I rode my bike outside for the first time in four months after a winter cycling indoors - did riding 2,000 miles in my shed prepare me for outdoor reality?

Rider rests arms on handlebars looking tired.

I tried to cycle outside this winter. Oh lord, how I tried. I’d wake up of a weekend and the morning would be full of hope and promise – a day in the lanes beckoned, a few glorious hours with the great British countryside for company. Then I’d draw back the curtains to reveal post-apocalyptic carnage. Wind howled, rain poured, dark clouds convened as far as the eye could see: all paths pointed to the shed and my smart bike.

Call me a fair-weather cyclist, I don’t care. Since 10 November last year, I have ridden exclusively indoors.