Having agoraphobia, cycling is one of the few outdoor activities I can enjoy with my children. I find walking pretty boring, I always have. It’s too slow-paced for my taste, where as cycling affords the same scenery, but at a pace I determine. Cycling also means I have a faster way of escaping than by just being on my feet (even more so if you have access to my brother’s electric bike – just wow!).
I bought my bike from a local shop about eight years ago and I still love it now. It’s been left outside during the winters, heavily neglected and it could really do with some TLC, but it’s comfortable, reliable and solid. I’ve recently discovered a bike shop online called Cycle Republic that stock a huge range of products (also, I’ve just learnt about something, it seems everyone else already knew about, called The Cycle Scheme – what a great idea!!).
It’s a good idea to brush up on some basic bike maintenance before you get on the road, and learn bike part names for when you need to replace anything so that you know exactly what you’ll be looking for.
The Cycle Path
A strip of tarmac goes into the pub and orders a pint. After serving him, the barman asks if he wants to join his mate in the corner. Sitting in the corner is a strip of red tarmac. The strip of tarmac shakes his head violently: “I’m not going near him” it says, “he’s a cyclepath!”
Prior to moving house four years ago, we lived in very close proximity to a beautiful, long cycle path. It’s a traffic free, safe path that follows the line of a disused railway and has many historic landmarks along the way. You can read more about it here. My children and I spent much of their childhood on this cycle path. It was one of my favourite places to escape to.
Being on my bike instils inside me such a sense of calmness. I just love it.
Cycling Towards Happiness
I know (I really know) that when you’re feeling under the weather with your mental health, exercise is often one of the last things on the list of things you want to do. The way I’ve been feeling lately, the very essence of breathing has felt like too much of a struggle.
It’s widely known that doing exercise releases endorphins in your brain so that’s a good reason alone. It also improves your memory, helps you sleep better and relieves stress.
The biggest struggle for me with getting out there and doing exercise is the motivation. When my mood is low or my anxiety is particularly rubbish the last thing I feel like doing is stepping outside my front door. I usually need some pretty strong encouragement. The nagging is always worthwhile though. The minute my backside makes contact with the saddle, I remember.
The British Cyclists Survey
Cycle Republic conducted a survey of five hundred riders across the UK, to gauge the nation’s perception of a bike ride, collating a diverse range of insights and sentiments in the process. I found the results really interesting. Also, I think wearing a helmet should be a legal requirement because then teenagers wouldn’t feel so daft wearing them. Not wearing them is daft!
This is the infographic of the results collated.
If you haven’t hopped on a bike for a long time, remember the old saying, you never forget to ride a bike.
As always, thanks for reading.
xx
Now the girls are a bit older I’d love to start cycling together as a family; a fun pastime AND getting a bit of fitness in at the same time – perfect! x
Mine are all crazy about cycling ?
It’s been 4 years since I gave up public transport in favor of my bike. The first bike I had was bought on ebay and the second one through the Cycle to work programe. It’s such a nice way of relaxing indeed, and keeping your mind healthy.
Such an informative post. Is that your blue bike – it’s lovely.
I have not biked in 10 years but I should really get one again, especially now that I live in Europe and bike is the best way to get around 🙂 Need to get one that has a lower seat though 😀
I am a very keen cyclist, having taken up the pastime two years ago. I went on the most epic bikepacking trip last summer too – 400 miles from Shetland down through Scotland and off road down the great glen way, and then we climbed Ben Nevis! Shetland’s not on your cycle map unfortunately though, folk tend to forget about us this far north! I agree about it making happy hormones – I rely on it to keep my spirits high.
Interesting infographic that not many cyclists feel safe on the roads in the South East. I think that what stops me from getting out and about on a bike. Just too many cars on the road.
I love getting out on our bikes in the Summer but I am quite anxious about using the roads I have to admit. It’s interesting to hear that many people feel the same, we do stick to cycle paths for this reason.
Similar to you I struggle with motivation to actually get out on my bike! I do have a lovely city bike and once I’m actually on it I find it very relaxing, energising and it ticks off getting some exercise in there too. Plus, I love going out on a nice bike ride with my son and grabbing some picnic bits on the way.