I am Back on my Bike!!!

Good news everyone, I am back on my bike! Ant picked up a new bike on Sunday and I decided I would be brave and have a go at getting out on my bike. I didn't go very far, just down to the Double Locks and back, but it's fantastic to have made a start. The journey to the Double Locks was pretty easy as the wind was behind us. I'd hoped to stop at the Double Locks for a celebratory drink, but it was freezing cold outside and neither of us had thought to take a bike lock. Oops!

Coming back was a bit trickier as the wind was against us and it was freezing! Even with my new super duper goretex gloves my fingers felt numb and I really wished I'd worn a hat under my helmet. On the whole it was a pretty positive experience. My knee was a bit sore, but I managed much better than I thought I would and I even managed to cycle up the drive when we got back. My knee was a very interesting shade of purple when we got back and it was a bit sore during the evening and the next day, but not too bad overall and I'm hoping to keep going regularly for short rides to get back into it again. Proper cycling was actually a bit easier than in the gym as you can stop and freewheel for a bit when you want a rest! The worst thing was actually stopping as it's my bad knee that's the one I always put down first, so I was always nervous of hurting it, particularly when trying to stop going down a hill! (Yes there is a bit of a hill down to the Double Locks!!) Ah well, luckily it's my good leg that I always push off on, so that's a bit easier.

For those of you that are interested, Ant has bought a Claud Butler Dalesman. I can't tell you much more about it, but it looks very new and shiny and nice! I'm sure many of you will see it at a CTC ride near you soon!