Freewheeling: how to embrace the bicycle boom

Reasons to be Cheerful with Ed Miliband & Geoff Lloyd

Hello! As you lounged peacefully by a pool or sipped a drink with a little umbrella in it, have you ever wondered what a more *adventurous* summer holiday might look like? Let Ed and Geoff inspire you for your next cycling tour with this episode - Lycra optional! But is it really that easy to jump on your bike and take a trip? We hear from someone who’s made a career of it with world-record holder Mark Beaumont. Recognising that most of us are not up for ultra endurance, we find out what some of the more realistic options are with Jill Warren from the European Cyclists’ Federation. Finally we hear from two self-proclaimed former cycling novices, Abi Melton and Lea Cooper, who tell us about the highs and lows of their first cycling tour, and why it’s never wise to bring a ukulele with you…

Plus: Is Ed really the best-dressed politician? Let us know!

Guests

Mark Beaumont, long-distance cyclist and current world-record holder for the fastest cycle around the world (@MrMarkBeaumont)

Jill Warren, CEO, European Cyclists’ Federation (@JillWarrenECF)

Abi Melton and Lea Cooper, Authors of Gears for Queers (Insta: @gearsforqueers)

More information

Check out Mark's website, his Komoot and watch videos of some of his records: the North Coast 500 and cycling round the world in 80 days (GCN Channel, Youtube)

A video of Mark on his penny farthing

Mark mentioned British Cycling's Breeze Initiative for women

Get some inspiration for your next holiday on the EuroVelo website

A bikepacking / cycle touring kit list from Tom's Bike Trip and bike costs from the Gears for Queers blog

Abi and Lea's website, including some pictures of their very first tour

Buy a copy of Gears for Queers

Abi and Lea mention the Warm Showers website

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