Author Archives: doug

Installing Shimano Tiagra shifters

Posted on 4 January, 2014 by doug

Many thanks to my friend Dee who has come to the rescue with some Shimano Tiagra STI shifters.  He had spotted me saying (in my recent 5,000 mile review) that I wish I had some.   This post is all … Continue reading →

Posted in cycle maintenance, Thorn Audax | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Coast to Coast update

Posted on 4 January, 2014 by doug

The Coast to Coast in a Day 2014 cycle ride is now just under 6 months away.  Gulp.  So far it’s always been a case of it being “next year” and a long way off.  Now we’re in 2014, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Review – Specialized Allez C2 2014

Posted on 3 January, 2014 by doug

  I have been meaning to publish this review for several months but here it is – the Specialized Allez C2 2014 model.  Following the worldwide success of the 2013 model this is worth checking out if you’re in the … Continue reading →

Posted in reviews | Tagged | 23 Comments

The Busway’s Reluctant Cyclist

Posted on 2 January, 2014 by doug

  If you’re a regular user of the Luton & Dunstable Busway, or maybe the cycle track running alongside, you might have spotted the Reluctant Cyclist.  But who is she?  Well, she has been seen early on Sunday mornings in … Continue reading →

Posted in cycling with others, family | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Getting to grips with my affiliate links

Posted on 30 December, 2013 by doug

Hey I know this isn’t too professional but I’m practising getting to grips with using affiliate links to Evans.  My Coast to Coast fellow cyclist Josh helped show me what to do.  As it happens it looks Evans have some … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Times when only a run will do

Posted on 30 December, 2013 by doug

This might seem strange for a cycling blog but this morning I needed a run, instead of a bike ride.  I set off for my familiar 7.3 mile run, which is a favourite of mine.  It involves pavements, hills, muddy … Continue reading →

Posted in family, food, runner's high, running | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Cycling on ice….

Posted on 29 December, 2013 by doug

My Continental Gatorskin and Four Season Grandprix tyres are pretty good but this afternoon I could have done with a bit more grip. While the temperature have been above freezing today, the frost which remained in the shade hadn’t melted … Continue reading →

Posted in confidence | Tagged | Leave a comment

Another icy bicycle ride

Posted on 28 December, 2013 by doug

For today’s Christmas bicycle ride I set off just before dawn.  Being a townie I underestimated how cold it really was outside and more specifically how icy the roads were.  It was okay for the first few miles to Markyate … Continue reading →

Posted in cycling | Tagged | Leave a comment

Cycling at Christmas

Posted on 27 December, 2013 by doug

Christmas is of course a very special time of year.  As this is a blog about cycling, it follows I have been making the most of the holiday and grabbing a bike ride in between entertaining and mince pies.  While … Continue reading →

Posted in cycling with others, great rides | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

11th Rule of Saturday Cycling – If you’re going through hell, keep going!

Posted on 21 December, 2013 by doug

My 11th Rule of Saturday Cycling is a quote from Winston Churchill – “if you’re going through hell, keep going!”.  This ran through my mind as I went out for this afternoon’s bike ride. The weather has been a good … Continue reading →

Posted in great rides | Tagged | Leave a comment

Cycling rates in Luton

Posted on 20 December, 2013 by doug

I came across this graph and fellow blogger Tejvan Pettinger kindly agreed to me using it.  It shows the wide variation of people who cycle in various towns and cities in England.  To be honest, I wasn’t surprised to see … Continue reading →

Posted in health | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Review – Abus Combiflex 202 cable bike lock

Posted on 18 December, 2013 by doug

There is a bewildering choice of locks on the market each with their own advantages, or disadvantages.  Some of these are seriously secure and seriously bulky, heavy and awkward – and just what any weight conscious roadie doesn’t need.   … Continue reading →

Posted in reviews | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Cycling uphill – sit down or stand on pedals?

Posted on 17 December, 2013 by doug

Coast to Coast team mate Phil and I went for a ride yesterday afternoon which included tackling Bison Hill twice.  This has led to a debate about standing up on the pedals or staying sitting down when cycling up a … Continue reading →

Posted in cycling, cycling with others, people | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

10th Rule of Saturday Cycling – Be at one with your bike, man

Posted on 15 December, 2013 by doug

Sometimes it all just comes together and you’re at one with the bike.  This Saturday was one of those times.  It is when you feel “at one” with the bike – no longer sitting on a collection of odd man … Continue reading →

Posted in great rides | Tagged | Leave a comment