Simon's Cycling Journey

I really never expected the wind to play such a part in the efficiency of a day out.  As I cycled yeaterday I felt I was doing OK... it was surprisingly calm... for a moment - obviously in hindsight I was cycling with the wind. As I turned a corner the it changed from a tail wind to the side and head winds and oh my.... everything was against me. My hands began to chill along with my face and the effort to cycle was quite a challenge. These are such simple things to learn and be aware of but until you do them it is all a part of the learning process... I am learning everyday. On and off the bike.

It was still dark when I got the bike out this morning. Forecast is dry. I slept well and woke up excited. Where is the next cycling adventure going to take me I wonder. Last night I made sure my lights were fully charged. Front and back. The e-bike - Cannondale Quick Neo for today's ride - I knew was charged but I made sure time and again. The bike is going on its first real outing today. I have inspected the breaks, tyres, seat height, made sure everything is correct for me - as far as my limited experience can let me know.  I planned what I was wearing. It is 8 degrees slight breeze and dry. Jacket is dry, gloves are out, hat and helmet are ready. Layers are fresh. It is all about the layers. This time however I will learn from previous mistakes...  I wear shorts with braces as I do not want to flash my arse to people following.... and last time I went out I added several layers over the braces - which totally screwed any opportunity for a quick pee.... there was a lot of s...

Yesterday I cycled 22 miles - my longest ride so far.  I took one of the Cannondale treadwell neo's. A comfortable E-Bike which is built for cruising and ideal for this track.  Mostly purpose build cycle and walking tracks - I started from our new shop which is actually on the strawberry line in Cheddar; it took nearly 3 hours. It could have taken longer but the Thatchers brewery pub The Railway was unable to be open.  The highlight for me is always always the long tunnel underneath the mendips between axbridge and winscombe. It had been raining earlier in the week and there was some muddy patches along the route... but the mud guards on the treadwells worked perfectly. Almost flat terrain throughout made this ride simply perfect for any cyclist. The short climb coming out of axbridge and going over the bridge in Sandford were the only moments I changed the assistance on the ebike from green to orange... (there are 4 levels white no assistance, green, orange and red full ...

I like cycling.... there we go! I did it. I do not feel  fit enough to claim big rides however this week I rode 22 miles along the strawberry line. Cheddar to Yatton.... and back. I also rode up Cheddar gorge, to the very top. I must admit I was helped along the way.  E-bikes are sometimes frowned upon... lazy/cheating. However it must be good. I have been out lots taking in new experiencing and although not totally all my effort, it is a great start.  My confidence in riding is improving and soon enough I know I will ride something fully human powered.... up the gorge! Wish me luck.  One  step (or pedal) at a time.

I am out of my comfort zone... it is obvious that I do not feel entirely comfortable around experienced cyclists.  Discussions of mechanisms, compounds and transmissions baffle me. I do not know what  rim sizes are and....  I can not even pronounce the names of many of the international cycling races and tours and even the name of the guy who won the Italian tour in 2020... Tao Geoghegan Hart. I have been in this position before and I am not afraid of it... I'm just very aware I'm at the bottom of a steep learning curve. It was 2007 when I started my first ski season in the french ski resort of Val d'Isere - it is about as elite and pretentious as skiing can get - I had the same feeling of being an outsider. Not knowing everything I needed to know about skis, boots, bindings, clothing, general etiquette - am I doing it right, are people going to have the right impression of me... will people like me? It's intimidating being out of your comfort zone but in hindsight it m...

I love a hoody, loose fitting jeans and trainers. I wear that all day, everyday...  Yesterday, on my ride, was no different... although it was not a problem to wear this I learnt quite quickly why cyclists wear what they do on longer and less spontaneous and leisurely rides. The wind was bitter, yes I know its December, but it was a mild day. It was unexpectedly colder when riding. My hands and face, being the only exposed skin were obviously the coldest. The wind flapping my loose jeans became a bit annoying, especially coming down hill. - did I tell you I cycled all the way up the Gorge!!!!! Our E-Bikes do not have exposed spikes on the chainring (attached to the pedals); which I remember catching on loose trouser legs, creating the need for bike clips on the ankles for some riders.  The last thing I noticed about what i was wearing was my hoody and tshirt.... I am quite tall 6'1", and as I was riding I noticed my arse was doing that builder thing.... poking out. Quite embar...