in the saddle

Gym this morning - spent most of the session on the bike.  It was hard but the staff were great - measured all the things that need measuring to make sure I was OK.  I was ‘gently’ nudged off a couple of the machines as they were deemed too strenuous.  That’s one of the great things about my gym - being designed solely for people with cardio-pulmonary conditions there is no shame in not being able to manage because of a bad day (or two).

An aside; this next bit is really only of interest if you’re into bikes.  If not then you can ignore the rest.

We’re in the car and pull up at a junction and allow a mum and daughter to cross the road.  Mum is in lycra on her road bike and daughter - aged about 8 or 9 - is on a typical girly pink bike with basket and fluffy dangley bits.  But - she has cleats on her shoes.  And proper clip-in pedals.

We are amazed and give a round of applause.  That child will grow up to have such confidence on a bike.  What a gift to have been given.