- Cycling also known as bicycling or biking, is the activity of riding a bicycle or other type of cycle. It encompasses the use of human-powered vehicles such as balance bikes, unicycles, tricycles, and quadricycles. Cycling is practised around the world for purposes including transport, recreation, exercise, and competitive sport.
- Evidence suggests there are five ways we can all improve our wellbeing. Give them a try and you could feel happier, more positive and ready to get the most from life:
- Even the smallest act can count, whether it's a smile, a thank you or a kind word of encouragement to other cyclists. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local cycling club or becoming a volunteer Ride Leader or Breeze Champion can be incredibly rewarding.
- Connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Show camaraderie amongst your fellow riders, smile at pedestrians, thank courteous motorists, join your local Vietnam Cycling affiliated cycling club or use Ride Social to find buddies.
- Try to be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness ‘mindfulness’. Getting on your bike and taking in all the beautiful things around you can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.
- Being active makes you feel good, and regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. Cycling at any intensity will have beneficial effects on your mental wellbeing, not to mention the obvious physical benefits like improving your cardiovascular system and muscle tone.
- Why cycling?
Cycling can bring about a feeling of greater self-esteem, self-control and the ability to rise to a challenge – making you feel good about yourself and the world around you.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy the fresh air and discover the great outdoors. With no glass window between yourself and the open road, your mind is more likely to be occupied by your surroundings rather than any negative thoughts.
Getting out on your bike is one of the easiest ways to exercise – you can ride almost anywhere and at any time of the year. Plus it's low-impact, so it's easier on your joints than other high-impact aerobic activities like running.
- The reasons why having a local operator for cycling tours is beneficial:
1. Local knowledge - A local operator will have in-depth knowledge of the best cycling routes, scenic spots, hidden gems, and local culture in the area. This allows them to create more enriching and authentic experiences for tour participants.
2. Safety and logistics - Local operators are familiar with the roads, traffic patterns, and any potential hazards in the region. They can plan the safest and most enjoyable routes, as well as handle the logistics of transportation, bike maintenance, rest stops, etc.
3. Relationships with the community - Local operators have established connections and relationships within the local cycling community, businesses, and authorities. This allows them to provide insider access and support that an outside operator may not have.
4. Customization - A local operator can more easily customize the bike tour to match the interests, skill levels, and preferences of the particular group. They can make on-the-fly adjustments as needed.
5. Sustainability - By partnering with a local operator, you're supporting the local economy and promoting sustainable tourism, rather than relying on an outside company with less connection to the region.
The Vietnam By Bike local expertise, safety, access, and ability to customize that a local bike tour operator provides is invaluable for ensuring a top-notch cycling experience. Their knowledge of the area is hard to replicate for an outside company.
