dealt with by Ms Bell
I'm not fit enough to ride a bike..
I go for regular walks (to and from the refrigerator) I take the stairs at work (when the lift is broken). But despite this rigorous fitness regime, I'm not sure I'm quite up to a whole day of cycling. Any thoughts?
Mathew Lawson, 32, Researcher
Mrs Bell says: Mathew; my best advice would be to get up off your backside and give the couch the day off. And don't worry - Freewheel's not about being the fittest or the fastest. It's just a laid back stroll round the city on a bike, with a great big picnic at the end. Plus, there are plenty of places along the way where you can get catch your breath if you need to.
More lamentable excuses answered by Ms Bell...
my husband says I'm too old to ride a bike....
I'm 28 and while I used to be a BMX bandit back in the 80s, these days I'm more of a bendy-bus kind of gal. And because I haven't ridden a bike in nearly 20 years, my husband reckons I'm too old to get back in the saddle. Is he right
Anna McMullen, 28, Teacher
Mrs Bell says: You know the part in ET when all the kids are cycling the alien back to the spaceship and it keeps saying "ET go home". Well, that's what your husband needs to do. And stay there. He's clearly jealous of your cycle skills and is raining on your parade. As for you, I think it's time to resurrect your old bike posse and get out on the streets again. Your wheelies might not be quite what they used to be, but if you used to love riding, you might be surprised at how much you still enjoy it.
I don't look too good in Lycra. In fact, people scream.
Last weekend I was out shopping for a lycra Freewheel outfit. But when I came out of the changing rooms, a mother screamed and shielded her children's eyes, and an old man had a cardiac arrest. Does this mean I can't come to Freewheel?
Geetha Capur, 32, Software Developer
Mrs Bell says: Geetha, we all make fashion mistakes from time to time. Shoulder pads. Stirrup trousers. Cone bras - we've all been there. But the important thing isn't that we never make mistakes, it's to learn from them and move on. So don't let one potentially scarring wardrobe faux pas hold you back. But perhaps don't wear the lycra - nobody else will be.
I like lying in too much to cycle on a Sunday.
I like the idea of Freewheel, but it's on a Sunday. And I love sleeping in on Sunday mornings. If get out of bed before 10.30, I'm worried me and my duvet might experience some painful separation anxiety. What can I do?
Brian Ng, 23, Student
Mrs Bell says: Unfortunately, getting up in the morning is a cross we all have to bear. But don't worry. The events at your local hub will only just be kicking of at 10, so you'll still have plenty of sleep-in time. And even if you're running a bit late, you can just meet everyone else at St James's Park where you'll be able to snooze or watch the free entertainment all day long. You'll have earned it!
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