our bikes along the Trans Pennine Way and Coast and Castles route to visit our daughter who was living in [Scotland’s] Dundee.

[A while back] we cycled for three months around the South Island of New Zealand, with our two children, who were only three years old and 21 months old at the time. A wonderful experience. 

My current bikes are a steel gravel bike, called ‘Wolvy’ — she’s a Soma Wolverine — and a Bombtrack Beyond+ to handle the more technical, off-road trails.

For me, nothing really beats travelling by bicycle. 

How often do you frequent your Adelaide Park Lands? Do you have a favourite park? 

I love the Adelaide Park Lands. I just love how I can ride around a major city and feel like I’ve been somewhere else other than a city.

Each Park Land is unique and I love how each shows me something different, from tall gumtrees to rivers, sports-grounds, and the West Terrace Cemetery [in GS Kingston Park / Wirrarninthi – Park 23].

Afterwards, I can visit any cafe or pub and relax, then get back on my bike and have a traffic-free experience.

I enjoy spending time outdoors and sharing those experiences with others. It makes me feel connected to nature and people.