It is almost 5 years now since I retired.
Very shortly after that moment, whilst I was wondering what to do with the rest of my life I met someone who has since become a good friend to me.
And he introduced me to cycling.
Whilst I already could ride a bike it had been 40 years since I had done so, and then it was just pottering around the local streets.
If you have read some of my earlier posts you will know of my Mercian stable and perhaps more importantly, know that I am about to attempt next August what will surely prove to be the biggest athletic challenge of my life, the Ride London100 in aid of the mental health charity, Mind
How things change.
But when you are an old age pensioner, getting fit, and retaining that fitness requires a huge effort, and sometimes at a personal cost. What follows is a note that I sent to my friend after to-day’s cycle ride.
It’s all your fault!!
If you hadn't seduced me into cycling I would never have had to change an inner tube in sub zero temperatures on lanes like ice rinks in the frozen peaks of Derbyshire. . Never mind the fact that I've had to spend ages replacing brake blocks, though this time I did buy the whole piece instead of just the insert which perhaps saved my fingers and my sanity..And the lanes were covered in sheets of glass, apart from those which still remained underwater from the floods. Plus my hands were cold even with liners. As for my toes; well i am still waiting for them to thaw out before I dare look to see if I still retain a full complement. And then after 59k I got too hot from all the hill climbing and no sooner had i unzipped one of the many layers I was wearing than I became too cold going down the other side. And there was still another 25km to do before I would get home. Now the bike is filthy, the chain needs a good clean and new oil and I am very tired.
And it’s all your fault!!!
At least when I did get home I could enjoy a piece of cake made from one of the recipes in the booklet * Cycling Food on the Go * which I have compiled and am giving away in return for a minimum donation of £2 to Mind
If you would like a copy, then please sponsor me by going to
I wonder if your friend is now suffering with a very real case of the 'guilts'...!! I wouldn't think so...after all he introduced you to a whole lot of pleasure as well.....
ReplyDelete-Trevor
It has taken five years. From removing a tyre – Not ever! - To removal check and refit with a new tube six minutes.
ReplyDeleteBut it’s not about the bike; it is about the mates, the hills, the tea stops and the stories.
It is about the cold, the wet,and the wonderful summer days when the roads are yours and you know that you follow the trail of the early bikers and their Velocipedes, Rovers, Rudges, Carltons and their Raleigh Tourers. An experience beyond price.
And, it’s all yours – Enjoy.