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Cycling Tips

Below are a few of the useful little tips we have discovered over 18 years of organizing cycling holidays:-

Bad dogs | Sheep | Horses |Food

Tip 1: Dog Eat Dog

So what do you do if you are harassed by a dog? A certain bike book once advocated either ramming your bike pump or clenched fist down the dog's throat; or sprinkling pepper on its nose. The British RSPCA had this advice removed from later editions. In any case how often do you carry a pepper pot in your top pocket? A dog ran off with a friend's pump connector - serve him right for trying to whack the dog on the nose with his pump!

In our experience the easiest and most effective method of dog control is your voice.

If you let the dog know that you are the boss, you will always win the argument. As you approach farm buildings (the dog's home territory), clear your throat and be ready to shout. If a dog comes out, first gently speak to it, say "Hello boy" (this is often all you need to do). If the dog appears to be agressive, shout a strict command such as "STAY" in a deep rough voice. It does not really matter what words you shout, as long as you sound assertive. Appear confident - don't let the dog know that your knees are knocking and you need your mum to wipe your bum.

Be the boss, and even the biggest and most scary of dogs will stop in its tracks, turn around and run away. No dog is going to pick a fight that it might lose. Also, most dogs in country areas are working farm dogs trained to obey a command, so sound just like a farmer.

Never turn your back on a strange dog, it's taken as a sign of weakness, and you may get your ankles nipped (that's what farm dogs do to cows and sheep). If there is more than one dog, don't turn your back on any of them! Don't try to out-cycle dogs. They can always run faster than you think, and they're likely to do a 90° turn straight across in front of your wheel. If the worst really happens, you can always use your bike as a shield.

Note: dog psychologists say you should never make eye contact with a dog, it's an aggressive act. Our advice is to always keep an eye on the dog without winding it up into a frenzy by staring straight into its eyes (although the staring technique could be used, as long as you are confident enough to back it up with some very assertive shouting). Just remain confident and you will be okay.

Tip 2: Sheepish Behaviour

There are more sheep than people in Wales, so you will probably encounter some on the road sooner or later. Sheep panic, run alongside you, then suddenly turn 90° and cut across in front of you. Never try to out-run sheep. Our advice is to shout "BAAAAH" (don't know what it means, but they understand it) as you approach sheep. This startles them so they do their panicky manoeuvres well before you get there.

Tip 3: Horsing About

If you encounter horse-riders on the road, speak to the horse (or the rider) as you approach. Say "Hello" or something. This lets the horse know that you are human, and not some strange animal with wheels. Horses can easily be spooked if you come upon them suddenly from behind, which could cause an accident. Likewise, let pedestrians know you are coming with a discreet cough (if you don't have a bell).

Tip 4: Food For Thought

Avoid eating fatty foods when cycletouring. However tempting a full English breakfast may seem, it weighs you down on a long ride, and you'll waste energy having to break down the fats. Best to eat high energy carbohydrates such as cereals, muesli, bread etc. These break down slowly and give you energy over a long period. If you are cycle-camping and don't want to carry much food with you, a very simple, tasty, healthy breakfast is:- Soak some muesli and your favourite dried fruits in water overnight (in a plastic bowl with a lid). Use twice as much water as muesli. By morning the muesli will have soaked up the tasty juices from the fruit, and will save you having to carry milk. This will keep you going till the morning coffee stop.