{"id":43415,"date":"2023-12-21T09:49:22","date_gmt":"2023-12-21T09:49:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/?p=43415"},"modified":"2024-01-16T12:46:38","modified_gmt":"2024-01-16T12:46:38","slug":"festive-pedalling-5-reasons-to-cycle-this-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/festive-pedalling-5-reasons-to-cycle-this-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"Festive Pedalling: 5 Reasons to Cycle this Christmas&#8230;"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">As Christmas draws closer, the festive drinks, hearty meals, and cosy gatherings can make it tempting to stay indoors. However, heading out on the bike can be well worth it&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"471\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Untitled-1-76.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43498 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/471;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Here are five reasons why you should hop on your bike this Christmas and make it a one to remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>1. Take Time to Unwind: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"471\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Untitled-1-94.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43757 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/471;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>The holidays can be stressful with the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, and entertaining. Break free from the chaos by taking a peaceful bike ride. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>Perhaps grab the gravel or mountain bike and enjoy a leisurely ride in the fresh air, relieve some stress, and return home with a clear mind. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plus you&#8217;ll get some nice peace and quiet if you choose a scenic route&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>2. Get out in a group or with a pal:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"471\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Untitled-1-93.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43755 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/471;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>Had a busy few months? Why not try and go out with a friend or in a group. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>You don&#8217;t have to wait until the New Year to try out a new route with friends. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you&#8217;re feeling festive you could throw your Christmas jumpers, or plan a route that includes a stop with a nice cup of coffee and some festive fuel. Mince Pies have carbs and protein right? <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>3. Make the Most of the Roads and Trails:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-medium-font-size\">General Manager Paul decided to light up his Winter Bike for this Christmas and here it is looking as festive as can be! Why not light up the streets with Festive Spirit?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"471\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Untitled-2-35.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43751 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/471;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>On Christmas Day and Boxing Day, many people stay indoors, creating a rare opportunity for cyclists to enjoy quieter roads and trails. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>Finally you can get out and ride with minimal traffic, making your ride both safer and more enjoyable. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>This might require sneaking out very early in the morning for some, but it will be worth the early alarm clock! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>Just be sure to be safe and seen. Many trails will also be quiet, especially if you get there early in the morning&#8230; <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>4. Start a new tradition:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"471\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Untitled-1-75.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43495 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/471;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make cycling on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day your own tradition. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>Whether you go solo or invite friends and\/or family to join, it&#8217;s an opportunity to create lasting memories and set up a tradition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>You could ride your favourite local route or try a new one if you are away from home this year. City and hybrid bikes are a great way of exploring a new areas with the family! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/brand\/metroneer\/\">(Pictured above, the Metroneer E-Bike at \u00a3699.)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>5. Keeping Active: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"471\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Untitled-2-33.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43745 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1600\/471;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>Christmas is often associated with indulgence and while the feasting is undoubtedly good fun, it&#8217;s good to balance it with some physical activity. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cycling offers a fantastic way to keep those holiday calories in check while enjoying the crisp winter air and festive scenery. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Let us know what Christmas Riding you have planned! Will you be trying an epic new route or simply riding to the pub with pals? <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As Christmas draws closer, the festive drinks, hearty meals, and cosy gatherings can make it tempting to stay indoors. However, heading out on the bike can be well worth it&#8230; Here are five reasons why you should hop on your bike this Christmas and make it a one to remember: 1. Take Time to Unwind: [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":44078,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4],"tags":[1842,2954,14,2276,2277,2948,2951,1865,2645,1866,52,966,2245,2585,2528],"ppma_author":[4638],"class_list":["post-43415","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-autumn-winter","tag-bike-for-christmas","tag-christmas","tag-christmas-cycling","tag-christmas-cyclist","tag-christmas-kids","tag-christmas-kids-cycling","tag-christmas-list","tag-cycling-christmas","tag-father-christmas","tag-winter","tag-winter-bike","tag-winter-bike-ride","tag-winter-bike-riding","tag-winter-biking","author-alex"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Festive Pedalling: 5 Reasons to Cycle this Christmas... - Merlin Cycles Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/festive-pedalling-5-reasons-to-cycle-this-christmas\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Festive Pedalling: 5 Reasons to Cycle this Christmas...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"As Christmas draws closer, the festive drinks, hearty meals, and cosy gatherings can make it tempting to stay indoors. 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