Horsham cyclist shares tips on how to beat the bad weather and get out on your bike
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It was especially delightful to see so many families out on their bikes, many children clearly riding for the very first time.
Now we’re into a third lockdown the weather isn’t quite as kind but the reasons for getting on your bike haven’t changed.
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Hide AdIt’s good for your health and everyone else’s health. The improved air quality during the first lockdown is estimated to have saved well over a thousand lives, and indications are that there is a significant link between COVID-19 recovery and fitness.
There’s no need for any special clothing, just dress for the weather. You can generate quite a bit of warmth when riding, a bit like brisk walking, so you don’t need to overdress.
However if it’s really cold it’s a good idea to wear a hat and especially gloves since your hands are always exposed on a bike.
If you’re out riding after sunset remember to fit some lights. Modern LED lights are incredibly bright. They’re also lightweight, inexpensive and have a very long battery life so there’s no reason to be left in the dark.
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Hide AdIf you’ve got an old bike sitting in the back of the garden shed, remember to pump up the tyres before you take it for a spin. If there are any unusual noises you can always take it to a local bike shop - they’ve remained open throughout the lockdown.
And if you’re looking for a new bike, consider one that has a more upright riding position more suited to pootling about town, and look out for practical features for everyday riding, such as mudguards and a rack.
You can carry a surprising amount of shopping in a pair of panniers fitted to a rack, and even a traditional handlebar-mounted wicker basket can easily accommodate a casual top-up shop.
Taking the bike to the shops (or for a leisure ride) means you’ll be embedding gentle exercise into your daily routine, and there’s no need for costly and time-consuming gym membership (gyms are closed during lockdown anyway).
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Hide AdWe know that being outdoors in the fresh air is the safest place to be in a respiratory pandemic. It’s also vitally important to maintain good cardiovascular fitness through regular light exercise. Riding a bike means you can easily - and cheaply - combine the two.