Cycling

Cycling

What is it? 

Cycling is the practice of riding bicycles - although it originated as a practical means of transport, it is now one of the most popular recreational sports in the world, with over one billion bicycles present in the world today. Cycling can also refer to the riding of unicycles, tricycles and quadracycles, but those are much less common.

What does it involve?

The physical technique to cycling involves sitting astride the bicycle to operate the pedals, which in turn rotate the wheels and provide the forward movement of the vehicle, while the handlebars give the cyclist control over direction. While the basic form of the bike stays the same, sports bikes are often more lightweight and are designed to be as streamlined as possible, while mountain bikes have different gears the rider can switch between to assist with movement on steep slopes. 

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Cycling is a great form of exercise - it builds up general stamina and strength, and is greatly beneficial for the cardiovascular system. It's widely considered to be an excellent form of transport over short distances, and learning to cycle can save a lot of money on other means of getting around.

What equipment do we need?

Beyond the obvious need for a bicycle, you will need safety equipment that should include a helmet at the minimum. If you are taking a group of students to a specific activity provider then it's likely that they will provide a majority if not all of the needed equipment - make sure to check with them beforehand. 

Who is it suitable for?

Cycling is suitable for all ages! Very young/inexperienced cyclists can have stabilizers attached to their bikes to assist with learning, but everybody should have a go - the overwhelming popularity of the bicycle means its almost guaranteed one will have an opportunity to ride one in their life, so to learn the skill young would be a great idea. 

Costs?

The hire of cycling equipment may not be the cheapest, but the lessons themselves shouldn't cost too much money at all - the larger a group, the cheaper it will be per person. 

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Beginner cyclists will need careful supervision, especially if practicing near roads!

How do we include?

There is a fair amount of independent movement in cycling, so those with severe physical disabilities may not be able to have a go on the traditional bike; check with your provider to see if they have modified bikes that you can use!

Doing it abroad?

Cycling is often one of the main methods of transport in many countries around the world due to the low operating costs and easy operation! Going on cycling trails abroad could be a fantastic idea, and a great way of travelling between places and admiring the landscape.

Main Organisations: 

British Cycling

National Cycle network run by Sustrans

More Dirt (Mountain Bike trails listings)

Venues with this Activity

Children are happy exploring in the undergrowth, hiding in trees and riding bikes, there is an adventurous children's play area set in the middle of the forest suitable for children up to 12 years old, with swings, slides, climbing frames and a challenging ropes trail.

Supporting a rich diversity of wildlife with over 200 species of birds, 27 species of butterflies and 300 species of moths recorded on site, Foremark is a interesting place to visit. The many footpaths and trails are a great starting point to explore the reservoir and surrounding woodland.

Venture Trust believes in people. We believe that everyone, whatever their circumstances, can be supported to make and sustain positive changes in their lives.

The Trust is well positioned in Scotland. We deliver weekend, one and three week residential experiences from our centre based in Loch Eil, near Fort William.

They say small is beautiful – in which case, Scotland packs a mighty punch.  Our back yard is renowned world-wide for its beauty, and we have to agree.
 
With majestic hills and fantastic bike trails, Scotland offers adventure by the bucket load and here, at Simply Epic Adventures, we can help you find the adventure that is right for you.

Welcome to Tayler Made Adventures!

We are proud to be working with Pinkston Watersports, check out the Pinkston page for more information.

The Urban Fox Programme is a voluntary managed project, providing young people within the East End of Glasgow with a wide range of educational and diversionary activities.

These include supervised sports and leisure programmes, health and social education guidance programmes, IT training, as well as many other structured learning programmes.

We provide a full range of outdoor activities to suit all ages and interests. Based on idyllic Loch Ard, within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park activities include gorgewalking, our unique waterpark, canoeing, climbing/abseiling, cliff jumping, archery, mountain biking, orienteering and many more.

Set in the heart of the Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Dounans is SOEC’s busiest and largest Centre. Original home to the popular ROEE programme, the Centre has a wealth of natural resources on its doorstep and is perfect for environmental sessions both on and off-site. Off-site activities such as kayaking or abseiling are a short hop away.

Legend Sailing has been operating on Loch Tay since 2001. In 2003 the company relocated to the holiday resort of Loch Tay Highland Lodges. At this time activities were extended to include archery, kayaking and mountain biking. Since then the range of activities has continued to expand.

Splash White Water Rafting are one of the UK’s largest expertoutdoor adventure activity providers, based in the scenic town of Aberfeldy

A brand new adventure training and experience company based in Scotland, but with instructors across the UK
 
 

Based on the Isle of Seil which has a bridge to the mainland, 30 minutes from Oban. The orginal dedicated sea kayak company in the Oban area, established for over 15 years. We have an intimate knowledge of the area. A family company for the personal touch, we do it because we love it.

A range of watersports are on offer including: sail sports, paddle sports, raft building, fishing, rowing and pedalos on the loch. Off the water we have archery, play parks, and a dry ski slope, great team building apparatus. Not forgetting stunning walks and mountain biking.

Prince's Trust centres currently offer the Fairbridge programme, which is an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities.

Originally Fairbridge in Dundee, we became part of The Prince's Trust in 2011.

We work with young people from across Dundee city.

With beautiful flowerbeds, lakes, pools and a wonderful collection of trees, it's easy to see why. There's plenty of opportunity for exercise at the park's tennis courts, bowling and putting greens and wildlife enthusiasts can follow the walkways and cycle routes alongside the River Rea.

A place apart where beauty and adventure come to life

From towering sea cliffs, rolling hills and heaths to the dunes and sandy beaches of Studland, nowhere else packs such a variety of landscapes into such a small area.

As a result, Purbeck is the richest place for plant life in Britain, home to 14 out of 17 British bat species and supports all six native reptiles.

With indoor and outdoor sports facilities to pre-book, crazy golf and pitch n putt to drop in on, and a playground, paddling pool and skatepark to access for free, this place has loads to do for kids of all ages!

Thomley is an indoor and outdoor activity centre for disabled children, their family and friends. Including play fort, zip wire, park, cycle track, bikes, soft play area, play rooms, art room, sensory room, computer room, imagination room and fully accessible toilets.

Features include an adventure playground, picnic sites, BBQ stands and bird watching area. Also the starting point for numerous self-guided walking and family cycling trails, including routes for people with disabilities.

A beautiful conservation area set within the Millennium Country Park, suitable for all ages, with a Lakeside cafe, picnic area, adventure playground, gift shop, cycle hire and seasonal events. Excellent disabled access, free entry and parking, dogs and horses welcome. 

The National Centre for Disability Sport in the UK

Stoke Mandeville Stadium is the National Centre for Disability Sport in the United Kingdom.

A wooded valley opening up to the moors of Dartmoor with a rich and varied industrious past

The Plym Valley consists of varied habitats from riverside meadows, ancient woodland and the wilderness of Dartmoor. Car parks at Plymbridge, Cadover Bridge and Shaugh Prior provide good starting points to explore the area on foot or bike.

Rock UK Whithaugh Park Adventure Centre is nestled away in the beautiful landscape of the Scottish Borders. We share our 110 acre slice of Scottish countryside with red squirrels, deer and a wide variety of other wildlife.

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