WELL, my week of cycling is done and dusted and I'm not lying when I say I actually do feel better for it.

That could just be the sun shining and the fact that I have a half day finish today but, following my more restful day yesterday, I was back to sprightly this morning as I jumped on my bike and rode down to Bishop Auckland train station.

Admittedly, this burst of enthusiasm nearly saw me come a cropper on a downhill corner, but I managed to hold on and keep going.

I guess I've learned a bit this week, mostly about moderation and the benefits of the right type of music to suit your ride, but I've also been left with questions.

For example, there is the one that I highlighted earlier in the week: why does the wind always blow against even the slowest of cyclists?

Another is why some motorists insist on overtaking a cyclist just before traffic lights and then pulling right into the kerb to stop them getting past?

One of the things I have found is that I am a much more calm person when riding a bike than I am in the car. As frustrating and inconsiderate as some motorists have proven this week, I have found myself less likely to turn the air blue than I would have been in the car.

Whether this is to do with the fact that I am outside and my cursing can be heard by the person it is aimed at, the fact that my getaway would simply be too much effort, or whether I just don't have the breath to get the words out, I don't know.

Anyway, the wind and rain aside, I have mostly enjoyed my week of cycling. I'm not sure I could have handled it without the help of the railways. Maybe in a year's time if I keep up with a ride in once or twice a week, but I'm not promising anything.

PAUL WHITE