Riding high in Surrey

People looking to find properties for sale in Surrey may appreciate the more rural parts of the county, particularly if they enjoy outdoor activities such as walking and cycling.

Those who enjoy travel on two wheels as a form of exercise, recreation and a chance to enjoy the fresh air and local scenery may particularly appreciate such opportunities, particularly if they have previously experienced cycling in a city, where crowded roads, noise and pollution may make such activities rather more stressful.

Of course, there are many ways to enjoy cycling, even in towns and cities, including along cycle paths and parks and as a keen rider himself, London mayor Boris Johnson has announced plans for a major two-day cycling festival based around the Olympic Park in August 2013.

But one of the features of the event is a 100-mile cycling ride - including competitors from club to world-class level - which, while it may start at the Olympic site in Stratford, will then head southwards out of London and take in the beauty of the Surrey countryside.

And they will be following in some illustrious tyre-tracks, as the Olympics themselves will see road races across Surrey. Not only does this mean those who come to live in Surrey this year will be able to see the Games without leaving the county, but also help emphasise the quality of the county for cyclists.

Commenting on this, Surrey County Council's cabinet member for community services and the 2012 Games Denise Saliagopoulos said: "Surrey will be the cycling capital of the UK when we host the Olympic road races and cycling time trial. This event will help us build on the Olympic legacy.

"It will drive tourism, boost the Surrey economy and encourage residents to get on their bikes and lead healthier lifestyles."

And for those who wish to enjoy dedicated cycling routes in the county, there are five routes on the national cycle network passing through the county. These include the Thames Valley Cycle Route, which passes through Weybridge and Laleham, plus the Downs and Weald Cyclce Route, which upon leaving Croydon passes over the north Downs to Redhill and on via Horley to Sussex.

So for those looking to get on their bike, Surrey is a great place to live that could be set to get even better.