#cyclingsanta

XMAS ANNOUNCEMENT & FESTIVE ILLUMINATIONS! The LabOtomy Lottery Goes Bananas

► Check out the full video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBQW989kxXA&list=PLPz-I0BhXRDI1l8fTZTKJS-ymHxwp06hu

...two £1 coins and two 50p. And a kind compliment on my fetching looks (weird how this didn't happen ever when I didn't wear a beard.)

Days cycling in Santa suit: 3 Total distance: 29.3 miles Calories burnt: Hundreds.  Where I've cycled: Walworth – Sloane Square – West Kensington – Victoria – Trafalgar Square – Leicester Square – Tottenham Court Road – Bloomsbury – Covent Garden – Waterloo – Kennington – Walworth Raised for London Cycling Campaign: £124

Day three (a mini-break to Manchester yesterday, sans suit), and starting to feel less self-conscious now; less worried about negative reaction or looking the fool.

Because of course I do, I know I do. But here's a thing – some people really like Santa. And I'm not just talking about the little people going to school, but also those who take them there. (My fellow cyclists are still not wholly convinced, judging from the somewhat suspicious looks, but I reckon cycling Santa might get to them too. At least I hope she does.)

Or is it even Santa? Maybe we're dormant extroverts who instinctively jump at the chance to smile at a stranger across the street, wave at them, will them on. Not all of us, of course, but a significant number. Maybe the odd and surprising attracts us. Perhaps spontaneous interaction releases a boost of happy enzymes or something. And perhaps we want to – ought to – engage in it more often. 

Days cycling in Santa suit: 2

Total distance: 18.4 miles

Calories burnt: Let's just say I've paid for eating masses of chocolate over the weekend

Where I've cycled: Walworth – Sloane Square – West Kensington – Walworth

Raised for London Cycling Campaign: £71

So it's on! I must admit, stepping out of the front door yesterday was pretty nerve-wracking. Then, within just five metres, I had my first 'Look! It's Father Christmas!!!' from a tiny schoolboy. Then 'Ho, ho ho', and waves and smiles – from adults and children, men in white vans, double-decker drivers.

I got to work really overheated, and there were a fair few incredulous stares from those who hadn't read the staff newsletter. Still, I've already raised over a third of my target amount, and something tells me I'm going to enjoy riding as Santa.

Good, because I have another 82 miles to go.

If you see me in the street, do say 'hi' (or 'ho') and take my picture. I haven't yet resorted to selfies, so I need your help gathering evidence of my sweaty efforts.

You can tweet them to me on @girlgoescycling  #cyclingSanta