A year ago today, New Years Eve, a storm was raging and I went riding. This year the ‘new year storm is a day late… as I write the wind is building outside but isn’t forecast to reach its peak until tomorrow morning.. along with the attendant pouring rain. It looks like it might be virtually identical, with winds Beaufort 8-9, gusting 10. I might or might not go riding. On the bright side it feels a welcome change from two weeks of continuous mist and drizzle… I think it’s been two weeks, it might be three, I’m not sure, all I know is that being wet on a bike has become as natural as breathing – the days blending into a featureless blob, for want of a better word, of grey punctuated only by the arrival of night.
Despite the weather, it’s been surprisingly satisfying riding – at this time of year I often struggle a bit with my state of mind, and particularly during the weird week between Christmas and New Year when time stands still. There has been little I’ve been able to get to grips with bar simply riding a bike, enjoying cruising through mostly deserted lanes in the gloom and occasionally wondering what little bit of wiring inside me is broken such that often the only place I seem to feel properly happy is in the middle of nowhere with a bicycle and a tent.
Meanwhile other faces stared out at me from behind the glass of the usual collection of luxury SUVs as if I was some kind of dangerous lunatic.
Traditionally, according to the media, new year is when we all pledge to reinvent ourselves into better versions for a happy future. I’ve got nothing… beyond continuing to just stumble my way through life, seemingly unable to plan anything farther ahead than the certainty of riding a bike at the weekend. In the meantime however this afternoon feels like an ideal opportunity to, in the company of a mug of tea, tidy up a few bits and pieces before the calendar rolls over, and wish everyone who tunes in a happy and prosperous New Year :-)
While you’re at reinventing yourself…why don’t you escape that wintery grey blob of yours and enjoy some dry and sunny outdoor activities down south, eg southern Spain, Canary islands,…? ;-) Happy New Year!
haha, I only have limited funds for travel, especially as getting to an airport from here is so expensive/difficult, and for 2025 they’re all pretty much allocated. I do envy you in spain with your relatively cheap buses and trains on which it is mostly easy to carry a bike. I am also reluctant to fly much because.. well.. climate and the damage aviation does. Whether I’m being silly or not I don’t know… However Spain does feature, by boat, if I can make it work dates-wise.. perhaps you’ll be in and we can meet for a beer, if not a ride.. but not ’till April. Anyway, happy new year!
Hi Mike,
I’m still in the UK from Australia and in a very sobering contemplative space right now, brought on by the passing of someone very dear to me last week. Having a bike here and being able to get out on the roads provides some comfort. In fact, the acts of cycling and photography – even without my X100V – feel even more meditative to me right now.
Gifting a haiku written early this morning, pre-ride….
Angry wind howling……..
…..branches dance while leaves circle…
…..silence in between.
Wishing you and your readers a healthy and joyful 2025
Happy New Year!
I’m sorry to hear that Dave, sad news indeed. Time on a bicycle can be so beneficial during such times, the uniquely meditative rhythm of it is so good for reflection and, as you say, finding some comfort. The haiku is perfect, thank you for sharing, and all the best for 2025 and some happier news!