I went for my first real bike ride of the year today... outside!

I’d like to say I got up this morning with rapt attention for the 2011 Paris-Roubaix race. I’d like to say that I got up to cheer someone on, and was inspired enough to get off my lazy behind and ride my bike. In truth though, it just happened to be the nicest day of the year and the first day warm enough for me to ride without a coat (well, first day that I was not working). Long gone is my excitement for professional racing, instead it’s been replaced by a jaded, cynical sneer.

Unfortunately that’s not all I’ve gained. I used to look at the O’Grady cartoons with the “Old guys who gets fat in winter” with a sort of amusement, followed by a smug, “that’ll never happen to me.”

But it did and I am. Maybe not as bad as the guy in the cartoons, but far too close for comfort. I might even amend it to “Old guys who get fatter each winter.” It’s just too bloody cold here most of the winter so I’ve settled for going to the gym a few times a week. That’s been good, and perhaps not let things get worse. However, it’s no substitute for riding outdoors. So here’s to warmer days and more exercise.