Tackling the Tissington Trail

No need for Lycra or burning lungs, when there's a much easier way to explore this pretty part of Derbyshire, as Peter Rosenthal discovers

- Peter Rosenthal

CONFESSION TIME. I am a member of a local cycling club and have done all sorts of challenges, from cycling coast to coast (on-road covering 113 miles in a day and a 250-mile off-road route over four days) to trips around the Scottish islands.

However, none of these events has been relaxing and they usually involve a back-up vehicle, loads of logistics, helpers, trailers and garages. And bananas. Lots of bananas.

The thing is, on these events, you rarely have time to enjoy the ride, because you’re focused on getting to the next checkpoint. It’s a challenge, rather than fun. But for a family weekend, that’s the last thing you want. I’d rather chill out, enjoy the scenery and sample some great food and drink.

The good news is, there’s a way you can breeze along a cycle trail without having to load up your bike, mess about with pumps and chains, then worry if stuff is going to be stolen from the rack when you stop at services. The simple solution is to hire a bike on your chosen cycle trail – and sidestep the misery of burning legs and lungs, by opting for an electric bike.

Easy with an ebike

Ebikes take all of the effort out of cycling and allow you to balance cyclists’ different abilities by varying the pedal assistance. You’ll generally find a bike shop located near most popular UK cycling routes and they’re not that expensive to hire.

The only point to note is that it’s best not to mix a group of cyclists with electric and conventional bikes. This never works well and is a guaranteed recipe for friction – non-electric riders invariably get grumpy as you steam past them up the hills!