Posts tagged expore

It appears I have a passion for all things 2-wheels. As anyone who’s spent time with me will know, I love motorcycles. I always have. Sportbikes to dirtbikes, it’s all part of the fun. The best thing I’ve ever bought was my Ninja—twice!

Recently however I have decided it’s time to try something else (as well). I’ve purchased myself a bicycle and I wanted to record a few intial thoughts, so bare with me.

I haven’t ridden a bicycle in nearly a decade, and I certainly haven’t ridden a road-bike before. I am used to mountain-bikes (MTBs) that are way too big and heavy for me. I’m used to 21 gears, massive brakes and straight bars. What I bought, age 26, is a single-speed road bike.

My new Kona feels tiny. It’s tall but oh so slight, weightless, and initially unstable. Quite different to the Ninja before peddling. I grew used to it quickly of course, but relative lack of off-the-line power and heavy braking takes a little longer. Hopefully my legs will grow powerful enough after years of neglect to use it properly.

Single-speed seemed interesting to me, and it is. It stops me from going too fast at times, makes it really tough for longer climbs and all round helps me work out (I think—not being an expert). It doesn’t seem easy anyway, which I guess is how it should be.

I’m exploring locally, really local. I’ve seen parts of Cheltenham already I had no idea existed. I’m getting an idea why people here don’t ride on the bike paths, footpaths or anywhere else without dual suspension. I’m quickly learining the terrain isn’t as flat as I imagined but I’m building quickly and enjoying it.

I hope to write about some of this in more depth as it’s interesting to me how little I knew [still know] about my local area and what treats there are if you bother to look. Until then, ride safe, whatever powers you.