There’s no conincidence that now that I’m back on the bike, I have a convienient refuling stop. The bell is that place. There was a time when I felt I wasn’t welcome enough there. I felt out of place in the old days, but now I fit right in. Getting out and speakig to people is a good thing, and I’m going to make a habit of dropping in for a pint of mild in a fighting glass, or as they call it – a glass with a handle! To be honest, knowing that an old fashioned glass was called a fighting glass is very new to me, but I pretend that it’s always been that way. Having said that, there’ll be a vey good reason that these glasses are an option in vey few pubs these days.

I was looking for somewhere quietish tonight, but now I’m there only customer in here. Time to move on.

Right then. I find myself in a local battle cruiser with a chocolate, coconut stout for company. This is the kind of place that you can drink a half if you want to. This is really important when the beers get stronger. As always, the beer is excelent. Even better, Benfolds Five is playing on the old, dusty speakers. I don’t know which album it is, but it sounds great.

I am aware that my cycling is directly linked to an increased consumption of beer. This is something I need to keep an eye on. But for the moment this is a good thing. Bikes are a good thing. Going out at night is a good thing. Most importantly, bikes are great and they can save us all, if only we will let them.

I like the Bell. My cheese sandwich didn’t arrive. So I went to the bar and asked for a half of mild to top up my pint. They didn’t charge for the extra beer!

Sometimes service forgets about you. Never take it personally, smile, and now I’ve learned to ask for something that they will give you free of charge. Smie you way through it and be a nice customer to know.

I’ll be back at the Bell next week.