I went shopping by bike today. Something unusual in Lithgow where the majority of the shopping is done by car. I got the Green Trek ready and up and running after some work on the rear tyre over the past 2 days, so it was ready for action. I got my self ready and put the bike together and went out. I rode out to Coles via a dog leg route to avoid the worst of Mort Street.
I rode up Hospital hill past were a new medical centre has been opened. I then went along Hill St and down to Bent St.
I turned into the car park at Coles and heard the squawking and felt the first something hit my helmet. It wasn’t a substantial hit. I stayed on the bike and wasn’t worried. Just so long as it hit the helmet and not my face or any other exposed skin I was safe. I carried on and felt another hit. It was just like the first although judging by the squawking the maggie was not happy with me carrying on. The motorist behind me slowed down probably concerned that if I was hit again I would crash. There was a 3rd hit and the magpie squawked it’s annoyance and then went back to it’s nest.
I rode up to a fence and locked the bike to the fence. I took the calico bag from the pannier trying to look unperturbed and took my helmet off. I gave it a cursory look for any damage. I took the rack bag off and put it into the Pannier. I then took the pannier off and put the helmet on top of the rack bag.
I was pretty quick – I had only gone for some Weat Biscuits – breakfast cereal. I got them and was in and out. It was early in the morning, so I was able to get through the checkout quick. The girl at the checkout didn’t notice I was wearing cycling gear.
I rode out to the pool via Methven St. I went past the Small Arms Factory as a matter of course. I will have to drop in there sometime soon. After I rode under the railway bridge I saw a guy on a road bike carrying a towel, I suspect I am not the only one preparing for the triathlon. I haven’t ridden in a week so it took a bit of time getting comfortable, not to mention the sore legs from a run and a swim earlier last week. I rode around what I have seen of the cycling circuit for the triathlon. So I know I can do the ride. It will be even more interesting doing it with the Shogun Katana. I will have to give Belly’s bikes a ring to see if it is ready to collect.
I rode to the post office and got a prepaid envelope to send a letter off to Jodie a penfriend of mine. I then rode back to mum and dad’s place. It was a good ride and look forward to riding again, possibly to the pool for another swim.
