Pedal & Pout: How Cycling Saved My Sanity!

One Hot Mess: But I Outsmarted Menopause on Two Wheels ??

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and all those teetering on the edge of re-discovering the joys of biking—let’s talk about something close to my heart (and thighs): cycling. Yes, cycling! That magical combination of two wheels, fresh air, and, if you’re like me, the occasional expletive when tackling a hill that looks more like a wall.

Now, before you start rolling your eyes thinking, "Oh great, another fitness fanatic preaching about the wonders of exercise," let me stop you right there. I’m not here to shove kale smoothies down your throat or suggest you sign up for a marathon. Nope, I’m here to share my personal journey—warts, wrinkles, mood swings, and all—of how cycling became my go-to therapy, especially during the rollercoaster of menopause. And, how it can be yours too, whether you’re new to biking, returning after a hiatus, or just curious about what all the fuss is about.

*munch crunch slurp … Yep, The Naked Lawyer is sat here as I write indulging in a dinner plate full of petits fours together with a bottle of Lucozade … {burp}

Why Cycling? Well, Why Not!

Let’s start with the obvious: cycling is fun. Remember that feeling of freedom when you were a kid, pedalling away from your front door like you were escaping to Narnia? Well, that never really goes away. What’s more, cycling is one of those rare activities that marries exercise with pure, unadulterated joy. And trust me, when you’re in the throes of a menopausal meltdown, a little joy goes a long way.

But beyond the feel-good factor, cycling is a low-impact, high-reward kind of activity. It’s gentle on the joints (hallelujah for those of us with creaky knees), great for cardiovascular health, and, as a bonus, it helps keep those pesky menopausal pounds at bay. Oh, and did I mention the mental health benefits? Nothing clears the mind quite like a brisk ride through the countryside or even a spin around the block.

The Naked Lawyer’s ears pricked up like a Dobermann’s alert to a disturbance. Spin? Did I mistakenly speak my thoughts and prose aloud and mention that ‘happy place’ word ‘spin’? Oh cripes!! Here we go … No sooner had I spoken than off she trot to rustle around in her bedroom … Sure enough, within record time out wheels her Nakedness’s fav bike (fully suited and booted in her cycling kit). She looks at me doe-eyed … I return to my keyboard …

My Personal Journey: From Period Pains to Perimenopause (and Beyond)

Let’s get real for a moment. As a woman who has lived through the joys of monthly cycles (pardon the pun and sarcasm) aka period pains, and the grand finale— perimenopause and menopause—I’ve found that cycling is a lifeline. There’s something wonderfully therapeutic about hopping on a bike when you’re feeling the hormonal blues. It’s like the wind is whisking away your worries, one pedal stroke at a time.

When I was deep in the trenches of perimenopause, dealing with mood swings that could rival a teenager’s or homicidal maniac, cycling was my escape. The endorphin rush from a good ride is like nature’s Prozac—only without the side effects. Whether it was the cool breeze on my face, the rhythmic motion of pedaling, or just the fact that I was out of the house and away from the chaos of daily life, cycling became my sanity saver.

And it wasn’t just about mood management. Regular rides helped alleviate some of the physical symptoms too. You see, exercise increases blood flow and can ease those dreaded hot flushes. Plus, it’s a great way to combat the fatigue that often comes with hormonal changes. So, if you’re battling the menopause monster, I can’t recommend cycling enough.

The Naked Lawyer wheels her bike closer to the desk … * Pouting now …

Why Different Bikes Matter (And Why You Should Experiment)

Now, let’s talk about bikes. If you’re new to cycling or just getting back into it after a break, you might be wondering, "What kind of bike should I get?" The answer is: it depends. Are you planning to commute to work? Tackle off-road trails? Or maybe you’re just looking for a leisurely weekend ride? Each of these scenarios calls for a different type of bike.

• Mountain Bike (MTB): Perfect for those who love a bit of adventure and don’t mind getting muddy. MTBs are great for off-road trails and rough terrain.
• Gravel Bike: Think of it as the love child between a road bike and a mountain bike. It’s versatile, handling both paved roads and gravel trails with ease.
• Road Bike: Built for speed and distance. If you’re looking to cover miles on tarmac and enjoy a smooth, fast ride, this is your go-to.
• E-Bike: Ah, the e-bike. My personal favourite and current obsession. It’s a regular bike, but with a little motor to help you along. Ideal for those of us who love cycling but could do with a bit of assistance, whether due to injury, time constraints, or just wanting to keep up with faster friends.

And here’s a tip: don’t rush into buying a bike straight away. Hire a few different types and take them for a spin. Trust me, it’s better to scrape up a rental bike than your brand-new pride and joy. Once you’ve figured out what you enjoy, then you can start thinking about investing in something more high-end. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll soon find yourself justifying that expensive purchase as “an investment in your wellbeing.”

*dingding dingding ... Obviously growing impatient The Naked Lawyer interrupted my ‘writer’s flow’ with a ring of her bling bell and purposely leaned her bike against my desk as a ploy to distract and entice me away.

Looking at me with a pout combined with cheeky grin, she went to fill up a couple of bike bottles … Hmmm … Maybe it's not a bad idea to take her out as she's just downed enough sugar to supply her with surplus energy to keep an entire kindergarten full of kiddies occupied the whole weekend... {groans}

Cycling: The Ultimate Mood Swing Manager

Speaking of mood swings (because, let’s face it, we can’t talk menopause without acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster), let’s talk about the alternative cycle—yes, the one that comes monthly and messes with your mind. You know the drill: one minute you’re calm and collected, the next, you’re ready to snap over a misplaced coffee mug.

Cycling, my friends, is a mood swing manager extraordinaire. The physical exertion helps burn off that pent-up frustration, while the fresh air works wonders on your mental state. Plus, there’s something about being in motion that just clears the mind. And if you’re feeling particularly irritable, I highly recommend a solo ride. Nothing like a good solo sweat session to reset your mood.

If only The Naked Lawyer would leave me in peace and take herself off without me ... Fat chance of that … She prefers my company as she knows I will always pick-up the tab at the café stop!! Hey-ho, the price of abating her moods is worth it imho ?*wink

But don’t underestimate the power of a social ride either. Cycling with friends can be just as therapeutic. It’s like group therapy on wheels, minus the awkward circle of chairs and the box of tissues. You chat, you laugh, you occasionally grunt your way up a hill, and by the end of it, you’re left with that warm, fuzzy feeling of camaraderie and accomplishment.

The Social Side of Cycling: Motivation and More

One of the best things about cycling is that it’s as social or as solo as you want it to be. When I first got back into cycling, during covid lockdown and in the thick of perimenopause, I found that I loved riding solo on the quiet roads, but as covid continued whilst restrictions eased, I delighted in riding with others as it was the key to staying motivated. There’s something about knowing you’ve got a ‘friend ride’ and then group ride scheduled (as covid restrictions eased further btw) that makes it a lot harder to hit snooze and skip the workout.

Plus, cycling with others is just plain fun. You get to share the ups and downs (literally) with people who understand the joy of a good ride. And if you’re new to biking, joining a group is a great way to learn the ropes. Most cycling groups are welcoming to newbies and will happily share tips, routes, and the obligatory snack stop!

And let’s not forget the post-ride coffee (err, actually, more often than not, beer or wine, depending on the time of day) ??. There’s nothing like sitting down with your fellow riders after a good ride, swapping stories, and maybe, just maybe, planning the next one over a pint or two.

The Naked Lawyer returned with six protein bars and four ‘zero’ hydro electrolyte tablets to pop into the water bottles … I guess she fancies a loooooooooonnnnnngggg ride … *harrumph … NOT what I had in mind for today, but heck, what the hell, why not! Let’s speed this article up so I can get out and enjoy the rest of the afternoon and eve with her …

My Love Affair with Cycling (And Why You Should Start Yours)

At this point, you might be thinking, “Okay, I get it, you love cycling. But why should I?” Well, let me tell you, dear reader, cycling isn’t just about fitness. It’s about freedom. It’s about finding a hobby that makes you feel alive, even when life throws you a doozy (or a hot flush). It’s about discovering that, despite the challenges—whether they be hormonal, physical, or just life in general—you can still find joy, adventure, and a bit of peace on two wheels.

So, whether you’re dusting off an old bike, contemplating buying a new one, or even thinking about trying out an e-bike, I encourage you to take the plunge. Hire a bike or ebike for a day. See how it feels to be back in the saddle. I promise you, the benefits will far outweigh any initial wobbles ??; and trust me, we all have them when we start out or return to biking so please don’t feel self-conscious or embarrassed. ??

If you do, simply think of me accompanying The Naked Lawyer. Believe me, there is nobody out there on two wheels more embarrassing than her Nakedness, and I would always choose to ride with her even when I know she intentionally goes out of her way to cause a scene by doing something embarrassing *wink?? Remember, it’s all about having fun …

*Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs The Naked Lawyer as she hands me my water bottle and two protein bars … Yup, she never goes out with less than four treats herself … I still haven’t worked out whether she needs the fuel or is simply a greedy chick. No matter. If it helps keep her mood in check (and therefore me sane) I’m happy to go with it!!

The Takeaways: Why I Love Cycling and Why You Might Too

• Mood Booster: Cycling was my go-to therapy for managing period issues and now is for menopause mood swings. The endorphins are real, and they work wonders.
• Joint-Friendly: As someone with more than a few creaky bits, I can vouch for the fact that cycling is kinder to your joints than many other forms of exercise.
• Mental Clarity: There’s nothing like a good ride to clear your head and help you tackle the day (or irritating spouse, significant other / The Naked Lawyer, family member, work colleague) with a bit more sanity.
• Social Benefits: Whether you ride solo or with friends, cycling offers a sense of community and connection that’s hard to beat.
• Adaptable: With different types of bikes available, there’s a ride for everyone. And yes, that includes e-bikes for those of us who need a little extra help.

Ready to Ride?

So, dig out that old bike and have it restored and/or serviced, head to a rental shop , or start browsing for a new set of wheels . The road (or trail) is calling, and trust me, it’s worth answering. Whether you’re managing the ups and downs of life, dealing with menopause, or just looking for a new way to stay active, cycling could be just what the doctor ordered. And who knows? You might just find yourself falling in love with it, just like The Naked Lawyer and I did.

Okay. All set. We’re off to swing by Riverside E-Bikes & Cycles shop and then cause mischief somewhere else in the Yorkshire Dales!!

Hugs, love, and happy pedalling!

*zing whoosh *zipp? ???? xxx

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SAVE THE DATE: Cycling Open Weekend – Events on both days … NEXT weekend!

Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September.

#TheNakedLawyer and I will be attending the Open Weekend Event at Riverside E-Bikes & Cycles comprising a boat load of goodies going on for anyone who enjoys (or is curious about) cycling, whether you’re a novice or hard-core biker, whether you’re an adult with teeny-weeny kiddies or a ‘giant’ adult, whether you’re solo or with family and friends local and afar that weekend, I’d LOVE LOVE LOVE to see you there!

Full programme of events to follow, but here’s a sneak peek of what’s on the agenda so far:

·??????? Guided e-bike and MTB rideouts

·??????? Female only ebike rideout

·??????? Community bring your own bike rideout

·??????? How to – knowledge workshops

·??????? Product spotlight

·??????? Meet the manufacturers

·??????? HUGE discounts…

·??????? FREE goodie bags

·??????? FREE prize draw

·??????? Refreshments available

Travel | Cycle | Write:? Articles & Posts: -

·??????“"Pedal & Pout”: How Cycling Saved My Sanity!- article

·??????“E-Bikes and Egos ”: How to Stay in the Saddle When You're Injured, Aging, and Time-Poor Like Me - article

·??????“Fit Bird at the Back ”: Supercharged Love…An Eride with The Naked Lawyer - article

·??????? “Big Rocks, Big Wheels ”:? How Cycling Can Revolutionise Your Life and Keep Your Priorities Rolling Smoothly - article

·??????? “Cycling Open Weekend ” - It’s On! Saturday 31st Aug & Sunday 1st Sep. Free Goodies!

·??????? “Fat Lass at the Front ”: A humourous take on cycling and business – article

·??????? “Cycling Open Weekend ” – Save The Date 31st Aug & 1st Sep 2024

·??????? “And Just Like That ”: Moving on to Travel, Cycle, Write - ?article

·??????? “Chef God(dess) Hunt!” And a FREE coffee & ‘sweet treat’ - when you visit Riverside Bikes ?bricks & mortar shop in person when you quote this code: #thenakedlawyer

·??????? “Non-executive Director ” - Riverside E-Bikes role announcement

·??????? “It’s Been Too Long ” - Great New E-bike & Cycle Shop find in Yorkshire

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Travel | Cycle | Write:? Socials: -

·??????? Follow and reach out to connect with TheNakedLawyer here on LinkedIn – Click the ‘bell’ at the top right of the page if you wish to be notified of future posts / articles / announcements / books etc about Travel, Cycling, Writing

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·??????? Follow TheNakedLawyer here at Riverside Bikes LinkedIn Page – Click the ‘bell’ at the top right of the page if you wish to be notified of future posts / announcements / goodies / discounts / events etc

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