Inspired, or perhaps shamed, by Phil Sheehan's attempt to become a 1st Category rider, I decided, after months of talking about it, to take my cycling beyond the daily commute to work and hit the roads.

Grey December rain didn't exactly provide the ideal motivation for sacrificing some of the few daylight hours of a day off to the pursuit of recreational riding but, spurning the luxuries of long mudguards, soft seat and triple chainwheel of the Ridgeback hybrid, I dragged the Raleigh 531 out of its slumber, braved the elements and put in a cheeky 20-miler ( © Phil Sheehan). And I've got four words to describe it: wet, windy and hard work.

Oh, and a piece of personal learning – beware sharp turns, wet manhole covers and slick tyres. Ouch!

If I'm honest, I can't say it was a bunch of fun at the time – except when the wind was at my back – and the increasingly suspicious looks from the automatic-rifle-toting policeman outside the US Ambassador's residence as I passed him on circuits of Regents Park didn't help.

But I was pretty pleased that I felt strong enough to attack the short, steep climb at the end up Highgate Hill, and after a shower, change, some snap and a cup of tea, I was already looking forward to my next ride, hopefully on Sunday if I'm not too knackered after watching the Hatton fight at silly o'clock.

And the time? It's very unscientific as I still haven't got round to buying a computer (a child of the 70s, they remain new-fangled to me), but by my (analogue) watch it took 75 minutes. However, deduct the unscheduled meeting with Joe Pavement (see above), halts at traffic lights and a couple of emergency stops for staying-alive and venting-spleen purposes, I reckon total riding time was about 65 minutes, so an average speed of around 18mph.

Which, in football parlance, I would have taken before kick-off.

A few questions emerge, which perhaps you can help with:

A hint of pins and needles in my feet – saddle too high? Shoes too tight? Too many years of burning candles at both ends affecting my circulation?

I was wearing a water and windproof jacket (Altura) over a short-sleeved summer top (Endura), but even with the side vents open on the Altura, I still sweated like a pig. Granted this may have something to do with fitness, fags and booze etc, and while it's great in terms of shedding a few pounds, I'd rather not get back dripping wet. So, what's the best training outfit for this time of year?

Finally, is there anywhere you can take a wet, dirty bike for a wash and brush-up? Man, it's a pain in the proverbial cleaning a muddy bike. And then cleaning the kitchen floor afterwards.

Phil, I know it wasn't even as far as your cheeky 40-miler, but you're off the mark, as it were, so congratulations – you've inspired one sloth to get in the saddle!

And so a challenge to all the other 'Fat Catters' on 606 – get out this weekend and let's have your ride reports on Monday!