A seasonal cycle with my son

2015 feels like a big year for me. Among other things, I'm hitting 50 in May and I'm cycling in Tanzania in October. I don't know whether it's just the marching on of time, or the pedalling on towards my big cycling trip, but somehow it feels important to get back into the habit of recording things more regularly on my wee blogs. So I'd better make a start...

The last time I was outside on my bike was Christmas Day when I fair enjoyed a little cycle through some muddy puddles, and up and down some wee hills, with my son. He's 21 now and the last time we were out cycling together was a fair few years ago:

We'd gone for a family cycle, along the route from Callander to Strathyre. I had gone along pretty reluctantly, as I didn't really cycle at all then, but I wanted to do that 'family thing'; be out, be active, pass other families along the way, wave and smile, be all happy, and jolly, exude an image of 'we're the sort of family that does stuff on a Sunday together and we don't ever fall out and we're all such good friends all the time...'

But, the day didn't quite pan out like that. Anyone who knows the area will know that there are a few tricky inclines on the route. They're not very long, but they're gravelly and they're steep and they're bendy and they're hard - especially if you're someone who never cycles. Like I was then.

On a particularly bendy hill, I met my match. I really wanted to cycle the whole way up. I started off determined. But, I just couldn't do it. I got stuck half way, and I wouldn't let anyone help me. Alex would have gladly given me a wee push. But, stubborness set in. Whose bloody idea had it been for me to join in with Family Fit for a long cycle that included hills?? I'm bloody going to manage this if it kills me! Oh, I huffed and puffed and moaned and groaned while Alex and the kids sat on their bikes at the top doing their, em, best to gee me on:  'You're doing great Mum' 'Keep going, you're doing really well' 'Why don't you just get off and walk up?' 'You're probably in the wrong gear?' 'It's not that hard, go back to the start and take a runny at it' 'Hurry up Mum, I'm starving...'

Eventually I gave up, got off and walked. Even that was a struggle! I was absolutely bloody knackered - and I was well huffed up. For the rest of the afternoon, every time we passed another family my smile and hello were given through somewhat gritted teeth.

I guess it's not always the kids that spoil a family day out...

So, I can't tell you how happy it made me to go for a lovely walk with my daughter and my mum, then to pedal speedily (OK, slowly) up the hills alongside (OK, a wee bit behind) my son on Christmas Day. It was just lovely to hear him shout 'Come on Mum, you're doing really well, you're nearly there!' and not want to spit teeth at him.

I came home caked in mud, with freezing cold feet (you know yon way; you get in the shower and it's like the shower head's firing needles at your toes) and way behind with the Christmas Dinner preparations (we ate at 7.30pm...) but it was so worth it. I'd had a blast!

And, I didn't have to grit my teeth when I was saying hello and smiling at any passers by. This time, I really did mean it.