During the almost-year of my maternity leave, I cycled a disappointing 113 miles! Back when I was working in a hands on cycling role, this might be a weeks worth of mileage so it feels a bit strange to have achieved so few miles. Having said that I switched up the cycling for walking once I had a small baby on my hands so I walked almost a thousand miles either carrying baby in the sling or pushing him in the pram. Not so bad afterall.
I’ve recently returned to work which actually affords me more opportunities to get some exercise. I’m lucky to work for an organisation that see the benefit of active and sustainable travel. I am expected to travel in a sustainable manner, and so when weighing up the time options, twice over the last two weeks it has been as quick to cycle as to get the train home from my meetings.
Most train journeys I do go through Reading station, which means I have to change trains which, depending on connection times can mean that my journey time increases significantly. From my front door to last week’s meeting took 90 minutes, including catching two trains. I cycled (the longer but safer) route home in 75 minutes including stopping to check the map numerous times. This week’s journey was one I know well as it used to be my every day commute. Not that I cycled the 14 miles each way every day on top of my work mileage, but I’ve done the trip many times. Again, the journey by train to the meeting took about 90 minutes and the way home about 75, so I was grateful for the fresh air, early autumn/late summer sunshine and thinking space.
I managed to forget my water bottle on the second cycle, and somehow despite my lack of recent riding, managed to make it home not entirely parched and didn’t even stop on the way! Very pleased with that (well except to dodge tourists in Windsor).
It feels amazing to get a bit more time back on the bike, though I desperately need new tyres as mine are cracking.
We’ve done a little riding with the baby and he really enjoys it now. He wasn’t sure at first, but after a few short trips to the forest he realised how much fun it was, and even forgot he was wearing his helmet after a while too!
asacyclist... 