FITNESS
racing bikes are super lightweight and can be pedalled very quickly. The narrow tyres, clip-in pedals and low riding position can be a bit unnerving for the inexperienced cyclist. Definitely not for beginners. If you are thinking of buying a bike
first decide what type of riding you will mainly do. Then visit local cycle shops and try sitting on a few. The retailer will check which size bike fits you best and can adjust the saddle height. With bikes, you generally get what you pay for. A really cheap bike will be a poor investment and will probably put you off
cycling for life.
Cycle clothing is very well designed and looks good. Helmets, which I recommend you always wear, are lightweight and comfortable. Jackets are designed to be water and wind proof and padded shorts stop you chaffing. if it is cold you can add a tracksuit bottom, a buff and a couple of jumpers. Cycling gloves keep your fingers warm and sunglasses stop your eyes watering. I like to wear bright clothing on the bike as it gives motorists more chance of seeing me.
The South Hams is a great place to
enjoy cycling. The roads are quiet most of the year and the scenery is breathtaking. I enjoy discovering the lanes and bridle paths that few other people travel down. Between Totnes, Dartmouth and Salcombe there are hundreds of miles of quiet byways where the wildlife, ancient hedgerows, streams and old ivy covered ruins can be seen close up whilst pedalling quietly by. The steep lanes between Kingswear
and Brixham that run down to the coast are challenging for mountain bikers and are great fun to explore. Racing cyclists can train for the Dartmoor Classic, a well organised annual event that is well worth entering. The coast road to Kingswear and beyond is a good training ride, hilly but with some stunning views. Please don’t think our hills are too big to cycle up. With a decent bike, a bit of practise and low gears, most of you could pedal up College Way in Dartmouth. Give it a go! • harry Fenton is a personal Trainer with 30 years of training and competition. he will train you to get fit in your home or outdoors – sessions start at £18 per hour. Tel: 01803 770752 or 07702 811444 or email harrymfenton@google-
mail.com
Pedal Bashers of the South Hams (PoSH) A splinter group from the South Hams Hash (see Dart Notes in this issue) goes cycling together on alternate Sundays. As with the Hash, this is an excuse for non-competitive exercise with a sociable group. We typically cycle for 20 ± 5 miles with a stop for refreshments along the way. The range of ability is large, but the faster riders wait for the slower ones (who may be walking up steep hills), so everybody keeps together. To join this group, just turn up at 10.45 am at the locations given in
www.sh4.org. uk/posh.
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