As a result of a severe back injury last year, I have been unable to cycle of late. I persisted for a while but it set back my recovery. So, ‘shank’s pony’ has been the only option – dull to start with but I have turned it into a meditation. However, I miss cycling. It’s a release for my abundant energy and helps to keep me on an even keel, it’s joyful, there lots to see and I like the physicality of it – the feeling of using my body, which a life-long habit from competing in sport.

Contemplating what I love about cycling, I began to wonder how I would describe it to someone from another planet? There is the pain of the ascent, of course (in mountainous terrain, which is my normal habitat). But there is also satisfaction in mastering your body. And there is time to observe the detail of how people and animals live, as you crawl past them on the way up, while at other times, you are confronted with the challenge of distracting yourself with your thoughts in order to ease the discomfort. A wise and respected friend once said, “Each turn of the pedal is a revolution of hope. Every downward push elevates and propels you a bit further along your path of life. No life is lived to the full, without exertion.” I love that. It sums up my attitude perfectly and I remind myself of it frequently, when cycling.

However, I have to admit that the biggest joy is the descent. Daring yourself to hit top speed and stay upright, feeling the wind brushing your face and the sun on your skin, keeping your wits about you to negotiate the hazardous cambers and potholes, braking in time for tight bends and re-balancing, glimpsing the beauty of distant vistas in your peripheral vision whilst focusing on what’s underneath you, riding the conditions which add difficulty, such as rain and ice. There is no space for distraction when you are balancing exhilaration and risk! I ride to the edge of my control, and that’s enough excitement for me.

My two wheel steed is in hibernation at the moment. But I hope to climb aboard again in the next few weeks, and add the joy of spring to the things I love about cycling.

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