Preventing punctures

Posted on 27 November, 2012 by doug

If you ride a bike, you’ll almost certainly get a puncture at some point (no pun intended).  Just a reality of cycling I guess but there are things you can do to minimise this downer (is that another pun?).

Preparation

Buy puncture resistant tyres.  There are quite a few around and the best so far for us are the Gatorskins by Continental.  Better than Pasela Panaracer Tourguards, as shown in the above photograph.

  • The above photograph is me prising a thorn out of a Pasela Panaracer Tourguard and these aren’t too bad but can be improved.  In my view the extra cost is, without doubt, definitely worth it.
  • Before you fit the tyres, make sure the rim tape is in good order and protecting the inner tube against any sharp spokes etc.
  • When you fit the tyres, have a little talcum powder and spread this onto the inner tube.  You only need a little bit for the inner tube to be less sticky, less grippy and easier for the tyre to pop over the rim into place.  Don’t use a tyre lever to prise the tyre onto the rim.  If you do, the chances are you’ll puncture the inner tube before you have even pumped it up.
  • Keep the tyres pumped up to the stated pressure, or at least, close to it.  This means MTB tyres at 40 – 60psi and road tyres around 100psi, less for a hybrid.  By keeping the tyres at their optimum pressure, there is less scope for bits of grit or thorns getting pressed into the tread.  More likely it will be flicked away.
  • As you inflate the tyre, make sure it is completely seated and not bulging as this could cause it to blow off the rim.  Believe me, it is such a loud bang, you’ll think you’ve just been shot.

On the road

  • Be careful of debris on the road: glass, thorns, bits of sharp grit etc.  This means choosing the right line on the road to miss anything.  Yes I know, easier said than done sometimes.  If a farmer has been cutting hedges, use a different road if possible over the next few days.
  • You are more likely to pick up a puncture if the roads are wet, presumably debris sticks to the tyre more easily but this is one of the mysteries in the world of cycling
  • Check the tyres from time to time, you might be able to prise out a thorn before it causes any problems.
  • When riding, avoid curbs, potholes or anything that could cause the tyre/tube to puncture by being pinched against the rim
  • You could consider other lines of defense such as investing in a kevlar layer in between the tube and the tyre.  I have used these but I’m not convinced they work very well.  They also add a little extra weight..  Talking of adding extra weight you can get some ‘orrible slime to squirt inside the tube as a self sealing measure.


Posted in cycle maintenance | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The benefits of cycling with someone else

Posted on 25 November, 2012 by doug

 

Cycling is for children too, of all ages.

Over the years I have been inclined to cycle on my own, rather than with a cycling partner or even joining a club.  That’s not to say I’m a complete loner on the road as my friend Wallie and I have enjoyed some fantastic rides together in the Cotswold Hills, Forest of Dean and Wales.  Recently our friend Jeremy asked a few fellow Christians if we’d like to have a ride with each other sometime.  I didn’t take the bait initially but now we’ve had two consecutive Sunday morning rides with each other.  Now I find myself challenged: I enjoyed it although I wasn’t sure I would.  So why did it work, what are the advantages of having a cycling partner, someone else to ride with?  Here goes:

  • You can enjoy time with friends, their company, encouragement, their conversation
  • I don’t notice the hills so much or, as with this morning’s ride, strong head winds
  • The miles pass by faster, you ride faster (I’m not the only one who says that!)
  • You can learn things about cycling from other people – how do you fix this or that, are those Ultegra gears any good, are those gloves warm?
  • You’ll probably try new routes
  • Someone to help with mechanical problems, or if you get completely lost you can figure it out together
  • Motivation to get out of bed and go for that pre-arranged ride
  • Share experiences, the laughs, the memories

Last Sunday we set off at 7.00am, just as it was getting light and for an hour or so.  It was a cold, sunny crisp morning.  We decided to do it again today and I’d checked the weather forecast – cool and dry.  Somehow I forgot to mention the strong winds, which Jeremy naturally mentioned!

Coming back I got a puncture, grrrrr.  Perhaps I shouldn’t moan too much as we were just a mile or so from our respective homes.  My first response was simply to pump up the tyre to see if it would stay firm enough to get-me-home.  As I was pumping I suspected I was losing quite a bit of air but we did try to make a dash for it.  Alas that didn’t work as it went flat in 100 yards!  We decided that changing the tube was the best thing.  A simple enough task you might think except my fingers were so cold I couldn’t undo the locking collar on the valve – naturally Jeremy could having his soooper-doooper sailing gloves keeping his fingers warmer than mine.

So here I am feeling a little challenged.  I’m liking the idea and seeing some of the advantages and benefits of cycling with someone else.  I look back at the C2C ride we did with some friends earlier this year: that gives us all such good memories.  Perhaps my biggest fear is being paired with someone who will shoot off into the distance leaving me flagging behind.  Thankfully this has not been the case at all, so here’s to some more cycle rides with friends….

Posted in great rides | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Review – Tacx Blue Matic turbo trainer

Posted on 23 November, 2012 by doug

The advantage of having a turbo trainer is to continue cycling when outdoor conditions make this difficult.  They allow you to stay indoors and simulate going for a bike ride without any risk of getting wet, frost bite, punctures, lost, knocked off or any of the usual hazards associated with cycling at night in the English winter.

Types of indoor trainer

There is quite a good choice these days but most are the turbo trainer, like the Tacx Blue Matic T2650 featured here.

There are various versions but all lift the rear wheel and provide some form of resistance.  The resistance on basic versions is a fan but these can be noisy and worth bearing in mind if you have neighbours close by.  A noisy fan makes it more difficult to listen to music, watch TV etc.  Next up is the magnetic type, such as the T2650 and where magnets can vary the level of resistance.  More upmarket models have a fluid or gel based resistance which feels more road-like.

Alternatively rollers do simulate real cycling with the front wheel having it’s own roller which is turned by means of a pulley coming from the rear.  Balancing on these requires a bit of practice!  There is less scope for using any resistance and arguably less useful for some training objectives.  Cyclists who do master this say they like it but it does depend on what you are trying to achieve i.e. balance, self awareness, endurance, spinning, high speed cadence and so on.

The Tacx Blue Matic T2650

The Blue Matic is widely available through LBS and chains such as Evans, Wiggle etc.  Made in Holland by the well established Tacx company this model is modest in the range.  The normal RRP is £159.99 but Evans were discounting it by 20% a few weeks ago.  My LBS kindly agreed to match this price and so the deal was done for under £130.

Assembly is, I thought a bit fiddly but at least there’s not much to do.  The instructions are multi-lingual and a little cryptic.  Helpfully a hub quick release squewer which gives a good fit for the unit’s hub clamps.  The actual mounting of the bike into the frame is fairly straightforward but it’s worth taking time to get it just right.

There is a way of adjusting the tension of the roller against the tyre.  Too much and the tyre will wear too quickly, too loose and the tyre won’t grip.  On this point, I think there is a slight problem. The roller is a smooth polished metal which does not grip the tyre terribly well; this shows itself when pedalling in a fairly high gear and start pushing hard. This can be dealt with by adjusting the tension but eliminating the slippage will increase tyre wear and but undue pressure into the smooth running bearings.

The trainer comes with a means of adjusting the resistance.  There is a handlebar fitting lever which in turn is connected by means of a cable to the flywheel housing.  It gives an excellent range of resistances which is useful.

In use

The Tacx Blue Matic is fairly stable but not completely rigid.  It is only if you were doing a stimulated sprint finish you might get a little movement but it is well within reasonable limits.

I am really pleased I have got this trainer.  It should give many years (winters) of good exercise in the garage and while far from being the top of the range or perfect, it is priced fairly modestly (compared to some) and is enjoyable to use.  Like many of these training aids, they’re only as good as they are in use.

One more thing, there is a CD-ROM included in the box.  Not sure what that is about as yet but I’ll blog about that later on,

Posted in reviews | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Buying second hand bikes

Posted on 23 November, 2012 by doug

My good friend Phil asked me about buying a second hand bike: where, how much, what type and so on.  He’s keen to get going on a bike but plans to make a modest investment in the initial outlay.  Here’s some thoughts:

 ebay

Everyone knows ebay and often a great place to trade.  There are some fantastic bargains around from time to time and there are some fantastic ways of getting ripped off.  Narrowing the geographical area down can help in being able to take a look at a bike beforehand.  As ebay has grown, it has adapted effieciently over the years in order to protect the innocent ebay-er against scams.  No system is ever going to be foolproof no matter how careful you are.

Apart from individuals trading on ebay, shops and other suppliers will also maintain an ebay store in order to reach a wide customer base on a continuous basis.

Bikeworks Community Interest Company, London

http://ramblingsofdoug.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/bikeworks.html

I have blogged about this brilliant sounding bike shop before.  Great if you live or work in London, or perhaps are able to visit.  Bike range from under £100 to several hundred pounds for more interesting or vintage machines.  The other nice thing about Bikeworks is the nature of the company itself: as a CIC any trading surpluses are “recycled” back in for the benefit of the community in some manner.  Worth checking out, Phil.

Local newspapers

Although once a popular way of buying and selling all kinds of things, the use of the traditional classified advert has declined over the years and probably not worth bothering with,  The few bikes advertised are unlikely to be very desirable for the enthusiast, instead probably children’s bikes, Raleigh 3-speeds, BMX, “hardly used Shimano geared MTB” which probably cost £99 a few years ago and for sale now for £55 o.n.o.

Pawnbrokers (Cash Converters and others)

The chances of finding a desirable bike are slim.  The only ones I have ever seen have been cheap mountain bikes which you can buy new for little money these days.

Local Bike Shops (LBS)

Sadly very few LBS ever seem to sell used bikes these days, unless you know different.  At least if you do find one, the chances are it will be serviced and genuine. The “Saturday lad” might sell his/her bike this way in order to finance an upgrade.   If they are an approachable LBS it’s always worth asking if they know of bikes that their customers are wanting to sell – could be a win-win situation.

CTC forum

http://forum.ctc.org.uk/

Check out the CTC forum and scroll down to the For Sale section.  Should be able to get a good quality bike here but you cannot assume every seller is an upright CTC member.

There are a number of other forums (fora?) around:

https://thecyclehub.net/cycling-forums/

Gumtree

http://www.gumtree.com/london

Seems to be mostly centred in London and the South East for a place to see classified adverts.  There is normally a good range of bikes, right from cheap heaps of junk through to more upmarket brands (Trek, Specialized, Bianchi, Boardman etc) costing several hundred pounds.  I spotted a few wheel sets for sale too.

Tips for buying a second hand bike

  • Is it stolen, hot, knicked, ‘alf inched?  the last thing you want to do is buy a bike that is stolen.  Doing so, not matter how innocently, is helping someone in their criminal lifestyle and worth bearing in mind that frequently drug users will need to steal someone’s bike, laptop, wallet etc EVERY day just to keep the habit going.
  • Does the person selling the bike know much about it?  Sometimes you can tell from the description that things don’t add up.
  • Does the person who is selling the bike look as if they cycle themselves?  Try engaging them in a conversation about cycling and the bike in particular: judge for yourself
  • In the case of responding to an advert (i.e. Gumtree) wouldn’t bike anything from anyone unless it was at a specific address.

Check the frame for these reasons:

  • Is the serial number in tact?  First place to look is under the bottom bracket where generally a number is stamped into the shell.  If this has been filed off, walk away.
  • Is the frame or forks bent, crashed or fractured in anyway?  If the bike is carbon fibre, even deep scratches can be terminal.
  • If the bike has been ridden into something (like a parked car) the forks maybe bent back so does the line of the fork follow the line of the head tube?
  • Frames can get bent sideways.  Check the back wheel and see how central it is between the seat stays and the chain stays.  Alternatively tie a piece of string onto the rear drop-out or axle, loop it around the head tube and then back to the drop-out on the other side.  Then carefully measure the distance either side of the seat tube.  Anything more than a 2 or 3mm discrepancy is a real concern in my view.  Ideally it should be completely true
  • Check the chain.  If you can lift the chain away from the teeth on the chainset it is an indication of significant wear.  Okay you could replace the chain on its own but the chances are you need to replace the cassette or freewheel on the rear hub as well.  That’s not too bad but if it is really worn and you have to replace the chainset as well the cost might not be viable unless the bike is really special and you negotiate the price down.

So Phil, there’s a few thoughts from me.  Does this help at all?  Do you want me to check any bikes out for you before you part with any money?

Posted in buying guides | Tagged | 2 Comments

Review – Bontrager RXL Thermal gloves

Posted on 17 November, 2012 by doug

This gallery contains 6 photos.

  I got these a little while ago as I really did need some winter gloves.  At £39.99 they’re not cheap and I was a little disappointed but there has been a partial remedy but I still need some better … Continue reading →

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Honest John and cyclists

Posted on 15 November, 2012 by doug

It is a very long time since I last read the Telegraph’s motoring agony aunt’s page (or is it ‘uncle’?) and I see Honest John’s last edition on Saturday 10th November 2012 had a photograph of Bradley Wiggins to illustrate a letter.  Naturally it caught my eye.  Here goes….

A Honest John reader called AT of Fornby had written in complaining about cyclists in the UK.  AT had recently been impressed by French cyclists showing decent consideration for motorists and then having a rant about cyclists in the UK.  At said “…in England I came across cyclists three abreast holding up traffic on a 50mph road when they could have used an adjacent cycle track…. why can’t British cyclists behave like the French and engender the same courtesy?”.  Talk about tarring everyone with the same brush!

Honest John was, at best, a bit vague in his reply saying “….here anyone seems to think they can don Lycra shorts and morph instantly into Bradley Wiggins”.

It is really important cyclists ride according to the Highway Code and also to show courtesy to other road users, most of whom will be car drivers.  This needs to be done for their own benefit and cyclists as a whole.  The majority do, although there is a bit of a sub-culture in London where some cyclists will kick, thump and dent black cabs for alleged wrong doing, as well as jumping red lights and other misdemeanours.   All done in the knowledge the knowledge they’ll never be caught.

And yet we’re not all like that, far from it, but you can have a “bad” cyclist, just as you can have a “bad” motorist.  While the vast majority of cyclists will be responsible there will always be someone who doesn’t pay the game.  Apart from those who might ride three abreast, skip red traffic lights or ride without lights, most are fine road users.  These cyclists have to take their lives into hand in risking the roads in our towns and cities.  Some risk heavy, aggressive traffic, some risk appalling potholes and dreadful road design features.

So, AT of Formby please reflect on the whole picture.  Consider the merits of your stance and while I’m at it, have you read the Highway Code lately.  There’s something about overtaking only when it’s safe to do so.  Cyclists should ride both defensively and confidently if they are to avoid problems.  This means taking the right position on the road and allow cars to overtake when it is safe for them to do so.

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Cycling pictures from Spain

Posted on 10 November, 2012 by doug

 

 

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The new revolutionary airless tyre

Posted on 9 November, 2012 by doug

It has been said the best ideas are brilliantly simple and so obvious; you wonder why anyone hasn’t already done it.  Take these tyres for instance.  They are constructed in a way which is self-supporting i.e. no inner tube is needed.  The obvious attraction is that you don’t even need to have an inner tube which could get punctured.  No punctures means not  even needing a pump, tyre leavers, spare tubes, patches and so on.

These are being developed and made by Britek Tire and Rubber and they’re hoping to have a huge impact on the cycle industry with these tyres.  Arguably the concept or invention is not new.  Tube-less tyres have been tried before as solid rubber but these have not generally been adopted owing to fitting and handling problems, not to mention the hefty weight.

So far it looks like the MTB market for these tyres but road versions could follow, perhaps.

I can’t help but be reminded of those conversations about the ever lasting light bulb and how their presence was just too risky for the light bulb manufacturers.  Will that apply to these tyres?  Time will tell.

Posted in cycle maintenance | Tagged | 1 Comment

The Bicycle Book by Bella Bathurst

Posted on 2 November, 2012 by doug

Just read this book on our recent holiday.  Unexpectedly entertaining, insightful and just the thing while on a holiday and missing my own bicycle.

Bella Bathurst takes a unique look at the world of cycling in this very readable book.  Each chapter is an individual vignet, each reflecting on a different aspect of cycling.  There were quite a few laughs, surprises and thought provoking parts to this book.  Each one was disguised by the chapter title and it was all too easy to conclude “oh but I’m not really interested in ….. but then Bathurst puts it in a different light.

Let me give you an example.  Chapter 11 “Knobbled” is all about mountain biking and something I’m not interested in myself and yet I read every word!  As she explains, it’s very easy to think of mountain biking starting in Marin County, California during the 1970s.  We all knew where it started, right?   Wrong!   It is true those Californian kids did have a huge role in the development of mountain bikes but Bathurst argues it was those ‘rough stuff’ chaps in the UK who pioneered the concept decades before.  She goes onto explain [in March 1919] a certain W. M. Robinson who “….having ridden sixty miles to the starting point, he meets another couple of cyclists who ‘reported passing storms of snow and hail, through which they had ridden – a pleasant change from the monotony of sunshine cycling'”.

The book itself starts off with Bathurst making her own steel frame from scratch under the tuition of master frame builder Dave Yates and goes into great entertaining detail.  If you’re not technical, don’t be put off at all.

Then there’s the account of the Dirty Tricks Brigade in world war two.  This was all about those ingenious chaps using the bicycle in the broadest sense towards winning the war.  An example was substituting bicycle pumps on German bikes in occupied Europe with exploding pumps, the Germans eventually caught on.  Fearing that every time they attempted to use a pump to inflate a tyre, they ended up riding around on flat tyres!  Hilarious!

Then there’s the Tour de France and a fascinating glimpse into the history.  Never mind the elaborate organisation it is nowadays with well resourced sponsors supporting the needs of their cyclists in every way possible, in times gone by the competitors had to support themselves – even it meant carrying your broken frame to a farmhouse to have it re-welded.  To make things even more ridiculous that particular cyclist had some time docked because someone else worked the furnace bellows and not the cyclist himself.

So thee y’a go.  A very readable, entertaining book.  Ideal for a holiday while having withdrawal symptoms of my own bike.

The Bicycle Book, Bella Bathurst, published by Harper Press in 2011
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Is Tahini good for you?

Posted on 2 November, 2012 by doug
Meridian Light Tahini – a tasty alternative to peanut butter

I must tell you about this jar of light Tahini which we have in our fridge.  While it is there right now, it won’t last long.

This is the first time we’ve had it and, while it is an “acquired” taste, we think it is delicious but it does take a bit of getting used to!  It is necessary to keep it in the fridge in order to prevent it from becoming rancid.  It can be used as a dip or, for myself, I use it as an alternative to peanut butter.  It is necessary to give it a stir as the oils do naturally separate out over a few days.

What is Tahini?

Tahini is a simple food, popular in Middle Eastern cookery.  It is simply sesame seeds which have been ground into a paste.  Simple as that.
The health benefits of sesame seeds are well known but have you tried to eat them?  Believe me, it takes some time to eat the seeds – slowly grinding them in your mouth (risking your teeth in the process) and then swishing it down with a glass of water.  Why go through all of that when you can have Tahini?
This Meridian Tahini is made only with sesame seeds.  It is hulled and roasted as part of the process although a darker version is available.  They roast the seeds for 25-30 minutes at 210°C.  The Natural and Organic products are manufactured using the sample process and equipment so texture is similar.  They do have different flavours.  The Natural Light Tahini made with hulled sesame seeds which produces quite a bitter taste.  I understand the dark Tahini is made with unhulled sesame seeds and is less bitter.  However, it is all down to personal taste but I’m enjoying the bitterness.  Makes me want to try out the darker, less bitter version afterwards – it could be even nicer.

Nutritional information

Tahini is a very rich food and a good source of many nutrients.  In reality it is best used sparingly; little and often.  It is a good source of healthy fatty acids – thats omega 3 and 6 – which we cannot manufacture ourselves so a regular intake is of benefit to our bodies.
It also contains thiamin (helpful for the nervous system), phosphorus and calcium (benefiting bones, teeth and kidney function).  Vitamin E is as well as small amounts of zinc.  Fibre at 11.8g per 100g is good but of limited effect as the intake quantities are relatively small.
So, is Tahini good for you?  Yes, without doubt.

Meridian

We are slowly catching on to Meridian as we have quite a few of their products in our kitchen nowadays.  In fact a while ago we commented on their peanut butter.  Take a look at their website and see how they have developed quite a wide range of healthy foodstuffs.  Even Sainsbury’s are selling some lines these days.

Conclusion

We love it!  Aside from using it as an alternative to peanut butter, we are going to try it in a few recipies before too long.

 

Posted in food, health | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Surviving the winter months

Posted on 2 November, 2012 by doug

Here in England I love the different seasons, right from the cosiness of the winter through to the balmy days of summer.  And yet I find my mood can drop during the winter months, especially if it drags on for too long.  I could sulk my way through in a grumpy kind of way or do something about it.  If you read my blog you’ll know I achieve this by running and cycling.

This year I am not looking forward to the winter at all.  Not sure why.  Could be memories of the last two winters that brought more snow and freezing temperatures than ever.  Could be thoughts of settling back into life here at home – just a few days ago we were enjoying the lovely climate of Spain and some brilliant runs.

This morning at 6.30am, just as daylight was starting to appear, I went out for my favourite 7.5 mile hilly run.  I loved it, my running form was reasonably fluid and I stormed up a short hill on my way back.  Cold but brilliant and in my thoughts I devised my strategy for surviving this winter.  Here it is:

  • Keep remembering how important exercise is; mentally and physically
  • “Deal with the winter weather Doug”.  This is probably my biggest obstacle.  I hate running and cycling in the dark.  It is a problem and there to be solved.  Believe there is a solution, or solutions.
  • Do NOT re-join DW Fitness Club (other than possibly taking advantage of a Christmas offer for a two week trial at a bargain price).
  • Eat well – I think I have a pretty good vegetarian diet but it does mean a bit of effort to make sure I get everything I need.  Have some enjoyment in trying out some new things (and good blog material!). It also means not eating too much or allowing some weight to creep up.  My BMI is around 22 and that’s where it’s staying
  • Not to be afraid of spending some money if it means getting through the winter.  This is probably going to involve buying a turbo trainer to maintain cycling in those dark horrible evenings.  Could cost £100 to £200 but this outlay would last for years
  • Buy some proper winter cycling clothing.  Keeping warm on the bike is my biggest challenge.  I am sure getting the clothing right is important, even though I might look a bit odd in black cycling tights and Captain Kirk-style overshoes.  But these keep you warm and dry on the bike, so just what I need.  Start with gloves and a skull cap to fit under my helmet.
  • Be disciplined.  Make sure I exercise 5 out of every 7 days.  Even if it is just a 15 minute jog around our neighbourhood but ideally I need each work-out to be about an hour
  • Stay healthy.  I have already had a flu jab.  Man these make you feel awful a few days later, but that’s done.  Only cost £8.00 at Sainsbury’s and even better my employer will reimburse me for this – this is a cost effective of maintaining a healthy workforce.  Plus we have a KPI target for this and right now it’s not looking too good.  So – I’m staying warm, avoiding flu, bugs and so on.  This also means not over training – pushing too far actually can lower resistance and our natural immunity
  • The countryside can be fantastic in the winter
  • Look forward to Spring.  I have already signed up for the 2013 MK Marathon in May and looking forward to that.  Running through the winter will make all the difference to coming in at under 4 hours. Earlier in 2012 I did that race and love looking back on it.  All more the reason to have another go.  Naturally I’ll be another year older but faster for it.

 

Posted in health, running, stress | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Cycling in Spain

Posted on 1 November, 2012 by doug

We’ve just had a family holiday in Spain, staying in Javea (that’s “Haa-vee-a”) and it was great to see a good number of road cyclists out and about.  I checked out a half decent bike shop where I could have hired a Specialised or Trek road bike for about 11 Euro a day.  Apparently it is mandatory to wear a helmet.  The only helmet-clad cyclists we saw were bombing along some country roads: otherwise many people were taking a risk of being fined.  I suspect this is not the top of Policing policy.

Just a few thoughts on why cycling in Spain seems so attractive:

  • The roads are pretty good on the whole, absolutely ideal for cycling
  • Traffic seemed pretty light and most unlike the crowded roads of England.  Everyone seems pretty relaxed and laid back
  • The climate at this time of year ~ late October, early November ~ is ideal.  Not too hot, not too cold
  • The terrain in our area was hilly.  Not too far away it is mountainous.  That adds up to some fantastic cycling and training opportunities.  All those strength building climbs and raised heart rate; those fast descents with fast cornering on some of the hairpin bends
  • Reasonably good sign posting: this is important for me as these days I can easily become lost!
  • You will not be alone.  There are a number of companies providing a service to tourists who want to cycle.  On browsing through some internet pages, I found references to officially organised cycle rides (with closed roads) and other events designed to promote cycling

Each one of us were quite impressed with different aspects of our little holiday.  For me it was about some good runs and excellent cycling possibilities in the future.  We have a feeling we’ll be returning to this stretch of coast which seemed lush compared to the “cowboy country” nearer towards Alicante.

These links might provide you with some further information:

http://www.cyclinginspain.com/

http://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/spain/cycling?gclid=CNHn0KPQrrMCFYXLtAodHikAkA

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/spain/spain-sports-guide-cycling-in-spain/12

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Ammaco folding bicycle review

Posted on 31 October, 2012 by doug

This gallery contains 5 photos.

Here’s a little unexpected review.  I wouldn’t normally find myself riding this kind of bike but as we were staying in Spain, courtesy of some friends and this was in their apartment, I couldn’t resist a quick spin. What is … Continue reading →

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“Must Do” bike rides

Posted on 23 October, 2012 by doug

Tour de France, LEJOG, JOGLE, C2C and the list can go on.  Yes we must all do our own personal “must do” rides while we can.  At the tender age of 50 I have about 30 years of cycling left and so I must make sure I achieve what I want to accomplish.

Apart from those epic rides, there are some more local, less demanding rides which are no less special.  This one is very special.  Everyone needs to do something like ride a tandem around; this was at our church picnic earlier this year.  That’s Hannah (12) on the back with Poppy and we had such great fun.  It’s not our tandem, in fact it’s owned by our friends (the Newton family) who were happy for everyone to have a try.  Needless to say we all wobbled around a bit while we got the hang of it.

Must do – ride 2

I like hills – both cycling and running, up or down.  You can’t escape hills in the Lake District in Cumbria, Northern England and amongst the many challenging rides is Kirkstone Pass.  It can be reached from three different directions (from Ullswater, Ambleside or Windermere) and I chose the first which has a gradient of 1:5 (20%) with a few yards at 1:4 (25%) which can be a lung busting ascent and absolutely brilliant.  Naturally the descent is also brilliant, in a scary way.  Taking some of those bends at speed can be a risky and an exhilarating experience.

Both of these rides are unforgettable.  Must get plotting some further “must do” rides for next year.  I fancy most of all, another mid summer ride in going through the night.  I also fancy a long distant ride – perhaps 130 miles in a day and heading to the Somerset coast.  That’ll take some training!

And you?

Do you have any “must do” rides you could share….. ?

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