wow, thank you! Lots to read there.

Sadly, I don't think I'll be getting a Pashley. They only come with 3 or 5 gears, and I don't want to limit my riding to flat only. But I'm not ruling one out for my 50th or for when the mortgage is paid off, just not now.

I'm feeling a lot more positive today. I woke up thinking about a great dream when I was looking at Vitas or Giant Escapes and then realised that it wasn't a dream. There is significant progress being made in my town to improve cycling infrastructure, and I think a lighter bike that can run errands but also hold its own on lanes will suit me.