When we moved to the country one of our first decisions was
to get a bike and head off track. We started off making a mistake that many
before us had made in getting a cheap bike thinking we were saving money if we
decided we hated biking. BAD DESCION. We learnt pretty quick that firstly
biking is fun but actually it’s a heck more fun if you have the right bike! I’m
not suggesting you head out to the latest specialist and spend a fortune in
fact quite the opposite but first thing first head to someone which has a lot
of bikes and go and start sitting on them!
When our eldest decided he wanted
his own and no longer a trailgator we headed off to Halfords and
handed him over. They checked firstly his size, where he felt comfortable, how
fair his arms extended – you name it. Then what sort of riding did we do? Town,
off road etc to get the right sort of tyres. We actually ended up with a
cheaper bike than we had picked out and a one which he was more comfortable on.
Being on the downs there are bike rides every direction you
look but if you’re a beginner I would suggest start off doing a little
research. There’s is no fun in exhausting yourself at the start and spending as
much time falling off as riding! We started off with some great small runs
which have no huge hills to ride up but some fabulous, down hills, streams and
views to encounter. From there we have experienced more and more off-road fun
even to the point we’re considering head to Bike Park in wales for a biking
holiday. A great place to start is with Halford
beginners guide to Mountain Biking.
The best thing we love though about mountain biking is
gathering up our friends and spending the day exploring with them and their
kids and just having fun outdoors and on the bike. The boys adore riding
through the muddy puddles and seeing how big a wave they can set off as the
glide through a brook or stream. The dogs keep up with us and quite frankly
that cup of coffee never tasted so good then after fun & mud in the fresh
air with beautiful views!
Disclaimer: this post is in collaboration with Halfords who kindly
offered me vouchers in exchange for my honest views.
