Felt knackered upon leaving work and meandered back the long way, enduring an amount of rain although at least it was fairly light (if dense) and warmer than this morning.
Had yet another go at the perpetual brambles with a few thanks from passing cyclists, and think I saw as stoat flash across the cycle track out the back of Kennington, as well as a Kestrel on the overhead wires that seemed unphased by my presence.
Upon arrival at the park I punished myself on the hoops; really didn't feel like it but managed three full sets and pushed on a bit further (reps, time held) than last time. A few welcome stretches and I was back out on the tow path for more bramble abuse..
I'd resolved not to go to a pub tonight... However, buoyed by the departing rain, exercise high and sense of accomplishment from the rings and guerilla gardening I reconsidered and swung by the Plough in Wolvercote; which I was happy to find open on a school night now the summer's here.
On the journey in this morning I'd ineffectually rung my bell at a fat black labrador that was broadside across the tow path; nose buried in the bushes.. evidently to the amusement of its unfeasibly attractive human who was watching from her boat.
This evening upon carrying the Brompton up the steps from the tow path I again bumped into these two, heading into Wolvercote. I smiled a lot, she smiled a lot.. the dog remained indifferent. Having given way to them and various other people on the bridge I caught up with them shortly afterwards on descending from the bridge; cheerily ringing my bell as I passed. As I was folding the bike I looked up as they passed, to be greeted by another enormous smile
I'm not used to this sort of attention from people so attractive and tbh was completely blindsided and intimidated by it. Obviously it's enormously welcome given the last three years of single, post-breakup misery; while seemingly adding validation to my efforts to improve my fitness and appearance.
I'm slightly kicking myself for not pursuing this further.. although tbh I'd not know where to start and it's nice just to leave it as a nice experience in isolation.
Into the pub and £7.40 secured a double Gordons and Schweppes tonic in a proper big posh glass; clearly the best value option I've yet discovered and likely not the last time I'll pop in here on the way home
On a good day in the middle of "summer" it's easy to view the cycle-based commute through rose-tinted glasses... However, to think what it's brought me - a big chunk of regular cardio, the opportunity for regular body weight training, fresh air, nature, peace, pleasant interactions with others and the city as a whole - compared to sitting in my little tin box slowly turning incandescent with rage and struggling not to treat everyone around me with utter contempt, it seems like the appalling traffic around the city might have been one of the best things that's ever happened to me
