New Best Friend!

A few weeks ago we picked up an old bike at a village sale. It has big knobbly tyres, but I've really enjoyed going out on it, it's years since I'd been on a bike and it's been great fun. When Lord and Lady Findhorn were in Orkney on holiday they pronounced it one of the best places in the world to cycle - you can't have a better commendation than that!

Yesterday we went to buy new tyres for it, which cost more than the bike itself! While Mike was chatting to the shop owner, I spotted this beautiful machine . . . The tyres stayed in the shop!

She is a Raleigh Elegance, an absolute joy to ride and to look at! A proper lady's bike, a classic, with a chain guard, skirt guard, carrier on the back and basket on the front! And only 5 gears to worry about!

Today we needed some milk, so I cycled to the village for it - 9 miles round trip. So great - I love it! OK, it takes a lot longer than the car, but I think it's time we fully embraced the slow life!