Valentine's special! Top five things to love about cycling

This Sunday it's Valentine's Day so one of our bloggers thought he'd share with you why he loves all things bike related. Here's his top five: 

1) The scenery

On Saturday morning I cycled from Frome to Bristol. I went through Melksham and Bath, then along the Ring Road Cycle Path and Bristol-Bath Railway Path to get back to the city. I rode along quiet country roads in Wiltshire, flanked by a great hillside view of one of Wiltshire's white chalk horses. I rode through Bath and saw the Georgian splendour of the city's houses. Then I came into Bristol from the cycle paths on the eastern side and saw some views of the city that I'd never seen before. Every time I go somewhere new on a bike it feel like an adventure. Cycling makes me feel like an explorer!

2) Gadgets and technology

When it comes to buying things for my bike I'm a bit of a technology geek. It started with a speedometer and then a heart rate monitor and now I'm a bit obsessed with lighter or or more aerodynamic components. I've recently bought some time trial bars for faster speeds and a more comfortable position (which really work by the way). I also keep track of my mileage at www.mapmyride.com.

3) Getting fit

Mapmyride tells you how many calories you've burnt, which is very handy when you're considering that second biscuit or sticky cake. I've dropped about a stone and a half in the last couple of years, just through regular cycling - and I eat like a horse! I'm far fitter than I was in my teens and I can eat what I like.

4) Commuting

I cycle to work everyday. It's only three miles but it's much faster than driving or catching the bus, and I don't have to pay for parking, petrol or bus fares. But most importantly I get some exercise every morning and evening, meaning I'm alert and refreshed for starting work and when I get home at night.

5) Environmentally friendly

I think it's great to do something that helps reduce pollution and makes the city a healthier place to live. Just imagine if every one of those cars you pass on your way into work were a bike. Most journeys made in Bristol are less than five miles so it's certainly possible that those journeys could be done by bike.

Well there you have it, those are the top five cycling loves of one of our bloggers. What do you love about cycling? Tell us below...