It was a fine day on Sunday. The sun was splitting the sky, a slight breeze cooling at just the right moment. The perfect day for football, suntraps or lounging around in your favourite company.
My choice was to get on my bike for the first time in ages. It wasn’t inspiration from the Olympics or the Tour de France that got me going, but in the interest shown from others in our freshnlo Pedal for Scotland ride.
September 09 is fast approaching, emails have been coming in from people interested in joining Iain, myself and 9000 of our closest friends expected to make the 47 mile jourmey from Glasgow Green to Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.
Some, like Iain, have bought bikes specially. Others are learning to ride for the first time so they can do it. Most are seasoned riders and just fancy a run out. Either way it sounds like a great day in the making.
You can let us know if you’re going via this Facebook event invite.
I had no qualms whatsoever about taking part in the event before Sunday, even though I’ve laid off the fitness regime for the past two months or so through a combination of coughs, colds and a holiday.
But here’s the thing, it was reasonably tough going.
I didn’t cycle far, just enough to heave the creaking decade old frame of the trusty old bike up a hill or two, but it was energy sapping to the point I realized I better get some practice in.
So the following day I wheeled the bike out again for a short hop to the train and work, determined to get at least some miles in. I need to do more to prepare for sure.
A look through the freshnlo Pedal for Scotland website has among other things some top tips for cyclists planning to get involved.
I’ve just one, if you’ve not been out riding for a while then don’t leave it too late to get some miles in, else you’ll surely run the risk of being left to walk round your office like John Wayne.
I agreed to be part of Team East Lothian Courier: The Pedalling Press Pack (you’d be surprised how long it took us to come up with that title, we’re frankly ashamed about it) for this year’s Pedal for Scotland and I haven’t been on a bike in 10 years. Went out on my inaugural cycle last night (barely 3 miles) and have to admit I had a panic attack every time a car approached me from the rear. It wasn’t a fun ride.
Really looking forward to the day itself – I just have to survive the training first!
For any other very amateur cyclists out there a wee bit intimidated about putting their bums back on a bike, I’d like to pass on the best advice I’ve received (and really hope I’ll be able to follow before September 9!) from cycling-daft friends:
1) It’s all about confidence.
2) Buy padded pants.
Good luck everyone!