Distracted by bicycles and darkening nights

Today I planned to go out for a long run, but I didn't get out at all, grrrrr....

The trouble is, I'm starting a new job tomorrow. This one won't be by the canal, so maybe I'll need to become Canal, River and Royal Parks Explorer, as it's in Westminster! I am yet to find out whether they have a shower in the building to enable lunchtime runs.

Because of this new need to travel to work (rather than a 3 minute stroll, shock horror), I decided to buy a new bicycle as my old one has been out of action for almost a year now on and off, and has never been all that ride-able as it was second hand, purchased from a man who builds them in his back garden in Whitechapel (introduction by another ex-boyfriend, it's good to tap them for such knowledge while you have the chance - he also taught me to play cricket).

My problem is, I am romanced by bicycles that look beautiful (especially really heavy retro-looking city bikes with 3 gears and a big bell), and can't bring myself to get enthusiastic about functional and sensible bikes... BUT I'm a cycling wimp - the less effort I have to make the better, and I want to use it to go out of town on cycling holidays and things. So I really need something comfortable.

Today, rather predictably, I fell in love with a cream-framed beauty with shiny red metal mudguards and a big wicker basket ('The Pashley'). I knew it was out of my price range, but I decided to take it for a test ride, only to discover that it was neurotic and annoying and impractical. But I still loved it for how it looked. It was a bit like falling in love with a model who is hung up about her figure and whinges a lot and won't do anything in case she breaks her nails. But she is soooo beautiful that you think maybe you can overlook those minor difficulties....

The outome was that I spent so long in the shop that it was getting dark and I couldn't go for the eagerly planned long run, how sad. Nor did I come home with a new bicycle, beautiful or otherwise, but I am going back tomorrow in the hope of finding my perfect match which is alright looking but fun to be with and keen to go on adventures. Maybe I'll find a bicycle too.