Ryan

Hello. I am Ryan and along with my wife Beth and our two children Matilda and Barney, we love all things cycling and exploring. We spend our weekends exploring fun places to cycle and discover and wanted to help other people do the same too. There's no better way to travel than via bike and it's an amazing activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Am i too old to ride my bike? – What age can I start cycling?

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Am i too old to ride my bike?

‘Isn’t cycling something you do when you are a kid?’

I’ve heard this a lot, and it’s a common reason people don’t cycle. People forget that it’s the most efficient mode of transport available (in more ways than one) and unrivalled for their mental well-being. But what age is too old to stop cycling or to start cycling? Is this a case of if you missed the window of opportunity it’s gone? Of course not!

Cycling is a timeless activity, enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. Whether you’re a child taking your first spin on two wheels, a young adult commuting to work, or a senior rediscovering the joy of riding, cycling offers something for everyone. The benefits extend far beyond the physical, touching every aspect of health, well-being, and daily life.

The world has also changed so much that the barrier to entry couldn’t be better. With eBikes, inexpensive second-hand bikes and the ability for anyone to repair; it’s something which should be encouraged and enjoyed by those of all ages.

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The Importance of Routine for Children

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Importance Of Routine

When we think about routine, we often associate it with the structure we, as adults, need to stay organised, productive, and healthy. But routines are just as essential for children, if not more so.

Having a consistent routine can provide children with a sense of security, help them develop positive habits, and foster resilience. In our family, we’ve embraced outdoor adventures, physical activity, and family time as part of our daily routine, and we believe these experiences are crucial for raising happy, healthy kids.

This post explores why routine is so important for children, covering areas such as bedtime, healthy eating, outdoor activities, and playtime with parents. We believe routine extends further than bedtime and it helps to instil consistency in children from a young age. It’s not always possible and there will be times it goes to absolute shit but by trying to get back on the wagon quickly it can help both the children and yourself.

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Cycling the Trans Pennine Trail: Chapelthorpe to Royston Route Review

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Trans Pennine Trail Chapelthorpe to Royston

The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is a popular multi-user trail crossing the breadth of northern England, with a mix of scenic countryside, woodland, and picturesque urban sections.

My local haunt is the segment which lies between Chapelthorpe in Wakefield and Royston in Barnsley, approximately 4 miles in length one way (8 miles round trip). I have cycled this route approximately 50 times in my life as in terms of proximity to my home it’s one of the easiest to get to without much road use.

It dawned on me today that it’s actually a brilliant beginners route for those wanting to dip their toe into cycling. It’s relatively flat, wide and traffic-free. Perfect for those stepping back onto the bike after some years off or little people making their first strides.

This review covers the highlights, practical details, and suitability of this beginner-friendly route, offering insights for families and solo cyclists alike.

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The Impact of Sport on the Resilience of Children and Teenagers

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Impact of Sport on Resilience

In today’s world, where technology and social media are ever-present, encouraging our children to stay physically active is more crucial than ever. It’s estimated that UK children spend approximately 6 hours a day on screen time (TV, Tablet, Phone). Couple this with school, then life is becoming more and more sedentary. But why is this a problem,  and what does it have to do with resilience?

At Family Cycling, our mission is to create fun outdoor adventures that benefit our young children, Matilda and Barney. We spend most weekends exploring local parks, National Trust or any outdoor location.

Our priority (and hopefully yours) is to cultivate an environment where being outdoors is the default.  We also make cycling an integral part of our everyday lives. This is our primary means of transport for the school run.  This lifestyle is more than just an activity—it’s a way of improving our children’s resilience, physical strength, and mental well-being.

It’s your natural reaction as a parent to protect your children. But your children will also have situations where they require resilience, strength and the ability to deal with a challenging situation. This is where I believe sport plays a role in modern society. In this post, we’ll explore how sports can impact the resilience of children and teenagers, considering the pressures that technology and social media place on their overall well-being.

We want to highlight the many reasons why getting your children involved in sports can lay the foundation for a happier, healthier, and more resilient life.

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Cycling vs Car Use – You can do both?

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In many parts of the world, the car is king. It’s a symbol of freedom, convenience, and status, and for decades, it has dominated the way we think about transportation. With concerns around climate change, pollution, and boosting health (we have an NHS waiting list of over 6 million people) there has been a nod to more active means of transport.

Like everything, however, they have become gambits in a political culture war. Pick a side and argue until the end. But is that the way it needs to be? Maybe the alternative is that we agree that active travel and using the car both have merit for particular journeys.

This article explores the arguments for and against cars and cycling, and why it might be time to rethink how we travel.

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Cycling to School with Kids in the Winter

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Cycling to school in the winter

The winter months are often when many families reluctantly trade in their walk/cycle to school habits for the warmth of the car. But for many reasons highlighted below it’s the best time to continue cycling.

Cycling to school has become a core part of our identity and our day-to-day life. Since our daughter Matilda started school in September 2020, we have cycled or walked to school every single day, without exception. We wouldn’t have it any other way. Our website is all about the joys of outdoor adventures with young children, and cycling is at the heart of our philosophy.

Today, we’re sharing why we continue to cycle to school even in winter and how you can make it work for your family too.

It’s worth noting that our advice is always aimed at those who have the means to do so. Many now work from home, close to home or work shifts. These can make the transition to cycling in all weather. We are here to promote positive habit changes in the day-to-day lives of ordinary families.

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Great Longstone Park & Bakewell Recreational Ground Review For Families

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Bakewell Recreational Grounds

Looking for a family adventure in the beautiful Bakewell area of the Peak District? We recently spent a fun-packed day exploring Great Longstone Park and Bakewell Recreational Grounds, two fantastic spots for outdoor family fun. It was the October half-term and we ventured to the Peak District without a plan other than to explore the local area. We’ve visited Bakewell several times and enjoyed the pedestrianised nature of the high street.  

We had heard of Great Longstone from our cycling adventures on the Monsal Trail and were informed it had a nice little park. For such a small village, we were keen to check this out as part of our trip.

Join us as we review these parks, sharing everything from what facilities they offer to whether we’d recommend them for a family day out.

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Staying Consistent with Cycling When You Have Kids

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Staying Consistent With Cycling

Balancing your love for cycling with the demands of parenting can feel like a juggling act. Life with kids is wonderfully unpredictable, and it often seems like there’s always something that gets in the way of a good bike ride.

Yet, staying active is crucial—for both our physical health and mental well-being. Staying fit, getting out in nature and keeping my mind free are just some of the reasons I stay consistent with cycling. It’s not always easy and when the cold months kick in it can become appealing to stay inside where it’s warm.

Here’s how I manage to stay consistent with cycling as a parent, with two young children. 

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Pontefract Park, Pontefract Review For Families

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Pontefract Park Review

Pontefract Park is a hidden gem that promises an enjoyable experience for families seeking outdoor adventures and quality time together. As a family that loves to explore nature’s wonders, we recently had the pleasure of visiting Pontefract Park. The visit gave us some happy memories and a strong wish to tell other families about our time there. 

The park’s serene beauty and array of activities truly cater to everyone, making it an ideal destination for families seeking both adventure and relaxation. From the exhilarating racecourse to the natural beauty of Pontefract Park, from the thrilling play area to the bike-friendly paths, this park offers a plethora of experiences that cater to the diverse interests of families

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Great Places to Live for Cyclists Across England

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Trans Pennine Trail, Yorkshire

We are always looking for new places to visit in England where we can cycle as a family. This sent me down a rabbit hole of research on Great places to live for Cyclists across England.

Like many, we are always wondering if the grass is greener on the other side of the country. Is there somewhere we could live with more cycling infrastructure, does a specific county have more traffic-free trails? or can we find somewhere which is more accepting of everyday family cyclists like ourselves?

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