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Hints & Tips

Cycling

There are many reasons to get on your bike; they can range from using cycling as a means of transport, a form of recreation or as a sport or competition.

Transport

This is a vital kind of cycling, especially in the current worrying economic climate cycling is important as it involves using your bike to get to work or school. Environmentally it is important as it reduces pollution and carbon emissions. It is important for health as it offers a form of exercise that can easily slip into the daily routine. Moderate exercise taken daily can be far more beneficial than one big workout per week.

Transport cycling is specifically about getting from A to B. There isn’t a requirement for special clothes although overcoats may be required to keep clothes dry. When choosing a bike, technical specifications aren’t necessary for this type of cycling although selecting something low maintenance is useful.

The majority of people live within a few miles of their work, so cycling is not a problem. However for those who have further to go a sportier touring or racing bike could be used. Special cycling clothes may be used to save time showering and changing.

For those who live further a field one possibility is using a mix of travel modes, for example train or bus for part of the commute and cycle the rest. Some people literally park and ride, and they drive half way and cycle the rest.

It can be a handful using your bike to do your weekly shopping, so this could encourage you to do your shopping little and often and so enjoy fresher foods. However if you must do your weekly shopping in one go all you need is a trailer. There are many child seats and trailers that can make family cycling and the school run possible.

Recreation

Cycling doesn’t just have to be to get you from A to B, it can also be fun! Be it children playing on the street or a round-the-world tour – its all recreation.

There’s no better way than to discover the country than cycling. You can cover the ground quickly, yet still have enough time to take it all. Not only the views, but the smells and sounds which you do not get in the car.

Cycling can also prove to be a very sociable sport, the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation the CTC, hold clubruns, so if you are looking for a challenging cycle or a relaxing ride they will find a meet for you to take part in.

Sport/Competition

Having a goal helps when getting fit. Cycling provides the ideal opportunity to test your fitness. Pushing your fitness and increasing your endurance each ride. Not to mention that sense of accomplishment when you have cycled to your decided milestone.

You may be happy to set your own goals or the CTC , has Challenge Rides which provide the perfect opportunity to test your fitness within a social and perhaps more competitive group.

Competing in cycling races is of course challenging as it incorporates strength, fitness, coordination, endurance and guts! The competitions are usually divided into three categories; road races, track races and off-road races, and there are various levels within the competition. More information about competitive cycling can be found at British Cycling.

Click here for our guide to bikes.

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