The Cycle Revolution

So, lets get this started…

Even at 20something, I’m nowhere near as accomplished as the bloggers I’ve listed as my inspiration here. I’m essentially a new girl to the world of Cycling – both as an adult & in this City.

The last time I actually owned a bike was years ago: I’d been given my sister’s BMX, which had been lovingly restored by our older brother. It was simple (if not a little boyish), but I loved it. He taught me how to ride on it & used to take me to Gloucester Park on a weekend to go cycling & build up my confidence on 2 wheels. As I got older I started to ride less & eventually stopped all together, but the desire to pick it back up was still there. Back then it was ‘easy cycling’: around the park, down to the shops or with friends after school – carefree and simple. As an adult, the idea of it was taking on a whole new perspective: Safety (not that I have a problem with this), being aware of cars & traffic… trying not to become pavement pizza. In all honestly, the idea of riding around my own beautiful City gave me the fear… something that I didn’t want at all.

Fast forward to now & all I can think about is getting back on a bike – and preferably the one that I’d been lusting after for ages. My boyfriend rides and is a keen and experienced cyclist. He’s been a major source of encouragement of getting me back on the Saddle, and making me realise that I didn’t have to be a top athlete or something to own a bike and just enjoy riding. My idea of it being a world dominated by aggressive commuting riders who have the fastest bikes with 101 gears, Lycra outfits (no thanks) & all the cycling knowledge ever kinda put me off & honestly made me feel that maybe it’s not for me. But thanks to blogs like the ones listed & The Boy I’ve realised it’s not all like that – and I can do this just for me & the sheer enjoyment of riding… and hopefully looking as chic as hell on my wheels!

This weekend it all begins: I’ll be heading to OnYourBike with The Boy to collect my new ride that’s been in their storeroom waiting for me: a black Pashley Princess Classic.This is the bike that I’ve been lusting after for so long…  a simple and absolutely beautiful piece of traditional bicycle craftsmanship. Combining this with my love of Photography, Fashion & London, I’ll be noting all things ‘bike & visual’ here.

There is no real structure to this blog – it’s going to be side-project to keep track of all things cycle, chic and enjoyable about riding… comments & followers are more than welcome… and I’ll also be tweeting too – link is on the right of the blog (in red) if you care to follow 🙂