Author Archives: doug

Lost in the Cotswolds, again

Posted on 22 July, 2012 by doug

Wallie and his odd socks somewhere in the Cotswolds Maybe it’s the effect of Wallie wearing odd socks.  Perhaps it was the unusual sight of the sun going to our heads or Wallie’s complete aversion to riding along any kind … Continue reading →

Posted in cycling | 2 Comments

LBS -v- Wiggle, Evans, Chain Reaction…..

Posted on 14 July, 2012 by doug

I think it is quite a tricky thing sometimes trying to decide between supporting a handful of Local Bike Shops  (LBSs) or enjoying the likes of Wiggle, Chain Reaction, Evans and so on. The nice thing about the mail order … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

This evening’s rainy bike ride

Posted on 12 July, 2012 by doug

I haven’t cycled much lately, what with one thing and other.  In seeking a bit of inspiration I watched the Tour de France highlights on TV this evening (first time for many, many years) and couldn’t resist going for a … Continue reading →

Posted in cycling, Thorn Audax | 1 Comment

Fairhaven Wholefoods, Letchworth

Posted on 10 July, 2012 by doug

We knew of this place from our friends Rachel and Steve who had mentioned it a while back.  Since we were in the area a few days ago, it was worth checking out.  I had a feeling there was a … Continue reading →

Posted in food, health | 2 Comments

Care for a Brooks B17 Saddle

Posted on 9 July, 2012 by doug

A Brooks B17 saddle will last for decades if looked  after . Regular readers will know I have two bikes and each has a Brooks B17 saddle.  I think they are very comfortable, timeless, good looking (if somewhat eccentric) and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Church picnic 2012

Posted on 3 July, 2012 by doug

It’s now turning into a bit of a tradition at our church to have a picnic sometime in the summer, straight after a Sunday morning service.  Now to put things in context, you have to remember we’re talking picnics in … Continue reading →

Posted in cycling, cycling with others, family, people | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Sorry for not blogging lately

Posted on 2 July, 2012 by doug

Hannah and myself on a friend’s tandem I am really sorry for not being able blog about my ramblings; June has been quite a hectic month.  As you may have picked up from a recent post, we did do the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The horrendous spectre of UK obesity

Posted on 24 June, 2012 by doug

Perhaps even the dog looks overweight?  Here in the UK the National Audit Office reckons the NHS spends £500M a year on obesity related problems.  By the time that’s factored to include the impact on the wider economy, the figure … Continue reading →

Posted in health | 9 Comments

Active parents = active children?

Posted on 23 June, 2012 by doug

Becky, my 13 year old daughter riding my bike! I know that my first responsibility is the well being of our two daughters – to provide, love, nurture and prepare them for making a good contribution to society when they … Continue reading →

Posted in confidence, cycling, health | 3 Comments

Carrying bikes on cars

Posted on 11 June, 2012 by doug

Transporting bikes by car is a tricky business and one that I don’t enjoy. At best they always look as if they’re wobbling a bit, causing air turbulence which sounds too loud or worse still it is an accident waiting … Continue reading →

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C2C Coast to Coast

Posted on 9 June, 2012 by doug

Becky, just before dipping our back wheels into the Irish Sea Here’s the ingredients of our C2C cycle ride, from Silloth to Tynemouth…. In numbers: Miles: 110                     Punctures: 0Days: 3 … Continue reading →

Posted in cycling, family | 4 Comments

C2C training: the funniest ride!

Posted on 31 May, 2012 by doug

Even before we left home, there was a flat tyre on Hannah’s bike.  I fixed it but not well enough, I didn’t put the patch in the right place!  Just 2 miles from home, the tyre was again flat and … Continue reading →

Posted in cycling, family | 2 Comments

Keeping my bike clean?

Posted on 29 May, 2012 by doug

When I got the Thorn Audax in January last year, I felt like an excited school boy with a new shiny racer.  It’s always nice to have a beautifully maintained and lubricated bike but I became very self-conscious in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Thorn Audax | 4 Comments

More Coast to Coast training

Posted on 21 May, 2012 by doug

As you know, we are planning to ride a Coast to Coast route during the fast-approaching half term break.  So here’s a couple of snaps on a recent Sunday afternoon cycle ride to get limbered up a bit.  Getting Becky … Continue reading →

Posted in cycling, family | 5 Comments