Noobs and returnees - how was 2015 for you?

[Snorrarcisco]

To put it bluntly 2015 got me back into cycling. I had brought my old MTB from Portugal over to the UK. Sadly was too afraid to get out there and enjoy it again so sort of treated my bike with some tyres (still had the original rubber) and serviced it. Went for a few rides now and got the bug back after 20 years. The bike is heavy as lead but my old trusted Orbita goes anywhere... slowly.

Got a CX and then eventually am building a summer one. Wife is cross but hey I am really enjoying the time again.

Still petrified of cars and country lanes are horrendously dangerous around me (I think they are everywhere) so I wish I was a bit braver there - I know I know I just need to get out more and just do it and not be a prat about it

 

[RegG]

Still petrified of cars and country lanes are horrendously dangerous around me (I think they are everywhere) so I wish I was a bit braver there - I know I know I just need to get out more and just do it and not be a prat about it

Cars on country roads can be a worry, we have the same issues here in Nottinghamshire, particularly with the 'boy racers' but, having said that, the majority of drivers are generally good and give you plenty of room. I may go a bit overboard with the high vis gear but I prefer to be seen than not!

Keep it up, you will enjoy the rides more and more as your confidence grows!

 

[RoubaixCube]

2015 was the year i took cycling seriously and decided to get a bike to get fit and also save money commuting to and from work (because f**k TFL - raising prices every year) Another thing which pushed me into action was the tube strikes here in london that went on for 2-3days and happened at least two or three times. A 40min journey turned into 3hr journey from hell as i had to fight against other unfortunate people in the same position to get on a packed bus just to get into work. (again, f**k TFL) Getting home on those days was also a knightmare.

I wasnt prepared for the first tube strike but by the second tube strike i had my Hybrid all geared up and ready to go. I was still a little late getting into work due to the mass of traffic on the roads but 1hr late is better than being 3hrs late and getting home didnt take 3hrs either this time.

As some of you may know Ive recently purchased a road bike which will be getting some upgrades to make it more suited for my commuting and touring needs.

I dont think i could be more serious about cycling if i even tried - my hybrid aint even 8 months old and ive already upgraded to a road/race bike

Im well chuffed with myself obviously and i hope to be taking part in a lot more club/group and social rides & other events in the coming year, time willing.

Roads are still very much a daunting place though and i do occasionally feel like ive been pushed into a corner, but ive been lucky not to have been knocked off my bike or end up under the wheels or a bus/lorry given how Central London gets.

A lot of the stuff about cycling in or with traffic is all common sense though mainly and i havent squeezed myself between busses or tried to filter in on the left hand side of a bus or HGV that leaves hardly any room for a motorcycle let alone a bike to squeeze through to get to the front of the traffic. Ive always had decent road awareness and tried to be as courteous and polite to other road users as well as pedestrians along my travels even if they have completely been a complete bellend and cut me up, did right or left hooks without indicating, done some close passes and in one instance even clipped my arm with their wing mirror and attempted to drive away.

As good as some people are on the roads - there are no saving or educating idiots.

At least I can say that im starting the new year on the right pedal.

 

[mjr]

First of all, well done to all of you and welcome or welcome back and may you keep the rubber side down!

i havent squeezed myself between busses or tried to filter in on the left hand side of a bus or HGV

Few people do. That isn't usually how we get hurt. You need to watch out for the occasional nobber in a large vehicle pulling up alongside or too close behind. Last time I saw, the top London injury collision causes which are arguably self-inflicted are riding too close to vehicles (on either side) and being hit by carelessly-opened doors, or riding out into traffic when you should have given way. Take care out there, but don't for a minute believe the lies of the motoring majority that their casualties are cycle-lemmings.

 

[RoubaixCube]

First of all, well done to all of you and welcome or welcome back and may you keep the rubber side down!


Few people do. That isn't usually how we get hurt. You need to watch out for the occasional nobber in a large vehicle pulling up alongside or too close behind. Last time I saw, the top London injury collision causes which are arguably self-inflicted are riding too close to vehicles (on either side) and being hit by carelessly-opened doors, or riding out into traffic when you should have given way. Take care out there, but don't for a minute believe the lies of the motoring majority that their casualties are cycle-lemmings.

top tip - stay away from private mini-cab drivers with the big mini-vans. I have seen how badly they drive to not even try to filter to the front of the queue at traffic lights. close passes, left and right hooks galore.

Of course Im a lot slower on the hybrid with 38c tyres (I feel like a complete knob head speccing 38c tyres but I go for 32 or 35'c when theyre worn)

I stay behind the drivers that i know will be a bit of hassle unless i know i can pass them and get ahead safely.

 

[Ihatehills]

I started cycling this year also, 1648 miles since July, and have found it properly addictive, I've lost one and a half stone without even trying which is a bonus

 

[Sbudge]

I started cycling properly in June (I used to commute a bit about a decade ago) and haven't looked back. Completed my first sportive in November, reached 1000 miles this week, now regularly do 50k's most weekends. Weight is the same (I was reasonably fit) but down a size. 'N' now equals 2 and both are ridiculously over-spec'd for my ability but wonderful to ride. Aiming for a sportive a month next year and more... oh yes, and found some very nice folk on CC.

 

[Vickivix]

I'm a little bit embarrassed really. I started getting into cycling over the summer. I'd do a 7 mile ride home from work a few times a week.

I'm still scared of traffic and quite self conscious but when I get into the park on my own I love it. I even found myself singing one evening on the way home. The ride gave me such a buzz.

Annoyingly in late August an anxiety disorder got the better of me. Whilst I'm slowly getting there, the medication has left me wiped out and tired all the time so my poor bike has been left well alone.

I'm really hoping I get my mojo back soon. But as I've done barely any exercise since I was ill I'm more unfit than I was and I'm nervous about riding because I know it will hurt. I'm sure I sound ridiculous but my head argues against anything at the minute.

Anyway well done everyone and I hope to join you out on the road in 2016.

 

[RoubaixCube]

I'm a little bit embarrassed really. I started getting into cycling over the summer. I'd do a 7 mile ride home from work a few times a week.

I'm still scared of traffic and quite self conscious but when I get into the park on my own I love it. I even found myself singing one evening on the way home. The ride gave me such a buzz.

Annoyingly in late August an anxiety disorder got the better of me. Whilst I'm slowly getting there, the medication has left me wiped out and tired all the time so my poor bike has been left well alone.

I'm really hoping I get my mojo back soon. But as I've done barely any exercise since I was ill I'm more unfit than I was and I'm nervous about riding because I know it will hurt. I'm sure I sound ridiculous but my head argues against anything at the minute.

Anyway well done everyone and I hope to join you out on the road in 2016.

Best to go out on road trips (on the bike) with another cyclist friend on your days off or find someone who commutes to work via bicycle and goes in the same general direction so you can pair up for part of the journey.

I get nervous too at times while on the road but you cant let that get to you. More often then not, drivers in general can be quite patient and forgiving apart from the handful of idiots that will actively try to run you off the road (bus drivers included) and the same bunch of riffraff that will try to intimidate you by being verbally abusive or getting out of their vehicle and attempting to attack you. Occasionally you will ruffle a few feathers if you make a few mistakes but an apology usually sees them on their way unless they want to make a thing out of it. In which case, either try and cycle away or call the police if that is not possible. Ive not been in such position where ive had to do either of these.

I hope you do get your confidence back and get back on the saddle. I occasionally get depressed at work as I went in without the bike due to the bad weather and seeing cyclists shooting past makes me a little 'homesick' for my bike as if it were. I too am neither super fit either but slowly but surely the weight will start to come off as part of my route to and back from work has pretty big hills.

Being on the road is honestly not so bad when youre amongst a group of other cyclists, even though you might not know or speak to each other. Its like a small little brotherhood or fraternity - At least for me it is. I have spoken to a few cyclists at traffic lights occasionally when waiting for the lights to change. Some very friendly folk out there.

 

[GuyBoden]

I'm very happy that I got back into cycling in July 2015, I'd done a lot of cycling when I was younger (long(ish) tours of South Wales, Derbyshire, etc) but aged 52, I'm happy doing 30-40 mile rides 2 or 3 times a week, at an exceptionally slow enjoyable pace.

 

[Douggie954]

I got back into cycling a couple of years ago but only really did short rides over the weekend. This year, however, I completed LEJoG unsupported with my brother. We took the scenic route and did over a thousand miles in 14 days up some bloody big hills. It was great fun but very hard and we still haven't stopped talking about it.

 

[Sim2003]

Very nice read through at all the enjoyment cycling brings. I have slacked off this December only doing my commute, but with all this wind felt it was enough. Done 2500 miles since May.

Still loving it and planning to increase my mileage this year. Even had some Xmas lights and a cuddly toy atrached to my bike lol. Happy new year all.

 

[sutts]

I set myself a target of 9000 miles, but after achieving 5223 miles by the end of June, this soon changed to 10000 miles. I achived that on December 11th and after a bit of a rest since then, I ended up on 10332 miles. It's been hard work finding the time to do it and to have the motivation to go out before a 12 hour night shift or after a 12 hour day shift, but I kept at it! I'm really thrilled with myself, but it's a one off, back to 6000 miles next year! I respect everyone one on here for what they have done...my 10000 miles was 1500 miles for another person, but the achievement is still the same! Well done all...and let's get back at it tomorrow!

 

[RichardB]

I log all my miles already, but never thought of having a yearly target. Seems like a good idea. I've managed about 1500 altogether this year, so maybe 2500 as a modest beginning.

 

[Lance Jack]

2014 was a good year, 2015 was not so good. I broke a few ribs in a work related incident and it took a long time to recover, my fitness went downhill and I gained weight, I even stopped coming on here. So, I know I need to get back on my bike just for my sanity, so from this point I have nearly all of 2016 to do it.