In a nutshell:
Getting from A to B on two wheels smoothly, roughly or on a fast slope!


Tell me more!
Although cycling and mountain biking both use two wheels to get around, the riding experience can be totally different. You may opt for a casual relaxing experience, speed along at race pace or ride over rugged terrain – the choice is yours. It’s an ideal pastime for singles, couples, families or groups of friends as most people own, or can borrow a bike for the day or a weekend. Fitness is also a great perk as climbing those hills and navigating rocks and tree roots can burn calories and tone those glutes! 


The stuff you need
A cycling helmet is a must to protect you from any falls, no matter what surface you ride on. It’s a good idea for parents to always wear helmets so that children see it as the norm, then they will happily choose to wear a helmet when they ride, not just on special occasions with Mum and Dad. Depending on where and how often you ride, you might want to invest in some padded shorts (to avoid feeling like you are still in the saddle when you are actually on the sofa!) sunglasses, sweat wicking t-shirts, shoes that can stand rough / muddy / wet conditions, a chain and a guide to different cycling routes. A first aid kit for both you and your bike are handy tools to have in case one of you gets injured! There are many different types of bikes which are built for specific purposes – always seek advice from a specialist before parting with your hard earned cash. Explain what you need out of your bike (e.g. is it for commuting, racing, off road use etc) and how much you have to spend (bearing in mind any extras described above that may be coming out of the same budget). Any retailer worth his salt should be able to match you to your perfect model, creating a satisfied customer who will keep returning for years to come.  


Cool stuff you can do
Once you are enjoying yourself on two wheels, you might want to progress onto longer and more difficult routes with challenging terrain. Cycle clubs can offer social outings with riders of similar fitness levels, competitions and racing time trials. You might want to move onto BMX racing or learn tricks to impress your friends and colleagues, join the kids down at the park and have a go on the bike ramps to see if you reawaken any childhood skills you once had! Specialist holiday sites cater for cyclists who want to experience brand new routes, surroundings and even temperatures whilst doing the sport they love 


People in the know!
bikeradar.com/mtb
cyclingforfun.co.uk
road-bike.co.uk/
britishcycling.org.uk


Interested in this? Why not try climbing and mountaineering, mountain boarding, orienteering, trail and fell running, walking and hiking

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