I am looking at alternative sports to mix in with my cycling so I can cut down on the cycling and still do other ways of keeping fit.
My plans are to cycle two days a week as its a hard sport, a sport that I love but it can take over your whole time.
So I plan to do short but hard rides, about 40 miles a time which is sufficient to keep a good base fitness though not race fit.
Racing does not feature in my plans but I was looking at walking and spending more time bird watching and fishing and gardening to.

I was looking at Nordic walking which is easier on the joints and back but better than normal walking.
Does anyone do this type of walking as it is growing in popularity yhough is big in Scandanavia.
Its not gto straineous and would fit well into my training regime and give me more time to do other things.

Walking is always good.
If you wait while the weather picks up a little you could combine a few pastimes.

We go Camping nearly every weekend in the nice weather and stay on a dairy farm near buxton.

You can walk from there on the "Tissington trail" to Ashbourne or cycle there.

It is on a disused railway line so no traffic.
The "Royal Oak" does excellent food too and is a 15 minute walk away.

Obviously in the peaks there is wildlife galore. :thumbsup:

I have often seen nordic walking when out in the country, there were loads in the lakes last year.
I have to admit i did'nt actually realise it was called nordic walking until watching countryfile this morning, but there are plenty doing it.
A notice on the notice board in Decathalon might work, i think they have the sticks

What, walking with poles?

As training I think it comes into the "better than nothing" category, unless you're a cross-country skier looking for the upper-body conditioning, but that's just my opinion. If you're serious, it's probably worth making sure your technique is right. Incredibly, there is a Nordic walking instructor in Sheffield. You can find her contact details on www.nordicwalking.co.uk, or PM me if you can't find it.

Alternatively you could ask in Foothills in Nether Edge - they'd probably know about any local groups, and should have a good selection of poles.

Hilariously, they now have Nordic inline skating - roller skating with poles!

My aim is to combine my interest in bird watching with Nordic walking.
I'm not a walker as a rule and do very little if nothing.
My mate is interested in walking so maybe we can hook up and join a team of Nordic walkers.
I to saw them in the Lakes last September and never knew it was called that until today.
I think I will give carrying the fishing tackle with me a miss though.:hihi: