| Cycling is a fantastic way to get into the great | | | | the countryside. You can still fall off and hit your head |
| outdoors and get fit at the same time. It lets you | | | | so it's better to be safe than sorry. It's also advisable |
| explore the countryside quickly, allowing you to take in | | | | to have a water bottle on your frame so you can |
| more in one day and striking a balance between | | | | take a drink. On hot days you'll get parched even on |
| relaxation and excitement. This is because you can | | | | short rides and with any exercise it's important to keep |
| cycle at your own pace and over the terrain of your | | | | hydrated. |
| choosing - it's a sport for adrenaline junkies but also | | | | Reflective gear is essential if you're riding in the dark, |
| makes a great pastime for families, people who aren't | | | | especially on roads, along with a lamp. The lamp should |
| very fit and those just wanting a leisurely day out. | | | | be battery powered and not pedal-powered - imagine |
| There are cycle paths all over the countryside - a lot | | | | it going out when you come to a set of lights! You can |
| of footpaths allow cycles too, and if you're daring you | | | | never have too much reflective gear - give a car |
| can take your bike over rugged hills, through rivers and | | | | every chance to see you and minimise your risk on |
| anywhere similarly inaccessible. You can ride your bike | | | | the roads. |
| on public roads although with today's heavy traffic it's | | | | A good lock is an essential item and if possible leave |
| advisable to stick to cycle lanes where possible. | | | | your bike somewhere you can keep an eye on it. |
| The benefits of cycling are manifold. People who cycle | | | | Finally, a puncture-repair kit is advisable if you've got a |
| 20 miles a week are half as likely to get heart disease | | | | long commute or you do a lot of off-roading. |
| as those who don't. Cycling burns about 600 calories | | | | The only kit you need to ride your bike is something |
| an hour so it's a great workout, and you can set it to | | | | you're comfortable in. Remember that you get hot |
| your own pace and fitness level. This may seem | | | | during exercise to loose-fitting clothing is best. Also be |
| counterintuitive, but cyclists on roads actually absorb | | | | sure not to wear wide-legged trousers as these tend |
| fewer pollutants than people inside cars! You might | | | | to get caught in the pedals or gears. |
| also find that your daily commute is shorter too if you | | | | You can get all this extra gear for under £100 |
| get on your bike - if there are cycle lanes on your | | | | from good bike shops, and it's a small outlay to make |
| way to work you won't get stuck in a traffic jam! | | | | sure you're safe and comfortable on your bike rides. |
| You need a few bits of equipment to get cycling apart | | | | Regular cycling makes you feel better, healthier and |
| from your bike. The most important is your helmet - be | | | | happier so get on your bike! |
| sure to wear yours all the time, even if you're cycling in | | | | |