General: Thank You Boris - Barclays Bikes Rock!

Being single since May, I've been trying to get myself looking nice and trim as I parade myself back on the market (form an orderly queue please ladies!). Over the past 3 years I've slowly put a few pounds on (not excessive amounts - but enough that I notice) and I've realised part of that reason for that is that I now drive. I used to ride my bike for so many tiny journeys that I no longer do. Trials riding is good exercise but doesn't give as much of a cardio work out as you'd expect.

I've been lecturing part-time at Ravensbourne College and being on the O2 - you have to use their O2's car park facilities. At £10 a day, I've started parking a 10 minute cycle away and flinging a bike in the back of the car. I managed to build myself a fixie out of spare parts littering my garage (that's another story) and that's been performing admirably without any chain snaps (unlike my XC bike).

I was considering buying a folding bike but I was put off partly by the cost, but also the pre-preparation. Then I remembered about the Boris Bikes - sorry Barclays Cycles - so I signed up for one of their little fobs. Why on earth we can't just use Oyster and have it included as part of the cost of a travelcard is beyond me.

So a little late to the party today I took one out for a spin - I simply popped in my fob, removed the bike and got going. I did a short journey of 2 miles and even though it rained - I enjoyed it *so* much more than stuffy tubes. I arrived a little wetter than I'd have liked - but my lungs were filled with much fresher air.

The bike itself is a comfortable size for myself (5'10) and you have what I believe is 3 gears. The gears are clearly designed for stop starting at traffic lights - and it tops out quite quickly - but that's probably for the best as the brakes are hardly sharp. I found it quite easy to track stand, but having wet pedals - I didn't dare try anything more complex - but a simple kerb bunny hop would be more than manageable.

Overall, I got to my destination speedily and simply dropped it into a docking station and walked the final 30 seconds. I didn't have to worry about locking it up, theft, maintenance or pre-decision of wanting to cycle.

It would have taken me a minimum of 15 minutes, including a change - but I think I probably cycled it in 10-15 minutes at most.

I'm certainly going to start using these instead of the tube - well done Boris, well done Barclays!