Hi everyone, especially those who replied to my first posting.
I thought that I would tell you all about my return journey from work to home.
One word describes it....HELL....lol.
I left work at 4pm and made my way from Ilford along the A118 towards Romford. I was heading for Harold Wood where I live.
One problem was the parked cars in the Seven Kings and Goodmayes area. They were parked across the cycle lane completely blocking it, this meant that I had to cycle in a narrow lane of traffic, but I thought sod it, they park in my lane so I can keep them waiting. The cycle lane eastbound in Goodmayes must be one of the worst designed in London. There are car parking spaces on the nearside and the cycle lane is on the outside of the parking spaces. The lane is so close to all the drivers doors that is an open invitation to be knocked off by an opening car door. I ventured on kept as far away as possible and eventually reached Romford. By this time I was knackered and really hot. I gradually made my way up hill from Romford to Harold Wood (via Main Road and Gallow Corner).
I suppose with hindsight, I took on too much for a first trip to work (about 19 miles round trip). I should have left my bike at work anc cycled home another day.
My leg muscles ached for 3 days and they have just recovered. I may ride to work again tomorrow, but return home by train and then ride the bike home a day later.
The trip did help me to realise that I am out of shape (18 stone - aged 52) and I need to gradually build up my distances, rather than doing too much in one go. I haven't been put off and will keep trying.
PS. The guy who mentioned the wind will be againist me on the return journey was right.....it was !