Just the UK so far - would need to sort myself a passport for the abroad bit - but at some stage certainly on the to do list.

@Ben Phillips I thought I'd post an update as I am now coming up on a year since I started cycling again - Quick breakdown - 4,212 miles done since I started cycling 2 1/2 stone lost I've learnt to change disk brake pads, chains, cassettes and am about to embark on changing chainrings, and bleeding brakes.... (Its all good fun) As for that 3,000 mile target from January to December - I'm smashing it. 2,557 miles completed so far this year (443 to target) - may have to extend it at this rate... longest ride has been 137 miles (I know, if your a beginner this sounds impossible - but with practice and gently increasing what you do, its not). I'm still following the club on Strava and it still inspires. Thanks all - my health thanks you all too :) (P.S. you don't need a fancy road bike to do this - I have a hybrid with panniers - if anyone wants to follow my journey - please add me on Strava (you can find me in the m2m club) or on instagram - @the_extra_pannier - Once I hit my 3000 miles, ill update with my new target for the year.

Hey Adam, I feel your pain. I have a five year old, currently going through the process of being diagnosed with Autism. This can mean everything I have planned goes out the window if my son is having a bad day. I do my best to get out when I can, and do plan in trips into my schedule. (Planning helps my son) but I have to be willing to throw all these plans away if he's having a bad day. Equally - I tend to plan rides with multiple turnaround points (unless my son is having a very very good day), so that I'm never that far from home, this gives my wife the confidence that if she needs to call me home, I won't take all day to get home. If seeing others workout encourages you, I'd second the recommendation of the Strava club - It has definitely kept me motivated at times. Drew

Go for it :) (I'm busy sharing parts of my cycling journey on my socials anyway... something about keeping myself accountable.. think that may be in your book ;) ) Next year I'm already aiming for a minimum 3,000 miles in the back of my head (although initial targets will be smaller...) but secretly - im hoping to smash 3,000 and have to aim higher :D

I'm probably being over cautious with it, its only early signs of wear so far (I clean the chain regularly as it picks up so much rubbish off the road, we have bigger issues with leaf fall in the local area and if i don't clean the chain after a ride it makes a nasty hard paste). I may look to see if I can find a local bike shop (had previous bad experience when it comes to a certain retailer beginning with h) to do a service and advise when it has done a few more miles. Thanks.

Also keeping an eye on this (sorry I don't have any suggestions Adrian).

@Ben Phillips agreed the language isn’t that bad ;) I’ve certainly said worse in the direction of bad drivers who have just cut me up 😂

Having recently purchased the audio book and listened to it while working from home today (and been glad the son was at school (please be aware it contains some strong language)) this is a must listen for anyone who is interested in cycling, particularly if you are new to cycling, or getting back in to it after a long time. I would highly recommend it (as long as your 5 year old isn't in earshot while you are listening)

@Ben Phillips reflector strips are a good call :) As someone who will be cycling all winter through a need to commute then it just comes down to the price point (and whether I could explain the relevant quality points to the wife to justify it). I must admit that’s been one of the hardest things to cover with the wife since getting back to cycling, explaining why the right clothes make such a difference and where cutting corners is just a bad idea she’s coming round to the buy right buy once mentality (slowly)

@Ben Phillips thanks :) it’s having the multiple hand positions when riding long distance I miss… I shall have to wait until this bike is paid for (cycle to work scheme) and then maybe get a new bike with drops once this is all paid for. that would give me the strong frame and panniers for commuting and then I could have a light weight racer for the distance rides (50-70 miles is my current longer ride)

So for me, there’s a couple of factors. As mentioned in my earlier posts I tend to ride alone - so my jerseys are high vis (currently day glo orange with reflective trim). For me to consider the journey it would need to have at least some reflective elements if it wasn’t a super bright colour. (Part of the reason I stopped cycling for so long was a couple of accidents where despite high vis clothing and lights drivers didn’t see me). On this point I am aware I am probably in a minority, but this is just my perspective on cycling apparel. Secondly (and this may be more common) any purchase I would have to get past my wife. As such I wouldn’t get away with £85 on a jersey. Maybe half of that, but then that probably relies on economy of scale from the manufacturing side making it difficult for you to get something at that price point….

I’d worn Lycra when younger, albeit never a bib. I brought my first bib shorts this year to commute and I have never looked back. If you are after affordable ways in Planet X doesn’t seem to be a bad start (in fact have recently brought their winter bib tights and they should keep me going year round )

I’ve recently replaced my bike to commute to work, the new bike came with disk brakes. I have to say for reliability of stopping with pedestrians or animals around, or drivers not paying full attention I don’t think I’d go back to rim brakes…