HOBBIES & INTERESTS – CYCLING
Bath is a wonderful place for cyclists. The city is surrounded by hills, which means, if you’re into mountain biking, it’s surrounded by downhills. The Avon Cycleway is a signposted 92-mile circular route around Bath’s country lanes. But if you prefer level trundling, it has two long-distance level paths: a converted railway line to the west, and a canal towpath to the east (which unfortunately requires a permit costing £15 to use). And the very best way to enjoy the city itself is on two wheels. Forget about parking problems and nonsensical road layouts: you go right up to the door, lock your bike and go right in.
Cycles can be carried on trains, but not buses.
The countryside around St Catherine’s, in a valley a few miles east of Bath, is a great trip on a road or mountain bike.
Bath is an ideal staging post for bicycle touring. It is at the end of the West Country Way, a designated cycle route that heads 240 miles south-west. Cycle repairs can be done at the railway station and in Walcot St, but you may have to wait a day in high season.
Victoria Park is the only one of Bath’s parks you can cycle through.
The best pubs to cycle out to are the George at Bathampton (3 miles east) or the Jolly Sailor at Saltford (7 miles west).
The best villages to cycle to are Monkton Combe and Limpley Stoke, along the canal towpath (but you need that permit). Otherwise you’re in for some steep hills.
Bath Bike Hire, Sydney Wharf, Bathwick, Bath, BA2 4EL, 01225 447276
Provides a range of quality bikes and accessories for hire. A delivery service is also available. Whether you want to spend a half day or full day cycling in or around Bath, they can provide all the bikes and equipment you will need. They cater for all ages, abilities and needs.
Bath & Dundas Canal Co, Brass Knocker Basin, Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7JD, 01225 722292
They have a large selection of bikes for hire and can provide for the whole family, with their trailers, tag-a-longs and child seats. They also have a canalside shop, selling bikes and cycling accessories and have experienced bike mechanics on hand for servicing and repairs
Johns Bikes, 82-84 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BD, 01225 334633
At John’s Bikes you’ll find whatever you want. As well as all the bits, pieces and kit you need to make your cycling dreams come true. And if you don’t see it here, just ask and they’ll do their utmost to get it for you.
Cadence Bike Shop, 9 Chelsea Road, Bath, BA1 3PP, 01225 446887, info@cadencebikeshop.com<mailto:info@cadencebikeshop.com>
Cadence is a friendly bike shop in Bath, they stock bike brands such as Cannondale, Scott, Kona, Cervelo, Wilier, Fixie Inc, Intense, Yeti, Surly, Orange and Bob Jackson. The also have clothing, accessories and a stunning workshop.
Green Park Bike station, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1JB, 01225 920148, info@greenparkbikestation.com<mailto:info@greenparkbikestation.com%20>
Green Park Bike Station provide secure indoor bike parking and lockers to store any kit you may be carrying. They also provide bicycle servicing and repairs, their aim being to provide a speedy but quality bike repair and service centre in Bath. They are located in Green Park Station which is a short walk from the city centre.
Total Fitness Bath, 3 Saracen Street, Bath, BA1 5BR, 01225 444164, sales@totalfitnessbath.co.uk<mailto:sales@totalfitnessbath.co.uk>
Total Fitness was first established in 1992 and continues to grow and offer a wider range of bikes & equipment every year. They have all sorts of cycling & triathlon goodies crammed into the shop and hope that you will be able to find everything that you need for successful racing and training.
Cycle Works, 9 Crown Hill, Weston Village, Bath, BA1 4BP, 01225 422674
Cycle Works offer a wide range of cycles, from children’s and family bikes up to custom builds. They participate in CycleScheme – tax free bikes for work<http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/>. They hold a small range in the shop, representative of all styles of cycle. Give them a call or visit them in store to discuss your individual needs.
Take Charge Bikes, 3 Lansdown Mews, Bath, BA1 5DY, 01225 789568, info@takechargebikes.co.uk<mailto:info@takechargebikes.co.uk>
Take Charge Bikes is based in Bath and proud to be supplying electric bikes to the city and surrounding areas. They want to provide quality electric bikes that will do the job you wish of them at the price you want to pay.
Powabyke, 5 Piccadilly House, London Road, Bath, BA1 6PL, 01225 786791,sales@powabyke.com<mailto:sales@powabyke.com>
Powabyke’s purpose-designed electric bikes offer all the benefits of traditional cycling – the freedom, the convenience, the practicality – but with an important difference: none of the effort. That’s because you pedal only when you want to. The rest of the time, you can let the 200 watt motor take the strain.
