Back in summer, with Johnny raving about how much fun he was having cycle-commuting to work, Bec decided she wanted in on some two-wheeled action. But being a cautious soul, she didn't want to dive in quite as completely as he did. Luckily a perfect easy-option existed in the (decidedly-upright) shape of a hired Dutch bike - readily available in London via t'Internet and delivered to your door with all the necessary accessories by a friendly Polish man. Yay Europe!
Our first London cycling adventure saw us head South-West along the Thames to Richmond Park - a bit of a cycling mecca with the added bonus of roaming wild deer to spot! With the help of the Transport for London cycle route planner, we breezed down to the park with Bec looking every bit the accomplished biker. With only one gear at her disposal, and her Gazelle weighing in more like a baby elephant, she exercised quite a few dormant leg-muscles but was able to make it to the top of the Park with only one "get off and push" - a sterling effort considering some people with 27-speed mountain bikes were pushing their steeds up the same hill!
 |  |
The park rewarded our efforts with a couple of deer encounters. They really are quite lovely creatures - if a bit cheeky to waiting cars when they decide they want to cross the road!
 |  |
 |  |
All in all, our Richmond Park trip racked up about 35km. But Bec wasn't satisfied yet. Hence when our friends Clare and Dan invited us to join in the 50km London to Windsor bike ride, she didn't hesitate! Another call to the Polish man with the Dutch bike and we were all set. C & D are quite keen cyclists, both now riding to work several times a week, and they had all the gear. But despite her huge technology (and weight) handicaps, Bec kept up the pace the entire way, finishing in some style by the Thames in the shadow of Windsor Castle.
 |  |
It's official - Bec has the bug. So when we get back to Melbourne, don't be surprised if you're passed by a strawberry-blonde blur on what appears to be a bicycle from 1953 - it'll just be Bec out on a training ride!
1 comment:
So cool Bec, well done on keeping up with the techno cyclers. I love the pictures of you & the bike, they make me laugh because if you rode it around here you would fit right in. There are loads of ladies riding bikes with huge wicker baskets dressed to the 9s, (they may be a bit older than you though). I can just see it - if only you were still here! We miss you but enjoy the next adventure, Beth x
Post a Comment