One thing that is very important to me is looking after the planet and doing my bit to live in an environmentally-friendly manner. Living only a mile or so away from my place of work, driving was a pointless and sure-fire way to start my day off in badly; one way systems, school traffic and a fight for parking spaces led me to research adult scooters for my commute. I bought a small hard-wheeled model from a nationwide sports store, but quickly realised it was not fit for purpose. My research intensified and I soon purchased my first scooter with pneumatic tyres. The rest, as they say, is history and now I can't think of anything worse than having to drive to work! In fact, I scooted more miles than I drove last year and that is something I am proud of. While the use of kick scooters in the UK is far behind Europe, I would like to show people here that kick scooters can be used wherever they use bikes. Scooters can - and should - be used for commuting, organised sportives, long distance touring and for fitness training. If you have the right scooter, the world is your oyster.
Guest blog - meet Team Rider David
After recently completing his fourth century ride on a kick scooter and having finished around 10 charity cycle sportives over the last 2 years, again on a scooter, I thought it was time to catch up with David and find out how he became a kick scooter fanatic, what his motivation is to keep on kicking and what the future may have in store for him and his ever growing scooter fleet.
'I scooted more miles than I drove last year.'
'My health and wellbeing is my motivation.'
Ultimately, my health and wellbeing is my motivation for everything I do. Every day I move my body to try and keep myself fit and active. I have previously mentioned my Ankylosing Spondylitis (which is a rare type of arthritis) and over the years I have learnt that exercise and movement is one thing I can control to help keep my symptoms at bay – thankfully, I currently have many less-frequent bouts of acute pain than I did when I was younger, and I do not think that is a coincidence. Scooting is one thing that does not cause me to have flare ups (I assume because it is a low-impact exercise), but allows me a great workout and the freedom to train and get outside for that all-important head space. I am acutely aware that life is precious and I will do anything to try and maintain my health - it is everything to me.
'I have completed at least ten
cycle sportives on my kick scooters.'
On my 50th birthday I set myself a challenge - to ride 50 miles on my kick scooter. After some thought I decided there was nowhere better to complete such challenge, than in the midst of an adrenaline-filled cycle sportive and the Norfolk Cycling Events’ Spring Sportive 2019 was my event of choice. Once I set myself a challenge, I am stubborn enough to make sure I see it through and of course, I finished not only my first cycle sportive on a scooter, but my first 50 mile ride that day. Since then I have completed at least ten cycle sportives on my kick scooters, ranging from 25-50 miles in length. They are always great fun and I enjoy the challenge of trying to pace with some of the leisure cyclists - I am generally quicker down hills, but get overtaken again going up the other side! Riding new routes that are clearly signposted is a plus - as is the medal at the end!
My biggest challenge is to come - I am riding the London To Brighton Cycle Ride 2021 next month, in aid of JDRF - a children's diabetes charity who have supported my 8 year old daughter, Jade, since she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes 2 years ago. I would love to raise as much money as I can for JDRF and would really appreciate your support. My Just Giving page is linked here if you feel you would like to donate, thank you.
'Exercise is mainly mental; your body
is capable, it is your mind you have to convince'.
Whenever you are tackling a new distance or a tough route, break the ride down. Set yourself a final distance but make sure you stop on the way; for example, a 50 mile ride is 5 lots of 10 miles, which mentally is a lot easier to think about than riding a straight 50 miles. Even better, ride to a point. I find it can be a real mental challenge to circumnavigate your house on a ride – knowing you’re riding only 5 miles circle from your house makes it all too easy to think about nipping home! If you pick a point to ride to - a tourist attraction or a coffee stop – you will be mentally ticking (or should that be kicking) off each mile left to go. Lastly, just keep kicking - my last ride of 105 miles was 10.5 hours of movement!
'I find their mileage so inspirational.'
After connecting with many European riders over Strava and following their adventures on social media, I find their mileage and speed so inspirational. Some of the distances they are achieving day after day are just incredible and very humbling. Many of them are a similar age to me and I can only hope I am fortunate enough to be fit and well in to my retirement, to make the most of my scooters too. In the meantime, I will continue to champion the use of kick scooters in the UK for every different use possible and I am excited to be involved with Fun On 2 Wheels Scooters who aim to do the same.
David
We specialise in quality big-wheeled scooters for adults and children and offer that personal touch - we are here to help you choose the perfect scooter for your needs.
Contact us
07789071578
info@funon2wheels.co.uk
Norfolk, UK
