Do you have a question for Davina McCall? Ask her ahead of her Sky Ride and you could win £150 M&S vouchers. ANSWERS BACK

[AngelieMumsnet]

You may have heard that Davina McCall is supporting Sky Ride this year - a national campaign between Sky and British Cycling encouraging thousands people of all ages and abilities to get on a bike and discover the benefits cycling can offer. In honour of this, we’re offering MNers a chance to post questions for Davina themed around cycling for the whole family.

Davina will also be attending Sky Ride Liverpool on 7 September, one of the many Sky Ride Big Bike events taking place across the UK. These events give thousands of people the chance to enjoy a fun day cycling a traffic-free route through their city or town with friends and family.
Sky has said “Cycling in the UK is more popular than ever with a million more Brits now cycling regularly as a result of Sky’s partnership with British Cycling and as excitement reached fever pitch this summer with the Tour de France visiting the UK, there has never been a better time to be inspired to get on a bike.”

Post your questions to Davina here before 31st August and we will send 20 questions over for her to respond to. We will then post her responses back on the thread on 5th September.

Everyone who adds a question (regardless of whether it's answered or not) will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win £150 vouchers for Marks and Spencer.

This Q&A is sponsored by Sky.

Thanks
MNHQ

[SahraO]

Would you say cycling is better than walking for overall health?

[Princessxo]

Out of curiosity, would you say cycling is better than walking in terms of overall health? How would this be reflected with the 10,000 daily steps challenge?

[howtoapproachthis]

oops bit late here.

[howtoapproachthis]

do you find using a cycling exercise bike machine as good as cycling outdoors, for those times when weather stops you getting out? or does it have to be the real thing to see the benefit physically.

[AngelieMumsnet]

Thank you to everyone who asked a question! :)

The winner of the prize draw is kerryv - congratulations! I'll PM you for your details shortly.

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@littleducks

What is your favourite place for a family bike ride?

Well I live down in Kent so that's where I like to go, but like I said the British countryside up and down the country is so beautiful so get out there. If you like seeing the sights and getting out in to the city then do get yourself along to one of the Sky Rides. They're fun, safe and free!! I'll be up in Liverpool on 7th September and I can't wait!, and if you can’t make that, there are also Big Bike Events in York, Coventry and Bradford over the following three weekends!

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@Pinter

Tri-suit or separates?

What padded cycling shorts would you recommend?

What do you think about on the bike?

If it's a long ride I just think about keeping my legs going a continuing to go. Obviously I'm a lot more relaxed with family cycles etc.. I wear separates and I think it's all about trying different products and seeing which works best for you as we are all very different shapes and sizes at the end of the day!

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@telsa

Have you ever used one of those Dutch or Danish bikes with children carriers on them, like the Bakfiets or Christiania. Do you think they are good for urban family cycling?

I think bikes with children's carriers on them are great for kids who are still yet to learn cycling and it can be a great way to get them wanting to learn quicker so that they can do it by themselves.

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@Pugaboo

Crossbars: does your bike have a men's or women's one and does it really make any difference?

I have a road bike which has a bar across the top but to be fair, when you’re starting out just jump on any old bike to start with, as long as you feel comfortable!

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@ktandspen

How do you think we can get more children in urban areas learning to cycle?

I think, as I said, we need to push councils and governments to pump money in to improving cycling routes but also there are cycling clubs all over the place that kids can join and start getting in to cycling. The options are out there and hopefully there are only going to be more options as time goes by.

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@Minnie43

Davina, do you own an electric bike, and would you consider buying one?

I don't at the moment, no. I'm a big fan of the exercise factor that comes from cycling, it's the big pull as far as I'm concerned so electric bikes aren't something I've really considered up to now. I'm always keen to try out new gadgets and gizmos though!

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@VickyRsuperstar

Is Sky Ride doing anything to promote safer cycling in London? I am bringing my family up in the city and I've taught some of them to ride a bike, but not all as I'm really terrified of my children wanting to ride their bikes on the London roads when they grow up. I am totally torn between teaching my children an important life skill and worrying about them with the London traffic as there are very few proper cycle lanes and there have been a lot of bad accidents involving cyclists this year. I know many other parents who feel the same way and I am far too scared to ride a bike in London myself. Have you ridden a bike in Central London? & would you feel safe doing so?

Riding in London can be a daunting task. Sky Ride is all about getting people on their bikes and doing so in city settings where they can build up their confidence about riding in traffic. It's great to see a commitment from city councils to improve cycling lanes and safety for cyclists around the country and I think we all need to get behind a push for these measures to come in sooner rather than later. If you want to build your family’s confidence on the roads, Sky Ride Local offer free, guided, family rides on routes around London. www.goskyride.com/london

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@Dessallara

What's the best way for an adult to learn how to ride a bike?

I think for an adult to get in to cycling it's always good to seek out a close friend to help. Go to a park or somewhere quiet and a few sessions trying and trying should do the trick!

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@custardcream1000

I think it's great that you are supporting the Sky Ride campaign.

I really want to help my children become competent cyclists, but my 6 year old is terrified at the thought of cycling without stabilisers. I don't know how to approach the situation. I'm concerned that if I try to give him a gentle nudge it will make him more nervous, and that if I sit back and wait he will never overcome his fear and stop riding as he get's older.

Which appraoch would you suggest please?

It's tough because every child is different of course but I think every one of us was scared of coming off stabilisers and the only way I know that people have gotten over that is to keep trying. When they have that moment of being able to do it all by themselves they'll be over the moon!

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@Tonkatol

After completing the Comic Relief Sport Challenge earlier this year, would you ever do something that was so gruelling and takes so much out of you again? If so, what drives you, is it the determination not to be beaten or the thought of the huge amount of money raised by your efforts?

I think for the last challenge I really didn't want to let anyone down but that, in itself gave me the determination not to be beaten, so a bit of both I suppose! In the very near future I don't think I'll be pushing my body quite as far as that but never say never-who knows what the future holds!

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@valsh

Do you avoid traffic, or are you quite confident about cycling in traffic?

Traffic can be intimidating for anyone, if I'm with the family I try to avoid riding in lots of traffic but if you're a commuter or cycling as a way to get around then it is inevitable. That’s why it is so important to get skilled up on how to ride safely on the roads. If you're looking to get in to cycling on roads but you're worried about the traffic then get involved with Sky Ride Local! Sky Ride Local offers free rides every weekend with qualified Ride Leaders who take groups of people out on the roads to help build up their confidence. Rides are all free and are grouped in levels to suit everyone from beginners to experienced cyclists. Whichever you choose, you’ll be riding on safe routes, and in good company .If you want more info visit //www.goskyride.com/skyridelocal

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@luijo

Hi Davina, do you think you will continue to cycle after the Sky Ride event, and what do you think is the best way for women to take up cycling, especially when a lot of the cycle shops and clubs are a quite male dominated?

Absolutely!! Years ago you'd have struggled to get me on my bike but I love it now and can't imagine life without it! I think if you look at commuters in big cities you're starting to see just as many women cycling as men, which is great. As far as the cycling shops go, I've always found the people in them really helpful and there certainly isn't any sort of 'old boys club' vibe going on, cyclists are in a club of their own I feel, all together. It's great! You can also check out British Cycling’s Breeze programme which is the biggest initiative ever to get more women into riding bikes for fun. Amazing Breeze champions are trained to organise friendly, social bike rides up and down the country and inspire local women to get involved. Rides go at a speed that suits everyone, and they often start or finish at a cafe so everyone can have a drink and a chat. Find out more here //www.goskyride.com/Breeze

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@SarahSnail

What is the best way to get all the family into bike riding. I have seen the little cart type things for children and was wondering how entertained they would be after a few miles of cycling? x

I think the earlier you can get your kids cycling themselves, the better. Get them on the stabilisers and they're away!! I think it’s all about implementing it into your routine as well. So, instead of walking down to the park, cycle down. If they can, and it’s safe, maybe they can start cycling to school. It can make some of the more mundane day-to-day journeys much more enjoyable. If you find your kids really getting in to it then they can also look at British Cycling’s Go Ride programme, which is a great way to get them in to a whole range of cycling sports. More info here //www.britishcycling.org.uk/go-ride

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@Pennwood

What motivates you when the going gets tough?

I think people have this amazing ability to keep going and keep pressing on. I remember in my challenge getting to the end and telling myself 'I did that' having thought it would be impossible from day 1. We just have this amazing way of pushing ourselves to do amazing things and I firmly believe that ability is in each and every one of us. If I can do it then so can anyone!

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@SierpinskiNumber

If you have a well earned biscuity snack after a long bike ride what biscuit would you choose?

I like a rich tea biscuit with a big glass of water and a cup of English tea.

Mmm sounds good! I go for a good sugar free biccy. In fact, I think I want one right now!

[DavinaMcCall5412]

[quote recipequeen] What is your favourite / most effective pre cycling breakfast? Well done for championing cycling for the whole family. I think a lot more money needs to be ploughed into extra cycling lanes to make it viable for more people to cycle to work. Enjoy [/quote]
Thanks so much and I agree! I have to admit that some of the meals I've been fed before some of the more challenging cycles I've done would never rank in a 'favourites' list!! If we're talking about going out with the family then I think it's all about building up energy for the day and then not going out too soon after you've eaten. Porridge, eggs, bacon and even cereal are all a pretty good starting point!

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@gamerwidow

How you think it is best to children used to cycling, on the pavement getting used to roads or in the local park where there's more space?

I think it's a gradual thing really. The first job is get them used to the bike itself. You tend to do that in the safest place possible so, definitely, the more space, the better. As they get more confident riding then, sure, it's important they get used to the roads so you go out with them, supervise them and help them feel comfortable with that and the Highway Code and so on. Sky Ride Locals are actually a really good way of doing this too.

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@moneysavingmum29

If you could cycle anywhere in the world with one person, who would you take, where would you go and why?

I think the British countryside is actually hugely underrated. Getting out there on the country lanes and through villages and so on is an amazing way to see our great land and you always see things you don't expect to. Especially when the weather's good I don't think there's anywhere better. As far as who I'd go with, without a doubt it would be the family.

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@CrewElla

How have you encouraged your children in a love of sports? What are their favourites?

If they develop an interest in it then we encourage it. Sure, we try to give them the opportunity to try as much as possible. My boy is really in to his football and the girls love their horse-riding. We try to give them the opportunity to try all sports by themselves and we all try out different things as a group as well. The more you try the closer you’ll get to finding your family’s ‘thing’ both together and as individuals.

[DavinaMcCall5412]

@Selloveday

What would be your number one tip when starting to cycle?

Well the first thing is to make sure your bike is geared towards you. Get the guys in the shop to adjust everything to your measurements; it makes a much bigger difference than you think! Secondly, go with friends or family and enjoy it!! If you want to take it more seriously later on you can but first and foremost, cycling is a great way to get out and about and its lots of fun! Sky Ride is a good place to get started it's free and a great way to get you and your family in to cycling. There are lots of ways to get involved outside of the main Sky Ride big bike events which give people the chance to cycle on traffic free streets for one day. There are local guided rides taking place every weekend or you can organise your own rides with Ride Social it’s really easy to create your own rides, find others to ride with, or join rides near you. www.goskyride.com/About/OurRides