In praise of Treaders

the advantage of exploring by bike

By The Bimbler

The word treader has vague origins, I used to hear it occasionally on the towpath when I lived on a canal boat. It shows up in the Urban Dictionary as a word for a push bike possibly derived from Lincolnshire. In the Dutch language the word for step is ‘Treden’ and I can’t help feeling this is closer to the mark, the act of cycling does after all require firm treading on the pedals.

Bicycles offer freedom, from that feeling of independence when you first learned to ride, to the fact that anyone can simply climb on and go without a hint of responsibility for fuel or tax. 43% of the UK population own or have access to a bicycle and on average, we cycle 53 miles a year, however I regard it as a badge of honour that this modest 16 mile ride with 3 friends across the Wiltshire downs took over 2 days and nights.

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I love sleeping in a hammock when I know the ground is going to be be hilly or uneven. Once you have it set right and find the sweet spot it makes for a luxurious slumber.