Car horns, hand towels and jelly legs

[Firoz Taverbi]

Having arrived at York last Saturday, I finally had a chance today to get out on my bike and do some proper cycling. I say proper - just from campus to the town centre and back, but it was really satisfying actually cycling somewhere rather than just round in circles, which was all I'd really done before.

I went with one of my housemates, a cycling veteran, and just about managed to keep up with him (except on the inclines). I've never cycled on such busy roads before - roundabouts are terrifying, I don't know how any of you cope with them! - but I surprised myself with how little my legs felt like jelly by the time we stopped to go shopping in York.

I'm going to stick around with him on the busy routes until I get a bit more aware of the traffic and how it operates (I never actually took my cycling proficiency) but you were all right - this is really addictive, and I can't wait to ride again. Maybe my next challenge is to cycle to Selby!

 

[mrbadexample]

So where do the hand towels fit in?

Congratulations on getting out there. I know York reasonably well (although I've not cycled there) and it can be pretty busy. You'll soon improve as you learn the routes, and more importantly, the most cycle-friendly ones. In the traffic, just try to be confident and make it clear to others what you're doing.

Enjoy it, it's a beautiful city.

 

[RWright]

Nice to see you are having fun, just be careful and stay attentive when riding in the traffic and keep having fun

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Well done, Lucy: what did we tell you?
You are already planning a long ride!
Yes, with a destination in mind cycling is fun. Once you get there you reward yourself with a nice BIG slice of cake

 

[Firoz Taverbi]

@mrbadexample Oh, I forgot to mention that! It was one of the things I needed to get in York, since my house doesn't have any hand towels...

I think it will be easier to make it clear to other people what I'm doing when I know what I'm doing! I accidentally ended up in the wrong cycle lane on a roundabout today, which... rightfully upset a few drivers. Hence the car horns.

@RWright Thank you! I think I want to stay with someone else for at least a few weeks until I'm more confident on the road. I need a lot of practice...

@Pat Alright, I concede to your superior wisdom! You were right! I can't wait to get cycling again!