BIKE Magazine - March 2020

Lake District – The Alps – Nutrition – Cycling Advice – Lake Como

UK’S LEISURE CYCLING AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE

MARCH 2020

DESTINATION

LAKE COMO NUTRITION TIPS

For the healthy cyclist

THE LAKE

DISTRICT eBiking

ALPS TO PROVENCE MARCH 2020 MADE IN THE UK

2 BIKE MAGAZINE

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BIKE MAGAZINE 3

CONTENTS

INSIDE MARCH 2020

06

60

Destination: The Alps I was looking for an alternative destination for our holiday this year that would cater for the activities my boys participate in.

14 Destination: The Lakes On the 10th July 2017, the Lake District received World Heritage Site status, positioning it alongside destinations such as the Taj Mahal, the Tower of London and the Great Barrier Reef. Bravo and not unexpected.

24

Review Steadyrack

The Bicycle Diaries If there’s one lesson I hope to take away with me after this trip, it’s this: there is never a good reason for taking a ukulele on a bicycle. Remember it, write it down; it’s important. If I save just one person from suffering in the way I have suffered, this whole endeavour will have been worthwhile.

38 Touring: Helsinki to Singapore CYCLING ADVICE

Can you buy speed?

52

My wife and I are cycling from Helsinki to Singapore for charity and, honestly, since we started this amazing adventure we haven’t once wondered why or have had any regrets but every time someone asked the “why” the first answer has always been “why not?!”.

4 BIKE MAGAZINE

BIKE MAGAZINE 5

WELCOME

Welcome

to the March issue

March is here and spring is just around the corner so I am looking forward to the Suffolk Spring Classic Sportive which will be the end of the month.

Talking about spring - the spring cycling holidays are a wellmaintained tradition in cycling.

Getting some sunny miles in before the British summer kicks off is a great way of building fitness and awakening some excitement for the months ahead as well as building relationships with club and teammates.

You will be able to continue reading the journey of Rebecca Lowe on her way to Tehran; and Aurelie and Marco’s journey to Singapore.

Anthony Walstow is asking the question “Can You Buy Speed?” and to find the answer turn to page 52.

Happy cycling and don’t forget to join the Peloton to Paris before the end of March. The is more information on page 30.

> Nick Branxton - Editor

In this issue we have prepared very interesting stories from The Alps to Provence, The Lake District, and Lake Como in Italy.

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THE LAKE

6 BIKE MAGAZINE

THE ALPS

RIDING THE ALPS

BIKE MAGAZINE 7

I was looking for an alternative destination for our holiday this year that would cater for the activities my boys participate in. One a keen downhill mountain biker, the other is passionate about road riding. So, we decided on a catered chalet in Morzine, in the Alps, which we would share with some friends, their son also being a downhiller and their daughter a somewhat reluctant roadie.

As the day of departure approached I was a bit apprehensive, after all I was travelling 589 miles with three children and an eighteen-year-old, two of my own and two down-hilling friends of my sons. I had last been to the Alps twenty years ago so I wasn’t sure how I would cope with the driving. Luckily the French roads were as good as ever and we arrived in Dijon, our just-over-halfway stop, late afternoon. The next day we set off early only to arrive in Morzine to find it was raining and there was low cloud – very disappointing as it wasn’t what we were expecting. We could get this kind of weather at home!

After a wait we were allowed into our chalet and spoke to our hosts.

According to them there was a race the next day up the Col de Joux Verte; known as the Grimpee d’Avoriaz.

This is an iconic route that was first climbed in the 1975 Tour de France and the record of 33 minutes is still held by Bernard Hinault, 860m for climbing over a distance of 14km. This was all the incentive Jack needed. My youngest son, 12 years old, has not a gram of fat on him and is nicknamed, by his fellow club riders, ‘the whippet’.

We headed to the start despite the miserable weather, only to discover we were a week late. He wasn’t going to let me get away with it that easily.

We headed to the start in front of the church where there was a line painted across the road.

We set our Garmins and we are off, Jack speeds off like a rocket and

is lost from view. I keep thinking will he be alright, the first couple of kilometres pass easily but then, despite signs to Avoriaz, I take a wrong turn. I realise I have made a mistake and turn round. I rediscover the 1km markers and start to count them down. The switchbacks keep coming, the cloud is so dense you can hardly see anything. I feel woefully under prepared – what am I doing?

I know I have to keep going though because I have to catch up with Jack.

Eventually the last kilometre sign appears - just one to go, it must be 10 degrees colder as it is almost 1800m, a final push and I have made it to the top and there is Jack shivering beside the finishing line. 59 minutes and 41 seconds not bad for a young one.

Now we have the descent to contend with. We are cold and our hands are freezing which makes braking quite difficult – we were planning on taking a circular route but instead we take it steadily back the same way and finally we thaw out. Our sense of achievement is huge.

Our next riding adventure is a 30km route that is a warm-up for a longer ride. This time we go with our friends Richard (the Dad) and Emily his daughter. This time we are going to have the luxury of a support car of Claire (the Mum) and their other son Will. Emily hasn’t really done any long rides before so this is a baptism of fire. The cloud is still low so disappointingly there are no views to begin with. My legs are still hurting from the exertions of the day

Lindsey Backhust

“we decided on a catered chalet in Morzine, in the Alps, which we would share with some friends”

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THE ALPS

before so I am taking it steadily. The road out of Morzine towards Les Gets is a busy one, Jack is over taken by a French man and then hops onto his wheel and follows him into Les Gets at speed. Unfortunately Jack with his limited French can’t understand him when they go their separate ways in Les Gets. We start heading uphill – that is the trouble with The Alps - you can go one of two ways - up or down. We reach a point where Richard says we are at the top – I am slightly sceptical but I am relying on his navigating skills as I can see a road ahead that appears to be going upwards – we are in one valley and I know we need to get to the next. A slight descent and then surprise, surprise it starts going up again – never trust a man and a map. Despite some breaks in the cloud the weather deteriorates again, Emily jumps in the car but I battle on knowing that it cannot be any worse than the day before. We reach the ‘real’ top which is then followed by a glorious descent – the sun has come out, the cloud in the valley has started to lift and the road is smooth delightful! It feels like we have ridden much further than twenty miles as that distance at home would feel like a short blast.

It’s now Wednesday and we are half way through our holiday so we plan to do a longer route. The sun is out and it is warmer than it has been. This time we are doing ‘An Excursion en Vallee d’Abondance Tour de Trechauffe’. The first 10 km are a steady descent so a nice easy start to the ride before the uphill. We head for the Col du Corbier.

We pass through the village of Le Biot and the 1km marker posts are in evidence – it starts off at 6% but soon progresses to 7%.

The switch backs are in view but we know it is only 7km to the top. With 3 km to go Emily is starting to flag, some words of encouragement and she keeps going, Jack and Richard are already ahead. The last 2 kms appear, but the incline increases to 8% then 9%: it is getting tougher but we know we are so close – a last push from Emily and finally we see the sign Col du Colbier. Her first Col and her first significant climb – girl power!

Richard is waiting for us at the top but Jack has already disappeared – he gets cold if he hangs around, “the whippet”.

Emily and Richard decide to take it easy for the remainder of the holiday but Jack has set his heart on climbing the Col De Colombiere.

This Col has featured twenty times in The Tour de France, the first in 1960 and most recently in 2010 when Christophe Moreau was the leader at the summit. We start in Cluses, a town in the bottom of the valley.

Heads down and we are off, once again Jack quickly disappears from view. I think of all the famous cyclists who have ridden this route before me; the sun is out, The Alps are

BIKE MAGAZINE 9

ALPS

25

EXCLUSIVE TO BIKE READERS USE CODE: BM-25OFF

looking spectacular and it feels decidedly warmer than it had the first day we headed out. The gradient is gradual to begin with, the first kilometre sign we came across was sixteen and just 2%; this soon increased to 6% but my legs were feeling good and as yet nobody had passed us. Jack is ahead - a small dot in the distance. The mountains spread out before me, the road is smooth and I am enjoying the ride. I pass through the village of Le Reposoir where a small stream runs through and I contemplate paddling.

Then the road changes dramatically and starts to climb steeply, gaining height via some impressive switch backs. I turn the corner and there in front of me is the top. It looks teasingly close and I suddenly increase my speed as I think it is not far to go. My eyes are deceiving me though as I am still only at the 14km marker. The gradient changes from 9% to 10% and the final kilometre is 11%. I am nearly there, a man comes past and shouts: ‘well done, keep going just 500m’ though it is probably the hardest of them all. At last I am there! The summit and Jack are waiting – it has taken him 1 hour 15 minutes. It took me a little longer. There is a massive smile on his face and a large grin on mine. There was a time when I had to wait for Jack – now that era is almost a distant memory. A few photos at the top and the chance to enjoy the view was needed before we head back down again.

I think sometimes we underestimate what our children can do. Jack and Emily both ride because they want to, not because we as parents make them. They have pure drive and enthusiasm for the sport of road cycling.

Sometimes it is Jack that makes me push my boundaries. I probably wouldn’t have ridden the Col De Colombiere – he wanted to do it because in the past it had been ridden in The Tour de France. He wanted to follow in the footsteps of some of his heroes of the sport.

My boys have always been keen cyclists and have been mountain bikers from a very early age. My husband and I regularly took them to Wales and The Lake District despite living in the furthest south eastern corner of the UK. Sadly my husband was diagnosed with leukaemia and despite intensive treatment he passed away. The boys decided that they wanted to join a cycling club and it was the support of our local clubs that helped us get through this difficult time. Thanet Road Club is a Go Ride Club that encourages children to participate. Through their development programme the boys are steadily becoming very competent riders. It has also pushed me to become both a stronger cyclist and a coach. But more about the Go Ride programme in a future edition, for now we’re basking in Alpine glory.

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10 BIKE MAGAZINE

EBIKE

eBiking

ALPS TO PROVENCE

BIKE MAGAZINE 11

EBIKE

Could an e-biking trip from the Alps to Provence tick all your biking holiday boxes?

Ride from the snow-capped mountains of the Alps to the lavender fields of Provence on remote mountain tracks on an e-bike!

work out! The battery power basically increases the force from your own legs so you can go further, steeper and faster than you could under your own steam.

Mountain biking in the Alps is every biker’s dream but the steep mountains, magnificent as they are, are tough and demanding for even the most hardy of bikers. You can of course go to a resort and use the lifts, but now, with the evolution of electric mountain bikes, you can explore these majestic mountains away from the tourist hot spots with your own built in uplift!

This makes e-biking perfect for mixed ability groups as each member can adjust their boost to suit them whilst staying at the same speed!

Extending your journey through to hilly Provence with its lavender fields, wild forests and sunny climate make for a beautiful contrast of scenery and incredible biking tour.

Undiscovered Mountains have created the ultimate e-biking trip taking you from the Alps to Provence using a specially chosen route off the beaten track and perfectly adapted for e-biking.

WHY AN E-BIKE? Electric mountain bikes are exactly the same as normal mountain bikes except they have a small integrated battery powered motor that you activate by pedalling to give you an extra boost. You can control how much extra power you want using the handlebar computer and can even turn it off if you want a harder

The battery boost will take you up to a maximum speed of 25km per hour so where e-bikes really come into their own is in hilly and mountainous terrain, particularly on the ups! No more tedious, painstaking ascents – now you can have just as much fun going up as you do going down!

The rugged Alps and hilly Provence are perfect terrain to test out an electric mountain bike and experience this new biking phenomenon in optimal conditions!

THE JOURNEY The Alps boast some of the best mountain views in the world with lush green pastures teaming with flowers and butterflies, gushing alpine rivers and magnificent snowcapped mountains. As you descend into Provence, the scenery changes to wild forest abundant in wildlife, dramatic gorges, rocky rugged hills and of course the lavender fields!

12 BIKE MAGAZINE

EBIKE

With stop offs possible at lakes and rivers along the way for a quick dip and sunbathe and the option to visit some of the region’s heritage sites like the citadel in Sisteron, this is more than just a biking holiday !

Undiscovered Mountains have created a route specifically adapted to electric mountain biking for this tour with the aim of getting the most out of your e-bikes, having fun and seeing the best of the scenery and views away from the busier traditional mountain biking tracks.

The biking days are between 30km and 60km long with between 700m and 1500m of ascent, which is perfect for optimal battery power and being able to enjoy the ups and downs as well as allowing time for stops and the occasional sunbathe and swim!

The technical level of the route is easy with a few challenges for those that want to try, all made much more accessible by your electric bike! If you are used to graded mountain bike routes imagine blue routes with some reds.

You are guided for the full trip by Manu, a fully qualified, very professional and passionate mountain bike guide who specialises in electric mountain biking. He is local to this area and has contributed to mountain biking guide books as well as putting up some of the way marked self guided routes. If you need to change route, he will know where to go and will be adapting the trip continuously without you even realising so that you get the most out of your trip!

THE FOOD AND WHERE YOU STAY Food is important to all active travellers, especially bikers! Undiscovered Mountains know this and have handpicked accommodations along this route renowned for their local cuisine. Preferring to steer away from chain hotels and large establishments, Undiscovered Mountains have chosen boutique, independent guest houses and auberges, each with it’s unique style and with a local reputation for good food.

A culinary journey and experience to match your scenic extravaganza!

BIKE MAGAZINE 13

EBIKE

WHO WILL LOVE THIS TRIP? You need to know how to ride a bike and ideally have done some mountain biking but don’t need a lot of mountain biking experience to enjoy this trip as you will quickly pick up tips and techniques along the way. You will be surprised how a few pertinent tips from a good guide can revolutionise your skills and confidence!

Fitness is important as you still need to pedal but again, you don’t need to be an endurance athlete to be able to appreciate the biking on this trip.

Experienced mountain bikers who have less energy than they used to, beginner mountain bikers with a desire to get out into the wilds of the mountains and countryside and groups or families with teenagers of mixed ability will love this trip!

OTHER OPTIONS This is a guided trip with several departures throughout the year that you can join but is also customisable for small groups booking together on other dates, subject to availability.

Undiscovered Mountains are also expert in both mountain biking and e-biking routes in the Alps and will happily put together a self guided tour using the best of the way marked routes in the region and will supply the GPX tracks and organise the logistics for you including baggage transfers.

They also organise a plethora of other active holidays including a fabulous customisable multi activity holiday in the Alps which can include e-biking.

This is a great option if you are a family with some bikers and some non-bikers as the bikers get their fix and the non-bikers can choose activities to suit them. Everything from canyoning to nature walks and yoga to paragliding is possible!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please contact sally@undiscoveredmountains.com or call on 0044 (0)345 009 8501 Read more about this e-biking holiday on UndiscoveredMountains.com.

14 BIKE MAGAZINE

THE LAKES

DESTINATION

THE LAKES

BIKE MAGAZINE 15

THE LAKES

On the 10th July 2017, the Lake District received World Heritage Site status, positioning it alongside destinations such as the Taj Mahal, the Tower of London and the Great Barrier Reef. Bravo and not unexpected.

There is so much to see and do, jump on a traditional steamboat chugging through tranquil lakes, or scale the highest mountains England has to offer and enjoy a jaw-dropping view. From the top of Scafell Pike, it’s easy to see how Cumbria’s lakes captivated William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and an endless list of creative and adventurous types.

Everybody has a bucket list, something they want to achieve before they die. Okay the lakes are not comparable to the Great Wall, the Grand Canyon or the pyramids but why has it taken me so long to venture to this mesmerising part of the UK. You have no need for TripAdvisor, this place has no flaws, with its expressive fells, obvious water, an abundance of tranquillity and plenty of cyclists, it’s simply a great arena to be, not just pedal!

Our base was in on the outskirts of the sleepy picture postcard village of Coniston. For me, luxury is barefoot immersion in nature, a crescendo of running waters, foraging amongst the leaves and bucolic pedalling.

More and more people are craving the solitude of the wild, they don’t journey simply to escape, but to find, engage and connect. Fairsnape set in the hillside keeping eye on Coniston Water like a dedicated headteacher is the perfect solution.

The property is exceptionally Lakeland, managed by Coppermine’s Lakes Cottages and recently renovated, it offers

travellers a magical glimpse of rural life juxtaposed by the clean lines of modernity. The tech savvy will be spoiled with underfloor heating, an array of stylish white goods and a massive wall mounted Smart television. The whole family are catered for, the owner has designed the house with either three generations of one family or three separate families in mind. In total the property can accommodate 12 guests in six stunning en-suite bedrooms.

Thankfully the owner Rob is a keen cyclist, clues dot the house. It’s no surprise his hope is to attract the rapidly evolving cycling crowd who are increasingly hungry for new and thought-provoking experiences.

The target audience will encompass professionals with a reasonable income who actively seek adventure and want to tune into all the Lakes have to offer.

The house is ideally situated for the centre of Coniston and you can get the measure of village by strolling its 2 central characterful street, with local stores, gift shops, cafes and numerous pubs close by. Like all fascinating old villages crammed with treasures and beautiful old buildings, the village can attract too many people, and too many cars. Thankfully, popular valley and mountain walks and trails including gaining altitude on Old Man of Coniston & Tarn Hows can be accessed from the front door and the lake shore is less than a 15-minute stroll away.

Scot Whitlock Twitter: cadencemag Website: cadencemag.co.uk Author, ‘Simple Words from the Saddle, Simply More Words from the Saddle & The Way of St James’ Twitter: @saddlescot

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THE LAKES

I was up early the next morning after a sublime restful slumber. The weather was unexpected, bright blue skies and hypnotic chinks of sunlight, with only a hint of a cold early Spring wind.

I headed in the direction of the Lake, the plan was to circumnavigate the 14 miles around Coniston water. I had hoped to trace a creative timeline.

South of Torver there is a section of A road before turning up the hidden east side of the lake on very quiet roads when the ride passes Brantwood, home of John Ruskin.

Coniston Water is approximately 8km in length (making it the third longest in the National Park) and 804 metres at its widest and 55 metres at its deepest.

I picked up a cycle track just on the outskirts of the village, the roads were quiet, however I can imagine it can sometimes feel a little too popular in the Summer months.

There is something mesmerising about the sound of water and nothing else.

It’s hard to imagine the thunderous noise of a hydroplane speeding through the water and the historic legacy which has been etched on the lake’s persona, it has been the scene of many attempts to break the world water speed record. On 19 August 1939 Sir Malcolm Campbell set the record

at 141.74 miles per hour (228.108 km/h or 123.168 kn) in Blue Bird K4. Between 1956 and 1959 Sir Malcolm’s son Donald Campbell set four successive records on the lake in Bluebird K7, a hydroplane. Unfortunately, in 1967 Donald lost control of Bluebird, which somersaulted and crashed, sinking rapidly and killing him instantly.

Most of the countryside in and around the lake is so seductive that it seems contrary to spend time in a car. East of the lake the road becomes most attractive, dominated by desolation.

Due to my early start the surroundings were almost eerie, especially as I sat in silence on the shore watching the water enthusiastically lapping the banks. Bewildering, hypnotic,

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THE LAKES

tranquil -superlatives rarely do justice to the spectacular landscapes of the Lake District.

Craggy peaks, above verdant forests, alive with flowers.

Several miles along the eastern shore and I stumbled on a lovely property once owned by local lad John Ruskin. In the Lakes he is admired not only for his writing but for his paintings and drawings. This historical Lakeland estate comprises 250 acres, with remarkable gardens created by John Ruskin, his cousin Joan Severn and head gardener Sally Beamish. Beautiful in all seasons with spectacular views across Coniston water to the fells.

Ruskin’s former home has a wealth of things to see and do for the whole family.

Brantwood offers a fascinating insight into the world of John Ruskin and the last 28 years of his life spent in the Lakes. Filled with many fine paintings, beautiful furniture and Ruskin’s personal treasures, the house retains the character of its famous resident.

Further along the trail and you will encounter another famous author, Arthur Ransome.

The magic of Coniston enraptured Ransome from the cradle to the grave, so it is hardly surprising that the surroundings provided his muse for his fictional ‘great lake in the north’, where the Swallows and Amazons adventured, should be so deeply rooted in the area.

Star attraction is Peel Island and its secret harbour which he borrowed for Wild Cat Island. Ransome had spent many childhood holidays on Coniston Water, and explained later that the book had almost written itself out of his memories. “We adored the place,” wrote the author, who was born in Leeds. ‘“Going away from it, we were half drowned in tears.”

Thanks in part to Ransome’s stories, generations of visitors to Lakeland have shared this sentiment. Who wouldn’t be attracted to the childlike glee and exuberance of discovery and adventure?

Once again, I was mesmerised by the silence, it was simply hypnotic, provoking an innocent trance. Epicureans will be spoilt with the array of rocky escarpments shadowing off-the-beaten-paths, that will round out the sense of enchantment.

Coniston Boating Centre is great place to grab a coffee, the Bluebird Café provides sustenance with stunning views. Explore the lake by boat and feel the wind in your hair.

They have a selection of sailing vessels from motor boats (including an accessible motor boat), rowing boats, sit on top kayaks and open top Canadian canoes, paddle boards

18 BIKE MAGAZINE

THE LAKES

and sailing dinghies. If you prefer your feet firmly on dry land, they hire bikes too, whizz through the fantastic scenery by mountain bike as you explore a selection of different routes on offer.

From Spring 2019 Carlisle Lake District Airport will be open offering flights from Dublin, Belfast and London Southend.

If you’d like to explore further, you could head to the nearby Grizedale Forest where you will find miles of waymarked cycling and walking trails. You could also follow the Cumbria Way a couple of miles to the north east where you will find the beautiful Tarn Hows and the pretty Monk Coniston estate.

The average journey time from London and the south east is about five hours.

It takes about one and half hours from Manchester and two hours from York.

The Lakes have something to offer every cycle tourist. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely family holiday, an indulgent spa immersion or a dip into a cultural and historical hot bed, you’ll find it here. A self-propelled visit will free you from the pace of an over packed bus tour program.

For more information see Cumbria Tourism GETTING THERE?

BY CAR

The M6 runs to the east of the Lake District National Park: Take Junction 36 and then A590 for the southern end of the Lake District Take Junction 40 and the A66 or A592 for the northern end of the Lake District Even A roads can be quite twisting so allow extra time for your journey and for finding a space in Car parks in high season. Example journey times are: Kendal to Keswick: one hour Windermere to Keswick: 40 minutes

BY AIR

Kendal to Wasdale: one and a half hours

The nearest airports are Manchester to the south and Glasgow to the north. There is a railway station at Manchester airport with services that run to Oxenholme next to Kendal, Kendal, Staveley and Windermere.

Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass between Eskdale and the Langdales have gradients of 1 in 3 and Honister Pass between Borrowdale and Buttermere is 1 in 4, making them some of the steepest roads in England!

BY BIKE Several cycle routes link into the National Park from further afield including the famous C2C and the recently opened Lakes and Dales Loop.

There are also local routes heading into the National Park from surrounding towns such as Kendal and Penrith.

TRAINS The West Coast mainline runs to the east of the Lake District, connecting Oxenholme, Penrith and Carlisle with London and Glasgow. A direct train runs from Manchester to Windermere.

Local trains call at Kendal, Staveley and Windermere. There is also a scenic route following the Cumbrian coastline with stops at Grange-oversands, Ulverston and Foxfield which give access to the Lake District, and has stations at Silecroft and Bootle for climbing Black Combe and Ravenglass for walks into Eskdale and the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway.

BIKE MAGAZINE 19

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20 BIKE MAGAZINE

EYEWEAR

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BIKE MAGAZINE 21

EYEWEAR

Whether shading your eyes from the sun, protecting them from debris and wind, or enhancing your vision, sports eyewear is an absolute must for all serious cyclists. And if your eyesight isn’t perfect – which according to statistics*, is nearly 75% of us – things can get tricky.

Wearing sports eyewear with contact lenses can be a fiddly and unsatisfactory experience, while prescription sunglasses are often pricey and not always up for the job. But that’s where Optilabs can help. Based in South London, Optilabs specialise in prescription sports eyewear which is not only stylish, it is custom-made for you. With a range of cycling-specific glasses, prescription prices start from a very affordable £125.95. Best of all, all lenses are manufactured in-house, allowing Optilabs to offer a true bespoke service, with a fast turnaround and top quality control. Optilabs have a well won reputation for excellent customer care, so whether you order online from their website, give them a call or pop into their showroom, you can be assured of glasses getting personal attention from their experienced staff.

With over 50 years’ optical experience, Optilabs are the choice of cyclists who require prescription eyewear throughout the UK and abroad. Over the years, their glasses have certainly been put through their paces on some epic adventures – Devon to New Zealand by bike, Race Across America, Coast2Coast in a day and L’Etape du Tour 2019 to name just a few!

With a wide range of cycling frames and lenses, Optilabs have glasses to suit everyone. Light-reactive photochromic and high definition polarised lenses are the top choice for cyclists who opt for direct-glazed frames. As the prescription lenses are fixed directly into the frame, it is a style that offers a wide, uninterrupted, field of vision. Alternatively, you can pick one of the Optilabs sports packs, which offer a custom-made prescription insert with the option of interchangeable tinted shields. And if you are unsure which design is best for you, Optilabs’ have a ‘try before you buy’ service that allows you to trial up to three frames at home before making your choice.

22 BIKE MAGAZINE

EYEWEAR

MEET

OPTILABS’

SUPERB CYCLING-SPECIFIC EYEWEAR RANGE… Horizon frame with prescription insert and four interchangeable shields from £185.95

Spark frame with brown photochromic lenses from £185.95

Flow frame with standard tinted grey lenses from £125.95

1

The 'Horizon’ sports pack' comes with four interchangeable shields for different lighting conditions and an optical insert made to your exact prescription. Made from lightweight, shock-resistant plastic, the frame features FLEX technology so it can be adjusted to the shape of your face.

2

The ‘Spark’ features a wraparound design and direct-glazed lenses in a red frame with white side detailing. They are shown here with light-reactive photochromic lenses, which offers a flexible solution to changing light levels to allow them to be worn throughout the year.

Many more styles online - optilabs.com

3

With innovative ventilation to help stop the direct glazed lenses from fogging, anti-slip rubber arms, and a nose bridge with FLEX technology – that allows you to customise the frames to your face shape – ‘Flow’ frames are Optilabs’ best-selling design.

BIKE MAGAZINE 23

EYEWEAR

WHY CHOOSE A SPORTS EYEWEAR SPECIALIST? The difference between sports eyewear and everyday glasses is the high curvature of the frame and lenses. Whilst the wraparound design creates a streamlined profile and great protection against the wind, it can cause headaches for prescription wearers – quite literally in some cases! Without adjustment, a prescription changes as the lens curves, which can lead to distortion at the periphery of vision. However, with specialist lens manufacturing equipment that is customcalibrated to each frame design, Optilabs’ unique ‘Curve Technology’ allows micro adjustments to be made to the prescription. This is applied during lens manufacture, ensuring clear vision is retained across the entire field of view – even on wraparound styles!

As a prescription specialist, Optilabs also offer Distance, Bifocal, Varifocal lens options. Those with high index prescriptions needn’t feel left out either as Optilabs’ in-house laboratory makes it possible to cater for a wider range of prescriptions than most eyewear companies. This is particularly true of high street opticians who have been known to say a prescription is too strong or complex for sports glasses.

Thankfully, Optilabs can more often than not help in these cases by using a combination of their optical know-how and the specialised equipment at disposal. It can get very emotional when a cyclist finally gets the pair of glasses they’d long been denied. Optilabs deserve great credit for their can-do attitude, providing that experience and caring for each customer pays dividends.

Lastly, Optilabs also offer a handy reglaze service. So if your favourite cycling glasses have an out-of-date prescription, or you’ve got scratched of broken lenses, all is not lost!

WHAT ARE PHOTOCHROMIC LENSES? One of the best lens choice for cyclists, photochromic lenses adapt automatically depending on light conditions. They do this thanks to photo-reactive molecules that are embedded in each lens. Normally transparent, when exposed to ultraviolet rays, the lenses undergo a chemical process causing them to absorb a significant percent. So they’re absolutely ideal for cycling!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

WWW.OPTILABS.COM 020 8686 5708

*74% of people in the UK wear either corrective eyewear (or have had laser eye surgery). YouGov SixthSense Opticians Survey (22-24 June 2011).

24 BIKE MAGAZINE

THE BICYCLE DIARIES

TOURING

The Bicycle Diaries

BIKE MAGAZINE 25

THE BICYCLE DIARIES

One woman’s solo cycle from London to Tehran: Stage 2

If there’s one lesson I hope to take away with me after this trip, it’s this: there is never a good reason for taking a ukulele on a bicycle.

Remember it, write it down; it’s important. If I save just one person from suffering in the way I have suffered, this whole endeavour will have been worthwhile.

The problem is that bicycles were never designed to carry ukuleles.

They are designed to carry bags, panniers, parcels; sturdy, docile things that stay where you put them and lack an independent spirit. Ukuleles aren’t like that.

They are fickle and flighty, and have pretensions of freedom far beyond their station. ‘I could have been a star!’ you hear it cry behind you as you puff and splutter along a country lane. ‘Jammed with George Harrison! Plucked by Pearl Jam! But instead here I am, bound and gagged three inches from your rump, forced into a life of humiliating depravity.’

At which point it throws off its manacles and pitches itself boldly onto the road – where it lies, stunned and subdued, until it is whisked back up and lashed with punitive impropriety against my arse again.

Two or three times a day we go through this ritual, which I humour with good grace and patience. In the meantime, I focus on hauling myself inch by inch across France.

Over the course of a week, I progress leadenly through Gisors, Paris, Brie-Comte-Robert, Sens and Chablis, interspersed with endless sun-soaked fields of wheat, corn, barley and oats. Tiny villages appear and recede, each a charming rustic nutshell of cobbled streets, stone homesteads and ivy-clad barns. Flowers sprout everywhere, on walls and windows, balconies and balustrades, and I am saturated by smells: honeysuckle, cinnamon, lavender, rose.

Of course, I can’t enjoy any of this.

I am focused purely on survival.

Particularly troublesome are certain anatomical parts that I won’t ask you to dwell on too closely. My Brooks saddle, I have been reliably informed, will ‘soften up’ eventually, although at this stage I hardly see how that can be possible short of performing La fille mal gardée’s clog dance on it every morning.

According to my buttocks, which have become fairly expert on the matter, it is constructed from a form of steel-reinforced granite, almost certainly embraced by medieval disciplinarians for the punishment of unruly degenerates. The day it transforms into a sugary puff of clouds and fairy dust will certainly be a day of celebration, and no doubt go down as one of history’s great scientific miracles.

I am keen to share my suffering with people, but sadly France turns out to be almost entirely

Rebecca Lowe Rebecca Lowe, a human rights journalist, started a 10,000km, 20-country ‘bummel’ through Europe and the Middle East in July. Her aims are threefold: cultivate a pair of toned, shapely calves that will be the envy of all she meets; survive; and shed light on a region long misunderstood in the West. She hopes to reach her final destination, Tehran, by March.

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THE BICYCLE DIARIES

I make my first friends in Sens – a potentially pretty but lifeless town. R, a retired oil rig worker, speaks near-fluent English and beckons me over for a drink as soon as I arrive. It turns out he’s travelled extensively, across Africa, South America and the Middle East, and loves Iran the most ‘because of the people’.

As we talk, a young couple arrive with a baby. They are visiting from Saudi Arabia and apparently met R two years ago in this exact spot. The couple, dressed casually in shorts and t-shirts, are extremely friendly and I wonder if they have a subversive edge, keen to dish the dirt on their homeland. I ask them what their country is like; do they ever feel restricted in any way?

‘No no,’ they say, ordering a couple of whiskies. ‘Non-Muslims can drink, and we can drink in the home too.’

‘And driving? Is it frustrating not being allowed to, as a woman?’ empty. Even when I meet someone, communication isn’t easy. Almost nobody speaks English and I am forced to dredge up dusty relics of GCSE French, punctuated by increasingly desperate gesticulations.

It’s far from ideal, but people generally seem receptive to my vivid descriptions of their pets and aunts, and my unsolicited directions to la discothèque.

I also discover that almost nowhere has wifi.

Instead, I am directed time and time again to McDonald’s, usually tucked sheepishly a couple of miles out of town. Soon I started associating the golden arches with my portal to the outside world, my heart leaping as a small portion of my soul dies.

France’s reluctance to embrace progress seems almost a point of principle: we’ve nailed it, the country declares, surely others should adapt to us? And it has a point.

When it comes to the important things in life, the French are hard to beat. You eat well – cheese, charcuterie, bread, boeuf – or you don’t eat at all. American ideals of convenience and consumerism have no place here. Any why not? Nobody wants convenience until it’s given to them, and then they just want more.

My usual dinner while camping is bread and Camembert. Most nights I sleep in the wild, though it takes me a while to get the hang of it. I frequently leave my search for a site too late and find myself racing sundown like a doomed extra in Dracula, desperate to find a suitable spot before Christopher Lee appears in my headlights, baring his fangs and beckoning me into his clammy embrace.

‘I have no need,’ she says, her expression placid and unreadable. ‘I have a chauffeur.

Most people do.’

In Sens, I stay the night at the bungalow of B, a local nature morte painter. He lives with his dying dog, Rocky, who sleeps in his studio and emits an overpowering stench of urine, to which B is clearly now immune.

He shows me his painting scrapbook and brings out a bottle of 12-year-old Bowmore, exclaiming ‘Écosse!’ Un autre? he asks when I finish. I shake my head; I must go to bed. He pours me another.

I sleep like a stone, and the next morning B cooks me a breakfast of champions: omelette, pancakes, coffee, juice. It is just the first of many kindnesses I am to experience on the road and I feel deeply grateful.

After an enjoyable overnight stay in Chablis, where I revive my parched spirits with an emergency half-bottle of 2009 Domaine Vocoret et Fils Les Forets, Chablis Premier Cru, I plough on to Avallon: a lively, charming town with an economy curiously dependent on the manufacture of gingerbread. It’s also unrelentingly, unforgivably cobbly.

The longer I cycle, the more strained my relationship with cobbles becomes. They may look pleasant; they may repel mud and dust, and grip well on horses’ hooves – but so what? Hooves are few and far between these days, and aesthetics a long-proven obstacle to progress. In many ways, cobbles are a worrying anachronism; a throwback

BIKE MAGAZINE 27

Action London to Paris Tour de France Edition – 15 to 19 July 2020 Join Action Medical Research for one of the greatest cycling adventures in Europe.

Photo © Graham Watson

Register for just

£35 before the end of March with code BIKE

Pedal to Paris to save tiny lives action.org.uk/bikemag

Registered charity numbers 208701 and SC039284

Spend four days in the saddle riding from London to Paris, being joined on the final day by former Tour de France stage winner and Yellow Jersey holder, Sean Yates.

An experience you will never forget.

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THE BICYCLE DIARIES

charm. I’d be a massive hit, I know it.

It’s a reassuring thought, but I can’t distract myself for long. It’s now 36 degrees and the hills feel monstrous. I feel like Sisyphus heaving his rock up the mountain, ceaselessly, fruitlessly. Finally, at the 43mile mark, I collapse. There’s no way I’m dragging myself the final ten miles, I swiftly decide – so someone else is going to have to do it for me.

to a bygone era of discomfort, hardship and haemorrhoids.

Why a civilised, 21st century person should be exposed to such indignities in this day and age is beyond me. Because, to be absolutely clear, there is no respectable way to cycle along a cobbled road. Sit down and your rump is pulverised like a soft-boiled potato; stand up and you triumphantly impose said rump on the world. Go fast and you appear to be having some kind of seizure; go slow and there’s the concern people might think you’re enjoying it.

My suggestion is that we be done with them once and for all. And I say this not just for me, but for every poor, innocent bystander who has had the unfortunate experience of seeing me glide into their town with all the languid grace of an oversexed electron.

And grace is certainly not on the agenda on the road to Autun. Having had no rest days so far, I am spent almost before I start. My lower back burns, shooting pains spear my left leg and my Achilles tendon creaks ominously. More concerningly, I seem to be losing the use of my right hand completely. Simple tasks are now beyond me, like taking the top off the toothpaste or swearing at bad drivers. A series of increasingly alarmist internet articles tell me I have something called ‘handlebar palsy’, or ulnar nerve damage, and should stop cycling immediately. Perhaps I’ll end up losing my hand altogether, I ponder, and become one of those celebrity amputees who wins the love of the nation by raising money for disabled children while climbing Kilimanjaro. I imagine being interviewed by Jon Snow and the tone I’d assume: modest and stoical, with a hint of self-deprecating

I’m no stranger to hitchhiking, but I feel a little nervous about it. The last time I did it was in Mexico in 2004, when I’d been forced to accept a lift from a textbook psychopath after waking three hours late for my bus back to California with a splitting headache and a Chinese tattoo meaning ‘bottoms up’ mysteriously inscribed on my lower back. I hadn’t wanted to go with him, but no-one else would stop for me, strangely.

This time I do better. After 20 minutes of ruthless rejection, a pick-up truck finally pulls over, driven by two semi-naked Adonises and an older gentleman. Rushing eagerly to their window, I suddenly hear myself telling the barefaced, brazen lie that I’ve hurt my ankle and need to get to the next town for help. It’s a deeply shameful moment that I take no pleasure in recounting here, and that I have absolutely no doubt I would repeat again given the smallest opportunity.

When we arrive, the older man asks if I want a hospital. I assume he is making a joke about travelling in the bumpy truck and shake my head, guffawing loudly. It’s only as I bound away like a gambolling fawn that I remember I’m meant to have a twisted ankle, and break into a belated, deeply

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THE BICYCLE DIARIES

unconvincing Keyser Söze-esque limp.

The next day is my birthday and I wake to the sound of rain, which is a blessed relief after the searing heat of the past week. I take the day off as a treat and gorge myself shamelessly, senselessly, washing it all down with glasses of delicious, creamy Pinot Noir and Beaujolais.

The rain continues the following day, and my hand is still a dead weight. It’s starting to worry me. What if I have to end the trip prematurely? Perhaps a more subtle version of the film ‘127 Hours’ could be made about the first 12 days of my trip, I console myself, in which my hand gets increasingly achy until I have to seek medical attention. We could throw in the topless truck drivers and call it ‘One and a Half Weeks’ in the hope people might think it’s somehow related to the Kim Basinger classic.

Trying to put it out of my mind, I slowly slog my way towards Geneva via Chalonsur-Saone, Macon and Oyonnax: tough, buttock-pummelling rides. Finally, my labours bear fruit as uphill climbs morph into triumphant descents surrounded by emerald lakes and thick, tree-clad gorges.

Then, suddenly, I am in Switzerland. I am surprised by the lack of border, and discover afterwards it is one of four nonEU members of the Schengen Agreement to eliminate passport controls. It’s a good feeling, swooping seamlessly into another country without any kind of barrier. On a global scale, this is surely the ideal: a world without boundaries, where all can move freely.

I have mixed feelings about Switzerland, however. Is it a sinner or a saint? As

the global headquarters of diplomacy and human rights, it is home to the UN and provided the setting for the Geneva Conventions. On the other hand, it happily acts as a shadowy playground for rich financiers via banking secrecy laws that help perpetuate criminality and inequality across the world.

For me, the country is a little like a rich, philanthropic uncle whose polished exterior belies a myriad of unsavoury secrets — not to mention a deeply traditional set of social values. My friend K, who I am staying with, tells me there are worrying strains of sexism and racism among society. In 2009, a ban on new mosque minarets was approved in a national referendum following an aggressive campaign by a group of mainstream politicians, who released posters of niqab-clad women standing beside minarets resembling missiles.

It is a sad counterpoint to the Schengen ideals. Country borders may dissolve, but new, stronger ones emerge – between people, communities, cultures. To belong means to exclude, and the instinct to belong runs deep and has run since the beginning of time.

I dwell only momentarily on the primeval tribal urges of the human condition, however. Overjoyed to have briefly escaped my canvas coffin, I slip contentedly into a refreshing, deep, dreamless sleep. Next stop, I think excitedly as my eyelids droop: Italy!

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PELOTON TO PARIS

JOIN THE PELOTON TO PARIS

TO FIGHT FOR LITTLE LIVES Are you looking for a challenge this year? Or perhaps some short break inspiration? Whether you are a cycling beginner or aficionado, we have a timeless classic to suit you. Action Medical Research’s London to Paris bike ride (15-19 July 2020) is one of Europe’s greatest cycling challenges which sees cyclists ride from one great capital to another in four days, pedalling 307 miles in total.

"It was an amazing experience, one I will never forget. It was a tough challenge but I had some really nice people around me. The help and support was second to none. I feel really privileged to have been able to achieve this ride."

Neil, London to Paris 2019

We are delighted to be joined this year by a very special guest rider, Olympian, former Tour de France stage winner, Yellow jersey holder and World Tour Director Sportive, Sean Yates. You will be able to ride side by side, on the streets he once rode as a professional road cyclist, in a career spanning 15 years. An experience you’ll never forget!

Setting off from Clapham Common in south London on Wednesday 15th July, the route will take you through the glorious English countryside of Surrey and Sussex, up and over the beautiful South Downs before descending into the harbour town of Newhaven, where the four-hour ferry crossing to Dieppe awaits. Upon arriving at the hotel near the port, you will have time to unwind with your fellow cyclists, perhaps reliving the day’s ride, catching up on the latest news in the final stages of le Tour, or simply getting an early night, ready for the next day.

Departing from Dieppe the next morning, you will ride along the scenic French coast, before heading inland and south through the beautiful Saâne valley, a lovely area which cuts through low-lying hills. You will then soon catch your first glimpse of the River Seine, southwest of the town of Yerville. The ride continues through the Brotonne Forest, a picturesque area of oak and beech trees surrounded by a wide loop of the Seine. The finishing point for day two is Lisieux, a town with some magnificent chateaus and charming churches.

Leaving Liseux behind on day three, the ride winds through the Normandy countryside, renowned for its production of cheeses, cider and calvados. The route is steeped in history with beautiful, varying landscape providing ample opportunity to stop for photos, pop in to refuel at bijou cafes or to simply spend time getting to

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PELOTON TO PARIS

know your fellow riders. After lunch, riders pass through green forests which provide a real contrast to the first part of the day, before arriving in Vernon, a historic town on the Seine. You will then be be treated to a truly unique experience as you dine with a legend of British cycling, Sean Yates. Known as The Animal, for his relentless attitude in the saddle, Sean will share tales of his days as a professional rider on le Tour over dinner.

For the final day of cycling, you will rise early and set off alongside Sean for the last leg in to Paris, marking a change of scenery, from rural to urban, as the sights of the French capital loom large on the horizon. The distinctive landmarks of the Tour Eiffel and Sacré Coeur on the skyline will evoke an enormous sense of achievement.

The excitement begins to build as the peloton come together as one to ride round the Arc de Triomphe, then down the 71-metre wide Champs-Élysées to your glorious finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower. The atmosphere will be electric as crowds of tourists and well-wishers cheer you on.

Plus it’s not every day you get to ride through Paris with a former Yellow jersey holder, so savour the moment and grab a selfie with Sean!

A free day in Paris is the cherry on the cake with time to explore the famous sights and soak up the atmosphere of the final stage of the 107th edition of the Tour de France.

Action’s London to Paris bike ride is a tough but achievable challenge, perfect for experienced cyclists looking to tick it off their bucketlist, as well as those new to cycling.

Our experienced crew will take care of everything from food and drink, to route marking, luggage transfer and puncture repair (if needed!) so you can get on with enjoying the ride. Action was one of the first charities to launch this fundraiser back in 2000. Since that time, around 5,175 riders have helped the charity raise more than £8.4 million for vital medical research.

Action Medical Research has been funding medical breakthroughs since we began in 1952, including

helping to introduce the first polio vaccines in the UK, developing the use of ultrasound in pregnancy and testing the rubella vaccine.

We are currently funding research into a wide variety of conditions that affect babies and children including prematurity, epilepsy, meningitis, cerebral palsy, brain cancer as well as some rare and distressing diseases.

So what are you waiting for? Your tremendous effort in the saddle will fund potentially life-saving research to tackle some of the toughest fights our children face.

Join the peloton to Paris today and help our fight for little lives!

Register before the end of March for just £35 (usual price £79), plus fundraising, with code BIKE. See action.org.uk/bikemag, or search “Action London to Paris”, for more details.

Credit: ©Graham Watson

Sean Yates returns to Paris!

As a former professional road cyclist, Sean Yates, has seen and done it all in the world of cycling. He knows the rural roads of France and the cobbled streets of Paris well, having ridden them many times before in the Tour de France. “I can’t wait.” says Sean. “It’s always a fantastic experience when you start getting into Paris and seeing some of its world famous landmarks. I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing a few stories about my Tour de France experiences!”

Register to ride now and you could be there pedalling alongside Sean as he recreates the iconic final ride along the Champs-Élysées!

32 BIKE MAGAZINE

BIKE MAGAZINE 33

TOUR

SELLARONDA Difficulty: MEDIUM Distance: 51 KM Climb: 1.591 M ALT.

TOUR

TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO Difficulty: DIFFICULT Distance: 109 KM Climb: 2.915 M ALT.

GRAN PARADISO

YOUR BIKE HOTEL IN THE DOLOMITES All through the year Alta Badia is home to a great many happenings and events linked to the world of cycling and, with us, now you too can play your part.

STR. PRE DE VÌ, 11 - 39036 SAN CASSIANO - ALTA BADIA - DOLOMITI - ITALY +39 0471 849424 - INFO@GRAN-PARADISO.IT - WWW.GRAN-PARADISO.IT

34 BIKE MAGAZINE

LAKE COMO

Could this be your dream cycling holiday?

DESTINATION

LAKE COMO

BIKE MAGAZINE 35

LAKE COMO

With the long winter slowly falling away, it’s only natural that your thoughts are turning towards the summer and how soon you can get away. The fantasy of sitting in the Mediterranean sun, experiencing the beauty of nature and after a long day of soaking up the scenery, resting in a comfortable home from home, is drawing closer.

What’s more exciting is the idea of something like a cycling holiday for a chance to cover a path well beaten whilst having complete travel freedom.

Well, when globe-trotting with Ilperlo, the adventure is no longer just a daydream! Whether traveling with your own familiar equipment or wanting to hire out some of our reliable and trustworthy gear, we have a package for anyone who wants able to spend their time cycling across the breathtaking Lake Como, ride the roads of Il Lombardia or travel with champions like Alberto Elli as your main guide. Your dream cycling holiday is just a click away (?).

As part of an original fantasy cycling holiday with Ilperlo, cyclists can travel across the southern Brianza hills and along the shores and mountains of Lake Como, where you will have the opportunity to experience one of Italy’s finest cycling regions. Cyclists will have the chance to witness unforgettable gorges, discover ancient paths and embrace the natural world.

The equipment Whether traveling with your own equipment or wanting to rent, we understand everybody’s needs and so we can also supply you with bike rentals if you need it. Be like a local and test the Italian style PINARELLO bikes with Comolagobike, the only full-service bike rental and guiding service in the area. We take away the worry of hiring equipment and from the blue waters of Lake Como to the green meadows of the valleys, we make travel even easier.

For those up for a challenge, more experienced cyclists can attempt the Ghisallo and Muro di Sormano (wall of Sormano), a road famed for having a gradient of up to 25%.

But at the end of the day, whether

expert or novice, holidaymakers can sleep in a First Bike Hotel on Lake Como. This is a great chance to combine a cycling getaway with romance for that perfect memorable holiday. – can put more on ramance if wanted.

Your cycling companions Our knowledgable and welcoming staff are just as passionate about biking as we are. They can provide you with more than just the best routes, they know the ins and outs of the area like the back of their hand and they can’t wait to pass their knowledge on to you. On your adventure, you can get to know our staff who also offer weekly guided tours.

Not only do the guides have the knowledge, but they have the personality too. They are intuitive companions who are happy, friendly and always up for a laugh. Our guides don’t shy away from adventure and are often known to make spontaneous detours to show you something special, making your trip just that bit more unique. As an added bonus, they act as your personal paparazzi and at the end of the tour they will feel just like family. All the guides are certified with AmiBike.

Experience a once in a lifetime trip along Italy’s beautiful Lake Como on two wheels this summer.

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LAKE COMO

As part of our services, we supply suitable biking holiday equipment and accommodation for anyone wanting to visit the area of Lake Como on their dream holiday. We understand that everyone has different needs and so we have a package suited to everyone.

Full Gas For the ultimate cycling holiday on Lake Como, if you want, we can take care of all your needs, giving you more time to do what you wish. Our PRO package is for those wanting an all-inclusive trip and from sports massages to guided tours, has everything you want to make your stay just that bit easier. Our professionals will take care of all the planning and bicycle care, meaning all you have to do is ride and relax as part of your dream cycling holiday at Lake Como. Come evening, you will be able to stay at Hotel Il Perlo Panorama, the region only Italy Bike Hotel which is located along the famous Madonna del Ghisallo climb. The hotel’s terrace overlooks lakes and mountains, which you can observe every morning, giving you a taster of the luscious greenery you will experience in the day ahead. This is possibly the best fuel you can have to get you started in the day and you will be taking part this rare beauty in the best way possible: on two wheels!

Rates for this experience start at €582 per person for double occupancy, making this package perfect for a romantic getaway or simply as a memorable trip with friends.

Amateur For those that want to enjoy the professional services available on our daily

tours, but want to bring your own bike, we have the perfect service for you in the form of our Amateur package. With this deal, our experts can help you to explore mountains and experience the beautiful Italian countryside at Lake Como whilst still being able to bring your own, trusted bike. As part of your dream cycling holiday, you will be able to stay at the region’s only Italy Bike Hotel located along the legendary Madonna del Ghisallo climb! Enjoy the view from the hotel’s terrace overlooking lakes and mountains each morning and use it as fuel for your ride ahead.

Rates for this package are from €325 per person in a double occupancy room, giving you and somebody close to you the opportunity to enjoy this amazing trip together.

Do It Yourself If you have your own bike and are simply wanting a self-sufficient adventure where you can explore the amazing Lake Como in your own time, then the Do-ItYourself package is for you. Make your dream cycling holiday your very own experience. At the end of the day, you can stay in the only hotel located along the legendary Madonna del Ghisallo, a place that is a member of the Italy Bike Hotels Consortium. Each morning, you can enjoy the breath-taking view from the hotel terrace, giving you just a taster of what the day head will hold for you on the spectacular journey you will embark on in the best way possible: on two wheels!

This package can be enjoyed from €253 per person in a double occupancy room, allowing for both solo and couple travel.

BIKE MAGAZINE 37

HOTEL

Il Perlo Panorama We promise dream cycling holidays Ride on the roads that have written the history of Italian cycling

 www.ilperlo.com/bike/en

 bike@ilperlo.com  +39 031950229

Via Valassina 180 Bellagio (Co) – Italia

FREE

When

7pm on May 20, 2020 Where

Worldwide Speed limit: no faster than 12 MPH (20 KPH) We are riding in silence! Check our web site for a location near you and more, and the chance to start a ride near you.

www.RideOfSilence.org

38 BIKE MAGAZINE

HELSINKI TO SINGAPORE

Travel

HELSINKI TO SINGAPORE:

BIKE MAGAZINE 39

HELSINKI TO SINGAPORE

My wife and I are cycling from Helsinki to Singapore for charity and, honestly, since we started this amazing adventure we haven’t once wondered why or have had any regrets but every time someone asked the “why” the first answer has always been “why not?!”.

We get different reactions to our project, mostly depending on age and gender, but the most common is by far “you’re crazy!”. Of course we mostly disagree with this statement!

Just to set the record straight, once upon a time we were “normal” travellers. We booked tickets online, hired cars and even did some sightseeing. I have always felt close to nature and cycling so mountain biking was a obvious choice as a sport and I loved it. Slowly my wife got interested and that’s how we started going on small bike trip at weekends when the weather was nice. Sunday rides turned into small bike packing trips. They became week long holidays. The rest of the year we would work to save to do those things.

Then one day we saw that documentary and something clicked.

On our way back home (cycling of course) we talked about it; how romantic it sounds to go across a continent on two wheels, and those conversations never stopped. So our dreamy chats became plans. In order to save up for such a long endeavour we stopped buying stuff, we moved into a cheaper flat and the next thing you know you’re assembling your bikes in the middle of Helsinki airport with a massive migraine caused by the stress of the previous 48 hours, trying to remember how to put the front carrier back on.

In reality it was much longer and much more complicated than that

but as always, the bad memories get thrown overboard and now it all seems like a million miles away and not so important.

A question that we have often asked ourselves is “why not earlier?” and the answer is always simple; we just weren’t ready.

This bring us to the first real realization about everything in life; things always work out better when they are following some kind of natural order. We are always amazed to meet incredibly young cyclists as we cannot imagine ourselves having done this years ago. We firmly believe that if you follow your instincts you can never go wrong.

Let’s go back to the beginning though; not a single regret about having left behind almost everything (we do have a fair amount in our panniers), having sold most of our valuable belongings (every penny saved is a penny spent somewhere wow and why would anyone have two toasters anyway?) and only seeing family and friends when the WiFi is decent. We have since learned that it’s impossible to see everything and go everywhere, so no point in double guessing our way, similarly to the word “plan” which has become a synonym of “intention” rather than “arrangement”.

One of the best feeling you can have while touring is the realisation that you don’t have to, in fact, do

Aurelie and Marco Instagram: @421adventure Web: 421adventure.wordpress.com

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HELSINKI TO SINGAPORE

anything; the world still goes round and all you can do is pedal… or not; doesn’t make a difference to it either way. To have and take the time to see, observe, learn, teach a little too and let your body and soul take you to the next place is simply mind-blowing and we think that this is probably why more and more people are falling for it.

Lately the world feels faster and less personal and bikes of all sorts slow it down and bring it back closer to you.

So close that you see it, feel it and sense it every minute of every day.

When you travel by car, for example, it’s easy to forget about the importance of the tarmac and it never seems that dangerous. On your bike, when you look down, you are constantly reminded of its presence, importance (oh when you hit that gravel or muddy path…) and also of its lethality by being only a few centimetres away at all times.

As cyclists, we strive for that feeling of self-worth which can only be obtained with sweat and pain. Continuously we challenge ourselves subconsciously and only become aware of this once the summit is reached or the border crossed. The feeling of pedalling into triple digits kilometres and then into four digits is undescribable. Shall I try to put into words crossing the 10.000 kilometres “line”?

As for the tourism side of it, well, when you travel this way you often feel privileged by getting to see lots of “behind the scenes” places and stumbling upon local spots that you would otherwise miss or oversee. My wife and I have the habit of overusing the expression “better than a 5 stars hotel” any time we found a tremendous spot for our tent (especially if it’s near a picnic table or better still, toilets!) or are being hosted by a fabulous stranger in an unselfish act of humanitarianism.

Speaking to non-cyclists we often receive tips about such and such spot and, whenever possible, we try to follow them. However, over time, we have learned that these recommendations are seldom what we are really looking for and have since become aware of what they might lead to; mass tourism and huge disappointments. Similarly to seeking owe in personal achievements, we often feel privileged by seeing beauty on the roadside or finding a particular stretch of road beautiful.

Hence the need to have the camera inside the handlebar bag; the view will never be the same again and it’s important to take the picture just after that road sign and not a second before.

Another advantage of cycling; it’s so easy to stop just for a sec!

But by far the best aspect of dropping

it all and just travel is having the time.

The second great realization is that, in fact, that’s all we have in life, time, and when you don’t have to be back anywhere in a week or a fortnight and you know that you have no alarms and no hurry then even people watching becomes the greatest thing ever!

As we move through villages and towns we are seen and observed and we are aware of that. Perhaps this is why we subconsciously try to show the better side of ourselves. We are two-wheeled ambassadors of our countries and each and every time someone asks us where we are from we answer with pride and a smile as wide as the road itself.

For ages now bicycles have amazed people all over the world. It’s not the easiest way to travel but millions swear by it and it’s undeniably a fantastic way to see our planet and its inhabitants without filters; cyclists feel, see and smell first hand their surroundings and wish for nothing more than a good wind and another day to wake up and do it all again.

So let me ask you again, why not?

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42 BIKE MAGAZINE

CYCLING MIRROR

THE MIRROR

THAT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE Jamais Contente (Never Happy): the name of the car that, way back in 1899, was the first to go at 100 km/h. This name could also describe Carlo Dondo (1942): he is never entirely satisfied with his creations; his first thoughts are how he can improve them and simultaneously invent something new and useful

Being an inventor is not a job, but a state of mind. It’s a kind of virus that gets into your bloodstream as a child, one that Carlo soon learned to recognise and take advantage of amid the one thousand and one necessities and surprises of everyday life. Finding in Switzerland a more receptive and productive base than in Italy, he left when he was just sixteen years old.

The idea of the drop bar mirrors came from a traumatic experience of Carlo Dondo, after two serious accidents on his custom made racing bike. Two accidents that could have been avoided if only he hadn’t had to turn around to check the traffic behind him. His innate passion for cycling urged him to find a solution suitable for all road bike enthusiasts.

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The license plate device Carlo invented in 1984, for which he won his first Silver and Gold medals in Geneva and Brussels, was already a consolidated business at the end of the last Millennium. So much so that a few years’ much so that a few years after selling his business to a third party he started to focus on and improve every aspect of the product range that embodies his entrepreneurial philosophy: the Sprintech® Racing drop bar mirror for racing bicycles and the Sprintech® City for MTB were born. Just as had happened for the license

plate device,

n his first Silver and Gold medals in Geneva and ast millennium, so much so that a few years

when the drop bar mirrors were presented at the Innovation Exhibition in Martigny in Switzerland in 1996 they won the second prize for Innovation and in 2012 the Gold Medal at the International Invention Exhibitions in Brussels and Geneva.

Today, the Sprintech® mirrors have earned the reputation among cyclists as the best in the industry. When other brands rattle and spin out of position, Sprintech® mirrors hold true. Riders value the superior quality of these products thanks to their sleek design and ease of fitting.

They are unobtrusive, adjustable and secure positioning when riding over cobbles or bumps.

Once used, you will wonder how you navigated the roads without them!

SEEING WELL is only the first half of safety. The second is BEING SEEN. Carlo understood this early on and, between one ride and another, he began to reflect on this. Something that would ALWAYS be visible while riding, especially for the biggest threat to cyclists: the car behind them.

As a result, SPRINTECH® VISION 360° was created, uniting reflective power and movement.

Tests carried out the perception distance at a speed of 50 km/h at dusk/darkness goes from 25 METRES without Vision 360°, to a staggering 150 METRES with two Vision reflectors affixed to the back wheel’s spokes; making cyclists visible 9 seconds earlier. This is more than enough time for car drivers to adjust their speed and avoid any danger to the cyclist. Recognition for the innovation and its usefulness again came from the panel at the Brussels International Exhibition in 2012 where SPRINTECH® VISION 360° won the Gold medal.

The SPRINTECH® products are made in Switzerland. More information can be found on www.sprintech.eu

BIKE BIKE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 43 21

BICYCLE SAFETY ACCESSORIES

WWW.SJSCYCLES.COM When it comes to safety and dependability, there is one choice that has proven to stand out above the rest, SPRINTECH, made in Switzerland. Easy to install and instinctive to use. Unobtrusive, adjustable and light, only 28grams including the mounting plug.

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Sprintech® Racing and Sprintech® City mirrors have AWARD W earned the reputation among cyclists as the best in the industry. When other brands rattle and spin out SPRINTECH® R ® bar mirror for r of position, Sprintech mirrors holdRACING true.

SPRINTECH® drop bar mirror

AWARD WINNING

When it comes to safety and dependability, there is one choice that has proven to stand out above the rest, SPRINTECH, made in Switzerland. Easy to install and instinctive to use. Unobtrusive, adjustable and light, only 28grams including the mounting plug.

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and SPRINTEC city bikes and invented and p the Innovation invented andfrom presented at the Innovation The idea of the drop bar mirrors came two in Martigny, S traumatic experiencesExhibition of Carlo Dondo.

Two in 1996 where in Martigny, Switzerland serious accidents on his tailor made racing bike. the prize for I in have 1996 where they won the prize for and in 2012 at t Two accidents that could been avoided if only he hadn’t had to Innovation turn his head to check and in 2012 at the BrusselsInternational E the traffic behind him. His innate passion for Belgium wher International Exhibition in Belgium where the gold m bicycles urges him to find a solution suitable for all racing bicycle enthusiasts him.the gold medal. they like won

for racing bikes and SPRINTECH®

SPRINTECH® RACING and SPRINTECH® CITY are made in Europe.

CITYoffor city bikes and74MTB were They are all original creations Carlo Dondo, cyclist, years old.

WWW.SPRINTECH.EU

INFO@SPRINTECH.EU

44 BIKE MAGAZINE

NUTRITION TIPS

NUTRITION TIPS

For the healthy cyclist If you’re involved in exercise, you’re probably interested in the lifestyle, wellbeing and weight too–but it’s time to get back to the basics when you want nutritional knowledge that’s fresh, chewy and real headache.

Make these things right and the rest is only the cake icing.

We have the answers, ranging from the importance of carbohydrate and protein to when we eat and drink before, during and after a ride.

BIKE MAGAZINE 45

NUTRITION TIPS

PREPARE WELL It can be quite daunting to get what to eat before cycling and I hope most of the riders will have had the chance to bike starving and have a body weight uphill! None of these encounters was particularly enjoyable. Schedule your pre-ride meal at least 90 minutes before you take the road to prevent these scenarios.

You can easily make sure you’re fed before you leave when you eat small, regular food over the day, reducing the size of your three meals to a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. Choose instead a low-fat carbohydrate meal or snack with a small amount of lean protein as it is digested much faster than fatty meals or protein-dominant foods.

CONSUME THE NECESSARY CALORIES If you just did the running, the first thing to celebrate is that it will raise your calorie needs. However, before you rent the refrigerator to treat yourself to your favourite treatment, be aware that many cyclists are rewarded beyond the calories burnt during a ride, so even if you have something else to eat, try not to give up healthy choices or to add to your portions.

One good way to measure the extra calorie needs is to subtract 40-50 calories in miles. Therefore you can calculate an extra calorie need, if you are a slower or lighter rider and heading up if you are faster or heaped, between 1,200 to 1, 500 calories that err to the bottom of this trail.

Obviously, a cycling computer estimating the calories burnt on the ride terrain gives you a more accurate indication of your extra need and any calories that you consume during the ride should be taken away (and any additional calories ingested immediately before or after the ride).

When you go, your appetite will rise above the amount used when your body frees hungry hormones in its attempt to preserve body fat stores, although not in the immediate aftermath of your travelling.

If you’re aiming for small weight reduction, try to keep a calorie surplus substituted, producing a deficit that encourages more fat loss, but restrict it to a maximum of 250 calories per day for a deficit if you want to continue riding fast. It is also wise to avoid calories being cut when you are in or close to stressful, long or intensive workouts.

THE CARBS The main source of energy for exercise is glucose in the body.

Once retained in the muscle, excesses of the overall consumption over the calorie requirements of the body are stored as fat.

Your weekly carbohydrate needs depend on the number of miles you drive and on other demands of your life. For each kilo that you weight per day, sports scientists will recommend a 5-9 g intake of Carbohydrate. The problem is that many of us do not want to take time to count grammes of carbohydrate, so a practical advice is much more useful.

Because large portions of carbohydrate lead to an image and a decrease in energy that can make you feel very lethargic, it is an excellent practical method for you to eat carbo-hydration sufficient to support your workout, while avoiding the effect that large portions of it have the effect of eating a fist large portion of low-glycemic carbon (slow-burn) with each food or snack.

This could include cereals like oats in the morning and mid-afternoon, a little nuts, a whole-grain snack at lunch and, with the dinner in the night, maybe whole-grain rice or quinoa.

Those little portions will therefore provide sufficient energy without leading to a decrease in energy.

Another advantage is that you have digested your smaller portion and are ready to ride the bike 90-2 hours after your meal.

It should be remembered that not all carbohydrates have similar consequences and will affect energy levels and wellbeing differently.

While many enjoy the green light of sucrose carbohydrates that cycling seems to encourage without appearing on their waistline, so

46 BIKE MAGAZINE

NUTRITION TIPS

many sucrose carbohydrates will negatively influence recuperation, energy levels and safety in a daily routine diet. Instead, you should always choose grains and fruits and vegetables full of nutrients instead of refined sugar.

ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH FOOD Protein is often considered to be muscle food and is not relevant to cyclists, but getting adequate protein into your diet will support your health, immune function and recovery. Responsible for tissue maintenance in the body and playing a vital role in the immune function, it follows that if you accelerate muscle damage through training while not meeting your needs, your recovery will be suboptimal.

By research that has been done recently, protein fills even more than the same calorie measure of carbohydrates or fat, increasing your intake can help to control your appetite.

Boobs and pulses can meet your requirements in combination with lean meats, fish and low-fat dairy foods. It is advised to reduce the consumption of meat with a higher incidence of red or processed meats.

Just like starch, it is best to plunge a large hard-to-digest protein portion into one meal that produces better energy levels for each meal or snack.

THE FATS The fat type you select is essential for health, weight maintenance and performance. Good’ fats and’ bad’ fats are gathered together. The good fats include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (Omega 3 and Omega 6). Omega-3 and 6 fats are important to maintain health and can be found in nuts, grains, fish and oils such as flaxseed, borage and starflower oil while saturated fats found in meat and processed foods are limited.

Additional benefit from these fats is to reduce inflammation in the body and to provide a stimulating advantage to the metabolism as well as to help people with asthma and allergies. Also known for lowering bad cholesterol (LDL), good fats are an important part of the diet to help

prevent heart disease. Good fat is a great strategy to promote wellbeing without the possibility of having too many heat-fat in the diet for about 20g per day.

CONSUME THE RIGHT VITAMINS The fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamin types exist. The body conserves fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K. Nevertheless, the water-soluble are not contained in the body and are therefore required everyday in the diet. The daily, but only very small quantities, minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc are required.

These vitamins and minerals are available in several foods. The 5 pieced fruit and vegetables prescription by the NHS per day is intended to lead to the daily use and adequate consumption of these vitamins and minerals. It is advised that you choose a rainbow of colours to obtain darker coloured fruits and vegetables.

A good multivitamin is a wise investment, but avoids a mega dose of the nutrients unless used for short-term therapy (for example for use with vitamin C and zinc during a chilly period to reduce symptoms ‘ severity and duration) in order to prevent shortcomings. to ensure a continuous exercise.

ARE YOU HYDRATED? Drinking plenty fluid not only lets you get better cycling, but also increases energy levels during your everyday life. If you have experienced the foggy head after a long time, generally it’s a sign to have a beer. To order to match the injuries, cyclists can drink extra fuel, while drinking 1,50-2 litres of water every day.

You can easily weigh yourself before and after the trip. If you need an extra litre of water for any kilo you’ve lost, then you just need an additional 500ml of fluid on the food if you’ve had a 60-minute drive to leave you 0.5 kg lighter.

These numbers should be taken into consideration, with only 2% dehydration resulting in a significant decrease in efficiency.

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NUTRITION TIPS

FUEL YOUR RIDE PROPERLY Quick drives in less than 90 minutes do not necessarily require additional fuel supportive when you eat properly all day. During this period, your carbohydrate stores will supply lots of fuel.

Nonetheless, topping your carbohydrate reserves will help you improve your efficiency if it goes on for a longer or more difficult ride, so you can stay strong at the end of your trip.

CAN I TAKE CAFFEINE Some people prevent caffeine, such as pesticides, and others embrace it for its effective effects. If you are a fan, most sports physiologists will be there with studies showing that 1-3 mg caffeine per kilo of body weight will lead to increased performance, increased output and an improved mind focus.

Ironically, the effects of caffeine seem to be rejected by the weather, with no results from research in hotter climate.

Studies show that a fuelling plan with carbohydrates ranging from 30 g to 60g / hour is optimum, so that experiments in this range are a good starting point. A carbon drink, a mixture of water and gels or bars, or a combination of all three are available. Just check the contents of carbohydrates instead of assuming that carbohydrate is the total declared weight.

Try it in training first if you think about giving a caffeinated drink or gel in an event. It isn’t for all, however. Caffeine is not recommended if you suffer from high blood pressure or heart disease, and if you are on any medicines, it’s best to have a look before trying.

The number of people able to take carbohydrate is highly individual.

Some can absorb 30 g an hour, while others can take 60 g without gastrointestinal discomfort. Start at 30 g and step up on subsequent drives to figure out how much resistance you can. This will improve the performance if you can handle 60 g, so it should be tried to make the body used to it.

The 20 minutes after a trip are known as the best refuelling time when carbohydrates are properly consumed and delivered to the muscle shops. Using a meal or a drink high in carbohydrates in this period will increase the depletion rate of your energy stores, which will directly affect the energy supply for the next trip.

Consider how hard the workout is and how long you travel can decide what you can ingest for. Solid foods like bars are usually better tolerated at the start of a ride, for example and are ideal for the first half of a sporty day, but taking a bar for a high intensity race like a time test would make you have difficulty digesting it.

As the time or pressure decreases, turn from bars to gels to make additional carbohydrates.

Make sure to take water with it when you are taking carbohydrate in a gel form unless you use an isotonic gel, with the best fuel supply obtained by taking the carbohydrate into a 6-8% solution. This requires that 125-150ml of water is consumed, each 10 g of carbohydrate provided by a gel (which contains some fluid, thus reducing your additional requirement).

RECOVERY FOOD

Studies showing the ideal for refuelling a 1 g carbohydrate intake per kilo, a 70 g carbohydrate feed for a bike rider of 70 kg. Combining this with 10 g of protein decreases the chances of injury, encourages muscle regeneration and eliminates muscle pain, as well as improving carbohydrate muscle refuelling.

A yoghurt shake, a smoothie filled with whey or soya protein, a potato jacket and beans, as well as a specialist recuperation recipe, all create good and receptive choices.

With certain special formulations, two proteins that can provide extra immune protection during strenuous training sessions or races may gain for ingredient such as glycol and colostrum.

48 BIKE MAGAZINE

GOING GREEN

GREEN GROWTH

We have to go green, fast

BIKE MAGAZINE 49

GOING GREEN

Will more bicycles really help green growth?

The difficulty of making money out of cycling could hamper its rise

Like many other people, I began commuting by bike in the past few months, too soon to even to show up in official stats.

I bought an excellent new bike, two locks and a helmet for about £260 total. That’s about 1 per cent of the average price of a new car in the UK, and I will never need petrol.

Bicycle repairs rarely cost much, and if my bike isn’t stolen, nobody will earn another cent out of my urban transport for another decade or so.

That’s wonderful — but the difficulty of making money out of cycling could hamper its growth.

Bikes are green, clean, healthy and take up less space than cars, but without a big industry behind them, they may be too cheap to thrive.

And if cycling does manage to grow, it will (certainly initially) decimate jobs and reduce gross domestic product. In short, the story of the bicycle is the myth of “green growth” in one device.

Europe’s dense cities were built for horses, so they proved perfectly adapted for bikes. In 1949 cycling accounted for more than 14 billion vehicle miles travelled in the UK. However, for the next 25 years, as driving spread widely, that figure shrank by about 20 percent.

Now, the car era is decreasing in towns and cities across the continent. New eBikes — which can

go up to 16mph — will make cycling practical for most people living in suburban communities.

Cycling Industries Europe says that Historically, we talked about cycling as a 5km solution. Now we’re talking about it as a 15km solution. That is transformational.

For all the hype around electric cars, so far the more significant innovation is the eBike. About 3.3 million pedal-assisted eBikes were sold on the continent last year, or nearly six times the number of plug-in electric car sales, estimates the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (Conebi). And eBikes managed this without company-car subsidies and other tax breaks that prop up carmakers.

In many cities, bikes are now popping up everywhere the way cars did a century ago, albeit from a similarly tiny base. Walk (or cycle) around London, Paris or Barcelona and you will see bike lanes in places where you would never imagined them before.

Next month, there will be more.

Lisbon just announced it is banning most cars from the city centre.

In Seville, cycling has increased elevenfold in recent years, says Conebi. Biking keeps getting safer: Oslo (which aims to be carbon neutral by 2030) and Helsinki each recorded zero cyclist deaths last year.

Remco Nijdam

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GOING GREEN

Europe’s mighty car lobby is not trying to undermine urban cycling, say Mayne and Marsilio. It is too busy fighting bigger battles, notably surrounding the European Commission’s demand for more electric vehicles. The fiercest opponents of bikes in cities are motorists and small-business owners battling for their parking spaces.

consequence, cities aren’t now building scooter lanes, leaving scooters to annoy pedestrians on pavements.

But the car lobby will always out punch the bike lobby, mostly because cars cost more. Germany’s cycling industry in 2018 had revenues of a bit more than £5bn; the country’s car industry was 70 times bigger. (The figures for both sectors include makers of components.)

Even a decent eBike costs only about £1,200, just 5 per cent of the price of a car.

Conversely, the absence of serious Dutch and Danish car industries freed Amsterdam and Copenhagen to adopt mass cycling early, says Douglas.

“The problem with a bike is that it’s just too good,” says Ross Douglas, founder of the Parisian urban mobility summit Autonomy. “The technology does not change much, and they last for ever. The car industry is good at creating jobs, as they use about two tonnes of mass and a motor of up to 350hp to move an 80kg occupant.”

Ominously for cycling and other green modes of transport, activities that can be monetised tend to get encouraged. There’s a cigarette industry and a gambling industry, but there isn’t a walking industry.

There is also scarcely an eScooter industry. Partly as a

Carmakers employ millions of mostly blue-collar men, so governments care about them. In the UK, the fate of Nissan’s plant in Sunderland has become a central plot line of Brexit.

The other danger of the rise of cycling: it may exacerbate the urban-rural divide that is already the bane of our politics.

While bikes proliferate in cities and inner suburbs, they are fading from the countryside, even in Denmark, notes Mayne, as older people move to villages and bring their cars with them.

In other words, the town person and the country person are each acquiring their own mode of transport. That could leave carmakers with a rural, ageing and generally poorer customer base.

We have to go green, fast. But we also have to acknowledge another inconvenient truth: in the short term at least, we probably won’t see “green growth”.

BIKE MAGAZINE 51

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Hotel San Martin is an environmentally friendly hotel in the idyllic Brda village of Šmartno. The hotel has 20 thoughtfully furnished rooms and a panoramic restaurant, which offers fresh and homemade dishes. Located in the gorgeous Soča valley, the surrounding are ideal for those wishing to spend an active break. Whether you prefer hiking or biking, the undulating terrain of the picturesque Brda landscape, nested halfway between the Alps and the Adriatic, offers some marvelous footpaths and cycling routes.

The Hotel guests can also relax in our wellness center featuring a private sauna, a hot tub and a terrace with the countryside view.

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52 BIKE MAGAZINE

CYCLING ADVICE

CYCLING ADVICE

Can you buy speed?

BIKE MAGAZINE 53

CYCLING ADVICE

In the famous words of Eddy Merckx

“Don’t buy upgrades, ride upgrades”

Eddy couldn’t have been more right, BUT…in the billion-pound cycling industry which is now awash with tech and aero upgrades trying to get you to spend your cash, it’s difficult to ignore or begin to wonder how much quicker you can be with splashing out on some nice new componentry for your bike.

It’s a regular question that pops up across many cycling media pages or forums – how can I go faster?

The right answer is of course ensuring a healthy lifestyle with eating the right foods and following a structured training plan. This alone will reap the hugest benefits in grabbing a PR or KOM on Strava, simply improving your average speed or climbing that hill and not collapsing once you reach the top, but what if you have been doing this for some time and you are now ready to step up your game, wanting a hardware upgrade to improve your performance.

Asides from the correct answer of choosing the right healthy lifestyle, what is the best upgrade to help you go faster?

Presuming your bike wasn’t £10,000, which let’s face it that type of expenditure on a bike is something we can only dream of, on most bikes the area which manufacturers save on the most are wheels and tyres. Yes, they are functional, round (which helps) but

so often are heavy, run cheaper hubs and normally come with budget or more puncture proof tyres.

While these are great in keeping you rolling with less chance of puncturing, these tyres will often be heavy and have greater levels of drag, ultimately killing your speed even more.

Most experienced cyclists will say the easiest and cheapest way to gain speed is to fit a fast rolling set of tyres. These can gain immediate improvements, anything up to

Anthony Walstow  @CyclingCentre : Admin on Cycling Advice Author: “A passionate cyclist, obsessed about anything aero or tech with an addiction to buying bikes”

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CYCLING ADVICE

1mph or more to your average speed, through less resistance on the road and allowing you to maintain a higher rolling speed, along with less effort being put through the pedals in doing so.

all three brands, running the Hunt Aerolight Discs, Roval CL50 Discs and the Bontrager Aelous XXX 6 Disc wheels, these come in at 3 different price points, so let’s see how they compare.

Some top end brands to consider are Continental GP5000, Specialized S-Works Turbos or Vittoria Corsa G’s amongst many others. Make no mistake these are premium brands, and while these tip the scales on the more expensive choice of tyres, investing in these will reap huge benefits. This is an important area not to scrimp on.

However, changing your tyres is a bit boring though isn’t it? Its functional, yes, it’s the cheapest way to go faster, yes, but it hasn’t enhanced the look of your bike. You would be lying to yourself that as well as wanting to go faster, upgrading your wheels is as much about performance as it is about improving aesthetics.

Turning up to your club ride or hanging your bike up on the cycling rack in your local coffee stop wearing your new wheels is always a certified way of earning kudos, as you sit there sipping your coffee admiring the look of your stead, It tells people your serious about your hobby and were once a pro rider….right? Well don’t spoil it and let us buy into that dream.

The cycling marketing engine has got you in its clutches, you buy cycling magazines flicking through the pages, surfing bikes online or walk around your local bike shop in awe of all the pretty machinery hanging on the wall and now you are hooked, ready to make your next big investment… wheels.

But what wheels do you get?

Ultimately your budget will define that, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on a set of wheels to improve your ride.

We will look at three sets of wheels with very different budgets, all having different merits and pitfalls.

Hunt, Roval and Bontrager wheels are big industry names, all with an excellent reputation through tried and tested products, with producing wheels showing a superb level of quality, immediately enhancing the performance (and look) of your bike.

Having owned and extensively tested

Hunt Aerolight Disc Wheels - £499 (at the time of writing this article) I love the branding of Hunt, just the Hunt name and its logo projects quality in itself. Hunt have won endless industry awards and rightly so. Hunt cater across the cheaper, but still excellent quality to the more higher end carbon wheel market. These wheels are slightly aero with being 28mm deep and are aluminium. Yes aluminium…don’t believe that carbon is always king. A wise man says a good aluminium frame is better than a cheap carbon one and he would be very right, the same ethos applying to wheels, but that’s a story for another day These wheels have been tested in all conditions, through freezing winter slogs to those much-missed summer rides, their hardest test being on the climbs of Mount Ventoux.

These fit, just, in the “up to £500 bracket” and you can see Hunt have cleverly marketed this proposition, and in my opinion are the best wheels within this price bracket.

These are light wheels, coming in at 1499 grams and roll incredibly well.

BIKE MAGAZINE 55

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56 BIKE MAGAZINE

CYCLING ADVICE

deaccelerate in speed quicker than an aero wheel equivalent, requiring more of your effort to maintain it.

However don’t get too hung up on this minor point though, as these are being compared against its aero counterparts, but looking at like for like i.e. the wheels that came with your bike, these are quite simply a fantastic set of wheels, not only improving the look of your ride, but bringing a healthy improvement to how your bike will perform, noticeably on climbs. These wheels offer a very worthy upgrade.

Marks out of 10? 7/10

On the first ride you immediately notice the improved performance, acceleration was quick and snappy and they get up to speed quickly. The wheels, combined with Specialized S-Works Turbo tyres performed beautifully, and even with some of the hardest out of the saddle sprinting not once could I feel any flex in the wheels, adding to their superior climbing capabilities, helping you transfer every pedal stroke and power in your legs up the toughest of climbs.

The hub however I can only describe as marmite. It’s loud, so if that’s your thing you will love them as I did. It is certainly guaranteed to irritate your club riders or cycling friends but make no mistake they will know when you are coming, and with these wheels they’ll certainly help in passing them on the climbs with driving forward lighter and stiffer wheels than what your bike came with.

While these wheels hold a number of strong merits, these are not considered to be an aero wheel, despite their name. While quick to get up to speed, “maintaining” their speed becomes the wheels Achilles heel.

The effort required to hold speed becomes harder compared to a deep clincher wheels (naturally as it lacks those aero properties) and taking your feet off the gas on flat or undulating rides, these wheels do

Roval CL50 Disc Wheels - £1298 (at the time of writing this article) Roval wheels are owned by Specialized, one of the biggest and most well-established cycling brands. You are assured to get high end quality with Specialized bikes, and this level of quality continues throughout their own Roval wheel brand.

BIKE MAGAZINE 57

CYCLING ADVICE

These are 50mm deep clinchers, running DT Swiss hubs and come in at 1515 grams.

An impressive weight and amongst one of the lightest wheels amongst other 50mm clincher brands.

The wheels are faultless in their quality, light, DT Swiss hubs, and through their subtle styling with the Roval lettering blending into the wheel, don’t scream quick, but quick these are.

direct criticism of the Rovals as the same will be found on all 50mm deep clinchers.

If you want a set of 50mm clinchers, offering a high end carbon finish with industry leading hubs and performance that will really raise your cycling game, at a touch over the £1000 mark no other brand can match them.

Marks out of 10? 9/10

Aesthetically these bring a stunning look to any bike, but these significantly enhance its performance. From the off, maintaining speed becomes sublime, while the hub isn’t

Bontrager Aelous XXX 6 Disc Wheels £1999 (at the time of writing this article) On the other end of the scale are the Bontrager wheels, Trek’s in-house brand wheels. Don’t think you have to have a Trek bike to run these, these are premium wheels which can be dressed on any bike you wish.

noisy, it offers a very light click, but the DT Swiss hubs again proving while they are the best in the industry with keeping the wheels rolling with ease.

These have been used in all conditions, from summer days to wet and windy ones, and only in the most extreme days with strong gusts of wind can you find yourself wrestling the front wheel slightly, but this is not a

While these are more on the extreme side of carbon clinchers due to their cost, there are many top brands which offer deeper rimmed wheels at a much more affordable price. Brands such as Hunt again offer a Carbon 30mm and 50mm equivalent, Prime (Wiggles own in house brand) and Mavic amongst many others.

The Bontrager’s are 60mm deep and are considered to be on the maximum end of the depth scale before you start to delve into the world of more Time Trial specific wheels, and on a standard road bike are as deep as you would want to go.

58 BIKE MAGAZINE

CYCLING ADVICE

First impressions on these wheels when unboxing them is how stunning they look, with the bold Bontrager branding wrapped around the wheel and with the red XXX, these scream quality. You could quite happily hang them on a wall and just admire them, but that would be a bit silly? With their deeper wheel depth these still came in at a very healthy weight of 1575 grams, only 60 grams heavier than the Rovals.

Wrapped in Specialized S-Works Cotton Turbos (different to the usual S-Work tyres with the yellow band around the edge of the tyre) giving that more premium look these were taken on their first test ride, matched to a Specialized Venge Pro (I can hear cyclists crying already with putting on Trek wheels onto a Specialized, its controversial to say the least and it has already caused mush criticism amongst cycling friends).

If you want speed, this is it. While the Rovals are quick, these are another level. Peering down and seeing these wheels spinning, they look stunning.

The rear hub comes with a 36 star point ratchet hub, enabling the wheel to engage quickly, aiding faster acceleration.

You immediately notice their ability to get up to silly speeds, but not only this, how well these wheels roll and maintain that speed. You can feel that extra 10mm of depth over the Rovals offering that ability to go quicker, but the effort required in wattage and pedal strokes to keep that speed compared to the Rovals is definitely noticeable.

Many people overlook the quality of hubs, and this is one of, if not the most important part of a wheel as it defines their performance. The Bontragers, like the Rovals use DT Swiss hubs, one of the best hubs in the industry and for good reason, they are buttery smooth.

Unlike the Hunts these are quiet, even quiet compared to the Rovals, so quiet in fact all you can hear is the whooshy sound the aero wheels make as they cut through the air.

These are further fitted with bladed spokes, adding to their aero capabilities, and while these are marginal gains these all add up to some remarkable differences in performance.

These haven’t been tested in such extreme places like Mount Ventoux, but I wouldn’t hesitate in taking these on the most arduous of climbs. A deep wheel on tough climbs, sounds odd

but bear with me? Gone are the days where deep section wheels are slower in climbing, these are stiff, fast rolling, light and show little to no resistance in rolling. These have been used on local undulating routes with the odd tougher hill thrown in for good measure and not once did these wheels ever hold my performance back, only my legs couldn’t match the performance these wheels require.

On the first test ride, it was extreme weather, averaging 20mph+ headwinds and gusts of up to 35mph, slightly mad I hear you say taking out 60mm deep wheels with weather conditions like that, but with or without clinchers these are testing conditions for any rider. The Bontragers coped remarkably well, while wrestling the front wheel at times, I was blown (excuse the pun) away at how quick these wheels still managed to maintain speed, one of my highest average speeds on a regular circuit despite the challenging weather conditions.

While you could argue if the extra cost justifies the marginal gains over the Rovals, and that is something that comes down to personal opinion and budget, these are a product operating at the top of their game.

Marks out of 10? 10/10

BIKE MAGAZINE 59

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60 BIKE MAGAZINE

MOUNT REVIEW

Steadyrack – Bike Mount

Smarter way to store your bike

BIKE MAGAZINE 61

MOUNT REVIEW

If you are own more than a bike or you live in a tiny London flat, then you will most definitely fall in love with this well built space-saving bicycle storage.

Steadyrack, which is an Australiabased company, is the answer you have been looking for. Originated in Perth, Western Australia, Steadyrack offers a bike storage system which makes exceptionally good use of design, functionality and space.

Steadyrack has launched its mountain bike version of wall mounted bike rack, the Steadyrack “MTB” model. This new size caters for bikes with wider and larger tyres and wheels, and sits neatly in between the classic rack and the fat rack.

Steadyrack takes unusual approach: The storage doesn’t touch anything but the tyres which provides far more than just simple vertical storage.

Typical racks tend to place a bike to a wall at a perpendicular angle, occupying space in the room. You can rotate the bike against the wall with the Steadyrack and if you have multiple bikes to mount, just change the height of each alternative rack so that the bars don’t reach each other, they all fold against each other very neatly.

The Steadyrack system’s main highlight is the pivot bearings inside the rack that allow you to push the bike up against the wall at an angle of 180 degrees. It helps you to stack bikes alongside each other in a much more efficient way.

The solid steel cage holding the tyre has been designed to fit most bike set-ups for different frame configuration and shock placement, and when not in use, everything folds

neatly against the rack, out of the way. The main plastic cover comes in black, but for example, with the new coloured end caps, you can add some personality or colour code to each rack on different bikes.

Installation was not demanding.

Instructions are very concise and very simple. If you drill a couple of holes comfortably then you’ll be OK to put it up. And it is very fast with minimal frustration in terms of installation speed. In just under an hour, you should get the rack and bike up on the wall. Only follow the design manual to ensure that the Steadyrack is properly fitted.

In summary The Steadyrack offers a great storage solution for mountain bikes and we had our bikes installed on the wall in minutes with a simple installation process. The big plus of these racks is the ability to swivel. Despite limited space in our bike room this was great for us. This means that every time we walk by we can fold the bikes against each other allowing valuable space without snagging ourselves on the bikes.

The quality of the materials and moving parts used in the Steadyrack are of very high quality, which gives us peace of mind that both the frame and the rack are firmly attached to the wall. Every time we rack up the motorcycles it feels solid and reliable as they slide in. The room now has a tidy, sleek feel and the bikes now look more like a feature than a tangle of angles.

Nick Branxton  @bikemaguk Editor of this magazine Author: “Love traveling and love cycling”

62 STYLISH MAGAZINE

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64 BIKE MAGAZINE

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