The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Rotary Corner How cycling can make a difference
We all know that exercise is good for us, particularly the older we get, and map reading could help to beat dementia.
In a recent article by Xantha Leatham, deputy science editor of The Daily Mail, she observed that researchers had found that orienteering - which combines map reading, memory skills and physical movement - could help to prevent cognitive decline.
Researchers from McMaster University of Ontario, Canada, carried out surveys on adults aged from 18 to 87. They found that those who took part in orienteering had a better spatial navigation and memory. The demands of orienteering may stimulate those parts of the brain which our ancestors used for hunting and gathering food.
Emma Waddington, the lead author of the research article, which has been published in the Plus One journal, stated: “When it comes to brain training, the physical and cognitive demands of orienteering and map reading have the potential to give you more bang for your buck, compared to exercising only. Today we all have GPS on our mobile phones which has reduced the personal need to read maps.”
The Rotary Club of Stamford St Martin has organised the Stamford Welland Charity Bike Challenge to encourage all to switch off their GPS and get on their bikes, and take part in a charity challenge to ride around our fabulous countryside.
The challenge will start at 8am on Sunday 16 April at The Stamford Welland Academy in Green Lane, Stamford, and finish back at the school for a barbecue.
You can choose from two routes, 29 miles or 11 miles, depending on your fitness. There are plenty of stops for refreshments and comfort breaks.
The entry fee is £15 for adults, £5 for youngsters, under 12 take part free. For an application form and a route map, send an email to stamfordbikechallenge@gmail.com. The proceeds of the charity ride will go to support the Combined Cadet Force Expedition to Borneo, as well as local charities St George’s Hub, Bump & Beyond, and Fresh Hope in Stamford.
President of the Rotary Club of Stamford St Martin John Nowell said: “This is a great opportunity to spend a Sunday with the family enjoying fresh air and exercise, whilst raising important funds for worthy charities which Rotary supports throughout our local communities.”