If you haven’t been out in it, just looking out of the window you can’t have failed to have noticed that autumn is well and truly here. That lovely smell of old leaves, the colours, and all the windy weather, ahh just great. It’s not too hot for a really long cycle-ride and not too cold to freeze the balls of a brass monkey (as they say...).

But in my experience, autumn’s a time for love!

Yes really! In the past month, at least three of my friends have found the partner of their dreams (until the fights about the washing up begin, that is) and have they discovered them as most people do: at work? Or meeting friends of friends?

No, they’ve all found them on Internet friend sites like Facebook or Bebo (and in case you’re wondering, yes, I will mention cycling soon, I promise).

If you don’t understand how to switch a computer on, this may be a bit beyond you.

Basically, all the people you work with or went to school with can sign up to these websites with their names and photos. You click on them and add them as friends and then you can talk or leave a message about what you’re doing now.

Or you can add random strangers – like my friends did, who now have adorable men to date (sigh!).

But when first meeting the man/woman of your dreams, what are the key things to look for to make sure he’s a good match?

With my dating guru hat on I can give tips for what to look for in a man – sorry, if you’re looking for a girl, I can’t help. We’re far too complicated, so don’t even try to understand us.

But here’s to getting your dreamboat man – firstly, yes you guessed it, he has to cycle.

I mean, come on, have you ever met a man who cycled regularly and who didn’t have that James Bond sort of strong silent type look?

Yeah, well, look again. Though maybe get him to take his glasses off – and don’t let him model in those cycle clips.

Secondly, a cycling man will be fitter, have more energy (umm, for washing up) and get to your date on time (no parking place to find and no mirror to sit checking his hair in).

Next, see if he plays bass guitar in a band – swoon – and if he doesn’t, then at least make sure he sings in the shower or plays air guitar.

And finally, your wannabe man has to at least know which country the Tour de France takes place in (this is an IQ test). You could also ask him who wrote Beethoven’s Third Symphony. And if his main hero is a footballer, then you are going to have to dump him.

OK, so now you’ve established you fancy this guy and he’s ticked all the criteria, get him out cycling.

Remember to play down your wheelies so that this guy can look really good. And don’t criticise his bike.

If he takes the mick out of yours you can spray paint his pink when he’s out with his mates – that’ll teach him.

The only thing missing now for would-be lovers in Oxford is cycle shop dating evenings; the best place for your eyes to meet across a bicycle made for two.

So, what about it? Anyone fancy organising one?