Finally!

... this morning i've picked up my new bike!

To anyone that cycles regularly it's no big deal ... but to me - it's the first bike (ever!) that's properly fitted to me ...we're still playing around with the handlebar height / angle but that will all come as i spend more time in the saddle and get used to it. I've never had a 'road bike' before (or as i will forever think of them... racers.... which was what they were called in the 80's!) so here i am gently getting used to bending forward and feeling like a bit of a fraud! It will become natural i know .. but just now i'm enjoying the slightly unnerved feeling i have!

So 8 miles this morning ... and i'm toying with heading out for the afternoon ... although - have things to prepare for France and a wedding tomorrow ... so should focus ...

Feels good.

Am excited.

This is it now.... training all the way!

Wish Dad were here ...  but ... in some special ways he is.  It's funny how this is already seeping into all areas of life... my flat now has 2 bikes gracing the hallway (must get rid of the one that i no longer need)...  so i'm always edging around 'a bike' to get anywhere!  I have more Hi-Vis outerwear than i've had in 20 years (last time i wore hi-vis in anger was as a Site Engineer... and then it was oversized, padded and designed for warmth on sites in Scotland!) .... and i sacrificed my long flowing locks (too much blowdrying required!!) ... rather than a clutch bag/pashmina combo hanging by the front door - i now have a bike helmet and fluorescent jacket ...  and i can already feel the pull of clip in shoes rather than toe clips... but for now....  i'm doing ok.

Fear not though dear ones... i'm not going to turn into a complete cycling whippet - i shall still be wearing pretty shoes and nice clothes...  and enjoying late night jazz and drinking red... and ... all the things that 'real' cyclists don't do!!!

Today is marked... it's really happening! xxx