n the summer of 1976 I got my first bicycle. It was wondrous! Blue and purple frame, with a metal chain guard to stop my corduroy trousers from getting stuck, fat white tyres and hand grip made of hard wearing plastic. To me it was “the bestest thing ever!” In many ways it was my first step to independence as I spent many hours just ‘out’ (nowhere in particular, just out) in my neighbourhood, riding around the streets, parks and woodlands. That little bike became a faithful friend and together we discovered much of the world I still see around me to this day. With pride of place at the end of my bed all that summer, it was always within hand’s reach, but like so many things in life with the passing of two summers and a 7 inch or so growth spurt, I outgrew my old friend and moved on to a bigger and faster, more ‘grown up’ bike.
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But I must admit that in all the years since then and all the bikes I’ve owned (and there have been a fair few) from rugged mountain versions with hi-tech suspension systems to lightweight road racers that I could pick up with my small finger, that little second hand fat white-tyred, purple and blue bike holds my affection. It was more than just a piece of equipment I used for training or racing. It breathed life not only within itself but into me as it transported me into new environments and an ever greater world view. For me, it was one of the milestones in my life; a true life changer, up there with my first day at school, my first day at work, my first car and my first home. But, as the years roll on there seem to be less and less milestones left that allow me to experience the world in a different light.
Barefoot Running Magazine
I truly believe that these milestones have greatly contributed to the man I am today. Be they good or bad, it is quite irrelevant; the development of my mind, body and soul is the