Milestone #3

Spring sunshine has been making the commutes so much easier lately. I never ever regret taking the bike to work but good weather just makes it so enjoyable. It’s brilliant to wake up to blue skies without thinking you are going to get cold and the anticipation of the return journey home in the afternoon warmth is awesome.

I especially love the mornings though, with the low sun creating amazing light and shadows. It’s great to stop for a moment and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us like in the shot below:

3,000 Mile Milestone

I’ve been enjoying it so much that I almost missed the passing of my latest 1,000 mile milestone last week. On Monday night I had recorded 3,003 miles for 2019. This keeps me on track for my annual target and continues the run of not missing any cycle commutes for over 3 years. Although motivation is that much easier to find in the spring sunshine, it’s still good to note and keep track of these targets. There is no doubt that there will be challenging moments to come and keeping them in mind will help remind me and focus on what has been achieved and what is possible.

The latest 1,000 miles have occurred without any major incidents. Bikes have been mechanically solid and I’m really enjoying using the Boardman summer bike regularly again. I think the rear gear cables will need changing soon as shifting is getting a bit heavy, but it can probably wait until I change the chain and cassette. Those have done close to 5,000 miles now which is beyond what I normally get out of them.

Driving standards have in the main been very good. There is only 1 incident that I can remember: a driver pulling out ahead of me as I was going round a roundabout. This was downhill in the wet so did cause a brief moment of panic! Of course a few drivers still shout or beep but they have not been as regular either. Maybe the good weather has cheered everyone up.

One of the best things about the longer days and good weather is taking the back roads home. Getting away from the traffic, seeing the fields in full bloom, hearing the birds singing and smelling the countryside instead of the vehicle emissions. It all adds up and I’m certain it makes me more cheerful when arriving home. There are so many experiences that you just don’t get when driving to and from work.