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I've looked back at my Strava for the last couple of years where I've been in Spain about this time for a week of early season mileage, usually getting around 750 miles in.
Bloody glad I'm not out there now just lying on a balcony and being unable to go anywhere!
I was just about to pull the trigger on a new frame from a small company but am now wondering whether it's a good idea. Not sure I will be allowed to ride - I am in the pariah age group and may be seized by the geriatric squad. On the other hand building it up will give me something to do if I can't get out!
Can I ride in the countryside?
Just so long as you take a good supply of IPA and wipe down every gate latch you open, or stile that you cross. Would hate to think there may be a farmer out there unable to look after their stock because someone had brought in the virus with them from the towns and left it somewhere that the land user might inadvertently come into contact with it....
Not saying it will happen. Just that it might.
Anyway, I start lambing in 2 weeks time and that is effectively 6 weeks of forced self isolation
Thanks Welshfarmer, another point I hadn't considered. Thanks for all the views guys. Shit times and I hope I can continue getting out on the bike cos it makes me feel better. I have agreed with the governments advice so far and plan to continue following them. They have tried to take peoples state of mind into account in their planning and everyone knows getting out does you good so long may it continue.
I genuinely can't see how cycling solo or with those you already have contact, in the countryside/country roads will undermine any efforts to contain the virus. The same goes for walking and running.
Wear gloves, don't go near anyone else and don't stop at a cafe or pub (god I feel for those in the hospitality industry).
I see less people in 50 miles of offroad cycling than in 50 seconds in a shop and I'm further away by a some 10ft.
As for the land user - I'd suggest they are far more likely to catch the virus going to a petrol station than touching a style I may have crossed.
Just so long as you take a good supply of IPA and wipe down every gate latch you open, or stile that you cross.
I've got three cans of it left in the fridge but I'm not wasting it pouring it all over rural fencing, thank you very much 🙂
Why do the Spanish consider going for a run with your dog to be "taking the piss"?
My post was meant a little tongue in cheek...
But it is worth pointing out that there is almost always something we haven't thought of in the world of unintended consequences. All I can say is all anyone can say really, and that is to just be sensible, and try not to be too selfish.
Bloody glad I’m not out there now just lying on a balcony and being unable to go anywhere!
Advice if you're self-isolating on a balcony is to use a bucket. HTH
@ kittyr:
Oh god this constant talk of ‘mental health’ – not riding a bike for 2-4 weeks is not going to kill you. You might be grumpy but you aren’t going to top yourself.
You couldn't be more wrong if you tried. For some people not getting that vital bit of exercise and escapism from normal life can literally be the difference between living or 'topping' themselves. I'll give you one example: Me. If I don't get some sort of decent exercise every other day, whether that's bikes or a gym session, I get very anxious and the dark thoughts start to come to the forefront of my mind. If I don't get out in green spaces at least once every few days the same thing happens. Riding my mountain bikes ticks both boxes. It's also one of the reasons I cycle commute as much as I can. If I don't get out after a week I'm in a very bad place. There are lots and lots of other people in similar and worse situations than me, some of them are on here. The OP has posted a valid question and it should be discussed on here, a biking forum that has a wealth of knowledge from people in healthcare, farming, outdoor pursuits and other valuable sources. The key to more people coming out of this in one piece is finding ways we can all live as normally as is practicable whilst being safe for others and leisure activities are a big part of that. I will take precautions when I'm out on my bike, exactly the same as if I was going to the supermarket etc, by wearing gloves, using tissues and avoiding directly touching gates like welshfarmer suggests. I will choose my routes accordingly to reduce any risks of me crashing or being in crowds as much as I practically can but at the end of the day I need to keep my mental health in check.
I don't want to discuss this as it will derail the thread but may I suggest you really think next time before you post up about something that can be very important to some people.
Spain; I bet that this is the most fun the Guardia Civil have had since Franco died.
Going round the supermarket this afternoon it was obvious that whilst folk kept their distance from each other, no one was remotely worried about touching trollies and PIN card readers that hundreds of others had touched. I think walking about in public is far, far less risky than getting your food (whether delivered or bought in shops) and riding a bike only slightly more risky.
Seeing as there doesn't appear to be a formal statement from the government to read through, I'm going by "reputable" news outlets, and there's no lockdown as far as I can tell. So I'll be going out for rides. But yeah, this thread has reminded me that I really don't want to end up in a&e! And I suspect that even if I get it, I may sneak out to walk the dog, as I can do that without affecting anyone else. If I lived in a block of flats, I guess I'd be buying a turbo for me and a treadmill for Duracell dog!
Trust me apart from the group gathering of local heethabahhs once every when wifes permits, hitting senders like crazed 16 year olds I want nothing to do with anyone when im out on the bike, maybe a casual "eh up" to a rosy cheeked farmer but thats about it. The less interaction I have with the public the better for all concerned.
"no one was remotely worried about touching trollies and PIN card readers"
I was the only one wearing disposable gloves (that I saw) in the supermarket today and I could see some people laughing.
Whatever. People are people and though having teenage children I'm sure I'll get it eventually, it just seems sensible to wear gloves when touching stuff several thousand people have touched that day.
I took to wearing disposable gloves at the supermarket last Friday. Didn't see anyone else doing the same & hardly anyone batted an eyelid (at least I didn't notice anyone). Two or three did mention that's a good idea. Being in the over 70s bracket I carry a couple of pairs in my ride bag just in case.
just seems sensible to wear gloves when touching stuff several thousand people have touched that day.
What about when you put it away in the cupboards, who picked it up and fondled it before you put it in your cupboards? When you get it out of the cupboards will you still wear the gloves?, it's touched the cupboards too of course, and the inside of your shopping bags... Did you touch your face whilst wearing the gloves? Did you keep the gloves on when you put it away? 😉
Crazy and scary times.
I’m sure plenty of people citing mental health on here will be little more than grouchy if they’re off the bike, but you have to wonder at what point measures become so economically impactful that UK deaths from Covid-19 are outstripped by suicides directly related to job loss, bankruptcy and so on.
I've been considered this a fair bit today. I suspect most people who aren't cyclists, look at it as a bit of fun rather than take the view that it is exercise...like them walking or walking the dog.
The gloves stopped me touching my face (which I do occasionally) after picking up the products. Thoroughly washed hands after putting away at home. Just a small thing but if I think it helps then that's fine with me.
Official line from Mr B. Johnson:
“That means that if possible you should not go out, even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise and in that case at a safe distance from others”
I know he's an incompetent fool, but I think his guidance about exercise is correct.
Selfish folk more worried about not being able to ride a bike for a month or so than trying to pull together and reduce the strain on our emergency services.
I'd say a sensible bit of exercise will reduce the burden on the NHS in terms of mental and physical health, and if there's less traffic on the road it might actually make cycling even safer and more enjoyable than usual.
So you can do exercise but not buy food? Bojo really has lost it
Do you think it was his idea to caveat about exercise then?
Or maybe the public health professionals who know it's unlikely to spread CV and is good for people?
I would also be concerned about my mental health if I can’t get out for a ride or at least walks. I’m not sure why all the millions of dog walkers would be allowed out for a walk but people without dogs wouldn’t. That’s effectively saying that dogs are more important than humans.
My Bootcamp provider has emailed to say they are continuing to run their sessions.
1/ it's in the open air
2/ they'll reduce / remove equipment and run them as bodyweight exercises (or you can bring your own weight)
3/ everyone to wear gloves
4/ no 'partner' exercises
5/ it's a big park and he shouts at squaddies for a living - we can space out easily
Is that minimal social contact. Maybe if we don't speak to each other while there? Might be an option for others who will go stir crazy otherwise?
My Bootcamp provider has emailed to say they are continuing to run their sessions.
1/ it's in the open air
2/ they'll reduce / remove equipment and run them as bodyweight exercises (or you can bring your own weight)
3/ everyone to wear gloves
4/ no 'partner' exercises
5/ it's a big park and he shouts at squaddies for a living - we can space out easily
Is that minimal social contact. Maybe if we don't speak to each other while there? Might be an option for others who will go stir crazy otherwise?
I am with @reluctantjumper on this one. However, we do need to be mindful of potential consequences. I'll stick to rides with zero technical difficulties; in fact might ride on the road more as there in theory should be less traffic.
I have two dilemmas-
Going to the gym: seems a no-brainer to avoid. Wife is between jobs so financially we could be a bit precarious. Would feel bad cancelling membership (small gym, part of an airpirt hotel, probably dying on their arse right now!) but feels like we need to batten down the hatches a little.
A snowy hillwalk this weekend: boils down to the argument of responsibility, nothing precarious planned but am feeling we should at least do something low level instead!
That ‘official line’ from Bo-Jo relates to those infected with Covid.
Ironically the cycling club has canceled all club runs/event for the foreseeable.
Work is still open though, so a lot of us will be out for a group ride anyway (if I can catch it on a bike ride I can catch it at my desk).
Official line from Mr B. Johnson:
“That means that if possible you should not go out, even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise and in that case at a safe distance from others”I know he’s an incompetent fool, but I think his guidance about exercise is correct.
Shhhhh, don't go quoting actual guidance, you know half the people on the forum don't actually cycle, this just gives some of them the excuse to actually say it 🤣
Time for an ebike to rip around the woods outback.
Ironically the cycling club has canceled all club runs/event for the foreseeable.
Ours too. BC are meeting this morning and I think it's likely that pretty much everything to do with organised cycling in the UK is going to get canned by the end of the day.
Personally, I can live without group rides, races and training, but the thought of a month (or more!) off the bike completely fills me with absolute dread. I know there are more important things in the world, but my bike is what helps me keep my sanity and I'm not looking forward to being without it.
On the other hand, I'll have a garage full of the cleanest, most perfectly maintained steeds the world has ever seen!
Forgot about the gym membership! Decided early on I'd avoid it as it's a chain warehouse setup, the constant churn of visitors mean there's bound to be someone in there carrying it. They have to constantly remind people of the importance of wiping your sweat off machines after you've used them anyway, let alone now so must cancel that while I remember. I can't see how they can keep the showers Covid-free as they're in constant use.
Worth repeating that the official line quoted above is for those who already have c19:
On people isolating for 14 days, Johnson said: “That means that if possible you should not go out, even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise and in that case at a safe distance from others.” Whitty said this was vital to help limit the spread, and relieve pressure on the NHS.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/16/pm-tells-britons-to-avoid-non-essential-contact-with-others?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Copy_to_clipboar d">Guardian link
Went out this morning early 6.30am local reservoir loop saw a grand total of 2 people walking dogs all well over 20 yards away from me. I touched nothing, licked nothing and felt great for it. Nothing more for me to say..
The Spanish ban is a blunt instrument. I'm driving to work today to lug a load of books home but in the coming days when I actually need to go in, I'll be riding or walking there because the decreto doesn't explicitly prohibit it, and the alternative is getting on a train. I'm not going to take the piss and do 60 mile loops in full lycra to get to my job 6 miles away.
If they permit leisure activities outside, next thing you'll have chain gangs of WFH mamils going up and down the coast road every day.
My OH is a teacher. A while back, a dad dropped his clearly unwell child off at school. When told his child should not be at school, he shrugged and said he couldn't look after it because he was training for (insert name of sportive here) - that's the mentality of the Spanish mamil.
The NHS was already seriously overburdened before the virus arrived, so if anyone really believes cycling is an unacceptable risk, how can you justify doing it at any time...?
Common sense will tell you that going out for a solo cycle is not a problem.
Personally, I can live without group rides, races and training,
It did occur to me that perhaps the worst way to spread the disease was blowing snot-rockets! I'd only just started dabbling with group rides again, would be a shame to miss them but perhaps for the best right now...
My local trails are starting to dry out, so here's a photo from yesterday. Both of us are in the 'at risk' group but are being careful
[img] 
[/img]
I'll be going out for easy solo local rides.
Doesn't exercising outside in the fresh air and countryside boost the immune system?
Certainly feels a lot more pleasant than sitting indoors on a turbo trainer
It did occur to me that perhaps the worst way to spread the disease was blowing snot-rockets!
It doesn't cause a runny nose so you're safe.
I've got a trip to the Lake District coming up this weekend/early next week. I live in a rubbish place for MTBing, my ride buddy had a serious injury (not MTB related) a year ago and I've been working flat out (for the NHS, but not in a clinical role) since the summer so I think I did three proper MTB rides last year. I got married in the autumn and didn't even have time for a proper honeymoon because of work, then we planned on going to Asia and that got canned because of coronavirus. So, I really, really, [i]really[/i] want to go still.
There will only be two of us, we're not doing anything rad and we'll be spending most of our time out on the hills far more distant from other people than I would be if I was at work/home.
Ironically the cycling club has canceled all club runs/event for the foreseeable.
IS that Wokingham CC? What have they actually said please? Wonder if my local MTB club will do the same.
It doesn’t cause a runny nose so you’re safe.
No, but you could have it, and also have a runny nose? Plus, riding in general seems to loosen up the contents of my sinuses, so I'm not sure there is a link between having a cold/virus and enjoying a good farmer's blow?
IS that Wokingham CC?
Reading.
No club runs, time trials and RBC have closed leisure centers so no track sessions either.
No, but you could have it, and also have a runny nose? Plus, riding in general seems to loosen up the contents of my sinuses, so I’m not sure there is a link between having a cold/virus and enjoying a good farmer’s blow?
It was a joke, I'd advise social isolation whilst firing off a snot rocket even at the best of times!
I'm surprised I haven't had anything from Dyfi Events about the Dyfi Enduro. Just had notice that the Mach Comedy Festival has been cancelled. I realise they are on different weekends this year but only a week apart. I will be gutted but surely they will have to cancel?
If you think cycling is a dangerous activity, perhaps you should consider giving it up or taking a course on not being a plastic hero or an effwit.
That aligns with my thinking in cycling right now: avoid being in a group but still ride if you're symptom-free as it's good for your immune system and mental health.
That aligns with my thinking in cycling ALL THE TIME: avoid being in a group but still ride if you’re symptom-free as it’s good for your immune system and mental health.
FTFY 🙂
If you think cycling is a dangerous activity, perhaps you should consider giving it up or taking a course on not being a plastic hero or an effwit.
While I agree with your general meaning, I've got a few things to add to that.
If I head off for a ride later, I'm very unlikely to need medical attention. BUT, every so often I do. Last time was a dislocated shoulder, a couple of years back. And there is always at least one member of my riding group who is injured at any time. That's sort of a consequence of where we live, and how much we all ride. (And how many regular riders we have.)
So, we'll all take it easy. Yes, of course we will. Honest! Because men are like that. We all gather at the top of the easiest descent we can find and potter down it. Carefully. 😀
(On a serious note - I've hurt myself more often when I've not been concentrating. I concentrate when I'm riding tricky stuff. I often hurt myself on the easy stuff before I get to the tricky stuff. I should concentrate more!)
Some info from RoSPA
More accidents happen at home than anywhere else
Every year there are approximately 6,000 deaths as the result of a home accident
More than two million children under the age of 15 experience accidents in and around the home every year, for which they are taken to accident and emergency units
Children under the age of five and people over 65 (particularly those over 75) are most likely to have an accident at home
Over 76,000 children under the age of 14 are admitted for treatment of which over 40% are under 5 years of age
Falls are the most common accidents, which can cause serious injury at any time of life. The risk increases with age
More women than men over the age of 65 die as the result of an accident in the home
Every year over 62 children under 14 die as a result of an accident in the home
Around 25,000 under-fives attend A&E departments each year after being accidentally poisoned
An average of 13 children a day under the age of 4 suffer a severe injury from a burn or a scald. A hot drink can still scald a small child up to 15 minutes after it is made
More accidents happen in the lounge/living room than anywhere else in the home.
Every year more than 4,200 children are involved in falls on the stairs and 4,000 children under the age of 15 are injured falling from windows
Boys have more accidents than girls
The cost to society of UK home accident injuries has been estimated at £45.63billion (£45,630million) annually.
So staying at home is pretty damn risky. Stuff that, I'm off for a ride.
Cycle club has cancelled all club rides on BC advice.
But reminded everyone that there is nothing to stop you riding on your own, with appropriate hygiene and distancing precautions if you stop for refreshments, in accordance with current government guidelines.
Some info from RoSPA
More accidents happen at home than anywhere else
Every year there are approximately 6,000 deaths as the result of a home accident
More than two million children under the age of 15 experience accidents in and around the home every year, for which they are taken to accident and emergency units
Children under the age of five and people over 65 (particularly those over 75) are most likely to have an accident at home
Over 76,000 children under the age of 14 are admitted for treatment of which over 40% are under 5 years of age
Falls are the most common accidents, which can cause serious injury at any time of life. The risk increases with age
More women than men over the age of 65 die as the result of an accident in the home
Every year over 62 children under 14 die as a result of an accident in the home
Around 25,000 under-fives attend A&E departments each year after being accidentally poisoned
An average of 13 children a day under the age of 4 suffer a severe injury from a burn or a scald. A hot drink can still scald a small child up to 15 minutes after it is made
More accidents happen in the lounge/living room than anywhere else in the home.
Every year more than 4,200 children are involved in falls on the stairs and 4,000 children under the age of 15 are injured falling from windows
Boys have more accidents than girls
The cost to society of UK home accident injuries has been estimated at £45.63billion (£45,630million) annually.So staying at home is pretty damn risky. Stuff that, I’m off for a ride
Does give some perspective, doesn't it ...
But reminded everyone that there is nothing to stop you riding on your own, with appropriate hygiene and distancing precautions if you stop for refreshments, in accordance with current government guidelines.
Today, maybe. What about tomorrow...?
Does give some perspective, doesn’t it …
as does the fact that we have a couple of thousand people dying in motoring incidents per year in the UK but nobody really cares. Imagine if the media took as much interest in that figure as they are in this virus..
Imagine if the media took as much interest in that figure as they are in this virus..
This is a very good general point. And we accept and normalise it.
It's terrible really.
Children under the age of five and people over 65 (particularly those over 75) are most likely to have an accident at home
The people who spend by far the most time in the home are the most likely to have an accident in the home? Well bugger me with a fish fork.
Well bugger me with a fish fork.
I can't find that in the RoSPA lists - how common is it?
I’m surprised I haven’t had anything from Dyfi Events about the Dyfi Enduro.
Same here. Keep looking on their website for any update. Bloody hope it doesn't get cancelled.
Boltby Bash, hasn't been cancelled yet! I expect all large gathering are waiting on government instructions before cancelling anything for insurance reasons.
The people who spend by far the most time in the home are the most likely to have an accident in the home? Well bugger me with a fish fork.
Are you implying that's the only reason?
Craig5: big debate on this atm
The Association of British Insurers said standard policies did not include forced closure by the authorities.
So, for most businesses, they would not have been entitled to compensation, even if the government had ordered them to close.
Well thack me over my helmet clad head.
This morning I went out for an mtb ride. On my own, fully armoured up.
Before the ride I was feeling completely anxious (no work, worries about elderly relatives etc). After I felt rejuvenated and happier.
The ride was mostly canal, a flat bridleway, an easy descent, 3 stops for talking to people I knew (all were standing at least 2 metres away). Then a climb homeward.
The fresh air, a bit of warmth, deserted trails, only 2 vehicles on a road stretch and just chatting to others enjoying the outdoors was worth it.
I'll carry on riding until it's banned.
The Spanish approach seems overkill to me. Staying fit, healthy, sane and reducing stress seems all the more important at the moment. Obviously this isn't going to be the summer to learn to jump but ride sensibly and it's got to be a positive. If I"m working from home I'm going to be doing my 'fake commute' most days.
If we are really worried about load on the health service we would be lowering all speed limits and increasing penalties for breaking them.
Anyway -
I am a teacher and at the moment I am in a relatively small building with 1200 snotty kids. But when I get home I have to stay in and not have a gentle ride in the woods? This doesn't make much sense to me. I have to drive home on a motorway which is still busy so I could easily have an accident. It's still pretty much business as usual here we P.E. lessons and team sports going on. I have had 4 classes today with upto 35 students in each class and lunch in a communal diner. What is really more risky?
Are you implying that’s the only reason?
Of course not; it’s just that these sorts of factoid-fests are nearly always a matter of “make whatever statements we can from the numbers we’ve got” more than they are a useful and diligent analysis.
I am a teacher and at the moment I am in a relatively small building with 1200 snotty kids. But when I get home I have to stay in and not have a gentle ride in the woods? This doesn't make much sense to me. I have to drive home on a motorway which is still busy so I could easily have an accident. It's still pretty much business as usual here we P.E. lessons and team sports going on. I have had 4 classes today with upto 35 students in each class and lunch in a communal diner. Which of these activities in my life is really the most risky?
Decided to have one ‘last ride’ with biking buddy last night, really just to catch up in an unconfined space. Tried to access an old track that I know, just to get away from town. Noticed someone has erected a big metal fence adjoining to the access so it was a squeeze to ride through.
Went through but slowly stopped dead in my tracks with a searing pain in left arm. Massive carriage-bolt caught me by the arm, removing the skin in a perfect shape of the thread diameter. Bah. Anything can be dangerous, even pootling.
Back to the ride. Decided of course against stopping by a pub for customary pint on the way home. Instead grabbed 2 x bottle of beers, climbed back up to Town then occupied a big old bus shelter on the Hills. Sat looking down at the twinkly lights below, sipping our last beer and ride together for who knows how long. We said cheers and remembered better times. Gave a toast to memory of a homeless man named Remigiusz, who died in this spot not long back. Then farewells and took off to our respective homes
Be careful and try keep out of ER, wherever you are. I doused and dressed the wound myself. Not neat but hopefully will do the trick. It’s made me more mindful, I hope. Turbotrainer time.
Bez
The people who spend by far the most time in the home are the most likely to have an accident in the home? Well bugger me with a fish fork.
By the same token, the people who spend by far the most time outside are the most likely to have an accident outside.... I don't have a fish fork.
Ooops, too many arms. Soz
If we do enter lock down, and we are asked not to cycle...for the greater perceived good
In what way, specifically, do you think that stopping individual people from cycling would help to mitigate the current crisis?
In what way, specifically, do you think that stopping individual people from cycling would help to mitigate the current crisis?
The same way preventing an individual person getting ill with corona and ending up in ICU is mitigating the current crisis I guess.
1 person is easy. You won't be the only person.
I’m surprised I haven’t had anything from Dyfi Events about the Dyfi Enduro.
Same here. Keep looking on their website for any update. Bloody hope it doesn’t get cancelled.
I'd be surprised if it didn't get cancelled. The Mach Comedy Festival has just been cancelled
In what way, specifically, do you think that stopping individual people from cycling would help to mitigate the current crisis?
Because it won't just be one person, and you allow one person to ride on the public road out to a trail, what's to stop him or her meeting up with their mates once they're out of sight? Goodbye social distancing. And if you allow riding with (pinky promise!) no social contact, why not running? Or hiking? Or perhaps a late-night stroll round the block?
Stuck here at home in Spain I can't help but feel this thread is really bringing out the selfish and pathetic - "my mental health will suffer!" "I'll go stir crazy". It's a fortnight, FFS, not a life sentence in Wormwood Scrubs.
Because it won’t just be one person, and you allow one person to ride on the public road out to a trail, what’s to stop him or her meeting up with their mates once they’re out of sight? Goodbye social distancing. And if you allow riding with (pinky promise!) no social contact, why not running? Or hiking? Or perhaps a late-night stroll round the block?
There's a world of difference between a couple of MTBers cycling in the woods, or some trail runners, or hikers, compared to a pub full off footy fans.
Social isolation shouldn't mean not being allowed out if the house at all. Just keeping a distance, and that's totally possible on a bike, or walk, or run.
It’s a fortnight, FFS,
I have a feeling that's a somewhat optimistic outlook.
Just got back from a ride and there's plenty of 70+ year olds out walking their dogs.
I have a feeling that’s a somewhat optimistic outlook.
I think he's referring to the period of self-isolation should your or one of your family display any of the signs. The epidemic is likely to last much, much longer.
The same way preventing an individual person getting ill with corona and ending up in ICU is mitigating the current crisis I guess.
The added risk of people continuing to do sensible, socially distanced exercise will be very small, balanced against the negative consequences of trying to lock people in their houses for months. As I said before, the NHS was seriously stretched pre virus. Anyone who really believes cycling is that risky should already be avoiding it.
Because it won’t just be one person, and you allow one person to ride on the public road out to a trail, what’s to stop him or her meeting up with their mates once they’re out of sight? Goodbye social distancing. And if you allow riding with (pinky promise!) no social contact, why not running? Or hiking? Or perhaps a late-night stroll round the block?
The simple answer is that you sanction anyone who is caught breaking the rules. I don't see any problem with solo running or a late night stroll round the block. What do you think is going to happen?
It feels like some people are inventing a problem that doesn't really exist here. I can't see why people shouldn't continue to exercise while observing social distancing. If you are really committed to doing this properly for the long term, you need a sensible, sustainable approach. Preventing safe, responsible recreational exercise won't help.
I see no rationality in those saying folk shouldn't even go on solo bike rides.
Seems similar to bogroll hoarding or getting the sanitizer out every 5m, when hand washing is proven to be better.
Have a word/get a grip/insert other 3 word trope here.
It's interesting stuff. Do you tank your economy and precipitate a global depression to try and protect a small percentage of people (the elderly, and the chronically ill, many of the latter as a result of poor lifestyle choices) who will probably die soon anyway? That's putting it bluntly, but, hey. Or do you isolate the vulnerable while you allow the majority to go about life as (relatively) normal, catching the virus, suffering a mild illness, building herd immunity, maintaining an economy that can support the health services? Tough decision, glad I don't have to make it.
But as a fit person in my early 50s, you'll have to pry my cold, dead hands off the bars of my bike to stop me going for a solo ride in the countryside. I'm not stopping that to add a few years of life to some obese ****ed up smoker, sorry.
Talked to my 78 year old London-based dad yesterday. He's pretty philosophical about it - he's had a good run, if he gets it, hey.