Wednesday 16th August 2023
Today I stepped completely out of my comfort zone and bought a bike.
As in bicycle, yes, self powered.
In London. Only one of the busiest cities in the world to get back onto the saddle. But in it's defence, it's mostly flat and there's cycle paths (with traffic lights and markings!)
But why?
Well, Angie was talking about cycling along the Thames because she dislikes walking and loves cycling and mentioned hiring bikes. I got all nervous about that so suddenly found myself on Gumtree where I saw it saying
'Buy me'
Plus it was only £10-. In a world where all other second hand bikes are hundreds of Randillos, I messaged the woman immediately to confirm it's availability.
I confess to feeling really, really nervous about getting on it so one part of me hoped that it was too small for my long legs. (It's tight, but I can pedal.) I got on the train to go collect it and packed hair band, water and earphone to hear directions back. It was going to be an hour long cycle back so I worked out a much shorter stretch where I could ride it. After I'd visited the Thames.
It folds up too, and as the chap showed me what to do, I panicked at the station because I needed to unbolt the nut with my bare hand! I said thanks nervously after hearing that the woman had stayed in Cape Town for 2 years many years ago. I told them best not to watch my take off. Fortunately they live in a quiet cul-de-sac so I could get my wobble on without traffic.
I could feel myself grin at the hilarity of it all and then the effort of carrying it up the station stairs. I tried folding it on the station platform realised that I was on the wrong platform so had to carry it down, across and up again. Sweat was pouring off me as I sat with the cheesy grin hoping that nobody would come near me.
The trains are equipped for bicycle commuters, so I sat huddled around the dusty tyres, laughing at the '70s chopper bike' style thinking that I could never afford one as a kid, and here I am now. Dreams come true, sometimes the timing is a bit off though.
I got off my train at the same place I went to the Power Station, so I had some sense of where I wanted to go first. And that was to drink my coke at the Thames. There were swinging comfy chairs in the shade too, so I grinned my way through my refreshments and plotted my way back to Brixton.
It was so pleasant, and I was grateful for the lunchtime and few cyclists. If this had been in Holland, I wouldn't have been so keen as everyone there is a 'professional cyclist'. I got out of the way for faster passers-by and suddenly I recognised Vincent Van Gogh's house and I was a little sad that I was so close to my end. I knew I had to carry it upstairs again so I took my time. I must admit, I lay down on the couch for some time, just catching my breath and laughing.
Now I've got to lug it up to Glasgow on Tuesday, haha. And Paisley has some hills!!!
Comments