There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.

Cycling is possibly the most accessible sport on the planet, but it can also be one of the most brutal. From amateurs testing themselves to the limit in a sportive or club ride to professionals competing in the toughest races in the world. It is a sport that gives the participants a tremendous feeling of freedom and wellbeing.

Participating allows one to park the whole of your personal issues and problems on a shelf way back in your mind and pedal away without a care in the world. Whether it's a short club ride to the local Wetherspoons for a drink and chat or a 70 mile hill munching banger there's little that can beat the simplicity of the bike ride.

Cycling is a sport which rouses one - and there is no shortage of quotes from celebrities, superstars and professional cyclists which sum up the the whole beauty, joy, freedom, pain suffering and romance that cycling brings to the table.

“Cyclists see considerably more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to” – Dr K.K. Doty

Today i rode out on a difficult club ride with some very motivated individuals. The weather conditions were mixed with rain, warmth and wind. People were focused from the get go knowing that one particular local climb lay in their path. I did not see a load of nervous people worrying about themselves, i saw a group of people who formed a collective working as one. I watched people offering a hand to others in their moment of need. Sacrificing their own mini personal achievements to help others improve and better themselves. Barack Obama once said.

“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.”

Cycling is not for the faint hearted, it's hard and uncompromising. The self indulgent few (and there are very few) that participate are soon found wanting and isolated. Cycling as part of a group is where the best value in cycling can be gained.

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” Anne Frank.

Pelsall social cycling club, friends forever.