Now I know I keep leaving it months between blog posts. The problem is, you see, that most of what I have to say needs no more than 140 characters. It's not that I'm super concise and witty, it's more that I don't really ave much to say... Usually! Today is different. Today I need to tell the world about the new love I've found for my bike. To be honest loving my bike is not new. I have loved my bike since I was but a small boy and, to be honest, have blogged that fact too.
My relationship with my bike has had some highlights. In 2003 (ish) my wife and I took two bikes to Yorkshire on holiday with us. We did one bike ride, but it was lovely. Back in 2004 (ish) I started using a bike to complete an 8 mile commute. I quickly replaced my ageing mountain bike with a newer model, which had road tyres and disc brakes. When I moved to the country I promptly replaced the road tyres with chunky ones to have more fun. Last summer I taught my daughter to ride and my wife bought a bike in a fit of olympic fuelled madness (with which she is still very happy). And that's really where this starts.
Last summer, prompted by too many rides following friends and struggling, I invested in a road bike. I'd hated the concept previously, but having tried my brother in laws bike I loved it. I've used it to do too few rides, but each ride I have enjoyed. Normally a weekend ride is 10-15 miles. Earlier this year I agreed to take part in an overnight event from London to Cambridge and have tried to increase the amount I cycle... This brings me to Sunday just gone. In prep for May's 60 miler I thought it might be good to do a longer training ride. Accordingly a few of us agreed to take part in Wiggle's Spring Sportive.
I LOVED IT!
The ride was 38 miles. Overall I enjoyed the lot! It was a perfect day (probably the first perfect ride of the year!) and, after a few tough early miles, I found a nice rhythm. The other riders were lovely. I'd assumed they'd be speed hungry racers, but actually the atmosphere was great! Subsequently I am addicted!
My legs hurt... My bum hurts more... I cannot wait for the next one! Secretly I'm giving some thought to doing another at the weekend, but at the very least I'd like to squeeze one in before my overnight ride!
