My Firsts:

[booze and cake]

Very well done @CannondaleLady, a great read and inspirational. You don't need the physique of Chris Froome to be a cycling ambassador and I'm sure you'll convince people thinking of taking up cycling to take the plunge. You've got the perfect attitude for it, keep it fun and the miles will quickly add up. Mind and legs can
achieve amazing things, once you conquered Cox Green for the 1st time it won't defeat you ever again.

Following on from your friends little ditty, here's one I just did in homage to your efforts. Its my own version of Kate Bush's song 'running up that hill' so try and sing along to the same tune.For those too young/can't remember Kate's lyrics, they can be seen here:
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/katebush/runningupthathill.html
I tried to show side by side but could'nt do it as the tabs were wonky...

If I only could, I'd be cycling up that hill
If I only could, I'd be cycling up that hill
The first day hurt me
Fellow cyclists now how it feels
In just a few days it does'nt hurt me
Do you want to hear about the deal that I'm making?
Cannondale, its you and me

And if i only could
I wouldnt get overtaken by a dog (walker)
And put an end to hubbies red faces
Be cycling up that road
Be cycling up that hill
Be cycling up building
If i only could, oh....

My saddle no longer hurts me
But I'm swallowing more flies
Unaware you are an inspiration
Ooh, giving hope in beginners hearts

Don't hate yourself in lycra, we all look daft
Getting out is what really matters
Cannondale, its you and me
Getting up Cox green will make you happy

And if i only could
I wouldnt get overtaken by a dog (walker)
And put an end to hubbies red faces
Be cycling up that road
Be cycling up that hill
Be cycling up building
Say, If i only could, oh....

Cannondale
It's you and me
It's you that makes me happy
C'mon cannondale, c'mon hubby
Lets increase the miles together
C'mon cannondale, c'mon c'mon hubby
Lets share the experience, oh...

Over time I believe I could
Overtake that dog, and not just children, adults
I won't recognise myself, the weight will fall off
I'll be cycling up that road
I'll be cycling up that hill
With no problems

 

[Saluki]

I am so pleased you feel this away about this thread. Its here as a lighthearted look at beginners cycling and so pleased you are enjoying it. Im in awe of the 'likes' I am receiving and the continued interest.

Im short on 'tales' as I was away over the weekend so no riding and on a pesky training course in another area of the North East Mon - Wed this week. Thursday I have a doc appointment so it will be Friday before I can cycle to work. I will however, get my leg over the frame after work, this week, if at all possible.

In the interim however - a question.........................does anyone know how many Slimming World syns there are in a medium sized fly? (I need to count them, as I often have one fly unexpectedly into my mouth as Im panting up inclines). I chose medium fly so that I can take a syn off if it feels small in my mouth, or add on one if I have trouble getting it down..................

Flies are free food, unless you dip them in choc sauce or have them with ice-cream I asked this question at the SW class that I attend and that's what our fearless leader told me.

From her reply, I'm assuming that they are still free if we have them with butterscotch sauce with sprinkles though.

 

[Cannondale Lady]

Haha I'm loving everyone's responses. Thanks for the poem boozeandcake. Saluki, flies being free has made my day!

 

[LocalLad]

I much prefer cycling purely for fun...I've only done the work commute once (it's a 60 mile round trip), but didn't like that the clock was dictating my pace on the way in.

Sounds like you're a proper convert...good luck on the century!

 

[RichardB]

I much prefer cycling purely for fun...I've only done the work commute once (it's a 60 mile round trip), but didn't like that the clock was dictating my pace on the way in.

I quite like the discipline of the clock when I ride to work. I like to arrive for work 30 minutes early anyway (gives me time to set up before the rush, and if circs permit I leave 30 minutes early too). I allow an hour for the trip, although it usually takes about 55 minutes, and I suppose I know at the back of my mind that if I am delayed or slow for any reason I have a bit of time in hand. But the fact that I have to be somewhere keeps me on the boil and stops me getting lazy.

 

[Cannondale Lady]

I'm a bit sore today after yesterday's 11 miles. Don't want to push it by commuting today. Will do it tomorrow weather permitting. I haven't sussed how to balance the brolly on the bike and stop it going inside out with the my speed!

 

[Yazzoo]

you need a cape! http://www.wateroffaducksback.co.uk/cycle-cape-55-p.asp

 

[Cannondale Lady]

Wont I look like a bat on a bike?

 

[marihino]

wouldn't that be the coolest?

I love this thread. Very inspiring and positive. Much respect.

 

[RichardB]

There's a discussion going on in another thread about capes. I had one when I cycled regularly in the late 70s/early 80s and used it a lot. I loved it, to be honest. In a downpour, there is a lovely feeling of cosiness when you are inside your own tent. It kept me remarkably dry. Not so good in strong head or side winds, and I suppose these days you would look like something off Call The Midwife, but very practical. I plan to commute through the winter, and I am seriously considering getting one. The only problem I can see is that my main light is on my handlebar (used to be on the fork leg back in the day) and if the cape covers the hands and bars, as it should, it would obscure the light. They cost anything from a tenner to nearly £100 - crikey. If you get one, post pics!

 

[Cannondale Lady]

I am about to patent and launch my black bin liner cape. It's called the 'eco-es-cape'. 2 bin liners joined to make a lightweight, economic, stylish and waterproof cycling cape that can be re-used on your return from your ride to store your household disposables until bin day. Anyone want to pre-order in time for Christmas? Numbers are limited so apply urgently to avoid disappointment.​

 

[RichardB]

I was at a motorbike show a couple of years ago, and as always is was precipitating it down. A stall was selling cheap ponchos for a fiver, and I bought two, thinking they might come in handy at a rally or something. Then I found the indoors part of the show, and I never even opened the poncho. I must dig it out and see if it can be pressed into use.

 

[Cannondale Lady]

Planning on 15 miles tomorrow. Is this the drink talking?????

 

[MikeW-71]

Nope, well, at least I hope not

I'm doing 30 tommorrow. Race you

 

[RichardB]

15 miles in a day? Possible. Breakfast, 3 miles, elevenses, 3 miles, lunch, snooze, 3 miles, nice rest under a tree, 3 miles, tiffin, 3 miles, home, drink, feet up. Nothing to it!