0 points (unlucky for some) – but to be fair I haven’t ridden anywhere yet. My blog is feeling unloved. It is the originator of The Mission yet has been discarded like some old inner tube for nearly a month, left at the back of the cupboard to collect cobwebs. The reason? The launch (and largely speaking, success) of its young upstart cousin on Twitter. It’s good though. Twitter is allowing the sharing of The Mission, creates a platform for interaction (which is the point of the game) and makes online ‘hellos’ possible (though I don’t give points for those). Still, I do need to find a new use for my old friend…
Thursday 22nd July
July 22, 201030 points – after the proverbial kick up the Khyber Pass, the Twitter launch has done the trick. 20 points cycling home through Angel sharing an exchange with a fellow two wheeler over some bad driving and another with a heavily laden father of two. Then 10 points in Farringdon this morning sharing a laugh over another driver who doesn’t know where his indicators or wing-mirrors are. The sun is shining and the game is on.
Wednesday 21st July
July 21, 20101 point – it may not be a ‘hello’ in person, but it’s an internet one. Following a recommendation by a friend, and in an attempt to increase site traffic and potential Mission followers, I’ve made a Twitter page. Hello to the world:
Wednesday 21st July
July 21, 20100 points – since the last 0 points – I could blame the long hours at work with early starts and late finishes. I could blame errand running and new routes. I could blame infrequent cycling from weekends away. But ultimately, it boils down to the fact I’m failing. I’m being beaten back by an assumed wall of silence. Only if I chuck that ‘hello’ out there will I actually know if that wall is real or not. Results to date would indicate it isn’t always so. But it does sometimes feel like a lonely mission.
Tuesday 12th July
July 13, 20100 points – back to the early starts at work. Less chances for an exchange, but it’s also quite nice cycling around a quiet London. Also tried a new route that was less scenic, but quieter. Not sure which I prefer.
Monday 12th July
July 13, 20100 points – another dull Monday. A result of too much fun on the weekend. It just seemed such a good idea at the time.
Saturday 10th July
July 13, 201060 points – ok so it’s a slightly made up number, but I think it’s fairly representative of the day. I cycled 117 kilometres to Brighton with many a country hello and nod along the way. Was a lovely ride. It’s no Tour de France, but I was still pretty please for a lone effort on a hot day.
Thursday 8th July
July 8, 20105 points – after my fellow cyclists, a lady in red, was barked at by an enfuriated oncoming rider, we shared a little “well good morning to him too” as I cycled past. A jolly end to an aggressive start. Some people just get on the wrong side of their saddle don’t they.
Wednesday 7th July
July 8, 201010 points – an evening of riches. Cycling West to North East from the BBC bar I chatted with a bloke heading home to Bow after an evening skate session. Though initially frosty to my chipper gambit of “evening”, we then talked flat tyres, Tour De France, and much more from Marble Arch to Farringdon. It seems evenings tend to herald better results. Perhaps it’s because people riding around at night tend to be actual cyclists, rather than just commuters. Or perhaps it’s just because people aren’t cycling to work.
Tuesday 6th July
July 7, 20100 points – Another sad day. An early start and a different main road route in the evening saw very little company. I did however go for a nice dip in the Hampstead Heath ponds before an evening beer and a ride home with a mate. So not all bad.
