Pedal power ©Saddle Skedaddle

With Team GB grabbing gold in many of the cycling events over the summer,  people across the land have been inspired to jump on two wheels and walk in the footsteps, or rather pedal along the path of the 2012 olympians.  Here are a few words of wisdom from Andrew Straw of cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle, on getting out and about on your bike in England…

If you’ve been filled with enthusiasm for all things two-wheeled by the success of Bradley Wiggins in the Tour de France, Team GB in the Olympics and Jonathan Tiernan-Locke in the Tour of Britain,  then it’s high time you re-acquainted yourself with the trusty/rusty stead you’ve been neglecting in the garden shed and head out for somewhere nice.

With daylight being on BST until the last weekend in October, there are still plenty of opportunities to get out before the dark nights draw in on our green and pleasant land. There’s no need to drape yourself head to toe in Lycra and buy yourself a yellow jersey and a super expensive bike as it’s more about the experience rather than looking like the best turned out cyclist and there’s a old adage of ‘all the gear, no idea’! My advice is to just get out and do it. Here’s where.

Look at those views! ©Saddle Skedaddle

England is criss-crossed with the a plethora of great, well-signposted routes that make up the National Cycle Network. Whilst some will take you safely through your local area safely and traffic free others, such as the Hadrians Cycleway and Sea to Sea, are amazing routes that go coast to coast across Northern England and can be done independently or through specialist cycling operators. (I recommend Saddle Skedaddle!)

For regular one day or half day rides throughout the country, then Breeze Bike Rides have been set us specifically with women in mind to encourage more women feel confident and comfortable about going on a ride.

So what are you waiting for? Get out your bike and get exploring and you’ll remember just how much fun cycling can be!

Where’s your favourite place to cycle in England?