This week...
I've been given a job promotion to Assistant Manager, my accessories brand got launched on the web and I was this close (gesturing with thumb and forefinger) to being evicted from my home. Clearly that was the massive low point!
So I was really excited yesterday morning when Condor bike shop got in touch with me to let me know my bike was built and ready to collect. I chose that bike shop because a friend of mine, Tom works there. I thought it would be great to collect it from someone I know, and buy my bike accessories.
My eyes shon when I saw my Roll, it's beautiful!!!
Tom took me through the ins and outs of the bike, adjusted it for me and everything. I could not stop smiling!My friend Taz met me there, to escort me to work and show me the route to take.
Now then I would love to say we rode off, I took to the bike right away, traffic didn't phase me and I felt in my element. I shall never need to take public transport again!
But that would be a lie.
The thing I hadn't taken in to consideration, when choosing where I wanted to collect my bike from, was what the roads are like around the shop. Condor, as it happens, is on a rather busy main road in central London, Grey's Inn Road. The route from there to my work in morning traffic was pretty full on for a novice! As I said in my last blog, I have never riden a road bike. The posture of it is completely new to me (being hunched over the handle bars), and so I felt a little uneasy. After cycling for about 10 minutes I needed a break. Not from physical exhaustion, it was just quite draining. We alternated between walking with the bikes part way, and riding part way. I was relieved to get to work, have a cuppa and chill out! Also I was feeling a little sore from the bike seat :(
As you might have assumed already, I did not ride home last night. I reluctantly left my bike at work and took the bus.
I need to aquaint myself with the bike first- slowly slowly. So today I have the day off, I am going to collect my bike, and ride around London's east end. Taz and I are going to ride the backstreets and parks. Well that's the plan...we'll see how it goes. I want to build a great bond with this bike, and I'm sure I will...you just cant rush these things.
That's great you have a friend helping you ease into urban cycling. I have taught many friends how to ride smartly and defensively in San Francisco - to be aware of the common hazards on the road. Hopefully you'll quickly become a seasoned urban cyclist so you'll be teaching your friends who don't bike regularly about the joys of urban cycling. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like riding a bike in the city! It's the only way to go. I do have one major piece of advice . . . I don't see you sporting a helmet in the picture. I'd say that should be item number one on the purchase list if riding around 2 ton vehicles all the time =)
ReplyDeleteRide on!
Matt (fellow Glober)