Cycling to my first 100km

 Here at Daily Function the idea of cycling has taken effect. As the titular achievement suggests. This is the journey so far and it has been quite the journey. The actual beginning is unknown as it was quite a while ago. Did it begin when I was born? Absolutely, though I have time nor the memory to document 33 years of life at the current moment. So, to ring it forward a bit, I guess it began with commuting, then a small fascination and fixation with fixed gear riding which lead to some moderate city boundary rides. These were fantastic, the tarmac was beautifully smooth, intersections offered plenty of respite, and the simplicity of the bike was beautiful. Was I fast? No. Fit? Probably not either. Problem? Hills. The possible solution? Gears? 

    

    So the geared bike was purchased an old 9-speed Cervelo time trial machine. What I would consider an absolute stunner of a bike, after all, it had Ultegra and, let's be honest, more gears than I know what to do with. A quick six months stall while waiting for compatible shifters later and presto,  I had a retro (I have to add this word) machine with nine gears. Actually 18, but I was informed the small ring wasn't really there to be used. This did however lead to a shocking realisation that I wasn't actually faster on the Cervelo. It has since become a commuter of choice for riding to work and various chores which is silly as it has way more gears than necessary for such use. But oh well. There we are. Moving forward beyond what I can undoubtedly call the laying of the foundations for the next chapter. 

The mighty Cervelo 

    Step into the spotlight the FUJI frankenstein of bikes. Hey, it has Dura-ace written on the rear derailer, but no where else. Instant cool and serious cycle points. however, co-inciding with this newfound piece of awesomeness, despite the fact that FUJI went bankrupt, was rainy winter and various running related ankle injuries. Armed with forced time off running, I was ready for cycling. And what could be more perfect, physiotherapists love cycling. The cool mixture of low impact muscle building powers of pedals is something to be celebrated. Of course, winter and riding outside was frightening as I had fallen off the Cervelo twice due to lack of unclipping experience and technique. One time was in the middle of an extremely busy roundabout where I had to quickly pick myself up off the road while simultaneously untangling my legs from the cranks. 

    Moving forward, easy answer, ZWIFT. I whole heartedly endorse this video game (I mean training programme) as it is absolutely incredible. This content is most likely viable for a different post as this current post is about the cycling journey thus far. After training on the incredibly incredible ZWIFT programme, also massive thanks to Wahoo and the range of Kickr products, my friends, who are actually pro-riders - well not really, but by comparison- start suggesting ideas of group and bunch rides. I joined up with a group known as Bob's bunch, I have no idea if bob is a real person but can't ask because I think it would be silly to do so. Through Bob's riding group I have successfully achieved a milestone in cycling. I have successfully ridden 100 km, actually a 106 kilometres. There was definitely a cafe stop in the middle, but I am assured the ride distance still counts... This monumental milestone was achieved not alone nor is it the end all of achievements as in the two weeks since achievement further cycling adventures have taken place. I had however, hoped that after cycling 100 kilometres that cycling might start to be considered a little bit easier, this not the case either. For now, a new cycling nemesis has recently reared it's ugly head, it's name is wind and we are are doing some mighty battles.