Just Back Into Cycling - Wry Observations

[Vern1961]

Bought a couple of MTB's for me and the missus (Raleigh AT10's so borderline BSO's), me partly 'cos they are changing the car parking arrangements at work in a few months to it will be easier to cycle and her's so we can go out together riding.

The first over-riding thing I noticed after about an hour and a half total riding yesterday is - I ache and hurt where I didn't think I had muscles. Use the exercise bike a fair bit but this seems a vigorous workout. (Have done 2.5 hours total today). At this rate hope to see the lb's start piling off.

2 - You notice hills far more than when walking, even the "gentle" 1 in 50 or thereabouts of our local old railway track is quite a pull up hill.

3 - Other pedestrians are even more irritating than when on foot. People who won't stay on the correct side of the path, groups who spread out with pushchairs and dogs then won't make a hole for you as you approach. Not to mention getting kippered by Lambert & Butler as you pull past.

Finally, last time I rode a bike you had a little clicker thing that went on the front spokes to record your mileage. Now it's all electronic. Bought one from Tesco and, not helped by microscopic vague instructions, took ages to set up. The Cadenze or whatever it is transmitter flew off down some path somewhere around West Swindon...

All in all though having great fun and I have a feeling will be much more health beneficial than walking or the exercise bike.

 

[Vern1961]

Not that I completely disagree /re pedestrians but you shouldn't be riding on the path - tis illegal and all that.

Sorry should have made myself clear - these are dual purpose foot/cycle paths I'm referring to, not roadside pavements.

 

[Vern1961]

Of course the other fun thing, is following SWMBO and trying to predict her sudden random stops...

 

[Vern1961]

Can anyone spec me a reasonably priced rear mudguard that will fit the male and female versions of the Raleigh AT10? Tried looking on various sites but it's a bit of a minefield and a lottery whether what you see might fit. Just to keep a bit of the mud and damp off our backs, particularly when riding to/from work.

TVM.

 

[Vern1961]

Re the mudguards, those Cruds look ideal. Also on the shopping list a pair of better saddles as the ones fitted to the AT10 have the ergomics (and comfort) of a house brick.

Still enjoying it and so far as work is concerned arriving happier and healthier. Happier because coming in for Late Turn, no more worries about finding the staff car park full and having to seek an alternative. Healthier because at least there is some exercise on work days. Riding home off Late Turn is also quite Zen, in the dark and cool air.

Sadly a sobering reminder of the hazards of cycling in Swindon today, with someone knocked down and seriously injured on Great Western Way by B&Q. The Western Flyer cycle route temporarily diverted here due to contractor work with temporary crossing over both sides of a dual carriageway. Anyone who's familiar with the location will know it was an accident waiting to happen with the temporary arrangements. Most people just cycle/push the bike through B&Q and resume the cycle path without crossing the dual carriageway twice. Hopefully the council will either redo the risk assessment following this incident and either amend the arrangement or come to some agreement with B&Q to allow "official" use of their property as the diversionary route. Not much consolation to the poor sod who got creamed, though.

 

[Vern1961]

Actually one of the bigger hazards we've found is... other cyclists! Either the helmeted and lycra brigade who come hurtling past on their super tuned road bikes, or at the other end of the scale mum and dad out with their kids so busy watching them and not who's approaching from behind (or even in front).

Then there's the dog owner meets who seem to think it is okay to spread themselves across the width of the path while having a conference.

However after a while you do tend to smile about it all!

 

[Vern1961]

First puncture last week, coming into work...

Dashed up to Wilko's and purchased a cheap tube, couldn't find anything sharp visible or otherwise in the tyre so all replaced and rode home okay.

Next day about 400 yards out tyre flat again. Still nothing obvious stuck in the tyre, so down to Hellfords and purchased a new outer tyre and gel filled tube. So far so good.

Only issue I've got is that in the process of taking out the rear wheel and putting in back in, the rear V brakes seem to have got knocked off centre. Wheel is running true but initially brake blocks binding on rim. Slackened off the cable a bit but one side is further off the rim and one of the blocks at a bit of an angle. Still work okay and grip the wheel but open to any suggestions as to how I can get them back on centre and the toe in correct - or is it a job for the bike shop.

Definitely starting to think the AT10 is an up market BSO...