A coronavirus chestnut

[PaulSB]

Similar things are being said on hill walking forums.

We went for a walk with four friends on Saturday. Walking down a steepish hillside path at 45 degree angle to the hill one of our group stumbled, grabbed a fence post to steady himself. The fence post gaveway as it had been snapped at the base sometime in the past. He didn't, but could have quite easily, pitched forward and tumbled down the hillside and been injured.

Any form of physical activity we undertake carries a level of risk. I see no reason to stop riding unless the entire population is told to stay indoors other than for medical and food trips.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

It is weird isn’t it, this belief that if you go out on your bike there is a strong likelihood you may need an ambulance? Yet they are quite happy using a kettle or getting in and out of a bath, going up and down steps or stairs , or going for a walk, run, or drive. All of which also might lead to you needing an ambulance.

Just shows show skewed people’s perceptions of risk are.

 

[mjr]

Any form of physical activity we undertake carries a level of risk. I see no reason to stop riding unless the entire population is told to stay indoors other than for medical and food trips.

And then I will ride for medical and food trips because I'm less likely to hospitalise someone.

 

[steveindenmark]

Dont be doing any DIY. That is bound to get you into A&E.

 

[Andy in Germany]

Just looked at the local emergency measures: in Baden-Württemberg only travelling for work is allowed until April the 19th. They even wrote it in English so I can't pretend I didn't understand it:

(2) Only such journeys are permitted as are reasonably necessary to reach the place of work, the place of activity or employment, the place of residence or the place of destination

or departure of a delivery of goods as quickly and safely as possible. Interruptions of journeys, in particular for shopping or leisure purposes, are prohibited.

 

[Dave7]

It's playing the percentages isn't it? I think it's for each individual to decide if they would ride on the roads when soon there will be a serious risk if you are hurt seriously there might not be an ambulance available to help you or a bed for you if you make it to the hospital.

Personally I'm going to stick to Zwift but I don't judge anyone who still rides outdoors as long as it's not in groups.

I han an 'off' on Friday. Completely my own fault. But MrsD gave me real ear ache over what would happen if it had been serious etc. Fair point. As things stand I am planning/thinking of a ride tomorrow but I will decide 'day by day'.

 

[Randomnerd]

It’s sensible just now to be more careful. We don’t want to stretch already stretched services. And the last place I want to be right now is a hospital! I’ve given up tightrope walking, fire eating and naked pole dancing for the duration, much against my better judgment

 

[DRM]

I have just been watching a clip by a doctor dealing with the virus.

His view is that it is ok to go out and ride your bike. But to use common sense, follow the guide lines and to take it easy and not to be doing stunts.

So come on. Who goes out and does stunts. Even on a good day

Well lots of people were at Leeds Urban Bike Park yesterday, whilst not doing stunts I think some bits of the trails will increase the chances of an off, where riding on the road/canal/bridleways will present less of a risk, but I think if you go out & have a steady ride and enjoy being outside you’ll be ok, no need to be racing round at the moment

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I was called selfish for riding by a spanish chap on a facefluff group , untill told otherwise i wil still ride but it will be solo with no cafe stops ( not that there are any ) .

I was out this morning, 52 miles solo, no cafe stop, I'm going to keep that up as long as I can.

 

[mjr]

I’ve given up tightrope walking, fire eating and naked pole dancing for the duration, much against my better judgment

Are maternity hospitals busy near you, then?

 

[pawl]

I was out this morning, 52 miles solo, no cafe stop, I'm going to keep that up as long as I can.

Yes it’s becoming a hard life for us retired gentleman. Beat me by 41 miles.

 

[Chris S]

Just looked at the local emergency measures: in Baden-Württemberg only travelling for work is allowed until April the 19th.

How are you supposed to buy food?

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Yes it’s becoming a hard life for us retired gentleman. Beat me by 41 miles.

Purley Chase on the fixed with about 40 miles in the legs was hard.

 

[Faratid]

I'm not kayaking as the RNLI are too busy picking up migrants in the channel

Oh how awful, you poor dear! Can't go kayaking because the lifeboat is too busy rescuing desperate migrants*. HO HO HO!
*Although they are of course doing no such thing most of the time, apart from a few incidents. But hey, never mind the facts otherwise there wouldn't ever be any post truth, fake news racism to post.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I han an 'off' on Friday. Completely my own fault. But MrsD gave me real ear ache over what would happen if it had been serious etc. Fair point. As things stand I am planning/thinking of a ride tomorrow but I will decide 'day by day'.
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Dave take it easy on the bike. There is absolutely no reason people should be coming off their bikes if they ride appropriately. Even less reason anyone should come off and be injured in such a way as to need medical help. Just ride appropriately and you return home exercised and zero injury. Yes you can't hurtle down that road or hill, yes you can't brake last minute (if that's your style), yes you probably won't set any Strava PBs. But you'll get some exercise and be able to avoid the usual things that might have brought you off your bike when riding without a care in the world.

Ride like you're a 90 year old going 3 miles to the paper shop on a sit up and beg bike.