Simon reflects how his cycle commute is mirrored by the working day

The cycle commute, while helping me keep fit and saving a little money, allows for some quiet time before or after the working day, it can also, in some ways, mirror the working day.

A few days ago, a particularly windy day, the challenges of the commute where reflected by those in the working day.   

The early part of the ride was a "breeze", the wind helpfully pushing me along, much like the start of the working day, quotes instantly turning to orders, material for urgent jobs arriving early and all presses running smoothly. A change of direction on my commute though, saw me fighting the wind, and from machines running without issue a change of material roll saw problems. The operator fighting a roll of paper with (possibly) a higher coat weight of adhesive effecting the stripping of the waste matrix. A new roll though and the press back up to speed, just as I was, as I again changed direction, now enjoying a good tailwind.

Pedaling along nicely, until the hedgerow sheltering me disappeared and I was now at the mercy of a strong crosswind, which, taken a little by surprise, buffeted me across the road. On another press, the operator was taken by surprise by a poor paper join, this causing the waste matrix to break and present the operator with some what of a mess to clear, luckily for me out on the bike, the roads I pick are quiet and so no mess to worry about!

Encounters on the commute are regular, some, such as a "close pass" are not enjoyable. I think that I communicate my presence on the road well enough, multiple lights, front and rear, reflective clothing, you would think highlighting myself enough that any other road users would see me and pass with space. Similarly, with accounts that are behind on payment, we give enough notice, communicate our expectations, yet, as for the driver who thinks its fine to "close pass" without consequence, we have customers who feel the same about payment it seems, as another late payer goes on stop, if only I could stop the "close pass" drivers in a similar fashion!  

Some encounters though are a pleasure. On the regular routes I pick, it is common place to be joined by a Barn Owl or Hare, these encounters a real pleasure, making the effort even more worthwhile. Back at the desk and the day brings similar encounters, a visit from a sales rep. we have not seen for some while and a call from a customer we have not had contact with for some time, both positive and like the Owls and Hares, providing a little pleasure during the day.                   

Simon tries to cycle to work a couple of times a week, 17 miles each way, he currently uses his On-One Ruji gravel bike https://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/gravel-adventure-bikes/on-one-rujo (he said some of you might be interested in this?!)