Welcome to Feb:

 January ticked off the list, onwards and upwards

January turned out to be a cycling fail. Between illness, injury and snow I managed to cycle a total of 70km, which is frankly disappointing. 

So, let's start February with a clean slate and a positive attitude. 

I've swapped out the car for the cargo bike for running errands and have actually managed two road rides. As I was getting ready to go out this morning it made me chuckle the difference in cycling apparel, depending on the purpose of the ride. 

On the left, dressed to go to the market, I just need to add a jacket - my current favourite is a cropped faux fur number (warm and relatively smart) - a pair of shoes, in this case brown lace up boots - and a helmet. As I left the house yesterday my husband tole me "that's not a cycling outfit" and I had to point out that every outfit is a cycling outfit*. On the right, for the road bike, up and down hills and round the countryside, the usual lycra kit plus helmet and winter boots. 

I've noticed a distinct difference in the reaction of other road users for the different outfits - maybe it's the different bike, or maybe both together. 

One gets waves from small children, wide passes and grins from local farmers - roadies don't notice me. The other gets waves from other roadies and close passes. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you which is which. In my experience lorry drivers and school running parents in oversized vehicles treat all cyclists the same - lorries give plenty of space and are generally friendly, school runners the opposite. I long for the day that all road users can be like the lorry drivers. 

* When I say every outfit I mean: every outfit with the addition of cycling clips, skirt catchers, and a basket to put hats/scarves/bags in.