Читать книгу The Lancashire Cycleway. The tour and 17 day rides онлайн

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Even 20km can seem a long way if you’re not used to it. Like anything, cycling gets easier if you do it regularly, and as it principally uses the leg muscles – which are the largest in the body – it is among the best forms of exercise for all-round fitness. Using a bike to get to work or to the shops is a good way to get into the swing of cycling, as well as saving you money, and very often time as well. If that doesn’t appeal or isn’t practical, regular rides at evenings and weekends will do you good too.

Daffodils near Wolf House Gallery, with Morecambe Bay behind (Stage 1)

Bike choice and setup

Most bikes will serve. Maybe not the one buried in the garden shed, with wobbly wheels and rusty chain, but anything roadworthy will get you started. Of course, if your bike hasn’t been used for a while – or maybe even if it has – it deserves a thorough check. If you’re not sure of your mechanical skills, head to your local bike shop. A professional service will set you back a few quid, but it’s worth it for the difference it can make, both to your safety and to your riding pleasure. If it gets you riding more often, the expense will be repaid many times over in petrol, car parking and other costs.