I just don't want to cycle today...

There are times when I feel so tired that I don't want to cycle. I have to admit, it puts me off sometimes thinking about pedalling 18 miles to the office and another 18 miles back home, negotiating traffics all the way from Woolwich, Greenwich, Surrey Quays, London Bridge and Holborn.

So sometimes I go back to my old routine and take train (sorry....) and leave my bike at home.

Taking train means I have a luxury to read and I always bring bicycle magazines in my bag. As a cyclist convert I like to read various articles on shiny new bikes (which will set you back hundreds of pound in case you want one) and on cycling.

And you know what, just by reading those magazines, my desire to cycle to work is suddenly increased dramatically. And it will be multiplied when I walk along Strand and seeing so many people cycle.

So when I feel tired and bored of cycling I know exactly what to do.  As long as I get magazines (or books or cycling blogs) I am ready to cycle again...

Ready, cycle, pray

"So you cycle to work now?" a good friend of mine said to me the other day. I nodded. "Why did you ask?" I said.

"Well, just be very, very careful. I saw a cyclist knocked down by a bus in front of Waldorf Hotel this morning," she said.

"I don't know how bad the injury is. But I saw a pool of blood. It doesn't look good," she added.

It is not the first time I hear this kind of sad story: another cyclist knocked down on London roads.
Our safety doesn't depend entirely on our own hands.

There are reckless and mindless motorists out there. So, to be aware of road situation is a must. Look well ahead, glance to the right and to the left from time to time and always be ready to brake at anytime. Oh, one more thing. Don't forget to pray...

Help, my body aches!

Ok, I have a confession to make. I rarely exercise. Well, sometimes I swim on Saturday morning, but I do it once in three months or so.

That is why I get muscle sore all over my body in the first days of cycling to work. I tell myself, "Take a break for a day or two. Give your body time to adjust your new routine."

So I stop cycling for two days and take train to work.

The thing is, I sort of miss my bike. I miss the roads and the refreshing feeling after taking shower at the office.

On the third day, I cycle again. And you know what, I don't get muscle sore anymore. Great!!!

Cycling to work, how to get started

You might have planned it. You probably already have a bike in the landing, but then you do not know how to start pedalling all the way to the office.

What I would do if I were you is to start cycling a couple of miles for a start. Let's say from your home to the nearest station, then go further until you manage to get to the office entirely by bike.

That was what I did. I cycled about three miles on Monday, six miles, nine miles and by Friday morning, to my surprise I ended up doing 18 miles from Southeast London to Holborn.

I could not believe I finally did it...

Carrera TDF road bike

This what I ride to central London from the southeast.  A Carrera TDF I bought from Halfords for £299 (down from £449). I chose this as road bikes, I think, are better that hybrids or folding bikes for long distance journey.

So, is it any good? I read reviews from those who already bought it and I agreed with them. This Carrera is good first road bike.

It negotiates roads and traffics easily. Overall I am satisfied with the bike. Just don't mention the pedals...

Cycle in London for the first time

It was Friday afternoon, about 5 pm in August. I know it was not a perfect time to cycle for the first time in busy London roads. It rained heavily as well.

However, that was the agreed time that I had to collect my road bike.

So, when the rain eased I went out from a Halfords store and braced myself with the unknown ahead. It was the first time for me to cycle on roads after so many years.

I cycled slowly. The cars that passing me seemed went very quick. Suddenly the road went downhill and the bike picked up speed.

Why do I cycle in London?

"Don't do that. It is very, very dangerous," a good friend of mind tells me. "The traffic is just mad," he adds. I  agree with him. Roads are dangerous place. To cycle 18 miles to the office and another 18 miles back home is a daunting task.

But I already make up my mind.

Yes, it is not easy to cycle and navigate the traffic all the way from southeast to central London. However, London now has more cycle lanes and more people cycling to work. These force motorists to change their attitude.

And of course I can save money and burn excessive fat in my body in the process.