Last night I took the On-one out for my first proper ride since my accident. I kept it simple, zipping down to Leatherhead from Bookham, round the one-way system then back home in a round trip of 5.5 miles. I managed it in 20mins which I credit entirely to the slick Continental tyres I was using rather than any residual fitness.

By the time I arrived home I was hot, wheezing slightly and regretting my acquisition of a slight ‘gut’ from my layoff. OK, it’s not really a gut, more a couple of pounds or so of indulgence but my cycling gear felt distinctly tight last night. Maybe you just forget how snug lycra can be when you go cold turkey?

I have to say I rate those Continentals though and am looking forward to getting my Specialized FatBoy slicks later this week which are even narrower. It’s so refreshing to have a stealth bike on the road and to be able to concentrate on cadence and pedalling smoothly. Inside of 20 minutes I was pretty tired too, so I’m planning to do this regularly as a quick and efficient way to get back to fitness.

As for my collarbone, it was starting to ache by the time I returned home so 5 miles was probably a good choice. It’s still tender around where the two ends of the collarbone have fused and I’m trying not to think of the sharp end which just sticks up slightly. It’s not noticeable unless you’re on distinctly intimate terms with me but I know it’s there.

Still, onwards. Ever onwards.

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About the author

Matt is one of the founding Molefathers of the Muddymoles, and is the designer and main administrator of the website.

Having ridden a 2007 Orange Five for many years then a 2016 YT Industries Jeffsy 29er, he now rocks a Bird Aether 9 and a Pace RC-627.

An early On-One Inbred still lurks in the back of the stable as a reminder of how things have moved on. You can even find him on road bikes - currently a 2019 Cannondale Topstone 105 SE, a much-used 2011 Specialized Secteur and very niche belt drive Trek District 1.

If you've ever wondered how we got into mountain biking and how the MuddyMoles started, well wonder no more.