2009-06-21 Sun - BHF London to Brighton

I drove my car down this morning with my fixed wheel bike in the boot, parked in Brighton (leaving the bike rack in the boot) and then rode back.

It was a fantastic ride (going down Ditchling was an experience!) and although I have only ever done L2B on geared bikes B2L felt much easier on the fixed. It was my first longer ride out of town on it and has made me realise how good a fixed wheel bike is on long rides, which I was not expecting. I guess the fact that cos you never stop pedalling your muscles stay in their optimum operating zone..? I am sure if I UTFS I will find something on this...

I am now seriously considering using it for tomorrow now.

Indecisive??? Me? Hmm... Not sure I am.

EDIT: Sheldon says
Most cyclists coast far too much. Riding a fixed-gear bike will break this pernicious habit. Coasting breaks up your rhythm and allows your legs to stiffen up. Keeping your legs in motion keeps the muscles supple, and promotes good circulation.

I did it fixed both ways in the end and had a great time today. I also had few people who couldn't understand the fixed thing. Didn't make it up ditchling all the way. Had to walk a couple sections. The crowds didn't help as you had to weave through people and once you lose you momentum it is hard to recover...

If I hadn't ridden 50 miles the day before and only had 3 hours sleep last night I reckon I would have been ok on the fixed. Would have been much easier with a few cogs at the back today.

Good to meet another forumenger on the ride (even if he was busting gears). Hi spencer, can't remember your username... Something to do with music...