Hi folks,

I hope someone can help.

I've recently moved to the area and at the tender age of 48 I've had to give up Badminton due to my weak knees and ankles - mostly caused by my weight. I'd like to replace my Badminton with Cycling and am looking for a group or a couple of like-minded (and slow) people to cycle with locally. I live near Wallasey Grove Road station and have looked at a couple of the cycling clubs on the Wirral - but I'm not really suited to those. The thought of me in Lycra sends shivers through my spine and may induce someone to call the coast guard. I've also been in touch with a couple of them and indeed they don't think I'd be suitable either.

So - anyone know of anyone or a group that might be suitable? I'd basically like to go out once or twice a week for an hour or two each time and the aim is to lose a bit of weight, keep fit and see some of the lovely countryside (and maybe pubs) that the Wirral has to offer. I'm definitely not interested in being competitive or in cycling 25 - 50 miles in a day. I know my limits.

Any advice or help appreciated.

Thanks.

Martin

I used to cycle and still play badminton, I find cycling much harder on the knees than badminton.

There are two excellent flat cycle routes from Queensferry to Chester although I advise to chose the direction that has the wind in your face on the outward journey.

Right along the North coast of the Wirral has flat cycling as well (Seacombe, New Brighton, Leasowe, Hoylake) but a bit more interference from pedestrians.

The Wirral Way is quite mixed and not as easy all of the time.

As soon as you go inland you generally have hills or vehicles to contend with.

I'd recommend that you contact Merseyside CTC (Cyclists Touring Club):
http://www.merseysidectc.com/

There is a Wirral group and they organise rides for people of all ages and abilities. No, you don't have to wear lycra but from a personal point, padded cycling shorts under your regular shorts help make things more comfortable.

Good luck.

Hello mate, I am a keen cyclist, far from a club member level but I will often go out and do a 30 mile plus run, occasionally as many as 90 miles. I only started cycling 12 months ago after years of back pain.

There are loads of routes around the wirral for different abilities but I have found that entering sporting events is the best way to get out in larger groups. The Liverpool to Chester ride is coming up on July 1st. I th8nk it starts at 10 miles and goes up to 100 there are loads of events, probably one a week if you are willing to travel around.

Last year I did the coast to coast cycle over a few days and it was probably one of the hardest but most rewarding things I have ever done.

Check out some of the events

try these http://www.wirralcycling.org.uk/

Me personally .... I'm a loner and I tend to just go out on my bike and ride .... but I'm an anti social man .... PS check out people like SamPilgrim,Ali Clarkson , MattJones or HarryMain on youtube ... pretty inspirational people who definitely out-do me in every possible way!