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Recently I came across the Halfbike and thought it was worth doing a desktop review. As you know, I quite like opportunities to try out different bicycles and especially “alternative” bikes such as the Elliptigo, recumbents and the like. … Continue reading
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We have been on a family holiday to Bremen, in Germany. We weren’t specifically cycling in Bremen but we were staying with some lovely friends and, needless to say, cycling managed to creep into our time there. Here’s a few … Continue reading
Warning of cyclists
Bison Hill – new sign. Having spotted this newish sign on Bison Hill I wonder if I have been too harsh on Central Bedfordshire Council in the past. This new sign has appeared near the start of the climb up Bison Hill, Bedfordshire. This is one decent hill which attracts good numbers of cyclists and I have tackled this many times myself. As an aside, I have run up it a few times of late and currently hold the course record on Strava for this; although I doubt if that will remain the same for too long.
Beyond the bend in the photograph, where the road turns to the right into slightly wooded area, the road starts to become steeper, more narrow and has more corners. All this will add to the slightly hazardous nature of this for cyclists when cars are buzzing up and down. In fact it is a recipe for disaster with some scenarios in mind – imagine a cyclist struggling up the steepest part, weaving a little from left to right. A car overtakes without a proper view of the road. Coming down the hill is another cyclist and doing 30mph who in turn is followed by a car. There you have four road users together on a narrow, bendy hill and heading in different directions and potential for a nasty accident.
I do believe there has been a fatal accident there in October 2014, although a little further up where the road levels off as I have seen flowers there, as if left there by friends and family of a loved one.
Perhaps this is why the warning sign has appeared, or perhaps people have complained about the potentially dangerous nature of Bison Hill. I don’t know, I’m speculating. Nevertheless it is a welcome site seeing the sign there, someone has the best interests of cyclists at heart. I hope motorists will give consideration to cyclists and also runners who tackle this scenic climb.
Oh I mentioned being harsh on Central Bedfordshire Council. I still haven’t had a response to my Twitter based compliant about painting over a blocked drain, instead of unblocking it first of all. Here’s the post: click here
Yellow lines over blocked drain
In contrast to yesterday’s post where I praised some thoughtful behaviour on a canal towpath, I thought this was worth highlighting as an appalling example of road maintenance in Central Bedfordshire. I have noticed before examples of painting over blocked drains and thinking it was just a one-off and yet it happens more frequently nowadays.
This particular example is on Beech Road, Dunstable. Having brought it to the attention of Central Bedfordshire Council, I regret I have had no reply and a little while ago the problem remained. Now I know in the great scheme of things, this is a pretty trivial matter but it does highlight a few concerns:
Helpful sign; Slapton Lock
Perhaps like me you have noticed various Canal users sometimes have an uneasy relationship with each other. The Grand Union Canal towpath has a mixture of runners, anglers, cyclists, walkers (some with dogs), lock keepers, artists and others who live there all year round. And then you have the folk on the water which include kayakers and narrowboat folk with their different sub-groups.
So it was a lovely sight when I spotted this helpful and thoughtful sign at (I think) Slapton Lock on the Grand Union Canal in Buckinghamshire. To think someone had gone to the trouble of alerting passing cyclists to the puncture alert! Perhaps this was following some serious hedge cutting and the lock keeper had learnt from experience that this could cause a problem for passing cyclists. Perhaps the lock keeper was a cyclist as well?
The actual towpath, which is generally on one side or other, often has a variable surface and these are generally well cared for around locks, especially if there is a lock keeper’s cottage. Some of these are real gems and in the summer time they can become particularly nice with colourful displays of flowers; all very English.
It is all too easy for cycling blogs to bemoan potholes, dangerous drivers and inconsiderate behaviour. And yet it is nice to highlight some good, thoughtful courteous behaviour which all adds to the harmony on towpaths which we can all enjoy together. Well done to the lock keeper and to the Canal & River Trust – thank you – who take care of the Grand Union Canal; thank you!
Life without caffeine
It is now about five weeks since I decided to try life without caffeine and its been an interesting experience. At first I was a little apprehensive and wondered how I would get on. To be completely honest, in the first few days it was noticeable something was missing but happily things have settled down now.
I remember feeling a little different, a kind of light headiness perhaps. I also thought my sense of balance had been affected. Also I remember really missing a nice cuppa at different times in the day when ordinarily I would enjoy a cup of tea or a coffee. With this in mind Rachel suggested decaf and went rummaging in the kitchen before finding a box of seldom used decaf teabags. I tried a cup and it wasn’t bad but of course it wasn’t quite the same as the tea I was used to. I have progressed on to having some decaf coffee too. Mind you, I still can’t stand the thought of ‘instant’ coffee.
The strange thing about life without caffeine nowadays is people’s surprise when I decline a drink unless it’s decaf. This has occurred mostly at work as a few of us have a good system going on to ensure we’re all supplied with regular cups of tea or coffee. There have, however, been a few times when I’ve not had decaf and the results have been interesting; this is right from the diuretic effect happening with a made dash to the toilet through to absolutely no effect at all.
I do miss a decent cup of tea or coffee but there are no real worries. I miss how I used to enjoy it and think I can gradually have some more soon. What either concerns, or amuses me, is thinking of how many years ago I gave up smoking and drinking. Some years ago I gave up eating meat by becoming a vegetarian and knocking caffeine out seems a radical step, possibly a step too far to be completely caffeine free?
Twitter screenshot
Naked cyclists seem to be a newish phenomena these days and I’m not sure what to make of it. I haven’t really been that aware until I clocked a tweet by Frances Crook, who I follow on Twitter and have considerable respect for.
On one hand you could say there could be a care-free attraction in riding naked, to enjoy cycling at it’s sensual best. What could be better than cycling along on traffic free roads and feeling the wind in your face, hair and everywhere else? Plus you get a more even sun tan as well, avoiding those Lycra shorts line on the tops of your legs.
And then there’s the seedy side of men and women doing this where you can’t help but ask “why?”. Motives – are they a bit on the dodgy side? Should the reaction of the powers-that-be differ from any other naked display? Is it a kind of throw-back to the Flower Power generation in the 1960s or a weird kinky movement in recent times? Is it an effective protest against oil companies where cyclists express their objection to the [indecent] exposure to all that horrible pollution?
Is it an opportunity for voyeurism where a few warped or weird people join in with a motive which is not about care free cycling? Or is it just harmless?
Well, whichever way naked cyclists might look at the movement, we have laws about this kind of thing for all the obvious reasons. You might ask how the authorities might approve this kind of thing – taking into account the “reasonable” request of such a group and being seen to support free speech and cycling at the same time. On the other hand you might be wondering about how innocent bystanders might be protected against naked cyclists freewheeling past.
Have you ever come across a naked cycling event? Would you ever take part? Have you? Or does it feel you with disgust, outrage that the authorities would allow such a thing? Do you think the naked cyclists, thousands of them, should be prosecuted?
Debate.
dhb Women’s Professional ASV Bib Shorts
Again I am thankful to Wiggle for giving me the opportunity to test out some of the current dhb clothing. Overall it’s proving to be lovely kit, especially the upmarket ASV Pro range. Here my friend Angela tests out the dhb Women’s Professional ASV Bib shorts. Here’s what she has to say:
Skin-tight and smooth!
I ordered the size 8 but should have ordered the 10 on reflection. (I normally have size 10). The shorts fit true to size and fortunately as there is 20% spandex in them, they were fairly forgiving and I managed to get them on. So, with that in mind, it was little wonder that the fit round my legs was bordering on the too tight. However, I have worn them twice now on short 15 mile runs and they are comfortable and offer some compression on the legs. The edge band also offers some grip which prevents riding up the leg.
The pad is sort of 2 parts: there is a central thicker pad and thinner side sections. This is different to the performance range shorts which are the same overall thickness throughout the pad. I found that I needed to make small adjustments to one side or the other to maintain optimum comfort. Ensuring that the fabric wasn’t able to crease too much in the groin worked well. I think I prefer the performance range pads and am cautious about riding this professional bib on a long ride.
The length of the bib is just right for me – I’m 5’3″, the straps don’t cut in at all and are well positioned around the outer side of the bust area. A skintight fit round the waist and torso which feels great on the move.
Angela’s conclusion: Overall a comfortable bib to wear!
Link to Wiggle: Click here
Cycling in the Cotswolds, June 2015
It is hard to believe this time last week I cycled in the Cotswolds in weather which was, to be honest, unseasonal and flippin’ horrible. This is simply not what we should expect in June, especially when my friend Wallie and I have our regular cycle ride around the beautiful English countryside there. I blame the Government.
Wallie and I have got into the habit of having two cycle rides each year in the Cotswolds; normally May / June and then another in the autumn. I think every autumn ride has been warmer than this ride in early June! We meet at Buford and aim to do a circular ride of around 30 – 40 miles. No record breaking, instead simply enjoying each other’s company as we mostly cycle side by side through the beautiful undulating countryside.
As mentioned, the weather was horrible. Flippin’ ‘horrible. For the most part it was cold and wet. To be honest we weren’t moving fast enough to keep warm but that’s just my view! I hadn’t realised how cold my hands were until we had almost returned to the car park and Wallie had a bit of a mishap; his shoelace had got caught in his chain and the chainset. I tried to untie the shoe lace but my fingers were so cold, I couldn’t do it!
Avoiding main roads, at all cost!
One of the things Wallie hates is going anywhere near a main road where we are likely to encounter any kind of traffic. For the most part this works fine. Now I should explain Wallie’s alternative routes are sometimes “interesting” like the time we had once ridden through the night and, to avoid a few miles on a A road at 6:00am we went on a green lane which soon disappeared and we were pushing our bikes through muddy fields, with me muttering all kind of things through my teeth.
So on this particular ride, we found ourselves at a T junction with a “main” road. It was in fact a B road with a little passing traffic. In order to follow the general direction we had planned, it would have meant a few miles in single file. Seemed straightforward and an opportunity to do some drafting, taking it in turn with each other. Instead Wallie spotted a bridleway which was 100 yards away and looked less than a mile on the map. So we decided to give that a go. This is where the fun started!
Wallie and the muddy bridleway
You can see from the photo it is unsuitable for motors. This is something which does not deter us in any way as we asked “how difficult can it be?”. Well, as soon as we set off up the hill I could feel my back wheel skidding around and I remember yelling out “I’m so pleased I have my slick tyres fitted!”. As I bumped, wobbled and skidded along I also remember feeling grateful my feet were securely locked into my SPD pedals and how totally unsuitable this was. I could wobble, fall off and go splash in the time it would take me to get a foot out.
Further along as I cycled through some muddy puddles, more like a flooded quagmire. It was splashing all over me and bits were getting flicked up in my face even though I had mudguards. Speaking of mudguards, these were caked solid and I could hear the wheel rubbing against the build up of solid mud. At least the puddles, some pretty deep, washed away quite a bit of the mud. I also remembered how carefully I had cleaned the chain, cassette and chainset and every little detail on the drive chain so thoroughly the previous day. I had even also applied a little light lube, just enough and definitely not too much. Now that doesn’t happen very often.
As I was slipping and sliding everywhere, I couldn’t possibly look around to see Wallie as that would have meant disaster within one second. Instead I yelled out “you okay Wallie?”.
No reply. I stopped. Not far behind was Wallie, slowly plodding his way through. “Phew” I thought “could have been he fell off 10 minutes ago and I’ve only just realised”.
Eventually we came to a road, checked the map and carried on. Those tarmac roads seemed a little dull and boring in comparison but soon we were whizzing downhill and then tarmac did seem hugely welcome once again.
Sherborne, Windrush and back to Burford
This has to be one of the loveliest roads in the Cotswolds heading east towards Buford. The road gently meanders through lush green countryside through pretty villages and lanes with occasional glimpses of the River Windrush in the valley. It is so perfect.
Waiting back at Buford there is always a cuppa and toasted tea cake in the over-priced Priory cafe, near to the free car park. I gradually warmed up with my hands around a hot mug of tea – blissful!
From there we said our farewells and promised we’d both be back in the autumn. Although fun, the off-road diversion could possibly be avoided next time? At least the autumn weather will probably be a heatwave!
Related: Mid summer’s night ride
For my latest review of the 2015 dhb range, I have asked my friend Angela to try out a couple of items from the women’s range. In a few day’s time I’ll publish the view of the matching bib shorts.
By way of introduction, Angela is an experienced cyclist and cycles the year round; her cycling includes sportives, commuting and some impressively long distances. Here’s her report:
dhb Aeron womens pro jersey
Review – dhb women’s Aeron pro jersey
This is a jersey with a full length zip to the front, short sleeves, 3 back pockets plus a small zipped pocket for perhaps a mobile phone. My iPhone 5S fitted snugly. The pockets are a good size and will take a micro rain jacket, and the usual array of energy bars, gels some cash etc. I wasn’t sure about the full length zip having always gone for the shirt zip before, but it works well, especially if, like me, you are wearing a bib short with it, as it makes “comfort breaks” easier! The zip is lightweight and zips smoothly to the collar at the neck.
The collar fits snugly round my neck. Sleeves also are a snug fit, but allow for small adjustments to be made. They have a slightly grippy finish to the under-side of the edge band so that there is no riding up the arm. I haven’t had this before but they work well.
The material is more lightweight than the mid-range jerseys and the overall fit is skin-tight which makes for a nice aerodynamic feel on the move.
I found that on the move, the jersey is inclined to ride up a bit. There is a grippy band round the base of the jersey and the riding up was probably due to the bib shorts rather than lack of grip per se as the bibs have a very smooth finish. I’m not overly bothered by this. There is a breathable panel down the centre back and one under each arm pit which make for a comfortable ride experience.
Angela’s conclusion: a stylish comfortable jersey, lovely to wear.
Link to Wiggle: click here
Caffeine withdrawal and how it started…..
Eager beaver readers will know I like to have a check-up at the Doctors once a year. This appears to be one of the benefits of being in my age group as potentially serious health conditions can be picked up early and dealt with while there is time to benefit from early treatment. I dutifully took in my ‘specimen’ when I arrived for my 12 hour fasting blood test which includes:
When I went to see the Doctor for the results she said “well done, they’re all fine” followed by “is there anything else?”. I then explained I had occasionally found bladder control more difficult these days.
“Well” she explained “you can expect this kind of thing, it is a common middle age problem for men and women. At least we can rule out prostate cancer or anything like that”.
Naturally that was good to hear, so the next part of the conversation was being asked a few more details and then being offered a prescription.
“But I like to avoid medication” and I pointed out I’ve really only had the occasional antibiotic every few years for some kind of infection I might have picked up. I went onto explain that I’d prefer to avoid medication if I possibly can for as long as possible as I think of it as being a slippery slope. This was dismissed as being silly. “Take it or leave it” the Doctor said in a slightly stern way.
“Is there any other solution?”
“No not really, besides the side effects aren’t bad with this and we can always switch you to something else”
“How long will I have to take them for?”
“For the rest of your life but don’t worry, once we know they suit you I’ll prescribe a larger supply for you, so they won’t be too expensive”.
This was all sounding awful and the conversation was not going the way I wanted it to go! “Is there really no other solution?” I asked again.
She went onto say there wasn’t, although she did say “lifestyle” to which I stopped her and asked what she meant. I was concerned as she had just congratulated me on my excellent blood test results. The word caffeine got mentioned and explored no further, not wanting to ask me how many cups of tea or coffee I get through in a day.
I had the prescription made up and started taking my two tablets a day. The first night I had a terrible dream and in the morning I was wracking my brains trying to remember if the Doctor had said anything about dreams being in the side effects. I couldn’t remember anything but when I read the Patient Information leaflet it mentioned nightmares, along with a whole load of other possible side effects.
Over the next few days I grew increasingly uncomfortable with taking these tablets, even with them being low dose. I decided to quit tea and coffee to see if that made a difference. Well I can tell you I certainly missed a regular cuppa at various times of the day and for the first 24 hours I was feeling slightly light-headed and yearning for a nice coffee. I knew I was withdrawing.
Now a week later I’m not taking the tablets, avoiding all caffeine and doing fine. I have solved the problem. Yippee, so to speak.
Follow up appointment with the Doctor
Now at this point I am due to make a follow up appointment with my Doctor. She will be expecting me to say that I have been fine with the tablets and take up the offer of a longer term prescription which will be repeated of the rest of my days. After all, I haven’t been back sooner to complain of horrible side effects.
Instead I’m going to report that I have solved the problem through avoiding caffeine but this now gives me a dilemma. I really do like a nice cup of tea, or a cup of ground filter coffee of some description. Should I abstain completely from tea or coffee? Switch to de-caff? Isn’t tea and coffee de-caffed through some horrible chemical process? Have the occasional coffee, to be polite etc?
Decisions, decisions……
Spin London video by ALEXBLOGG.COM
I spotted this nice video of the recent Spin London urban bike show and thought this captured the scene and atmosphere. Just a bit of fun and worth a look.
Oh and before I forget, I will post a few more items on some of the things that caught my eye soon! Some nice bike frames included.
Cactus Tongue in stainless steel
I came across the rather nice Cactus Tongue bike storage solution at Spin London and had the privilege of chatting to the developers Jon Taylor and David Morgan. What you see here is the stainless steel version with protective leather pads.
There’s no way I would want one of these to simply hang bikes on in my garage. To justify it I would need to be living in a trendy apartment in a prestigious district and where I would be wanting to store my dream machine. It’s not just a storage solution, it’s a classy way of displaying a gorgeous bicycle. The right bike, with the right background and lighting could look absolutely stunning with one of these Cactus Tongues.
There’s enough room, I understand, to use this for storing a road bike as you can see, plus it could also take an MTB with slightly wider handlebars. As an alternative you could hang a bicycle by the handlebars for a different way of storage.
Cactus Tongue in stainless steel
It was also nice talking to Jon and David, two confident designers with an eye for gaps in the market . They have combined a practical solution with some style here and like most brilliant ideas it is the simplicity of it which works best of all.
I couldn’t resist also commenting on the bike itself, sorry I can’t recall if this was Jon or David’s. It was certainly a beautiful vintage bicycle going back to the 1980s having been thoroughly restored with the most beautifully understated colour scheme and some classy Campagnolo components.
Cactus Tongue with the equally beautiful Raleigh
Great for:
– Classy road bikes, vintage and gleaming
– Minimilist carbon fibre machines
– Modern environments
– Keeping the floor clear for your clean clipless shoes
Less good for:
– Storing heavy bikes or Bike Shaped Objects, unless you’re into weight lifting
– Storing muddy, wet and dripping MTB in a swish lounge
– Using in a garage full of spiders where nobody will appreciate it
Click for the Cactus Tongue website where you can buy one direct. There’s a choice between the stainless steel seen above or a powder coated version which is more weather proof.
Thanks to Jon and David for your time in chatting and I wish you every success with this.
Cyclists at sunrise Barcelona
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