Out On The Open Road…
Cycling isn’t the niche sport of the past – but a range of equipment and disciplines has swelled participation levels and that can only be good for health, writes Ben Hall
Whether commuting or for sport, cycling is fully accessible to a wide range of people whether that be on a hand bike, trike, road, mountain, hybrid or gravel – and all with e-bike options.
Road cycling’s showpiece event is unquestionably the Tour de France, but the Tour de Guild Wheel in and around Preston is just as fun and far more accessible. If the cycling bug bites hard, then a bikepacking coast to coast adventure or a trip to Mallorca to challenge yourself against the pros might interest you.
While most of us observe our surroundings from a car, cycling offers an alternative view. We have an amazing area to explore here in the North West of England and it is a treat to discover what even the most informed of local residents have missed.
Route planning is key. The perfect scenario is beautiful scenery on freshly tarmacked, quiet roads. The Sunday cyclist is hoping for few cars, and with some luck, even fewer potholes. Head out to the Trough of Bowland for a hilly hiatus or seek solitude following the dunes of the Fylde coast. Wherever your journey takes you, just be sure to factor in a coffee and a piece of cake.
When it comes to picking up the pace, there is a new language to acquaint yourself with. Aerodynamics, watts and carbon fibre might seem more relevant to our fighter-jet local engineering heritage, but once immersed in this world there are marginal gains to be had everywhere for that king or queen of the hill climbs. They do say that no matter how good you are, it doesn’t get any easier, it only gets faster.
The countryside views can be splendid, but that first glimpse in the mirror of yourself in lycra does take some adjusting to. The wind chill, British weather and distances covered can make clothing decisions difficult, but a good-looking peloton is a fast peloton. The strange hats with short peaks and strange coloured tops hark back to the 80s while more modern attire, matching bike and outfit, must be worth a tenth of a second!
Cycling history is rich. The 80s weren’t the peak of fashion, but they were the pinnacle for Greg LeMond as he created his legacy within the sport by winning the Tour de France, having been shot by his brother-in-law two years prior. The ‘Pirate’ Marco Pantani with his earing and headscarf, Laura Trott’s Olympic gold medals and Mark Cavendish’s record-breaking 35th stage win in the Tour this year, all provide tales of heroism in the sport.
This is all well and good for the pros, but Sunday cyclists have their own achievements. A personal best here and a furthest ride there, the challenge varies for all. Some will need a top-of-the-range bike with wind resistance reduced to a minimum and the lightest of alloys to gain weight savings, unnoticeable to the less initiated. For others getting out there is an achievement in itself and speed is not where the enjoyment is, but in a group.
There is one subject that is tricky and strangely, it is eating. Should you use gels, water, carbohydrates, isotonic drinks or should it be a protein bar? The Sunday cyclist needs a nutrition degree to keep up with supplements and an economics background to support the cost of all these aids – not to mention the equipment!
Speed is fun and kids love bikes to be fast. As children we were chased by parents having just taken off the stabilisers, ensuring we stayed upright as we wobbled further away. Kids build jumps and ramps and parents dare not look as thrills are sought. We are told to slow down, to be careful and always wear a helmet. But speed is still fun, and the Sunday cyclist knows this.
A tough hill climb is full of sweat, aches, pain and thoughts of stopping – or worse, giving up. But on the other side, a glance down at the speed clock and nothing but the thinnest of clothing to prevent the gravel rash, just heightens the senses.
Cycling is also a great group activity. You can talk and cycle. You have a common topic to discuss the positives and negatives. Any group activity should be prescribed as part of a well-rounded healthy lifestyle, so ‘chapeau’ to all those happy cyclists!
