If you can't get out on the bike- Then polish it to get rid of the soot from coming down the Chimney. This cannot be done with the Christmas decorations the wife has put on it so upset her by taking them off first. I use Pledge furniture polish on all my bikes but don't use the wifes can-- Get your own. It is easier on the ears when the wife has suddenly run out of polish.

Laces tucked into shoes and trousers tucked into socks. But early on in the new year start looking online for the padded bibshorts in Lycra. Bibshorts as they are more comfortable-Padded to keep things cool and dry and Tight Lycra cos it increases your speed as the women start chasing you down the street. Brakes and in general the front brake works best. Most of my braking is done on the front wheel but it can be disconcerting to have the rear wheel lift in panic situations. You will soon get used to it. If the brakes are too effective- don't worry too much. It is not long before a bit of road grime gets onto the blocks and lessens their impact.

Welcome to the forum. Expect plenty of Posts from you in the near future--Mainly about sore wrists- Numbness in the fingers and What saddle is best for alleviating Butt Ache.