Good Muddy Cycle ride although a sail may have helped, blowing a gale. It was fun because I enjoy the activity but it did get me thinking about the new cycling idea from GOV.
I am not optimistic about it. A few years ago in the Welsh Valleys a similar scheme was introduced. I was working as a National Cycle Coach for British Cycling, training and assessing Cycle coaches on how to lead and train non cyclists to ride bikes. A lot of money was spent on bikes, training and wages. By the end of the first year most of the staff were laid off, bikes were all locked up and the scheme came to a halt. Not surprising, what does cycling offer to inspire someone overweight, comfortable with being a TV addict and not exercising, sitting in the warmth, enjoying beer and takeaways, travelling in a warm car when they need to and generally content with their Lott. OK maybe the worry of Obesity and Corvid will inspire some but in my experience this is going to be another waste of money. Sorry to be pessimistic, I would really like to think it will work, but I suspect not.
Edit... oh! And £50 to help with bike repairs, they must be joking!