What a day! Shopping, cleaning, went for a run, hosted an event online about science in conservation, roasted a tomato and artichoke panzanella (updates to come), learned a little more about microcontrollers, then crumbled into the couch - prepped for a night of 'Silicon Valley' and 'Duolingo' - when at my door a friend knocked.
In her hands was a Boardman C7. Which, without hesitation, she passed across to me. I’d put having a bike of my own on the wish list months ago – ferreting away savings. Sarah, who had a pair of wheels she was no longer using, kindly jumped the gun and gave me hers. Such a sweetheart!
The last time I’d hit the roads on a carbon bike was back in June 2023, in southwest Carinthia - feels like eons ago. We cycled 63.45km that day with an elevation gain of 1,083m – no mean feat… Prior to this, I’d spent a few years building up strength in the Netherlands (a country that is so flat in comparison to Austria, it makes a pancake look like a majestic mountain).
I recall battling it to the second highest point (around Weißbriach), but on the return journey back to base the endorphins kicked in: I loved it. I had absolutely loved it. The freedom, the exhilaration on the downhill, the surrounds. Even before I left, I wanted to go back. I wanted to explore more of Austria’s surreal landscape. I wanted to do this with my own bike. And conclude with a pint. Genuss am see.
My curiosity in the world of cycling began with last year's Amstel Gold Race. I arrived in Valkenburg two hours early, ordered a coffee (or three) in Fixed Gear. Here, at this little café, I found myself in a bubble of impassioned fans. The excitement in the air was palpable. Shortly after, a friend joined me and together we cheered on Pogacar as he lapped the final bend. My partner – a passionate cyclist himself – further fuelled my enthusiasm after encouraging me to join him cross-country on his Giant road bike. And so the flame was lit. Now that I've actually made time to do the things I like to do (see prior post about navigating change without distractions), and I have been gifted a brilliant bike, I feel I've got no choice but to take the plunge. Pedals, here I come! Haha!
Does anyone here have suggestions on routes, groups, and upcoming adventures? Hervelo , Edinburgh RC, and Ronde cc all came recommended – seems Edinburgh has no lack of cycling communities! Is anyone in #teamuk a cyclist? If so, have you experienced any of these clubs before? Do you have other recommendations? Also, let’s be honest, this pastime is not so economical. I’ve had to put some other adventures on hold to make sure I could cover the costs this month. Certainly, stumbling across Wiggle was a godsend. Recently donned myself with Giro off-road shoes, Castelli bib tights, a mesh top, and mini pump. The friendly staff down at Alpine Bikes, my local specialist outdoor store, have equipped me with cleats, helmet, puncture repair kit and tools, and a high-vis jacket and grip for the water bottle. For those who are interested, their IG account is constantly being updated with tricks and tips. I myself am staying well clear of IG for the moment, but I hear the advice there can be very useful. There are a few more things I’d like to accrue for longer journeys – a wahoo gps, for example. Does anyone here have tips on where to secure one?
My new bike sits patiently in the foyer of my wee home, winking at me from the bottom of the stairwell. I don’t quite know how to explain it – but it has presence… perhaps cyclists here might understand what I mean by that.
Oh, I am so excited to hit the outdoors with my black and blue buddy. Just waiting for the weather to clear, then off I’ll be! Thank you, thank you Sarah! :)
