Pardon my French, but how the actual flying fire truck did that happen?!?! Forty freakin years old already?!?! Sometimes it quite literally feels like I’ve been living as a 20-year-old for the past 20 years and then BAM! Forty…

There’s no denying I am deep into MAMIL territory now. I’m there. I don’t feel forty. Then again, what is forty even supposed to feel like? At the end of the day isn’t time just a man-made theoretical and social construct? Just another successful trip around the sun? Who knows, but here I am. Forty years old.

I really can’t complain. I’m happy, fit and healthy. I’ve had a pretty damn good life so far and if the next 40+ are even half as good as the last I’ll be counting my blessings. I’m hoping I don’t have to slow down too much just yet.

As for a new bike to celebrate 40 years? Well, that was the 2020 Canyon Aeroad I bought last year. I was going to wait until my 40th to buy it, but heard rumours of supply issues and also the rim-brake model being discontinued (both correct) so I jumped in early and I’m glad I did. It’s one hell of a speed machine and should (almost) make up for my ageing legs.

See also: How much faster is an aero bike?

So that’s basically all I have to say about that. I’m going to take some time to let this whole “40” thing soak in…