From Peaks to Pies: Unlocking Summer Cycling Secrets
Ah, the exhilarating taste of summer! Here at TrailMed HQ in Leicestershire, as the days stretch out like an endless ribbon of tarmac and the sun warms our backs, our minds are filled with the promise of summer cycling adventures. There's a unique sense of freedom and adventure in the air when the long days beckon us out onto two wheels, a feeling that's hard to resist.
For us, summer isn't just a season; it's a call to arms (or rather, legs!). Whether we're escaping solo for some meditative miles or rallying the Strava team for a full-throttle assault on the local climbs, the rolling hills of Leicestershire are our playground. From our doorstep, the possibilities are endless. We can head north, chasing the ever-more-challenging undulations that lead us towards the majestic peaks of the Peak District. Or we can venture east, where the landscape gradually flattens out, offering fast-paced rides towards the unique expanse of the Lincolnshire Wash – and let's not forget the strategic stops in Melton Mowbray for a well-deserved and famously delicious pie!
At TrailMed, we're a diverse bunch, and our cycling interests reflect that. Some of us thrive on the rhythmic hum of a long road ride, others relish the crunch of gravel under our tyres, and a few find their bliss in the technical challenges of mountain trails. Then there are those who yearn for multi-day expeditions, whether it's the structured rhythm of on-road cycle touring or the wild freedom of off-road bikepacking. The beauty of summer, for us, is that it opens up every single one of these avenues, and we're all in this together.
We’re a bit cycling mad at TrailMed, though perhaps its the opportunity to get great food from local hidden gems? 🤔
The Long Road Ahead: Embracing the Asphalt Embrace
There's something deeply satisfying about a long road ride on a summer's day. The wind in your hair, the miles ticking by, the sense of an unfolding journey. For our TrailMed roadies, these are the days we live for. From HQ, a classic loop might take us through the picturesque villages of Rutland, past the shimmering expanse of Rutland Water, or south towards the quiet lanes of Northamptonshire.
These rides aren't just about covering distance; they're about finding a rhythm, a moving meditation. We've had countless moments of camaraderie on these rides, pushing each other up climbs, sharing stories on the flats, and enjoying the well-earned coffee and cake stops. The beauty of Leicestershire's "rolling hills" is that they offer just enough challenge to keep things interesting without being relentlessly brutal. You can find some glorious sustained climbs that mimic bigger mountain passes in miniature, allowing us to stretch our legs and test our endurance and for those who want a bit more its a relatively short ride up to the more sustained climbs of the Peak District - perfect training for those who dream of Alpine ascents or epic sportives.
One particularly memorable road ride saw us tackling a grand loop up towards the edge of the Peak District. We set off early, the air still crisp, the roads quiet. As the sun climbed higher, so did we. The gradients gradually steepened, the views opened up, and the sense of achievement at the top was palpable. On the descent, the wind whistled past our ears, a reward for the climb. These are the experiences that forge bonds within the TrailMed team, the shared effort and the collective joy of the open road. They're also the experiences that leave us feeling empowered and ready for the next challenge.
Gravel Grinders: The Best of Both Worlds
For those of us who appreciate a bit of grit with our glamour, gravel riding has become an undeniable obsession. It's the perfect discipline for exploring those hidden pathways and ancient bridleways that crisscross Leicestershire. One moment you're on a smooth country lane; the next, you're crunching over loose stones, navigating puddles, and feeling the bike dance beneath you.
Our local network of permissive paths and bridleways offers an incredible variety of gravel adventures. We often find ourselves linking up sections of the National Cycle Network with farm tracks and ancient drovers' roads. It's a fantastic way to escape the traffic and truly immerse yourself in the rural landscape. We've discovered hidden valleys, stumbled upon ancient ruins, and even had a few unexpected encounters with curious livestock!
A typical gravel adventure for the TrailMed crew might involve heading east towards the flatlands. While seemingly less dramatic than the hills, this region offers a surprising amount of fantastic gravel. We can string together miles of car-free riding along the edges of fields, through small woodlands, and past charming, forgotten villages. The Lincolnshire Wash, with its big skies and expansive views, feels like a proper adventure. And, of course, the promise of a Melton Mowbray pie and a flat white post-ride is a powerful motivator to keep those pedals turning! The satisfaction of arriving at a traditional pub, muddy but exhilarated, with a pie and a pint awaiting, is a quintessential summer gravel experience.
Mountain Highs: Tackling the Technical Terrain
While Leicestershire itself isn't renowned for its towering peaks, we're incredibly fortunate to have the Peak District within easy striking distance. For our more adrenaline-fueled team members, summer means regular pilgrimages north for some proper mountain biking. These are the rides where skill, strength, and nerve are truly tested.
From challenging climbs that demand every ounce of power to exhilarating descents over roots, rocks, and drops, mountain biking offers an entirely different kind of satisfaction. It's a constant dance with the terrain, a focus so intense that the rest of the world fades away. We've spent countless hours honing our skills on the rocky trails around places like Ladybower Reservoir or the famed trails of Wharncliffe Woods.
The TrailMed mountain bike outings are often the most physically demanding but also the most rewarding. There's a unique camaraderie forged when you're navigating technical terrain together, offering encouragement on tough sections and celebrating successful lines. These trips are also an excellent opportunity to put our medical skills into practice (thankfully, usually on ourselves for minor scrapes!). The feeling of reaching a summit, breathless but exhilarated, with panoramic views stretching out before you, is simply unbeatable.
On-Road Cycle Touring: The Grand Tour on Our Doorstep
Summer is also the perfect time for multi-day adventures, and on-road cycle touring offers a fantastic blend of exploration and accessibility. While some dream of grand European tours, we've found that there are incredible touring opportunities right here in the UK, often starting from our Leicestershire base.
Cycle touring is about slow travel, about truly experiencing a region. It's about carrying everything you need on your bike, stopping in small towns, and soaking up the local culture. We've planned routes that take us through the heart of England, linking up historic towns, picturesque villages, and stunning natural landscapes. Imagine spending a few days pedalling through the Cotswolds or tracing a route along the East Coast, with the promise of fresh seafood at the end of each day.
The beauty of touring from HQ is the flexibility it offers. You can plan a short two-day loop or an extended week-long adventure, knowing that you're always within reach of home. It's a chance to truly disconnect, to let the rhythm of the pedals dictate your day, and to discover the hidden gems that lie just beyond your usual riding routes. We've often found ourselves returning from these tours with a renewed appreciation for the diverse beauty of our own backyard.
Off-Road Bikepacking: Wild and Free
For the most adventurous among us, bikepacking is the ultimate summer thrill. It's cycle touring's rugged cousin, taking you off the beaten track and into wilder, more remote landscapes. Think minimalist gear, lightweight setups, and the freedom to pitch your tent under a canopy of stars.
While proper wild camping can be challenging in some parts of England, there are fantastic networks of trails and bridleways that lend themselves perfectly to bikepacking. We've explored routes through the ancient forests of Sherwood, linked up sections of the Pennine Bridleway, and even planned routes that take us across the open fells of the North York Moors.
Bikepacking requires a different mindset. It's about self-sufficiency, problem-solving, and embracing the unexpected. You learn to rely on your instincts, to appreciate the simple pleasures of a campfire meal, and to truly connect with the natural world. These are the trips where you create memories that last a lifetime, where you push your limits and discover what you're truly capable of. For us, the allure of escaping every day and spending a night or two under the vast summer sky with nothing but our bikes and our trusty TrailMed kit is irresistible.
Getting the Best Out of Summer Cycling Adventures
Summer brings with it incredible opportunities but also its own set of challenges. Here at TrailMed, we've learned a few tricks to make the most of those long days, busy schedules, and often scorching sunshine.
Embrace the Early Bird (or the Night Owl): This is the most crucial tip for summer riding. The early morning hours offer cooler temperatures, quieter roads, and often the most beautiful light. Setting off at 6 AM means you can get a significant chunk of your ride done before the heat of the day truly kicks in. Similarly, evening rides as the sun begins to dip can be magical, with the air cooling and a sense of calm descending. For those with busy schedules, squeezing in a quick dawn patrol or a post-work sunset spin can be a game-changer.
Hydration is Non-Negotiable: This goes without saying, but it's worth reiterating. On hot summer days, you're losing fluids at an incredible rate. Don't wait until you're thirsty; sip consistently throughout your ride. We always carry at least two large water bottles, and on longer rides, we plan our routes around opportunities to refill at cafes, pubs, or even public taps. Electrolyte tabs are also a lifesaver, helping to replenish essential salts lost through sweat, and if you want to know what you are losing, consider a sweat test to understand how you can ace your hydration strategy.
Sun Protection is Paramount: Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Apply it liberally before you set off and reapply regularly, especially on exposed areas like your arms, legs, and neck. A cycling cap under your helmet can provide extra shade for your face, and sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from UV rays and glare. Lightweight, breathable, long-sleeve jerseys can also offer excellent sun protection without causing you to overheat.
Fuel Your Fire (and Yourself!): Long rides demand consistent fueling. Don't rely solely on gels; incorporate real food into your nutrition strategy. Bananas, flapjacks, energy bars, and even small sandwiches work wonders. For our longer rides that often involve a Melton Mowbray pie stop, it's about balancing immediate energy with sustained fuel. We’ve also started throwing our new backup bundle into our stem post for those long, high UV rides when the tarmac is melting! Remember that your body is working harder in the heat, so it needs more fuel than usual.
Plan Your Route Strategically: Consider the time of day, the amount of shade, and the availability of water stops when planning your route. On hotter days, prioritising routes with tree cover or near bodies of water can provide some much-needed relief. For touring and bikepacking, understanding your water sources and resupply points is critical.
Listen to Your Body: Summer cycling can be incredibly rewarding, but it's important not to push yourself too hard, especially in extreme heat. Pay attention to signs of overheating or dehydration. If you start to feel dizzy, nauseous, or experience muscle cramps, pull over, find some shade, and rehydrate. There's no shame in taking a break or even cutting a ride short if you're not feeling right.
Embrace the Post-Ride Recovery: After a long, hot ride, proper recovery is key (before that sweet cold beer!) Rehydrate with water and electrolytes, and refuel with a good meal that includes protein and carbohydrates. A cool shower and some stretching and rolling, particularly in the hip flexors and shoulders, after being crunched on the bike can also do wonders for your muscles. And for us at TrailMed, there's nothing quite like sharing stories of the day's adventures over a well-deserved pint or a refreshing cold drink.
Is there anything better than a loaded bike, the stretching countryside and a few days to go and explore it?
NB: the tent does look like it’s rubbing against the front wheel but we can assure you this was because Andy was fiddling with it and hadn’t put it back in place before he took the photo 😂
Final Thoughts
Summer cycling, for the TrailMed team, is more than just a pastime; it's a way of life. It's about exploring the incredible landscapes around us, challenging ourselves, and building stronger bonds with our teammates. So, as the summer sun beats down, we encourage you to grab your bike, pack your bags (or just your water bottles!), and embark on your own cycling adventures. Whether you're chasing the horizon on a long road ride, crunching gravel under your tyres, conquering mountain trails, or embarking on a multi-day tour, remember to embrace the journey, stay safe, and savour every pedal stroke. The open road (and trail!) awaits!
