Ride time for cyclists

Jul 5 2009 by Alexander Felton

AS the temperature soars, there has never been a better time to swap the steering wheel for a set of handle bars. Getting out on your bicycle can benefit you physically, mentally and socially, as well as being good for the environment. ALEXANDER FELTON reports.

KEEPING fit as a family can help to make exercise more fun. And when the sun is shining, there’s no better time to slap on those helmets and enjoy a bike ride.

Leisureworks - the trust for sport and the arts based in County Durham - is gearing up for a summer of cycling fun as a new series of intermediate instructor-led rides are launched. The Derwentside Lifestyle Initiative, managed by Leisureworks in partnership with County Durham Primary Care Trust, has been running successful weekly sessions for beginners and is stepping up the pace with this new intermediate programme, which takes place between July and September in conjunction with Cycle Trex - a North East-based company that specialises in the promotion of cycling for good health and fitness.

The new programme takes place every Saturday, from yesterday until September 26, from 10am, and all routes take cyclists on a picturesque ride covering between 11 and 14 miles in the Derwentside area. The sessions are open to individuals, families and groups who have an intermediate ability in cycling.

Bobby Hewitson, lifestyle manager, Derwentside Lifestyle Initiative, said: "Our established weekly sessions have proved really popular and we wanted to provide an avenue for those cyclists to progress.

"We also welcome new participants on this programme – as long as they feel happy that this intermediate level will suit them.

"Cycling really is a fantastic way of taking part in green exercise and making use of our stunning countryside and fresh air.

"It’s also a great way to socialise with friends and family."

Laura Hood, assistant physical activity coordinator for the Derwentside Lifestyle Initiative, explains why you should put down those car keys: "Cycling reduces the risk of serious medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease. It’s a low impact form of exercise, it’s great for all ages. The oldest member of our group is 70-years-old.

"He suffered medical problems in the past and now he cycles around 50 hours per week, seeing a dramatic increase in his fitness levels."