Sounds like a plan!
I love it when a plan comes together!
I’m informed that the key to success is down to several p’s, this number tends to differ depending on the politeness scale, however the gist of it is that proper planning prevents poor performance.
Going out on the bike in the rain doesn’t bother me too much, however, the cold, wet, muddy conditions do impact how often I go out as I've got to wash and dry everything after each ride!
During my time at home in the comfort of the warm and dry, I've been focusing on not only investing in kit that is waterproof and warm, but also planning routes so I can extend my exploring range. This has also taken into consideration the need for cake en route, and the need to review these places fully in the interest of research!
This year has been so much better than I could have imagined. I remain in awe of the sport-on XCR hand bike and how it has helped me through such a difficult transition as my condition progresses. I still can’t express just how awesome it is to be able to ride around and become so engrossed in the adrenaline rush or beautiful scenery that I forget about the daily struggle with walking.
A real stand out moment has to be my first ride in the rain! Calling it rain feels a bit too kind to the situation as it was a full-blown downpour. At times I felt like this ride was possibly one of the silliest things to have done, the clothes I had were shower-proof at best, I was concerned about the electrics on the bike, and visibility was at times at a dangerously poor level. However, once the rain had seeped its way into everywhere it could, and there was no possibility of getting any wetter it became a level of joy that is akin to the look on my child's face as he jumps in puddles with reckless abandon! There was a sense of accomplishment based on my very survival! I'd completed the route and not given up, which given that I was with a group of able-bodied cyclists, and in my own mind was feeling the pressure to keep up as the only hand cyclist, was a real achievement.
The joy of a hot shower and a cup of tea at home after was perfection.
I had forced myself to go out despite feeling like I should just stay in and address the growing to-do list of things that were stressing me out. Ever the procrastinator I went, I saw, I conquered! That ‘I can do this’ attitude that carried me through the ride had been inflated by the completion of it, and I felt much more able to get on with everything else on my list the following day. Yes, I rewarded myself with cake too!
Right, on to those P’s to address some planning!
Product:
The bike (yes, I know I've already decided on that but it's good to explain the rationale)
As with the standard two-wheeled bicycle, there are road and off-road options. You can go to places on an off-road handcycle which you might have thought were out of reach. I wanted something that could tackle the varied terrain of the forest trails at Cardinham, as well as the relatively flat camel trail.
The sport-on XCR is a lightweight, fast, cross country handcycle that is great for most terrains. This means forest trails, coastal trails, muddy or sandy roads are accessible, ticking all the boxes!
When I started out with a ride from Bodmin to Wadebridge it felt like hard work as I was trying to push myself by keeping the electric assist at a relatively low level. This was unnecessary! there was enough battery to have allowed for more support and I just tired myself out! It's easy enough on the flat to find the right level at which I'm putting in enough effort to be getting a bit of a workout vs just cruising on the electrics. Going around Cardinham I’ve learned that it’s better to over rather than underestimate on assistance required on the slopes! The electric assist is there when needing to keep up with other riders, or allow overtaking them when you want to go a bit faster!
The seating position in this hand bike is very comfortable, you’re pretty much in a padded chair with your feet up. I would probably opt for a hand bike over a bicycle just for the seat comfort!
Knowing that the XCR handles well and has electric assist that can adapt to suit my fluctuating ability makes it easy to rave about. It’s a very accommodating bit of kit. I’m often asked about how it must be hard work to ride it. My response is to say ‘yeah, you’ve got to be quite strong *flashes the tiny arm muscles* and the electric assist helps’!
Packing: What kit to wear and take
I’ll go through this in more depth in another post as there is so much to consider when it comes to the kit to carry on the bike and what to wear!
Nothing reminds me more that I'm still very much an amateur at this bike lark than getting soaked to the skin and very cold. Getting cold is a tricky one for me as it really affects my legs, this has resulted in a mammoth leg spasm that caused me to knee the chain off! Whoops!
Wet weather: Being low to the ground means in the rain my legs are stretched out ready to receive a full soaking. The other disadvantage is that, whilst you might have a great mudguard, any bicycles going past are prone to spraying you in the face with debris. Keeping warm and dry is the preferred option.
Here’s where I’ve got to with my clothing in the winter:
waterproof jacket (shower proof has its limits, Cornish rain has no limit), layers of tops but ensure they are breathable! there's no need for padded shorts on a handcycle so I wear two pairs of leggings. One set is thermal, and the other set are water resistant. Waterproof socks are a thing! Warm, waterproof gloves, a snood, Helmet (obviously) and an under-helmet bike hat to prevent the rain seeping in. A set of bike glasses helps too. For those adventurous night rides I've also got some lights in the form of red light armbands, and a headband with white front light and red rear light. It's fantastic having the headlight to illuminate where I'm facing!
Running leggings and shorts have handy pockets and aren’t padded (I personally don’t see a need for padding when I'm sat on my cushioned seat!) however, the downside is the internet adverts suggesting a set of running shoes to go with these. Erm, not sure I'll get much use from those!
Arm cover is essential when you’re on the hand bike as you’re at stinging nettle height!!! It’s easy to get distracted and swerve to allow someone to pass and get stung for your kindness.
Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
The kit to take on the bike is still very much a learning opportunity. It's grown a lot since just a drink and a snack! I'm grateful to those who have lent me a multi tool or a pump! It’s all well and good having the right kit but knowing how to use it is handy too. I’ve signed myself up for a course in bike maintenance and repairs for exactly that.
I’ll list off what I’m currently carrying in the bag and, all going well with the course, I’ll do a more in-depth bit on applying that knowledge!
The bag so far: Puncture repair kit, inner tubes x2, Tyre levers, my own multi tool! A drink an a snack, first aid kit.
I’ll be adding a spare chain and the relevant tools, plus a tyre mate as I hear they’re a worthwhile addition!
If you’ve got any suggestions on kit to add, or better yet any recommendations of tried and tested waterproof cycle clothing then please let me know.
Pick your path:
In an ideal world there would be a route planner for trails that highlights things like where to get food, or where all the awkward barriers are! There are various trails around, but none have the tried and tested review from a hand bike perspective.
I’d like to know:
Is it wide enough to fit the bike?
Are there turning \ passing places? (Will I get stuck in a narrow lane with a car unable to pass me)
Will there be cake?!
If there are barriers can the bike navigate through?
Are you sure the café with the cake is open?
What is the emergency access like?
I managed to get a meeting with the relevant officials over the need of a chaperone on rides to open and shut gates on a certain route. There’s not much fun in being reminded of the fact that as a grown adult you aren’t allowed to go on a bike ride unless you ask your mates if they’re able to come play and open a gate. It’s far from independent living and I'll be taking the relevant authorities to task on adapting as many barriers as possible!
Parking:
The VW transporter is named Vinnie after the artist, Vinnie-Van-Gogh! As much as I amuse myself with silly names like this, it does feel like I’ve added a jinx to the left wing-mirror. In the height of summer, the parking in the county goes a bit bananas! However, the issue with parking is more to do with the hand bike itself. Yes, there are plenty of rails for a bicycle to park up and be chained on, but the dimensions of the XCR mean that it’s a bit more of a challenge. That’s not to say there isn’t anywhere to park it, just that it requires a bit more work. This is something I'll factor into my route write ups!
Picture this:
I need to remember to photograph sections of the route and points of interest so I can add these to the write ups. It’s easy for me to become so engrossed in a ride that I keep forgetting the photos and footage! I’m sure this sort of information would really help with the decision-making process when considering what route to take. Having not done much exploring on my own I can admit that this is due to being worried about getting myself lost or stuck at a barrier. Whilst I can sit and read through written instructions and get a rough idea of where I'm supposed to be going, I’d much rather have the luxury of someone showing me the way! If I can capture the routes using a go-pro and share that then it’s a step towards a guided ride. Seeing images of the awesome views on a route gives a real incentive to push on up the slopes, or along the trail for that reward. As for the cake, I’ll have to try and remember the photo before I inhale it.
Promo:
At some stage (early 2022) there will be hire bikes! At that point I'll have to let everyone know they are here. You'll likely hear me shouting it from the rooftops! Failing that, if you want to be one of the first to know and have a go then please click the contact button and get yourself on the list.
