Thanks gents, your comments are much appreciated.
Rods2, I definitely intend to start gently and NO hills; I have a heart condition as well as arthritic joints (especially knees), so I want to ease into things slowly.
Leather shorts – that’s a bit Sloane Square, isn’t it? Initially I don’t plan to go far enough to take the shine off my trousers!
I’ve still got some of that magic fluid, OKO, which I’ll fill the inners with and I should remain puncture-proof forever…..
The emergency kit in a bag is a good idea – just like Omega spares in the boot, but I’ll pass on the jersey, thanks – I don’t want to look like a “cyclist”.
Ah, indoor exercise; I don’t see the fun in that and prefer to go outdoors – it also gives me an excuse not to cycle if it’s raining!
You are right about the pulse rate, though: I’m hypertensive and need to be careful.
Guffer, what a generous offer, thank you. I’m not in London, however, but in the wilds of Essex, near Colchester – Witham, in fact. I’ll fly solo to start with, thanks, as I don’t intend to go far an d probably after dark so asnot to humiliate myself in broad daylight!
A propos of that, the bike is second hand, without lights, so do you have any recommendations for good lighting – presumably LEDs?
Ron.