This is the first year I've properly ridden a bike since the early 1990's, triggered by my weight in January and poor health.
Good:
Actually bought a new (not s/h) bike for the first time since I was 11 and the first bike since early 90's.
Decided to get on said bike and pedal a bit.
In the process I've lost over 3 stone - and have therefore needed an entire new wardrobe of clothes.
I'm MUCH healthier and have passed my 6-monthly health check for the first time
Hit my target of riding from Dewsbury to Ribblehead as proof of health ... and even did back again.
Done first event-type ride, albeit only 26 miles
No real injuries or accidents. Not sure how, but it's a big plus.
Met some interesting (and a few odd) people whilst riding
Joined up on here and also joined CTC for the insurance
One CC ride plus joined up with the cycling group at Spring Harvest in France
I save approx. £10 a time I commute the 10 miles each way into Leeds
Students think I'm loopy, coming in wearing lycra.
I've done nearly 3000 miles, with my nominal target being 2500. In 2012 I'm going for 5000.
Bad:
It's cost a lot. Currently over £2000 including the 3 bikes I've bought, although the commuting benefit/
eBay sales has reduced this to £1300 still outstanding. I'll nil this sometime next year.
I've got no clothes to wear which fit me, since I've spent all the cash on bike stuff. There's about 3 shirts, 1 suit, 2 pairs of jeans and not much else.
Having to commute on 40/70mph dual carriageways since the Leeds cycle routes south of the city are abysmal.
Work colleagues think I'm loopy, coming in wearing lycra.
All of my clothes have either gone to the charity shop or are now on eBay (please sell ...) so if I put the weight back on I'll have to go naked. Given my new slimline figure that's no longer a daunting possibility
Besides that, in 2012 I've got 3 Coast-to-Coast rides planned, the Cheshire Cat and Etape Pennines sportives, a 24-hours 3 Peaks of the UK walk for charity and a possible triathlon. I've also got to find a club that'll take me/I'll fit in. It's going to be a busy year.
