Sunday 8 March 2009

Sorry, but I haven't felt much like posting lately.

Just to let you all know I'm still riding, but can't get into the habit of writing up my experiences, time is the problem. I've got plenty to tell you, and am still taking the odd photograph, on my travels, and I really want to write about so many things, loads of ideas to research etc., but it all takes so much time. Work is the biggest problem, but to get that sidelined I need to win the National lottery big time, so until that happens, I ( and you ) will have to console myself with spits and starts. Not that I suppose anyone has missed my absence from the internet, these past few weeks, but hey, I like to pretend you're all out there, hanging on my every word.



Enough fantasising, and by the way I've discovered a new blog, well actually I've been reading it for a while now, " Bikeskirt," I have to say I enjoy it, gives me a great perspective on what youngsters are doing on their bikes in the USA. I don't believe we have quite the same bike culture here in the UK amongst our set of young people, and it's a shame. God I'm really sounding my age these days. But back to fantasising, I just don't see any young women riding bicycles, at all, in my part of the world, and it's much the poorer for it.



So come on girls, get out there on your bikes, believe me the lads will soon follow.



Well back to me and my riding. I've had a couple of weeks off work, due to a combination of leave and my wonderful shift roster. During that time I went out every day for a leisure ride, between 07.30 and 10.00 round Glynneath and surrounds, did at least 20 plus miles each time, and really enjoyed tootling along looking for subjects etc., to photograph. But then, when it was time to return to work we had a couple of downpours of snow, and the return of very wintery weather, which kept me off my commute, taking to my car. I had a few days of wishing the snow and ice would go away for good, so I could return to my commuting.



That time came, much too slowly for my liking, at the beginning of last week, so I've been back to my commute and enjoying every minute. On top of that my speeds, not that I'm really concerned about my pace to get from A to B, have increased alot, my normal commute is about an hour and a half, these past two days I've covered the 20 miles in 70 minutes. No, I know I won't be troubling Lance Armstrong etc., but I have surprised myself, and inwardly, I feel some accomplishment. Perhaps, at long last, I've improved my pedalling efficiency and style to improve my power ratio? Yes you've guessed, I don't know what I'm talking about. Best thing is, I'm feeling really good as well. Just need that lottery win now, to sideline work and take it right out of the equation of my life. That way I can concentrate on what my family and myself want to do, for me that's my bicycling and I'd like to just let myself "go" at writing. You can all laugh now, but I see this blog of mine as a bit of practise. I'd like to get into the habit of writing something everyday, much easier said than done.



I'm so envious of other bloggers who write so well, eruditely and succinctly. My posts tend to go on quite a bit, while I love to read those few lines that some bloggers can put together which sum up their thought or experiences, in a paragraph. Great stuff.

Once again time has defeated me, I hope to get back to you all soon.

Cheers.

2 comments:

2whls3spds said...

Glad to "hear" you are still riding and getting better with the weather. I follow Bike Skirt too. Believe me those two young ladies are not typical in any form or fashion. Birmingham, AL is probably the most unlikely place to find cyclists, especially young female commuters.

Aaron

Anonymous said...

I see a few female cyclists in these parts, other than yours truly, but it is mostly men even around here. We're a pretty outdoorsy lot up here in the Pacific NW so it's not that unusual to see women out doing various sports. I did have a woman blow past me on one of my least favorite hills here once.

Excellent time there, 20 miles in 70 minutes! I can barely cover 14 miles in 65 minutes!