
Stubborn & Determined
My cycling adventure; the journey from watching, to doing. Oh and some other adventures too.

About Me
I want to be the best I can be
I’m 48. 167cm. 57kgs. Scottish. I’m pretty ordinary.
But I compete. Every day. With myself. I push that little bit harder. Hurt that little bit more. Sleep that little bit less. Eat that little bit healthier. Small wins accumulate to big wins and I’m all over that.

Follow my blog:
…if you, like me, enjoy the sport
I’m a novice rider, but everyone was once. I enjoy doing it. Watching it. Talking about it. Reading about it. Learning about it. It’s great fun, cheap(ish) and it keeps me fit. What. Is. Not. To. Like?
…if you think you are too old to start
You are never too old to be the person you want to be. I read once that its not about climbing the whole staircase, its about taking the first step. Something like that anyway. But. It. Is. So. True. Go for it.
…if you can smile in the crazy face of life
This crazy thing called life throws us some helluva challenges. If you can smile, maybe even laugh in the face of them; not take it all too seriously; Maybe. You. And. I. Can. Be. Friends.

Quotes
…by some inspirational humans
You are one ride away from a good mood.
Sarah Bentley
A bicycle ride round the world begins with a single pedal stroke.
Scott Stoll

News
Latest Posts

Resigned or Re-assigned?
Similar to many others, I have been at home for the last 12 months. I have been furloughed (UK term: technically employed, but not physically working) for 11 of them. I saw the beginnings of working from home and to some extent the practical impact of working with COVID. I expected to get back toContinue reading “Resigned or Re-assigned?”

Humble Hobby
I’ve never really been much of a hobby’s person. I mean, I’ve had periods of going to the gym. Hillwalking. Arts and crafts. That type of thing. But never really a hobby and never something I’ve stuck with. To be brutally honest, I’ve always considered socialising a hobby. I did it a lot. Nurtured it. Evenings out. Weekends away. Saturday lunches. MeContinue reading “Humble Hobby”

Temporary? Yes it is.
So here I am, 587 days into my alcohol-free journey. I don’t think about alcohol anymore. Alcohol is not (and never was) part of my DNA. I don’t crave it. I don’t miss it. I don’t need it. Nada. Nothing. It is one of society’s great failings coupled with an absolute travesty that anyone thinksContinue reading “Temporary? Yes it is.”

Turbo Trainer: Tonic or Tedium
There has been some recent debate about the use of the turbo trainer round our way. We have one of those Wahoo KICKR beasts. It seems to be relatively capable; had a few Bluetooth teething problems at the outset, but other than that it’s been grand. I use the Sufferfest app which is also good (albeit theContinue reading “Turbo Trainer: Tonic or Tedium”
Chastising Challenges
Does anyone else find Strava challenges addictive? I am constantly searching for the next one. Constantly checking my progress. My latest conquest is 800km in February. Why on earth did I choose the month of the year with the least number of days?! Anyway it’s done now. I’ve signed up. So complete it I will. Continue reading “Chastising Challenges”

A Short Step Back in Time…
So, I’m pretty much a novice to this cycling malarkey. In April 2019 my partner was taking part in a sportive reasonably local to us (Etape Loch Ness); I got up early and held his hand for his brave 6am start. He is an avid cyclist and had completed the event twice before, so he was prettyContinue reading “A Short Step Back in Time…”

Get in touch
If you want to get in touch and share your experiences that would be great. Please contact me.
heleninscotland@yahoo.co.uk