Out & About January 2017

Jonathan Hopson

In a new monthly column, Jonathan Hopson looks at life from the other side of 50. It’s never too late to try something new and for 2017, he’s encouraging people to take up cycling. G rab life by the handlebars and ride a bike! As the US president John F Kennedy noted, “Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride”. It’s also good to know there’s no such thing as elderly when you’re on a bike. Research from Cycling UK shows that during 2015, 40-49 year-olds on average each cycled 87 miles during the year, outstripping all other age groups. The average cycle mileage in 2015 for all age groups was 53 miles. As a recent addition to the world of MAMIL’s (Middle-Aged Men in Lycra), my take on cycling is that it’s extremely rewarding and a great way to improve general fitness. It can also be a great way to raise money for charity. For example, the annual London to Brighton bike ride takes place in June and covers around 54 miles. Over 25,000 people took part in the 2016 event, helping to raise more than £2m for the British Heart Foundation. It starts in Clapham Common, London, with start times staggered every 30 minutes from 6am to 10am. The first riders home take

Jonathan Hopson gets on his bike

ascend the Ditchling Beacon without walking at any point is a significant challenge – particularly as you’ve had to cycle around 45 miles beforehand – but conquering the Ditchling generates a feeling of great satisfaction. I’ve taken part in the L2B ride three times in the last five years, finishing in around four hours. Although it’s physically quite challenging, the route takes in some scenic countryside and there’s also the feel-good factor of knowing that you have participated in one of the UK’s largest single fundraising events. A helpful place to start for anyone to learn about cycling is the British Cycling website www.britishcycling.org.uk and a great place for anyone in

morning rides for the last nine months and they are a great way of exploring the countryside within a 20-mile radius of Newbury, as well as helping to improve one’s general level of fitness. Banjo also offer a comprehensive range of coffees, teas and home-made cakes to help replenish energy levels. Whatever your age and fitness level, as five times winner of the Tour de France Eddy Merckx said: “Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride.”

“

” Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride.

about two and a half hours to complete the course, with the majority taking four to seven hours. Keen riders will probably succeed in conquering the

the Newbury area looking for a regular organised road cycling ride is Banjo

Ditchling Beacon, the famous mile-long hill with a maximum 16 per cent gradient, a few miles outside Brighton. The view from the top of the Ditchling Beacon is well worth the pain of the ascent, and it’s mostly downhill from the top of the Ditchling to the finish on Madeira Drive on Brighton seafront. Maintaining sufficient forward-momentum to

Cycles in Hambridge Road, Newbury. Most Saturday mornings, weather permitting, a group of around 15 to 20 men and women set out at 8am on a two-hour ride. Led by an experienced Banjo rider, the group covers around 30 to 40 miles, averaging around 14 to16mph. I’ve been taking part in the Banjo Saturday

5