Simple

Previous posts may have indicated my love of cycling and with it, enjoyment of cycling 'stuff'. I look through magazines and enjoy reading about the latest gizmos and gadgets. I plan rides based on my average speed, or the distance I want to cover, and check and recheck my odometer during the ride to see how I am 'travelling'.

Today I decided to avoid the Christmas parking chaos at the local shopping centre by taking my single speed. The frame for this bike was found on the verge on the way to work. After a clean up and paint job, internet searches for parts and help from the local bike shop, I put together a retro looking single speed. It has one brake, which, in combination with the rims of the wheels I got on the cheap, can stop you if given enough warning, like, say, one minute.

The lack of appropriate braking, gears, odometer, aero anything make this a completely different ride to anything else. You just go- try not to ever get yourself into a position where you need to break, and do your best to avoid cars in the process. The single gear means hills are higher and longer, the retro handlebars allow you to feel every vibration of the road. 

With all this, it becomes more about the ride. 

It becomes, simple.

Oh, and the traffic into the shopping centre was mad. There is something beautiful about pulling up on the doorstep, locking up your bike and walking in, while those in cars are still waiting for that elusive parking spot.