Today was my fourth day cycling to work.
I actually ditched the Skeppshult in the end and went for a Rex bike who are situated in Halmstad. I couldnt bring myself to shell out 7500 SEK on a bike, mind you this one was 5500 SEK so still not a cheap machine.
I went for a dry run on Thursday as it was a national holiday and the roads were quiet enough to plot my route and get used to cycling on the right hand side of the road.
Google Maps reckons its about 8kms to my work from my office so its a nice 16kms work out. I ended up doing more than 25 on Thursday because
- I dont know Stockholm roads that well
- I kept trying to find a better route
I took the bike to work on the Friday, it was still reasonably quiet, I actually found an even quicker way to get to Gullmarsplan from Årsta, its fun exploring a new city. I got to work in about 40 minutes.
I am really fortunate that my cycle to work takes me over several islands, through the buzzing island of Södermalm, past the Royal Palace, the Swedish Parliament, the Baltic Sea, several theatres, and on the way back I even go right past the Prime Minsters official residence. Vad roligt!
I must pay tribue to Stockholm Stad because most of my journey is on a designated cycle path. It is something that really impresses me with Sweden, they dont just talk the talk, they really do try and act on environmental issues. There are lots of cycle paths and I am looking forward to exploring them, need to get a cycle map really.
Cycling in on Monday and today wasnt so peaceful. Once I hit Södermalm it becomes almost like a crazy race, the cycling lanes are choked with bikes, other bikes whizz past or weave in and out in front of you. Then you have mopeds and scooters using the lanes, plus lots of pedestrians oh and cars and all on the wrong side of the road! It certainly keeps me alert.
I used to ride a scooter in Cambridge (am bit of a Mod on the sly -always wanted a lambretta!) this experience has served me well as I am always looking in the blind spot before I move off or overtake and…I obey the rules, basically I dont mess about. I leave enough time so I dont have to rush to work. The ‘F’ word did come out today as someone stopped right in front of me to chat to his mate….just counting the days until the firs ‘c’ word comes out…I know I know calling some a Cardiff is bad news!
Today though it took me 35 mins, I think I take off a km or so on my quickened route though I take the long way back over Årsta bridge as its such a pleasant view, so I think its about 14kms a day exercise which I am hoping will give me more fitness and stamina.
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