n+1

The ideal number of bikes is supposed to be N+1, where N is the number of bikes you currently own. Until today, I owned one, so the formula made two the ideal number of bikes for me.

Today I collected my new bike. I now own two, so the ideal number has gone up to three.

There must be some kind of time delay in the formula though, because it certainly doesn't feel as though I am short of bikes. I still have a well-used hybrid, my faithful companion over several thousand miles exploring, mapping and generally pootling around. And  I have a shiny new touring bike, which has only covered ten miles so far, on a try out around my Winter Hill loop.

I'm very pleased with it. It rides well, and looks great, but I'm still unfamiliar with the different gears, and the different riding position, so my riding was a bit clumsy. I don't think the bike quite knows what to make of me yet, and I suspect I am more impressed with it than it is with me. But I hope it will reserve judgement until I get my act together. I have all sorts of plans for this year, and I would like to think that there are many thousands of happy miles ahead of us both. No doubt over time we will get more used to each other.