Found this forum and wondered why it was here and why it was empty?

So I decided to add something! (site picked at random)

http://www.santiago-compostela.net/

Cycled to Santiago de Compostelo a few years ago from Dieppe via Biarritz but minus the bit between Irun and Burgos.

A few memorable bits included the beachs at Biarritz, lots of Cathedrals and having to push the bike against the wind one day when cycling in any gear was impossible. Cycled into the airport at the end and flew back home.

I have nothing to add really - I just felt sorry that no-one was answering your post!

Oh dear Roger - does this mean you'll be posting on "Single Feeling Flabby" next???

Thanks. Perhaps there are no 'pilgrims' on this site.



I will leave that one to someone else

Hey Roger, I took up cycling a few months ago to get to and from work and I I love it! I have no interest in doing anything more challenging, but of all the sporty things I have done in my life this has been the most enjoyable! No one is more amazed by my new found enthusiasm than myself. As I have a young child and work full-time, it is also the only time I have to exercise so it really suits my lifestyle. I have lost a stone since starting 4 months ago (although I have been dieting on/off also). I would really recommend to anyone who is in the position to cycle to work/college/school to give it a go, you will be surprised how much you will enjoy it, particularly when those endorphins get working ;)

Brenda, well done on the weight loss and cycling. That's very impressive. It is tough to fit in exercise when you have a baby and even more so, have the energy to do it. My children are older now so I'm lucky that we can swim together and walk to/from school which is a mile away.

I agree Brenda, I am enjoying my cycle to work. I have been cycling to work for the last 6 weeks, and apart from having to be more organised and get my work clothes for the week to work on Sunday evening, it is no more hassle than driving, and so much better for me (both health and wealth, price of diesel!!!! ) and the environment. Admittedly, I do live quite close to work, and so it does not take me very long, but it is still 10 minutes of cycling in the morning and evening, but that is still calories being burnt and waistlines shrinking

I have always loved cycling, and I normally aim for about 20 - 30miles a week. However if anyone can tell me how to lose weight from this excercise I would very much appreciate it. I am heavier now than before due to the increased muscle mass on my legs from cycling. Perhaps I am doing something wrong. Any Ideas anyone.???

If the weight is from muscle surely that isn't an issue. How are your clothes fitting? You have probably lost inches. If not, then maybe assess your calorie intake and see if you are eating too much or too little. If you are eating too little your body apparently can go into starvation mode. Too much, you will need to cycle more or burn off the calories in other ways. Good luck!

Greg, muscle is good! If you aren't losing any flab, then you might be eating too much. Also, try pedalling faster, not harder, to burn more calories. You shouldn't be grinding on the pedals, but spinning them quite fast.

hi greg, your cycling is great exercise for heart and lungs but cutting the calories , fat and sugar, is the key to weight loss x

Hi Brenda R
Yes I agree cycling is great in the summer for journeys to work.
My place of work is only about 16mins on the Bike so I pop home at lunch times as well.

The best thing is around end of august to September you notice nature (of course) all around you and I take with me many plastic bags. I have picked over the last few years. Blackberries and raspberries for my freezer to make all kinds of things.
But best of all Sloe berries from which I make sloe gin. I buy small bottles of wine now and then so the bottles can be used to give my friends and family home made sloe gin.

British Blackberries grown wild in Great Britain and picked by your own fair hands cannot be beaten!!!

I love these stories of people who have taken up cycling. Weight gain through adding muscle is wonderful providing that inches are coming off your flabbier bits in compensation.

Keep it up. Never mind it being "great in the summer for journeys to work", you can do this year round. Just get the right sort of clothing on.

Cycling becomes addictive too, I got back on the bike about 2 years ago just to get to and from work, doing about 25 miles per week. Now I'm doing 100 miles per week in all weathers and love it!! It's then you realise how good the pro cyclists are, the Tour de France is on and my goodness....how do they do it??? (the clean ones that is!!)

Weight loss? Calories burned > calories in = reduced weight.

Hello
I agree with those who say cycling is addictive. I used to cycle to school many years ago as I am now 47 and have taken it up again as an alternative to running on alternate days. Today I did over 6 miles having built up from 1.5 miles. However I do not enjoy it in the rain !

I agree with the Brenda's comment about being out side and the one about pedalling more !

All the best to all who cycle!

Went out for a ride this evening, about 3 miles out it started to rain. By the time I arried home I was pretty soaked, five minutes later it stopped raining and tried to brighten up. Typical.

Since I started my cycling in February, the weather in general has been pretty bad but luckily I can shower in work. When the hail is whipping my face or a gale force wind is bearing down on me I just keep going with the thought that I must be burning more calories Surely I must be?!!!! I have to say though, all thoughts of vanity must be abandoned, my cycling helmet is dire, i am pretty sure I have spotted the smokers outside the main office doors concealing sniggers as I wheel past them. Who could blame them!

Yes but your much healthier than them puffing away! You should be sniggering at them!!!

I'm jealous at you all cycling to work. There's a huge hill to my school so I just wouldn't have the time (or ability) to do it, also the common then is fairly flat but very dangerous for cyclists. I do cycle to the swimming pool when I'm able to, or into town, which is a lovely seafront ride.

I've been thinking of gettng a bike, but I have never ever ridden one before. Quite how I have reached 34 without having ridden a bike I don't know. Anyway, I now am worried that if I try I will fall off and everyone will laugh at me.

So, is it easy to learn to ride?

Definitely, yes get one Natalie! I was about 24 getting my first bike and I absolutely love it. They actually do lessons for adult beginners round here (Wheelrights, Sustrans), maybe they do where you live too?

Any questions (and I've asked some very 'stupid' ones about gears etc) and Ron Strutt is your man!

Thanks Jaki,

I'm looking at getting a second hand one in case I hate it. I've discovered where our local police auction off their uncollected 'goods', so I thought I'd see if they had any.

I never thought I'd see the day where I exercise 6 days a week and then contemplate doing some more!!!!!

It'll be your turn to snigger when they have a coughing fit and are gasping for breath!

It's as easy as...
...falling off a bike!

Birmingham City Council do cycle training - have a look here.

I've been riding a bike(on and off!!) since the bow and arrow was a secret weapon, and falling off is fine, just get up and get back on (you'll be shaking inside but fight it!!), as previously stated wear the correct gear - helmet a must!! but proper shorts and top (tear proof?) will stop gravel burns(aghhh) ...then go for it

Is that supposed to encourage me to do it??!!!!

OK, I'm giving it serious thought......