Spain; I bet that this is the most fun the Guardia Civil have had since Franco died.
Going round the supermarket this afternoon it was obvious that whilst folk kept their distance from each other, no one was remotely worried about touching trollies and PIN card readers that hundreds of others had touched. I think walking about in public is far, far less risky than getting your food (whether delivered or bought in shops) and riding a bike only slightly more risky.
Seeing as there doesn't appear to be a formal statement from the government to read through, I'm going by "reputable" news outlets, and there's no lockdown as far as I can tell. So I'll be going out for rides. But yeah, this thread has reminded me that I really don't want to end up in a&e! And I suspect that even if I get it, I may sneak out to walk the dog, as I can do that without affecting anyone else. If I lived in a block of flats, I guess I'd be buying a turbo for me and a treadmill for Duracell dog!
Trust me apart from the group gathering of local heethabahhs once every when wifes permits, hitting senders like crazed 16 year olds I want nothing to do with anyone when im out on the bike, maybe a casual "eh up" to a rosy cheeked farmer but thats about it. The less interaction I have with the public the better for all concerned.
"no one was remotely worried about touching trollies and PIN card readers"
I was the only one wearing disposable gloves (that I saw) in the supermarket today and I could see some people laughing.
Whatever. People are people and though having teenage children I'm sure I'll get it eventually, it just seems sensible to wear gloves when touching stuff several thousand people have touched that day.
I took to wearing disposable gloves at the supermarket last Friday. Didn't see anyone else doing the same & hardly anyone batted an eyelid (at least I didn't notice anyone). Two or three did mention that's a good idea. Being in the over 70s bracket I carry a couple of pairs in my ride bag just in case.
just seems sensible to wear gloves when touching stuff several thousand people have touched that day.
What about when you put it away in the cupboards, who picked it up and fondled it before you put it in your cupboards? When you get it out of the cupboards will you still wear the gloves?, it's touched the cupboards too of course, and the inside of your shopping bags... Did you touch your face whilst wearing the gloves? Did you keep the gloves on when you put it away? 😉
Crazy and scary times.
I’m sure plenty of people citing mental health on here will be little more than grouchy if they’re off the bike, but you have to wonder at what point measures become so economically impactful that UK deaths from Covid-19 are outstripped by suicides directly related to job loss, bankruptcy and so on.
I've been considered this a fair bit today. I suspect most people who aren't cyclists, look at it as a bit of fun rather than take the view that it is exercise...like them walking or walking the dog.
The gloves stopped me touching my face (which I do occasionally) after picking up the products. Thoroughly washed hands after putting away at home. Just a small thing but if I think it helps then that's fine with me.
Official line from Mr B. Johnson:
“That means that if possible you should not go out, even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise and in that case at a safe distance from others”
I know he's an incompetent fool, but I think his guidance about exercise is correct.
Selfish folk more worried about not being able to ride a bike for a month or so than trying to pull together and reduce the strain on our emergency services.
I'd say a sensible bit of exercise will reduce the burden on the NHS in terms of mental and physical health, and if there's less traffic on the road it might actually make cycling even safer and more enjoyable than usual.
So you can do exercise but not buy food? Bojo really has lost it
Do you think it was his idea to caveat about exercise then?
Or maybe the public health professionals who know it's unlikely to spread CV and is good for people?
I would also be concerned about my mental health if I can’t get out for a ride or at least walks. I’m not sure why all the millions of dog walkers would be allowed out for a walk but people without dogs wouldn’t. That’s effectively saying that dogs are more important than humans.
My Bootcamp provider has emailed to say they are continuing to run their sessions.
1/ it's in the open air
2/ they'll reduce / remove equipment and run them as bodyweight exercises (or you can bring your own weight)
3/ everyone to wear gloves
4/ no 'partner' exercises
5/ it's a big park and he shouts at squaddies for a living - we can space out easily
Is that minimal social contact. Maybe if we don't speak to each other while there? Might be an option for others who will go stir crazy otherwise?
My Bootcamp provider has emailed to say they are continuing to run their sessions.
1/ it's in the open air
2/ they'll reduce / remove equipment and run them as bodyweight exercises (or you can bring your own weight)
3/ everyone to wear gloves
4/ no 'partner' exercises
5/ it's a big park and he shouts at squaddies for a living - we can space out easily
Is that minimal social contact. Maybe if we don't speak to each other while there? Might be an option for others who will go stir crazy otherwise?
I am with @reluctantjumper on this one. However, we do need to be mindful of potential consequences. I'll stick to rides with zero technical difficulties; in fact might ride on the road more as there in theory should be less traffic.
I have two dilemmas-
Going to the gym: seems a no-brainer to avoid. Wife is between jobs so financially we could be a bit precarious. Would feel bad cancelling membership (small gym, part of an airpirt hotel, probably dying on their arse right now!) but feels like we need to batten down the hatches a little.
A snowy hillwalk this weekend: boils down to the argument of responsibility, nothing precarious planned but am feeling we should at least do something low level instead!
That ‘official line’ from Bo-Jo relates to those infected with Covid.
Ironically the cycling club has canceled all club runs/event for the foreseeable.
Work is still open though, so a lot of us will be out for a group ride anyway (if I can catch it on a bike ride I can catch it at my desk).
Official line from Mr B. Johnson:
“That means that if possible you should not go out, even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise and in that case at a safe distance from others”I know he’s an incompetent fool, but I think his guidance about exercise is correct.
Shhhhh, don't go quoting actual guidance, you know half the people on the forum don't actually cycle, this just gives some of them the excuse to actually say it 🤣
Time for an ebike to rip around the woods outback.
Ironically the cycling club has canceled all club runs/event for the foreseeable.
Ours too. BC are meeting this morning and I think it's likely that pretty much everything to do with organised cycling in the UK is going to get canned by the end of the day.
Personally, I can live without group rides, races and training, but the thought of a month (or more!) off the bike completely fills me with absolute dread. I know there are more important things in the world, but my bike is what helps me keep my sanity and I'm not looking forward to being without it.
On the other hand, I'll have a garage full of the cleanest, most perfectly maintained steeds the world has ever seen!
Forgot about the gym membership! Decided early on I'd avoid it as it's a chain warehouse setup, the constant churn of visitors mean there's bound to be someone in there carrying it. They have to constantly remind people of the importance of wiping your sweat off machines after you've used them anyway, let alone now so must cancel that while I remember. I can't see how they can keep the showers Covid-free as they're in constant use.
Worth repeating that the official line quoted above is for those who already have c19:
On people isolating for 14 days, Johnson said: “That means that if possible you should not go out, even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise and in that case at a safe distance from others.” Whitty said this was vital to help limit the spread, and relieve pressure on the NHS.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/16/pm-tells-britons-to-avoid-non-essential-contact-with-others?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Copy_to_clipboar d">Guardian link
Went out this morning early 6.30am local reservoir loop saw a grand total of 2 people walking dogs all well over 20 yards away from me. I touched nothing, licked nothing and felt great for it. Nothing more for me to say..
The Spanish ban is a blunt instrument. I'm driving to work today to lug a load of books home but in the coming days when I actually need to go in, I'll be riding or walking there because the decreto doesn't explicitly prohibit it, and the alternative is getting on a train. I'm not going to take the piss and do 60 mile loops in full lycra to get to my job 6 miles away.
If they permit leisure activities outside, next thing you'll have chain gangs of WFH mamils going up and down the coast road every day.
My OH is a teacher. A while back, a dad dropped his clearly unwell child off at school. When told his child should not be at school, he shrugged and said he couldn't look after it because he was training for (insert name of sportive here) - that's the mentality of the Spanish mamil.
The NHS was already seriously overburdened before the virus arrived, so if anyone really believes cycling is an unacceptable risk, how can you justify doing it at any time...?
Common sense will tell you that going out for a solo cycle is not a problem.
Personally, I can live without group rides, races and training,
It did occur to me that perhaps the worst way to spread the disease was blowing snot-rockets! I'd only just started dabbling with group rides again, would be a shame to miss them but perhaps for the best right now...
My local trails are starting to dry out, so here's a photo from yesterday. Both of us are in the 'at risk' group but are being careful
[img] 
[/img]
I'll be going out for easy solo local rides.
Doesn't exercising outside in the fresh air and countryside boost the immune system?
Certainly feels a lot more pleasant than sitting indoors on a turbo trainer
It did occur to me that perhaps the worst way to spread the disease was blowing snot-rockets!
It doesn't cause a runny nose so you're safe.
I've got a trip to the Lake District coming up this weekend/early next week. I live in a rubbish place for MTBing, my ride buddy had a serious injury (not MTB related) a year ago and I've been working flat out (for the NHS, but not in a clinical role) since the summer so I think I did three proper MTB rides last year. I got married in the autumn and didn't even have time for a proper honeymoon because of work, then we planned on going to Asia and that got canned because of coronavirus. So, I really, really, [i]really[/i] want to go still.
There will only be two of us, we're not doing anything rad and we'll be spending most of our time out on the hills far more distant from other people than I would be if I was at work/home.
Ironically the cycling club has canceled all club runs/event for the foreseeable.
IS that Wokingham CC? What have they actually said please? Wonder if my local MTB club will do the same.
It doesn’t cause a runny nose so you’re safe.
No, but you could have it, and also have a runny nose? Plus, riding in general seems to loosen up the contents of my sinuses, so I'm not sure there is a link between having a cold/virus and enjoying a good farmer's blow?
IS that Wokingham CC?
Reading.
No club runs, time trials and RBC have closed leisure centers so no track sessions either.
No, but you could have it, and also have a runny nose? Plus, riding in general seems to loosen up the contents of my sinuses, so I’m not sure there is a link between having a cold/virus and enjoying a good farmer’s blow?
It was a joke, I'd advise social isolation whilst firing off a snot rocket even at the best of times!
I'm surprised I haven't had anything from Dyfi Events about the Dyfi Enduro. Just had notice that the Mach Comedy Festival has been cancelled. I realise they are on different weekends this year but only a week apart. I will be gutted but surely they will have to cancel?
If you think cycling is a dangerous activity, perhaps you should consider giving it up or taking a course on not being a plastic hero or an effwit.
That aligns with my thinking in cycling right now: avoid being in a group but still ride if you're symptom-free as it's good for your immune system and mental health.
That aligns with my thinking in cycling ALL THE TIME: avoid being in a group but still ride if you’re symptom-free as it’s good for your immune system and mental health.
FTFY 🙂
If you think cycling is a dangerous activity, perhaps you should consider giving it up or taking a course on not being a plastic hero or an effwit.
While I agree with your general meaning, I've got a few things to add to that.
If I head off for a ride later, I'm very unlikely to need medical attention. BUT, every so often I do. Last time was a dislocated shoulder, a couple of years back. And there is always at least one member of my riding group who is injured at any time. That's sort of a consequence of where we live, and how much we all ride. (And how many regular riders we have.)
So, we'll all take it easy. Yes, of course we will. Honest! Because men are like that. We all gather at the top of the easiest descent we can find and potter down it. Carefully. 😀
(On a serious note - I've hurt myself more often when I've not been concentrating. I concentrate when I'm riding tricky stuff. I often hurt myself on the easy stuff before I get to the tricky stuff. I should concentrate more!)
Some info from RoSPA
More accidents happen at home than anywhere else
Every year there are approximately 6,000 deaths as the result of a home accident
More than two million children under the age of 15 experience accidents in and around the home every year, for which they are taken to accident and emergency units
Children under the age of five and people over 65 (particularly those over 75) are most likely to have an accident at home
Over 76,000 children under the age of 14 are admitted for treatment of which over 40% are under 5 years of age
Falls are the most common accidents, which can cause serious injury at any time of life. The risk increases with age
More women than men over the age of 65 die as the result of an accident in the home
Every year over 62 children under 14 die as a result of an accident in the home
Around 25,000 under-fives attend A&E departments each year after being accidentally poisoned
An average of 13 children a day under the age of 4 suffer a severe injury from a burn or a scald. A hot drink can still scald a small child up to 15 minutes after it is made
More accidents happen in the lounge/living room than anywhere else in the home.
Every year more than 4,200 children are involved in falls on the stairs and 4,000 children under the age of 15 are injured falling from windows
Boys have more accidents than girls
The cost to society of UK home accident injuries has been estimated at £45.63billion (£45,630million) annually.
So staying at home is pretty damn risky. Stuff that, I'm off for a ride.
Cycle club has cancelled all club rides on BC advice.
But reminded everyone that there is nothing to stop you riding on your own, with appropriate hygiene and distancing precautions if you stop for refreshments, in accordance with current government guidelines.
Some info from RoSPA
More accidents happen at home than anywhere else
Every year there are approximately 6,000 deaths as the result of a home accident
More than two million children under the age of 15 experience accidents in and around the home every year, for which they are taken to accident and emergency units
Children under the age of five and people over 65 (particularly those over 75) are most likely to have an accident at home
Over 76,000 children under the age of 14 are admitted for treatment of which over 40% are under 5 years of age
Falls are the most common accidents, which can cause serious injury at any time of life. The risk increases with age
More women than men over the age of 65 die as the result of an accident in the home
Every year over 62 children under 14 die as a result of an accident in the home
Around 25,000 under-fives attend A&E departments each year after being accidentally poisoned
An average of 13 children a day under the age of 4 suffer a severe injury from a burn or a scald. A hot drink can still scald a small child up to 15 minutes after it is made
More accidents happen in the lounge/living room than anywhere else in the home.
Every year more than 4,200 children are involved in falls on the stairs and 4,000 children under the age of 15 are injured falling from windows
Boys have more accidents than girls
The cost to society of UK home accident injuries has been estimated at £45.63billion (£45,630million) annually.So staying at home is pretty damn risky. Stuff that, I’m off for a ride
Does give some perspective, doesn't it ...
But reminded everyone that there is nothing to stop you riding on your own, with appropriate hygiene and distancing precautions if you stop for refreshments, in accordance with current government guidelines.
Today, maybe. What about tomorrow...?
Does give some perspective, doesn’t it …
as does the fact that we have a couple of thousand people dying in motoring incidents per year in the UK but nobody really cares. Imagine if the media took as much interest in that figure as they are in this virus..
Imagine if the media took as much interest in that figure as they are in this virus..
This is a very good general point. And we accept and normalise it.
It's terrible really.
