Cycling and transgenderism

One explanation is climate change. Weather conditions are becoming more extreme. Average temperatures are rising and it is certainly raining more. So often this year, I decided against a ride because it was simply too wet. I find riding in the rain dangerous and unpleasant. I would only do so from choice if I was riding for a very good cause.

But the main reason why I am cycling much less is the arrival of Ariane in March 2023. Living with this complex woman is so time-consuming. She wants to see me (be me) all the time. So she takes as much of my day as she can get away with. I haven't yet found a way of integrating Ariane into my cycling. I have researched female cycling apparel, and it would be possible to ride in more ladylike lycra, but she has shown very little interest. She insists on wearing dresses, pearls and heels, and this kind of gear is really not compatible with modern cycling safety protocols.

So I have had to choose between cycling, and a set of other public pursuits which can be managed in a ladylike way. We have achieved an uneasy compromise. Ariane lets me go out on the bike on days when she could not appear anyway, and also, on days when she could appear, for shorter rides only. Today for example I completed yet another 30-40 mile ride in boy mode, returning home in early afternoon, so that Ariane could go to Waitrose again (she practically lives there) and then take the air in her home town.

Today was interesting in that Ariane had a chance encounter in the street with someone who recognised her. This has never happened before. A friend from church was out on family business. We had a nice conversation, if all too brief. It made me wonder, what are the chances of someone who does not know Ariane recognising me in her? Very low, I think, because I'm sufficiently convincing in girl mode now. Anyway, it wouldn't matter if they did, now that my family know about Ariane. Sometimes I wish that our neighbours would see Ariane close by, so that I could out myself to them.

How does Ariane feel about other kinds of exercise? She is much more accommodating. Ariane has of course gone fellwalking in the Lake District and would be very ready to do so again. But probably in a more sensible and less floaty skirt. I have had a helpful discussion on this subject with my church friend the Queen of the Fells.

What interests me most at the moment is whether Ariane will diversify into running. This is much easier to manage than cycling. Ariane is prepared to step away from her wardrobe of designer dresses if she can run in a skort and a girly t-shirt. And yes, I have already bought everything I need. The next step is a training run in the countryside, away from prying eyes, to see whether the concept will fly. And then into public events.

The main practical issue is whether I can dispense with a wig and run in only my own hair. I was thinking I should wait until it's long enough, and that won't be too far away now. But maybe I don't need to wait at all. The personnel in my new choir (the LGBT choir that meets in Guildford) are mostly cis female and mostly short-haired. It works for them. I am really keen to develop, style and display my own hair, although the result will have to look feminine.

In relation to non-sporting activity, it is of course very easy to present as Ariane while doing normal everyday things such as cooking, ironing, or watching TV. I believe this is known as multi-tasking. Only women can do this, but that's not a problem for me since I regard myself as essentially female anyway. Ariane's latest must-watch TV involves catching up on the first series of Alma's Not Normal. The heroine is a big-hearted misfit from Bolton who has no money and is surrounded by unfortunate people. But she has a can-do attitude and she is All Woman. I love her. It makes me think, Ariane's Not Normal either. Practically everyone I know would agree with that.