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There are a wide range of activities based on the bicycle, ranging from
casual riding for pleasure to road racing, time trials and BMX.
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More
details can be obtained from the various specialist organisations
listed below.
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Like jogging,
cycling is often done as an
informal form of exercise.
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Most cycling is on general roads and
tracks but the more formal activities involve special tracks and
facilities.
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Bicycle Polo Association of GB 0208 656 9724
British Cycling Federation www.bcf.uk.com/
British Cycling Federation Cycling Speedway Commission 01508 493880
British Cyclo-Cross Association www.cyclo-cross.co.uk/
Cyclists Touring Club www.ctc.org.uk/
Mountain Biking Information for the UK www.bikinguk.net/
Road Time Trials Council www.rttc.org.uk/
UK Mountain Bikers' Webring www.knarly.free-online.co.uk/ukmtbring.html
UK Mountain Bikes Resources www.sussex.ac.uk/Users/nealet/bikes.html
For a guide to resources available
for different activities, see the US site www.biking.com
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British Cycling
CT & C (Cycle Touring & Campaigning)
Cycling Today
Cycling Weekly
MBR (Mountain Bike Rider)
Mountain Biker International
Mountain Biking UK
Ride BMX Magazine
Total Mountain Bike
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Find a local cycling group
or club (see organisations above).
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See if your local group
has introductory sessions or other special events.
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Consult books or magazines
on different types of cycling.
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Check in your local library/paper
or sports centre for more information.
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Skills and people
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It is easy to learn how to handle a
bike and the degree of energy and effort required can vary
greatly. So cycling is an activity suited to people of all ages
and abilities and both sexes.
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You can cycle on your own and at times of your own
choosing. But some people like to join a cycling club or group for
the company and stimulus when riding and afterwards.
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It is better if the people you
cycle with are have roughly
the same degree of physical fitness and energy as yourself.
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Most of the
more formal types of cycling are done as part of a club.
Equipment or clothing
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A cycle is obviously essential
equipment, and they can range widely in quality
and cost.
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Special cycles are designed for different types of racing
and all terrain or mountain bikes with a large number of gears are a
recent development.
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Serious cyclists may wear special clothing and
shoes.
A place or facilities
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No special facilities are needed for cycling though it is often
desirable to find cycle paths or trails away from the more crowded
roads.
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A national network of cycle
routes is currently being set
up.
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Special facilities for speed cycling and the like are usually
found in some larger sports centres.
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