The principal focus of the Foundation Rides is to raise money for the Up and Under Foundation. A secondary, but still important, aim is to engage with local businesses and promote sustainable transport and, it was with that hat on that I presented at the ‘Travel smarter for healthy staff and a healthy business’ event at Crewe Alex earlier this year.
Cycling is an inclusive activity that is a great way to see an area and, for the most part, it’s a healthy pursuit. OK, you need a bike. But, while you can spend £15,000 (and probably more) on a bike (Pinarello Bolide Dura Ace Di2 Wiggo 889) you don’t have to. There is more choice now than there ever has been and with the cycle to work scheme and local groups such as Community Recycle Cycles and St Paul’s Cycles, who service and refurbish pre-loved bikes you can get a bike for a very sensible price and see if you like it or not.
Commuting can easily allow you to build up the miles and counts as training as well as being a cool way to get to and from work (without the hassle of having to search for a parking space). I try to cycle to work at least 1 or 2 times a week, not because I am especially environmentally minded, because I really enjoy it. When I cycle, I arrive clear-headed and ready to get stuck into work. I have learned to pace myself so I don’t get sweaty and I get things ready the night before, so its almost as easy to hop on the bike as it is to jump in the car.
If you’re looking to commute by bike and perhaps feel a bit unsure, check out this article (Cycling to work for beginners) or do a quick internet search.
If you think having an event to aim for would encourage you to commute, why not try the Foundation Rides event? There are three distances to choose from, ranging from a very do-able 50 km (30 miles in old money) to 160 km (with a 100 km ride for good measure).
The rides cost £16 and, because the ride costs are covered by local businesses, all your entry fee will go to the Up and Under Foundation.
And, if you are still short of reasons, 2017 is the 5th running of the Foundation Rides, the 10th anniversary of the Up and Under Foundation and the 200th birthday of the bicycle – come and help us celebrate!
Up and Under Foundation 