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IT might be because of the new austerity or it might be because we're all thinking of how to get fitter or greener.
Whatever, getting on your bike has never been this chic outside of Communist China or a Norman Tebbitt speech.
But what if you want to pedal with the hippest/skintest of them all and, well, actually, don't know where to start?
And they're offA new initiative aimed at transforming biking beginners to strong-cyclists gets under way in South Liverpool this weekend.
Cycle Aigburth, the city’s popular cycling scheme is launching a series of weekly Sunday rides on 16 October, aimed specifically at beginners.
The rides, which leave from the Obelisk (the big pointy phallus thing) at Sefton Park Gates (Ullet Road/Aigburth Drive) at 11am and are about 60 minutes long, are designed to increase cyclists’ confidence and proficiency.
Organisers say it’s the perfect starting point for local people who want to take up cycling but need extra support, as well as being a great opportunity to have fun, meet other people, get some exercise and see the city’s sights on two wheels. And best of all – it’s all free!
Upcoming rides are:
• 16 October - Sefton Park Circular.
• 23 October - Mersey Promenade.
• 6 November - Calderstones Park.
• 13 November - Sefton Park Circular.
• 20 November - Mersey Promenade.
• 4 December - Calderstones Park.
• 11 December - Liverpool City Centre (Radial Route 10).
The rides are led by qualified and experienced cycling instructors, and everyone is welcome to join. Children under 14 should be accompanied by an adult and all participants must have a roadworthy bike to take part.
If you don't have a bike, don't worry. Cycle Aigburth has teamed up with Cycle for Health Liverpool and has a limited number of pool bikes available. To book one in advance, please phone Callum on 233 5246 or email him here
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7 comments so far, continue the conversation, write a comment.
Of course, for the authentic experience you'll need heavy rain and strong, wind.
A bicyclist cannot even consider joining in until they have grown a pair of Piccadilly Weepers and procured a heavy tweed deerstalker helmet.
Are there any tricycles available for people with very poor sense of balance following a head injury?
A nice run out on the Leeds Liverpool Canal to that fine pub in Burscough seems more the ticket, but you would never get a tricyle on that towpath
My Friend - has anyone seriously TRIED?
The race is to the swift and whoever dares risk his chipolata in the jaws of death is sure to win.
Is the tow path blocked by selfish anglers?
Run then down like dogs! Scatter them to the four winds!
Everyone knows that wearing a high visibility jerkin, pervy rubber pants and a silly plastic helmet entitles the hurtling ruffian to use the pavement as a racetrack, to have no lights on his bike and to ignore traffic lights and the Highway Code on the road.
May they all be struck down with housemaid's knee!