The evidence is overwhelming – being outside in ‘nature’ is good for our mental health. Combine this with physical exercise and you’re likely to raise, not only your heart rate, but your levels of dopamine and endorphins too. Now the social enterprise Bikespace is looking for people to take part in the next round of its popular Trail Therapy Project which puts adults on a bike, off road, in the ‘great outdoors’.
The eleven weeks’ programme starts in the Devonport workshops with participants learning basic bike mechanics before heading out on mountain bikes to some of the region’s most popular cycling trails, such as those on Dartmoor; at the Lanhydrock Estate near Bodmin and at Haldon Forest on the outskirts of Exeter. Accompanied by Bikespace staff, beginners are taught how to ride, gaining skills and experience each time they go out so that, by the time the programme ends, everyone can cycle with confidence and pedal for pleasure!
You don’t even need to have a bike – all the equipment is provided. And the best bit: after 11 weeks, those that finish the programme, will be given their own bike to keep.
If you know someone that might enjoy taking part in the next Trail Therapy Project email info@bikespace.org.uk or call 01752 500211
