Well that's about that then...

Well 2011 is drawing to an end. This being the year where I finally got off my arse and did something about fitness, and my impending early death (Dad 34 - Mum 56 - I'm probably on borrowed time already). It all started in April when my lovely wife (aka the soup dragon) gave me permission to purchase my first road bike. This after a few failed attempts to get into cycling in the mud with my son. These failed on the grounds that he likes it, I don't.
So I started off with an aluminium road bike, weighing in at a robust 10.3 kg. I had no idea of what was a good weight, nor for that matter how much it matters.
Quickly got to like the freedom and (perceived) speed that I could ride, as well as distances I never thought I'd do.
I also quickly got to understand that bike ownership is a cruel and expensive mistress. There's always something fancy, lighter and faster that is absolutely necessary to make the relationship work. I also found out that cleaning and tinkering with the bike is almost as pleasurable as riding it.
So at the end of 9 months of riding, I have reached 1906 miles, with an average distance of 26 miles.
This includes a paltry 83 miles between 8th October and the end of November when I was suffering with a neck injury.
The bike has been transformed along the way, with the only original parts being the seat, rear derailleur, and shifters. My little white shining beauty now weighs in at 7.92 kg. Importantly that's with pedals, as it appears bike weights are always quoted without. At the start I thought my dream bike would be the Cannondale Supersix at 8.14kg. Who needs a supersix anyway?
Mile stones along the way:
8th July - 1st Century ride (metric)
8th August - reached first 1000 miles.
30th August - 1st Century ride (imperial)
August was also my first and only 400 mile month.

So what have I learnt?
That I am good company for myself.
The wind is a bitch.
Kent is not as flat as a car makes it seem. 
Cyclists are mostly friendly, but some are miserable bastards. I put this down to them riding against the wind.
Some days hills are bumps, others they are mountains.
Sometimes it's just as much fun going up a hill as it is down the other side. Sometimes it isn't. 
Sometimes I just start smiling or chuckling for no discernible reason. If you see this happening, just ignore me and avoid calling for the boys from the funny farm.
If you are considerate to cars and vans, often times they will be considerate back.
Sometimes cars, vans and lorry drivers are gits. I put it down to their small penises and reduced life expectancy.
Whilst weight and equipment isn't everything, it is important to feel good about your bike. This makes you want to use it.
The bike is never finished, there's always something nice and necessary that will make it even better.
As a stress buster, going for a ride after work cannot be beaten.
The patience of my wife, through me being out for hours, referring to her as the soup dragon in my blog, and picking me up at the end of my two century rides is extraordinary, and deserves all the Pandora beads and Radley bags she wants. (see small print).

As for weight loss, and fitness: the weird thing about fitness is that you gain it gradually so it's hard to tell whether you have achieved anything. However given that I have gone from a largely sedentary lifestyle to being a regular cyclist I must be fitter.
I started out at 13 stone 7, and just the other day reached my lightest weight for many years - drum roll etc etc - 13 stone. Whoopee do. That includes a vastly reduced intake of alcohol. I have however dropped at least one trouser size. I guess the lack of weight loss, must be the weight of my increased life expectancy.
2012 - what will it bring - more of the same I hope, I have some targets in mind, but the most important one is to keep on riding with the same enjoyment for years to come.
Happy New Year to all.

At last....

Having had a rotten time in the past two months, hardly any cycling, either through injury or working long hours, I finally managed to get out for a reasonable ride today, only 18 miles, but wind made it quite hard in places. Still, as it was cold (ish) I am satisfied I have the right clothing to keep going through the winter, but breathing cold air has left me with a sore throat and a cough.
It didn't start well, my daughter announcing that I looked like santa claus. I am hoping she was referring to the red and black bib tights and red jacket as opposed to my girth.
Still it felt good to be out on the road, it's a bare arsed place in the winter, quite raw in places, and a complete contrast to summer.
Doesn't look like I'll make 2000 miles from April, these last two months of inactivity have left me some 270 miles short. I'll struggle to make that unless I get some big ones in over the next few weekends.
However next years target of 3000 miles will be a fun challenge, no excuses about bike, weather, time etc. Average of 250 miles a month needed. I'm also thinking of other challenges, perhaps a number of century rides, metric and imperial, increased average speed etc etc.
At least cycling now feeling good again, roll on the next ride!