Just finished reading Emily Chapman’s endearing and revealing account of her time navigating London’s streets as a cycling courier. ‘Coming Around Again’ was a great read. The irony of enjoying the book while riding cattle class on the tube was not lost on me.
I really do need to get back cycling on my commute to work (along with the benefit of losing some weight). The downside of being a freelancer is the strong probability of being booked on a succession of short-term contracts. The smaller companies I work for tend to lack any facilities for cyclists. It’s not an exaggeration to say I’ve extended contracts with some of my larger corporate clients merely due to the quality of their showers and the prized locker space.
Either enjoying cycling to work or being squeezed into a tube carriage for my commute does set my mood for the morning. It’s unavoidable. An invigorating cycle ride, followed by a refreshing show puts me in such a positive mind set. Experiencing the claustrophobic central line merely makes me grumpy and restless as I start my working day. It’s abject misery for me. I especially miss exchanging notes with other cyclists as we glow in the aftermath of our ride to work in the changing rooms. In contrast, no one speaks on the underground and everyone endures the journey. It’s not a great advert of living in one of the most exciting city’s in the world. Happiness is in short supply. Heard anyone claim ‘Oh, I did enjoy the northern line this morning??’ as they entered the office.
Although working for a global corporate company does not guarantee you treasured cycling facilities. Lack of space (and office politics believe it or not) ensures there’s frequently a long waiting list for a bike stand or access to a locker. I often moan to facilities managers or HR contacts of the great benefit of providing adequte cycling facilities. I guess they have much more pressing matters but I do feel it’s an issue which many companies need to address with a greater focus.
But nevertheless, I can very much recommend ‘Coming Around Again’. It’s a great read for anyone who enjoys exploring London. I love to cycle around new areas of our capital. I’m not deterred by the dark cold winter mornings and though I like to think I’m a hardened cyclist, I’m in a much lower league than the toughness of a cycling courier. My admiration for their mental and physical qualities knows no bounds. It doesn’t seem to pay well but the courier community seems to be a happy lot. A message for us all I guess of the true happiness a cycle ride can give you.