A Casual Cyclist

Last year I stopped to think about the things that I like doing. What were they? Do I allow myself enough time to do them? Do I have the right tools to do them? I realised that these days my hobbies seem to be reading, photography, knitting, cycling (I hardly swim any more so may have to strike that off the list), and surfing the web on my computer. I made a decision that if I needed to take a class to get better at what I enjoy, then I would do so. That I would read more about photography, knitting etc. To that end I finally bought myself a digital camera and took some photography classes - what a difference to how I use my camera. I also took a knitting class which really helped me to read my knitting far better than ever before. I also bought myself a bike.

After spending several years in Belgium and Holland cycling around the refinery, I realised that I really like the upright position of Dutch style bikes. I also liked the rear coaster brakes (i.e. pedalling backwards to engage the rear brakes). I decided to get one. After a lot of research on the Internet, I finally bought a blue ladies Batavus Entrada. It does not look like a traditional Dutch or Pashley style bike, but it is a joy to ride. It has been out of action over the winter, but now that spring is almost here, I'm thinking about those Sunday morning/lunch time rides with the camera in the pannier, and a glass of wine at a country pub. Hurry up spring!