Installing Shimano Tiagra shifters

Posted on 4 January, 2014 by doug

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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 about me installing the Shimano Tiagra shifters.

When I originally ordered the Thorn Audax it took me a while to make up my mind and go for the bar-end shifters.  Besides being economical, they have worked well, always reliable and functional.  I often thought from an ergonomic point of view STI type shifters were a better design and would be more comfortable in use.  So my friend Dee kindly sent me some (thanks Dee!) and last night when the coast was clear and everyone had gone to bed, I decided to fit them.

Thankfully I had been into the LBS during the afternoon to get some new gear cables and handlebar tape.  I mentioned what I was doing to Iain (who’d built my bike) and asked for any tips or hints.  He said, from memory the expanding bolts holding the bar-ends were a left hand thread on maybe one or both.  He couldn’t be completely sure, he doesn’t have the need to fit them very often.  Turns out he was right!  Without knowing that I would have been really stuck – who would have thought Shimano would use a left hand thread for holding bar-end levers into place?

Installing the Tiagra levers was fairly straightforward, although I’m sure I was on the slow side.  I found the gear cables worked better by routing them onto the far side of the down tube and allowing them to cross each other towards the bottom bracket.  Getting the cable tension right was pretty easy and of course the screw stops on the existing derailleur were already correct.  Connecting the brakes was also straightforward, more or less.

Test ride

I didn’t really have the opportunity to test ride my new shifters this morning but I tried them out on my turbo trainer, as I was certain it would need some further adjustment.  Much to my amazement they were fine.  Later in the afternoon and once the rain had restarted, I had the opportunity to go out for a cycle ride, just for 45 minutes.  I took it through the gears and in general it worked well but here’s some observations:

  • It was so easy to remember they were there and what to do
  • Because changing gear is now even easier, does this mean I will be continuously changing gear?  I reckon that changing gear with the bar-ends means a deliberate move, I think I only change gear when I have to.  So this means I push a little harder going up some hills, or spin faster on the flat.  Time will tell on that.
  • There were a couple of occasions when I pushed the wrong lever but that was because I was wearing gloves.  Once my glove got caught in between the two levers but this is probably a case of me getting used to it
  • Currently the brake blocks are set close to the rim.  I think it will better to slacken them off a little to allow a little more “feel” in the lever, as well as getting the right leverage
  • As mentioned, ergonomically these are nice.  First impressions are that I had a firmer hold with my hands and this might help with hill climbing (it can be surprising how many upper body muscles a cyclist will use, especially riding up hill)

The handlebar tape

Turned out this was subject of some discussion at home.  Previously it was standard black.  All too easy to use black tape a again – looks smart, practical, fits well with the rest of the bike.  But we’re in the middle of a drab winter, I thought, so why not be a little more adventurous?  Make a statement etc.  As you can see, I went for bright red.

Wrapping up

I like these Tiagra shifters.  Worth mentioning that they are about mid way in the Shimano.  Sora and 2400 etc are below.  Durarace, Ultegra and 105 are above.  The models above have the gear cables routed along with the brake cables under the handlebar tape and I think this looks neater – but they are considerably more expensive.  The choice of shifters that will work on a triple chain set are limited so I feel all-the-more really pleased with these.

Thank you so much Dee!

Related:

Thorn Audax 5000 mile review

STI shifters verses Bar End shifters

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

Coast to Coast update

Posted on 4 January, 2014 by doug

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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 can’t kid myself anymore and there’s serious training to be done.

News from Open Adventure

Open Adventure are the organisers of this event and they have a no-nonsense approach in their newsletters etc.  A few days ago we all had this pop up in our in-boxes:

Do the distance – this event is a bitch to pull out of.  So when you are at the start line you need to be confident that you can make the finish.  It gets messy if you decide to can it half way, could involve a very long wait or a cycle to a train station (of which there are very few in the Dales).

With that in mind and that there are 100’s of people who would love your place, if you request a refund in January we won’t levy the admin fee and you will get all of your money back.

Last year only 5 people pulled out – 2 because they didn’t have front lights and it got dark, 1 who only ever intended going as far as Kendal, 1 taken to hospital from too much caffine! and another with a terminal bike mechanical – that was out of over 500 finishers!.  So when you start expect to see the finish..

For my friends….

There are seven of us signed up; we all know each other through being members of the same church.   Regular blog readers will have seen brief mentions of most so far – Jeremy, Josh, Paul, Phil, Robin and I have cycled with each at least once before.  That’s fun and it’s true to say we are all at different stages and levels of fitness, not to mention our ages going from teens to fifties.  There’s another of our friends who is due to start training anytime now.

We are getting together on Wednesday to discuss some of the practicalities on the day, making sure we are all in the right place at the right time and so on.  We also need a “team photo” although we’re not quite a team.

It’s interesting as our different personalities and gifts are showing themselves through this challenge.  Paul, as an example, has a natural talent for numbers – trends, graphs, tables, percentages and so on.  This is showing itself as the man who has been looking at training schedules and producing complex graphs about the power needed to climb certain gradients.  Most of us are still finding this a bit baffling and just as well Paul is also blessed with having considerable patience as we all catch up with him on these things.

For myself….

Sometimes I still ask myself why I have committed to such a crazy bike ride – 150 miles and 4,500 metres climbing in one day.  Am I insane?  No, just bonkers according to Rachel.  I still have my doubts from time to time and yet I cannot wait to really get going.  Already I can feel my cycling legs are improving on the hills and I am certainly motivated to press on.  I enjoy the challenge!  It will be an interesting journey if nothing else and I think my our friendships will continue to develop with each other even further.

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Review – Specialized Allez C2 2014

Posted on 3 January, 2014 by doug

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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 market for an entry-level road bike which has some promising possibilities.  You might also like to check out my review of the 2013 model by clicking here.  

The technicalities

Frame: Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium, fully-manipulated tubing
Fork: A1 Premium Aluminium Fork, alloy steerer/crown, 1-1/8″
Front Derailleur: Shimano 2400 Claris
Rear Derailleur: Shimano 2400 Claris
Number of Gears: 16
Shifters: Shimano 2400 Claris STI
Chainset: Shimano 2400 Claris
Chainrings: 50 & 34 teeth
Bottom Bracket: Shimano, Octalink spline
Cassette: Shimano HG-50, 8-speed, 11-30
Chain: KMC Z51
Pedals: Nylon flat test ride, loose ball, w/ reflectors
Brakeset: Tektro, dual pivot
Brake Levers: Shimano 2400 Claris
Handlebars: Specialized Comp, shallow bend
Stem: Cast alloy, 4-bolt, 31.8mm clamp
Headset: 1-1/8″ sealed Cr-Mo cartridge bearings integrated w/ headset, 20mm alloy cone spacer, w/ 20mm of spacers
Grips: Specialized S-Wrap, w/ bar shapers
Wheelset: AXIS Classic
Tyres: Specialized Espoir Sport, 60TPI, wire bead, double BlackBelt protection, 700×25c
Saddle: Body Geometry Riva Road Gel, 143mm
Seatpost: Specialized Sport, alloy, 2-bolt, 27.2mm
Seat Binder: Alloy, 31.8mm
Weight: Not Specified

 

Overview

Like it’s 2013 predecessor this is an entry level road bike for cyclists who are looking at a modest way of getting a well sorted bike and straight into the sport without any fuss.  It has an aluminium frame and fork which is what you’d anticipate at this price bracket.  The geometry of the frame is set for a lively, responsive ride which is suitable for sportives, day rides and brisk short rides.  The Shimano drive chain is new for 2014 and in conversation with the guys at the LBS they have a positive view of it.  Otherwise there appear to be only minor revisions.

The UK price is around £600 and at the time of writing (January 2014) I think you’ll be lucky to find it cheaper, especially if you buy from a decent supplier (which in my view is very important).  A personal view here is to willingly pay an honest, fair price for something; get the right balance between being prudent, careful and against begrudging someone making a profit from you.

The Allez is available in the a good range of frame sizes – 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 61cm.  Should be okay, therefore, for 99% of male cyclists.  There are a couple of different colour ways, obviously down to personal choice and availability.

In use

It’s worth mentioning for women cyclists, there are women-specific bikes around including the Secteur Elite (which is pretty good but a bit more expensive).  However I think some women could get on well with the Allez but I’d advise being open minded about changing the saddle and possibly the handlebar stem.  Petite women may need smaller STI levers and indeed a women’s specific frame

For all cyclists – men and women – the Allez is perfectly valid and can be the sole bike in the shed.  If you’re a little more prosperous it is also a very worthy second “hack” bicycle that could be used as a semi disposable bike.  By that I mean it is sometimes nice to keep the carbon beauty for events and use a second bike, like the Allez, for training or commuting.  You can fit mudguards, lights and the usual accessories to complete the package.

The LBS guys like this bicycle and anticipate a good level of sales.  They tell me the STI shifters are the main improvement with the second gear change lever being just inside the brake lever (you push the brake lever to go onto a larger sprocket and the smaller inner lever to come back down).  This is an improvement within the new Shimano Claris group set which I think looks nice overall.

While still on the subject of gears, it is still 16 speed.  Some people might imply 20 speed is the norm and anything less is naff.  Don’t take any notice!  Yes having extra gears might be nice but you’ll still enjoy cycling just as much with these.  The double chain set has 34 and 50 teeth chainrings which is referred to as a “compact”.  The cassette cluster at the back has a good range from 11 to 30 teeth.  The great thing about this is the wide range – I’d be surprised if you needed a higher gear.  The benefit of this set-up is you get a pretty low gear- about as low as you’re going to get without having a triple chainset.  This will help your hill climbing and you should be able to get up almost any hill.

The handling is precise and agile owing to the geometry.  It’s also pretty stiff so you don’t lose much power through the frame flexing when you stomp hard on the pedals.  You might feel a bit “vibrated” and “jarred” at the end of a long day in the saddle and this is arguably a draw back of aluminium frames – but there are plenty of advantages too!

Speaking of pedals, the ones supplied with the bike are best thought of as “demonstration” pedals i.e. buy some others straight away.  Bicycles like this require some commitment and that includes getting clipless pedals and the shoes to go with them.  I’d suggest starting off with the Shimano SPD type.

Continuing the theme of upgrades, once again the tyres are worth upgrading.  Whether you wait for them to wear out is up to you but you can do a lot better than the original equipment ones.  Better tyres might save a little weight, have a better ride and resist punctures.

Conclusion

Another great entry level road bike from Specialized.  At £600 in the UK it’s a fair price although at the time of writing, you might be able to pick up a discounted 2013 model which could be tempting – is there really £100 worth of difference between the 2013 and 2014 models?  Maybe not.

If you take a look at my review of the 2013 model, make sure you read through the comments from other cyclists.  Many of whom have bought this bike and like it.

Buying either the 2013 or 2014 version is unlikely to be a mistake if you are looking for a half decent road bike.  They’re available from Evans and many Local Bike Shops (LBS).

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Posted in reviews | Tagged | 23 Comments

The Busway’s Reluctant Cyclist

Posted on 2 January, 2014 by doug

 

IMG_0589If 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 a bright yellow jacket having a pre-breakfast huff and puff.  You may have heard her singing along to some praise music, although she does point out this is only through one ear piece and only on the Busway.  If you have seen a cyclist dashing through the barriers without even needing to slow down, that could well have been her.

It has to be said she is not “at one” with her bike although you might think so from the photo.  It’s not actually her bike, she doesn’t own one.  Instead this bike is “borrowed” from a certain daughter who doesn’t really like it being used by other people, so it tends to be done when she’s able to sneak out unseen.  The helmet?  That’s not hers either: it’s secretly borrowed from another eldest daughter.  The yellow jacket?  No, that’s not hers either but you might guess who that is borrowed from.

The Reluctant Cyclist takes some time to get the saddle lowered to the correct height, so again you might spot her doing this.  She’ll wobble to a stop, get off and look seriously at the saddle.  She means business here.  Next stage is lowering the saddle with a “ah yes I remember how to do this” and quick as anything, the saddle is lowered and she’s off (although further adjustments on the way cannot be ruled out).

You’ll notice those fluorescent trouser bands; these came from those nice people in Travel Choices who are always full of encouragement for the Secret Cyclist, often popping in for a natter.  Another clue is that she has gradually become acquainted with many other Busway cycle track users – other cyclists, dog walkers and so on.  Do you know her?  Have you seen her?  Have you chatted to her?

The ever-mindful husband?

As the dutiful and hopefully ever-mindful husband I well remember clocking a certain message from time to time.  The message was along the lines of “did you know I hate riding bikes” often followed by “this is the last time I’m EVER riding a bike” or even “don’t ever think of suggesting a bike ride because in case you hadn’t noticed I hate riding bicycles”.  You get the drift?  Whenever I heard these subtle hints I would always be accommodating and would never push the idea of a bike ride.  You can imagine, in the interests of marital harmony such suggestions can only be made sparingly, if at all.  Suggesting a bike ride at the wrong time could take months to recover from.   And yet it seems I may have not noticed a gradual softening of the Reluctant Cyclist’s stance…..

Is it her being resigned to being married since sometime back in the last Century to a cyclist who can’t bear not to cycle?  Is it an acceptance of the bits of smelly, sweaty and ponging Lycra cycle clothing continuously filling up the laundry basket?  Could be.  Could it be receiving a copy of a Women’s Cycling magazine for Christmas and being gracious about the thoughtful gift?  These are all encouraging signs.

Now she will go out willingly for a cycle ride with no nudging, cajoling or anything like that.  There’s even talk of getting a bike for herself!  Can you imagine that?  The Reluctant Cyclist is indeed on the look out for her own bicycle, or perhaps something via Travel Choices.

And cycling with the Secret Cyclist

You might already have noticed I have been cycling every day over the Christmas holiday.  Turns out one of those rides was actually with the Reluctant Cyclist.  To be honest I was feeling a little apprehensive, wanting to get the balance right in being an encouragement but not to go too far and be patronising in any way.  We set off, with the Reluctant Cyclist in front and with the wind behind us we were cruising through our neighbourhood at 20 mph.

“Don’t forget there’s a speed limit of 20 mph”

“Hah they’ll never catch me!” and changes into a higher gear.  A quick look over her shoulder and then darted off in another direction.  Up onto the pavement and then a handbrake turn into a side alley

“Wait for me!  Where are we going?” and I can tell you I was getting lost, even in our own neighbourhood.  Our very own Reluctant Cyclist was zooming through the houses, around parked cars, up and down slopes and then out onto the Busway.  Well that was something seeing the Reluctant Cyclist making her way through our own urban jungle.  We rode a couple of miles at a reasonable pace and then turned around, heading back to downtown Dunstable and facing the wind.  As we went along I was delighted; many people giving her a wave and a friendly “hello”.

It might have been my shortest cycle ride of the Christmas holiday, but it was thoroughly enjoyable going out with the Secret Cyclist!

Related:

Luton & Dunstable Busway

How to encourage the reluctant cyclist

 

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

Getting to grips with my affiliate links

Posted on 30 December, 2013 by doug

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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 great deals on clothing, some bicycles, parts and accessories.  Just click on the image and treat yourself!

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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 paths and then coming out onto the Downs through Whipsnade Woods.  In spite of light rain and blustery winds, it turned out to be full of wonders.

These are the highlights:

  • I ran up the first hill as fast as I could cycle!  This is brilliant exercise for me; a short burst of intensive running, getting me totally out of breath but only for a minute or so
  • Some of the woodland tracks had taken quite a battering lately with the rough weather and yet there were people out there working to cut back some branches.  We exchanged smiles as they stopped the chainsaw for me to pass.  Really great to see some careful management going on
  • You always know when I’ve had a great run by looking at my legs (now I don’t mean anything ambiguous or risqué there!) because they were splattered by mud and muddy water.  This, I think, is an important ingredient of a great run
  • Coast to Coast fellow cyclist Jeremy caught up with me as I ran across the Downs.  When I say “caught up” you must remember he was on his bike and that I was simply running at my normal easy pace.  We talked.  He cycled and I continued to run.  He was covered in mud and looked as if he’d had a great time on his mountain bike.  Seeing him was great and just gave me a further bit of encouragement
  • It goes without saying I had that lovely Runner’s High feeling when I got back.  All those endorphins buzzing around was giving me that real ‘feel good’ sensation

After I got back I was frogmarched up to the bathroom and instructed to have a shower.  I was muddy, sweaty and about to launch forth with recounting the run and all those utterly boring “it was an amazing run darling because……” and other things that have been heard a million times before.  Rachel saw that coming, hence me knowing why I was being directed to take a shower, I knew I had no choice.

The serious bloggy bits:

It can be useful for cyclists to take other forms of exercise.  In my case it’s running but swimming, rowing and cross trainers are always useful especially in our grim winters.

Post exercise nutrition is important as a way of replacing lost nutrients and electrolytes but also as a way of helping the body repair itself and prevent any muscle soreness.  I must get around to ordering some more Cherry Active concentrated juice but instead I decided to make a home-made smoothie with grapes, a banana and some blackberries .  For the fluid part I used part grape juice and partly water (can be too sugary all in one go).

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Super healthy home made smoothie

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

Cycling on ice….

Posted on 29 December, 2013 by doug

Screen Shot 2013-12-29 at 20.39.55My 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 and by the time I got out into the countryside I could feel the back wheel losing grip once or twice.  Put simply, I loathe cycling on ice. Because of that I decided to turn back towards home and take the main A road.  This was disappointing as otherwise cycling conditions were great: only light winds, crisp clean air and brilliant sunshine.

Consoling myself….

Although I only clocked up 11 or 12 miles, at least these were a few more miles “in the bank” and maintained my goal of cycling everyday during the Christmas holiday.  These weren’t wasted.  As a bit of fun I decided to see how I’d fare in one gear only and I think I was fortunate to pick the right gear in the first place.

I also find I tend to tense up on slippery roads, almost as if I’m expecting to fall.  This probably makes things worse and makes me more vulnerable to taking a fall, something I simply must avoid.  Mind you, we have some wet and windy weather forecast for the next couple of days – that’ll probably provide scope for yet more challenges.

At speeds over 20mph I was spinning nicely and that certainly got me warmed up fairly quickly.  On slower inclines, where normally i’d drop one or two gears, I could feel my quad muscles working harder: this is something I need to do in building up my hill climbing capacity.  With the Coast to Coast in mind, I know my training is already far behind.  Robin, Jeremy, Phil  and Josh are streets ahead of me and while it’s not going to be a race, I know I can’t match their pace at all.  I’m hoping I can manage the distance and climbing, never mind the time.

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Another icy bicycle ride

Posted on 28 December, 2013 by doug
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Easy to see the ice free stretch

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 but as I headed up towards Gaddesden Row things got a little slippery.  At that stage I was taking it easy and being extra determined not to slip over on the ice – less huffing and puffing, more like a leisurely amble and not what I’d had in mind.

It was a little unnerving rolling over frosty and icy roads although being able to listen to the tyres was helpful in picking up clues about the surface.  Sometimes it was crackly with tiny pieces of frost being crushed by my front wheel.  This wasn’t so bad, I could cope with this and it wasn’t horrendously slippery.  The deadly sound is when its completely silent: this meant I was on ice, glassy smooth and treacherous.  Most of the time I spotted it and just kept going straight, not turning or braking.  I can tell you that was scary.  If I could I would avoid it altogether.  Whenever I could I would ride on the ice free and rougher parts of the road surface – the the above photo from this morning’s ride.  Here the icy sheen is easy to see and of some comfort.

With all this icy road listening and ice spotting going on I was distracted from monitoring whether I was hot, cold or whatever. At long last I am getting the hang of staying fairly warm without over dressing.  I was wearing my economical Aldi winter cycling trousers (just £14.99) and a Craft base layer and a cycling jacket – that’s quite enough to keep my body warm even when the temperatures are down to around -5C.  The tricky bits are my feet, hands and head.

I have achieved getting my winter clothing right and the star lately has been my Craft skull cap, which I thought I’d mention.

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These things aren’t cheap but they are worth every penny.  Since becoming a Craft fan I invested in one of these last winter and I absolutely love it!  You wear it on your head, under your helmet.  Simple as that.  All you need to do is make sure the windproof fabric is facing the front (it’s easy just to feel where the ‘Craft’ logo is and decide if you want your ears covered, or not.  Somehow or other they seem to combine the right level of insulation with ventilation and wicking abilities.

I am sure without one of these I would have been seriously chilled on a number of occasions and they’re so light and easy to have in reserve (it’s light and folds up really small).  Naturally you can get this kind of thing from the usual manufacturers such as Gore, DHB, Craft etc.  I have still to crack the problem of keeping my fingers warm enough and of course I’m still prone to getting cramp in my feet; but so far so good this winter.

Another 15 miles clocked, albeit slowly.  I can tell you, I was so thankful getting back home after this slippery ride.  Soon afterwards we were having breakfast together and when I spoke of the treacherous ride I was faced with puzzled looks.  If only they knew!

Links through to winter headwear from:

Wiggle 

Evans

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Cycling at Christmas

Posted on 27 December, 2013 by doug

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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 cycling when daylight is so short and the conditions are a bit chilly, it is a wonderful thing to do and every ride is memorable in its own right.  Last year I ran every day through the Christmas holiday and loved it, so this year I thought I’d have a go at cycling instead.

Christmas Eve, 24th December

I was able to sneak out for a little over an hour and clocked up 16.8 miles.  It was a nice mixture of country lanes, gentle climbs, a steep climb and a couple of downhill blasts.  The steep climb included Bison Hill but I missed out on my personal best.  I still seem to be hovering around the 5.00 minute mark on the 0.6 mile climb up Bison Hill but I was trying to console myself as I was laden down with pannier bags (to do some last minute Christmas shopping).

There was something so nice about being out in the countryside and starting the process of reflecting on 2013 but I was needing to “process” all the things still whirring around in my mind from work.  Maybe you find it the same – it takes a while to get work out of my head; all those meetings, emails, reports, plans and hassle.  Aaaagh!

During the evening I had a one way trip to my Mother-in-Law’s house where we were spending Christmas.  I can tell you it felt really odd and a little nerve wracking cycling there.  Car drivers weren’t really expecting to see a cyclist out in the countryside in the dark on Christmas Eve.  Nevertheless I got there okay, just in time to help Rachel unload her car and scoff a few more mince pies.

Christmas Day! 

Yep, I was determined to have a bike ride on Christmas Day although it did take some negotiating!  Mind you, the negotiation paid off as I was able to meet up with my friends Barry & Angela for a pre-breakfast spin at daybreak.  I’ll be giving them a proper mention and introduction sometime soon but for now let me say I appreciate their thoughtfulness by incorporating me into part of their longer ride.

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Just after we had set out I felt my back wheel skid a little and I thought little of it.  And then again.  It wasn’t just me as we were all becoming aware of some slightly icey and slippery surfaces.  Each of us tried to aim for a rough or gravelly part of the road in the hope of getting a bit more grip.  After a few more miles I was following from behind as we passed through Milton Bryan, heading towards Toddington and I heard Barry yelling out “ice!”.   I could see where water had frozen across the road as it had started to flow from a field and down the road.  I started to gently brake and instinctively unclipped one foot from the pedal.  As I was slowing down further, Angela’s bike suddenly wobbled and off she came, skidding on the ice.  In my mind’s eye I can still see it happening in slow motion.  For a few moments it was scary. Is she okay? That was a nasty fall.  What if a car comes around that corner? Any broken bones? Speak to us Angela!   She was okay, thankfully, albeit shaken as you’d expect.

If ever there was a reason to wear a helmet, this was it.  Turned out later on there was a crack in the helmet.  Clearly a “write-off” – as every helmet that has seen some action should be treated.

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We walked our bikes for a short distance until we were on ice-free tarmac and then gingerly carried on.  Shortly afterwards we got to a straight stretch of road and with a slight tail wind we could freewheel along but nevertheless I was not the only one with a foot unclipped as we carried on.  Seems as if the temperature was probably hovering around freezing here and there as there were other parts completely free of ice or frost.  Thankfully the rest of their ride was uneventful.  Phew.

Boxing Day

Breakfast, packing up and off we went.  Rachel with the kids by car, myself cycling.  Cycling, that is, a slightly longer way home.  All pretty straightforward save pushing myself a bit.  I didn’t want a gentle amble: instead I wanted to feel my muscles hurting a bit and they certainly did (but only once I’d warmed up properly).

Mind you it was comical.  The route I decided to take partly involved the same road that Barry, Angela and myself had cycled on yesterday as it was flooded for about 20 yards.  As I got closer to it a group of roadies were coming towards me.  They surely must have been full of Christmas cheer as each one greeted me in some way “hiya”, “morning”, “cheers mate” followed by “you’ll need your flippers down there matey”.  No worries, I had my overshoes on which I’d been fortunate and had as a Christmas present.  I freewheeled as far as I could with my feet up in the air and only started to pedal again when I was in danger of falling over.  All good fun and my feet remained nice and dry.  More importantly they stayed nice and warm so less chance of getting the dreaded cramp in my feet.  I can tell you, I really hate getting cramp in my feet, legs or anywhere when I’m cycling.  I really do hate it, grrrrrrrr.

Today

A quick one hour ride towards dusk and took the photo at the top.  Nice clear skies, temperature dropping like a stone.

Time for contemplating the year I’ve just had with all of its ups, downs and challenges; I wouldn’t want it any other way.  What will come in the year ahead?  I wish I could say a little more about my work but it’s not really appropriate to do so here.  In terms of cycling and running, this continues to be a brilliant outlet for all of the frustrations that come along. It helps me to think things through, to reflect and mull things over and that’s why I sometimes prefer to cycle on my own. I relish the challenge of the Coast to Coast in a Day and how it keeps me motivated for a real endurance ride, something to aim for and the camaraderie from my friends also taking part.

The year ahead? It’s going to be an interesting journey!

Related:

Cycling up Bison Hill

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

Posted on 21 December, 2013 by doug

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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 talking point in our family recently and today was no exception.  Nobody bothers to query the bad weather anymore if I’m getting ready for a bike ride as they realise I’ll go regardless. Today I almost wish they had tried to discourage me.  Not long after I had set off, I had my head down and battled into a stiff 25-30mph wind carrying horizontal rain.  I could feel it stinging my face!

I kept trying to encourage myself with reminders that tough conditions are “character building” and how God sometimes does this to test people.  At that point I decided it wash’t that bad and thought “probably no need to test me today’ if thats alright with you Lord.”   I turned a corner and I was sheltered from the wind a little and then it was calm.  I carried on for a few yards when suddenly I was being tested!  No hurricanes, no blizzards but the dreaded cramp!  It was in my left foot around my toes which were pulling in awkward directions.  Next it was my right foot and then my calf muscles.  I was determined not to be beaten by this and carried on and after a while it faded and then back to normal.  That was some test, it hurt.  Hurt but carried on.  Not quite the same as carrying on “through hell” as Churchill put it but still pretty sore.

I got to Dunstable Downs at sunset, not that you could see the sun.  Instead dark heavy clouds rolling overhead with people disappearing quickly in their cars.  Time for a few photographs that might capture the darkness and gloominess.  Then I remember it is 21st December – the shortest day for us in the northern hemisphere.  Tomorrow we’ll have fractionally more daylight, perhaps just a few seconds and those will increase bit by bit over the next six months.  Now that’s really encouraging!

Cycling everyday over Christmas?

Last year and the year before that, I ran every day while I was on holiday over Christmas.  I remember really enjoying that and getting so much from it.  For one thing it meant that I could maintain and improve my fitness, as well as burning those extra calories over Christmas.  So this year I thought I’d try and do this with cycling instead.

Mind you, cycling seems more dependant on the weather.  I can run when there’s snow around but I’m not too keen on cycling when the temperatures are freezing.  So if that’s the case I can either ride around our neighbourhood for 10 minutes (boring) or perhaps get my turbo trainer out (even more boring).

Last year there was something so nice about finishing the old year by running everyday, as well as starting the new year with an early morning run.  All very symbolic.  Besides it is a nice way of having some space to reflect on the year and thinking about the year ahead.  So while I continue to run, this is a case of “ticking over” as I try to increase my cycling mileage as training for the Coast to Coast event in June 2014.  Now that’s something to look forward to.

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Cycling rates in Luton

Posted on 20 December, 2013 by doug

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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 Luton not fairing very well – perhaps this is another illustration of its “crap town” status which has already been well publicised.  Nevertheless it’s quite striking how there are both similarities and differences across these English towns.

The figures are from October 2012 and could be argued as being a little out of date.  As I am always optimistic, there are a few things which might lift the local figures in and around Luton, Dunstable and Central Bedfordshire.  These factors could include:

  • The Luton & Dunstable Busway cycle track has only been open for a few months and I suspect the number of cyclists using it will continue to grow, especially in the Spring.  I’ve blogged about this a few times.
  • The presence of decent local bike shops (LBS).  In Dunstable we have Dysons and Pedalworks – they are both pretty good but for slightly different reasons. Both sell decent bicycles.
  • Travel Choices is a local initiative which promotes sustainable transport.  They do an excellent job in supporting people to try cycling and have a number of initiatives and activities which are brilliant.
  • The Luton & Dunstable Cycle Forum raise awareness and also through their Facebook page organise group cycle rides and are an increasingly a well known voice for local cyclists (I’m not a member but they sound great and I’ll find out more sometime)

These poor rates of cycling in Luton may also be indicative of other social or economic indicators.  Luton is a deprived town with a number of social problems with disproportionately higher levels of unemployment, poor housing, anti social behaviour and crime.   Fascinating data can be sourced from the Office for National Statistics.  Correspondingly, isn’t it interesting that the opposite is true in other places such as Cambridge or nearby Harpenden or St Albans – far more cyclists and improved life expectancy, lower levels of crime etc.

I am wondering if this is, on one level, a paradox.  You could understand that poorer towns would be more likely to use cycling as a cheap means of transport – and yet the opposite is true in many cases.  This is curious.  Does this mean cycling is becoming more aligned to middle classes and “middle England”?  Interesting thought……

 

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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.

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I have one of these.  Jolly useful if not the most exciting of cycling accessories but nevertheless here’s my view:

  • Lightweight at only 86g
  • Compact and easily fits in a pocket, the cable retracts into the body
  • Wiggle reviews are fairly positive as well
  • Can lock two bikes together, or one bike to a pole, or a railing etc.  Not long enough to go through both wheels unless you start dismantling the bike
  • Arguably a bit pricey at around £17.99
  • You can select your own four digit number and make it easier to remember but probably best to avoid your bank card’s PIN
  • Perfectly okay for locking your bike up in a “low risk” area (i.e. a public place where someone might get rumbled if they were cutting a bike lock off.  Not so hot in a higher risk area such as a railway station.  The cable itself is if like a brake cable with a plastic coating.  With the right tool you could probably cut the cable in a couple of seconds.
  • So, worth having in certain circumstances for sure but don’t come complaining to me if your bike has been nicked.  But it’s not bad.
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Cycling uphill – sit down or stand on pedals?

Posted on 17 December, 2013 by doug

IMG_0508Coast 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 steep hill.  Which is more efficient?  Which is kinder on our knees and legs?  Which is better for the bicycle?

Firstly, let me introduce you to Phil and his bicycle

Although I’ve known Phil for quite a few years now, this was the first time we’d cycled with each other and we are hoping this was the first of many rides.

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Phil’s bike is the one on the left, an Olmo road bike with ridiclously big gears.  Just as well Phil has a naturally muscular build as I wouldn’t want to ride up anything using those gears!  As you can see Phil has a chain set with 52 and 42T chainrings.  This combined with a narrow range of gears at the back lends itself to fast time trials over a flat course.  Alternatively it is a quick way to give yourself an injury through over straining those tendons and ligaments.  Ouch.

As for Phil, he’s got a natural sense of adventure and determination.  He’s also got the battle scars from time spent playing rugby but thankfully he’s now seen the light and taking up cycling.   Although he’s not been cycling much lately, you wouldn’t believe that when you see him in action.  When we come to actually doing the Coast to Coast event, I dare say he’ll leave me for dust.  Off he’ll go, zooming ahead all the way to Whitby.

Nevertheless we enjoyed our Sunday afternoon ride in the somewhat damp conditions .  Our ride included Bison Hill twice, this is a decent local hill on the edge of the Chilterns.  There I was plodding away up Bison Hill saying “don’t expect [gasp] me to [gasp] hold a [gasp] conversation [gasp] with you [gasp]” and he simply replies “Just dig in Doug” and then zoomed ahead.  I felt as if I needed an oxygen mask!

Cycling uphill – stand up or sit down

With Phil outclassing me on Bison Hill, we had a mini debate about the pros and cons of standing up on the pedals to haul ourselves up a steep hill.  Mind you, Phil probably had little choice with his high gears.  It can be very tempting to stand up on those pedals but does it really give much of an advantage?

  • You’ll use different muscles, so it gives your quads a bit of a rest (although it doesn’t feel like it!)
  • Allow the bike to sway from side to side as you get into a nice rhythm.  Don’t get too carried away, just a few inches either side: think of your bike as a pendulum in a constant movement
  • Don’t use a gear which is too high as you’ll be putting too much strain on yourself and the bike itself.  Avoid running a gear from a large chainring to a large sprocket as that can cause chain links to come apart (and believe me, it happens).  It is not unknown for handlebars or stems to snap under pressure – you could be pushing and pulling them sufficiently to expose a weak spot and if it snaps you can’t do anything apart from fall off!
  • Remember that when you’re standing on the pedals, you’re using your weight to push those pedals down.  You are also using some energy in supporting your own weight too – so how much of an advantage are you really getting?
  • By staying on the saddle you can still use your arms in order to pull on the handlebars.  Doing this neatly illustrates how your upper body muscles also have a role to play and doing this is brilliant exercise
  • Often more experienced cyclists do both i.e. stay seated and stand up on the pedals which is okay.  Sometimes it’s useful to stand on the pedals in the last few yards of a hill or maybe to avoid changing into a lower gear over a short distance
  • When standing you can only push down.  When sitting and using “clippy” pedals you can also push forward and pull up
  • Standing is useful for an extra burst of power
  • Standing is also useful when there is no other choice (i.e. you have gear ratios like Phil’s bicycle)
  • Cycling up hill is brilliant exercise – cardiovascular and strength building

 

 

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

Posted on 15 December, 2013 by doug

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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 made components connected by metal tubes and cables.  No, instead it is almost an extension of you and it is working with you, not against you.  This then has to be my latest Rule of Saturday Cycling – to be at one with your bike, man.

Here’s a few more thoughts on this:

  • As I’m also a runner I know very well the feeling when everything comes together.  It’s when you run that extra bit faster, pushing yourself further but not too far.  You handle the rough ground, the hills and the distance with a bit more ease.  Each step feels well balanced, well placed and you’re aware of your body and what it’s doing. It’s almost a deeper understanding of how your body is designed and made and how it all fits together
  • For a cyclist, the first step in being “at one” is to make sure your bike fits you well.  A poorly fitting bike will not bring out the best in you, you will instead feel awkward on the bike and can lead to being uncomfortable or even strains or injuries.  Owning nicely fitting bike is a wonderful thing and sometimes takes a while to get it just right.  It becomes an efficient machine, using the energy you give it into moving forward and having the right “feel” as it handles the speed really well.
  • You listen to the rhythm of your breathing, particularly when going up a hill.  It’s a good constant pace and not gasping at all.  You can feel your heart rate is rising and blood being pumped around through every tiny blood vessel.  You’re feeling in good shape.
  • You look at your shadow as you cycle along, you are living and working with the bike.  You can see your arms and shoulders pulling on the handlebars, you feel those upper body muscles working nicely, each playing its part.  You get reminded how so many muscles are involved in cycling, not just your upper leg muscles. This is another example of it “all coming together”
  • The hill gets steeper and the top is in reach.  You have a decision, a choice of changing into a lower gear or standing on the pedals instead.  Standing wins and the bike sways a little from side to side in a different rhythm.  Each downward push on the pedals directly pushes the bike forwards and then you’re at the top.  What a feeling!

So there you are, another great ride on a Saturday.  So far each of my Saturday rides has been so different and this little series is nearly complete; I have no idea what will happen next Saturday but I can tell you these different “rules” is a reminder for me on the wonderful benefits of riding a bike.

 

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