It was Monday and I was working the morning shift, so it was time to test if my recent trip to St Mary had helped get me fitter as I prepare for the Negril Ride bike race, scheduled to be staged later this year. Got myself and my stuff together, and off I went. I left home at 5:47 a.m., the morning felt cool and nice and I knew this was going to be a good ride. Reaching I-95 (Municipal Boulevard), I was pedalling on a relatively small gear in order to get myself warmed up.

I switched to the large chain ring when I reached the underpass of Highway 2000 and I was pedalling 53x19. When I reached on Mandela Highway, I was holding a steady 22mph. Everything was going quite good - the first time check was at Six Miles, where I saw a time of 17 mins 46 secs. Not bad, but I have done a better time already. Spanish Town Road was just a blur as I blew past Riverton City, Weymouth Drive, etc, on reaching Portia Simpson Miller Square. The time was good: 26 mins 22 secs: so far so good.

Fast and furious

I made a right turn on to Marcus Garvey Drive where I began to put the hammer down. Downtown city centre was just minutes away. When I reached the Orange Street and Harbour Street stop light, the time showed 36 mins 5 secs (I sure wasn't Poor and Boasy but Fast and Furious). A car made a sudden left turn on me without any indication - just one of the many challenges we face as cyclists.

I held my composure, took it wide and went back on my merry way down Harbour Street. Blew past Southside, even passed a Kingfish that was on patrol. Squaddy had to toot his horn when mi pass him. Went over the bump at the ice factory, pedalled by the prison, then rolled into Rae Town but no oldies were being played this morning! Moseyed up Paradise Street, which has a slight gradient but I didn't switch gear. When I started, my speed was 13mph; at the end, I was doing 15mph. I turned right on to Windward Road and like the flying Scotsman Graema Obree, I flew past the mental hospital. With only two turns left to reach work, the penultimate turn would be up Jackson Road where I had to change gear. I had a bit of a struggle avoiding the holes and bumps in the road, and lactic acid was beginning to build up. I felt as if I was going to win a big European spring classic race like the Tour of Flanders or something. I was getting anxious, breathing heavy, sweat running down my face.

My last right turn was on to Giltress Street where I knew within myself I had done good time when the clock stopped at the fire station - my workplace - 14 Giltress Street. The time was 46 mins 10 secs. I had bettered my time by a minute. What a ride it was! I felt winded but I know it was a good ride the numbers don't lie. The distance was 14.77 miles, the average speed, 19mph, and the max speed, 24.5mph. Seeing that I did a good ride, I can assure you the next one will be much better. By just riding to work, I can save myself $500, paying no toll, get myself in shape, save on the environment and help lower the country's fuel bill. Isn't that enough incentive to ride to work?

Want to give Brian the thumbs up or put a spoke in his wheel? Email feedback to saturdaylife@gleanerjm.com.