Cycling

GOAL

My long-term goal whilst cycling during quarantine is to build up my muscle strength in my quadriceps and calves, as this will benefit my lower-body strength, which is important for football in the new term. Also, I want to vary my routes, so that I can experience different terrains, (concrete, gravel, grass), and surfaces, (uphill, downhill, flat). This will provide me with a variety of difficulty levels during my cycling route, for example, concrete compared to grass, which will improve my cardiovascular endurance.

Saddle

Frame

Handle bars

Wheel

Brake

Brake lever

Spokes

Rim

Pedals

Chain

Gear

MY BIKE

My bike is a 'Commuter bike,' one that tends to be ridden all throughout the year, through all weather conditions without much maintenance. It used to have a retractable stand, which I then removed as it kept interfering with my pedalling, my Dad and I just took it off. The only issue with it is that it is quite old. This means sometimes when I am riding, the chain comes off, so I have to stop and put it back on which can be quite challenging especially if it stuck within the gear. It also makes my hands really dirty, so overall it is a real nuisance when it happens!

Typical 'Commuter' Bike

Factors to Consider

What route will I take?

There are three different routes to choose from: 1. through Highbury park, 2. through Cannon Hill Park, 3. along the main road along the perimeter of Highbury Park. On average, I use route 1 the most, as it is the safest, quickest, and most beautiful route. Initially, I used to go through Canon Hill park a lot, as it was a much longer and more strenuous route. However, as the quarantine ban became more relaxed, more people started going to parks, and as Cannon Hill Park is the most popular park, it became very busy. As I am always cycling en route to my Grandma's house, I did not want to be amongst a lot of people, so I stopped going that way, as it was too busy. Route 2 is the most boring route, so I tend to avoid it as I much prefer going through the park - being in a city means wanting to spend as much time as I can amongst nature! As I cycle every day, I will vary my routes every two days, between Highbury Park and along the main road. On quieter days or colder days, I will go through Cannon Hill Park as it will be quieter.

What is the weather doing?

Since arriving back in the UK, the weather has increased from an average of 10°C - 20°C. It used to reach temperatures just above 0°C, and below 10°C, however, towards the middle of April, it became sunnier and much warmer. In March, wat the beginning of quarantine, I wore leggings/jeans(for more casual riding), a jumper and a coat, as it was so cold. Sometimes, on colder days, gloves are necessary! As the temperature increased, it was fine to wear shorts and a t-shirt, and with all my cycling outfits I wore my trainers unless it was just casual riding and then I would wear converse, vans, etc.

Do I need to eat anything?

As I cycle twice a day, in the mornings (weekends), and in the afternoon, I normally eat some breakfast if I am going in the morning, and depending on when I ate lunch, a snack in the afternoon. Snacks can range from some fruit, to a granola bar, to a biscuit. I aim to eat healthier, as for breakfast I normally have a hot-cross bun and tea and fruit salad, and my meals throughout the day are very large.

Highbury and Cannon Hill Park

FINAL REFLECTION

CYCLING