Bike Wrestling

As I mentioned a while back, I got given a bike. Rather cool… Though it has taken a bit of getting used to. Years ago I had a lightweight tourer, a fast, easy to handle bike. This one is a bit of a contrast. It’s a mountain bike, and, I’m told, meant for someone about 6 ft 6 tall! I can only just get my feet on the ground when I’m on it and at first it felt like I needed the whole width of the road to turn in. Not something that can be counted on to be available in London… My first experience of getting up to the 2nd floor with no lift was also, well, interesting… I still have the bruises! Wrestling indeed.

Anyway, my first trip out was to a ‘cyclists’ breakfast’ run as part of Hackney Bike Week. Breakfast in the park (croissant, porridge, fruit, coffee and juice), nice folks to talk to and the chance to get the bike checked and registered. My bike passed it’s MOT with flying colours. Though it’s been in a shed for several years, and has a few rust spots on the chrome, it’s basically a new bike. I finished off the trip by riding round the park a few times, get a feel for it. Then rode home, getting off at each junction…

2nd trip out was to join a ride around the Hackney boundary. Bit scared of the idea, but I decided that yes, I was going, with only 15 minutes or so to get to the Town Hall for the meet up. This time I rode across some of those junctions… I arrived with a couple of minutes to spare. But no sign of other bikes. Waited a while, before heading home. Turned out it was on Saturday and I’d gone on Sunday. Duh. At least it gave me another practice. I believe they run regular rides. I think I’ll have to look into going on another some time.

A real solo distance ride had to be put off until I’d got locks. I finally got a set, courtesy of Argos, and I was off! For the first time using my bike to ride to a work appointment over Islington way. I knew late afternoon/early evening (i.e. rush hour…) wouldn’t be considered the best time. But actually it wasn’t too bad. Large parts of my route were along back streets, some of which are bike only. It’s great zooming along in the company of other bikes with the whole width of road to use. On the major roads cars were near gridlock and moving slowly, though I did decide to pass on a right turn off Essex Road and got off and walked that bit! I even met with a few hazards: a kid swerving on front on his skateboard and a driver not giving me my right of way on a junction (I had to do an emergency stop and turn my wheel to let him pass). It was scary, but I also found the ride exhilarating. Back home I lifted the bike on my shoulder and carried it up the stairs…

I think I’m sort of in control now, and rather enjoying having a bike…

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