A month or 2 ago, Sanjay and I decided to buy some bicycles. It was my idea – I decided that my exercise is going nowhere, as I am just not that motivated. So, the idea is, I can cycle to work, which (a) has a purpose (b) makes me do the exercise, as I HAVE to get to work and (c) saves money on petrol/bus trips.

I opted for a comfort bike, rather than a road bike. That means that it is a hybrid, sort of the build of a mountain bike, but road-bike like tyres. And a comfy seat. It’s a bit heavier than a road bike, but lighter than a mountain bike. This is mine:

Rheanna's Apollo Altura bicycle

Now, I’m not crazy, I have small plans. Cycle to work one day, back the next. Once a week, then build up to 2 and maybe 3 times a week. Easy.

First of all, what I did not realise, was that I live 13.6km from work, and also there are many ups and downs along the way (more ups I’m sure).

Well, I’ve done this 5 times now, cycling to work. Once a week, as planned, cycle to work one day, back the next (or the next). Today, for the first time, I cycled TO and FROM work in ONE day. Ok, ok, I know it’s not THAT big a deal, but you just don’t understand how much of a cyclist I am NOT! Me and cycling, we’re not friends. I’ve cycled very little in my life, I’m not very confident on the bike, and those damn hills kill me! I think my ‘comfort’ bike might not be that great for those hills either, I probably work harder than most to get up the hills.

But, I’m proud of me today. 27km in one day. I’m happy.

Now, we just have to convince Sanjay to get out there and cycle to work too!