Posts in: fatjoe

Fatjoe

Top Bikes To Buy Your Child This Christmas

Top Bikes To Buy Your Child This Christmas

A bike is something all kids tend to have when growing up. They provide a whole host of benefits aside from the obvious of being extremely fun. They are a great way to promote a healthy lifestyle, and they are a social toy and they aid with key skills such as balance and co-ordination. 

The Girl On A Bike Accident 4
Bicycles – Bianchi

Nevertheless, choosing what bike to buy your child is the difficult part. There are so many different bikes on the market these days and this can often make it very difficult to know which one to buy. This article aims to give a helping hand by revealing the top five bikes available online and in good toy stores at present. Don’t forget that you will also need some accessories too. This includes mountain bike forks, especially if going on long family trips, as well as safety accessories, such as helmets.

Raleigh Milano Bike

This bike is perfect for any little girl. It will instantly appeal to them due to its exciting silver and bright pink colour scheme – two colours which are highly popular amongst girls. It is one of the most popular bikes on the market and has rave reviews from the majority of customers who have bought it already. A final point worth noting is that the bike is designed for children who are aged eight years old and above.

Revenge BMX

The sleek and sporty design of this bike makes it look worth a lot more than its price tag suggests. The bike boasts a blue and black colour scheme which is perfect for any little boy. It also has 20-inch wheels with black alloy rims and black spokes. Your child will certainly have the best bike on the block!

Raleigh Rocket Bike

This boy’s bike is extremely eye-catching in appearance. The base colour of the bike is blue and there is a red and yellow pattern displayed on it. Moreover, the wheels are show-stopping in their bright yellow appearance. In addition to this, the bike boasts removable stabilisers, which are obviously highly beneficial because it means once your child is confident to ride their bike alone then they can do so.

Olympics Team GB Racing Bike

We may have to miss the Olympics this year, but that doesn’t mean your child can’t be a part of it! Now your child can be part of Team GB with this fantastic Olympic themed bike. The bike features the colours of the Great Britain flag and is suitable for children who are aged eight years old and above.

Raleigh Roma Bike

Not every girl wants to have a pink bike and so this option provides a welcomed alternative. The Raleigh Roma Bike boasts a gorgeous pale blue and purple colour scheme. Moreover, it comes complete with an 18-speed gear set – which means that the fun to be had is never-ending. A final point worth noting is that the bike is designed to eliminate bumps and ensure a safe and comfortable ride.

Fatjoe

Make Sure You Never Ignore These Symptoms!

Make Sure You Never Ignore These Symptoms!

If there’s one thing that we pretty much all have in common, it’s a desire to live the longest, healthiest, happiest life possible. From your skin to your hair to every other part of your body, taking care of it is always a priority. The problem is that there are often a lot of different aspects of being healthy that people have a tendency to ignore much of the time. One of the biggest issues that a lot of people run into is that, because they want to be healthy, they end up ignoring things when they seem to be wrong. The idea of getting sick can be pretty stressful for a lot of people and that means that many of them would really rather just not think about it at all. However, hiding your head in the sand and avoiding the issue is just going to end up making things a whole lot worse for you in the long run. Because of that, the best thing you can do is to take any symptoms you experience seriously. In particular, here are just a few symptoms that you should never ignore.

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Make Sure You Never Ignore These Symptoms

Shortness of breath

Pretty much all of us would say that we could likely be in slightly better shape than we are. And hey, that’s okay! Not everyone needs to be an Olympic sprinter. But if you find yourself feeling persistently short of breath then that’s something that’s always worth getting checked out. This has always been true but considering the current situation, there’s no doubt that shortness of breath is a symptom you need to take incredibly seriously. Even without taking something like COVID into account, persistent shortness of breath can not only be a sign of something pretty serious but it can also have a direct negative impact on your day-to-day life.

Blurred vision

A lot of people end up taking their vision for granted. When you have 20-20 vision it’s not really something you spend much of your time thinking about. Because of this, a lot of people often fail to pay attention to the deterioration of their eyesight in general. Either that or they just work hard to ignore it The problem is that issues with your eyesight can be seriously dangerous. Not only is it going to make you feel dizzy and sick a lot of the time, but if you’re behind the wheel of your car or at work, you could well be putting yourself and other people at risk. The most obvious solution to this is obviously to get your eyes tested. Not everyone wants to wear glasses but you can see here just how many great options there are. And after all, a change in your style is well worth being able to see clearly.

Headaches

A headache is one of those things that we all get now and then and often is little more than a short-term irritation. There are all kinds of headaches that can happen for all kinds of reasons. From not drinking enough water to being stressed out for some reason to getting sick in general, there are dozens of different causes of headaches. But if you find yourself getting headaches pretty much constantly and you’re struggling to put your finger on why that could be a sign that you need to speak to someone about it. The reality is that a lot of elements of the modern world seem purpose-built to induce headaches and you shouldn’t have to put up with that for any reason. Even if it does turn out that your headaches are caused by stress or by staring at screens all day, having someone who can let you know the cause and help you find ways to reduce your headaches can be incredibly valuable.

Much of the time, these kinds of symptoms can often turn out to have extremely simple explanations that aren’t all that serious. In fact, they could turn out to be nothing at all. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not just as important to get them checked out. After all, if you refuse to see someone about your symptoms you’re never going to know which it is. Not only will that make it harder to deal with in the long run but those nagging doubts are going to end up being a serious source of stress and anxiety for you. Sure, going to the doctor is hardly that much fun, but the peace of mind that comes with it is always worth it.

Fatjoe

Are These Automotive Headaches Causing You Pain

Are These Automotive Headaches Causing You Pain: Here’s How To Get Back

Driving a car is something that can be of huge relief to us on a day to day basis. Being able to get where we need to be in reasonable time. The convenience of being able to go places without the reliance on public transport and delays. It can also be one of the biggest purchases you make in your life after your home, and so with that comes the responsibility and additional costs throughout the ownership of your vehicle. 

The Girl On A Bike Motorcycle DIY Harley Davidson forty eight sportster cam chop customisation oil union
Harley Davidson forty eight sportster

There is no denying that one of the biggest headaches you can have when it comes to motor vehicle ownership, be that a motorbike, a car, van or leisure vehicle, has to be money. Money is the biggest issue as mostly this is what it comes down to. However, some of the main costs can be avoided or significantly reduced if you plan ahead, are aware of some of the pitfalls that can go wrong, and to be realistic about costs before even committing to owning a vehicle. With that in mind, here are some of the things that you can do to help you avoid some of those automotive headaches. 

Having confidence to get out on the road

One of the first things that you can face when it comes to your driving ability is confidence. When you are learning, you are so enthusiastic about getting out on the road. You want to get behind the wheel, climb on to the bike, and just enjoy the new found freedom. Accept once you pass your test, your confidence can start to dwindle. As you realise you no longer have the support of an instructor to help you it might make you question your reactions and also your ability. However, while this may not initially cost you, in the long run, a lack of confidence could lead on to other issues especially involving accidents. The best advice is to trust your instinct and the judgement of an instructor who passed you in the first place. 

Being involved in an accident 

Another thing that you may need to prepare for, but of course, have no way of ever knowing it will happen is an accident. This is because you will go about your business and do what you can to stay safe on the roads. But the main problem is that you can’t control other people’s behaviours when it comes to their driving. An accident can be a huge financial burden and automotive headache. I know first hand from my accident in 2014 that the legal battle, even if it’s clearly not your fault can be painful, low and costly. You have to consider that not only could there be vehicle damage that will need to be paid for, but there may even be injury to you. Which could result with time off work etc. Insurance companies will help bear the brunt of some of the cost, but an accident can be a real debilitating event when it comes to driving. So it is always worthwhile to ensure that you take on the road with care and confidence and adhere to road rules in the area that you happen to be out on the road in. 

The cost of annual maintenance and repairs 

Another big cost to think about is the annual maintenance and repairs that will need to be taken into account when it comes to vehicle maintenance. You need to think about servicing and also the cost of parts for repairs. You could take a look here for specific motorcycle parts or search online for car parts to help keep the costs low. You might also be able to take advantage of warranty in some circumstances. A good idea would be to try and budget for this each year so that it comes as no surprise. We sat down and worked out our annual vehicle cost, divided it by 12 and now save that into a ‘car’ account each month – thus distributing the cost across the year.

Chips on the windscreen 

One minute you are driving along all happy with yourself, the next a stone bounces off the road hits your windscreen and creates a chip. It can look like nothing, to begin with, barely even noticeable. You may be tempted to leave it a while and carry on as if nothing has happened. However, driving again you may suddenly hit some turbulence on the road, and the impact can turn that chip into a huge crack. It happens more often than you realise it. Things like online blogs can highlight the importance of tackling those chips before they become huge and expensive problems to deal with. Worst case a new windscreen, which can be pricey. 

Avoidable break downs 

We can’t always predict if our cars are going to break down, or there are going to be issues mechanically. But we can do all that we can to try and avoid some of the common problems. This includes your brakes wearing low, your tyre treads not being as they should be, and even issues with your levels and clutch. Keeping up with your regular servicing can help you to avoid these issues, as a mechanic could pre warn you if things are likely to be going wrong. 

Damage to the paintwork 

Parking your car, leaving it at work or even outside your house leaves it open to issues with damage to paintwork. Scratches and dents can be a real problem if you don’t get them repaired soon. You might also be involved in an accident, which could cause damage in the way of big dents to the bodywork. If you don’t get them resolved, you can often see that the paint begins to get further damaged and even rust. Which is a more expensive repair in the long run. 

Taking note of your driving behaviour 

Finally, taking note of your own drivers behaviour can help you to avoid costly repairs and automotive headaches in the future. First of all, always ensuring that you don’t drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Your spacial awareness, vision and ability to drive are completely compromised. Also, things like being tired can have a big effect on your driving ability, so only get behind the wheel if you feel able to do it. However, you may fit and well and able to drive, and your driving behaviour can still be affected by your attitude, such as speeding or trying to get somewhere in a rush. Making sure you adhere to road rules can help you to avoid any accidents in the future. 

Let’s hope that these tips help you to avoid common automotive headaches. 

Fatjoe

What is CBD Oil and How Does it Work?

What is CBD Oil and How Does it Work?

As a natural extract from the hemp plant, CBD Hemp oil is a popular, natural alternative to common western medical pharmaceuticals and is commonly used to treat certain illnesses and the pain associated with them. has been used as a natural alternative to medical pharmaceuticals for the treatment of illness and pain

Some people choose to use it to boost their overall health and wellbeing or  as a preventative measure for maintaining a healthy body and mind when taken as a supplement. 

I used CBD post surgery following the accident. I stuck with it for a month but decided it wasn’t for me. However, every body is different to it might help you.

Here are some of the ways in which CBD Hemp Oil is helpful in everyday life. 

CBD oil essence of nature
CBD oil Essence of Nature

How does CBD Hemp Oil Work? 

Naturally produced by the cannabis plant, Cannabinoids mimic those that are produced in the human body. 

They work together to influence many aspects of our day to day life, including; pain, inflammation, mood, appetite and the nervous system.

What is it good for when taken daily? 

While most research behind the benefits of using CBD is linked to its major pain relief and anti-inflammatory benefits, there are some areas that are proving to be equally beneficial when taken as a daily supplement. 

Unlike some forms of supplementation that are taken for one purpose, CBD can be beneficial for both the mind and the body. 

Anxiety 

In the modern world, many of us feel the effects of anxiety in our day-to-day lives.
While using CBD, some users have reported relief from their anxiety. 

Cannabidiol has been found to be effective for reducing anxiety caused by environmental issues. 

For example, participants in some studies where given supplementation prior to delivering a speech. There were some profound effects on any physiological signs of stress such as elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Mood Stability 

Although it doesn’t directly interact with the CB-1 receptors within the brain, CBD still shows that it does influence it to some extent. It is also known to influence the mood hormone, serotonin. This hormone is known to improve mood without the use of antidepressants or anxiety medications. 

CBD helps to reabsorb anandamide, the ‘bliss’ molecule, which is known for longevity. This means that regular supplementation of CBD  can help with mood stability in the long term. 

Systemic Inflammation 

One of the best-documented benefits of CBD is its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation of the body is one of the biggest causes of pain and illness with wide-reaching effects. 

CBD disrupts the standard inflammatory responses to pain, which can become overactive when prompted. 

It may also promote the death of cells of activated immune cells which trigger the over-inflammatory response. 

Does it Come with Side Effects? 

CBD is considered to be one of the safest supplements to take, due to the fact that it comes with almost no side effects. When starting to take a CBD oil, it is important to learn how to calculate CBD dosage so you limit the risk of side-effects, as well as ensuring you get enough of what you need.  

Although the use of CBD oil doesn’t usually come with major risks, some side effects of its usage may be possible.

They include: 

  • Dizziness 
  • Depression 
  • Hallucinations
  • Low blood pressure 
  • Addiction 
  • Withdrawal symptoms 
  • Irritability 
  • Insomnia 
Fatjoe

Top Tips for Living with Chronic Pain

Top Tips for Living with Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain can have a massive impact on your life. The disruption can manifest in many different ways – ways you might not initially associate with the pain. Physically and mentally your body will be looking to cope and adapt even if it doesn’t feel like it in the immediate moment.

Even if there isn’t a cure for the pain you are suffering from – there can still be hope. You can take steps to look for ways you can reduce, alleviate or manage your pain on a day to day basis.

Therapies

Finding medical and alternative therapies to help your body manage your pain levels or even give you a short brief time to be pain-free can make the world of difference. Many people living with chronic pain have good and bad days. Even on the good days, the pain is still there; it is simply more manageable than the bad days.

Pain killers are an obvious place to start, however they can of course be your best friend AND worst enemy. Please see me post on the top 10 tips to dealing with pain.

chronic pain

Finding supliments that help you’re bodies recovery, strength and health can really help. A game changer for me has been Active Collagen by U Perform. Read why I take Active Collagen here.

Deep tissue CBD massage can help you to relax muscles and give you some relief from muscle aches and pains. As can a visit to the chiropractor when it comes to joint pain. Others find therapy and pain relief in various exercises or look to alternative remedies such as acupuncture or the use of healing crystals and essential oils. Red Light therapy has been helpful for me too. All bodies and pain levels are different but looking to find a way to help you ease the pain levels even just a little bit could do wonders for your mental health.

Therapy

Speaking of mental health, talking to someone and sharing how you feel can be a huge benefit to your mental health. I have had a lot of support over the years since my accident, it wasn’t easy. Talking can be the most painful thing, but in the longer term it’s really helped. Living with pain day in day out will take its toll on you mentally and bottling up what you’re going through won’t make matters better. It may help you to find a therapist you can talk through your emotions and frustrations with to help you process and come to terms with the pain you are dealing with.

If you don’t want to share this part of your life, look at incorporating meditation and mindfulness into your daily routine. Practise this before bed to help you clear your mind. Both of these can be hugely beneficial to your mental health but they take practise and attention for you to fully benefit from them.

Alternatively, you may find comfort and help from support groups for people living with the same or similar conditions. Getting other views, learning from their experience and taking on words of wisdom can lift a weight off your mind.

Ask for help

Living with chronic pain means you simply cannot function as you did before or even as others do. you have to make way to accommodate the pain into your life and make adjustments to how you live so as not to do your body any more damage. 

There is no shame in asking for help, be it from your health practitioner, friends or family. Changing your habits can have a hugely beneficial impact on your day to day life, as can adding aids to help you move around such as walking sticks.

Fatjoe

Planning The Perfect Staycation

Planning The Perfect Staycation

Any dreams of jetting off to a faraway country for an amazing sun kissed vacation have been squashed by quarantine and lockdown rules, leaving many people disheartened and disappointed to say the very least. Taking a break from your 9-5 to squeeze in a little holiday can be an amazing way to get your mid-year fill of rest and relaxation, so how can you achieve such a goal when you are unable to leave the country? Planning the perfect staycation could be the ideal option for you, as the opportunity to take a national trip could still provide the calm and tranquility that you have been searching for! So, if you would like to find out more about how you can organise a staycation that you’ll never forget, then read on to uncover some of the best top tips and tricks that you can make the most of today!

Bike adventure to Dartmoor

Choosing The Location 

Choosing the right location for your trip is a huge contributing factor, as mistakenly opting for the wrong place could mean that your staycation is not a positive experience. Think about what you would like to get from your trip – do you want to relax in rural tranquil settings? Or are you searching for a city break rich in culture, restaurants and nightlife? This should help you to determine which location works for you, as there’s no doubt about the fact that your home country can accommodate both high and low energy trips. 

Booking Accommodation 

The accommodation that you opt for when booking your staycation can either make or break your holiday, as a week in a one star B&B is enough to cause even the most optimistic of individuals to crack. There are so many unique and traditional options to explore, from self catering cottage holidays to modern high tech hotels. Even a stay at a luxurious spa retreat might be available! There’s really no point in holding back when choosing your accommodation, as the money you save on flights can be redistributed to make sure you have the best time possible! 

Planning Fun Activities 

Discovering which activities are on offer in the location that you choose can help you to plan out your trip properly, as it’s more than likely that you are able to pre book your tickets online to avoid queuing and further hassle upon arrival. Nature focused staycations might benefit from a guided ramble or even white water rafting, whilst a city trip is better suited to museum and art gallery tours. A quick search online can tell you everything that you need to know about the opportunities surrounding your staycation, so get on the internet to find your fun. 

Planning the perfect staycation has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the amazing ideas and concepts detailed above. Start off by choosing the perfect location for your trip to take place, then book some suitable high quality accommodation that meets your needs and expectations! 

For even more ideas on planning the best staycation see Porch.com.

Fatjoe

Saving Money On A Motorcycle Trip Overseas

Saving Money On A Motorcycle Trip Overseas

Seeing the world from the back of a bike is a great way to do it. The freedom of the open-air, the chance to stop and start at your whim, and the ability to go where other vehicles can’t. This all makes a motorcycle adventure a promising idea for avid bikers. Of course, though, an adventure like this can start to get expensive is you’re not careful. With post will be exploring some of the best ways to make a trip like this cheaper, giving you the opportunity to start making plans that you won’t have to save forever to achieve.

Hired bikes in Bolivia, South America

Hire A Bike

Taking something as heavy as a motorcycle to another country can be expensive, forcing many people to use boats or roads as their main form of transport. Being able to take a flight will give you the chance to bike in parts of the world you simply wouldn’t be able to reach on roads alone, though. Hiring a bike once you get to your destination is an excellent way to make it possible to see the place without compromising on the whole thing. This will also give you the chance to get to know another bike, and this will be appealing to a lot of hardcore bikers.

Plan Last Minute

For most things in life, planning the last minute is a great way to spend more money than you have to. For holidays and trips overseas, though, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Planning for your trip when you are just about to leave makes it possible to use late holiday deals. These are holidays that people have canceled, leaving the flights and hotel rooms available for another customer. At this point, travel companies only want to make their money back and aren’t that concerned about charging you as much as they can. This can be stressful, but there are loads of guides around the web to help you out.

See Sights, Not Attractions

With a bike underneath you, you have a huge amount of potential to cover more ground and see sights that will take your breath away. Spending time on expensive attractions doesn’t have to be part of this, with most countries offering plenty for free to those who are willing to travel to get to it. Natural landscapes, monuments, and a host of other sights fall into this category, making it worth doing some research before you make your way to your location. Seeing as much as you can only be possible with clever planning.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to get started on saving money on your next motorcycle trip overseas. A lot of people work hard to make a perfect adventure, but end up spending a fortune in the process. It doesn’t have to be this way, though, with a little bit of planning going a long way.

Fatjoe

Why Staying In The UK Is Best For Now

Why Staying In The UK Is Best For Now

It’s safe to say that we’re all living through strange times right now. Even though we would all love to be able to carry on life as normal, that’s not really something that can happen for the time being. And if you really hoped that you would be able to travel this year, you may find that you are just not able to.

We got super lucky with our trip to Iceland with Ridewithlocals, making it back to the UK with just two days to spare before heavier covid-19 restrictions came in. However, as much as you may be uncertain of travel and you may not really want to go abroad just yet, that’s very normal. We’ve just cancelled a road trip to Andorra with the enduro bikes too, just because of all the uncertainty and quarantine.

Icelandic adventure with Ride with locals

Instead, you are going to want to think about enjoying more of the UK right now. Staying in the UK doesn’t have to be boring or a consolation prize. Let’s take a look at why.

Safety

To start with, it’s important to recognise that staying in the UK is a safer option than heading abroad. If you travel abroad, you may realize that you are more at risk of contracting the virus or even spreading it around others. But if you stay locally, you are more likely to minimize that risk.

Close To Home

It’s also nice to be able to stay close to home right now. It’s safe to say that you are going to be very concerned and worried about your loved ones. So if you don’t get to see your loved ones by traveling too far, it might scare you. Yet, not going overseas and staying at home is a much better option.

Staycations

You may have heard all about staycations before. They are such a great option for enjoying a bit of a break and a new experience but a little closer to home. It can be as simple as staying in a hotel in your town or just an hour away. Something that doesn’t feel like a huge trip, but that allows you to get away, enjoy yourself, and really explore some of the attractions, restaurants, and things to do that are in your area. So maybe see what kind of options are in your town.

Explore Local Areas

From here, you might even want to venture a little further afield from home and explore some of the local areas that have always been on your radar. Now is the perfect time to take a short break if you love the idea of enjoying some time off and spending time with loved ones. Maybe there’s a city you have always wanted to go to? Or the countryside or coast? Just getting out nearby can really help you have a great time.

Boosting The Economy

Finally, one of the best reasons to stay in the UK right now rather than go abroad is the idea of being able to boost the economy. You may find that you are tempted to go overseas for some peace and quiet and a bit of normality. But after the year we have had so far, it’s definitely a great idea for us all to try and spend our money around the UK on breaks and days out so that we are boosting the economy right here, rather than anywhere else!

We’ve decide on a UK road trip instead! Wern ddu quarry, Inch Perfect Trials and some green laning

Inch Perfect Trials

Fatjoe

Coming Out Of Lockdown: Get Your Health Back On Track

Coming Out Of Lockdown: Get Your Health Back On Track

Lockdown is and has been a really strange time for the world. Something so unprecedented. For many keeping on top of their health has been a challenge. If you are wondering how to sort out your health after lockdown here are some things to consider.

Get the medicine you need

It might sound obvious but with lockdown access to the medical resources we need has been hard. Often seeing things we would usually seek help for just left to run its course. It’s possible that you rely on medicine to keep your health in check too. A lot of people have struggled to get the medicine that they needed. If you went without meds for weeks or even months, then you are certainly not alone. Now, it’s important to stock up in case there is a second wave and a new lockdown begins. You can find that there is a range of different medications available through online pharmacies. For example, here, you will be able to easily access the meds you need. 

Hit The Gym

A lot of us will have put off physical activity because the gyms have been closed for a couple of months now. But, now that we are coming out of lockdown, it’s time to get back into the swing of things, including heading out to the gym. Because you’ve been away for a little while, you might find that you are not capable of doing the same amount that you used to, but that’s okay, take it easy. You can always build it back up just like you did before. As long as you are showing up and dedicating yourself to reaching the goals you’re setting, that’s all that matters.

If you’re worried about covid-19 and gym spaces maybe consider a Praep ProPilot for home fitness. This is what I’ve used though lockdown and I’m so impressed how well my bike fitness has been maintained. Discount for Praep here.

lock-down health
Get moto fit without the gym a

Goal setting

Setting goals when you’re heading to the gym or trying to get back to peak fitness is important. It gives you direction and helps you to keep control of your health as a whole. Know your limits, know when they can be pushed and know when your body is telling you to slow down. Just because you’re getting back to the gym now, doesn’t mean you have to harm yourself trying to get back into a routine. Slow and steady will get you there without harm.

Maybe try to find an event or race, cool route you could ride or something to focus on to help motivate you forwards. I’ve set my goals on Bronze at Romaniacs for 2021! Entry complete! Yikes

Fix your schedule 

You might also need to think about fixing your schedule, setting yourself up to best utilise your time. According to experts, the typical daily schedule was one of the first things to fly out the window during the lockdown. This can have severe adverse consequences on your health. If you are waking up later, you’ll be going to sleep later too. You could ultimately throw off your sleeping pattern completely or develop issues with insomnia

So, how do you get your pattern back on the right track? I suggest that you do think about setting a list of things to do through the day. I love lists! Keep your mind and your body busy so that you are tired when night begins to fall. No this and you will snap back into your typical routine quite quickly. 

Sort Out Your Diet

You are what you eat remember! Staying inside all the time can be harmful to your mental health, and this can take a toll on the way that we eat. However, now that you have more control over where you go and what you do, it’s important to sort your diet out. Things are slowly returning to some kind of normal, and your diet should be a part of this. No more processed foods except on occasion. Fill your fridge with fruits and vegetables, proteins and everything else that your body needs to work effectively. There is always room to indulge a little every now and then, but for the most part, you want to get back into eating a balanced diet.

Something I swear by in my diet is U Perform Active Collagen. It’s been a game changer for my strengthening, recovery and reduction in achy pains. More details on why I take Active Collagen here, plus a discount link here.

This might be a lot easier than you think because eating healthy can be delicious. In the beginning, just add a vegetable to your meal. Carrots, broccoli, cabbage and other vegetables like this go with practically every meal so there is always room to fit a vegetable in. If you know that now you aren’t going to have a lot of time for cooking, then it’s time to look into meal prepping. This way, you have healthy meals to eat, without having to slave over the cooker every single day.

De-Stress 

You might find that during lockdown both the stress and tension have been building to tremendous levels. That’s understandable because ultimately human beings are sociable creatures. We need to socialise to survive and once you take away our ability to do this, there are going to be negative impacts on both our mental and our physical health. You might find that you are more agitated lately or that you struggle to solve issues that you encounter in your life. Do this sound familiar? If that’s the case then you need to make sure that you are taking the time to de-stress

How you do this will differ depending on who you are and your unique personality. Some people will just need to sit down with a good book. Others should perhaps try things like meditation. Meditation can be beneficial because it provides clarity and can help you understand the issues that you are facing right now. 

OR get out on your bike! Motorcycles are proven to help unwind and process life’s stresses! get riding!

lock-down mental health
Riding to free the mind

After all this, I just want you to be looking after yourself. Find what feels good for you!

Fatjoe

3 Must-See Motorcycle Routes in France

3 Must-See Motorcycle Routes in France

A trip to France can be a wonderful, edifying and undeniably romanic experience. After all, France has an extraordinarily varied climate, an abundance of stunning scenery, wonderful food prepared with passion, and of course a bouquet of wonderful cities. Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille and, of course, Paris offer a fantastic combination of culture, cuisine and couture. But perhaps some of the most memorable experiences you’ll enjoy in France are those you experience on the road.

Just a short Eurotunnel or ferry from the UK and the open roads, great wine and stunning scenery awaits.

So, after you’ve feasted your eyes on the Champs Elysee, The Eiffel Tower and the other confections that entice so many tourists every year, stow your luggage away with some convenient luggage storage in Paris and take to the road. Here, we’ll look at some devastatingly gorgeous routes that will help you fall in love with the country and your bike all over again, no matter how frequently you visit…

6/D40 Col du Béal 

Situated close to the Dore Valley, this stunning route is a great showcase for the little flourishes that tourists don’t often see that make up the real Paris. Ancient mills, abandoned houses, and a a blissfully quiet main road where the surrounding A72 and A75 autoroutes take away much of the traffic so you can really open up your throttle.

This easy, tranquil route gradually rises to an altitude of 1.390 meters and offers a stunning view of the Hautes Chaumes, open table-mountains lavished with green undergrowth.

6/D40 Col du Béal Image from Motorcycle-diaries.com
Image from Motorcycle-diaries.com

D978/678 – Parc des Volcans

A gentle route for riders of all levels with some stunning, undulating mountain scenery, the D978 and D678 a winding and pleasant 39 km ride that you’ll never forget through the stunning Parc des Volcans.

The iconic volcano range, the ‘Chaine-des-Puys’ has almost a hundred ‘domes’ running through the Massif central. If want to find somewhere to rest, the Puy-de-Dome will afford you the most breathtaking view you’ve ever seen while you chug your water and eat your sandwiches. 

If you feel like getting off your hog for a few hours there are also plenty of hiking trails and even some great fishing and canoeing spots. 

D978/678 - Parc des Volcans Image from Motorcycle-diaries.com
Image from Motorcycle-diaries.com

D902, The Col de l’Iseran 

Not one for the faint of heart, this final route is known as the King of the Alps, and for good reason! It is, in fact the highest paved mountain pass in the Alps, with a til of 2.764 m above the sea level.

This route is situated in the department of Savoie in France close to the Italian border, and part of the Graian Alps. It also links the valley of the Isère and the valley of the Arc River between the northern Val-d’Isère and the southern Bonneval-sur-Arc. The D902 road is one of the highest mountain passes in Europe… unfortunately, it’s also among the most poorly maintained. 

You’ll need to keep your wits about you as you navigate the holes and tears in the surface, especially in the occasionally low-visibility conditions. Fortunately, the views are so stunning and the roads are so tranquil that you’ll want to ease off the throttle and enjoy the view at a leisurely pace anyway. 

D902, The Col de l'Iseran Image from Motorcycle-diaries.com
Image from Motorcycle-diaries.com

I would love to hear about some of your favourite roads!

If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life changing accident, which started it all.

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