Lucy Bowles

Growing up in an outdoorsy family, a weekend well spent often included exploring the cycle ways in rural Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset with a picnic stop.

Nowadays, I cycle alongside my brothers while they train for running races. I’d like to say this is a bonding and sociable way to cycle, but if I’m honest, I’m struggling to keep up with them on the hills!

It’s so hard to pick a favourite! But an absolute dream of mine is to visit Thailand, so I’d have to say the Ho Chi Minh to Bangkok Bike Tour. It combines Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, and there are temples, beaches and boat sections along the way!

I don't have anything planned yet, but fingers crossed I’ll have the chance to visit Croatia at some point.

In 2023, I went island hopping in the Seychelles, and one of the highlights was visiting a completely car-free island. With no traffic to worry about, I explored lush jungles, colourful spice farms, and tropical beaches on the cutest pink bike - complete with a basket, of course!

While pedalling along the coast, I came across an Aldabra giant tortoise having a sunny nap right in the middle of the road. These gentle giants can grow up to four feet long and weigh around 250 kilograms, so there was no budging her. Instead, she became an unbothered, living roundabout for passing cyclists who navigated around her as if it were a daily routine. The moment felt surreal, and I treasure the selfies I took with my unexpected road companion.

You’ve heard it’s raining cats and dogs, but have you heard it’s hailing golf balls? Whilst hiking in the Swiss Alps a few years ago, I was caught out by a sudden storm. Imagine my surprise when it started hailing chunks of ice the size of golf balls! Thankfully, it only lasted 20 minutes or so, but I regretted wearing shorts and had some funny shaped bruises afterwards!

The moral of the story: make sure you always have easily accessible extra layers (ideally with a hood!). Mountain weather can change in seconds!

Invest in quick-drying clothes so that come rain or shine (yes, this includes hail), you won’t be lugging heavy, wet clothes with you as added weight!

Some great examples: a quick-drying towel for open-water swimmers, or a buff- a multi-purpose item that’s great for hot and cold climates. They even fit under a helmet if used as a headband!

I’ve been an outdoor pursuits instructor for 6 years, so you’ll catch me paddleboarding, climbing, kayaking or walking my goldendoodle in my spare time! The more time outside, the better.