So to start with let me state I have nothing against roadies. Some of my best friends are roadies. But I just thought it wasn’t for me. My commute isn’t bikeable and I’ve always seen uphills as a neccessary evil for the downhills that follow.
But yesterday I had a bit of a revelation on a Peak District ride. One that was planned to take in plenty of fun, fast, rocky, proper MTB descents. Firstly I was suprised at how pleased I was to get to the top of the Mam Tor road without stopping. I never thought a road climb would give me such pleasure! Then at the end of the ‘proper’ ride I faced a 6 mile or so road ride to return to the car. I had a pint to steel myself for the boredom that was to follow, then raised the saddle, locked out the forks and grimly set off to get it over and done with. A few minutes in I found myself quite enjoying wizzing along the road. Then I started to enjoy trying to get up the short sharp hills without stopping or pushing. After a bit I thought, this is actually quite fun. Then I even started thinking how much more fun it would be on a road bike.
Am I turning into a roadie??? What can I do to resist? Should I book myself on a week of hardcore rad, gnarly lift assisted downhill riding. It would be cheaper than giving in and buying a new bike I’m sure…….
