This week I discovered the true benefits that zipping around on 2 wheels in the fresh air instead of being stuck inside a car with 4 wheels can have! In my ignorance and arrogance I often smirked a little at cycling, as running always seemed to be the best exercise. In addition If I couldn’t run, then the best option was just to hop in the car, why puff and pant on 2 wheels when you’ve got the comfort and luxury of 4? Well let me tell you, spinning along with the wind behind your back is not only invigorating, refreshing and avoids the stress of sitting in traffic, you know that you are getting your thighs firmer and your butt perter à la Kylie.
It took me the same amount of time to get from B&Q, Chiswick to the top of the North Circular (Ealing) on my very cool, Silver Airbourne Triathlon bike as it did the 2 tattooed Gentlemen in the red truck. They seemed mightily impressed too at my cycling as there were a few toots of the horn and a chortle of ‘out of the saddle, love’ and ‘can we come along for the ride’. There is something extremely satisfying as seeing people infuriated by the traffic and stressing as they are late for appointments whilst you whiz past them. Plus you're getting fitter than them, gaining leaner legs and helping reduce your risk of heart disease at the same time. Then you get out in the country in the weather that we having at the moment and you really appreciate the benefits even more. Going with a group is even more fun plus you need to wear all the gear. TIP: invest in padded shorts, cycle top, helmet and some sunglasses with different coloured lens so you can co-ordinate them with your cycling outfit and better still your cycle frame. Water bottle is a must and a good organic cereal bar and banana. Unlike running you can also tuck into a scrumptious pub lunch then hop back on your bike to the next destination. Running on a full stomach would never be a good idea unless you wanted the to re-appear in a slightly different formula. If I’ve not convinced you that cycling is the way forward:
