Author Archives: doug

Dealing with squeaks, rattles and other irritating noises

Posted on 25 August, 2012 by doug

Although I know how a bike works and appreciate a nice smooth running bike, I’m not always quick to react when something might be wrong.  I should know better and yet I don’t want to become a bike nerd and … Continue reading →

Posted in cycle maintenance | 2 Comments

Review – Raleigh Outback SPD type pedal

Posted on 24 August, 2012 by doug

My daughter has treated herself to a pair of these pedals for her Birthday Bike Project.  She went into our LBS and selected a pair of shoes, having tried on every conceivable pair (at least twice), walked around in them, … Continue reading →

Posted in birthday bike project, cycle maintenance, reviews | 1 Comment

Pumping up bike tyres

Posted on 21 August, 2012 by doug

Every cyclist needs one of these – a track pump – but not necessarily a Specialized one. Problems from an over-inflated tyre Tyres can be blown off the rim if the pressure is too high and this can occur in … Continue reading →

Posted in cycle maintenance | 3 Comments

“Hills hurt, couches kill”

Posted on 15 August, 2012 by doug

“Hills hurt, couches kill” is a quote that caught my eye from the amazing 39 stone cyclist, Gary Brennan.  If you’re overweight, obese or even morbidly obese please do not give up.  Follow the link below which will take you … Continue reading →

Posted in health, people | 1 Comment

Routine brake pad check

Posted on 11 August, 2012 by doug

This is about the importance of taking a closer look at your bicycle.  As an example of why this is important, this morning I checked over my bike, I discovered there was an issue with the rear brakes on my … Continue reading →

Posted in cycle maintenance | 6 Comments

Cycling with children

Posted on 11 August, 2012 by doug

Cycling with our two daughters is sometimes , shall we say, “interesting”.  It’s almost like their characters and outlook in life are being expressed through the way they cycle.  This can be seen from all kinds of different angles and … Continue reading →

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Project Birthday Bike – next stage

Posted on 4 August, 2012 by doug

Becky is still delighted with her new bike – the c1980s Argos fast tourer.  She had it on 25th July in the full knowledge that it needed some updating and a little TLC.  So far we’ve replaced the tyres and … Continue reading →

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Sufferfest cycling activism group

Posted on 1 August, 2012 by doug

At work I get a email bulletin from G4S from time to time. If I were Mr G4S I would be keeping a low profile these days in view of the Olympic security debarcle.   It’s a circular email advising recipients of … Continue reading →

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Meridian Peanut Butter

Posted on 29 July, 2012 by doug

I have long memories of enjoying peanut butter, right from getting home from school feeling as if I’d not eaten for a week, absolutely starving and making myself a peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwich. Yes, mayonnaise with peanut butter: more about that … Continue reading →

Posted in ethical, family, food, reviews | 3 Comments

65.9mph and time to review – Cateye Strada wireless

Posted on 28 July, 2012 by doug

Don’t be fooled by the maximum speed A while ago I thought I’d do a review of my wireless Cateye Strada.   I generally like to review things over a longer term rather than base a review on mere first … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Birthday Bike project continues

Posted on 26 July, 2012 by doug

Flipflops and Crocs: the new cycling accessory?  Hope not!  Just a quick update on Becky’s birthday bike project…. we’ve had a tyre changing lesson having splashed out on a pair of Continental 4 Season 700×25 tyres and new tubes.  The … Continue reading →

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A birthday “project”….

Posted on 25 July, 2012 by doug

New cycling top co-ordinating well with her PJs Many 14 year old girls get make-up, iPhones and clothes for their birthday. Here’s our eldest daughter Becky with a birthday “project”.  It is an Argos frame (as in the Bristol bespoke … Continue reading →

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Benefits of local honey

Posted on 23 July, 2012 by doug

Everyone knows that honey is good for you.  Almost everyone likes it.  Just some people know local honey is particularly good for you.  Why?  Read on…. Many people suffer from allergies these days.  Often these are perfectly natural, like hay fever … Continue reading →

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Inspiration from Wiggins

Posted on 23 July, 2012 by doug

Source: Getty Images No cycling blog could ordinarily be complete without mention of yesterday’s exciting conclusion of the 2012 Tour de France with UK’s Bradley Wiggins winning. Wouldn’t  it be a wonderful thing if the spectacular achievement by Wiggins inspires … Continue reading →

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