Stay Active Cycling
Picture courtesy of Tim Snowdon/Sustrans
Jean from Kings Hill in Suffolk has had MS for over 20 years and refuses to relinquish her love of cycling. She has a ‘stable of mounts’ that she uses depending on her symptoms at the time. These can include vision problems, pain, fatigue and reduced hand and leg strength to varying degrees.
Her bike shed contains:
- an original touring bike
- a tandem bike she uses with her husband for days when her balance is not good or when she has optic neuritis
- a mountain bike with wide tyres for more stability on wobbly days
- a Brompton folding bike for days when she cycles and then feels the need to take a taxi or bus home or she can phone for a lift
When walking she likes having her bike to lean on and feels it can camouflage any obvious disability. She says it helps her feel fitter on many different levels; her mental, physical and emotional wellbeing are all improved. Jean says “Just because you can’t feel your legs doesn’t mean the muscles have gone. Keep them active and if/when the feeling returns your muscles will be there for you.” She adds “It is harder when you have to start from scratch but not impossible.”
Jean makes time to cycle as she feels it is an important priority in her MS management.
Susan from Leicestershire has MS and uses a tricycle to cycle regularly. She started cycling by hiring a bike at Rutland Water, a reservoir in Leicestershire where there are suitable paths and where they have a tricycle available to hire.
There are also good cycling facilities at Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire.
Sustrans is a sustainable transport charity and their website includes information on the National Cycle Network.
The National Trust has details of how it is working closely with organisations such as Sustrans, the Countryside Agency and the Cyclists Touring Club to promote cycling as a means of travelling to National Trust properties.
The Tandem Club of the UK provides advice to those interested in tandem cycling.
If you are interested in other ways of getting out and about, then see Exploring the countryside.
Picture courtesy of National Trust Clumber Park ©NTPL/Jerry Harpur
Handcycling
Kath Cuthbert describes how she discovered handcycling: “Before the onset of MS I had a fairly active lifestyle. With my partner, I walked regularly in the local countryside and in the nearby Peak District and took cycle touring holidays in this country and abroad. Eventually walking became difficult and I couldn’t even get on to my bike.
I was on the lookout for a substitute when I came across handcycles. My handcycle is a wheelchair conversion. The conversion part comprises a single wheel with attached frame, gears and handlebars, which is attached to the wheelchair via an under seat socket. The handlebars are cranked in a circular push - pull movement of both arms together to provide forward motion for the whole machine.
I had originally expected the handcycle to be a replacement for my bike but I soon found that I could not keep up with my husband. However, all was not lost. I realised that for me, at least, handcycling works best as a walking replacement rather than as a form of proper cycling. Now, when we go on outings into the countryside, my husband walks and I handcycle.
The use of the handcycle is very much an active process. Indeed, it can be quite hard work, providing serious cardiovascular demands. I see this as an advantage. The effort and active involvement gives a sense of satisfaction and achievement.
We have also had considerable satisfaction from investigating possible routes. Although there are limits, the handcycle is much lighter than a buggy so an able-bodied companion can assist with ‘push power’ on short steep sections or ‘lifting power’ over minor obstacles. It can be fairly readily disassembled for getting over stiles and such like. Thus the challenge of seeing where we can get to becomes a much more interesting, enjoyable and rewarding one.”
People use their handcycles in different ways. Many members of the Handcycling Association of the United Kingdom (HCAUK) have a competitive interest and get involved in race meetings, cycle touring and even camping tours abroad for the more adventurous.