I did my last-ever bike commute today. Retiring at the end of next week and need to clear out my locker tomorrow. I survived 18 years with two crashes (one in freezing rain, the other when a dozy cyclist rode straight into me) and one on-road puncture. Most of the commutes were on a fixie, because I really hate cleaning bikes in winter.
Congratulations - that must feel a bit weird. Excellent work on the commute; the mind boggles at the money you've probably saved, not to mention the health benefits
Today's commute was largely very pleasant. Left the house in good time in my lovely, newish DHB merino base layer and for the first time bargain-basement Fohn fleece.. both courtesy of
CRC's death throes.
The drive was nice, not a lot of traffic and followed for much of the way by a kindred spirit in a van; hanging well back and apparently also happy to roll along at 50-55. Noticed the temp lights were gone from Campsfield road on the way home yesterday, so took this route rather than the recent diversion through the industrial park. A few slow drivers around but they left the dual carriageway's outside lane alone so the car got a bit of an Italian tuneup with some smooth flowing heel-and-toe action at the roundabouts; feeling crisp after stuffing some air in the tyres at the weekend with the track pump.
Out on the bike; the thin cloud diffusing the sunlight but still allowing a reasonably bright sky, with a noticeable absence of wind. Moseyed along the tow path which was pretty sparsely attended. Not that I'm trying but I'm usually amongst the faster traffic; however for the second time I got left for dead by a chap who evidently works at one of the local bike shops (as implied by his T-shirt).
I saw a few other folks on Bromptons; with an honourable mention going to the bloke in town sporting a classic brown houndstooth deerstalker
Sausages scored it was on to the next bit of tow path; passing some aggy geese. The ride's only blight was the tosser pulling out of one of the hotels in Iffley in some grotty Jeep monstrousity; first I wasn't sure that he'd seen me, then it was clear he had but he continued to slowly drift out until he was over half way across the road when I went past him. I ensured for the rest of the time he was behind me he stayed there, although sadly this wasn't for too long.
Thankfully the tyres held again and my new fleece performed well; the full-length zip combined with sleeve-rolling offering some pretty decent temperature regulation once I'd warmed up.
Feeling pretty good now if a bit tired; looks like the sun is coming out
