The bicycle is a wonderful machine that facilitates such a diverse array of activities. I was a late convert to cycling, not pedalling with any regularity until I started using a bicycle for commuting to work shortly before starting university.
During my second year of university, I completed an internship in Nepal and borrowed a bicycle from a generous friend to cycle 32 kilometres from Kathmandu to Nagarkot. The views of the Himalayas that I had hoped to see were obscured by haze. However, the experience of cycling there, spending two nights in a homestay, and then returning was a turning point in how I saw cycling.
I would like to briefly share some stories about using bicycles for commuting, fitness, long distance travel, and income generation. In doing so, I hope to communicate how easy it is to get into any of these.
Commuting
My first job, in the months leading up to starting university, was working as a Marketing Assistant for Eden. I would commute there by bicycle; an eight kilometre round trip.
Having started with a bicycle borrowed from my parents, partway through I switched to a three-speed, 30-year-old Dawes Diploma that I’d bought for £45, in preparation for university.
Unfortunately I misjudged the strength of the front brake and went over the handlebars in the carpark outside work. I staggered into the office with blood streaming from my nose and gravel stuck in my chin. My dear colleagues offered sympathy and wipes, I checked that my teeth were intact, cleaned up, and got on with the day.
In the run-up to starting university, I willed the healing process to go quickly. While my nose and chin healed well, the last scab to fall off – just a couple of days before I moved – resembled a toothbrush moustache. I’m grateful that the timing worked out and I didn’t pick up any unfortunate nicknames during Fresher’s Week.
Fitness
After returning from Nepal, I completed my first “A to A” cycle: a 17-mile (27-kilometre) loop south of York towards Selby. I remember the thrill of pedalling for the sake of pedalling, and the feeling of satisfaction that arose from navigating smoothly and making it home before dark. The ride took one hour and fifteen minutes.
This ride opened my eyes to the possibility of touring rather than fitness, so five years elapsed before I started cycling for fitness in Goma with my housemate Tom, on a bicycle picked up in town for USD 135. Tom and I soon joined Goma Cycling Club, enjoying the thigh-burning two-hour club rides held each Sunday morning …and also the sense of community in the club that came through in our club debriefs and post-ride chapati and maziwa (natural yoghurt, though the word literally means milk) breakfasts.
Long distance travel
During university I started to follow Tom Allen’s cycle touring blog. His philosophy of not overcomplicating cycle touring convinced me to give it a try in the Yorkshire Dales on the same three-speed Dawes (now affectionately known as ‘Betty’) that I used for getting around York.
I bought a set of panniers for £10.51 off eBay, squeezed my tent and sleeping bag into them, and spent three summery days cycling 150 miles (241 kilometres) from York to the Dales, and back. This trip confirmed that cycle touring is simpler and more accessible than it first appears.
If you can ride for a day, find sufficient food, and organise shelter for the night, then crossing continents is just a case of repeating the trick over and over until you arrive. Photographic evidence here (though you will need to scroll back to April 2016).
Income generation
From October 2016 to March 2017, I was working sporadically and searching for a full time job. I needed temporary work, and found it working as a cycle courier with Deliveroo.
Cycling through the British winter wasn’t all sunshine and roses. Braving sleet and crosswinds to deliver a hamburger and a side of chips gave rise to existential questions.
But the work represented a timely stopgap solution, and more than that, led to meeting colleagues whose kindness and humour I really appreciated. Being part of this community of working cyclists created cherished friendships and memories.
Conclusion
Perhaps you cycle for transport, but haven’t considered cycling for fitness or touring. Why not try going for an “A to A” cycle, or choose a spot for a picnic, pack some food, and pedal there and back?
Perhaps you’re looking for work and have a bicycle that you don’t use. Could taking on some shifts as a cycle courier work for you?
Perhaps you want to get fitter but can’t find time amid work and family commitments. Could cycle commuting be an option?
Perhaps you don’t even have a bicycle? Borrowing or buying second-hand are good places to start.
The options are so diverse and the barriers to starting are so low. I look forward to hearing the stories of your commutes, tours, forays into cycling for fitness, or starting to work as a cyclist.
I wish you safe roads and tailwinds.