Cycling back into Ware, late afternoon. At the end of the high street, a hot ...

Julian Bond - 2011-09-03 19:14:57+0000 - Updated: 2011-09-03 19:15:21+0000

Cycling back into Ware, late afternoon. At the end of the high street, a hot hatch passes me on the mini roundabout with somebody leaning out of the passenger window shouting "Oi! Baldy!". Ah Herts-Essex borders, donchajusluvem?

But then I've spent the day in the wood, had some exercise, there's raspberries, cream and ice cream for tea and scrumpy in the fridge. I win!

46 Trinity Rd, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 7

Antony Pace - 2011-09-03 19:18:14+0000

They're just jealous. All that nonsense with shampoo and hair dryers and gell etc. Quick wipe with a flannel; I can't wait.

Stu Fleming - 2011-09-03 20:56:54+0000

I used to love my training rides from St Albans out round Wheathampsted, Welywn, Hitchin, dodging in and out of all the little lanes and woods without going near the big towns

Tony Sidaway - 2011-09-03 23:37:00+0000

+Julian Bond I suppose I was vaguely aware of your motorcycling and your possible interest in F1. Now I find that you're a bicyclist, too.

I supposed I'll just have to swallow my pride and say you're a pretty cool guy, for a raspberry-eater!

Julian Bond - 2011-09-04 06:45:14+0000

When I was a kid I did a little serious cycling but never had the thighs for it. But I've been cycling as a way of getting around, doing short chores, exploring the countryside and getting a bit of exercise all my life. And I love the way you're basically above the law and below the radar. You can go anywhere, wear anything, ride drunk, ignore most traffic laws (sensibly!) and don't have to be licensed. Last year I got myself an electric bike which looks more or less like a touring front-sus MTB. It's cheating but now I can do all the same stuff further and it takes the sting out of the hills. When I'm in a rush, it'll even do 20mph or so.