For the last 8 months I’ve been commuting the 9 mile to and from my workplace in Victoria by bike as often in an attempt to get some physical activity into a day that otherwise would see me sat down most of the time. My steed has been my trusty dark blue Raleigh Magnum All Terrain Bike I’ve had since I was 17. Decked out with mudguards and a pannier racks makes it practical animal to get me and my trappings there and back again rain wind or shine. So far this I’ve clocked up 1,300 miles this way. Not bad considering the effort it takes to get moving.

The journeys have taken its tool on the poor animal. To keep her going I’ve had to put new tyres on, replace the chain and rear cassette. At the moment I’ve been forced to take the train everyday again as the rear hub has worn out and now the freewheel, freewheels in both directions when I turn the pedals. I think though the regular exercise has improved my level of fitness. I don’t think it’s resulted in me loosing any weight though.

My girlfriend is not too pleased with my antics and thinks that I’m doing a madly dangerous thing. She’s arrived at this opinion, having not ridden around central London on a bike on a regular basis. Another problem here from the perception of a risk garnered from reading about accidents in newspapers. Each time a newspaper has a story about a cyclist being killed her concern grows.

For me it is all business as normal as cycling. Growing up each year I would venture further afield in the Kent countryside . Inevitable I came across busy roads that had to be negotiated and I didn’t want to remain boxed in doing circles on the pavement near my parent’ house.