Planning Your Trip
Make sure you plan your trip with an appropriate map or guide book. Many maps and routes are available on different web sites (including this one!) but be aware that these may only provide an indication of the route and may not be to scale. You should carefully research ahead of your trip to ensure that the route is right for you. If in doubt, it is always worth getting a copy of the relevant Explorer or Landranger Ordnance Survey Map, which are ideal for cyclists.
If you are not sure you really know how to read a map - why not consider going on a map reading course or using the handy guides which are available free from Ordnance Survey Maps. Once you know how to read a map, the world is truly your oyster and you can plan your own routes.
Check the weather before your trip to make sure you are as prepared as you can be.
It is important to tell people where you are going, and what your estimated times of arrival back to base are likely to be. Prepare a route plan before your journey outlining where you're going, where your breaks are likely to be and how long you expect the route to take.
Remain flexible to your plans at all times and be prepared to change routes if the situation arises. A change in weather conditions may mean that a road is vulnerable to flooding or too dangerous to ride in wet conditions. Forced breaks due to injuries, or just tiredness, may mean that you need a shortcut home. A back-up route, prepared before hand will make it easier when out in the countryside to think quickly and act appropriately.
A healthier you
Cycling is one of the more comfortable forms of physical activity for those who are new to exercise, allowing most people to get fit easily and safely without undue physical strain. Cycling regularly not only improves your fitness, helping you live a long and healthy life, but riding a bike can help you maintain a healthy weight. As cycling is a low impact activity, it is one of the safest ways to exercise without risking over-exertion or muscle strain.
The pleasure and satisfaction gained from riding a bike - and just being out in the fresh air and enjoying the countryside - can also reduce anxiety, stress and depression.
Take with you
- Lights
- Water
- Money
- Waterproofs
- First aid kit
- Puncture repair kit and pump
- Tyre levers
- Spare inner tube
- Ordnance Survey Maps for the area you are in
What to wear
The South East is well-known for its warmer, more stable climate compared to other areas in Great Britain. However, the weather can still behave unpredictably, so it is important to be prepared at all times.
Wear comfortable clothes that allow flexible movement. The clothes should be practical, so that you can keep warm and dry if the weather changes. Several layers of clothing are always better than one thick one. The inner layer should ideally be a wicking layer that takes away moisture to keep you dry and should be a long enough top to cover your lower back when you are leaning forward. A middle layer like a fleece or thermal jumper will keep you warm in cold weather. If the weather looks set to rain an outer layer of a waterproof jacket is essential.
Most importantly, a helmet will protect you in a fall and also acts as sun protection when hot.
