- The last time I rode a bike
I suppose I should begin with a quick introduction, as I’m not a “regular” member of the RCUK team. I’m Gareth “The Grub” and I run the Ad Operations for the entire Factory Media network (RCUK’s parent company) – so anytime you see a really amazing ad, that’s me (and yes, I’m also responsible for subjecting you to some of the less appealing ones too – sorry about that, but I didn’t book it!)
As most of you know, Rich Hallett was born in the saddle. Despite this, after a few pints at a colleague’s leaving drinks a while ago, I decided that road cycling is easy (having sailed racing dinghies and played rugby as a kid/teen and then been a semi-professional paintballer for over 18 years, I have a somewhat competitive nature). Following from this decision, combined with a little egging on from a few colleagues and some Dutch courage, I decided that I could “take” him in a race around Regents Park. A wager of 10 pounds [£10 in case there’s any doubt – ed.] was duly agreed on and we shook hands. I proceeded to attempt to drink my bodyweight in alcohol and the matter was forgotten. Or so I thought.
About a week later, Rich reminded me of the wager and, being a man of my word, I said I would honour the agreement, despite having not cycled for the better part of two decades.
So now you have the back-story to the reason behind this blog, and I hope you’ll not laugh and point too much as I chronicle my efforts to learn how to use pedal clips [let’s go straight to clipless – ed.] and ride a bike in a vaguely competitive manner.
My first point of call is to buy/beg/borrow/steal a bike and shoes/shorts/helmet and lights, then with the aid of the RCUK team and the other bike enthusiasts in the office, I shall attempt to become fit enough for two laps [the wager was three, but never mind – ed.] of Regents Park in competition with the venerable Mr Hallett at a to-be-agreed date in the nearish future…
TTFN
Gareth
