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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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I know there are one or two cyclists on here, so I thought I would ask a little advice.
I have been advised by my Doc to think about taking up cycling to help my knee recover from ligament/cartlidge damage.
I've tried off road biking but don't really like it, but don't fancy the dangers of taking to the roads either.
I've thought about trying the bikes at the gym but it would do my head in just standing still pedling like mad.
So, which should I do, off roading, or roading? Been thinking of getting an old racer like a Claud Butler or Peugeot.
I live in rural Cornwall and although the roads aren't always busy, they can be very twisty with high hedges and limited visability sometimes.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I know there are one or two cyclists on here, so I thought I would ask a little advice.
I have been advised by my Doc to think about taking up cycling to help my knee recover from ligament/cartlidge damage.
I've tried off road biking but don't really like it, but don't fancy the dangers of taking to the roads either.
I've thought about trying the bikes at the gym but it would do my head in just standing still pedling like mad.
So, which should I do, off roading, or roading? Been thinking of getting an old racer like a Claud Butler or Peugeot.
I live in rural Cornwall and although the roads aren't always busy, they can be very twisty with high hedges and limited visability sometimes.
"
Airbiking, although you say you don't fancy it that much... , otherwise known as spin classes may be a alternative. It can be fun in a group, you can modify the level to what is comfortable, set the pedal so you strengthen rather than hurt your ligaments knee and muscles and in light of previous trauma it may initially the safest thing to do to recover before taking up cycling on roads...
We took up airbiking a while ago and find a 50 min session is fun and a really food workout, especially at around 11 on a Sunday morning when covering from the "exercise" of the night before... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I live in rural Cornwall and although the roads aren't always busy, they can be very twisty with high hedges and limited visability sometimes.
"
You ain't kidding are you!! We holidayed down there last year and the scenic views are completely obliterated by the bloody high hedges everywhere. What a total let down. It's still a great place to visit though, once you get to somewhere that the SatNav can navigate to lol |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I know there are one or two cyclists on here, so I thought I would ask a little advice.
I have been advised by my Doc to think about taking up cycling to help my knee recover from ligament/cartlidge damage.
I've tried off road biking but don't really like it, but don't fancy the dangers of taking to the roads either.
I've thought about trying the bikes at the gym but it would do my head in just standing still pedling like mad.
So, which should I do, off roading, or roading? Been thinking of getting an old racer like a Claud Butler or Peugeot.
I live in rural Cornwall and although the roads aren't always busy, they can be very twisty with high hedges and limited visability sometimes.
Airbiking, although you say you don't fancy it that much... , otherwise known as spin classes may be a alternative. It can be fun in a group, you can modify the level to what is comfortable, set the pedal so you strengthen rather than hurt your ligaments knee and muscles and in light of previous trauma it may initially the safest thing to do to recover before taking up cycling on roads...
We took up airbiking a while ago and find a 50 min session is fun and a really food workout, especially at around 11 on a Sunday morning when covering from the "exercise" of the night before... "
Never heard of "spin classes" is that something the local leisure centre would do? Would rather be moving around though, but thanks for the comment. I will certainly check it out. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I know there are one or two cyclists on here, so I thought I would ask a little advice.
I have been advised by my Doc to think about taking up cycling to help my knee recover from ligament/cartlidge damage.
I've tried off road biking but don't really like it, but don't fancy the dangers of taking to the roads either.
I've thought about trying the bikes at the gym but it would do my head in just standing still pedling like mad.
So, which should I do, off roading, or roading? Been thinking of getting an old racer like a Claud Butler or Peugeot.
I live in rural Cornwall and although the roads aren't always busy, they can be very twisty with high hedges and limited visability sometimes.
Airbiking, although you say you don't fancy it that much... , otherwise known as spin classes may be a alternative. It can be fun in a group, you can modify the level to what is comfortable, set the pedal so you strengthen rather than hurt your ligaments knee and muscles and in light of previous trauma it may initially the safest thing to do to recover before taking up cycling on roads...
We took up airbiking a while ago and find a 50 min session is fun and a really food workout, especially at around 11 on a Sunday morning when covering from the "exercise" of the night before... "
its not your knee you should worry about, i couldnt sit down on a bike for a couple of weeks after i did a spin class...lol... |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I know there are one or two cyclists on here, so I thought I would ask a little advice.
I have been advised by my Doc to think about taking up cycling to help my knee recover from ligament/cartlidge damage.
I've tried off road biking but don't really like it, but don't fancy the dangers of taking to the roads either.
I've thought about trying the bikes at the gym but it would do my head in just standing still pedling like mad.
So, which should I do, off roading, or roading? Been thinking of getting an old racer like a Claud Butler or Peugeot.
I live in rural Cornwall and although the roads aren't always busy, they can be very twisty with high hedges and limited visability sometimes.
Airbiking, although you say you don't fancy it that much... , otherwise known as spin classes may be a alternative. It can be fun in a group, you can modify the level to what is comfortable, set the pedal so you strengthen rather than hurt your ligaments knee and muscles and in light of previous trauma it may initially the safest thing to do to recover before taking up cycling on roads...
We took up airbiking a while ago and find a 50 min session is fun and a really food workout, especially at around 11 on a Sunday morning when covering from the "exercise" of the night before... its not your knee you should worry about, i couldnt sit down on a bike for a couple of weeks after i did a spin class...lol..."
Was it like going to one of Freddy Mercury's parties?  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I know there are one or two cyclists on here, so I thought I would ask a little advice.
I have been advised by my Doc to think about taking up cycling to help my knee recover from ligament/cartlidge damage.
I've tried off road biking but don't really like it, but don't fancy the dangers of taking to the roads either.
I've thought about trying the bikes at the gym but it would do my head in just standing still pedling like mad.
So, which should I do, off roading, or roading? Been thinking of getting an old racer like a Claud Butler or Peugeot.
I live in rural Cornwall and although the roads aren't always busy, they can be very twisty with high hedges and limited visability sometimes.
Airbiking, although you say you don't fancy it that much... , otherwise known as spin classes may be a alternative. It can be fun in a group, you can modify the level to what is comfortable, set the pedal so you strengthen rather than hurt your ligaments knee and muscles and in light of previous trauma it may initially the safest thing to do to recover before taking up cycling on roads...
We took up airbiking a while ago and find a 50 min session is fun and a really food workout, especially at around 11 on a Sunday morning when covering from the "exercise" of the night before... its not your knee you should worry about, i couldnt sit down on a bike for a couple of weeks after i did a spin class...lol..."
Must confess, I had that experience too, tbh, asked the trainers if they could adjust the saddle....lol ut ended up blaming it on the exercise the night before... perhaps you are right |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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In the spin classes at my local gym you get blasted with disco music, strobe lights and a skinny super-fit chick shouting at you through a PA system!!!
I love off-road biking and find roads and traffic not to my taste. Reccommending something for you is a toughie, as you've already said you don't like any of the options.
Get a cheap Carerra mountain bike from Halfords and ride some nice lanes, bridleways and footpaths (ooops sorry I didn't say the last one!) |
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" Get a cheap Carerra mountain bike from Halfords and ride some nice lanes, bridleways and footpaths (ooops sorry I didn't say the last one!) "
Aren't there any cycle paths around? We have a load of old railway lines near here that have been converted into bike/walk tracks. It's great, as you get the scenic tracks but the safety of knowing there's not a car around the corner.
Have a check with your council, there might be something closer than you think.
xAx |
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By *ebzStarWoman
over a year ago
Notting |
I agree that sitting on a bike in a gym is terribly boring.
Esp more so when you have a beautiful countryside to cycle around and look at.
Think the off road stuff would jolt the knee tho, so would prob be best to sticking to cycle paths, bridle paths or set routes.
Most you can find on internet, look on maps of the area
Be a good excuse to be out and about now the weather better and get you fit and sexy for all your meets |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I know there are one or two cyclists on here, so I thought I would ask a little advice.
I have been advised by my Doc to think about taking up cycling to help my knee recover from ligament/cartlidge damage.
I've tried off road biking but don't really like it, but don't fancy the dangers of taking to the roads either.
I've thought about trying the bikes at the gym but it would do my head in just standing still pedling like mad.
So, which should I do, off roading, or roading? Been thinking of getting an old racer like a Claud Butler or Peugeot.
I live in rural Cornwall and although the roads aren't always busy, they can be very twisty with high hedges and limited visability sometimes.
"
Try a penny farthing , you should see over the hedges then !! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I know there are one or two cyclists on here, so I thought I would ask a little advice.
I have been advised by my Doc to think about taking up cycling to help my knee recover from ligament/cartlidge damage.
I've tried off road biking but don't really like it, but don't fancy the dangers of taking to the roads either.
I've thought about trying the bikes at the gym but it would do my head in just standing still pedling like mad.
So, which should I do, off roading, or roading? Been thinking of getting an old racer like a Claud Butler or Peugeot.
I live in rural Cornwall and although the roads aren't always busy, they can be very twisty with high hedges and limited visability sometimes.
"
Are you an employee? have you heard about the ride to work scheme? basically you get the cost of a bike stopped out of your wages but it is before tax so whatever your rate of tax is is the discount. google ride to work scheme. I have a Dawes touring bike which is lighter than a mountain bike but more robust than a racer, works for me |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
Forum Mod |
"I know there are one or two cyclists on here, so I thought I would ask a little advice.
I have been advised by my Doc to think about taking up cycling to help my knee recover from ligament/cartlidge damage.
I've tried off road biking but don't really like it, but don't fancy the dangers of taking to the roads either.
I've thought about trying the bikes at the gym but it would do my head in just standing still pedling like mad.
So, which should I do, off roading, or roading? Been thinking of getting an old racer like a Claud Butler or Peugeot.
I live in rural Cornwall and although the roads aren't always busy, they can be very twisty with high hedges and limited visability sometimes.
"
I think you should get down to a cycle shop and try out what ones are going to be comfortable for you,there is nothing worse than an uncomfortable saddle up your bum
We had to change hubbies saddle to something similar to an armchair when he bought his bike,made him much happier to go out on it as he was'nt moaning about it hurting his bum 
Good luck with it Jack,I would also do what some of the others have suggested and stick on road rather than offroad at first as it could be hard on your knee,but out and about is far more interesting than sitting static in a gym |
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By *umpkinMan
over a year ago
near the sounds of the wimborne quarter jack! |
As somebody else has already mentioned, you could damage your knee riding off-road. I got a huge bollocking for riding on the ROAD after I had my heart by-pass because the movement of the bike through the arms could have damaged the stitching on my sternham.
Try using a cross trainer too as it gives the whole body a work out! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Cyclist here, and I do over 140 miles a week commuting, road cycling is far more better for the knee than off road as there is less strain on the knees, although the added danger of motorist do give you that adrenalin rush sometimes Get a light weight frame, wouldn't advise getting a racer though, just a town bike as they are a lot more comfortable to ride, thin wheels so less drag, best to find some quiet routes in your area where you can cycle and not be frightened by heavy traffic, best of luck |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I know there are one or two cyclists on here, so I thought I would ask a little advice.
I have been advised by my Doc to think about taking up cycling to help my knee recover from ligament/cartlidge damage.
I've tried off road biking but don't really like it, but don't fancy the dangers of taking to the roads either.
I've thought about trying the bikes at the gym but it would do my head in just standing still pedling like mad.
So, which should I do, off roading, or roading? Been thinking of getting an old racer like a Claud Butler or Peugeot.
I live in rural Cornwall and although the roads aren't always busy, they can be very twisty with high hedges and limited visability sometimes.
Airbiking, although you say you don't fancy it that much... , otherwise known as spin classes may be a alternative. It can be fun in a group, you can modify the level to what is comfortable, set the pedal so you strengthen rather than hurt your ligaments knee and muscles and in light of previous trauma it may initially the safest thing to do to recover before taking up cycling on roads...
We took up airbiking a while ago and find a 50 min session is fun and a really food workout, especially at around 11 on a Sunday morning when covering from the "exercise" of the night before... "
I agree with provocate, I do spinning and find it really enjoyable, you can set your own level and work harder each time, if you just cycle in gym then get and iPod or some music you like and work to the beat, for me I would do road cycling as you are more likley to come off ya bike off roaring, I cycle and find it really enjoyable and is great for the legs and lungs, |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Cyclist here, and I do over 140 miles a week commuting, road cycling is far more better for the knee than off road as there is less strain on the knees, although the added danger of motorist do give you that adrenalin rush sometimes Get a light weight frame, wouldn't advise getting a racer though, just a town bike as they are a lot more comfortable to ride, thin wheels so less drag, best to find some quiet routes in your area where you can cycle and not be frightened by heavy traffic, best of luck"
Off road won’t do your knee any good with the jarring. As said above riding on the highway will be far more comfortable and if you choose the right bike it will help as well especially if its not a saddle that cuts you in two. Also pick your route possibly driving round it in a car looking for danger spots and measuring its distance. Then if possible ride it at quieter times of the day but still take care of other road users. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I know there are one or two cyclists on here, so I thought I would ask a little advice.
I have been advised by my Doc to think about taking up cycling to help my knee recover from ligament/cartlidge damage.
I've tried off road biking but don't really like it, but don't fancy the dangers of taking to the roads either.
I've thought about trying the bikes at the gym but it would do my head in just standing still pedling like mad.
So, which should I do, off roading, or roading? Been thinking of getting an old racer like a Claud Butler or Peugeot.
I live in rural Cornwall and although the roads aren't always busy, they can be very twisty with high hedges and limited visability sometimes.
"
The summer is coming and cycling out doors is great in the warm weather. Go for it and have fun. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Thank you, you lovely people for your responses I live between Truro and St Austell, and work in Falmouth. Its 18miles from my house to work, so don't think I'm ready for 36miles a day, in traffic, just yet .
The main A390 between Truro and St Austell is not too busy, off peak and is a relatively smooth road.
I'm mulling over borrowing a bike and trying it out.
My overall fitness is quite good, for an old fooker, and I'm sure I could handle the distance no probs on the right bike. I used to run it about 5yrs ago, so I'm quite confident.
I will let you know how I get on. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Of course HPC
Jesus if you saw me in lycra you would run for the hills jack lol
And Mally, I don't care what the reason cyclists wear lycra........I just like that they do"
glad some one does, get plenty of stick from the lads in work when I turn up in the morning, but for some reason their eyes always look at my bulge, and I've found that with any guy who spots me cycling, they look for the bulge, any other cyclist or indeed lycra wearing guy notice this? and why do they look? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Of course HPC
Jesus if you saw me in lycra you would run for the hills jack lol
And Mally, I don't care what the reason cyclists wear lycra........I just like that they do
glad some one does, get plenty of stick from the lads in work when I turn up in the morning, but for some reason their eyes always look at my bulge, and I've found that with any guy who spots me cycling, they look for the bulge, any other cyclist or indeed lycra wearing guy notice this? and why do they look?"
Maybe they're having trouble spotting it?  |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Of course HPC
Jesus if you saw me in lycra you would run for the hills jack lol
And Mally, I don't care what the reason cyclists wear lycra........I just like that they do"
I would chase you up the hills Rugby, and I bet that I'd catch you too,
Randy blokes don't see ladies the same way that ladies see themselves. I bet you'd look great in lycra |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Maybe they're having trouble spotting it? "
haha but why are they looking thats what i'd like to know, plus my shorts are black so the bulge is difficult to see unless you look at the right angle |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Maybe they're having trouble spotting it?
haha but why are they looking thats what i'd like to know, plus my shorts are black so the bulge is difficult to see unless you look at the right angle"
Yeah yeah, we've all heard that one before! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I think the automatic eyes to the bulge syndrome is called the Linford Christie effect
"
To be fair, even as a straight guy, you can get drawn to something like that, particularly if it's staring you in the face.
...and women wonder why we can't stop staring at their tits, what hope do we have? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Wish I had a bulge 
get some lycra shorts and you will
How does that work then? I haven't got one when I've got me swimming trunks on "
oh right, do as above then, add socks |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"This is reminding me of the potato down the swimming trunks joke
you know the one....make sure you put it down the front "
Yeah, "The Potato Song" by Kevin Bloody Wilson, brill |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"This is reminding me of the potato down the swimming trunks joke
you know the one....make sure you put it down the front
Yeah, "The Potato Song" by Kevin Bloody Wilson, brill "
With a potato down your underpants that'll get em in hahaha love it |
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"Thank you, you lovely people for your responses I live between Truro and St Austell, and work in Falmouth. Its 18miles from my house to work, so don't think I'm ready for 36miles a day, in traffic, just yet .
The main A390 between Truro and St Austell is not too busy, off peak and is a relatively smooth road.
I'm mulling over borrowing a bike and trying it out.
My overall fitness is quite good, for an old fooker, and I'm sure I could handle the distance no probs on the right bike. I used to run it about 5yrs ago, so I'm quite confident.
I will let you know how I get on. "
Ok, i'm both a mountain biker and a road cyclist so have a foot in both camps so to speak.
Don't be put off the idea of riding off road by the thought of 'jarring' your knee - there are lots of gentle off road trails around your part of the world. Your first decision should be budget, then see if you can get on the cycle to work scheme through your employers.
Take a look at your local Halfords bikestore - the Boardman brand of mountain/hybrid/road bikes are stunning for their value.
Personally i would try to go for a mountain bike (full suss or hardtail) because you can ride it off road and also on road if you stick some road slicks on. The Boardman full suss bike is a steal at circa £1000 and i have recently bought one of the performance hybrids for £500 and i love it!
Personally i wouldn't advise you to buy a full on road bike (racer) as they are designed to be ridden hard and fast by experienced riders, they have tight geometry and twitchy handling - not what i suspect you are looking for.
A mountain bike will have slacker angles and easier steering with a more upright position.
Whatever you buy, spend a decent amount on it, cheap full suss bikes are horrible bits of junk - bike shaped toys not bicycles.
Personally i find spinning/gym bikes to be uncomfortable with stupidly large saddles that throw your hips/knees out of line.
Finally, invest in a GOOD pair of padded lycra shorts - either that or a GOOD pair of mountain bike 'baggies' with a built in pad if you don't fancy lycra.
P.S. don't forget the helmet & gloves.
Enjoy, summer is coming and cycling is fun!  |
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"what ever I get its going to have a big saddle, coz if you've got a big arse, you need a big saddle, simples."
You'd be suprised at what is right for you - everyone's bum is different. Don't fall into the trap of thinking big is better, often a too-wide saddle will cause chafing. A good pair of padded shorts is much better. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"Don't know what part of Cornwall you live but the Camel trail is brill. It's been made for cyclists and walkers only no traffic."
lol, know the Camel Trail quite well, me and Kate had a shag in the bird hide on the side of the river
We live just outside Truro
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