Things I have learned Beanoing

by Cathy Anderton

1. The routes are carefully chosen to be on lanes and roads little used by cars so that the countryside enjoyment is maximised. The scenery is also taken into account en route, with some spectacular stopping points for appropriate gasps and cries of appreciation.
   
   
2. Everyone is allowed (and encouraged) to find their own pace at which to cycle, and only to do the distance with which they are comfortable – there is no competitive pressure at all.
   
   
3. It is possible to continue laughing even when you are certain that your sides have already split. (In fact, it is a debatable point as to which part of your anatomy is likely to be most stressed during a Beano – your backside from saddle-soreness, your ribcage from 'stop-I've-laughed-too-much'-soreness, or your jaws from 'yet-another-cup-of-tea-and-cake'-soreness.)
   
   


4. It is completely true that most people will at some time or another either:
   
   
   1. push their bikes up the hills.
      
      
   2. cycle up the hills but stop frequently for some bird-watching, plant classification, shoe-lace tying or photo-opportunity – or even just because they're plain puffed out.
   
   There is therefore no need to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable because you need to do either of these.
   
   
5. Another strongly held opinion amongst Beanoers is that any combination of wine, conversation, silly games and meals are important parts of every evening. In fact the catering is worthy of special mention as being terrific – and Beanoers are encouraged to tuck in heartily.
   
   
6. The morning team briefing is important – if only for the Bicycle Beano double act. But there are any number of pointers to be picked up about places to stop and investigate, points at which views are available, and additional pubs and cafes where extra supplies of beer and cake may be obtained.
   
   
7. It's easy to make friends with beanoers – after all, look at all they have in common – cycling, tea, cakes, beer, laughter, scones, real ale, walking, good food and a complete lack of belief in Rob's cheerful prediction that "it's all downhill from here".

As you can tell – I had a great time...all I had to do was fit my bum to my saddle each day – the rest had been taken care of. Definitely counts as one of life's highlights.

© Cathy Anderton (who first came on a Beano in 1996).
Photos: D. Robinson & Bicycle Beano.