Riding

Do you like to ride a bike? With all the recent success of our UK riders surely cycling has never had a higher profile? I am a regular rider of some years experience and I have noticed many more people riding, when I am out and about, than ever before.
Riding a bike, which I would promote as a life skill, is one of the most delightful and addictive activities one can participate in. If you revel in the freedom of the road, coupled with the physical effort of turning the pedals at a steady cadence. If you appreciate passing scenery, architecture, towns and villages and discover routes that you would never pass in a car, then cycling could be for you?
Do I paint a rosy picture? Of course it is not all pleasure and sunshine. For every down there is an up, sometimes very hard work. The wind and the rain can slow you down and of course being wet is no picnic! Breakdowns happen and roadside repairs are not fun! And yet, and yet, even these drawbacks can add to the overall adventure, especially if it is a shared one. There is a sense of achievement when you complete a ride, irrespective of any problems that may have befallen you.
Injuries happen and I have had my share, mostly cuts, scrapes and bruises but you need to be well aware of everything around you, in order to avoid a serious crash. Motorists in the main these days, are more aware and are usually fairly tolerant of cyclists. Beware the dog, however, in my experience, when off the lead they are the most unpredictable and dangerous of obstacles for the unsuspecting rider.
Want to loose weight, increase fitness? There is nothing better than a bike. Most fitness experts would agree that it is advantageous in comparison to running (I am not against running, indeed I occasionally indulge) because it puts less strain on joints, knees etc.
Those of you who have read my previous blogs know my story, as I have documented in some detail my quest for less weight and increased fitness, which thus far has been a great success.
So get out on a bike, you do not need the lycra kit or an expensive lightweight  machine. If you have an old steed languishing in the garage or shed, get it out, dust it down and just ride around your local area. Slowly increase the distance if you decide it's an activity you want to do more of, invest in a better bike, research and get advice from the many sources available, spend what you can afford for the best bike you can get.
If you want any advice email me, I do not claim to be an expert but I have yeas of riding behind me.  gozeat666@virginmedia.com