Why am I now cycling?
Having put up this web site at the start of the year, with the help of the Highland Perthshire bike businesses and local tourist associations. Experiencing the buzz from Etape Caledonia as a spectator, watching my brother from Newport in South Wales come up and participate with two of his friends.
I have bought myself a bike - from my wife's cousin, to see if I am up to cycling and whether after 40 years, cycling is for me.
What am I hoping to get out of it?
- I could be fitter, a constant battle to make sure I get enough exercise to drag me away from the car and office.
- I would not mind loosing some weight.
- It would be good to see if I enjoy it, while being out and about in our beautiful Highland Perthshire scenery.
Cycle Safety
I very quickly realised that I needed to make sure that other road users could see me, even though I was cycling off the main roads - I certainly did not want to have my fun spoilt by a bigger road vehicle pushing me off the road and giving me a scare.
So looking in the April 2008 edition of Cycling Plus, I followed their recommendation on page 115 and purchased:-
- Rear light (Cateye TL-1100 for £29.99)
- Head Torch (Petzl Tikka XP £36.99)
- Twin headlamps (Electron 5W + 10W Ni-MH Twin Headlamp Rechargeable Head light system £69.99)
- Yellow reflective jacket (Dhb Amberley Waterproof Jacket £36.70)
N.B. These prices are as listed in Cycling Plus - I was able to make some large savings by shopping about on line and I am so far delighted with the Cycling Plus recommendations.
On the road - I have been cycling for about a month now and I am really enjoying it so far. Like anyone doing something for the first time I have good intentions. Time will tell how good I am. I intend to keep those of you who are interested posted on my progress via this blog.
Routes - I currently have a route from Killiecrankie via a back road top Blair Atholl and up Glen Tilt that beautiful glen loved by Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Victoria and many a visitor to the area. I will write about this route in more detail some time in the future.