Last year's Cycle to Work Day

I’m a member of the Cyclists’ Touring Club. Now that may conjure up images of bearded old duffers in plus fours, Argyle socks and baggy woollen cycling tops, riding bicycles that are equally offensive. And it’s possible that those of you who know me might see some similarity.

However, this is far removed from the new reborn, highly commercial image that the CTC now displays. Happily, one thing that hasn’t been made redundant in all this, is the obituaries column in ‘Cycle,’ the bi-monthly magazine of the CTC.

Now this interest may appear morbid or at the very least bizarre, but believe me those columns are actually life affirming, but you have to be a cyclist to get the benefit. Why do I like them so much? Well leaving aside all the wonderful things that these people have done for the cycling community, and how they won the 1949 Wobbly Wheelers’ 25-mile time trial on cane rims and a packet of Senior Service cork tipped. What does it for me is how old they are when they finally expire, and almost to a man or woman they are always getting on. Among the ten obituaries in the current issue, four were in their 80s and three were in their 90s when they passed on.

Could regular cycling have anything to do with this?

It’s well known that regular cycling is an effective aerobic activity. It strengthens heart muscles and lowers your resting pulse. Blood fat levels are reduced and so is blood pressure. It’s good for weight loss; a 15 minute ride to work and back five times a week will burn off around 11lbs of fat a year. Cycling also helps with some forms of diabetes.

It increases strength, stamina and muscle function, reduces stress and makes you feel happier.

Cycling is easy to do without the risk of over exertion, and it’s easy to fit into your day as most journeys are less than five miles long, and therefore very manageable on a bike.

So if you want to be fit and healthy, and live a long time, cycle regularly.

Braking (late) News

Parisian Hire Bike Scheme expanding
Despite rumours that vandalism was hitting Paris’ ground-breaking cycle hire scheme Velib, quite the reverse is true. Velib’s project manager, Mathieu Fierling said that not only was a vandal-proof bike being developed, but also the hire fleet was to be increased by 3,300 bikes and another 300 hire stations. Their plan is to extend the network into the suburbs, this will cost Paris 8 million euros and it’s hoped that, by the summer, 21,000 bikes will be available for hire throughout Paris.

New Magazine for Women Cyclists
A new American magazine, written exclusively for women, is due for release in June this year. ‘Women’s’ Cycling’ plans to cover all aspects of cycling from charity rides, commuting and lifestyle to road, track and mountain bike racing. Three issues are planned this year, eight next year and twelve issues the year after.

And finally
I’m indebted to Tiffany Curci, from Bell Sports the helmet manufacturers, who read my post on 23 February 2009 and who tells me that Bell’s True-Fit helmets are not solely for kids, in fact Bell make a line of these innovative helmets for adults as well.