commuting: easy training?

Having moved to Bristol in the UK I wanted to take advantage of the strong biking scene here as a way to get fit in time for the 2014 season. With alledgedly the worst traffic outside London, driving is a nightmare and biking has become such a popular way to commute. So I bought a road bike and some new gear and started riding to work two weeks ago. The ride to work is fabulous. 3 miles virtually all down hill. 10 minutes door to door. Result. The way home is a slightly different story. I work at the lowest point in the city and live at the highest. Cue burning thighs and bad helmet hair on my return home.

I hate hills. I love nothing more than a sweeping downhill off road, I just hate the climb to get there. But slowly, day by day I am finding that a daily commute is a great way to build of strength and stamina without you really noticing the effort. I love maximum output for minimum effort wherever possible.

I am blessed to have Ashton Court and Leigh Woods so close to hand to get some off road practice in. And with Wales and the Forest of Dean on the doorstep, I am looking forward to getting to know this part of the world. On my bike. Preferably  downhill with a pint waiting at the end.

So bring on 2014 in Livigno. I am already in ‘training’. 

Nic xx