The reward is worth the effort.

 

I've got a confession to make: I sometimes struggle with motivation to ride after work. During the day I waver between looking forward to it, and thinking about not bothering.

This week especially was difficult, especially Monday. The office in London has been semi open for a while, only being used if computer setups etc were required. With one or two people in at a time. The easing of lockdown meant we had the option to occasionally work from the office, still only a few people. at the same time. I choose to go in and I was surprised how deserted London is. Almost empty train carriages, barely anyone in Victoria station, or along my walking route to Neal Street. I left early but still got home after I would have normally switched off my computer. I had convinced myself to take the night off. After dinner I sat looking at the clock, was it too late to go? Eventually I couldn't resist and was on the bike a short time later. It felt great, as it always does. I had been lacking energy, the feeling was gone.

The rest of the week I reminded myself of that change. These rides also improve my fitness. 

So when the weekend comes I can go further and really enjoy it. 

Saturday was with my club, another new eating place - Bolney Wine Estate - and 67 miles. It started chilly, but ended under a warm sun and blue skies. Still only a few in the group, but a good chance to chat.

Sunday I was in Westerham again with Matt on our bench. A strong headwind meant it was extra work and chillier than Saturday. The green was sheltered so once the clouds blew away it was a pleasant place to be. Life is good.

The strangest part is the feelgood factor when I get home. I have exerted myself, plenty of hills to climb, but I have so much more energy, so much more motivation, and an uplifted mood. I'm risking being too evangelistic again, I can't help it. 

Cycling makes me feel that way.

Another post about cycling

 

I don't really have anything to post this week. The weather is improving - don't the British love to talk about this - it's cold first thing, but quickly warms up. I've continued to ride every day after work, up and down the same hill three times. I do it to improve my fitness and strength, so that I can go further at the weekend. That's when I really enjoy myself, Saturday with my club, Sunday with Matt. 

While out with the club a Caterham 7 passed us and one of the group remarked how cool it was. I thought about it and concluded it wasn't. I have changed a lot in the last ten years or so that I have been cycling. My attitude to motor vehicles has altered the most. They are just a means to get around if walking, riding or public transport is impractical to complete a task. Why do they need to be so fast, why do they need to be so big?

I get so much more from pushing the pedals around, far more than simply pressing one. It's a shame more people don't feel the same. All of the car adverts show increasingly bigger cars driving around deserted cities; where does that happen now? Or they are crossing rivers and muddy trails; how many need that capability?

Sunday was again a chilly start, especially the last mile into Westerham. But sitting on the green in the sun soon warmed me up. Coffee and an almond croissant devoured as we sat at opposite ends of "our" bench chatting about our week. 

Stopped near the top of the climb to Botley, what a great view. So glad to be out on the bike.

Cycling; the magic bullet

At the risk of being that cycling evangelist you try to avoid, more people need to ride bikes or walk more often.

There are so many benefits, personal, social and environmental.

I've mentioned the personal benefits on this blog; the social advantages are many. More cycling and walking reduces crime, boosts the local economy - helping to keep shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs open, and builds community. It encourages more activity, we have been told for a year to protect the NHS. We can do this if we all get fitter, obesity causes or contributes to many diseases and debilitating conditions that cost billions to treat. And less motor vehicles will mean less collisions, cutting casualties and deaths - 157,630 and 1752 respectively in 2019. 

These problems won't go away with electric power, brake and tyre dust will still be a problem and is harmful, battery production is polluting. It is likely to result in people driving even shorter distances, pavements will still be blocked by parking with cables adding to the problem. In London 30% of driven journeys are of less than three miles, in 2019 there were 3.9 billion more miles driven than in 2009. Battery powered vehicles are bigger and heavier, meaning more wear on the roads and less space for other road users. They'll need charging points, government and local authorities seem enthusiastic for the taxpayer to fund them; petrol stations weren't built this way. 

The taxpayer funds a huge road building program, yet travel times continue to increase. As the saying goes - The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. 

We need less congestion, those that need to drive will be able to do so more easily. 

I had the week off and really went for it, riding over 260 miles.

I had a few rides with Oxted Cycling Club, and met Matt in Westerham. Cafes a still only take-away so if we stop, it's not for long, and we all have to stand well apart.

My cycling sat nav directed me to Hever Castle on Tuesday and Ashdown Forest on Thursday. Still a little too chilly to pause for long.

I even did a 3.8 mile run on Friday. My cycling muscles did not appreciate being asked to do this. A triathlon is not on the cards.

Spring

 

 

Spring sprung last weekend, and the clocks went forward an hour. I set out on a road ride, the first since the 19th. Most of the outward route was into a headwind, I would be returnig on the same roads, and looked forward to a tailwind. Why then did I have to force my way home into a headwind? It's one of cycling's mysteries.

My chosen destination was Fulking, yes you read that correctly. I can't deny it was the name that brought me to the village, it was also just over 60 miles there and back. The distance I find just about right; long enough to be a challenge, without taking all day. 

The collection of houses, one pub and a church are in a valley, a spring was the original reason for the village being established.

Upon arrival I looked for a shop or cafe to buy food and a coffee. The pub was closed and that was it.

The journey to the village was mostly on main roads, they weren't very busy but it was a relief to turn into a quiet lane for the last few miles.

Sunday: Matt and I usually meet to sit at opposite ends of a bench for a chat over a cup of tea.

As you can see, Matt and the tea were missing. A clocks changing miscalculation meant Matt was somewhat out of sync with the rest of the country. I arrived to a text saying he would be very late. It was chilly and I had a busy day ahead so I replied that unfortunately I couldn't wait. I sat alone with my coffee and waffle, bought from the little shop near the green. Then took off for home.