BrumJim
Forum Stalwart (won't take the hint and leave...)
- Location
- Selly Oak, Birmingham
Just over 12 months ago I ditched the old Peugeot Carbolie-framed bike that I had picked up free from Freegle, and replaced it with a Specialized Allez 16, brand new. This gave me the impetus to commute by bike every day, rather than just when the weather was with me, a decision I made about a year ago. Has it made a difference?
Well, I've commuted in rain and snow, as well as wind and sunshine. I still bottle it when I open the font door and it is tipping it down, although this happens very rarely. I missed a few days this year due to fresh snow on the ground, but made it in the following day when the cars had cleared a track in the slush. I now have plenty of options for keeping myself dry, although there is always the problem of sweating too much in non-breathable gear. Had a few incidents and some tumbles, but no contact with road traffic. YET!
I'm no lighter, but my legs are harder, better defined, and stronger. I'm a little quicker on my usual route, but brave enough to take the main road at times, which is a LOT quicker. Still to break the 20 mile/h average over a 6 mile commute though, but not by far. Although I do worry that since I am 3 kg odd lighter than a couple of years ago, and riding a bike that is a good few kg lighter, if I'm actually not as fit as I used to be?
I'm enjoying my cycling much more. A group of us meet up on Saturdays every so often to attack the north Worcestershire hills. This is great fun, good for stamina, sociable, and gives me a good yardstick on how I am doing. I sometimes do a long route home on Friday - 40 miles rather than 6, but a good deal more rural. I've also done a Sportive - 50 miles in just over 3 hours, which I'm quite proud of. And was faster than Martin Johnson, England World Cup winning captain. Have I told you about that yet?
I've done a 50 mile ride, several 40-50 mile rides, but not stepped up to the 100km or 100 mile targets yet. The next big yardstick is seeing how many miles my car has done by its MOT, and comparing it with last year.
I've spent lots of money on kit - lights, saddle bag, tools, repairs, tyres, brakes, clothes. Doesn't seem that cheap at times, but a lot of the stuff I have is now for life. Find myself letching after a full carbon road bike, and wondering if I should complement it with something more sensible for a regular commute. But then I'd have no excuse when passed by anyone faster. I've got used to STIs, SPDs and STDs. Hold-on - I think I got the last one wrong....Not STDs - thats not a cycling thing , is it? Something to do with telephones?
I'm a MAMIL. However I'm faster, fitter, more environmentally friendly and have some new friends, which seems a better idea than the traditional ways of handling the approaching big 4-0. So, if you are considering doing the same, I guess that your first question would be "Regrets?"
"NONE!! " I'd respond.
Well, I've commuted in rain and snow, as well as wind and sunshine. I still bottle it when I open the font door and it is tipping it down, although this happens very rarely. I missed a few days this year due to fresh snow on the ground, but made it in the following day when the cars had cleared a track in the slush. I now have plenty of options for keeping myself dry, although there is always the problem of sweating too much in non-breathable gear. Had a few incidents and some tumbles, but no contact with road traffic. YET!
I'm no lighter, but my legs are harder, better defined, and stronger. I'm a little quicker on my usual route, but brave enough to take the main road at times, which is a LOT quicker. Still to break the 20 mile/h average over a 6 mile commute though, but not by far. Although I do worry that since I am 3 kg odd lighter than a couple of years ago, and riding a bike that is a good few kg lighter, if I'm actually not as fit as I used to be?
I'm enjoying my cycling much more. A group of us meet up on Saturdays every so often to attack the north Worcestershire hills. This is great fun, good for stamina, sociable, and gives me a good yardstick on how I am doing. I sometimes do a long route home on Friday - 40 miles rather than 6, but a good deal more rural. I've also done a Sportive - 50 miles in just over 3 hours, which I'm quite proud of. And was faster than Martin Johnson, England World Cup winning captain. Have I told you about that yet?
I've done a 50 mile ride, several 40-50 mile rides, but not stepped up to the 100km or 100 mile targets yet. The next big yardstick is seeing how many miles my car has done by its MOT, and comparing it with last year.
I've spent lots of money on kit - lights, saddle bag, tools, repairs, tyres, brakes, clothes. Doesn't seem that cheap at times, but a lot of the stuff I have is now for life. Find myself letching after a full carbon road bike, and wondering if I should complement it with something more sensible for a regular commute. But then I'd have no excuse when passed by anyone faster. I've got used to STIs, SPDs and STDs. Hold-on - I think I got the last one wrong....Not STDs - thats not a cycling thing , is it? Something to do with telephones?
I'm a MAMIL. However I'm faster, fitter, more environmentally friendly and have some new friends, which seems a better idea than the traditional ways of handling the approaching big 4-0. So, if you are considering doing the same, I guess that your first question would be "Regrets?"
"NONE!! " I'd respond.
