Cycling crazy (TT column 24.06.13)

When you or a close friend or family buy a different make of car it suddenly seems they are more commonly around, obviously this isn't so, you are just more aware of that type of vehicle - I liken my increase in awareness of cycle events to this theory. Over the last few weeks I have been aware of races, open days, sportive events and general cycle route promotions in all parts of the country.
In just this past week the southwest has had cycle related events in abundance. Unfortunately I wasn't there to join in with Wednesdays activities but thanks to fellow a Olympic Modern Pentathlete my Mountain bike did make an appearance alongside our most famous cycling Olympian Sir Chris Hoy as he stopped in Bath on his promotional tour.
Our local club Tavistock wheelers have been busy; during the week they held time trial events before hosting a women's Breeze event on Saturday. As a natural competitor I am keen to attempt a time trial but must admit I am a little intimidated, so far for me cycling has been purely social, I am not sure my cycling skills are developed enough for an actual race. The Breeze event was a perfect opportunity for women less confident on a bicycle, again I wasn't able to attend but my mountain bike did, this time my mother ventured out on it.
Suffering from major withdrawal symptoms after my big nine day challenge i didn't survive long off my bicycle, just one day later I was out for a four hour ride. I had a good excuse to cycle as I was car-less for a few days and with the sun shining cycling was the perfect mode of transport.
I topped up my mileage significantly over the weekend when partaking in "BikeBath", another participation event. Long before my John O'Groates to Lands End ride I was caught at a weak moment and agreed to help promote this event, part of which included joining in. Unable to do things by half I considered the only option for me was the "gladiator", a hundred miles both days - I forgot this was going to be only five days after cycling one thousand miles. I had started to think this was maybe a little ambitious and my friends certainly thought I'd "lost it", but it turned out to be just what I needed. Despite the weather not playing ball I found both rides thoroughly enjoyable; there were several pit stops, wonderful routes and a good mix of people.
Bath is often thought of as having taxing hills but being brought up on Dartmoor I can assure you they are best described as mounds in comparison. My double one hundred might sound taxing but knowing the climbs our area has to offer it is hats off to all who completed the arduous Dartmoor Classic on Sunday.
My rehabilitation process back into the real world is continuing, after last night I might need to focus a little harder. Lycra in the cycling community is the norm, I am not sure this quite stretches to a bar or restaurant, I did however push this rule slightly. Stopping for a social drink on the way home that then lead on to food it was easy to forget how bizarre my appearance might seem to fellow diners, I think it is time exchange my cleat shoes for a pair of heals.