"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Monday 25 May 2015

My Cycling Experience So Far


Wow, I have never been away from blogging for this long! This needs to be rectified properly starting right now.

Quick update:
I am still cycling and will do a short test run on 1 June. The best part of the cycling experience is that my leg is really feeling good. The worst part... I was just getting the hang of the cycling thing when I injured my back when moving a cupboard. Real bummer!


My back is still stiff and sore but it seems to be healing well. I am literally praying that it does not have any ongoing side effects or symptoms.

Getting back to the title of this post, I must admit I am enjoying parts of the cycling story. It will never be like running for me but it can definitely be a part of my life going forward. Getting used to all the paraphernalia is the worst part... I have to get out of bed 15 to 20 minutes earlier just to put on or clip on everything.

I feel a little like this when I head out the door...

Then we are also moving into winter and morning rides are dark and also getting colder and colder. Being visible is my number one priority. Being warm enough comes next. Cycling on South African roads in the dark is dangerous. There is nothing else to say about that. I think I look like a mobile Christmas tree,

Two strong lights at the front...


...and a headlight with that.


Facing backwards I have a read and a white light. These flash with different intervals and are positioned to lighten up the reflector belts and bibs I wear in different positions.


Then its gloves and helmet and, with the mornings getting colder, ear warmers and glasses to protect the eyes and what not else... Luckily I have numerous buffs to wear in the places I might get really cold. I think I'll continue adding buffs to my apparel as we move deeper into winter.



All in all the cycling experience has been good. It is just not as simple and effective as running. Also not as cheap...

Happy training everyone!





10 comments:

Robin said...

Great to see a post from you and loved this one.Glad you are enjoying the cycling and that your back is feeling better!

Char said...

I'm so glad that you've found an alternative to running while you're injured. At least you can keep your fitness level up.

Kate Geisen said...

You know it makes me happy to see you on a bike! The whole crazy drivers thing is a big reason I prefer mountain biking and gravel roads to the paved roads. Too many people being hurt or killed by careless drivers. I'm glad you're keeping safe...and yes, cycling is WAY more expensive than running! (But for me way more fun.)

Jill said...

As you can clearly see, I'm not blogging much these days, so I apologize that I didn't know you were injured and resorting to cycling for a bit. Well, if you recall my foot from hell fiasco 5 years ago, I took up cycling too. And while it will never be a huge passion of mine, I have enjoyed the long rides where I can just go so much further than on my two feet.

I hope the bike brings you some success in your quest to keep things going (darn cupboard)...stay strong and determined and I know it will all come together!

Karien P. said...

Haha for the mobile Christmas tree! Great job on being so visible on the roads, though - better safe than sorry on these roads of ours.

Unknown said...

Glad to see you are keeping active and still posting, I have missed reading your blog.

coach dion said...

Mountain bikers are mad... I will oftern see their lights on the mountain trails as late as 22h00 in the evening and then I will also see lights heading off the mountian when I leave for work at 06h30!

My wife is lucky I run!

One Crazy Penguin said...

Cycling is definitely a lot more effort. It's so much gear! That's a nice set up that you have though. Should make you very visible. Now stop getting new injuries! :p

ajh said...

Biking does eat up the money for sure. There is always something else you could have (need) or want. But I think it is so much fun. Glad you like it to a degree!

coach dion said...

today is the 1st, good luck