Cycling in Devon and Cornwall on the Tarka Trail and Camel Trail

Bicycles date back to the first half of the 19^th century, where they were invented and developed in Germany, they wee originally known as velocipedes and by the turn of the 20^th century Birmingham and Coventry in the English Midlands were the home to the majority of Britain’s bicycle trade. The many engineering companies and brands which supported the early bicycle trade, would later pave the way for the development of motorcycles and motorcars.

Since this time, many improvements and inventions have taken place relating to the humble bicycle. Advances in pneumatic tyres, gearing systems, suspensions, calliper and disc brakes, wheels, chains, derailleur systems, bearings, forks and lightweight frames have led to the bicycle becoming an extremely popular and reliable mode of transport on two wheels.

Types Of Bicycle

Today, bicycles are generally categorised as either mountain bikes, road bikes (or racing

A traditional Pashley Bike

bikes), hybrid bikes, touring bikes, BMX bikes and folding bikes.

Mountain bikes are generally rugged in design and can be used for both on-road and off-road cycling, they are usually designed with front and sometimes rear suspension and a good set of gears for steep tracks. Mountain biking can be considered an extreme sport with races, trials and events taking place world wide. Mountain biking is a culture and is an extremely popular hobby which is supported with magazines, mountain bike trails and courses and many rough terrain routes some of which are man made or purpose built through woods and mountains.

Road bikes are only suitable for on-road cycling and is still a popular sport with racing events often taking place over long distances such as the Tour De France. Racing bikes are often very expensive and can be considered specialist bikes due to the very lightweight frames which add to a cyclists speed. They usually do not come with suspension as this can slow a rider down when exerting energy on a smooth flat surface such as the road.

Hybrid bikes are becoming more and more popular with commuters in towns and cities. A hybrid bike will be ideal for on-road and also off-road providing the terrain is not too rough. The wheels are often thinner than a mountain bike but more durable than a racing bike, they are ideal for canal tow paths, forest tracks, roads and light off-road terrain. Hybrids are usually hard tail bikes and they will sometimes come with front suspension which can be locked.

Mountain Bikes For Touring

Touring bikes are similar to Hybrid cycles but they are more suitable for long distances with additional accessories often built in such as luggage racks, panniers and mud guards for wet weather. Tourers are generally designed for comfort.

BMX bikes are often used as stunt bikes and a whole generation grew up on the concept of the BMX in the 1980s. Many towns and cities throughout the world have BMX tracks and half pipes for stunts and competitions. The BMX trade is supported with magazines, competitions and media coverage.

Finally, the folding bicycle is an ideal piece of kit for commuting, or cycling to the train station or even for holidays as the design is intended to be lightweight and to be enable the rider to simply fold it up and carry the cycle when not in use. Fold up bikes are more for town use or on a caravan park or to cycle short distances as they have small wheels and are not ideal for long distance cycling.

Cycle Routes

Britain is covered in a vast network of cycle routes both on-road and off-road. The main obstacle with cycling around Britain is the danger of motorists. Bicycle sales remain

Tarka Trail Devon

constant which indicates that the pastime of cycling is ever popular, unfortunately, the death rate on Britain’s roads also remains prevalent. Navigating your route on safe quiet roads is worth the research if you’re looking for a good cycle route. Cycling on motorways is forbidden and cycling on dual carriageways is legal but can be highly dangerous as they share the same speed limits as the motorways.

There are dozens of mountain bike trails from the Brecon Beacons to the Yorkshire Dales and beyond.  Routes will vary in difficulty and cycle safety is paramount, a good bicycle helmet is essential for downhill and rocky terrain. Man made mountain bike trails are made up of woodland routes, rocky tracks and generally rough terrain.

Camel Trail Tea Gardens

Mountain bike trails can be researched online or by spending a few pounds on a mountain bike magazine. The same may be said for BMX tracks, a good sports blog will help identify some mountain bike or BMX tracks in your local area.

For longer distance cycle routes ‘Sustrans’ cycle charity is a really useful organisation to join. Sustrans can offer safety advice, best road routes, cycle maps and cycle trails such as the Tarka Trail and Devon Coast to Coast. You’ll also get a newsletter with Sustrans highlighting new routes and cycle events such as Sky Ride which takes place annually.

For those wishing to join a cycling club, there are plenty around the UK and for those wishing to explore the idea of a cycling holiday, a good holiday camp or camp site which is near to some stunning scenery and safe cycle will offer all the facilities needed for a great stay adventure. For the really dedicated cyclist, the Lands End to John o’ Groats route is testing but a great chance to raise money for charity and see some beautiful parts of back-road Britain.

Cycle Shops & Brands

There are plenty of cycle stores both online shops and high street stores where you can browse and choose a great bike.

Popular UK brands are Dawes, Pashley, Raleigh, Orange and Brompton with Reynolds tubing making lightweight racing frames. Popular overseas brands include the likes of Marin, Kona, Trek, Spcialized and Cannondale.

Well known stores include Halfords, Evans Cycles,  Cycles UK, Chain Reaction, Cycle Surgery as well as many internet based stores, high street cycle shops and bike superstores.

Most smaller high street stores such as Evans will offer free advice on bicycle maintenance, road safety, frame sizing and accessories such as lights, bicycle helmets, bicycle pumps. Backpacks, cycle kits and much more.

Cycling is a great sport and hobby, and if you respect the road, cycling can be enjoyed by all ages.