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Tips for the perfect family bike ride

by amie.huiam.net | Aug 1, 2021 | Uncategorized

As far as family fun goes you really can’t beat a good old fashioned family bike ride! They don’t cost much, the kids love them and it’s great exercise for you and your little ones. That being said there are plenty of things that can trip us up and turn a fun day out into a bit of a nightmare. So we’ve put together this guide to help you make sure your day out on the bikes goes as smoothly as possible.

If you haven’t been riding for a while the first thing you want to make sure is that all of your bikes are ready to roll. There’s not much worse than getting everyone excited for a bike ride only to find out someone has got a flat tyre! Check over everyone’s bikes making sure the tyres are pumped up, the brakes are working well and everything is oiled up and ready to go.

It’s also important that your child’s bikes are the right size for them, luckily we’ve got handy guides on how to choose the right bike to fit your child here and another guide on learning how to fix and maintain your bikes here. If you get stuck, head in to your local Cycle King & Hawk Cycles store and one of our friendly workshop staff will be able to help.

If the bikes are prepared the next step is to get everyone ready. We all know kids can be quick to moan if they’re too hot or too cold so get everyone kitted out in suitable clothing and don’t forget to pack extra layers if it’s cold or a cap for when they’re off the bike if it’s sunny. Sun protection is a must, remember that we don’t get as hot when we’re cycling as the air cools us down so it’s easy to forget that the sun is beating down on our skin. A good sun cream can save a lot of soreness and tears down the line! Finally, check that everyone is happy with their helmets, they should be snug and not move about when they wobble their heads but not so tight that they are uncomfortable.

The final step before you get going is to pack some essentials. We all hope that we won’t get a puncture but it’s better to be safe than sorry, a puncture repair kit and pump will keep you rolling if the worst happens. Secondly, cycling can be thirsty work so make sure you take a long lot of water, either in your backpack or in water bottles on everyone’s bike. Dehydration leads to tiredness and headaches which leads to lots of moaning! Last but not certainly not least is snacks. Cycling takes up a lot of energy, so to keep those little legs turning it’s important you keep everyone fuelled up with some snacks. Oaty cereal bars offer long lasting energy that should keep everyone happy, but it’s never a bad idea to take along some sweets for a quick energy boost or a reward for getting to the top of a hill!

So now you’re ready to go! But remember it’s not just bikes that go rusty… even the most confident peddlers can lose confidence if it’s been a little while since their last ride. Before you set off, take some time to go through the basics of pedalling, braking and changing gear. Once you’ve got these nailed it’s time to set some ground rules. For under 10’s it’s safest to stick to cycle paths, but remind them they still need to ride safely. Let everyone know what to do if they come to a road junction, how far ahead they are allowed to go and the importance of stopping when you say so.

Try to pick a route that’s mainly flat to keep everyone happy, children’s bikes are often relatively heavy so hills that may seem easy for you could be a mini mountain for them! Let them know roughly how long you’ll be cycling for and take lots of breaks for drinks and snacks. Do what you can to get them to pace themselves, kids spending all their energy at the start of the day is a sure fire way to take the fun out of the ride when it gets to the end. Stopping every now and again to look at plants and wildlife is a good way to moderate the pace and let everyone catch their breath.

The most important thing to remember on a family bike ride is to have fun! There’s no right or wrong way to go for a bike ride, whether it’s fast or slow, short or long, if everyone is having a good time enjoying riding their bikes you’ll be making great memories and staying healthy at the same time.

We love to see it when our customers get out riding so remember to take lots of pictures and tag @CyclekingUK if you post them on Instagram. We always share our favourites!

Summer Cycling Tips

by amie.huiam.net | Jul 1, 2021 | Uncategorized

With the start of summer here (even if we’re waiting for the weather to catch up!) and school holidays on their way, chances are you and the family are planning to get out on your bikes.

Whether you’re beginners or seasoned cyclists, you really can’t beat a day of riding in the sun. It’s a cheap and easy way to keep everyone entertained and get exercise at the same time!

With that in mind there are definitely some pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. To make sure you and your family have a seamless summer of cycling we’ve put together this blog with our best warm weather biking tips.

Stay Hydrated

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated and it’s never more important than when the sun’s out! Cycling can be hard work and you’re even more likely to build up a sweat when the weather is hot, making sure you replace the fluids you lose will mean your stamina is improved and you’re able to cycle for longer.

We’re always surprised by how many people will head out on a bike ride without taking a drink, especially when it’s so cheap and easy to carry a bottle on your bike with our wide range of bottle cages and bottles. adults should drink around half a litre every 90 minutes if possible (the kids will need slightly less) by taking small sips regularly. You want to avoid feeling thirsty as that’s your body’s way of letting you know you haven’t drunk enough, so little and often is the way to go.

Take it easy

Whether you’re fit as a fiddle or just starting out, when it’s hot everyone finds cycling that little bit more difficult. There’s absolutely no shame in taking it easy, it’s not a race! So sit up, go a little bit easier than usual and take in the sights and sounds of nature as you cycle along.

The added benefit to cycling slower is you can spend more effort keeping your eyes peeled for opportunities to stop for ice cream. We’re sure no one in the family will argue about that one!

Slap on the sun cream

This is another one that we all know is important but when it comes to cycling it’s all too easy to forget. The problem is that when you’re cycling along, the passing air cools you down and you don’t feel the heat in the same way you do when sitting in the sun. Try to make sure everyone is adequately covered before you set off on your ride, to ensure you don’t fall into this trap!

We’re also all apparently guilty of not using nearly enough sun cream when we do remember to put it on. The golden rule is to aim for one teaspoon of sun cream per arm & leg, with another teaspoon for your face, ears and neck. The higher the SPF the better, especially for kids.

Protect your eyes

While we’re on the subject of sun safety it’s a good time to remind you not to forget to look after you and your family’s eyes! Making sure everyone is wearing a pair of sunglasses is an easy way to protect everyone from harmful UV rays. They also keep any wayward dirt or bugs out of your eyes while you’re cycling.

Dress for the weather

Now this one may seem a little obvious… We don’t expect you’re going to go cycling in your fluffiest wooly jumper at the height of summer but even a T-shirt can leave you feeling too warm and sweaty. Try to wear a sports style T-shirt instead, they leave you cooler and when you do work up a sweat they are better at wicking it away from your skin. They also take much less time to dry off meaning you’re more comfortable for longer.

If you really want to beat the weather then get yourself a proper cycling jersey, these are specifically designed to keep you as comfortable as possible for your summer trips (and they have pockets on the back to store some mid ride snacks so they’re a win win!)

Ride when it’s coolest

One of our favourite things to do is try and head out early in the morning or later on in the day when it’s a little bit cooler. Yes it might be a struggle getting the kids out of bed but you end up having a much more enjoyable ride when you’re not in the midday sun.

You also get the added benefit that any roads you’re cycling on are likely to be that little bit quieter which is always reassuring if you’re riding with any little ones or riders that are less confident in busy traffic.

Bike Maintenance & Fixing Guide

by amie.huiam.net | Jun 23, 2021 | Uncategorized

If you’ve been following us on social media you will have seen our Workshop Wednesday posts where each week we share some of our expert mechanics knowledge to help you to learn how to fix your bike.

While we’re always happy to help with any mechanical issues you have, a lot of the common ones are very easily dealt with if you have a little knowhow. For this blog we’ve decided to round up our best pieces of mechanical advice so far into one place so you can start on the journey of learning how to fix and maintain your own bike.

Tyres

Check your tyres regularly for cuts and use something sharp to dig out any glass or flint – being careful not to make any holes bigger as these can eventually cause punctures!

Make sure you keep your tyres inflated to the right pressure. If they are too hard you will suffer from poor ride quality, too soft and you are much more likely to get a puncture. Find the pressure that’s right for you and check your tyres regularly. Tyre pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and the recommended range is always written on the side of your tyre. We sell a great range of pumps that will help you measure this. You can find them online and in all of our stores.

If the tread is wearing thin on your tyres you will have less grip on the road and are more likely to get a puncture. If you’ve got off road tyres then you want to replace them when the tread (aka the knobbly bits!) are worn down. Road tyres often have tread wear indicators marked on them (look for TWI marked on the tyre) if you can no longer see the indicator it’s time to replace them.

Chain

Keep your chain in top condition by cleaning it regularly with a degreaser. Don’t forget to re-lubricate with a good quality oil afterwards, this will keep dirt and grime from building up and keep your bike feeling like new.

If you haven’t kept on top of your chain maintenance and it’s gone rusty then you can cover the chain with some lubricating spray (we use Weldtite TF2 which you can find here). Wait for 10 minutes then scrub the chain with a wire brush. Finally use a rag to wipe it down. However, if it’s too rusty, we would highly recommend replacing it for your safety. Pop in to your local Cycle King or Hawk Cycles store and our trusty mechanics will be able to help!

Cleaning

To keep your bike in good working order, make sure you give it a good clean after dirty outings with warm soapy water and a sponge / brush. Don’t be tempted to use a pressure washer or strong hose. The high water pressure can force grit into your bearings and force out all the grease and lube.

Brakes

If you have rim brakes, use a rag with some isopropyl alcohol to clean any grime and build-up from the braking surface. This will help improve braking performance by giving the pads better grip on the braking surface. You should also use something sharp to remove any slithers of metal or grit from the pads, this will help reduce wear on your rims. It’s important to remember brake pads do have a limited life, you’ll be surprised how much a new set of pads can improve your braking experience. Find them here or in store.

If you’ve got disc brakes that are squealing then they are probably contaminated with oil. Remove the wheel then wearing rubber gloves, wash the disc rotors with mild soapy water or a disc brake cleaner. You can also try using sandpaper to gently remove contaminants from the brake pads but if the squealing continues you may need to replace them.

Wheels

Wheels can be very difficult ones to fix, we think it’s something best left to the experts. But it’s still important to know when something isn’t as it should be. Check your wheels regularly for any loose spokes. If you are able to move any spokes without using much force then your wheel is not as strong and safe as it could be.

Likewise if your rim brakes are rubbing and your wheel is wobbly it might be because your wheels are not running true. Lift up the wheel off the ground and give it a spin. If you can see that it’s moving from side to side then it’s probably untrued. Pop into your local Cycle King & Hawk Cycles store and one of our friendly workshop staff will be able to sort it!

Follow us on social media for more tips!

We share new pieces of advice every Wednesday so be sure to keep checking our social media channels for even more great tips and don’t forget to tag us in your photos #CycleKingUK!

Instagram: @cyclekinguk Facebook: Cycle King & Hawk Cycles Twitter: @cyclekinguk

10 reasons to cycle with your kids

by amie.huiam.net | May 6, 2021 | Uncategorized

1. Health benefits for you

Staying fit and healthy is important for every adult. In fact, it is recommended that we should undertake a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise per week. However, many adults in the UK are frequently falling below this target. Often, this comes as a result of having too little time or too few resources to exercise.

Cycling with your kids is the perfect solution! We understand that your children are your number one priority and, often, your own health can take a backseat as a result. However, combine the two and you’ve got a winning formula!

Cycling raises your metabolic rate, helping you lose weight and keep it off. As a resistance exercise, it’ll firm the thighs and bottom and can also help tone your abdominal muscles. By cycling regularly, you’ll reduce the risk of chronic illness, keep your weight under control, and even boost your mood!

2. Health benefits for your kids

Many children love getting out and about to burn off some energy and explore the world outside of their house. However, with a growth in technology, figures show that one-third of children are currently not reaching the minimum recommendation of 60 minutes of exercise per day.

Is your little one getting in their hour of exercise a day? If the answer is no, it could be time to make a change! Cycling can be a great activity to introduce to your children in order to help them keep fit, healthy and strong.

3. Mental health and learning benefits

It might come as a surprise that cycling can improve your child’s learning development and mental health. In an experiment comparing children who ride their bike to school and those who are driven, those who cycle in the mornings were more focused, motivated and ready to learn upon arriving at the classroom.

Evidence also shows that carrying out regular physical activity can increase happiness and be a general mood booster. If it’s possible for you, cycling to school is the perfect way to introduce some regular exercise into your child’s routine!

4. Minimal costs

Entertaining your children can often be pricey, but with cycling the costs are minimal. If you already own bikes and helmets, great news, you’re ready to go. Pick a location, put on your helmet, pack some snacks and you’ve got a cheap, fun day out ahead of you!

However, if you’re looking to invest in some bike options, here at Cycle King & Hawk Cycles, we’ve got plenty for all the family at great prices. Why not take a look at the men’s bikes, women’s bikes and kid’s bikes on our website. Or visit your local store to shop our in-store collection, including a wide range of used bikes at discount prices!

5. Get to know the local area

Getting your kids out and cycling close to home will improve their confidence and comfort within their community. They’ll get to know their way around the local area and develop a strong sense of direction and navigational skills.

Getting to know the local area can also benefit your child’s safety. By learning the roads of their local community with you by their side, they’ll become more streetwise and understand how to be safe around cars and roads from a young age.

6. It’s Easy!

For both you and your child, cycling doesn’t require too much technical skill or expertise. If your child can already ride a bike, you’re ready to get going! However, if they’re yet to learn, it’s a simple and fun activity that you can do together.

Unlike some sports, once your child masters riding a bike, they’re free to ride as much as they like without having to constantly learn something new. This also makes cycling a simple activity for you as a parent, there’s no need to get to grips with a brand-new skill!

7. Low impact

If you’re worried about the strain that a sport might cause to your child’s growing bones, cycling is a great option. It’s a low impact sport, meaning that unlike running, football or other sports, it doesn’t involve the pounding of their growing legs on the floor.

This rule can also be applied to your own bones, particularly if you’re injury-prone or have any existing injuries. As a low impact sport, it’s much safer than certain exercises you may end up doing at the gym!

8. Great for the planet

As a pollution-free mode of transport, cycling is certainly a greener option! By substituting the car and riding a bike with your children to school, their friend’s house or your local store, you’ll be doing your bit for the environment. Opting for a bike ride will cut down car emissions and time spent in traffic. It’s a win-win!

9. Bring the family together

Cycling can be a great bonding activity for all of the family. Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, an old fashioned British bike ride is something that all ages can enjoy. By getting out of the house together you’ll create new memories, joint experiences, and bond as a family.

10. Plenty of fun

Finally, there’s no denying that a bike ride can be plenty of fun for all the family! Your little ones will love getting out and about on their bikes, experiencing the excitement and thrill of riding at faster speeds. See their faces light up as you join them, and experience the thrill for yourself as you explore new areas together as a family.

Top UK Cycling Holidays / Staycations

by amie.huiam.net | May 6, 2021 | Uncategorized

As lockdown continues to lift and life returns to our new normal, many of you may be itching to get away on holiday. While flying abroad is now a possibility, there are plenty of reasons why you might prefer to stay in the UK this year! Packing up your car, grabbing your bike and taking the family on a staycation is the perfect way to relax, without the worries that come with boarding a plane. In this blog post, we’ll discuss all things staycation including places to visit, cycling equipment you might need, and the benefits of staying closer to home this summer!

Where to go?

Aside from its occasionally unfortunate weather, there are lots of amazing places to visit in the UK that are often overlooked. Whether you’re longing for something by the coast, in a cosy forest or near the hustle and bustle of the city, there are many beautiful places close to home!

Grabbing your bikes and exploring a new location is guaranteed fun for all the family. Let’s run through a few of our favourite cycling destinations in the UK:

1. The Lakeland Loop, Lake District

Lakeland_Loop - copyright CHRIS FIFIELD-SMITH

The Lake District is notorious for its stunning scenery, so it’s no surprise that it makes our list. The Lakeland Loop is a 65km circuit for an advanced cyclist. Intense gradients and uneven terrain are surrounded by some of the most beautiful views on the edge of Lake Coniston. For any serious cyclist, this is one for the bucket list!

2. The Camel Trail, Cornwall

A family holiday to Cornwall has it all. Beautiful beaches, charming woodland and wonderful weather. The Camel Trail begins in Padstow and spans 19km of the charming Cornish countryside. It’s a route designed for beginners due to being largely flat and almost entirely traffic-free, so is perfect for all the family. Be sure to encourage the kids to look out for the wildlife often found in the area. They might spot otters, dormice, kingfishers, and bats!

3. Richmond Park, London

Well-known for its looped cycle path, Richmond Park in London is another great pick for the family. After all, what better place to cycle on a staycation in England than the capital? During your bike ride, make sure you keep an eye out for sights of the city landscape including a brilliant view of St. Pauls Cathedral. For more detail, the Richmond Park website has lots of information about the cycling paths that the park has to offer.

4. Cambridge

The city of Cambridge, also known as the UK’s cycling capital, is largely flat, making it an ideal place for a bike ride, no matter what your ability. As well as being home to lots of fantastic cycling destinations, Cambridge is packed full of restaurants, cafes, and shops. You’ll also find the river Cam which runs around the city centre and the beautiful buildings of some of the country’s most famous university colleges. For more information, here’s a guide on cycling in Cambridge.

5. Applecross, Scotland

Voted as one of the world’s best roads, this 44-mile circuit is renowned for its beauty as a cycling spot. The route is home to the steepest ascent of any road in the UK meaning this is one for you hill trainers. If you’re planning to tackle this route, keep an eye on the weather. Try to find a day with a comfortable temperature, you don’t want to be caught out in the cold or sweltering in the heat!

As well as these amazing cycling destinations, there are plenty of great parks, canals, and woodland areas across the UK that you might like to try. You may not even have to venture too far from home! Here are some helpful links to find your staycation destination in the UK:

– Canals & riversides: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network
– Parks: http://www.fieldsintrust.org/
– Woodland & forest rides: https://www.forestryengland.uk/cycling
– National Trust properties/land: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cycling

What to pack?

Once you’ve settled on your destination, it’s time to begin thinking about what you might need to pack. One of the benefits of travelling closer to home is that there are fewer restrictions on the things you can and can’t take. Travelling by car also means that you’re likely to have lots of extra space!

Of course, essential for any cycling holiday, you’ll need to pack your bike and all of the accessories to accompany. If you’re looking for a new bike, no matter what style, colour or price you’d prefer, we’ve got something for you. Visit our website to view our men’s, ladies’ and kids’ bikes!

Alongside your bike, packing helmets for all of the family is crucial. The last thing you want is any nasty injuries, so wearing a helmet will help protect you and the little ones if an accident occurs. For the littlest cyclists, you may even want to invest in some additional protection such as knee and elbow pads.

Another bike accessory that could come in handy is a repair tool kit, especially something to patch up any punctures! The “Maintenance” section of our website is packed full with handy tools and kits to keep you cycling throughout your break away.

You may be able to fit smaller bikes or trikes into the boot of your car however, adult bikes will likely need to attach to the outside. If you’re in the market for a car rack, we’ve got a great selection available at the moment to suit almost any car.

A holiday in the UK could mean slightly unpredictable weather, so we’d recommend that you pack a mixture of clothes! Check the weather forecast before you set off, but ensure you’ve packed something suitable come rain or shine. If it’s looking like you’ll be lucky, don’t forget your SPF and sunglasses. F

Whether you opt for a staycation, travel abroad or simply stay at home, we hope you have fun and stay safe. If you’re looking for a new bike or any cycling essential, our stores are ready and waiting! To find your nearest Cycle King & Hawk Cycles, please visit our handy store locator.

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