Motivation to write, of late, has been low, perhaps not surprisingly. Returning to the UK just in time to enjoy the inevitable slide into the chilly, dark, dankness of winter did not particularly excite. So far, however, my fear that this winter would be like the last—one in which the rain started in October and didn’t stop until April, and where its eventual end felt more like recovery from a long illness than a simple change of season—has proven unfounded. So far.
The real point, as always, was simply to be out on bikes for the day, and and enjoy a brew-up in a quiet spot away from people and cars.
As I write the dying breaths of the latest storm are still raging outside, albeit at a mere 40-50mph (gale 8-9) rather than the 60-80mph of yesterday. I had considered not going out for a spin today until I remembered there have been days on my bike in places around the world where I have been thankful that the wind was only as strong as it is today. It is not raining either, so an opportunity to make the 60 mile round trip east to drop some tyres off to an old school friend who is putting a new bike together. Also, of course, to eat some of his cake. I’m fortunate that the wiggly, hilly lanes of Cornwall offer some shelter from the gales with the opportunity to make a route such that I can ‘tack’ against the wind, much like a yacht beating upwind. The evidence of the storm, sadly, was everywhere… from smashed roof tiles in the road to downed trees, toppled fences and damaged solar panels. It wasn’t as bad here as farther north however so if you were in the affected areas I hope all is well.
The storm is not my reason for writing however. I don’t have a reason beyond “perhaps I ought to try” and “it’s too early to stretch out in front of the fire and do nothing…”. I’d noticed that I have a few snaps on bikes from the weeks since returning home that while not notable for their abundance do seem to document the transition from autumn to winter moderately well, and that it might be worth sharing before they are forgotten along with all the others.
Hey Mike – Dave here from West Australia except I’m in Argyll at the moment for a few more days before heading down to Yorkshire which is where my parents and sister live. I return to the heat of Oz early January. Thanks for a great year of amazing stories and images. I always look forward to receiving your email notification. In fact, most emails I ignire until a more suitable time. Yours I always open straight away.
Cheers Mike and be well
Dave
Hi Dave, super to hear from you, and that’s awfully kind of you, cheers! Apologies for the typos which of course I only noticed after reading and re-reading before hitting ‘publish’.. haha! Anyway, as it’s almost that time of year – seasons greetings! I hope you’re keeping well, enjoy the next few weeks and safe travels home!
Brilliant as ever – love your style of bikes and eye for that perfect image without any click bait stuff.
hey, as always you’re far too kind! I trust you’re both keeping well and that you’re enjoying your new winter cruiser!?
Winter. Yes. But soon enough the days will brighten.
indeed! I don’t mind the winter so much, just not when it’s like it was last year.. every day.. rain, endless rain..
You’ve done it again. You’ve filled me with inspiration, to just go out and ride, look over hedges, stop & take photos. Oh, and the esquisite writing. Damn you and your talent! :-)
Have a brill Xmas, hope not too many second home owners descend to ruin the peace shown in the photos.
haha, too kind sir, too kind!
Have a super christmas yourself! as for the 2nd home owners, they seem to be selling up given approaching council tax rises. Happy days ;-)
I know I’m not there feeling the actual rain, drizzle, and gale force winds… but you make dark winter Cornish days look pretty dramatic and romantic to me! Plus, there’s no better reason excuse to get out the mudguarded fixie!
Still, the shortest days have passed… so here’s to summer 2025.
haha indeed!