Back to Work

I’ve not posted for a while as it was our Easter holidays, so the commute took a well earned break. We headed up to the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles of Scotland to spend some time with family. At this time of year the weather can do anything, so we were incredibly well off to enjoy 8 days of near constant sunshine.

My cycling legs took time off too, but I did manage to get a few runs over the course of the week. There is a brilliant area of parkland in the main town of Stornoway for walking/running/cyling and you can do loops of anything from a mile to 10+ without retracing your steps. It was good to keep the cardio ticking over and gave me a different workout.

Check out my Instagram account for more photos of the amazing landscapes and sights on the island.

Back to Commuting

Sadly the time off passed all too quickly, as it always seems to do. Thankfully when cycle commuting you don’t have the dread of sitting in traffic again but can look forward to the thrill of cruising around on your bike. Anyway, Monday crept up on me and I started the familiar preparations on Sunday night: bag, food, gear, bike.

My bag was quick to get ready. All the spares I carry in it were still in place and I just needed to empty out the food boxes that I forgot to remove before we went away… Oops!

I made sure to pack enough food for the full day as I couldn’t remember exactly what was left in my desk drawer. It was a bonus when I found a box of leftover curry in the freezer to take for my lunch.

Winter gear has now well and truly been packed away, so I looked out some shorts, a base layer, t-shirt and jacket, as well as finger-less mitts and my summer shoes. It’s always worth prepping your kit the night before but especially after a holiday when you are more likely to forget something in the morning (making sure that underwear is packed in the bag is very important!)

I also decided it was time to bring out the summer/good weather bike. I had to give it a quick check to make sure the brakes, tyres, etc. were working. The rear brake was a bit sticky so it got removed, cleaned and lubricated to give an acceptable performance. The tyres were a bit flat after having been left hanging so they got inflated nice and hard then I went to bed confident that it was going to be a good morning.

Rapeseed boardman — ***So much rapeseed around***

Setting off on Monday morning I was cheered by the sunny weather and warm start to the day. Unfortunately, when trying to shift down a gear on the hill outside our house I was met with a really stiff gear lever. Initially I thought it was completely stuck and I would need to go back for another bike, but after a few goes I was able to move it with a bit of force. However, it left me wary of shifting too often as it feels like the inner cable is frayed and liable to snap at any moment. My evenings have been too busy so far to change it so I guess it will need to be a weekend task.

Perhaps I should have changed bike on Tuesday and Wednesday but I was enjoying riding this one even with the limited gearing so continued to risk it. Wednesday morning’s commute was completed with the only gear changes being between the two front chain rings. The return trip did need the use of the rear mech though.

Despite the minor bike issue (and the need to work again) this has been a good start to the commutes again. It has also been made even more enjoyable with the continuance of the good weather!