If I was away on a Friday, I'd pack things into my panniers and set off in the general direction of home along a sign posted National Cycle Route and see how far I could get over the weekend and then catch the train the rest of the way.

Where did you go from there?
If you're really into bikes, it's easy to get carried away! Recently, I bought a second bike - a recumbent. It's like a cross between a sun lounger and a bicycle and is really comfortable. It took a few days to get the hang of it because your centre of gravity is in a different place to a conventional bike, but I love it.

What clothing and equipment do you need?
That's the beauty of cycling - the only real essential is the bike. You can pick up a new bike for as little as a couple of hundred quid. But second-hand ones cost much less. Ask around amongst friends if they have a bike stowed away in a garage which they no longer use. It can probably be gotten going again with a check-up from a bike mechanic. And there's always the option of hiring a bike from a local outlet.

As for additional equipment, I wear a helmet and, if I'm cycling on the road, a high visibility jacket. That's what I feel safe wearing.

What's your most memorable experience?
I'm from Australia originally and last year, on a return visit, I rode from the area where I grew up into the middle of Sydney - a distance of about 150 km. It took three days, but I spent plenty of time gazing at the views and stopping for the odd snooze on deserted beaches! I've done the trip from Sydney to Newcastle dozens of times by car and train, but this trip was completely different: you see things with completely new eyes from the saddle of a bike.

Have you got a favourite place?
My favourite routes are the National Cycle Routes in North West Wales, especially the off-road sections like Lôn Las Menai (from Y Felinheli to Caernarfon), Lôn Eifion (from Caernarfon south to Bryncir) and Lôn Las Ogwen from Bangor Port Penrhyn to Tregarth. These paths are all converted disused railway lines, so they are nice and flat! All have wonderful views and are away from traffic.

Who's your hero/heroine?
One day I'd like to go out on my bike and just keep going for as far as my legs (and wallet) will take me. I've read some inspiring books by people who've been on epic journeys by bike. Anne Mustoe (www.annemustoe.co.uk) is one of my favourite writers: she was in her 50s and a non-cyclist before she decided to just get a bike and ride off to France. When she got there she just kept going and ended up cycling around the world!

Josie Dew (www.josiedew.co.uk) is another colourful globe-trotting character who has written about her travels by bike.

Where can I have a go?
Anywhere outside your front door!

Antony L Smith Surrey I had the great pleasure of meeting Anne Mustoe yesterday (with my wife and a couple of friends) after she gave us her very understated, illustrated talk on the Silk Road - Xi'an to Rome. What an adventure for anyone, especially a middle aged person, what a lady! Mon Sep 11 10:15:20 2006 Danny Nothing beats the freedom of cycling, and coupled with camping, or staying at hostels you have the ultimate low budget holiday. Cycle touring in my younger years took me to France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway. As long as the terrain was flat and the beer was cheap! I thought starting a family (and a large mortgage) would be the end of it, but a few more panniers, and now the kids come too! Haven't quite got the Mrs involved yet! Highly reccommend reading some books from Josie Dew. Fri Feb 11 23:19:40 2005 John Townsend Fantastic part of the world to cycle, even from Abergele to Rhos-on-sea. I never miss the chance to get out there and feel the wind on my face. Just watch out for the steep hills at Llandulas. Wed Feb 9 19:59:24 2005 Andrew March I couldn't agree more, cycling is wonderful particularly as a method of commuting to work. I have to say however employers seem to have forgotten the pleasures and architects just haven't a clue about providing adequate storage or changing facilities at places of work. Yes you will work up a sweat and yes you will probably prefer to wash and change before being in the close company of work colleagues so why don't employers and architects make a bit more effort to provide for those who would choose to cycle if the appropriate facilities were there to facilitate cyclists? The costs of unfitness amongst the works must be greater than the cost of providing adequate facilities. If the facilities are there I believe people will use them and that will produce benefits for all. Thu Feb 3 20:12:24 2005