For the past week and a half I had my bike inside, parked right between my kitchen and my living room, creating an unmistakeable reminder to cycle just 18km more before the end of my first outdoor season.
But fall is busy, winter sports have started, and I just haven’t found the time or headspace.
Some things work against me: a busy job that has me traveling some early mornings and evenings. I live near busy, cyclist-unfriendly streets (at least two people have sadly lost their lives near me in the past few years). A number of my club’s rider development rides were rained out this summer.
I think I psyched myself out too, a little. I struggled on a ride early in the season and convinced myself I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the excellent women riders in the group. I tell myself I’m not good at routine, but sometimes I wonder how much I am just excusing myself from committing to one.
I learned that my hybrid is heavier and slower compared to most road bikes. Also, no clips may account for my slowness.
These things, all adding up, left me getting out less often, and less longer, than I’d liked.
So, I’m finally calling it. Here I am after 8 months: 382 kms and just shy of 23 hours clocked on my bike. What I managed in a season some club riders do in a single weekend.
But SLOW was my Word of the Year (WOTY), so I’m giving myself permission to be a slow rider and have a slow start (and finish) in my fire season.
I moved my bike downstairs when I realized a friend had recently gifted me his old trainer, so my “season” doesn’t have to end: I can get to that 400 mark before the end of 2024.
I had very good time in my first riding season with the London Cycling Club. I met a few new people, rode in some new locations, and shared in a cycling birthday party for Sam. Cyclists I’ve met has been friendly, helpful, and supportive.
My best ride wasn’t my longest or fastest. I was riding in town one late summer afternoon with three friends. The warm sun and the green trees were all around me, and as I coasted down a big long hill I felt like a kid again, without a care in the world. It was just simply fun.
When I think back to when I was a kid riding around my neighbourhood on bikes, I had never cared about my cycling stats, how fast I was going, or whether I had clips or not. Maybe I will have more fun cycling next year if I care a little less about those things as an adult too. 🙂
