Invicta Vlogs
I want to ride my bicycle….
I want to ride my bicycle….
When I was told I had to write a blog for the 8 February, I thought we would have been back to ‘normal’ and not in the midst of another lockdown. I must admit, I am not a fan of virtual teaching. It is not so much the screen time, I can just about cope with that. What I really struggle with, is the amount of sitting-down/stationary time that this type of teaching involves. I make sure that I take any opportunity to get out there either for a walk, a run or a bike ride.
Now, I have always ridden bikes. When I was a child I rode for fun, as an undergraduate and a PhD student I rode for necessity; I could not afford a car or the bus fare and cycling was quicker than walking to go from A to B. When I started teaching, I stopped riding until my interest in cycling was rekindled a few years ago when I started watching the grand tours: Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana.
What kept me glued to the screen was the incredible resilience of the cyclists. I watched them climbing for hours up relentless slopes in all sort of weather, riding dangerous downhills at breath-taking speeds. I saw them crashing hard on the tarmac, through bushes, down ravines and even on barbed wire and getting back on their bikes despite cuts and bruises, blood pouring down their torn jerseys and shorts. I always marvelled at the determination of these sportsmen and wondered where their drive comes from.
In August 2019, I made the decision to purchase a road bike, a relatively cheap one, to see whether road cycling was for me. I started riding short distances (about 40-50km) and I could not quite believe how fast I could go on that bike. Little by little, I started to ride longer distances feeling more and more at “home” on my bike
Cycling played a very important part in getting me through the first lockdown. I rode very often, taking advantage of the amazing weather and long days. I did my first 100km feeling really proud of myself. Coupled with running, it not only kept my fitness up but provided me with the perfect escape from screen time and from my four walls.
Riding a bike is exhilarating and liberating. It is an incredible and unique feeling. The hours on the bike are just mine. It is my time to be free and challenge myself or simply enjoy being one with nature. It is my alone time when I am far from being lonely.
As well as thoroughly enjoying the rides, cycling made me fitter and stronger, both physically and mentally. I went from avoiding routes involving hills, to actually enjoying the effort required to ride uphill. I went from riding 50km to comfortably riding 80 to 100km. I even found the courage to join a cycling club, the San Fairy Ann and Tony. Anita and Richard have been instrumental in keeping me riding during winter, going out in freezing temperatures, encouraging each other on the many hills that Tony always selects when planning a route. I cannot believe how far I have come from August ‘19, I am now a fairly confident rider who is ready for all cycling related challenges.
What I want to convey with all this, is that exercise is vital to keep fit in every sense, there is joy in exercise and a sense of pride and happiness in overcoming challenges. Any form of exercise builds resilience, and it does make you feel better. So let’s get out of the chair, leave the screen behind. Like me, find your favourite type of exercise and relish it. Trust me, it is worth it!
Dr Marchesini
Assistant Headteacher – Year 9
