How it all began

Why I got back in the saddle, having not even sat on a bike for 20 years

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I’d been thinking of getting a bike for some time, but a few things were putting me off. First, the cost. I didn’t know how much I would have to spend, which was closely linked to the second problem: which bike? Cycle technology had moved on a long way since I was last on a bike more than 20 years ago.

Then there was when I would be able to get out on a bike. At the time I was within walking distance of work, so commuting was somewhat pointless, leaving only weekends, and I didn’t want to spend a lot of money to only use a bike once or twice a week. Finally, where to keep it? I was living in a small flat with no indoor space for a bike, not to mention the fact I was on the first floor and would have to get the thing up a narrow flight of stairs.

My bike, just before being cleaned.
Photo by The Happy Commuter.

All change
All of this changed in May of this year when my boyfriend asked me to move in with him. My new gaff is a very cyclable five miles away from the office, and it’s got plenty of shed and hallway space for storing bikes. Plus, as I couldn’t walk to work any more I’d have to pay for travel – getting a bike would actually save me money. So in July, as an early birthday present, my boyfriend bought me a bike.

I had three goals: to get fit, lose some weight and save money

I didn’t want anything too fancy – something that would get me to work but I could also take cross country at the weekends. Nothing expensive as for all I knew I’d use it once and then hide it away in the shed. With a little advice from the salesman at Halfords, I chose the Apollo Cosmo.

I’ve been cycling most days ever since, clocking up more than 50 miles a week. I had three goals: to get fit, lose some weight and save money. And hopefully enjoy myself. How have I have I been doing? You’ll find out in forthcoming posts!