When I was just a few weeks into this job, I met a grizzled old-timer on a bench in the City, who informed me that you're not a real courier until you've survived your first winter. That was back in October, and now it's March, and London's full of daffodils and magnolia blossom, and I think I've made it.
And even though I've spent far too much time awake and outside for the past few months, I feel like I'm coming out of hibernation. The evenings are lighter, and I'm feeling more inclined to stay out a bit, and maybe even do some riding for fun, rather than just race home and into my pyjamas.
And all the couriers seem to be losing weight. This isn't strictly true, of course - it's just that the weather's warming up and they're shedding all those bulky layers of clothing. When the winter was at its coldest, I found myself shivering in five layers, whereas recently I've occasionally stripped down as far as one. I've even seen some of the blokes riding around in sleeveless t-shirts.
And I'm getting a taste of how idyllic this job is going to be in the summer. There's not much work around at the moment (I must be spending just as much time hanging around on standby as I am riding), but that's OK, because it's now warm enough for me to loiter in a park for an hour without ending up frostbitten. The other day I found a sunny corner to while away the elevenses lull, and actually ended up dozing off for a bit, until my radio started shouting at me.
And of course, now I've passed the test, earned my spurs, and I'm a real courier! Or so I thought. I was discussing this with another old timer last week, and apparently you actually have to make it through two winters, in case the first one's an easy one. Pah.
Emily
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2 comments:
Morning Emily.
Your post made me smile as I'm a newbie cyclist. First ever bike bought almost 4 years ago at the age of 42, took me 3 years and 2 lessons before I started commuting to work. The commute started last September and I've decided I'm not a 'proper' cyclist til a year has passed as I realise I'm still wet behind the ears and need to develop some more. Still nervous at times but loving it. Have developed a fascination for bike-related gadgets, accessories, clothing etc, even though I can't change a tyre to save my life (on my list of skills to acquire by summer's end). Have also discovered I'm a secret speed merchant so now want a racing bike so I can get to work in less than the current 33 mins on a good morning, even though I'm not completely bike confident :-). So looking forward to the warmer weather and being able to wear shorts or short skirts (with under-shorts for modesty :-) ).
what happens if the second one's easy ;)
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