Millions of people use their bicycles each week in the UK and Republic of Ireland, many for commuting. But it's also a great way to challenge yourself, get fitter and even raise charity funds. Lifeboat volunteer Chris Speers, who recently completed a Cornwall to Caithness cycle of almost 1,000 miles, makes the case for taking your two wheels further

According to the NHS, cycling is the UK's third most popular recreational activity. It's little wonder when you consider the relatively low cost of starting up, and the health benefits. It's a gentle cardio exercise with muscle toning and low impact on your joints- plus an average-sized adult bums about 650 calories in an hour's moderate cycling.

Poole lifeboat volunteer Chris Speers, who's also a digital designer at RNLI Headquarters, took his two-wheeled hobby to the extreme with a 975.5-mile cycle from Land's End to john O'Groats in June 2015. Travelling with RNLI colleague Luke Williams, the pair carried about 20kg of camping, cooking and waterproof kit each. They used National Cycle Network paths where possible, taking them along canal towpaths, disused railway lines and quiet Broads (as well as the odd detour along a white-knuckle main road). Chris raised £1,250 for the RNLI, with Luke's total of £1,783.42 going to mental health charity CALM.

'I wanted a real mental and physical challenge, something I'd be proud of,' says Chris. 'Plus it was Poole Lifeboat Station's 150th anniversary, so I had an extra incentive to raise RNLI funds and awareness.'

'Despite the training beforehand, on the second day we could hardly walk. By the end, we were so much fitter- burning through the Cairngorms and able to enjoy the stunning surroundings. You appreciate the Landscape much more when you're not being sped around it by an engine. You suddenly realise that seemingly flat places are really not, and you have time to notice the little details of your surroundings.'

TOP TIPS
Follow Chris's top five tips to make your long-distance cycle more comfortable and enjoyable:

1 If you don't have to carry all your own kit, don't: 'If I could do it again, I'd stay in B&Bs whenever possible so I didn't have to deal with tents and cooking, or all those excess kilos of weight'

2 Schedule stops: 'We planned for three stints of 25 miles each day, punctuated with breaks for meals. It gives you a clear target, and something to look forward to.'

3 Buy the bike that suits your route: 'I opted for a cycle cross, which is half road bike and half all-terrain. It was ideal for semi-rough bridleways, Lanes and so on.'

4 Get a professional to measure you and your bike: 'If the handlebars and saddle aren't the right height, you may get back problems and joint pain.'

5 Have a back-up plan to your map: 'My phone's GPS, along with a cradle for it and a solar charger, were indispensable in built-up urban areas and when it was too windy for a paper map.'

FIND OUT MORE
• For the National cycle Network. trip Inspiration, technical Information, starting-out guides and much more, check out sustrans.org.uk.
• Visit Chris and Luke's blog at Lejog947.co.uk.

If you're planning a sponsored cycle or other event for the RNLI, we've got Lots of free resources -Including sponsorship forms and printable materials-to help you make the most of it. Visit RNLI.org/fundraislng to find out more.

Words: laura Rainbow and Cbris Speers
Photos: Shutterstock,luke Williams