First week on the bicycle

Monday - to work and back - about 16 miles.

I was sat between the lanes on a roundabout, ready to feed into the cycle lane on the inside lane of my turning, when a motorcyclist came screaming round the roundabout, and shouted "Get out the lane, man!". No swearing! What a nice chap. Still needing a short break for water at Clapham Common.

Tuesday - home to Kings Cross, Peterborough Station to Lynch Wood office, office to Corby Glen - about 41 miles.

This was a silly thing to do this early. My legs are still feeling it 3 days later. But very satisfying to get into Corby Glen after 26 miles and about 3 hours. I'm beginning to understand why Miguel Indurain had a resting heartbeat slower than an elephant. The paths round to the A47 were beautiful though, and up until Stamford, it was a beautiful day and lovely countryside for a bike ride.

Wednesday - Lynchwood to Peterborough Station - Kings Cross to home - about 15 miles.

Slow. I discovered some really nice cycle paths across Ferry Meadows and along the rowing lake by the Ramada. Not perfect for a road bike, but tarmac, so not too bad either. Lots of flies on some of the paths though, it was like being hit with a garden sprinkler at one point. On the way home through London, I managed to pace myself ok, so I didn't have to stop. It's doing me a little good already!

Thursday - home to London office. About 8 miles.

Finally found the route to the IMax at Waterloo, after three goes. A little bit damp. I don't mind the rain, but the spray up off the road is pretty disgusting.

Friday - office to Streatham, Streatham to home. About 10 miles.

Making it about 90 miles this week. Still only averaging about 8-9 mph, but it's getting less painful, so I hope to start pushing that up a little bit. And I'm still being passed by middle-aged Brompton riders, which is fair enough, as they've been riding longer than me.