The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
A sport for faffers? The trials and tribulations of a cyclist
Dundee and District Table Tennis Association (DDTTA) runs sessions at Ward Road Gym. On Thursdays, coaching sessions open to all ages and abilities run from 6pm to 8pm, on Fridays, over-50s social sessions run from 10am to 12 noon, and there’s an open practice from 7pm to 9pm.
On Mondays, there are social sessions for over-50s (run by Plebeians Table Tennis Club) at Forthill Community Sports Club from 9.30am to 11.30am, and then there’s open practice from 7pm to 9pm. For more details about DDTTA, visit ddtta.co.uk or email chairman@ddtta.co.uk
When you start to cycle, it can take over your life in a way that other sports don’t tend to do. I used to swim a lot. I know it is not for everyone, but I love the constant nature of swimming up and down a lane – my mind switches off as I focus on my breathing and the repetitive motion of my arms and legs. I also love the easiness of the activity.
I have recently started swimming again and I can set aside an hour to head to my local pool, swim 100 lengths, shower, rinse out my swim shorts and head back to work.
Comparing that to my cycle ride of a few days previously, I realised how much pre and post faff there is involved with cycling, although that could just be me, but cycling is a sport that does seem to attract “faffers”.
On getting up, I looked out the window and saw a few spots of rain, so I raked through my wardrobe for my waterproof cycling jacket – only to realise it was still in a mouldy heap at the bottom of the washing basket after being unceremoniously dumped there after my last ride in the pouring rain.
So, plan B.
I pulled everything out the drawer trying to find my other waterproof jacket, the one I hadn’t worn for years because it is slightly too tight around the waist (it must have shrunk after all these washes...). Finally, after much cursing and accusations of: “Who has hidden my overshoes?” I got my kit on. Next came the bike.
This was a cue for more swearing as I realised the bike I wanted to ride was missing a saddle and pedals (I had taken them off to put on my wife’s bike as she wanted to try them out), so to save time, I decided to use my fixed-wheel bike (which isn’t a hardship as it is still my favourite bike) – only to realise that it had a flat tyre.
This left me with the question: Will I be quicker fixing the puncture or fitting pedals and saddle? I opted for pedals and saddle, which was obviously the wrong choice – as I searched for a 5mm Allen key, I came across new inner tubes and puncture repair kits galore, but no Allen key.
Eventually, by the time I was ready to go out, the sun was now shining, and I decided to leave the (shrunken) waterproof jacket at home.
As I headed out my gate, I glanced at my watch and realised I only had one hour before I had to pick the kids up from school.
I let out a sigh. Taking into account the time it would take me to get all my cycling kit back off again, showered and my bike back in the shed, I would be left me with about 30 minutes of actual riding time. Hardly worth it.
So I walked back inside, switched the kettle on, sat down and then pondered as to why that waterproof jacket had become too small for me.
Join the Blazing Saddles Strava Club at: www.strava.com/clubs/ Blazingsaddlesweekendcourier
Where to ride: The Tenandry Climb, Killiecrankie
Distance: 2.9km
Ascent: 125m of ascent with an average gradient of 8%
Description: For road riders, this littleknown gem of a climb is a great little loop to add to any ride in the Pitlochry area. The climb starts at the Garry Bridge just south of Killiecrankie and then rejoins the B8079 in Killiecrankie. It is best ridden as part of a longer route from Pitlochry and the surrounding area. The views from the top across to the Beinn A’ghlo massif are stunning.