AOAC Newsletter
 

Message from the Chair

I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine and you’ve been able to get out and enjoy your favourite activities.  Great to see lots of evening activities on the calendar and smiling faces on our Facebook page, also overseas trips coming back to the calendar.  There are also lots of different options of weekend and day events with new events being added all the time – take a look and get involved.

There is always room for more events so if you feel inspired and/or can’t see what you want on there, consider organising an event – there’s plenty of support available and it’s a great way to give back to the Club.

Thanks as always for everyone who contributes to putting events on the calendar – organisers, leaders, coaches and assistants. People sharing their enthusiasm with others is what makes this Club what it is.

Simon who is building our new website updated the committee in May so we’re looking forward to being in a position where we can share it with you all soon.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me or any of the committee if you have any ideas/comments/suggestions about Club-related matters. Our email contact details are on the website.

Have fun out there.      

Katie, AOAC Chair
[email protected]

It can reduce your risk of major illnesses and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%. It's free, easy to take, has an immediate effect and you don't need a GP to get some. Its name?

Exercise!

People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing many long-term (chronic) conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.

For any type of activity to benefit your health, you need to be moving quick enough to raise your heart rate, breathe faster and feel warmer (moderate intensity activity). If you're working at a moderate intensity you should still be able to talk but you won't be able to sing the words to a song.

Activity where you have to work even harder is called vigorous intensity activity. There is substantial evidence that vigorous activity can bring health benefits over and above that of moderate activity. You can tell when it's vigorous activity because you're breathing hard and fast, and your heart rate has gone up a fair bit. If you're working at this level, you won't be able to say more than a few words without pausing for a breath.
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/

We all know it can be tricky sometimes to find the motivation to get out there and keep fit but remember . . . something is better than nothing and there couldn't be a better time now with the warmer weather.  So, switch off that TV, put your phone down, dig out those walking boots, trainers, bike, climbing gear or whatever it is that gives you that exercise buzz - grab your keys and go out into the great outdoors. 

It is always better in a group and there are loads of great events on the calendar https://aoac.co.uk/upcoming-events-members. If you can’t see something that you want to take part in, you can always organise your own event with the help of one of our many activity coordinators https://aoac.co.uk/how-to-do-it. 

Take care of your ticker and happy exercising! 

Sue, AOAC Comms
[email protected]

Paddling in Pembrokeshire in May

"We all had another glorious sunny weekend in Pembrokeshire camping and sea kayaking. 

The first day we maxed it out by getting up at 5am to paddle over to Skomer across the famous Jack Sound, followed by a nature trail and birdwatching walk round the island. The cliffs were teeming with Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots and other species. The paddle continued onto and around Skokholm Island and back via the fast running Jack Sound.

Day two was a more relaxed paddle exploring the caves, coves, tunnels and arches of the north coast, including the beautiful Witches Cauldron with its hidden beach and turquoise waters."
Andy 

If you are tempted to get into sea kayaking and want to find out more, email our paddling coordinator at [email protected].

There are some super looking multi-activity trips on the horizon. The latest of these to open for booking is to the Black Mountains from 7-9 October for walking and mountain biking. Barely 50 miles from Bristol on the border with England, the Black Mountains have a softer feel than some parts of the National Park and definitely fewer visitors than the central Beacons. Nearby and well worth a visit, Llanthony has a bar within a 12^th century priory.  With two nights’ accommodation and a communal meal for £54, there’s a lot to like.

Picture credit: https://www.visit-brecon-beacons.co.uk/brecon-beacons-national-park.shtml

There are also more evening walks to come, including a choice on Tuesday 28 June (Bathford & Chew Magna). The first includes a visit to Brown’s Folly, the second is a ‘new members walk’ and remaining places are now open to established club members.  Pubs and chips have been mentioned – just saying!

Finally, planning is underway for some introductory navigation training on the Mendips in August – more details on this to follow.

Have fun out there.

Andy, Walks Co-ordinator
[email protected]

New Road Ride Leaders

Another four budding road ride leaders have successfully completed the last theory session that Guy held in May: Sian, Nigel, Rob and Alan.  They are well on the way to getting approval with the final stage being a lead ‘assessment’ ride, so look out on the calendar for these rides and future events.
 
If you are interested in becoming a road ride leader or a mountain bike leader, email your interest to [email protected] and we will arrange another course.

This day is open to anyone who wants to spend a day on the river trying out different kayaks and canoes. Suitable for beginners, those who have just completed their Discover level and want to try canoes or other kayaks, experienced but just want a day practicing in the sunshine and competitive types who like to play games. We will be having a picnic on the riverbank and will have coaches to assist and answer any of your Paddlesport questions.  There are still places available.  NEW MEMBERS WELCOME. 

If you are not a current AOAC member, for Club insurance purposes and to allow you access to book you will need to purchase an introductory club membership – £2.00.   Cost for the day is £10.00 (incl all coaching and equipment). https://aoac.co.uk/content/buy-or-renew-aoac-membership.

Please book via the website or email [email protected] for further information.

Anyone for a Spin on a Velodrome?

Every fancied having a go at track cycling and wondered what cycling on a velodrome is like? Introductory sessions provide you with basic knowledge on how to ride a track bike and the opportunity to experience riding on a velodrome. The session will give you a taste of what to expect, anyone can do it – you just need to be able to ride a bike! To see what interest there is in booking a session and putting something on the calendar, drop an email to [email protected] to register your interest. If enough people express an interest, I will look to get something booked and in the calendar.

Any Finally . . . 

Don’t forget about the forum on the website: Forum.  There are a few new things on there so take a look.  It is an ideal place to post activities that are weather dependent or too short notice to add to the calendar in the normal way.  If you do run an event through the forum, all you have to do is add the names of the participants to the thread when the event has been completed.

If you have an event or topic that you want to advertise, promote your activity or submit a write up of an event that has taken place, whether you organised it or simply took part, please share it to [email protected] and I'll put it in the next newsletter.  Thanks everyone!

Sue, AOAC Comms
[email protected]
 

Events