Health and happiness through cycling

All the gear, some idea.

At SASP HQ we are trying our best to do what we can for the environment; one of those is to find ways to reduce our carbon emissions through vehicle travel. Active transport is a real priority and we’re encouraged to do our best to walk or cycle to our meetings, or workplace.

I know working from home has its benefits, especially on the environment but not always on our mental health; seeing team members, catching up, running a thought past them and sometimes just basking in the company of others can really boost your morale, and creativity, so where I can, I will aim to cycle in.

I signed up for the cycle scheme a few weeks ago and got myself a bike. A gravel bike which is a multi-terrain, versatile bike that I can ride on canal paths and roads relatively easily and comfortably. I got myself a couple of panniers to put my change of clothes in, lights, a lock and the shorts (although I’m thinking maybe a pillow down there would’ve been better, but that’s a story for another day).

My ride to work is 8 miles and in the lovely warm morning sunshine, it was a really nice one. A couple of hills that I cursed a few times at, but not awful. Then the cycle home was just as delightful. 40 mins each way. Not too bad. I collected numerous bugs in my sports bra, swallowed a couple for sure, and both journeys arrived at my destination a hot mess.

Cycling for sure has some cons….some. The roads and pavements are definitely a concern. If you have to ride on the pavement, you may get slapped by the overgrowth where councils are rewilding the grass verges, (which I’d rather that than a bus) and on the roads you have the scary prospect of drains and very close vehicles overtaking.

The pros though, far outweigh the gripes above because, at the end of the journey there is a cold, or warm shower at the end of it, fresh air, warm fuzzy endorphin-filled feelings, and a strong sense of achievement, for the physical, mental and environmental.

And then, of course, you have the cycling for pleasure, where you can travel along any of the many cycle paths, towpaths, esplanades or hills if you’re that way inclined (pardon the pun). Feeling the breeze in your hair, seeing the sights, absorbing vitamin D and learning new things about yourself, and/or those you ride with. Let’s not forget, the reward of a drink, ice cream or both at the end, and it’s an activity that is affordable and easy to get going on

If you want to be truly inspired, In It Together runs a cycling course in West Somerset, and the ladies at the time of writing this are in their third week and will be off to explore some new sights and challenge their cycling ability a little bit more. Alicia, a fantastic cycling coach, guides them through their bike, how to look after it, the mechanics of it, and how to get the most efficient cycle ride. Even better, they’ve just had the nicest weather for it. Evening warmth, lighter for longer in a safe, supportive and structured way.

If you would like to see a cycling course come to your area, or you have any questions, suggestions or ideas, please do let me know by emailing me at cnorman@sasp.co.uk . I’d love to hear from you.

Charlotte