My beloved bicycle

I went out today without a camera - shocking behaviour eh? I cycled even though it was pouring rain. The logic was that if I walked I would get even wetter. I met my friend for a bit and had a lovely evening. This is a really crappy photo but of a beloved possession.

I'll tell you a little bit more about me and my bicycle. I used to cycle a lot and go walking a lot but on the way down from a hill walk some years ago (13) I was in terrible pain and my knee swelled up. That was the first indication that I had a form of arthritis called ankylosing spondylitis. It affects the spine primarily but can (and does, in my case) affect other joints. I went through two really difficult years where I could barely walk and needed to use a stick. Gradually I became more mobile again.

I came back to Glasgow, my home town, almost 8 years ago now. After about a year I was getting fed up in the summer when my friends would go off cycling. Long walks remain difficult but I had no idea about cycling.

Eventually I got so pissed off at being left behind that I bought a bike on impulse. What I bought is the bike you can sort of see above. It has 8 gears, 20 inch wheel and folds. It also has a light aluminium frame that I can carry easy down two flights of stairs. I thought that if I got too tired I could always fold it and get a taxi back.

I took off. This little bike gave me freedom and the capacity to exercise and get stronger. I cycled to work every day for some years until I got a job where there were no facilities to wash or change. My little bike has been a bit neglected lately but I'm getting back out on it again.

His name is Arty... I'll tell you why another day...

Sleep well blippers!