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Introduction : Discovering the UK on a Bicycle
"Yet long distance, loaded cycling is one of the most pleasurable activities I have ever experienced. I'm slower in the morning having less speed but also a greater desire to stop at pleasant spots, dawdle, and enjoy. Traveling by bike allows me to stop anywhere, such as meadows, lakes, woods, and scenic spots, not just at the tourist traps and overlooks. "My panniers may look heavy to the passing motorist but I barely notice their weight; actually, the bike feels better loaded than empty; it's a lot more stable. Somewhere near lunch I find a small grocery and buy some bread, sandwich materials and fruit. I find a town park or other shady spot to wait out the high mid-day sun and maybe nap. In the afternoon, my speeds are higher, and I spend less time at stops. My body, tanned, lean from cycling, feels fantastic. "Visiting strange or famous places and accomplishing goals are always exciting to me. I meet and talk with interesting people along the way, sometimes other cyclists. Beautiful views, stange winds from nearby storms, encountering wild animals, and traveling up and down hills also stir me up. On the other hand, I may run into a rainy spell or have a slight problem with the bike, but the problems are infrequent and are easily dealt with; the pleasures remain in my mind for years". With thanks to Ken Keifer and the inspiration he still gives to cyclists everywhere. ------------------- And for those wishing the freedom of two wheels, quiet country lanes with little traffic, and hundreds of miles of traffic-free cycle paths, there's no better way to discover the UK. National parks, forest tracks, hills, moorland and mountain scenery, an ocean, seas, rivers, woods, canal towpaths and cycle paths along former railway lines. There are many bicycle routes in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and few parts of the United Kingdom will be untouched by the National Cycle Network. The website only touches upon a small part of the Network as its real goal is the linking up of the UK into safer cycleways for leisure, work, amenity and other purposes and the Cycle Network has been crucial in raising the profile of cycling generally in the UK with 10,000 miles of cycleways established, as well as linking up with other countries for initiatives such as the North Sea Cycle Route. And all the long distance routes in the UK have been mapped and signposted. The aim of the website is to help cyclists prepare for the many long distance cycling routes that reach out over the UK and help with the concerns and problems that cyclists typically encounter in the planning and undertaking of a route. Maps and guides try to give a flavour of the route, and there are a few tips and information to help in the preparation of the cycle route. And it's inevitable that to keep cyclists away from motorised vehicles there will be some short sections of more difficult terrain but you don't need a mountain bike to cope with the rough sections as they are very short and you can always walk for a few hundred metres. The touring or hybrid bikes are probably the best bicycles when undertaking the long distance routes but any bicycle can cope with the routes (if you use a mountain bike then the more slick tyres are usually a good idea - local cycle shops supply suitable tyres for long distance routes). The cycle network also offers the largest collection of outdoor artwork in the UK. You can travel the Solar System on the White Rose route, marvel at the fantastic sculptures on the Airdrie to Bathgate railway path, and watch out for the many sculptures on the C2C. All of the routes use old railway lines and safe cycle paths as much as possible to keep cyclists away from the noise and dangers of traffic - the Clyde - Forth route and the Celtic Trail are largely traffic-free, allowing you the perfect opportunity with a map and a bike, sensible clothing and a few provisions, to explore the UK slowly and safely by bicycle. Routes are still being developed and will change as proposed and interim sections become permanent parts of the cycle network. Take care as you journey on the routes and respect the views and needs of local people you meet as the development of the National Cycle Network depends upon agreement with many organisations and individuals. And if possible, if you can't cycle to the route, then try to use public transport - all the routes are close to towns with train access. But the most important thing is to take your time and enjoy the routes. And don't get too frustrated about losing your way through some of the urban areas as that's just the reality of a balance between local authorities signposting the routes and local kids having fun with the signs - sometimes it's worth giving up on the signposts when lost in the urban areas and make for a village or landmark on the map at the edge of the city and start the route proper from there. It can save cycling time. And special needs cycling - what and why? The benefits of cycling for the disabled are just the same as for the able-bodied. It’s fun, gives independent mobility and promotes physical and mental well-being. However, for many disabled people these benefits have a particular significance as opportunities for exercise may be limited and there are recognised problems of weight gain, muscle wastage and poor circulation associated with prolonged wheelchair use or a sedentary lifestyle so disabled people value mobility more than most. And most sections of the long distance routes such as the Trans Pennine cycle route allow those with special needs a chance to complete a full route or shorter sections. Cycling extends the speed and distance of independent movement compared to a wheelchair so the routes offer long sections of off-road cycling for any cyclist to enjoy. So no excuses. Try to spend some time to relax and discover the countryside and coastlines, towns and villages we often miss out in the course of our busy lives. Cycling slowly is the key. No cars, no lorries, no pollution. Just routes to cycle at your own pace. Enjoy your cycling. |
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