The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Your daily cycling fix doesn’t need to end with self-isolation
As I write this, I am in Covid-19 enforced lockdown in a Tenerife hotel awaiting the departure of one of the last flights from the island before the Spanish government completely shuts down the country.
I came out here a few weeks ago to work as a guide with a group cycling, first in Tenerife then in Gran Canaria, but it quickly became apparent we weren’t going to get much cycling done as local authorities began banning any outdoor activity and those flouting that ban would face a hefty fine.
Without a crystal ball I cannot predict what guidance the UK Government will give on venturing outside between the time of me writing this and you reading it, but already cycling events and races are being cancelled and clubs are stopping group rides. It is clear there is going to be significant disruption to our usual daily cycling routines and habits.
Despite this, there are still many opportunities to get your daily cycling fix. The most obvious is with an indoor trainer such as a turbo-trainer or rollers and there are now several platforms, such as Zwift and Trainer Road, that help take away potential boredom of such a lonesome activity.
Rides and races on many of these platforms mean cyclists from around the world can meet in a virtual world, communicate and ride against each other, without ever coming into physical contact.
Perhaps now is also an ideal time to learn a new cycling-related skill, or even give your bike that much needed clean you keep promising it.
The internet is packed with “How To…” videos teaching skills from learning to do a track stand to riding on rollers, or fixing a puncture to trueing a buckled wheel. The cancellation of international on and off-road races, such as the Giro d’Italia is a real blow to professional riders, but they have been posting videos of how they are keeping themselves entertained, fit and healthy during selfisolation.
Ex-professional road racer, Alberto Contador has even been hosting virtual, indoor training rides on Instagram. The lack of live racing doesn’t mean we are starved of classic race action. There are plenty of videos online of classic races to keep us entertained.
When I’ve tired my legs out spinning away on the turbo-trainer my library of cycling-themed books awaits me with many “must-read” tomes I have never managed to find the time to read.
Possibly the biggest threat to a cyclist with too much time on their hands is online shopping.
We are some of the worst culprits at buying new bikes, clothing and equipment. If you do find your virtual basket is filling up it is perhaps a good time to reflect on how small businesses will survive the financial impact of this virus.
Rather than buying from larger online retailers, now’s the time to support your local bike shop and business and give them a much-needed boost.
Stay safe and stay healthy.
Join the Blazing Saddles Strava Club at: strava.com/clubs/ BlazingSaddlesWeekendCourier Where to ride: The Lomond Hills, Fife Where: OS 1:50,000 Maps 58 & 59 Distance: 20 miles/ 34km Description: Starting in the centre of Leslie ride north on the unclassified road towards Falkland. This long drag of a climb will take you between East and West Lomond. In Falkland follow the A912 north-west until you can join the Nationa Cycle Route 1 at Strathmiglo. Follow this to Wester Balgedie and then turn left on to the A911 back to Leslie.