Fitness - Fat Girl Fit

My Sisters First Ever Obstacle Race

You will have seen many blog posts from me over the years about various muddy obstacle runs that I have taken part in and I will be the first to admit that it has been a while – Covid and all that!

Nuclear Races has always been a firm favourite of mine with events that never disappoint, amazing atmosphere, great staff and always sure to bump into someone you know (and probably met through OCR). When they got in touch about attending their Rush weekend I was very excited BUT I have a previous knee injury that has been niggling me and with some endurance riding coming up I thought it best not to take a chance. However, I knew of someone who is always up for a challenge – my little sister.

This would be her first experience of a muddy obstacle race and she would be doing it with a friend in the same position. I gave them hints and tips on what they should be wearing and also some ideas of what should be in their kit list for before and after. Below is an idea:

OCR Kit List

Phone with race entry plus photo ID
Trail shoes (trainers will work but will have much less grip)
Kit in tech material and not cotton (gets heavy when wet and doesn’t dry out quickly)
Dry robe for after (if you have one)
Spare clothes, socks, trainers for post race, including warm hat
Wet wipes
Towel
Black bag for wet, muddy kit
A bag for all the above
Watch to record your activity (if you wish)
Compression gear (again if you wish or are racing and not for fun)
Money (you will be hungry after)

I will admit that some of the questions I had ahead of the race from my sisters friend (I will not name her) were amazing and honestly made my day! They included:

Will I break a nail?
Will my hair get wet as I had a blow dry yesterday?

Naturally I went along to support – this was going to be fun!

I should start by saying my sister was always the sporty child in our house growing up and still is in her adult life. She has 3 children but continues to manage a netball team for the county, whilst still training and playing herself, she walks a lot, runs and is competitive! Her friend has 5 children and is also very active, again with netball, the gym and lots of walking.

What Did They Think?

They did the 12km course for Rush and here is what they thought:

there was a group of six of them who ran together and they agreed that this is about the fun and that doing the course together would be their preference rather than alone – there are people who race solo but for them this was a fun experience and the group helped
my sister is small (but mighty) and very much has the attitude to give it a go and so that is what she did
even once my sister got home she messaged me to say she was still buzzing – honestly she loved it and would go back without a second thought
let’s just say my sisters friend gave it a go but in future she may spectate – she had not appreciated how much mud and water there would be (this is Nuclear and their slogan is Love Mud)

Sarah’s Review:

I had the BEST day ever at Nuclear Races at the weekend. From the moment I got there until I got back in my car (was actually still buzzing when I went to bed). I was a little nervous to start with, wondering if I would be able to do everything and complete the whole 12km course but all the marshals were so supportive and encouraging and guided you through all the obstacles – even the cameraman, Tony, was enticing people to get involved!

I ran the course with my bestie, who to be honest was not a fan. She didn’t realise it would be so muddy and wet, but that for me was one of the best bits. I just threw myself into everything – literally. The muddier the better – you just have to embrace the mud.

A couple of the obstacles were daunting due to being vertically challenged at 5ft 2” but where there’s a will, there’s a way. The marshals find a way for you to do everything and even the other runners help you out with tips and a leg up here and a pull over there. It’s a real community and everyone wants everyone else to do well. You get a sense of achievement of completing an obstacle you arrive at and think ‘there’s no way I can do that’.

I think my worst obstacle was Ebenezer, purely because it stinks and is slimy mud so you’re waist deep in mud and slipping in every direction trying you’re best not to get you face submerged for the fear it tastes as bad as it stinks. But again, once I got out the other side I felt like a warrior!

It’s hard to pick a favourite. The Death Slide and Zip Wire are obviously up there and the half pipe at the very end. My body was screaming at me to stop, legs and arms dead but you just find that reserve in the tank to sprint up a near on vertical wall, lucking I had a strong helper at the top pull me over.

I honestly cannot wait to do it again. I’m going to bring my kids as they will love it just as much as I did. Thank you Nuclear Races!

What If You Want To Spectate?

There is something for everyone at Nuclear! Parking is free and to spectate you pay £5, unless you are accompanying a child taking on the Rookie course or under 12, in which case it is free. What can you expect?

there is a main event village, which has the start and finish so you can watch the warm up, see the runners off and finish for both the adults and children
food and drink stalls, including a licensed bar
merchandise shop
live music
inflatables for the kids
two tractors work at the same time to ferry people from the event village to the fun zone so you can spectate on course
the fun zone is near the lake zone and so you can see the obstacles on the lake such as magic carpet, donuts, death slide, zip lines and ebeneezer for all the mud!
also at the lake there was an ice cream van and a van selling drinks, crisps and fresh pizzas

It was an amazing day, despite having serious fomo once there, I had a blast watching them and walking round the course, although I did get very sunburnt!

Head to my Instagram for a short reel to give you a taste of some of the course.

Entries were gifted but all opinions are our own

Category: Cycling, Events, Fitness

Women V Cancer – Ride The Night

At the weekend I took part in the Women V Cancer Ride The Night 100km event. I have done this ride before as a ride angel, that you can read about here.

This time round I was gifted my place on the event and having taken part before I quickly accepted the opportunity again for such a great cause. Participants taking part challenge themselves to cycle either 50km or 100km through the night. The 50km point is by Buckingham Palace and if you finish there the organisers have put on coaches to return riders to Windsor Racecourse and lorries to take bikes back too – I have not done this before so cannot comment on this element of the event.

All fundraising from the event raises vital funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Now, Ovarian Cancer Action and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

The atmosphere is amazing and the effort people go to is amazing! You don’t have to, but a lot of people dress up, add to their cycling kit with all the pink things and lights – there are lots of lights and some truly superb outfits – even from the doggos!

I knew quite a few ladies who were doing this ride as ride angels so also want to take a moment to give them a shout out. Events like these rely on volunteers and having been a ride angel on this event myself, I know how crucial that role is to support those taking part. Plus look at those halos!

I knew a lady who was taking part in the ride solo and we had done some mountain biking together and also a couple of road rides so I offered to ride with her. She was fab and managed to finish within the first 10 riders back to the racecourse – super proud of her!

Highlights

Highlights for me are:

absolutely the atmosphere at all stages of the event, beforehand, during and after
in with your event entry you get a pink hi-vis waistcoat to wear and a ticket for the pasta party so you can carb up ahead of the event starting
in the event village there were food trucks, face painting, music, dancers, kit to purchase and photographers to capture it all
the support along the route and at the finish – you can tell how much this event means to so many and heading out to London there were so many people by the side of the road cheering too
in addition to event day there is a lot that the company do by way of support including emails with training tips and advice
there is a facebook group you can join where so many share stories, hints/tips/advice and support
the feed stops were amazing with everything you could have wanted included more support from the volunteers there
marshalls who were out for the duration of the event in the dark and cold but always had a cheer and kind word
when we got to the Mall it was closed off as the Westminster Mile was taking place the following day and so riding up that to ourselves was fab
there is such a huge mix of abilities taking part so people are returning over quite a long time period but the organisation to allow people to leave when they were ready and not disrupt those riders returning was very well thought out

Not So Highlights

There are a few negatives as follows:

there could have been more toilets in the event village – as always there are queues before events take place (that nervous wee) but with so many people taking part and just over a dozen portaloos it definitely could have done with more
we found a few stretches of the route where we were unsure if we had gone wrong or missed a sign but we would eventually come across one – this is super hard as the organisers cannot put signs up everywhere but we were not the only ones who wondered if they’d made an error
some of the signs were a little late with instruction ie you would be on the left in the cycle lane and it would have an arrow straight forward and then it would show right and there were more than one lane of traffic to get across in busy areas
there was one part of the route towards the end where you were directed down a side turn that appeared to be to a closed gate but actually you were turning right to get on a cycle path but by the time we realised we were at the bottom so had to get off bikes and bump up the pavement
absolutely nothing to do with the event but there was a lot of speed bumps, pot holes on some roads – the joy of riding in London!

If you are thinking of taking part as either a participant for the challenge or as a ride angel I would definitely recommend both having taken part now as both.

I was gifted my place at the event, but all opinions are my own.

Category: Fitness

#BreakTheBias – International Women’s Day 2022

Today, 8 March 2022, is International Women’s Day and the theme for this year is Break The Bias. According to the official International Women’s Day website:

‘Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.‘

But what does Break The Bias mean to you? What does it mean to me? Well the name of my blog is Fat Girl Fit and that is my way of breaking the bias. I am not cover girl size, but that does not define me, it does not determine my worth and it is not indicative of my ability. I am more than capable and I am fearlessly unapologetically me, always!

I spoke with some ladies who I respect and admire to find out what this years theme means to them:

Bianca Fernandez-Clark

Being a cyclist and triathlete is being constantly reminded that I am not the norm: female, black, and with a bigger body. Breaking the bias is ensuring that my sport sees me, makes me feel represented and that my strength is not questioned, because I am constantly seen as weak because I’m a woman.

Amy Marren

Sport to me is total freedom and pushing your body beyond own boundaries. I love sport because it gives me a chance to feel strong, when the world would expect otherwise. I also love how sport does not have a “one size fits all” nature about it, you can be the tallest or the littlest and still be in it for the love of the game.

Lucy Edwards

The number of women who compete in triathlon has increased, but the ratio still remains lower for females compared to males. This gender gap is caused by many factors, including cost, ability, access to training facilities and time constraints.

But often the biggest barriers to triathlon are not external, but rather internal blockers and fears which prevent women from getting outside of their comfort zone.

One of the ways I try to help break down the barriers is to share my own journey openly and honestly, including my own fears and how I’m overcoming them. I’m passionate about encouraging and supporting other women to challenge themselves in sport.

On International Women’s Day, I’m grateful to the women who inspire, encourage and empower me to challenge myself.

Sarah Biss

Netball has always been a big part of my life since school years. I have continued into my adult life both as a player and coach and now my two daughters also play. It is not uncommon for me to be one of the shortest players on the team and sometimes underestimated, which is wrong. I am quick, constantly moving and work hard on the court in either centre position or wing attack.

I am a mother now to three children, one boy and two girls, and people assumed the sport would be something I stopped but instead it is something I can share with my daughters and continue to be passionate about. Plus it is as they say the best things come in small packages.

Karla Williams

I have fallen in love with cycling and the ways it can help physically and mentally.

As my love of the sport grew, I realised how hard and intimidating it is for women to get into the sport and e-racing. This realisation made me passionate about promoting, highlighting and supporting women’s e-racing by managing a women’s e-racing team, Aeonian Race Team, and offering different types of races for the women’s community on Zwift. By doing this, I hope to provide the ladies the opportunities to try these races and get the confidence in themselves to enter the racing scene, which in itself is very intimidating.

Managing a women’s e-racing team also comes with it’s own challenges. People often think my e-racing and cycling knowledge is lacking simply because I am a woman, have no professional background or race at an elite level. My experience in Zwift and e-racing have empowered me with a lot of knowledge to offer. With my work in promoting women’s cycling and my love for the sport, I hope to help break some of these barriers and show other women out there, we can do anything.

Michelle Shaw

Cycling is still very much seen as a male dominated sport. Breaking that bias for me means being visible, being loud and standing proud.

Share your achievements and support other women to do the same.

Social media gets a really hard time but I’ve met some of the most inspiring women online-women like me, who I feel I can totally relate too, we are a force to be reckoned with, there will always be those who think men are more superior but these views are now being called out-people don’t seem as afraid to shout up when they think something is unfair.

Category: Cycling, Events, Fitness

A little 2021 Roundup

Not to sound like a broken record as I realise I added a round up at the end of last year, but it got me looking back at the year and you know what? Yes, there may have been fewer events but I had a blast!

2021 Events

As expected, most events were cancelled, rescheduled of postponed until next year, but I did complete:

Virtual Vatternrundan 315km (not the same as being out through the night in Sweden sadly – but I will be going back 2022 with all my fingers and toes crossed)
Ride Essex Dirty 58 miles off road

2021 Cycling Highlights

Looking back I was surprised that I have done pretty much an equal amount of road riding as I have off road. Considering I only got my first ever MTB towards the end of last year I am loving it! However, despite lack of events I wanted to maintain my training and have completed the following:

Women’s 30 day Cycling Challenge
I joined Aeonian E-Race Team and started racing in the virtual world
Breeze Champion for both road and off road rides as I was part of the inaugural Into The Forest champions to qualify and have led a few rides off road already this year
Level 2 British Cycling Coach qualification
British Cycling Trainee Commissaire qualification
100 Women In Cycling award from Cycling UK
First try at bike packing on part of King Alfred’s Way and looking forward to more!

Other 2021 Highlights

I have had so many weekends away in the campervan and don’t think I will ever get tired of that. The flexibility of working mostly from home has meant I can balance the work/life balance so much easier.

I did finish the year with Covid but super mild symptom of a sore throat only so can’t complain.

I have my 2022 events set so I am hoping everything goes to plan and these continue to be in real life events.

On a more positive note, I will be going into 2022 as my third year as a Foher ambassador, which I am very excited about!

Category: Cycling, Fitness

My Winter/Off Season Goals

Do you ever make winter/off season goals for yourself? I can’t say I do but this year I am changing that.

Like everyone else the recent year (and some) have meant events have been cancelled/rescheduled and that as afforded me the luxury of being able to do as much or as little as I want in terms of training. That is a huge bonus, however, there are some downsides and as I am looking at events for 2022 I was looking at areas to focus on in the coming months so have set myself some goals.

E-Racing

I don’t really have race mentality. I like to see celebrate success in others as well as myself but this year I joined Aeonian Race Team. This team are the most amazing bunch of ladies – super encouraging, supportive, helpful and they really empower each other.

Taking part in races has really thrown my out of my comfort zone but I can see the benefits already and it is something I am keen to continue with. So in some way shape or form I will continue with the racing and to push myself.

Climbing (On The Bike That Is)

I am not a climber. I can get up the hills but I am a lot slower than most others. I find if I ride in a group I set off trying to keep with others and pretty quickly suffer the consequence. It is something I noticed with the racing also, that I would inspect the routes and mentally be stressed in advance knowing if it was a hilly course I was likely to bring very little to the team.

I have a great set up at home so can use Zwift to help with this also. I will just let my husband know in advance when I am likely to be doing these sessions as I am a pretty grumpy climber also.

Weight(s) – Mine & Lifting

Yup that thing you are not supposed to say anymore as it is a bit of a taboo subject – I wrote a whole blog piece on this that you can find here. But for the coming months I want to drop weight – this will help with both of the above goals and quite honestly I am not comfortable with where I am right now so want to do something about it.

I am certain I had this as a goal previously but then life got flip turned upside down (see what I did there?) and it was not so much of a focus and Covid saw so many banana breads it was hard (but so good)!

Consistency With Strength Work

I have done many courses of different bootcamps, body transformations, strength work and none of them bad whatsoever, but I find then the next thing comes along and my focus might change and then before I know it I have not done strength work in several months on a consistent basis.

I will be taking this back to basics to have a regular workout – I don’t like to ignore strength work and have seen first hand, for me, how this has improved my health and fitness.

Tick Off Some More Zwift Routes

Like many other people I have been steadily working my way through the list of routes on Zwift. Every time I think I am getting closer there seems to be an extension (which I am not moaning about) and more routes get added. So looking forward to the new 8 Makuri Islands Neokyo routes and ticking those off and some of the longer ones that are left on my list too.

MTB Fun

There has to be fun as well right? I love the MTB and just making the ride up as I go. Winter season is generally slosh season and I am not a fan but for winter months need to suck it up and work on that.

Do you set winter/off season goals? If so what are they?

Category: Cycling, Fitness

Commuting To Work By Bike

I, like most, have been working from home since the start of the pandemic 18-months ago. When my company said we would/could return to the office I was already thinking I would need to get organised for commuting by bike once again.

I have written a post previously when I first started commuting by bike that you can read here and another about cycling at different times of the day that you can read here.

After being at home for so long and not having to get all my bits together for commuting I had forgotten how much organisation was required!

My Commuter Checklist

This is the kit I use for commuting from Essex to London by bike:

Bike check – night before I check the tyre pressure and that everything is in good working order. I also use my gravel bike for my commute.
Saddle bag – as with the above I check I have everything I might need should something come up on route (never say the P word!). I have the Ortleib Micro Two bag, which fits in 2 tubes, 2 gas canisters and adaptor, tyre levers and multi tool. Very compact, simple to use and easy to get on and off. The material is waterproof and wipes clean, which is useful as you get a lot of grime pick up during the commute.
Mud guards or mudflap – I do some solo commuting but used to commute with a friend and now have occasions where I commute with my husband so these are good for riding with others to not shower them in mud and wet but also to stop/limit getting the same on yourself and your bike.
Overshoes – I don’t use these in the summer months but do for winter and have some custom overshoes from my club that are from BioRacer. I have the tempest material that is thermal lined and the water beads off the material so you have toasty and dry feet!
Bag – I used to use the KitBrix CityBrix, which was fab but it has been ‘borrowed’ by my husband. I tried using a roll top backpack from Rapha recently but I couldn’t get on with it sadly – I found it didn’t sit just right and when looking around to see if roads were clear to ride across junctions the top corner of the bag was just in the way each time meaning I had to stop to check. I have a new bag, with thanks to Evans Cycles, that is the Osprey Radial backpack, that is very comfortable to use when riding, has a helmet attachment, kickstand for when not being used and keeping the bag upright, rain cover to use when needed, and the option to expand from 26 to 34 litre capacity depending on what is being carried. Very impressed with the Osprey bag so far!
Lights – I always charge these the night before and again top them up when I get into the office as I am always keen to be safe and seen! I have the Bontrager Ion Pro (front light) and Bontrager Flare (rear light) on my bike.
ID band – I have a sticker on my helmet but also wear a One Life ID wrist band that has all my emergency details, just in case!
Jacket – even in summer months as I am up early it can mean a jacket is required. Again I take this as an opportunity to be safe and seen and use a Proviz jacket. The reflective elements are great for the commute. It is waterproof and windproof, which is essential, however, it is not the most breathable – fine whilst wearing but once you stop I find you notice the moisture it has retained, which is not an issue for the commute as I have multiple hours between the commute in and home to allow it to dry/air.
Kit/helmet – always wear a helmet and kit is dependent on weather. I find a buff is such an undervalued piece of kit, easy to pack and if the weather turns (as it so often does) this can be used in multiple ways!
Bike computer – not an essential but I always ride with my Wahoo Bolt.

I have a secure bike lock up at work and leave a lock there, as well as leaving toiletries at work so I don’t need to take those back and forth.

Some items mentioned in this post were gifted from Evans Cycles but all opinions are my own.

Category: Cycling, Fitness

My Home Turbo Trainer Set Up

Coming into winter months I often use my turbo trainer more then other times in the year. I have also just joined an e-racing team, Aeonian Race Team, so there are now weekly races I am taking part in also using the turbo.

I have a great set up at home and I am very lucky, although my husband and I worked hard for this and it was a long time in the planning (and saving) to get there.

I am fortunate that my set up means I can leave my kit set up at all times, which is super convenient so I am ready to train without the need to set anything up beforehand.

There are many different options for indoor training, including trainers, rollers, and specific indoor training specific bikes like the Wattbike or Wahoo KICKR Bike. Here is a bit about my set up:

Turbo Trainer

I have the Wahoo Kickr smart turbo trainer, which is a direct drive trainer. This essentially means I remove the back wheel from my bike and connect directly to the cassette on the trainer.

This trainer has a built in power meter, which results in more accurate power readings and is what is known as a smart trainer meaning it can connect with apps/computer (whatever is your set up), cadence sensors, meaning riding is more realistic and efficient. It also automatically adjusts the resistance depending on the route I am doing, which could be for an interval in a session or to match a change in gradient when either ascending or descending.

I mentioned earlier that I have this set up permanently and that is good as the unit I have is heavy so really not ideal for constant moving.

Training App

I use my turbo trainer with Zwift and connect to this via an app on my Apple TV. I have the Zwift app downloaded and have my trainer and heart rate paired. Any updates I am alerted to and can easily run ahead of signing in to Zwift to ride.

Accessories

There are lots of accessories available in the market, however, for me my go to essentials are as follows:

Wahoo turbo trainer floor mat – this is placed directly under my trainer and bike. It is water (in my case sweat) resistant, easy to wipe clean, and does not move or allow the bike to move when riding.
Towels – I have to have a towel handy when riding, especially if completing a session or a race! I got this set from Zwift and they’re perfect to sit over the handlebars.
Fan – if you read about turbo training it is often referred to as a sweat fest (hence the mat and towel mentioned above) but I find the fan is a god send! There are super fancy fans available on the market but the one I have is fab and serves my need perfectly.
Muc Off Sweat Protect – despite the mat and towel you move position on the bike and sweat can get in various places including the bike frame and parts. This spray helps protect against corrosion that could be a result on both the bike and equipment.
Quad Lock – I have a quad lock on the handlebars so I have easy access to my phone to be able to use the Zwift Companion App, whilst in ride. This device is very impressive, super sturdy and whilst I have not had the need to use outside I do love it for my indoor training.

Some items mentioned in this post were gifted from Evans Cycles but all opinions are my own.

Category: Cycling, Events, Fitness

Top 3 tips on Mental strategies – How to stay mentally motivated

During the past crazy 18-months I have been working from home and like everyone else seen events and holidays cancelled. With this my motivation for training fluctuated and it was hard to stay mentally focussed sometimes. I often find the same is true just before and on event days and whilst I trust my training I am always nervous.

There is a quote I heard once that I always try to remember on event days. It is:

‘Physical strength will get you to the start line, but mental strength will get you to the finish line.’

My Top 3 Tips:

Most people, if they are honest, get nervous. Nerves are normal. Nerves are fine. Nerves show that you care about what you are about to undertake. I would say that my mental game is not that strong and something I need to work on, however, with experience I have gained over recent years I would offer the following 3 tips both for during training and on event day itself:

Set yourself a goal. It is key to remember that everyone’s goals are different and that is ok! Some will be going for PB, some for the win, some to enjoy it, some to finish and whatever your goal is, it is good to have that in mind and plan accordingly so you do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself and end up comparing yourself with others. Smaller goals in the lead up to your main goal are also a good way of keeping focused. Whatever your goal, do it for you and no one else.
Training. Once you have your goal you can plan your training accordingly. Your training should be realistic. Consistency is key and you will benefit hugely from incorporating strength and conditioning (leg and core strength are key to endurance riding). Rest days are part of the process too – don’t ignore the importance of allowing your body rest and recovery. I keep a training diary where I log my training and keep note specifically if I have a good or bad session so I can adapt as needed. Not all sessions will be good, but you just dust yourself off and try again. I also fuel with nutrition through training that I will be using on event day as you want to know what works for you. Trust your training on event day and enjoy the ride! I have a blog post on training for an endurance event that you can read here.
Be flexible. My husband once told me that the circumstances on the day dictate your performance and I have learned through events with terrible weather that this is very true, and it is so important to be able to adapt if necessary. Things like weather or mechanical issues are out of your control and you shouldn’t waste your energy on things like this but instead adapt and overcome. For longer rides I would advise breaking down the mileage, yes you are still doing the same overall distance but breaking down to smaller milestones is more manageable to process and will not seem as overwhelming.

Category: Cycling, Fitness, Product Reviews

Raleigh Motus E-Bike Review

I am very lucky to be supported by Evans Cycles this year for my adventures and events. I was asked if I would be interested in trying an electric bike. To be completely honest I have never tried and electric bike before and have never felt the need to have a bike with a motor in it so I was sceptical and not expecting to like it. BUT it is so much fun!

The bike I took delivery of was the Raleigh Motus Evans Exclusive Low Step 2021 Electric Hybrid Bike and I will admit I was super impressed with the chap who delivered this on a push bike in a trailer! This bike, like most electric bikes, are heavy so kudos to that man.

The Bike Spec:

A bit more about the bike – it comes with:

mudguards front and back
pannier rack with straps
it does have reflectors, however, I would always add bike lights depending on the time riding and how dark it is
a bell, which is always useful especially with a hybrid bike if riding off road or through park pathways
kickstand

The spec is as follows:

300WH battery that provides energy output of up to 250% of your pedal power
7 speed
Bosch motor – weighing in at 2.9kg that is a decrease from the previous version by 25%
hydraulic disc brakes
schwalbe tyres
anti slip pedals
mains adaptor for charging
handlebar bike computer to turn on, change settings and displays speed and current range in miles

The bike has the following settings:

eco
tour
turbo
sport
walk

Depending on what setting you use the battery, when fully charged, can last up to 60 miles.

It does have front suspension to make certain terrain more comfortable, however, don’t expect the same as an off road ride as it was still fairly bumpy even on the road going over some bumps/cracks/holes.

How Does It Work With Strava?

When I tried the bike for the first time I loaded my ride onto Strava and it flagged with a message to say it looked like the ride was on an e-bike (which I was fully planning to mark it as) and gave me the option to amend. Interestingly I had someone comment on the activity joking that it was lazy, however, electric bikes do have a place so hold that judgement!

Why Choose An E-Bike?

I had a friend who was very unwell a couple of years back and loves cycling, so she had said that if she did not recover enough to cycle as usual she would look to purchase an electric bike so she could still enjoy the sport she loves, which is amazing.

You may wish to continue cycling and not be able to go as far as you wish and an electric bike may allow this. You may have an injury that would mean an electric bike is more suitable. You may be getting older and wish to continue cycling without as much stress on joints that an electric bike facilitates. Plus it enables time outdoors, which is always an environmental benefit and good for wellbeing.

As you ride an electric bike you continue to pedal and work and yes it makes it easier especially on inclines but there is a common misconception that you jump on a electric bike and it does all the work for you, which is not strictly true.

Electric bikes are obviously cheaper than travelling by car or train and with no emissions are more environmentally friendly. However, I would note that they are not cheap to purchase.

I had a lot of fun using this bike and would love to try a mountain bike version, which I am sure would be huge fun on the trails!

Thanks to Evans for sending me this bike to have a play around with!