The day started off on a good note: no rain & bright sunshine – which is exactly what I’d hoped for… not to say that I’m going to be a fairweather rider, but I really didn’t want my 1st experience of riding through the city to be in the wind and rain.
As the weather was nice but stil pretty cold, I went for the cycle-outfit that I thought would be practical for the weather, but still stylish (it was really too chilly for one of my new tea dresses):
The Boy set off on his Ridgeback & I made my way on the train to London Bridge to meet him there, as he was going to be my guide home… and make sure that I didn’t break my arse attempting to cycle! It was funny being sat on the Underground, knowing that this wasn’t going to be my transport back to base. Not going to lie – there was a real element of nerves and fear about cycling back home, after having not been on a bike for years & using real roads… but of course I was excited about it too.
Got to On Your Bike, met The Boy & sorted out the last of the CycleScheme paperwork. When the man dealing with me wheeled out the Pashley from the storeroom, my heart melted – it was glorious, graceful & mine. This was also the 1st time that The Boy had seen the Pashley and he was also very impressed with how great it looked too. They were very helpful in OYB: the lights had already been fitted for me, and they made sure that the Saddle and Bars were the correct height and comfortable before I set off.
And then it was all down to me.
We walked our bikes to a quiet area near to Monument station (I didn’t realise such a thing existed) and I had a practice-cycle. It was certainly much needed, as I really couldn’t find my balance for a while which was a worry for both of us! The lack of balance was a combination of getting used to being back on a bike, building my confidence up & not wanting to smash the Pashley on its 1st outing! Eventually that old adage “you never forget how to ride a bike” kicked in, and I was doing it! We set off on the planned cycle-route back to East London – I rode in front & Boy followed, to watch how I cycled & I know to keep an eye on me. Other than being really wary of the cars on the road, it was such a free feeling. Already I predict my addiction to cycling and the Pashley will be pretty big…
I feel that I’m not quite at the point of being able to write a full review on it, even after having done the ride home. There is still so much to learn about the Pashley: exactly how it handles etc. What I can say though: the ride was smooth, and more than enjoyable & has got me psyched-up about cycling as much as I can. It’s a beautiful example of craftmanship & really captures the romance of riding.
Getting back on the Saddle (especially this one) may have been the best decision I’ve made in a long time.
