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Whether it's five miles or five hundred miles, riding a bicycle is more fun than anyone ever told me! My New Year's Resolution to cycle 10 miles a day or 40 minutes on a spin bike has meant that by the end of May I have cycled 2,600 miles! Because of my cycling wardrobe the weather has not stopped me from cycling (unless it really is -5 degrees or with wind gusts of 25 mph). Cycling in style and in comfort is really important to me as I don't really want to be covered in logos looking like a Ninja as I buy groceries or attend meetings. I have found some things that work for me but am always looking for new pieces. For me, Evans Cycles and Cycle Surgery for the basics. My two favourite brands for my wardrobe are www.velorution.com and www.velovixen.com but I am always looking for new pieces. I would love to know what works for you and why. Happy cycling!

Monday 4 March 2013

Mice Log Star Date 63

Up with the lark and out into 2 degrees!  You do have to keep your wits about you amongst the commuters no matter how many wheels or feet you or they are on.

As I cycled along The Strand a cyclist didn't stop behind a bus which was next to a stationary one, she just cycled down the middle in a sort of bus tunnel.  A commuter next to me said "she shouldn't do that" and I totally agreed.  I did wonder why cyclists and buses are put in the same lanes to share - the buses are always the width of the lane so you have to wait behind them inhaling their soot or unleaded fumes. Yuk!  Who designs these road layouts? But cycling inbetween them is a really bad thing to do as there is no guarantee the driver can see the cyclist.

On to Islington where I bumped into a friend on her Brompton!  A quick stop for a chat and then on to an appointment.

The sun came out and the temperature rose. We were actually taking off our coats in the sunshine. That's more like it!

On the way home I cycled along a canal and down to the Sustrans offices in Cowcross Street to deliver something to one of their Bike It Officers who is having a birthday tomorrow. 

Sustrans has some excellent cycling and walking initiatives going on but it is very disappointing that quite a lot of people have never heard of them - nearly as disappointing as their name.   

To me, Sustrans as a word doesn't capture any of the excitement of cycling or walking, it sounds like a type of lead pipe or an engineering term if indeed anything at all.  What a pity it isn't something more fun like "Feet First", or "Footsteps for the Future", or "Feet for Fun" or something.  I am sure there are much more inspirational, imaginative and creative phrases that paint the picture of fun created by walking and cycling.

As I cycled back home, the sun was dropping as was the temperature. I stopped and stared at buildings, rooftops, clocks and views I have never seen before - only visible because I was on my bike and had time to look around and about.

 

   
What a joy to be on a bicycle.
 
 
 
A friend of mine tweeted a new initiative by TFL to promote cycling by providing bicycle stands to employers with more than five employees. TFL provide some companies with bicycle racks  This is a very positive step.  Making room for cyclists means less pollution, better health and without a doubt a whole load of fun!  

It made me start thinking about ways to encourage others to cycle. This led me back to the Circle of Gold letters from the 80s which were basically pyramid selling. The people at the top of the pyramid were sent money by the people underneath along with 20 new names added underneath them. I am not entirely sure they were legal. However, without money changing hands, I wonder if it is possible to start a Buy a Bicycle Campaign whereby current cyclists encourage non cyclists to cycle.  Hmmmm. I will think on!

Once home I found that a friend had kindly sent me a picture of her brother back in 1977 sitting on his bike backwards yet pedalling and moving all the same. 


"Olds wheels it.  Harold Olds says riding a bicycle backwards is not difficult, but most people who try it give up after their first crash. He rode around backwards Friday in a Sidney parking lot."
  
Not to be tried but proof it can be done (definitely not for the road!).