On your Bike

We start cycling at a young age but we're less likely to encourage children to travel further than their street so it's no surprise they've taken to the sofa to play electronic games instead.

There are plenty of young cyclists within all the estates and a few adults too, we've even got a cycle path through Johnstown and are waiting for it to be joined up with the rest of Navan to be of more use.

We asked local resident and cycling enthusiast Raymond about his experiences:

"Like myself most of us have cycled as kids but have given up in later years for various reasons. So what possesses somebody creeping up to 40 to kit themselves out in skin tight lycra and get themselves a road bike (racer as commonly known)?

Well for me my GAA career finished prematurely (not due to injury I just wasn’t good enough) and I needed to find another exercise outlet.

Running is great for burning the calories so I tried a few half marathons but found them hard on the knees, joints and back.

Gave golf a go and really enjoyed the social aspect but I couldn’t get the hang of the game plus it didn’t help the waste line as Golf is often followed by a pint and a Club Sandwich.

That’s where cycling ticks a lot of boxes. There is little or no impact on joints on the bike compared to running. Ever wondered why cyclists are cycling two abreast on the road? Likelihood is they are having a conversation! So cycling is a great social outlet and is often referred to as the new golf!

What's Next?

"I would advise setting yourself a personal goal. Share this goal with some likeminded people (husband, wife or neighbour) of similar fitness and commit to doing a Sportive! Sportives are cycling events held around Ireland every year. They are not races but group cycles that cover distances from 80km to over 200km. Some I experienced are Tour de Connamara (May), Westportive (July), Ring of Kerry (July) and the Gran Fondo in Clare (August). All are very doable with a small bit of training.

Start off by doing perhaps a cycle of 20km on week-1, 30km in week-2 and so on until you have reached a reasonable fitness level. It is a great and proud achievement when you complete your first 100km. Consider downloading an app for your smart phone called Strava. This is free and allows you to map your rides and share your achievements with friends on social media. If you are dieting or trying to lose a few pounds these apps are great. For example one of my routes is 35km (Bailis Downs, Kentstown, Slane, Balis Downs) and takes just over an hour and I burn 790 calories or 3 Big Macs!! "

Give Cycling a Go

Should the worst happen and you lose your bike consider taking a photo and noting any distinguishing features, especially the make, name and serial number. Also get it badged, stamped or engraved with your post code or phone number so that if the Garda or anyone else finds it then you at least stand a chance of getting it back.

Check out this link to An Garda Síochána 'Flicker' website and you'll be amazed at how much property is recovered but the owner not identified.

Read the guidance from the Garda on protecting your Bicycle HERE and also click on the Info Graphic below for more advice.