Cycling Gangnam Style

Thanks to Haribo Joe for this excellent description.

Last week the rear axle of my bike broke half way into a 30 mile ride, luckily the wife was happy to rescue us.

I'm still unsure about what to do about my bike so I borrowed my brother in law's bike today so that I could do some exercise.

It is a mountain bike with fat, spongy tyres and full suspension, so every time I pushed down on the pedals the bike bounced up and down, losing loads of energy.

So not only was it really hard work, I felt sea sick.

When Joe saw me I was bouncing around so much he thought I was Psy doing his dance.

It's probably a good mountain bike, but a terrible road/hybrid bike.

When choosing your bike, make saw you know the type of riding you'll be doing and get advice.

It will save you a lot of time, energy and money.

A loss is a loss I suppose...

Just had this months weigh in and only lost 0.5kg.

Gutted.

Start of the year 134kg, now 119kg so I've lost 15kg or 33lbs.
It still moving in the right direction.

It's been too easy to make excuses not to go out cycling and I've felt hungry all the time, a bad combination.

My goal at the start of the year was to lose 12% so my target was 118kg by the end of the year.
The next weigh in is in January and I will be below 118kg.
It doesn't sound like much to lose over 6 weeks but it is Christmas so I'm being realistic.

Lit up like a council house at Xmas

If you're out cycling at night make sure you can be seen.

You've probably notice some cyclists covered in lights, like a council house at Xmas.
So it worked! You noticed them!

Flashing lights work well because the human eye notices movement better than something constant.
But they're not great if there are no street lights as they don't light up your path.

Wearing reflective clothing will help, don't worry about how you look, just make sure you can be seen.

Try it this evening, just notice which cyclists stand out from the crowd and why, and then try to copy them.

Here's a link to a story about Bradley Wiggins getting knocked off his bike by a van. If it can happen to him.....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/nov/07/bradley-wiggins-hospital-crash

This is Rule 60 from the Highway Code so you know the legal requirements.

60
At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.

October facts and figures

7 bike rides
9 hours 54 minutes
133 miles

Here's what I've done so far this year.

February 20
March 133
April 110
May 66
June 91
July 165
August 212
September 142

Total 1072 miles
Average/month 119 miles

Goal for November

Beat the monthly average of 119 miles

Well worth getting up for!

Just been out for a lovely morning ride.
I was thinking about going last night but was also thinking about a nice lie in.
When I woke up it was raining which nearly made up my mind, but 10 minutes later there were blue skies.
Just a quick 9 miles with a short stretch along the coast so some stunning views, and burnt 600 calories, which was nice.