My commute to work is unrecognisable from this time last year. I used to push on to a crowded bus and spend 45 minutes submerged in everyone’s overheated coughs and sneezes. I now cycle to work almost whatever the weather.
I’ve had a bike for decades. For decades it lived mostly in the shed. I cycled to work for a few weeks last summer, but the 5 mile uphill climb to the office took its toll. It was often close to lunchtime before my appearance had returned to normal (for me). Concerned colleagues asked ‘did you cycle today’ hoping that explained things.
So what has changed? My ebike. It took only one shot to convince me to get one. The assistance is like having a super power - enabling me to cut through wind and rain without a care. Very few days are not for cycling. Ice, snow and unremitting heavy rain maybe, but any less than that and I’m off.
My route is mostly lovely, green cycle path, with only a few scary bits of road, some cobbles and an old railway tunnel to navigate. The tunnel is a thing of wonder. Graffiti appears and disappears. Lighting is smashed then fixed, but there are always a few metres of utter darkness to get through. On the sunniest of days, the tunnel has its own misty atmosphere - all Peaky Blinders and Burke and Hare menace. It's also a welcome shelter from rain. On the way home, though, it’s the invigorating start of a downhill, speed-gathering stretch that makes my heart sing. It's all I can do not to just stretch my legs out and scream with joy.
I got my ebike in November last year and managed two or three commutes a week, even in the cold and dark. Since February, I’ve aimed for four and have been delighted to hit five. I’ve cycled nearly 1000 miles to work now and am much the better for it.
I can get home in twenty five minutes, when the bus takes nearly an hour. I feel alive and energised after my commute, not hot and bothered. The ebike has also built my cycling confidence. On holiday I rented what I now think of as an analogue bike. I was a bit worried that minus e-assistance, I would be back to square one. Not a bit of it. E-cycling is still cycling, and with eight months of commuting under my belt, I was delighted to find I could cope pretty well. In fact, cycling has become a bit of an addiction. There are few days that don't look like it's worth the risk of the rain. Two wheels good.
Comments