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.

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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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

How the Lack of Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Fuels Obesity in the UK

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UK Obesity Crisis

In recent years, the United Kingdom has witnessed a troubling surge in obesity rates, both among adults and children. A significant contributor to this epidemic is the glaring deficiency in walking and cycling infrastructure across the country. The prevailing car-centric culture, coupled with inadequate active travel opportunities, has set the stage for an alarming rise … Read more

A Dads Fitness Journey 2024

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I’ve been into fitness since 2012 when I wanted to get into shape for my wedding. Since then my journey has been a relatively consistent one with a few rocks in the road along the way. 2015 was my peak fitness year. My wife was pregnant with our now 8-year-old, I was getting my education … Read more

Calder Holmes Park, Hebden Bridge Review for Families

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Calder Holmes Park For Families

Hebden Bridge, with its eclectic charm and vibrant community spirit, has always been a draw for those who relish its mix of the arts, history, and natural beauty. Tucked within this extraordinary town is Calder Holmes Park, a family-friendly oasis that deserves its own spotlight.

Our family’s first outing to Calder Holmes Park happened on one of those rare, unplanned Saturdays when the weather was too inviting to stay indoors. A perfect sunny day called us to explore, so we packed up our essentials—snacks, water bottles, and the kids’ boundless energy—and set out for what we hoped would be a decent day out.

With its lush greenery and plethora of activities, it was the perfect backdrop for an amazing day with Matilda and Barney. It’s true; this place is wedged between a canal and a river, making for a pretty special setting. And it’s not just for the little ones, teenagers and adults find their spot too, either on that large circular swing or strumming guitars in the sun. It’s a community vibe that’s second to none.

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