Bike hire with a twist ......

With it being on the rather dull side today it was hard to think what to do so we opted to go for a bike ride knowing that we could hire bikes in Clumber Park itself. They have a wide range of bikes and 4 numbered bike rides to choose from, all varying in length.

I was all for trying the shortest ride being 5 miles long but with my sore joints I wasn't sure how I would manage but was all for giving it a go as hate to be beaten. But hey, the obvious choice was clear to us at the bike hire shed - Electric Bikes!!

I wasn't keen at all and took a lot of persuasion. My thinking was that I was `cheating' but I can honestly say that I had the best couple of hours fun I have had in a long time! Hiring bikes for either 2 hours or all day was the option but not going till after 1 pm, 2 hours seemed plenty as I haven't really been on a bike in quite some time. I did wonder if I could cycle that far and would I in fact be back in time to hand the bikes back in?!! But alas, I was persuaded to give the electric bikes a go. After some deliberation and some seat swapping as I was a tad too `wee' for the bike height, we were soon on our way - quickly! ;O)

What fun!! Its not all electric, a large degree of pedal power is needed to keep the battery boosted but it almost felt that by going at 14 mph or so, the speed was always a `down hill' speed to a point I felt we were whizzing through the woodland and not appreciating it! However having completed a 7 mile route with still 45 mins to spare I really didn't want to hand the bikes in early!! So we then whizzed round a 5 mile route round Clumber Park lake as well. In effect I did a 12 mile cycle ride - albeit assisted somewhat!!! It was great fun and I have been smiling ever since!

There was time for many photo stops but they had either me or both of us in (thanks to the 10 second timer). So here's a neutral picture. This is a location at Clumber that many a bridal party has overlooking the lake with the chapel behind. Its a shame it was so dull but never a dull moment was had today with me and my bike!!