So this is it, one full year since my first road bike ride (2nd April 2011). One year since I took possession of a shiney (at the time) Pinnacle from Evans. On that first day, with strapped clips, I managed a whole 8 miles, obviously exhilarated by the experience, I managed to complete 159 miles in that first month.
It wasn't long before I started tinkering - new wheels, new tires, new seat post, new handlebars, new brakes, new frame all followed, till ultimately all that is left from the first bike is a rear derailleur and the cables. very little came cheap, but none of it came at full price either. To start with the bike weighed 10.3 kg, now it's sleeker, shinier young brother weighs 7.8. Along the way I realised that these sort of things matter, I discovered rotating weight, the difficulties of pulling my own weight plus the weight of the bike up a hill and the joy of letting the same weight plummet downhill. I discovered that what the bike looks like does matter, because it's that that makes you want to ride it. I discovered that "fettling" and cleaning it are fun too.
I have had moments of misery, loudly exploding tire left me stranded by the side of the road waiting for CC to come and collect me. A broken chain, made me realise that a some friends really are there when you need them. A spearing in the stomach from an exploding carbon dioxide canister pump made me realise it's a piece of shit, the like of which will never be used by me again. Rain so heavy that I could barely see made me realise that even when only 2 miles to go to reach a century, that sometimes it's just not worth it.
However mostly it's been fun. I have obsessed about riding, planning my days and weeks around what I can do. Ticking off milestones, and challenges. Sharing some great times with people, but mostly sharing them with my own thoughts. (It turns out that my MBTI personality type would have predicted all this precisely - the preference to ride alone , the endless research, the capturing of statistics - I am an open book).
I've learnt about myself along the way to - having never found a hobby that I stuck with - squash in the army - required interaction, a few seasons dabbling with football - requires a lot of interaction, cycling is the perfect hobby. The only interaction needed is the occasional cheery hello to someone going the opposite way. No need to converse or be interested in their life. Just hello. Conversely I found out that company can be good, as long as it's the right company. I also found out I do get stressed. Because when on a ride after work, I can feel the clouds dissipate.
So where have we reached, my bike and I? Here's the facts and figures, (the cost I'll keep to myself).
Longest ride - 103.12 miles, around the Kent Coast to Rye in 6 hours 40 minutes.
12 rides over 50 miles
Least miles in a month - 78 - neck injury (add that to moments of misery above)
Most miles in a month - August 2011 - 438.
Average ride distance - 26 miles at an average average speed.
I have ridden as far as Basrah (Iraq), The Kwiambana Game Reserve (Africa), Sydney (Nova Scotia), Prince Charles Island (within the Canadian North West passages obviously), Komsomolets Island in the Kara sea, and Bandar Torkeman on the southern edge of the Caspian sea. A grand total of 2786 miles, or 4483 km.
And to end it the year, my favourite ride yet, 70 miles today, around the Kent Countryside.
To those who have read my blog, hope you enjoyed the ride.
To the soup dragon, thank you my beautiful, understanding wife for letting me have the time to ride (and buy).
So long.
