Exercise plays a big part in my life, it is absolutely vital for all the systems of the body to function well and the benefits are ENDLESS!!!
I have tried many forms of exercise, however cycling for me has been the toughest, but most rewarding because over time it has helped me to lose weight and keep it stabilised and my body toned. I began with a vey painful 11 miles in 1 hour.   Through sheer determination I cycled in all weathers, very gradually my fitness levels increased then I was able to  produce longer rides at faster speeds. At the end of the year 1999, I joined  the cycling club "Lyme RC" and entered a time trial race. Suprisingly I achieved 10 miles in around 30 minutes and have since achieved success in longer rides for which I have received awards. My longest ever ride being  100 miles in under 6 hours. 

I also include running and swimming in my regime. I like to maintain a healthy diet and another key ingredient is relaxation, my own personal recipe for this is to relax in my garden whenever I can (when it's not raining!).

My Message to you :

I have now been in a road traffic accident twice in the last five years, both times I was riding my bicycle, each time the car drove into me. The second time October 21st 2009 I was very lucky, a driver pulled out from the left as I was cycling along a country lane on a nice sunny day. When the car pulled out on me I was forced onto the bonnet and crashed into the ground head first. I am an experienced cyclist however "I WAS NOT WEARING A HELMET". It has taken me five months to get to full recovery. My message to all you sports people and ramblers alike is: Take care at all times, be aware of the dangers, do as much as possible to be seen and put YOUR SAFETY FIRST. Even then, it may not be enough, and to all those people driving through the lanes and busy roads.............PLEASE, THINK ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES.