Riding back to good health on an e-bike

It's encouraging to observe the latest advice on maintaining fitness; however, it's important not to undervalue electric bikes by lumping them together with cars or scooters in your assessment (Letters, 11 October).

An electric bike requires the rider's physical effort to operate.

Having had significant heart surgery a few years back, I can vouch for the immense positive impact on my health from the thousands of miles I've traveled on my e-bike.

This includes completing two rides from coast to coast alongside my fellow riders in the Electric Cranks group.

Regarding the discovery of an 18th-century cold bathing pool in Bath (Archaeologists uncover rare 18th-century cold bath under Bath Assembly Rooms, 9 October), a similar stone-lined and spring-fed plunge pool, part of a listed Georgian two-storey building, was saved and restored more than 20 years ago here in Congleton.

Volunteers have maintained the building and added a physic garden in its grounds.

John Cockell Congleton, Cheshire

Many, many years ago, when I was reviewing old essay questions for an upcoming entrance exam, one stuck in my mind: “Distinguish between a sport, a hobby, a game and a pastime” (Letters, 12 October).

I can’t recall what I was trying to enter, let alone why, but the question has occasionally provided a starting point for a sixth form discussion.

Dr Andrew Ruddle West Molesey, Surrey

Lisa Cameron’s defection from the Scottish National party to the Conservatives (Report, 12 October) is a rare example of a rat joining a sinking ship.

Michael Meadowcroft Leeds

Source: theguardian