Dame Sarah Storey is encouraging us all to get on our bikes this summer
Bike riding is perfect for summer time when the weather is nice you can get out ride around, get in shape and even raise some money.
British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) London to Brighton Bike Ride is one of the most iconic charity cycling events in Europe.
As the single biggest killer of women in the UK, the British Heart Foundation are always working hard to raise awareness of heart disease amongst women and as this event typically sees around 28,000 riders take part.
Join the cyclists and ride the 54-mile route from the Capital to the Brighton Promenade on Sunday 16th June 2013 and raise funds to go towards the BHF’s life-saving work into the fight against heart disease.
The bike ride is part of the BHF’s London to Brighton Bike Ride Series, which includes the Night Ride (Saturday 13th-Sunday 14th July 2013) and Off-Road Bike Ride (21st September) versions of this celebrated route. All money raised goes towards helping to keep hearts beating.
Dame Sarah Storey DBE, 11 time Paralympic Gold Medallist and 4 time Gold Medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games says:
“Whether you are a keen cyclist or new to riding, the ride is a great chance to make your mark and take on a real challenge.
“Over the years, around 750,000 riders have taken part, pedalling more than 40 million miles between them and raising over £57 million for the BHF. Make 2013 the year you help the BHF’s fight for every heartbeat.”
Top tips from Sarah Storey for the British Heart Foundation London to Brighton Bike Ride:
1. Get comfy! Saddle and bike comfort is very important as you will be pedalling for at least four hours to complete the ride. You need a good pair of shorts with a padded support and also need to make sure the balance of your weight on the bike between the handlebars, saddle and pedals is right. A good local bike shop will help you with all these things and ask them about buying "chamois cream" for your shorts, which is very important on long rides.
2. Pace yourself. This is important with your preparation for the event and the event itself. Gradually build up your miles on the bike during your preparation phase. During the ride itself remember this is not a race. You will finish strongly if you go a bit easier than you think you need to at the start.
3. Fuel correctly. Eating and drinking are both of the upmost important during a ride of this length and you may need to practice doing this on the bike. If not whilst moving, then remember to take plenty of short breaks to get the food and fluid inside you. Drinking before you a thirsty is very important and eating something small every half hour will stop you getting hunger pangs or worse still running out of energy altogether.
4. Always wear a helmet and do all your practice and preparation rides using the helmet too. It might well save your life one day.
5. Enjoy it! This is the most important part for whenever you get out on a bike. Enjoy the feeling of freedom, the fresh air and the beautiful English countryside.
Registration for the cycling event is now open.
Tagged in Cycling fitness tips