Time To Get On Your Bike For BikeWeek UK 30th May-5th June

Do you have a hobby that helps you relax? I do. Cycling is my way of clearing my mind. Having this freedom to clear my mind helps to relieve the daily stresses of my life.

There is without doubt a massive health benefit, both physically and mentally that riding a bike can help with. It’s also a fun, awesome way to use cycling as part of your daily exercise. If you are possibly feeling a bit down then jump on your bike, go for a ride and release those endorphins! I guarantee you will come back after your ride feeling rejuvenated and raring to go. I know because over this last year like many of us with the pandemic I have had low moods and getting on my bike and going for a ride always instantly helped.

About 3 years ago I had a stroke which was caused by high blood pressure which I had apparently suffered from for years. Unfortunately it resulted in me suffering a stroke. After the shock of suffering a stroke had sunk in, I decided I was going to get on my bike more often and with the help of medication to keep my high blood pressure under control. I also used cycling as an exercise to help with my high blood pressure and there is no doubt it has helped because I have been able to reduce my medications. My main aim was not to suffer another stroke and that I needed to keep myself healthy, physically and mentally for my family, and especially my children. Cycling is a very important part of my exercise regime. Remember whenever you go on a bike ride that you cycle safely and using the right equipment. a quality cycling helmet is vital just in case an accident happens. Check out PRO BIKE KIT who have a fantastic selection of cycling helmets.

Bike Week 30th May- 5th June

Bike Week UK 2021 is delivered every year by Cycling UK in partnership in Scotland with Cycling Scotland. Their aim is to encourage a quarter of a million people to join in events and just re-think their everyday journeys by switching to cycling as a more convenient way to get around. If more people start to cycle it could help many problems such as air pollution, obesity, poor mental health and reduce traffic congestion. Bike Week was born 96 years ago and it’s mission has always been to show people there is a bicycle for everyone and to help people discover a passion for cycling.

Bike Week this year is during 30th May -5th June. The aim of bike week is to make cycling your daily exercise. Can you get on your bike for seven days in a row? Don’t worry you don’t have to do all seven days but try to ride for as many days as you can and discover the joys of cycling. You may decide to ride either solo, as a couple, in a group or even as a family. However you decide, you can track all of your daily updates on social media using the hashtag #7daysofcycling You can even win some fantastic prizes (check them out here) if you log your ride on the Bike Week website.

With Bike Week coinciding with half-term, if you are looking for some awesome family friendly activities which are fun to keep the kids occupied, then check out the Bike Week website right here for amazing activities for the kids and yourself.

Everyday there is something new to do for bike week to celebrate the first day. It’s the Worlds Biggest bike ride which is all about celebrating togetherness and connection, and you can take part in your own way virtually and join thousands of cyclists as they ride as a part of the Worlds Biggest bike ride. Test your cycling limits on day 2. On day 3 why not check out the challenges page for ideas of how to get involved. Day 4 lets you learn more about the health benefits that cycling offers and there are plenty believe me. On day 5 make a space in your day for a ride just for yourself. On day 6 share your experiences with Bike Week of how much you have enjoyed yourself cycling everyday and on day 7 discover how cycling makes you happier and totally exhilarated so now that Bike Week is over it’s time to get on your bike for life.

During the covid pandemic the interest in cycling has sky-rocketed and now is the time to keep it going and get the nation on their bikes. There is no better time to start this than Bike Week 2021.

I have to admit that cycling for me is an obsession. I quite simply love it and I am constantly challenging myself to either longer rides than the last time or trying to beat previous times for different sections for the same route that I would ride regularly. I’m always looking for new PB’s. I refuse to get off my bike on any hill no matter how long it takes or how much my legs are stinging, but that’s just me! Cycling quite simply makes me happy. It will lift my mood if I’m down and physically make me healthier. I love road rides as well as trail rides and I am very lucky to have some awesome trails in South Wales to go on which are a mixture of trails and road. They’re perfect for my hybrid bike and I don’t imagine myself ever not cycling. I will probably still be getting on my bike when I’m 80 years old, although I may have moved onto a E-bike by then!

As I have already said Cycling UK delivers BikeWeek. It’s 7 days of cycling so why not get yourself involved. I will be! Don’t forget to log your ride on the Bike Week website to be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes.

#7daysofcycling #BikeWeekUK

This post is in collaboration with We Are Cycling UK