I took my new pushbike out on it’s maiden voyage yesterday. In fact, 20 years out of the saddle, it was a bit of a maiden voyage for both of us!
The kids were keen to come out too, and so we took a short ride up into Streatley village, to visit the wife’s brother.
Man, it was hard work. It was only three miles to get there, but I’ve never ridden so slowly. It took us about 40 minutes!
Amelia refuses to change out of first gear and so her legs were going like the clappers whilst tortoises and sloths lazily made their way past. Meanwhile Harry was stuck in fourth gear, again refusing to change and then getting off and walking whenever we hit the slightest of inclines.
However, I found my new steed easy to ride, though only ever having ridden road bikes in the past, the hydraulic suspension on this hybrid takes a bit of getting used to.
The other thing that will take some time to get to grips with, is the gearing. My old bike had five gears, which was plenty. This one has twenty-one! Having now tried them all out, I reckon there are about fifteen gears that I’ll hardly ever use.
I’m looking forward to going out on it again though- sans kids this time – so I can get a proper feel for what it’s capable of, but I consider my first sojourn a success… despite being a little saddlesore this morning.
Sounds a bit like my washing machine……I only ever use one of the many programmes! You could try the cycle path along the old railway track that starts at Airport Way and goes to Harpenden and beyond. I walk the dog on it every day in Harpenden. Cup of tea available here!!
Twenty-one gears? Twenty-one gears??????
*faints*
The bottom gear is usually called the ‘granny gear’…just saying!
Ah, they aren’t all used for cycling. What you will be seeing as “Gear 4″ is for spinning wool, “Gear 11″ turns at 78rpm and can be used for playing pre-1959 records, and “gear 20″ revolves at such a speed that it is possible to form a black hole. Hope this helps.
And congrats on the blogathon!
Frances – ooh, tea. See you soon!
Bren – Yup, 21 today.
Toffee – I shall rename it grandad gear. Not that I am. yet.
Dave – So I could knit myself a jumper as I cycle? Cool. Or, warm.
Twenty-one gears? Twenty-one gears??????
*faints again*
Why on earth would anything need 21 gears? I’m with Amelia, stick to first.