Today, CBC and I went out on a 27 mile cycle-ride. It was the most WONDERFUL day with perfect conditions. Last Sunday was the first time I have cycled in a year and a half when we did a 14 mile round trip to Ingatestone in Essex. It was a lovely day then although I was a bit nervous since I hadn't been out for so long and went on one of two very busy and scary fast down-hill roads. I could barely walk after, my legs weren't used to the exertion.
This time, I felt a lot more confident and we avoided the scary road to Stock and took a back road instead and rode for a lot longer.
You may or may not know this, but four years ago, around about this time, was the first time I ever managed to ride a bike- I could never do it and my parents divorced at the crucial time when I might have learnt how to ride. Almost five years ago, I met CBC, an avid cyclist and he managed to teach me around about the May after we met. After an initial attempt in Hexham on a rented bike, we went to my local park with Betty, my Mum's old Bickerton original fold-up bike, and in about half an hour, I was cycling! It was SUCH an exciting moment and something I will be eternally grateful to CBC for. A year on, we rode the London to Brighton cycling race- 54 miles!!! I was really happy at my achievement!
Anyway, since we were so tied up with the wedding last year and with other things going on, I never managed to cycle with CBC.
Today, we set off and rode to a really pretty village called Writtle. Its main claim to fame, as it were, is the agricultural college, it's possible it was where my Grandad first learnt about bee-keeping or at least, he went on some courses there I believe, I'm not sure exactly. I went there many years ago with my Nan (I called her Mamgu) and Grandad, but don't remember much about it.
The weather was beautiful today and the roads weren't too busy although we had to ride one stretch on the Ongar to Harlow road which was a bit busy.
There was a wonderful moment where I was cycling down a gentle incline, sun streaming down on me, wildflowers on either side, fields of beautiful (but smelly) oilseed rape on either side, and I remembered this was always how I had imagined it would be before I could cycle!!!
We had a pleasant lunch in Mouro, a lovely tea-room in Writtle- I had BLT sandwiches and a chocolate milkshake.
I hope this will be the first of many and I hope I can make it up to the 55 miles we achieved cycling from our home to Jesus Green in Cambridge some years ago, and perhaps even exceed it?! It was a perfect way to spend the bank holiday, even though my legs are aching...
CBC's arty shot of his bike and I...
Here I am cycling back up Swan lane- on Celeste, my bike. I named my bike after a friend's child and an elephant...
Do you enjoy cycling?
x
I hate cycling as I don't like the wind blowing at me! I hadn't ridden my bike for years and years but Dave fancied a ride on one of the Peak District trails about 6 years ago and we accidentally did a 37 mile ride, taking in the steepest incline ever (1 in 8 at Cromford Incline!) - that's a ride I'll never forget!
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely that CBC was able to teach you to ride and you enjoy cycling together. I'm much happier on foot!
That looks like so much fun and so nice to have an activity to do together. I love it that you named your bike Celeste. Not only do I love naming things I also happen to love Queen Celeste. I cannot imagine getting on a bicycle and riding home again after getting all cosy with my BLT and chocolate milkshake!
ReplyDeleteNaming your bike after an elephant is a wonderful choice :) I miss riding. Has been a few years and I was wobbly then. Used to ride for hours in my youth. So glad you had a wonderful time dear :)
ReplyDeletehttp://downwithpants1969.blogspot.com/
Lovely to meet Celeste, and congratulations on your cycling accomplishments - I loved the story of how your cycling began with meeting CBC. I do have a bike, but my sons (who are all grown up) often comment on the nobbly bits still on my tires ;)
ReplyDeleteI swear I just left a comment and blogger ate it! I don't think you can beat a good bike ride in the sun! x
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I'd be terrified. I seem to have lost my confidence where bike riding is concerned but maybe if I was somewhere rural it might be less terrifying.
ReplyDeleteIts hard to date a dress without examining it inside and out. At first glance the styling looks contemporary. Is it handmade or does it have a label? Are the seams overlocked? What type of zip does it have, acrylic or metal? Are there any care instructions? Fabric label? xxx
I am so not confident riding my bike on the road give me a pavement any day. Good on you for learning how to ride and doing all the big rides.
ReplyDeleteWatch out! You'll end up like my daughter, cycling everywhere and spending every Bank Holiday Weekend on long cycling trips round East Anglia. Mind you, she and Jon love it, and I expect you and CBC will too. Must get out onto my bike soon [trouble is, I cannot carry my sewing machine in the basket - so it isn't practical for work]
ReplyDeleteHow great that he taught you!! I love that story. We only have a few months out of the year that are suitable for biking, so we take full advantage when we can!
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy biking, I didn't get to do it much last year because I was pregnant, but this year I plan to get out more and get a little carrier for Oliver to ride in too!
ReplyDeleteI haven't ridden a bike in about 30 years; I assume I still can, but I would be scared on the busy roads in my city. When I wa a kid, we always tootled around our nearby villages on bike rides, but then it was very rural and quiet.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed by your stamina, well done! xxx
Now that looks like great fun :) we go out together when my husband is off work and all the children are at school. Thing is my eldest was home from uni and between him and my next son the gave dads a puncture, eek a sore point at minute...lol
ReplyDeleteSounds perfect! Just as cycling should be. I live in rural area and wouldn't feel safe on cycling on the roads, some drivers are just reckless! (I'd also have to cycle miles to get anywhere), but it would be nice to get out on two wheels again.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed at the distance you covered, it's no wonder your legs grumbled about it!
yes, yes! I love my bike. I'm so glad you've learned how to ride after not being able to as a child, and that it's something your hubby and you can enjoy doing together -- that's special! Your rides to little towns along lanes sounds perfect. Do be safe! My hubby had an accident lately, you know, and is recovering. Enjoy these perfect days and the joy of riding. I ride my bike a lot now, after many years of not really having an opportunity. Love it!
ReplyDeleteAndy has a Boardman bike like CBC has, it's likely the same one but Andy wonders if it might be a carbon framed one which his isn't.
ReplyDeleteI would love a bicycle, I have my heart set on a Pashley but they are so far out of my price range and I won't settle for less. I also like watching the cycling on the telly and will be in London for the Tour de France xxx
Yes it is carbon framed I think!
DeleteSounds like CBC is an excellent cycling instructor! What an impressive ride you did - you definitely earned that lunch! I don't like cycling. Mostly because it's exercise, and also because it makes my elbows itch (they get sweaty, due to the shock of exercise). Double yuck. xxx
ReplyDelete