A New Day for Tim
No-one would have believed, in the last years of the twentieth century, I was a fit, active outdoors person. My passions were caving and cycling. Then I injured my knee while caving and moved to America, land of the hamburger. Since then I've been on a slippery slope into increasing weight, decreasing fitness, sedentary lifestyle. A few days ago I turned 43 and with that came the realisation that I'm probably in the last chance hotel if I want to halt the spiral, the only outcome of which can be ever deteriorating health and an early grave. Luckily, I still have my health and I've decided to turn things around before it gets too late.
My trusty mountain bike, a late 90's Marin Bear Valley SE (the era just before suspension became popular) has been sitting out in my garden for the last 4 or 5 years. I decided to break it out of mothballs and press it into service. It is still in amazingly good condition, considering that it has been exposed to the elements all that time. Off with the rust-encrusted rear sprocket and chain. A quick visit to Wiggle.co.uk and a few days later shiny new replacements are in my hands. A few bits of paintwork to touch up where rust spots have formed, everything is now ship-shape and Bristol fashion. Tyres inflated, brakes checked, all the wheel bearings running smooth and true. Deraileurs shifting properly. Bike computer fitted with a new battery. That little computer will make all the difference. First road test (around the petrol station forecourt) completed. Ready for a first expedition.
First time out is going to be really hard. My body is not used to exercise and I have a big pain threshold to cross. But I'm determined to do it.
Ambition: By the end of 2007, cycle the Taff Trail from Cardiff to Brecon. A little over 52 miles of cycle path, mostly off-road following old canals, railways and tramways steeped in industrial heritage. It should be achievable.
Today: >140Kg (my scales refused to weigh me!)