So I bought this mountain bike. Then I got covid and then a chest infection.
Furthest I rode, before covid, (and on roads it has to be said), was six miles. Bumped into Richard the husband of one of the wife's friends last weekend, and told him about my new bike, knowing that he has one, and that he goes out on a Wednesday with a gang of retirees, all aged over 60, plus some of them are into their 70's, and that they go by the name of 'The Spartans'.
"Do you want to go out?" he said, "Me and you." "Sure" I replied. "Right" he says, "I'll be in touch.".
Text from him on Tuesday "I'll meet you outside the club, at 9.00am on Saturday, and we'll go for a pootle."
I set the alarm for 7.30am today and got out of bed at 8.30am, quick shower and an even quicker coffee, and off I set.
I pull up and there's three of them there. Jonathan the main guy, who rides every day, and then goes back out at night, plus John, a wiry little guy, with calves like the front end of a poised boxing glove.
"Ooh, that's a nice clean bike" one of them pipes up.
'Where we going?" I say, trying hard not to scream out I'm an unfit novice. "Ah, we'll see, let's just get going." And with that we were off.
Bottom left of the image miles wise, and three hours later, I stumble into my back garden, caked in mud and looking really vague.
I'm on my bed now, my shoulders and forearms ache and the pins and needles in my hands has only just gone.
It's my birthday (and wedding anniversary tomorrow), but I've got a feeling I'm going to sleep until Thursday. I'm in the WhatsApp group now and they are asking if I'd like to go out next Saturday.
What's the depreciation rate on nearly new MTB's? 😁
