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In the beginning... (Spring 1993)

by Peter Gildersleve, the publisher
          There I was 58 years old and taking up cycling for the first time since I was a young lad in the 1940's.
          One of the problems of starting cycling again so late in life was where could I go and cycle without the route proving too difficult for my fitness and aged riding capabilities, so off I went to the local book shop and purchased one of the early books on off-road cycling, picked what looked like the easiest route and at the earliest opportunity headed for the Peak District in Derbyshire. When I returned home having completed the 13 mile Tissington Trail (26 miles there and back), I was hooked even though I had a sore backside. Since this first ride I may not have got any younger but I have certainly become fitter.
Two's Company
         My companion on this day was Gillian Rowan-Wilde an ex-long distance walker who, like myself, had only recently taken up leisure cycling.
          It was to be the start of a cycling partnership that over the years would see us riding more than 200 trails during which time we were to create and publish our series of cycle guides covering the major leisure areas of England - This publishing partnership came about because at the time there was a lack of information on routes for cyclists like ourselves who did not want to climb mountains or thrash through difficult off-road terrain.
          These have been exciting and rewarding years, our research and cycling has taken us over and through some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK and given us the opportunity of experiencing the magic of the flora and fauna throughout all the seasons and this we hope to pass on in our publications. Our books give us the satisfaction in the knowledge that users should be similarly rewarded.
For all Ages and Fitness...
         During this period the number of family cyclists has grown considerably. By family cyclist I mean Mum, Dad and kids and in some cases Gran and Grandad too.
          Today, providing you know where to look there are routes that cater for all ages and fitness - from the easy meandering Tarka and Camel Trails in the west country to the more difficult trails in say, the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales and remember difficulty may not always mean hills, it could be a sandy or muddy flat bridleway.
          These are exciting times for the leisure cyclist in terms of places to go and enjoy the pastime.
          There are a number of major initiatives being undertaken by county and local councils, springing to mind immediately is the 'English Cycling Country' initiative co-ordinated by the East of England Tourist Board and covering Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, where a vast amount of work is being done on off-road cycling routes. Also there are The National By-ways and Sustrans which over the next decade will be completing a vast series of new routes, added to this the work being done by Forest Enterprise and the Water Utilities in the forests water catchment areas - it looks like we are going to be spoiled for choice.
...and you don't need to own a bike!
         So get the family together, if you all haven't got bikes don't worry, most of the popular trails have cycle hire situated on or near their locations, this facility is brilliant, particularly if some members of the family do not have bikes, it can give them the opportunity of trying before buying - so load up the people carrier or estate get what bikes you have on top, inside or on a rear carrier and not forgetting Gran and Grandad get out and enjoy yourselves - for us there is nothing better than to get away on a brilliant summer of day with the makings for a picnic in our rucksacks together with a bottle of Chablis and a quiet glade off the trail to enjoy it, and the moment.
          I have recently retired from the Advertising and PR agency, which I founded in the late '60's. I have been an outdoor enthusiast for many years and a keen yachtsman, mountain walker, cyclist and marksman.
And now into retirement...
         In my retirement you can usually see me with my two Labradors, Jill and Meg roaming the moors and cloughs above and around Rossendale where I live - that's when I am not out cycling looking for new trails to publish.
          Happy Cycling, "

          Peter Gildersleve

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Acknowledgements


MAPS - Andy Thelwell
          Andy has grown up with Apple Macs and computer graphics. At present he is working for himself in the north west. In his spare time he is either in the gym or using his mountain bike.

ILLUSTRATION - Graham Nicholson
         Graham studied illustration at Lincoln, since then he has been commissioned by many leading national, and international companies, supplying work for packaging, advertising campaigns and corporate brochures. In his leisure time he is a keen walker, an interest he shares with his family.

CARTOONIST - Tony Bentley
          A graphic designer for the past 11 years, Tony has produced cartoons for MBR, Total Bike, and On Your Bike magazines. Although all of the art directors who commissioned him are no longer working for the mags, Tony stubbornly insists this is pure coincidence. Originally a BMXer, by 1992 the temptation of big wheels and 21 gears proved too much for him. He can now be found cycling aimlessly around the moors of Lancashire, frequently stopping to hug a tree or a pint (often both). Approach with caution and avoid direct eye contact.

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