Category Archives: family

Becky’s bespoke bike repairs

Posted on 20 October, 2012 by doug

Here’s my daughter Becky at work on our friend’s bike; it’s all about learning to be a little more self reliant, enterprising, entrepreneurial and something about learning how bikes work.  It is all leading towards her earning money towards a school … Continue reading →

Posted in cycle maintenance, family | 1 Comment

Cycling alone, or in a group?

Posted on 14 October, 2012 by doug

  Which do you prefer?  Riding your bike or maybe going with others?  By nature I tend to cycle (and run) on my own and I never yearn to have someone else alongside.  That’s not to say I don’t enjoy … Continue reading →

Posted in confidence, cycling, family | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Upgrading brake cables

Posted on 26 August, 2012 by doug

Becky learning about handlebar moustaches The main bug-bear with Becky’s bike, her Birthday Bike Project in the form of a vintage Argos 531c bike, is the brakes being too stiff and awkward.  Our first step was to replace the levers … Continue reading →

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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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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

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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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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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 →

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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

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

Coast to Coast training ride

Posted on 15 April, 2012 by doug

C2C practice ride for Becky & Hannah “Becky how far do you think we’ve been riding for?” “About a mile or two” “Are you sure?  Must be at least 20 miles.  I never knew this mountain was so steep” panted … Continue reading →

Posted in cycling, ethical, family | 2 Comments