Cycling Lake Constance: a fairytale cycling holiday
categories: Travel
Take beautiful landscapes surrounding a magnificent Lake, romantic architecture, vineyards, waterfalls, cuckoos and rainbows and you have the fairytale that is cycling Lake Constance.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. For me, there is no better way to explore a new country than on two wheels. A cycling holiday provides a wonderful adventure, an opportunity to visit new countries and to see aspects of them you wouldn’t ordinarily get to witness by car. There’s a true sense of freedom, of independence, a feeling of travelling like a local and really getting to know somewhere. Lake Constance offers mainly flat cycling with the occasional incline; it’s the perfect option for couples with a non cycling partner, and families with older children. (more…)
Active Clothing Essentials for Summer 2016
categories: Kit
Whilst Mother Nature may not yet feel like shouting about it, the calendar does now read July and says it’s officially summer in the UK! Not sure what to wear? Well, we’ve discovered some great performing active clothing for Summer 2016 and some amazing new brands, which will have you covered whatever the weather. (more…)
At home with Laura Trott and DFS ahead of Rio 2016
categories: All posts, women's cycling
DFS have enlisted the help of Laura Trott and other Team GB Olympic athletes to show the power of relaxation in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. See how the comforts of home are helping Laura in her Rio 2016 preparations.
I can’t believe the 2016 Rio Olympics are just around the corner. It seems like yesterday that my, then five year old daughter and I were sitting on our sofa cheering on Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics at the very top of our voices! My son was only one, but now at five, he’s as excited as the rest of the family to set up camp in front of our TV and to get behind our fantastic team of athletes. (more…)
Review: Skins DNAmic Compression Tights
Those who read Ordinary Cycling Girl regularly will be aware that I have some back issues which can give me some referred leg pain. Annoying when you’re a lover of sport and fitness, but you know, you ride with it and you find ways of making it work. I’d read that compression tights can help to regulate blood circulation and assist and speed up recovery time from exercise, so, when Skins contacted me to ask if I’d be interested in trying out a pair of their DNAmic compression tights, I was super keen.
I like to try and mix up my fitness and keep things interesting so I’m not always on the bike. As someone with a bad back, it’s kind of crucial for me, as cycling, whilst it’s low impact for joints, can cause really tight hamstrings which can have a knock-on effect on my lower spine. So, whilst running is out for me, the gym and certain gym classes are not. I like yoga and pilates and lately, I’ve discovered stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and SUP yoga! So I’d say I’ve put these tights through their paces over the last month or so. (more…)
5 Reasons to Book a Cycling Holiday
categories: Travel
If you’re contemplating whether to book a cycling holiday, contemplate no more! There is no better way to explore somewhere new than on two wheels! Read on for my top five reasons why you shouldn’t hesitate to book a cycling holiday this summer!
Ordinary Cycling Girl HQ is full of much excitement this week as we prepare for our next cycling holiday adventure! We’re heading to Lake Constance and we can’t wait! There really is nothing I like more than travelling to somewhere new and exploring it on two wheels. There’s something very special about the opportunities it provides to experience a country in a whole different way to if you were simply visiting and exploring on foot. (more…)
This Girl Can SUP
categories: Stand Up Paddleboarding, Yoga
One of my biggest fears in the great outdoors is open water – the sea mainly – but any open water makes my heart start racing. As many of you will know, I have back problems and have had for over twenty years. With a cage and metal rods in my back, keeping a strong core is something I try to do, but I’ve had some increasing back issues this year, so when I heard how amazing Stand Up Paddle Boarding, or SUP as it’s known, is for your core strength I knew right away I should try it. When we were cycling in Rio we saw so many people enjoying SUP that it really whet my appetite for some SUP adventures – despite my fear of the sea. I’m 38 now and it’s time to get rid of the open water fear and throw myself into new activities. Life is for living, right? (more…)
The Magic of Cycling in Rio 2016
categories: Cycle touring, Travel
Sometimes life throws amazing opportunities at you. Sometimes, things come along that you never imagined you would get to experience. Cycling in Rio de Janeiro is one of those things and if you ever get the opportunity, grab it with both hands! I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would get the opportunity to go cycling in Rio. But April saw us visit Brazil’s carnival city where we had chance to do just that, and here’s why you should go cycling in Rio too! (more…)
Ordinary Cycling Girl is now an eBay Influencer!
categories: All Post
I have some very exciting news to share! March and April saw me extremely busy working on lots of new cycling guides for eBay.com after I was asked to join their community as an eBay Influencer on their Influencer Network! I’m very flattered to have been approached and I am really looking forward to continuing working with them over the coming months. And, of course, it’s brilliant to be able to finally share these guides with you! (more…)
Preparing for Your First Charity Bike Ride
categories: All posts, Cycling Tips
So, you’ve decided to take on your first charity bike ride. Charity fitness challenges can be some of the most rewarding things you can do – for yourself and for others. You can get fitter, contribute positively to the life of someone who needs your help, and if you’re new to cycling, discover a fantastic new hobby.
But where do you start? Whether you’re already a cyclist, or you are completely new to the sport, you still need to prepare yourself, mentally and physically, for the challenge. Here are my top tips. (more…)