Betty Eastwood BMX Track Review

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Betty Eastwood BMX Track

As a family, we have become quite obsessed with BMX/Pump tracks. We feel they are a brilliant, safe way to get children into Cycling. Fortunately, we have one approximately 10 minutes from our doorstep. It’s a small one, but perfect for the kids to enjoy and pick up some key skills. This is Betty Eastwood BMX Track in Crigglestone, Wakefield.

The track has become a staple in our weekly routine. I tend to pick Barney up from Nursery, drive the short distance to Crigglestone and give him a short boost in improving his biking skills. As a parent, it’s just about giving your children that little boost of outside time and we’ve found on an evening this is a perfect spot.

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Why School Drop-offs by Bike Are a Great Way to Start Your Day

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As parents, we all know the morning routine can be a rush—a whirlwind of getting the kids ready, making sure lunches are packed, and trying to beat the clock. 

There is however one part of our morning routine we have stuck to for the 5 years our daughter has been going to school. That is cycling the ‘school run’. 

I believe that in the vast majority of cases for those who live within a short distance of a local school, it’s the perfect way to start the day. Fresh air, movement and quality time together. I often see children driven to school with air pods lodged in their ears and mobile phones occupying their time. This feels like a sad way to start the day for both parent and child. 

Here’s why cycling to school is more than just a practical choice for us—it’s become one of the highlights of our day.

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Off-road cycling and mental health

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Off Road Cycling

I’m no professional cyclist and neither am I a doctor. I do however know a thing or two about health and happiness. I think the two are very much interlinked. 

My workouts tend to be 7 out of 10. I train to stay lean both in body and mind. My consistency tends to be 9 out of 10 though. I very rarely miss a day I don’t do ‘something’. There are several reasons why I do. All are important. Perhaps the most important is for my mind. Without it life is like climbing Mount Ventoux on one of my mountain bikes. It can be done but it’s going to be a bit of a challenge.

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Cycling Indoors vs Outdoors: A Balanced Perspective

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As a dad who loves spending time outdoors with my family, the decision to invest in an indoor spin bike was a shift in mindset. Being out in the fresh air, exploring parks, National Trust sites and local Yorkshire gems with my kids has always been a huge part of our weekends. But there’s also much to be said for indoor cycling, especially when life gets busy, the weather isn’t cooperating or a combination of both means you can’t reach your fitness goals.

At heart, I’ll always be a trail cyclist. There’s nothing that compares to cycling outdoors on traffic-free trails, the varying terrain, switching off your mind, and the feeling of time standing still. 

In January 2024 I bought a spin bike. I know what you are thinking. It’s another one of those January purchases gathering dust! That couldn’t be further from the truth!

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Millhouses Park Sheffield Review for Families

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Millhouses Park Sheffield Play Area

If you’re looking for a perfect spot to spend a weekend with the family, Millhouses Park in Sheffield might just be your next destination. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a laid-back day out with the kids, this park has something for everyone. With its lovely mix of play areas, scenic spots, and child-friendly facilities, Millhouses Park is a must-visit for families.

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Springhead Park Rothwell Review for Families

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Springhead Park Rothwell

Springhead Park is a lovely public park located in the heart of Rothwell just below Rothwell Country Park. It’s a park that’s frequently used by all the community, offering lots of sports and recreational activities that families and individuals can enjoy. Our last visit was on a really cold day in December but we still enjoyed it! We have been before this on sunnier days too when there is an ice cream van at the bottom of the hill which we obviously had to run down to! I have included our most recent photos with a couple of oldies too.

The park seems to be a popular spot for all ages, young and old, and is full of recreational activities to do here – tennis courts, public gardens, aviary, skate ramps, café, mature trees, grassland, seasonal planting, and beckside walks. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this attractive public park.

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Temple Newsam, Leeds Review For Families

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Temple Newsam For Families

We always think, wherever we go, we want the day to be memorable of course, and for us all to feel happy and free. Temple Newsam is a large park and garden with various activities to do in a beautiful location. We have visited a few times over the past few years, whether on our own, with family, or with friends, and it has always been a fun day out. It is not a cheap day if you want to visit the House or ‘Home Farm’ to see the animals but you can visit the space for free for a picnic or a run around. This is worth noting though because it can be difficult not to pay into places when your children can see what is available. There are local cards that you may have that entitle you to free or discounted entry so check this before booking.

There’s so much to see and do that even though we cover only a small portion of the estate each time we go, we always have a full day. Equally, it is somewhere you could decide to just visit for a couple of hours. Whether you’re interested in exploring the historic house, strolling through the breathtaking gardens, or enjoying the activities tailored for children, Temple Newsam promises a great experience for the whole family. 

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A Dads Fitness Journey 2024 24/2/2024 – 8/3/2024

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Damflask Low Bradfield

I am still finding my groove with these updates and have realised weekly is probably excessive. Consistency is the key so it’s more of the same.  The tumble on my shoulder at football turned into real agony as the weekend went on. I battled through some low-impact body weight exercises however it was uncomfortable; so … Read more

A Dads Fitness Journey 2024 4/2/2024

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Bike Fitness

I rolled into the 5th week of my focused fitness journey with a change to our usual schedule as a family. My wife a trained primary school teacher was taking part in her Bikeabilty training to become a qualified instructor. She’d signed up for this via Cycle North in September 2023 but this was the … Read more