My favourite outdoors activity is cycling. I have three bikes, two operational. My first real bike was built by my friend Iain and myself from parts he obtained for me. It is a Raleigh frame using Reynolds 501 tubing, and was built roughly to touring specifications. Iain decided I would have a touring bike, because he realised I would never make it in races. Thanks Iain!
I used that bike for about 10 years, and still have it (albeit needing repairs). After starting work for real at the age of 25, my cycling decreased considerably. Simultaneously my wasteline expanded manifold. In August 2001 I decided enough was enough, and thanks to having received a bonus from my work in that month, purchased a mountain bike from the Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative. It was a Contour 300. I rode it three times a week for about four weeks, then it was stolen.
Yes, stolen.
I was not happy. But you can't keep me down, so I kept an eye on the internal noticeboard at my work, and lo and behold a bargain came up - a Specialized Rockhopper Comp FS for 300UKP including some nice extras. I snatched it up and started to ride again.
Mountain bikes are OK for off road, but to be honest, I missed the purity and raw power attainable only from a road bike. So keeping that eye on the noticeboard, I came across another bargain - an old Raleigh Royale touring bike. Reynolds 531 frame and decent components. 50UKP! I couldn't let it pass me by. So in September I purchased this and began cycling to work.
I now spend some time on the newsgroup rec.uk.cycling. It's full of very clued-up, friendly people and I can highly recommend it.
[CYCLING]
Cycling
Rides
