the perfectability of the bicycle

I was reminded, as uon & I pedalled our way to Brighton in the sunshine on Sunday, that bikes really are the perfect speed for transportation[0] . Fast enough to get places (e.g. Brighton!); slow enough that you can see where you're going through.

There's something enormously satisfying about getting somewhere under your own steam, as well. A particular sort of independence. Not to mention that the process itself is inherently enjoyable. I have to be pretty damn hungover before my commute ride fails to raise at least one smile. Leaning for the turn into Parliament Square at speed; St James' Park in the sunshine; the sprint through Hyde Park as something particularly appropriate comes on the ipod[1]. I do not recall the Tube tending to produce this feeling.

Sunday morning, looking at the South spread before us from the top of Reigate Hill & knowing that this was the best possible way to be spending a sunny Sunday morning; then doing nearly 40mph down into Reigate and giggling manically (or Brixton Hill on fixed for a similar kick). Stopped halfway up Snowdon at midnight, staring at the stars. Riding through a deer park 80km out from Ruislip & feeling unutterably joyous. The sun rising on the Dun Run. Pootling along past the Gormley Quantum whatsit on the river.

It's easier in the sunshine, maybe. But then there was the last 2 hrs of the Hailsham 400 - Charlotte & I drenched to the skin, been on the bikes for over 24 hrs, riding up hills that had suddenly become rivers, swearing & laughing because, well, it really was ridiculous, and strangely exhilarating. Cycling in the snow with strangely empty roads & other forms of transport grinding to a standstill. Fighting winds that had half the parks shut to traffic (but not to bikes!) & then suddenly finding a tailwind pushing me home faster than I could get the pedals round.

Bikes. Most Fun Ever. And they get you places.

[0] I know I got this idea from someone but I forget who.
[1] This morning it was Hey Mr Blue Sky, and it kicked in just as I swung round onto the road through the park & put the pedal down. Awesome.

the perfectability of the bicycle

I was reminded, as uon & I pedalled our way to Brighton in the sunshine on Sunday, that bikes really are the perfect speed for transportation[0] . Fast enough to get places (e.g. Brighton!); slow enough that you can see where you're going through.

There's something enormously satisfying about getting somewhere under your own steam, as well. A particular sort of independence. Not to mention that the process itself is inherently enjoyable. I have to be pretty damn hungover before my commute ride fails to raise at least one smile. Leaning for the turn into Parliament Square at speed; St James' Park in the sunshine; the sprint through Hyde Park as something particularly appropriate comes on the ipod[1]. I do not recall the Tube tending to produce this feeling.

Sunday morning, looking at the South spread before us from the top of Reigate Hill & knowing that this was the best possible way to be spending a sunny Sunday morning; then doing nearly 40mph down into Reigate and giggling manically (or Brixton Hill on fixed for a similar kick). Stopped halfway up Snowdon at midnight, staring at the stars. Riding through a deer park 80km out from Ruislip & feeling unutterably joyous. The sun rising on the Dun Run. Pootling along past the Gormley Quantum whatsit on the river.

It's easier in the sunshine, maybe. But then there was the last 2 hrs of the Hailsham 400 - Charlotte & I drenched to the skin, been on the bikes for over 24 hrs, riding up hills that had suddenly become rivers, swearing & laughing because, well, it really was ridiculous, and strangely exhilarating. Cycling in the snow with strangely empty roads & other forms of transport grinding to a standstill. Fighting winds that had half the parks shut to traffic (but not to bikes!) & then suddenly finding a tailwind pushing me home faster than I could get the pedals round.

Bikes. Most Fun Ever. And they get you places.

[0] I know I got this idea from someone but I forget who.
[1] This morning it was Hey Mr Blue Sky, and it kicked in just as I swung round onto the road through the park & put the pedal down. Awesome.