Getting on your bike!

14:03 07 July 2010

Many of us often hear about the benefits of cycling for our health and fitness, but for those who haven't been on two wheels since 1980 the prospect on getting back on may seem daunting.

However, once you've taken the leap back onto the saddle, it's like, well "riding a bike"!

The trick is having a goal to work to, and The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides could b the very thing to keep you off the sofa.

Riders of all ages and levels can journey in the tyre tracks of the pros, yet without the need to spend years training to get the chance to experience the thrill of the chase.  Anyone can have a go, at your own pace and on your own bike.

Riders will be able to cycle a stage of the actual route at three locations around the UK, in Stoke-on-Trent, London and for the first time, the scenic South West. In London, they'll even be warming up the tarmac for the real pros by riding the stage just a few hours before the real race takes place.

Whether you've been a keen cycling weekend warrior for years or haven't sat on a bike for decades, The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Rides, which take place in September, could be the event for you.

It's perfect for cyclists of any level, whether you want to ride in tandem with your family or take on a "beast of a ride" and go the full distance, routes range from 2k to 175k.

A pack of celebrities, from the worlds of sport, film and television, are backing the events – including Olympic gold medallist Daley Thompson, Ben Richards of ITV's 'The Bill', Nicole Barber Lane of 'Hollyoaks' and footballer turned pundit Mark Bright.

Whatever distance you decide to tackle or even if you want to stay closer to home, to make the most of the cycling, it pays to be prepared.

To  get you into the right frame of mind is 2009 British Road Cycling Champion Kristian House, to get your bike in shape, as well as your body and mind ahead of the big ride.

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For more information visit www.tourride.co.uk