Cycling Articles

Cycling is one of the ultimate calorie burners. And, whether you love hitting the roads or the trails, everyone from beginners to pros can improve their performance in the saddle by choosing the best foods for cycling to provide them with the right nutrition.

Fuel your body with everything it needs, and, not only will you boost and sustain your energy levels, but you’ll also reduce your chances of injury, protect your immune system, and speed up recovery after a hard ride.

Take a look at some of the best foods to eat before, during and after your ride. It’s time to fuel up!

There’s nothing quite like that feeling of freedom you get when riding a bike. Take that feeling on holiday, add in blue skies, spectacular countryside, and the promise of a post-ride dip in the sea, and you’ve made it: welcome to cycling heaven.

If you’re yet to discover the joys of a cycling holiday, give it a go – you won’t regret it. But first things first, what should you take before setting off?

Cycling is unbelievably fun. Consider it official. A Neilson-endorsed fact. Anyone who has ever ridden the two-wheeled wonder will agree. Where else can you feel the wind in your hair, soak in beautiful landscapes, and feel as if you’re flying?

From the racing speedsters to the wobbly-but-enthusiastic newbies, we all share a love of the unbeatable thrill cycling brings, and it’s time for you to join us.

So if you’ve been looking for that final push to hop on the saddle, come join the ride as we take a look at the benefits of cycling and some top tips for beginners.

Always fancied giving mountain biking a go but not sure if it’s for you? We’ve got good news: mountain biking is for everyone. Consider it official.

The prospect of venturing off-road can seem daunting, but the truth is mountain biking has never been more accessible. From gentle novice trails to guides to show you the ropes, there’s plenty to help you take the plunge into this highly addictive sport.

We’ve put together all the essential info and mountain biking tips for beginners.

Cycling on holiday is not only an excellent way to kick back, it’s also one of the best ways to explore, allowing you to take in the landscape at the perfect pace. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely pedal through sunny olive groves or a lung-busting climb to a magnificent viewpoint, sightseeing is at its best on 2 wheels.

Planning a cycling holiday in Europe but not sure where to go?

Whether you’re a devoted roadie, an adrenaline-seeking mountain biker or someone who just fancies giving it a try, our cycle team has chosen their 4 favourite biking locations just for you.

Strava, to many, may seem like just another fitness app, but it's anything but! The word Strava is Swedish for “Strive”, precisely what the application encourages and motivates you to do. It’s the ‘Facebook’ of sports people, a global community supporting millions in their sporting goals and documenting every step, every pedal stroke, and every personal record along the way. The website and mobile app have brought together athletes from all walks of life, united by the camaraderie of sport and the desire to unlock their full potential as individuals and communities.

Strava's ease of use and free sign-up make It the must-have app for anybody heading out on a bike ride to discover their local area. Routes are available to view from the mobile app. If you want to see what our guides and guests have been up to, check out the Neilson cycling club page.

The best days of cycling are those when nothing goes wrong - when your bike works like a dream and all is well. But realistically, things happen, and being able to quickly fix an issue can make the difference between enjoying a great day on the road or trail, and having to cut an adventure short.

The most likely minor issue that will crop up on your ride will be a puncture. No matter how good your tyres, or how carefully you ride, punctures do happen. Don’t panic! Here’s what you’ll need to know:

One of our favourite places to ride in Greece is the beautiful, mountainous island of Lefkada. The island is blessed with spectacular scenery, forested mountains, some of the best beaches in Greece and a sea of the most beautiful turquoise blue that you could easily imagine yourself in the Caribbean.

The terrain lends itself perfectly to mountain biking and there’s some decent road cycling too. There really is something for all riders, from leisurely trips through olive groves and past waterfalls to traditional villages. Then there’s the challenging ascents and descents with plenty of single track and switchbacks galore to keep the experts happy. Most of these rides start from the village of Vassiliki, a true sports playground; well known for its windsurfing as well as the riding. If you’re looking for a place to stay the Neilson Cosmos Beach Club makes a great base for mountain bike adventures.

If you love mountain biking, you will love riding on the beautiful Greek island of Lesvos. Lesvos is a big island (the 3rd largest in Greece) yet it is one of the least discovered and retains an authentic feel. Cycling is the perfect way to get off the beaten track and immerse yourself in its traditions and culture. Out and about on two wheels you’ll be able to take in the sights at a slower pace. The island is home to a huge variety of birds and plants and has a wealth of unspoilt beaches, archaeological and religious monuments. The locals are super friendly, you’ll come across leafy town squares where old men sit for hours drinking coffee and playing back gammon and it’s not uncommon to see people still using donkeys to get around. The mountainous terrain means that there are literally hundreds of rides to discover. Here’s a few of our favourites.

It might not top the list when you think of Europe's best biking spots - but it should. The truth of the matter is that Greece is great for two-wheeled adventures, the beautiful countryside has some of the best routes in the world together with some lovely gentle trails and everything in between.

Down in the southern Peloponnese, the terrain’s as varied as it gets, from smooth, traffic-free beach tracks to steep, alpine-style climbs. So, whether you are a beginner or avid mountain bikers and road cyclists, this place delivers. And the best bit? You can base yourself at our Messini Beach Club, just outside Kalamata, and ride straight into the heart of this unspoilt slice of Greece.

Welcome to the great debate! Mountain bikers will talk to you for hours about the merits of their chosen sport, while roadies will do the same for their beloved road machines. Which is your favourite way of getting about on 2 wheels? We’re here to give a balanced view and debunk a few myths at the same time, pedal this way…

According to British Cycling, millions of people cycle now in the UK each week and Britain has established itself as one of the most successful cycling nations in the world. The British Cycling team athletes, their dedication to the sport and an incredible run of successes at world-renowned events such as the Olympics and Tour de France, have inspired countless people to get into the saddle. Are you one of those people inspired to get back on your bike? Keen to check it out for yourself but unsure where to start? Here’s our guide to road cycling for complete beginners and our tips for getting out on the road.