Andrew's bike is constantly oiled!

With the sun finally shining, you really can’t justifiably say ‘it’s too cold outside’, so it’s time to venture into the shed to uncover the rusting piece of steel in the corner, blow off the cobwebs and re-unite your self with your trusty stead.

Once you’ve located the oil (tucked away in the corner, like a Blue Peter tortoise), sprayed those parts that once moved freely (on the bike!) and checked the brakes work, it’s time to make sure that your helmet still fits (is 2008 Aqua- marine really still ‘in vogue’?), pop on your cycling shorts (if they still fit) and off you go!

If it’s your first outing for a while, then it’s best not to do too much the first time. Plan yourself a nice circular route in the local area (best not to ‘put in’ your favourite café or pub too early in the ride) and get pedallin’.

See it wasn’t that tough a call really was it? And you’ll now be back in the swing off things, remembering just how much you enjoyed your biking.

It’s the initial ride that you’ll find the toughest (both physically and mentally), but the key now is to just keep it going, now that you’ve got an impetus. On your next ride, increase your distance and include those hills you cunningly missed out first time around. Follow this pattern each time you go out.

The more regularly you go for a ride, the easier you’ll find it and so if you can ride to work or sneak out in the evenings…even if for a few minutes, then it’s much better than trying to do an epic ride at the weekend.

If you’ve done all you can in your neck of the woods, then why not set your self a nice challenge and with a great sense of achievement to boot? Something like the C2C / Coast to Coast from Whitehaven to Tynemouth is a UK classic and whilst some crazy souls do it in a day, it’s best to take your time, absorb the wonderful scenery, friendliness and hospitality of Cumbria and Northumberland as you cycle along.

Skedaddle

C2C route