CW January 2018

Cycling

January 2018| 1 ESTABLISHED 1979

WORLD

CYCLING FOR RANGERS BIKE OR BUMP WOMENS CYCLING ETAPE LOCH NESS KINESIS GRAVELCROSS

JANUARY 2018- £5.50

2 | Cycling World

winning with technology TEAM WANTY - GROUPE GOBERT

January 2018| 3

LITENING C:68 SL TEAM WANTY

GROUPSET Shimano Dura Ace Di2 SIZE 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 WHEELSET Fulcrum Racing 44 Aero WEIGHT 15.65 lbs

4 | Cycling World

CUBE is a German bicycle manufacturer that produces many types of bike, but is best known for its mountain bikes. The company was founded 1993 by the former student Marcus Pürner, who began with an area of 50 m² in his father’s furniture factory in Waldershof, Germany. The company has expanded its production area to 20,000 m² and sells to more than 60 countries all over the world.

German innovation for world class state of the art bikes that are the perfect match for both professional bikers and amateur enthusiasts – Cube bikes cater to the demand for cutting-edge high quality bicycles for the connoisseurs. Renowned all over the globe for their world class mountain bikes, Cube brings its entire range of mountain, road, hybrid and Cyclocross bikes for the athletes and cycling enthusiasts in India.

For the UK and Ireland, the brand is distributed by Cube Bikes UK in conjunction with One-Way Bike Industry BV, Cube’s distributor for Holland.

Cube Bikes are manufactured, built and tested in and around the Bavarian Alps and the factory in Waldershof, Germany. This gives them some of the most demanding terrain on which to test their products; plenty of mud and lots of fast technical descents and climbs. There’s no better place to test bikes for the UK and European markets. They have some of the world’s best terrain on which to decide if a new product makes the cut.

Cube builds most of their frames in the Far East. They then ship them back to their Waldershof factory and have guys do all the quality checks, reaming, facing and assembly. This way they can maintain total control of the finished product to ensure the highest quality standards are met while remaining strongly competitive.

Cube currently have over 180 models, including spec and colour options. On their website (Cube.eu), they are divided into six categories: full suspension, hardtail, road, tour, ‘Woman Like Series’ (WLS) and kids.

To complement this they also have a strong range of parts, clothing and accessories.

With such a vast product portfolio, Cube firmly believes they have the perfect bike for anyone who walks into a dealership.

If a new retailer would like to stock Cube’s products they must have their own retail premises open to the public. They run a pre-order system, but also permanently carry around 4,500 bikes of free stock, although stock does change on a daily basis due to replenishment from the German factory. A bike could be built in Germany on the Monday, delivered to our Dutch warehouse on the Wednesday and delivered to a UK Cube dealer on the Friday. This flexibility allows them to react quickly to dealers’ needs.

If a retailer is interested in stocking Cube, they can telephone 0031 180 441 350 or send them an e-mail to: info@Cube-bikes.co.uk who will then arrange a meeting. For the UK, there are three account managers on the road and three sales support staff based in the Rotterdam office.

The growth of Cube across Europe has been overwhelming over recent years, growing from strength to strength. The quality of the product, product design and test results are directly related to their performance.

The growth of Cube across Europe has been overwhelming over recent years, growing from strength to strength. The quality of the product, product design and test results are directly related to their performance.

January 2018| 5

So many riders want to be riding a different bike from the next guy on the roads and trails. So Cube has products with premium specs, which have been designed and tested in the Alps by timeserved passionate cyclists and German engineers.

Cube’s styling is yet to be matched by any other brand. They use colours and styles that others simply don’t dare. Cube’s bikes are designed with performance in mind, and with performance, comes endurance. Because their bikes are built to last, so must the styling, so there is little point in using niche products that are likely to go out of fashion next season.

Cube prefer to focus their attention on building great looking bikes at great looking prices and offering features that truly benefit the rider!

For further information and to see what bikes Cube has to offer visit www.cube.eu

6 | Cycling World

WITH DURANO DOUBLE DEFENCE Get ultimate puncture protection with cut resistant SnakeSkin sidewalls. The ultimate match for any road.

January 2018| 7

January 2018

ED's LETTER January 2018 Happy New Year from Cycling World Very few months compare to January when it comes to finding time to ride your bike. The New Year often passes in a blur of sales, socialising and New Year resolutions. Outside, the festive lights have long gone.

However, if you can escape for a pedal, it’s such a blessed relief, you wonder how you lived without it.

A week or two off the bike does that to you! Even a short ride of under an hour is just enough to enjoy the feeling of cycling again. All that stuff that’s been churning around in your head begins to settle, you get a clear look at things and sometimes a solution or two will pop up.

At the very least, you will feel fitter and fresher when you return, energised for the next few jobs on the list. So let the buzz from riding, power you along until your next cycling top-up.

Cycling World hopes you are all looking forward to 2018, as much as we are!

Vicki Watson – Editor

8 | Cycling World

My journey to mental health recovery through cycling

Award winning cyclist, coach and trainer, Pav Bryan. Pav will be attempting to break the World Record

10 Cycling Back Through Time and Family History Perhaps the greatest journey you could make is going on search of your ancestors. Combining your family history with a cycling tour could be the experience of many lifetimes.

The authors Dr Bruce Durie is internationally renowned as a genealogist, and Jamie Sempill is Lord Sempill and Chief of his Clan with a deep knowledge of Scotland’s history and ancestral heritage

for the fastest ride of Bicycle Route 66 next year – 2500 miles in a little over ten days. All money raised will go to mental health charity Inner Cycle.

45 62 69

Cycling For Rangers Having followed their journey from the beginning, featured in our June & July issue of Cycling World, both Will’s Charlie and Theo share their amazing experiences with us.

Cycling offers so many benefits to the body, improving both physical and mental wellbeing.

So why is there such a large inequality between the numbers of men who ride compared with women?

COMPETITION

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38

Elephant Bike has teamed up with Cycling World to offer one lucky reader the chance to win their very own Limited Edition Elephant Bike

Should you continue to ride a bike during pregnancy?If you’re a regular rider, there’s no reason not to carry on riding whilst pregnant.

CONTE

January 2018| 9

PUBLISHED BY Cycling World Limited Myrtle Oast Kemsdale Road, Fostall Faversham, Kent

76

ME13 9JL

PRODUCTION Editor Vicki Watson vicki@cyclingworldmag.co.uk Graphic Designer Stephen Twohill design@cplmedia.net

Tel: 01227 750153 Publisher Colin Woolley colin@cyclingworldmag.co.uk

For a piece of Cake In January’s issue we featured the incredible journey of two intrepid cyclists who vowed to cross continents on their bicycles to raise awareness about diabetes. We now catch up with the remarkable riders who have completed their year-long cycling challenge

DESPITE THE CHALLENGES THEY FACED BOTH REMAINED ADAMANT THERE WAS NEVER A TIME WHEN THEY EVER FELT LIKE GIVING UP.

DISTRIBUTED BY COMAG Tavistock Road, West Drayton Middlesex UB7 7QE

ADVERTISING Sales Manager Ryan Graves ryan@cplmedia.media Sales Executive Tom Thorman tom@cwmagazine.co.uk Sales Executive Declan Wale dec@cyclingworld.cc

CONTRIBUTORS Martin Bailey, Chris Packman, Isidore and Martial Prévalet, Helen Pollard, Lanyon Rowe, Hilary Searle, Leon McCarron, Tom Edwards, Rebecca Hughes.

Sales Executive Nichole Davison nichole@cyclingworld.cc Sales Executive Robert May rob@cyclingworlduk.co.uk

FRONT COVER DETAILS:

Photo by Paul Green on Unsplash

Pedal Power

“We don’t have any real regrets, just one little thing: we both really love the sea and we didn’t spend much time along the coast. We will keep that in mind for the next ride!”

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Lancashire could be forgiven for feeling its rugged hills have been ignored by cycle race organisers ever since Gary Verity put together a successful bid for their Yorkshire neighbours to host the 2014 Tour de France.

On 2nd September, 25 keen EMMS International cyclists took on the ‘5 Ferry Challenge’ to raise vital funds for our Malawi lakeside project, delivering lifesaving healthcare to those living in isolated communities.

TENTS

Cycling World

@CyclingWorlduk

@CyclingWorld_uk

www.cyclingworldmag.co.uk

Although every effort is made to ensure the content of features in Cycling World is accurate and correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers.

No guarantees can be made upon the safe return of any unsolicited copy of photographic images. Thepublisher reserves the right to alter or amend any submitted material that is printed in Cycling World. All material in Cycling World is the copyright of the publisher and any reproduction of said material would require written permission from the publisher. ©Cycling World Limited 2015 ISSN: 0143-0238

10 | Cycling World

Cycling Back Through Time and Family History Perhaps the greatest journey you could make is going on search of your ancestors. Combining your family history with a cycling tour could be the experience of many lifetimes. Genealogist Dr Bruce Durie and tour organiser Jamie, Lord Sempill show you how to get the most out of it.

Genealogy - researching your family history - is one of the most popular leisure activities. Cycling is another. What could be more natural than to combine the two? The great advantage of a bicycle-based ancestral tour is that you will see the landscapes as your ancestors did. If you avoid the newer main roads, you will likely be cycling the same paths your forebears trod and get a true feel for their lives.

Following are the Top 10 Tips for getting the most out of it.

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“

The most popular sites for ancestral tourists are castles, historic houses, and graveyards.

Very few of us are lucky enough to have ancestors who lived in some grand residence, but such places may have historic connections to your surname.

“

12 | Cycling World

1. Find out as much as you can beforehand Scotland has the best set of records on the planet, and easily accessible online at a distance.

Start by writing down what you know about your Scottish ancestors – names, dates, places and relationships as far back as you can. Talk you your oldest living relatives – but don’t necessarily believe everything they tell you – memory is a good but selective editor, and family myths and stories grow with the telling over the years!

Register and buy some credits at ScotlandsPeople (www. scotlandspeople.gov.uk). If you can, start from a census (every 10 years from 1911 back to 1841) then work backwards to likely births, marriages and deaths (BMDs). Statutory civil registration started in 1855. Before that, there are church records for the Church of Scotland and some other churches back to the 1500s, and Catholic records mostly from the late 1700s.

Don’t expect many names in these Accounts or Histories, except perhaps the large, landed families. But the totally free ScotlandsPlaces (https://scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/) has a wealth of detail in old tax records, Ordnance Survey Name Books and other documents where you may find your surname localized. For instance, was your ancestor a Female Servant, or paid a duty on a farm horse or a shop?

The Search page says “Enter a placename”, but you can use that to search for surnames, too. For instance, someone looking for a McGeorge in Kirkcudbrightshire will be interested to read that around 1850 at Little Barlay in Girthon parish, there was “A farm house one Story high and out houses all slated and in good repair with a farm of land attached Occupied by Samuel McGeorge, and the property of H.G.S. Murray Esqr. of Broughton”.

There are also many old photographs, and maps!

Join (or check the websites of) surname, clan and family societies.

These are easily searchable online, and although many are based in America or Canada, they usually contain a wealth of information about the name, the relevant area and much more. They may be planning a Gathering in Scotland around the time of your planned tour, and they’ll be delighted to see you there – of course, you may need to book beforehand.

2. But where did your ancestors come from?

If you genuinely have no idea which part of Scotland to start in, try this approach. Go to the free surname-mapping service at Public Profiler (http://gbnames.publicprofiler.org/) and enter your surname(s) of interest. This will show how these names were distributed in the 1881 census. The darker the colour, the more concentrated the surname.

Don’t forget variant spellings (McPherson/MacPherson or Rolland/ Rolland) – and also remember that your ancestors may have moved, for example to find work in the larger towns and cities.

Once you have a general area or county, join or contact the local Family History Society (see a list at The Scottish Association of Family History Societies (http://www.safhs.org.uk/members.asp). Each local FHS will have a range of booklets, pamphlets, collections of monumental inscriptions and so on, plus other information on local and family history. Many have their own library, or they may direct you to a local Family Studies library or local archive.

3. How did your ancestors live?

One great way to find out about life in earlier centuries is to download the Statistical Accounts. There were two exercises – the “Old” in the 1790s and the “New” in the 1830s – when ministers were asked to record information about each parish. You will find a wealth of wonderful detail about the history, geography, weather, wildlife, employment, general economic, religious and social context, and usually some observations on “Character of the Inhabitants” – both positively and negatively! These can make for enlightening reading – for example, the minister of Ferry-Port-On-Craig in Fife (modern Tayport) recorded that: “The people are peaceably disposed, and firmly attached to the present happy civil constitution of their country”. At Dumfries in 1833: “The people have of late made considerable advances in cleanliness; and the practice of going barefoot, formerly so common throughout Scotland, is here fast losing ground.” Others record “the large number of houses selling spirituous beverages”, “the dreadful habit of drinking tea”, and other trenchant observations.

Start at www.electricscotland.com/webclans/statistical_accounts.htm where there is also a link to individual histories of various places in Scotland – all downloadable for free.

4. And speaking of old maps…

Anyone planning a cycling tour will doubtless have acquired the correct modern Ordnance Survey map. But how about comparing this with older OS maps, or other maps from different periods? These can be found by links at ScotlandPeople (above) but they are also available to download, again free, at the National Library of Scotland’s wholly wonderful website.

Start at www.nls.uk and click on Digital Resources and Map Images. This is where you’ll find that your ancestor’s cottage is now under a car park, exactly how many buildings there were at the family’s farm, the path they used to walk to church or the nearest town, or that the old road went around the edge of a now non-existent quarry.

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14 | Cycling World

5. Places to visit

9. Memberships

The most popular sites for ancestral tourists are castles, historic houses, and graveyards. Very few of us are lucky enough to have ancestors who lived in some grand residence, but such places may have historic connections to your surname. However, it is much more meaningful at a personal level to find the site of a house, cottage or farm where your ancestors lived – and even moreso, the graveyards where many of them may be buried. Seeing your forebears recorded on a gravestone brings a real lump to the throat.

Do consider becoming a member of Historic Environment Scotland, which has superseded what was Historic Scotland (wwwhistoricenvironment.scot/). There is a downloadable Upcoming Events guide at https://members.historic-scotland.gov.uk/ events. There may be discount vouchers for some of these, or for visits, and you may find you have reciprocal membership with a similar body in England or Wales. The same goes for the National Trust for Scotland (www.nts.org.uk/).

Sometimes these are faded and hard to read, but here’s a hint – eroded carvings can be easier to see in oblique light, so make another visit at dawn or dusk and shine a flashlight on the carving at an angle and photograph it for closer examination later.

10. What to pack

Do this respectfully and do not do anything that might damage the stone itself. And try not to get arrested for lurking around graves in the dark with a torch!

6. Visiting archives and libraries If you do decide to spend a few hours looking up your ancestors and their places in a local resource, do take along a hard-backed notebook (no easily-lost scraps of paper, please!) and most important, a pencil – most archives do not allow ink, for obvious reasons.

Make an appointment ahead of time, and let the people there know what you’re looking for. Don’t forget the wonderful information locked up in old newspapers.

7. Go to the local VisitScotland office These are great places to get guides and information leaflets, and other local information. There is a list of them at www.visitscotland.com/ as well as details of upcoming events, accommodation, travel details and What To Do ideas. You may be able to plan your tour to coincide with a local festival, or plan a round of golf, a spot of fishing or a white-water kayak experience.

There might be a whisky distillery or craft ale brewery on your itinerary – well worth a visit, but not to be mingled with cycling!

8. Military links Were any of your ancestors in a Scottish Regiment? If so, there is a network of fabulous Regimental Museums around Scotland, all listed at www.armymuseums.org.uk. A number of these have archives where your military ancestor may be recorded. But again, do contact them beforehand, and there may be a charge or the expectation of a donation.

The basic rule in Scotland is “If you don’t like the weather, wait 20 minutes”! We can have four seasons in one day. So, even if it’s a bright, sunny, Summer morning, go prepared for cold, rain, wind and every other sort of weather short of a GeoStorm. Also remember, if you are staying in tents, hostels or bothies (see www.mountainbothies.org.uk/), you may need to wrap up warm at night, even in July.

January 2018| 15

Essentially:

Think “lightweight layers”, rather than your favourite, bulky sweatshirt, then you can dress up or strip down depending • on the weather on the day Shops and cafes may be few and far between in more remote areas, so have a supply of water, energy bars, chocolate, sandwiches • and so on – and think about this every morning.

Water bladders – about a gallon at a time – are ideal, and can be used to fill up a sipping-bottle. Generally, water from taps (faucets) is fine in • Scotland, but as with everywhere, don’t trust water in streams or lochs, just in case.

If camping, a lightweight tent should suffice, if you bring a light and compressible down sleeping bag, and a liner. Make sure your tent is bug- • proof – Scottish midges (small mosquitoes) are tenacious and voracious!

Don’t forget tools and spare parts for your bikes, such as an extra tube and a pump, duct tape, a set of spanners and screwdrivers etc.

• Toiletries (including a loo roll), insect repellant, sting cream, sun-blocker and sun-glasses are all essential, even if you think it’s too early or too

late in the year for that sort of protection.

• Find out when the Scottish school holidays and bank holidays are – these are different from England and can also vary by region.

• Do not forget to have the proper insurance to cover medical treatment, repatriation, loss of property, bike damage and cancellation charges Above all – Prepare well Expect the unexpected Have a great time cycling round your ancestors

The authors

Dr Bruce Durie is internationally renowned as a genealogist, and routinely helps people uncover their family histories. His book “Scottish Genealogy” is a best-seller, and well worth reading before embarking on your research. See www.brucedurie.co.uk Jamie Sempill is Lord Sempill and Chief of his Clan, with a deep knowledge of Scotland’s history and ancestral heritage. He organizes conducted and self-drive tours around Scotland, and can pre-book visits and accommodation. More information at www.clanchieftours.co.uk

Two examples of surname origins from Public Profiler.It’s clear that Durie started in Fife and expanded outwards from there.Sempill/Semple arose west of Glasgow, in Renfrewshire.

Another way to find your ancestors is to head for the historic “heartlands”. But be aware of a few things: 1. All such maps are a snapshot in time, and not everyone of a certain surname will have lived where indicated.

2. Clans are a phenomenon of the Highlands and the Borders – the Lowlands have Families.

16 | Cycling World

Vegetarian Bed & Breakfast Penrhiw, Llanafan, nr Aberystwyth

Arinagour, Isle of Coll PA78 6SY Tel: 01879 230217

www.vegetarianpenrhiw.com In between the mountains and the sea, our vegetarian bed & breakfast accommodation is in West Wales. Located in the peaceful village of Llanafan, 10miles/16kms south east of the university seaside town of Aberystwyth.

Cycle shed/drying room and comfy bed available in eve + hearty breakfasts in the morning.

We are 5 minutes from the Ystwyth Trail and 5 mins.

A warm, friendly welcome awaits individual cyclists or larger groups (up to 16) at Coll Bunkhouse, situated in the heart of the Isle of Coll’s only village and under a mile from the ferry terminal, close to the pub, eateries, and shops. Free Wi-Fi and bedding provided; towels available if required.

from the challenging National Cycle Route 81.

This famous route takes you up & over the remote, wild Cambrian Mountains down towards Rhayader, the Elan Valley and beyond.

The island’s single-track roads are great for cycling with wonderful views round every corner, almost 30 stunning beaches to explore and an awesome dark sky to marvel at while relaxing in the evening. There is also the opportunity to island hop to the neighbouring island of Tiree.

Go on. Spoil yourself. You will have earned it!

Penrhiw Llanafan, Aberyswyth, SY23 4BA Telephone: 01974 261 738 • Mobile: 07837 712323

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January 2018| 17

Freedom to explore Enjoy a free-range Highland break that will take your breath away

Welcoming, clean and a great location Killin Highland Lodges, Aberfeldy Road, Killin, Perthshire FK21 8TX Tel: Glenda & Ian on 01567 820334 Set below the Ben Lawers and Tarmachan mountain ranges close to the spectacular Loch Tay - our selfcatering lodges are a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Perfectly located for walkers and cyclists looking to enjoy the routes around Loch Tay or through the mountains - you can truly enjoy a break at your own pace.

contain everything you need to relax and unwind. A good selection of traditional pubs, modern bars and restaurants are located nearby in Killin.

Check out our accommodation pages on our website for more info, photos and to make a booking, or if you have any questions get in touch - we’d love Ideally suited to couples, families or larger groups,

to hear from you. You can contact us by email at

our lodges are well equipped, comfortable and

killinhighland@outlook.com.

18 | Cycling World

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WaterWipes: £2.99 (pack of 60) Originally developed to care for babies’ skin these wipes are a cycle touring essential for freshening up on the go. They contain just two ingredients: 99.9% purified water and 0.1% fruit extract. Each wipe is large, thick and extremely watery, so you feel like you have had a real wash and no synthetic fragrance or oily residue remains. Free from alcohol, fragrance and lanolin, which can irritate some, they’re the only wipe to be endorsed by Allergy UK. The only problem is that the wife has taken them to use on the kids I have to use up all the chemical ones.

sunwise.co.uk

Sealskin Road Ankle £35 This thin-weight, waterproof ankle sock is designed specifically for road cycling and incorporates Hydrostop technology. It is highly waterproof, windproof and breathable made from Stretchdry fabric. The elasticated cuff helps neck reduce chance of water ingress around the sock neck and the Marino wool lining gives warmth and comfort. There is an instep for added support and comfort. Nothing like keeping those feet warm and dry.

www.sealskinz.com

Shower Pass Syncline Jacket £99 Named after a popular mountain bike trail in the Columbia River Gorge, the Syncline is not just for biking; it can be used for hiking, camping, and walking in the rain. Made with fully seam-taped Artex Hardshell 2.5-layer waterproof- breathable fabric but is not bulky so can stuffed in a good sized back pocket. It has kept us dry and comfortable, while cross-core vents prevent overheating. It offers good visibility with 3M Reflective trim on the front, sleeves and back. We like the fact it has a hood that fits under a helmet and front pockets.

www.showerspass.com

January 2018| 19

Aquapac Handlebar Phone Case £50 This case is very useful if you mount your phone on the handlebars as a navigation aid. Waterproof rating is submersible (no need to test!) and 100% PVC-free. It is made of a special TPU which is thin enough to use your touchscreen, but still impressively strong. The seams are well-bonded and the seal opens and closes with a quick twist of two levers, staying in one piece even when it’s open. Comes with easy handlebar mount in nylon and stainless steel. Two sizes- mini and small- with a good online size guide to fit your phone.

Total weight 89g

www.aquapac.net

Blackburn’s Grid 13 Multitool £17.99 With thirteen functions, the tool designs have been carefully thought out with consideration to selection, length, and placement so the right tool is easily accessible for your biking escapades. Robust and pocket size, worth carrying with you at all times FEATURES INCLUDE: •“L” Bend to get into tight places • 4.mm hex • 2.5mm hex • 1.5mm hex • 3mm hex • 5mm hex • 6mm hex

• 8mm hex • Flathead screwdrivers • T30 Torx • T25 Torx • Disc pad spreader • Presta core remover • Bonus: Bottle opener

www.cyclemiles.co.uk

Gorilla Bottle Cage and Clip: Cage £24.95, Clip £12.95 This is on effective way to get on extra bottle on the bike. Actually it’s even more versatile than that_ The clip can attach to any frame tube, handlebar stem or your forks. Then you can fit a Gorilla cage that can carry Just about anything light and bulky, for example a large bottle, a light weight tent. a sleeping mat. or your cooking system. The clip is also compatible with Monkii carry systems. which include bottle holders and frame bags. Made from Polyamide, it is strong and flexible and the cage only weighs 87g. Max load is 1.5kg and load size is 40cm x 25cm.

www.cyclemiles.co.uk

20 | Cycling World

Biking’s Best Kept Secret? – Year Round Adventure in the Galloway Hills NC 500 too busy and not offering enough exploration options? Seeking infinite road/ gravel/adventure opportunities? Want to smash the 7 Stanes? Or just looking for a new favourite location to go and play? Possibly the best kept year round ‘playground of the biking gods’ secret could be right here in the UK, with the Glenkens of Dumfries and Galloway in south west Scotland at its pulsing heart.

Just a stones throw north of the Lake District the region has a fraction of the tourists and a wonderful feeling of freedom and remoteness. The roads have hardly any traffic and fringing the Galloway Forest Park there are infinite possibilities for gravel bike adventures along mapped forestry tracks and beyond.

And for the perfect venue to base yourself why not try the spectacular accommodation at Glenhoul Brae.

The region is also home to 4 of the 7Stanes mountain bike centres (and all are within a 2 hour drive) providing all the cross country and freeride thrills you could ask for. There are also plenty of alternatives including the natural trails at Drumlanrig or downhill bashing at Ae Forest. Or why not invent your own routes and just head for the spectacular Galloway Forest Park track, path and hill network.

The countryside abounds with wildlife and visitor attractions to keep any non-cyclists interested - from zip-wires to chocolate factories, art galleries to book towns there really is something for everyone.

The area is supported by numerous specialist bike shops, some of which provide rental facilities (ever wanted to try a gravel bike or electric mtb?) and all offer friendly support, advice and guidance.

Glenhoul Brae holiday house

the ideal cycling destination

Glenhoul Brae is a very special eco house providing stunning warm and friendly accommodation for up to 10 people within 11 acres of natural hillside and offering spectacular panoramic views across the “Dark Skies” Galloway Forest Park.

The area offers hundreds of miles of truly amazing bike routes, ranging from quiet rural roads and gravel track adventures - many starting from the front door - to custom built mtb trails for riders of all abilities.

Upon booking we provide online route suggestions and advice to help you plan your trip.

Bike wash and a covered, secure bike store (bring a lock) with work area including bike stand complete the picture. Also perfect for hiking, photography, wildlife watching, site seeing or just chilling out!

10% off first booking in 2018 for Cycling World readers when they book through our website

Glenhoul Brae Eco Holiday House, Dumfries and Galloway Come and say hi at m - +44 (0) 7917 102 693 • e – moragleeming@me.com • w – gallowayholidayhouse.com

January 2018| 21

Exploring Scotland

There are many ways to explore Scotland, but we reckon getting around by bike is a mighty fine way indeed.

There are several ways to enjoy cycling in Scotland, with some brilliant options for cycling holidays and just as many great choices for short bike rides to pass a leisurely morning or an afternoon. With lots of options for cycle hire and a number of cycling tours, it really is easy to kick your Scottish holiday up a gear.

So, get on yer bike, and get around via Scotland’s dedicated network of cycle routes!

22 | Cycling World

Cycle Hire in Scotland If you aren’t bringing your bike to Scotland but you fancy a cycle, then you’ll need to hire one!

You will find dedicated cycle shops which offer bike hire in Scotland and specialise in top quality bikes. The staff will be able to sort you out with a suitable bike to meet your needs and adequately prepare you for your cycling adventure.

In Glasgow and Stirling, you can pick up bicycles from nextbike at any time of day - it’s easy to arrange your hire via the app, online or by telephone. Bike & Go offer a similar hire scheme at train stations in all of Scotland’s cities, as well as in Linlithgow, Largs and Kilmarnock - just sign-up as a member online, hop off the train and get cycling.

Cycling Holidays and Tours A cycling holiday is a great way to see Scotland and with a choice of dedicated cycle routes around the country, it’s more a question of where do you want to start!

Why go on a cycling holiday in Scotland?

It’s an awesome way to see the best of our islands, coast, lochs, countryside, towns and villages, and there are plenty of great points to stop for a breather and a lovely view.

The National Cycle Network makes it easy to get around on quiet roads and traffic-free paths. Many routes are suitable for families.

There’s great cycle-friendly accommodation. The VisitScotland Cyclists Welcome scheme recognises establishments which go the extra mile to help make your trip go smoothly, from drying facilities to flexible dinner times.

Scotland has a relatively mild climate (but bear in mind that the weather can change, so be prepared for a range of conditions!)

One of the best things about any cycle trip is stopping for a well-earned break! In Scotland, you can stop for a picnic at some truly picturesque places, including beside ancient castles and on the banks of famous lochs.

Fancy a Tour?

Whether you’ve got a couple of hours or a couple of weeks, there are some great companies who can provide you with guided trips or plan a self-led itinerary which will take you across Scotland’s regions. Choose from the likes of:

• A pleasant afternoon’s cycle from Edin burgh to South Queensferry and the Forth Bridges.

• An island-hopping bike tour along the gentle, quiet roads of the Outer Hebri des. Follow the Hebridean Way Cycle Route which crosses 10 islands.

• A challenging and exhilarating road bike trip through the mountainous landscape of Applecross in the Highlands.

Cycling Events In Scotland, we really love cycling, so much so that we put on some rather wonderful events to celebrate the joys of being on two wheels.

The festivals serve up a thrilling programme, from events such as cyclo-cross to family ride outs, as well as an exciting social scene.

Why not see if any cycling festivals are on whilst you are visiting and join in with the velo action? For more information on events visit www.visitscotland.com

Cycling for all There’s a great range of paths and trails to suit all ages and abilities, perfect for weaving your way through Scotland’s countryside, cities, towns and villages on two wheels.

The Great Outdoors Outdoor Activities in Scotland Scotland is the ultimate natural playground. Here you can have a go at all the activities the country is legendary for, as well as some that you may never even have heard off.

Scotland is, after all, The Home of Golf where prestigious and ancient courses beckon thousands golfers the world over to experience the sport at its most authentic.

This is also a land and coast made for exploration and adrenaline-pumping adventures; from mountain biking down rugged alpine terrain to navigating an aerial assault course across a forest canopy, to scaling the lofty heights of the Cairngorms to gliding long the shoreline of a Hebridean island in sea kayak. From world-class watersports to walking, cycling to aqualining, the possibilites for getting active in Scotland’s magnificent great outdoors are endless.

Cycling Routes & Paths in Scotland Pedal your way around Scotland with ease by following the country’s designated National Cycle Network (NCN). Whatever your preferred distance, you’ll find many cycle routes in Scotland that suit you!

What’s the National Cycle Network?

• 2,100 miles of National Cycle Network

routes on country roads and cycle paths.

• Over 500 miles of traffic-free walking and cycling routes on railway paths, canal towpaths and forest trails.

• Signposted with blue cycle route signs with red number patches. In some places, blue stickers with red number patches may be used.

January 2018| 23 THE

MONK EYY HOUSE MONKE HOUS E • Log Fires • Fresh Food • Real Ales • B & B

THE B E D

OLD MILL &

B R E A K F A S T

Weavers Cottage “Visit Britain 4 Star Gold Award Listed Cottage”

The Old Mill is a licensed bed and FANCY A CYCLE? plore

us & ex Stay with e Wolds the Yorkshir

breakfast situated on the Yorkshire Wolds surrounded by open fields and rolling countryside. We have 8 en suite luxury bedrooms, cosy residents lounge, fully licensed bar and restaurant. Evening meals are available to our guests Monday Friday, and pack lunches can be provided on request daily. We have heated lockable secure storage for

Set in an acre of private ground. The spacious one bedroomed cottage sleeps 2 people , a travel cot is available on request.

The self catering cottage is a delightful base from which to explore the beautiful Somerset countryside, visit Market Towns, and the five National Trust properties nearby. This is an ideal area with walking trails & cycling routes.

all bicycles on site.

t: 01590 676754

e: info@themonkeyhouse.co.uk

“Big Skies Bike Rides”- eight OS mapped circular bike rides on quiet roads and country lanes in the yorkshire wolds - immediately surrounding the Bed and Breakfast.

Visit the www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com/cycling site to find out more.

Tel: 01377 267284 • E: enquiries@old-mill-b-and-b.co.uk www.old-mill-b-and-b.co.uk

w: www.themonkeyhouse.co.uk

AA

M A R I N E

B A R

Rea

BRIDLINGTON

A haven of peace and comfort, somewhere to relax and recharge, or a base for exploration.

The Expanse is all these and more. It is a hotel with a feel of its own, this may be partly dictated by its superb location, but mostly because it is still owned and managed by the same family that built it.

Perfectly situated at the finishing line of the popular ‘Way of the Roses’coast to coast cycle route the Hotel is your perfect destination for you to recharge before your journey home or stay.

Expanse & Marine Bar North Marine Drive, Bridlington YO15 2LS Tel: 01262 675347 • E: reservations@expanse.co.uk • www.expanse.co.uk

In the heart of SnowdonIa Great location for outdoor activities, especially Mountain Biking.

Once derelict stables have been lovingly renovated into stunning self catering holiday cottages set in the Oakeley’s grounds.

Situated in the pretty village of Maentwrog and surrounded by the lush green hills of the Vale of Ffestiniog in the heart of Snowdonia, the Oakeley Arms is the perfect base for a holiday in North Wales…

Oakeley Arms Tan Y Bwlch, Maentwrog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd LL41 3YU Tel: 01766 590277 • info@oakeleyarms.co.uk

Elm Cottage Touring Park Beautifully situated in the very heart of Mid-Cheshire, is now under the new ownership of James & Jackie.

The privately owned and family run park attracts families, couples and individuals over 18.

Touring caravans, motorhomes and tents are all welcome, and we’re dog friendly too! Additionally, there are Seasonal Pitches and Long Terms Stays also available.

Elm Cottage Touring Park,Chester Lane, Near Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 2QJ Phone : 01829 760544 E-mail : booking@elmcottage.co.uk

Higher Street, West Chinnock, Somerset, TA18 7QA Tel: (+44) 01935 881370

Cyl cSplaein

EXPANSE HOTEL A N D

There are many large private gardens in the area - which are open to the public. All the villages nearby have excellent pubs or restaurants.

Conveniently located on NCN3 in the tranquil village of Marhamchurch near Bude, Court Farm Holidays is the ideal base for those seeking to conquer the challenging coastal roads with their commanding scenery, complete the Cornish Way or simply head inland on quiet lanes to explore the villages and farms surrounding the area. Opportunities for the off-road enthusiast abound with nearby routes across open farmland leading to the sea, whilst the stunning settings of Cardinham Woods, Lanhydrock and Haldon Forest Park are all within one hours drive and offer excellent, purpose-built off-road and mountain bike tracks.

Whether you choose to stay in a house with hot-tub, converted courtyard barn or traditional cottage with woodburner, with onsite holistic treatments available and the village pub across the road Court Farm is the perfect place to discover North Cornwall.

www.courtfarm-holidays.co.uk 01288 361494 07813 594 056 Quote Cycling World for your off-peak booking discount.

Our secluded watermill is located in a lush, wooded river valley in the heart of Andalucia. Situated on an extensive network of tracks, it is the ideal base for moutain biking and exploration.

The mill makes an excellent centre for enjoying the local culture, wonderful wildflowers in spring, abundant birdlife and beautiful walks on long golden autumn days. Whether your choice is for an active holiday or simply relaxing by the large pool, the mill has it all. Self-catering holidays of any duration in a choice of individual properties. Within easy reach of Malaga and Granada.

Telephone (UK) 07708 520239 • Email enquiries@ratonera.com

24 | Cycling World

6 Family-Friendly

Cycle Routes in S cotland

Cycling in Scotland with the family isn’t just about fresh air trees on traffic free and exercise, it’s ab paths, cycling arou out racing through nd a loch in the sum listen out for wildlif the mer sun and stoppi e. ng to stand quietly , and Cycling is a wonde rful way to have fu n as a family, and th portunities for actio e National Cycle N n-packed family da etwork provides lo ys out. ts of opMany of the routes follow old railway lines, canal towpath finest scenery. Kids s and forest trails, th will love being able rough some of Scot to ride their bikes paths, and there ar land’s on these relatively e lots of things for flat and largely traffi them to see and do c free along the way.

If you are complet ely new to family cy cling and family cy National Cycle Net cling holidays, then work, offer some gr Sustrans, who man eat advice on cyclin help keep those w age the g with kids and plan heels turning. ning a family bike rid e, to

Here’s our pick of six great family-fri endly cycle routes, to he lp get you started

nal Park

tio airngorms Na C y, a W e d si y The Spe

1.

iles (8 km)

Distance: 5 m

ore Start: Aviem of Garten Finish: Boat Grade: Easy

ly undulating nes and gent la et ui q of n io ss: a combinat ients and acce CN 7.

N Terrain, grad d te gn-pos cycle paths. Si d oa -r off el grav eyside Way, the scenic Sp of n io ct se a mplete route follows woodlands co iption: This native birch d an rs Route Descr oo m d enjoy stun heather for a picnic an way through its op g st in to ad s re ce e th ong th plenty of pla ns running al s! There are the steam trai or , with sculpture ns ai nt Mou at of Garten, the Cairngorm the kids! At Bo r of fo s s ew tie vi ni tu ng ni oppor el for tea the Boat Hot – great photo to ay in ilw op Ra p ey or ce, n Strathsp B Loch Garte iendly post offi acks at the fr e popular RSP sn th on to e up d ri k e oc st e beaud extend th arn about thes here, you coul re you can le he w ), and cakes. From km 4 bikes are very 5 miles/ e (approx. 2.

– cyclists and tr e en or C y em vi re A sp to O m train back r catch a stea tiful birds. O the trains! welcome on s viemore Bike thy Bikes or A Cycle hire: Bo

January 2018| 25

ch Lomond 2 .The Rob Roy LoopNa, Lo tional Park & The Trossachs

) Distance: 13 miles (21 km Start: Strathyre Finish: Circular Grade: Easy

al roads and flat off-road ess: A mixture of quiet rur Terrain, gradients and acc

cycle paths.

h Strathyre Forest, ows tracks north throug foll and ed ain ert ent s e has plenty to keep the kid h pretty Balquhidder – hom s beautiful circular loop , the route passes throug est for the Route Description: Thi m fro ing erg rp-eyed! Em The route then en be spotted by the sha ul views along Loch Voil. utif bea are re the and – where red squirrels can oft hero) Rob Roy McGregor h Lubnaig and Ben Ledi. al outlaw (some say folk re are fantastic views of Loc the ere wh e, to the historic grave of loc ous gsh Kin at ing NCN 7 h Auchtubh before re-join follows a quiet road throug . r starting point at Strathyre Follow the path back to you llander Callander, Wheelology, Ca e, Wheels Cycling Centre, Hir e Bik yre ath Str e: hir Cycle

3. The Deeside Way, Aberdeenshire

Distance: Burn O’ Vat 5.5 mil

es (9 km) or Dinnet 7 mil

Start: Ballater Finish: Burn O’ Vat or Din

es (11 km)

net

Grade: Easy Terrain, gradients and acc ess: Flat gravel off-road cyc le path, with a short on-roa Loch Kinord. Signposted d section if including the NCN 195 Burn O’Vat Visitor Centr e and Route Description: The route starts in Ballater’s Station Square on Royal railway line. Never far fro Deeside and follows a wa m the River Dee, you’ll pas ymarked path along the s through quiet woodlan old Deeside d with lovely views of the After 2 miles (3.5 km), tak surrounding mountains. e a short detour to Tullich Kirkyard, to see old graves May, where you’ll find an and historic Pictish stones old station building and , before continuing on to an impressive suspension the Burn O’ Vat, a huge Cambus O’ bridge – a favourite picnic geological pothole, and spo t. Take a detour here and the Muir of Dinnet National be extended to Aboyne. explore Nature Reserve, or continu e on to Dinnet. The route can also Cycle hire: Bike Station, Ballater, Cycle Highlands, Ballater

26 | Cycling World

ggan Locks

La 4. The Caledonia Way, from Fort Augustus to ) Distance: 11 miles (17.5 km Start: Fort Augustus Finish: Laggan Locks Grade: Easy hs : Flat traffic-free canal towpat Terrain, gradients and access NCN 78. and cycle paths. Signposted

with its cafés, restauting point for a family cycle star at gre a is us ust Aug t h Ness, For takes d at the southern end of Loc here to Laggan Locks and Route Description: Locate le path leads south-west from cyc of tion sec tful igh del re are lots of picnic stop Canal Heritage Centre. A t Augustus railway line. The For rants, and the Caledonian and arry erg Inv old and the at Lageasy-going canal towpaths scenic viewpoint and café in Loch Oich, heading along ergloy Station platforms. The Inv and nel tun way rail h available and is a great e the preserved Loch Oic h parking, toilets and cafés wit end options and the kids will lov er eith from ible easily access your journey. This route is gan Locks marks the end of Caledonia Way. introduction to cycling the Bike Cycle hire: Fort Augustus

Hire at Girvans Hardware

5. The Lochwinnoch Loop, Renfre

Distance: 10 miles (16 km)

wshire

Start: Paisley Canal Finish: Lochwinnoc h Grade: Easy Terrain, gradients an d access: Almost en tirely traffic-free cycle with a smooth tarma path which is flat c surface. Signposted NCN 7.

Route Description: From Paisley Canal station this path fol and continues all the lows the railway line way to Lochwinnoc h an d be yo nd . Look out for spectac artworks including ular the Broken Pencils and the Bedrock Bik spot, spectacular loc e. There’s wildlife to h views to enjoy and 17th century architec ture to see.

At Lochwinnoch, wh y not stop off at Castl e Semple Visitor Ce or an ice-cream? If ntre for a cup of tea you still have some energy after your cy of family activities av cle, there are plenty ailable here. Or wildl ife lovers can head noch nature reserve for RSPB Lochwin, just next to Lochwi nnoch station. It’s als your ride to Kilbirnie o possible to extend (4 miles/6.5 km) and then take the train ba Glengarnock station. ck to Paisley from Note: there is a small (0.2 mile/0.3 km) se ction of on-road cy which is on a busy ro cle path at Elderslie , ad but can be avoid ed by walking along the pavement.

Cycle hire: There is no

local cycle hire avail able

January 2018| 27

Porth Lodge Hotel

R I V E R C AT C H E R L L A N D R I L L O

|

N O R T H

Porth Newquay Cornwall

W A L E S

Luxury Holiday Cottages

Stablewood Coastal Cottages Porth Lodge is a lovely ‘Olde Worlde’ hotel which is set in a quiet country lane, only two minutes walk from the golden sands of Porth Beach with free parking for our customers.

The Porth Lodge Hotel, Restaurant is an ideal base for walking,

Come and stay in our 5 star luxury holiday cottages and log cabins on the edge of Snowdonia National Park and the banks of the River Dee. With great mountain biking trails as well as road biking routes nearby. With stunning views in all directions this is a truly unique place to stay.

cycling and surfing holidays, or for just exploring the fascinating countryside around Newquay and Cornwall. The Tenpin bowling is ideal to pass a couple of hours when you need a break from the sun.

We have standard rooms to accommodate 1 or 2 people, set up as a double or twin bed settings and all are furnished to an AA 3 star guest accommodation standard.

Llandrillo, Denbighshire LL21 0SY T: 01490 440498 E: info@rivercatcher.co.uk

Tel: 01637 874483 e-mail: • enquiries@porthlodgehotel.co.uk

offer guests the opportunity to feel at home by providing modern facilities so they can enjoy a wonderful time in Budle Bay or Lucker village.

We take great pride to make sure everything is in good order before holidaymakers arrive so they can unpack and start their holiday without any problems.

All of our Luxury Cottages are Cycle friendly too with great rides close by.

Tel: 01668 219607 Email: info@stablewoodcoastalcottages.com Website: www.stablewoodcoastalcottages.com

Hire A Hymer is a family-run business offering campervans for hire throughout the Midlands and Milton Keynes. We offer a comfortable, cost-effective and high quality motorhome hire service to make your adventure once-in-a-lifetime experience.

6.

ies Helix Park, the Kelp

s (25.5 Distance: 16 mile

el and the Falkirk Whe

km)

Start: The Helix Finish: Circular

Explore your surroundings and discover the wonders of the nature on your journey and tell your friends and family a story about your wonderful travels throughout Europe.

Grade: Easy

and cycleway, towpath inantly traffic-free

and access: Predom Terrain, gradients woodland trail.

and lix Park in Falkirk, at the fantastic He s gin be e ut ro is n: Th Kelpies by Andy Route Descriptio landmarks – the r ula tac ec sp st no Scotland’s mo lesser-known but goes past two of also passes many e ut ro e Th el. he ea lkirk W e for a br k Scott and The Fa Estate, a great plac & rk Pa ar nd lle and aces such as Ca e numerous cafés less interesting pl l history. There ar ca lo e th t ou ab on d learn the young es to see wildlife an and lots to keep s off psto nt rta ose all-impo picnic spots for th entertained.

s the junction be lkirk Wheel mark Fa e Th , ge en all wpaths a bigger ch 754 follows the to For those seeking canals and NCN e yd Cl & rth Fo and ute from Edintween the Union traffic free cycle ro y all tu vir a ing id t canals, prov of these two grea to Glasgow! burgh, right across lki Cycle hire: The Fa

rk Cycle Hub

Hire A Hymer, Springfield Business Park, Moorend Road, Potterspury, Northamptonshire, NN12 7QG Tel: 01908 543491 • e-mail: help@hireahymer.com

28 | Cycling World

One Day Cycles The 33-mile stretch between Aviemore and Slochd in the Highlands on National Route 7, and the 14-mile, mainly traffic-free Cullen to Garmouth part of National Route 1 on the Moray coast are just two of the NCN sections which are achievable in one day.

Of course, one of the best things about any cycle trip is stopping for a well-earned break!

Whether that be a favourite picnic spot along Scotland’s cycle routes, or a nice afternoon beer

Situated in the tranquil village of Bouillac in its own grounds of 40 acres, Bouillatou which was originally a local farm has been renovated to create six stone cottages offering superb holiday accommodation.

Approached by its own private drive (lined with walnut trees) the cottages which all form part of the ensemble are each individually designed and have their own distinct character, along with each having their own private terrace and BBQ facilities.

in one of the many local pubs!

Cycling Holidays If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not enjoy a cycling holiday and take your time to explore the longer routes throughout Scotland? Book a place for you and your bike on the ferry and hop across to the Isle of Arran and National Route 73, to explore the diverse landscape, taking in the rolling southern countryside and the mountainous north.

Route 1 stretches from Scotland’s border with England, up the east coast to Shetland. Split into

Over the past ten years the owners Becky and Steve Lea have made a substantial investment in improving the facilities available at Bouillatou, including the development of an all-weather tennis court, along with satellite TVs and wood burning stoves in some of the cottages. There is also a children’s play area and a beautiful heated outdoor pool.

With stunning views across the valley, there is ample room to sit, sunbathe and soak up the tranquillity.

“Bouillatou” 24480 Bouillac, Dordogne, South West France e-mail: becky.bouillatou@orange.fr Tel: Steve on 00 33 (0) 647 06 94 62

three large sections in Scotland, including Edinburgh to Aberdeen and Aberdeen to Shetland, via Inverness, John O’Groats and Orkney, Route 1 offers a great mix of challenging and more manageable cycle paths and trails.

In the Outer Hebrides, follow the 185-mile Hebridean Way Cycling Route, which crosses 10 islands in the blissful archipelago, travelling northwards from Vatersay to Lewis.

Cycle the Kintyre Way, a beautiful route stretching from Tarbert to Machrihanish along the blissful Kintyre Peninsula. Originally designed as a walking route, the trail has been improved for cyclists and mountain bikers, and offers several rewarding sections.

Scotland’s most northerly section of Route 1 is the 109-mile stretch on Shetland, between Sumburgh Head and Nor Wick Bay. It’s not for the faint hearted, but cyclists will be rewarded with spectacular scenery throughout.

thenton

se

ou

dh

il Gu

Sta

North Yorkshire Moors National Park Excellent cycling area ‘Woodside’ is a luxury self catering cottage, situated in an idyllic situation, tucked away down a pretty lane next to Cloughton woods.

It is self contained and part of a larger house occupied by the owners.

Accommodation available for a minimum of 6 to a maximum of 15 guests at Stanton Guildhouse. Self-catering or catering can be arranged. Cost is £650 per night for a minimum of two nights. From the terrace doorway there are spectacular views towards Tewkesbury and the Black Mountain in Wales.

Nestling in the hillside, next door to the Mount Inn pub and on the edge of the Cotswold Way.

LOCATED IN CENTRAL KELSO, ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER TWEED ––––––––––

Nearest towns are Cheltenham and Broadway. During the week the Guildhouse offers Arts and Crafts courses from woodcarving, woodturning, pottery, painting and stained glass and kiln fired glass.

For more information call Susan on 01386 584357, or info@stantonguildhouse.org.uk

The cottage sleeps 2 Fully equipped with all bedding and towels provided.

All heating and lighting included in price Laundry service available • Bookings are from Friday to Friday Short breaks available • Free wi fi. • No smoking, • No pets Secure shed for cycles • Balcony with fabulous views.

Secure bike storage On Scottish Borders cycle routes 01573 224168 • rpcollection.co/CyclingWorld ––––––––––––––––

QUOTE PEDAL FOR 5% OFF DINNER , BE D & BRE AKFAST RATES

The Stanton Guildhouse Trust, Stanton Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7NE Tel: 01386 584357 • Email: info@stantonguildhouse.org.uk Website: www.stantonguildhouse.org.uk

Quarry Close Cottage, Quarry Road, Burniston, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO13 0DJ Tel: 01723 870660 • maggie@maggiemartin.co.uk • www.maggiemartin.co.uk

January 2018| 29

Accommodation in Scotland Scotland offers plenty of wonderful accessible accommodation options, including sleek city centre hotels, eco-friendly retreats and

Why you should choose a log cabin or a lodge:

luxurious country houses.

They’re ideal for outdoor activities.

You can stay in a bustling city centre, with great access-friendly

They’re built in Scotland’s most scenic locations.

attractions right on your doorstep, or out in the countryside, where

They’re often pet friendly.

you can enjoy accessible walks or trips to the beach. Look out for facilities such as onsite restaurants, free WiFi, hearing loop, level access

They have cosy living areas where everyone can relax after a day of

and accessible parking or drop off points.

exploring.

Many establishments will be able to cater for those with a sensory

They offer a huge range of facilities, from fully equipped kitchen and

impairment but please do check with the business before booking.

free WiFi to hot tubs, log burners and beautiful al fresco eating areas.

Places where you will find self-catering log cabins and lodges include:

• On the banks of a loch.

• Surrounded by woodland.

• At the seaside.

• On a working farm.

Camping and Caravan Holidays, and Accommodation Ah, the joys of the great Scottish camping holiday - where to begin?!

B&Bs and Guesthouses in Scotland

Well, let us tell you that in Scotland it’s easy to experience the many delights of camping or caravanning.

Why go camping in Scotland?

What could be better than waking up in a comfy bed inside a city townhouse, country farm cottage, luxury lodge, or even a castle, before tucking into a full Scottish breakfast? It’s all part of the experience at a bed and breakfast (B&B) or guest house in Scotland. Whether you are exploring cities, towns or the countryside, you can almost always find a

We’ve got a superb range of caravan parks and camping sites to suit all budgets, tastes and itineraries whether you are looking for a fun family break packed with activities or a bit of peace and quiet in the great outdoors.

quality B&B or guest house for an unforgettable stay.

Ask your friendly host for local know-how and they’ll recommend great places to visit, where to eat, best cycling routes, and top tips on travel. You’ll find plenty of homely, personal touches and often there are excellent facilities, which might include wonderful loch-side views, pet-friendly rooms and handy bike or golf club storage.

Cabin Holidays & Lodges in Scotland Relax and get away from it all in a log cabin or lodge, nestled deep in the Scottish countryside. Whether you’re looking for a pet friendly log cabin that is big enough for the whole family or a luxury lodge that is perfect for two, you’ll find a huge choice of log cabins or lodges in Scotland.

What are the choices?

If you’re looking for a flexible break, why not bring your tent, touring caravan or motorhome, or if you want take it easy and explore just one particular area, perhaps rent a modern caravan holiday home or a lodge in one of Scotland’s many caravan parks?

30 | Cycling World Welcome to DartmoorHolidays co.uk the website of Old Sowtontown.

We are a smallholding with three self-catering holiday cottages, ‘The Barn’, ‘The Shippen’ and ‘The Hemphouse’. We are in a rural setting within the National Park on the western edge of Dartmoor.

Open moorland is within a ten-minute walk. Tavistock, a historic market town, is 3 miles away, and Peter Tavy, the nearby village, has a 15th Century inn serving good food.

The National Cycle Route 27 goes past our gate.

Old Sowtontown, Nr Peter Tavy, Tavistock, Devon PL19 9JR Tel: (01822) 810687 e-mail: chrisboswe@aol.com

Situated in the heart of Berkshire, Donnington Grove Hotel is a stunning country hotel nestled in the tranquil countryside near Newbury. Set in 500 acres of gorgeous countryside, the hotel boasts unrivalled views of Donnington Castle, the beautiful River Lambourn and all the wildlife that calls it home.

Rooms with Character

A quality Newbury Hotel in stunning grounds with character rooms and lodges.

Dining with a View

A Newbury restaurant where provenance matters in the provision of delicious dishes in tune with the seasons.

Bespoke Weddings

A wedding venue in Newbury with a special setting for a truly memorable day.

Golf Course

A challenging, championship Berkshire golf course overlooked by beautiful Donnington Castle.

Donnington Grove Hotel & Country Club T: 01635 581000 | E: enquiries@donnington-grove.com www.donnington-grove.com Grove Rd, Newbury RG14 2LA

Llanberis, Gwynedd, Wales LL55 4TY • Phone: +44 (0) 1286 870 253 enquiries@theroyalvictoria.co.uk • www.theroyalvictoria.co.uk

• 104 Bedrooms • A choice of two restaurants overlooking the grounds.

• Eryri Bar and Lounge • Extensive Lounges • Lift

The Royal Victoria Hotel is uniquely placed on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park within 30 acres of our very own gardens and woodlands.

• Groups & Tours welcome • Extensive Conference Facilities • Licensed for Civil Weddings & Civil Partnership Ceremonies

Being cradled between two lakes Llyn Padarn

• Free WiFi in selected areas

and Llyn Peris as well as the Welsh mountains

• Complimentary parking

our location is quite simply breath-taking

• Drying room available

and great for all groups.

• Cycle storage room available

January 2018| 31

Eco-friendly Accommodation in Scotland It’s becoming easier and easier to be green, even when you’re on holiday. And better still, you needn’t forgo life’s little luxuries on an eco-friendly trip in Scotland, unless you fancy getting back to basics, of course.

Why should I choose eco-friendly accommodation?

You can sleep soundly on holiday in the knowledge that you’ve picked green accommodation with high environmental and ethical standards.

Chances are you won’t even notice much difference, but the planet will.

What is green tourism?

Great news: regular accommodation, attractions, tour companies and tourism businesses are all reducing, re-using and recycling to make your holiday more sustainable.

Many of these eco-friendly places have a bronze, silver or gold award from Green Tourism for offering a good quality of service, working to minimise their energy and water consumption, and meeting various ecological requirements.

What is glamping?

Green Tourism members also work to source produce, products and

One of the most recent travel trends, this phenomenon combines a

materials locally where possible and responsibly from ethical initiatives

little slice of glamour and luxury with traditional camping. So, you may

such as the Fairtrade movement.

find yourself deep in the wilderness but your accommodation will

What will picking Green Tourism accommodation mean for me?

provide you with sockets for hairdryers and iPods, a proper bed, a TV

You’ll find a number of eco-friendly elements in your Green Tourism accommodation, each making a small contribution towards big improvements for the environment.

Stay in a hotel with low energy lightbulbs and eat home-grown

and a fridge to make your stay much more comfortable.

Glamping comes in many different forms, including: camping pods, wigwams, bell tents, treehouses, tipis and yurts. Your place to stay can vary from basic and comfortable to simply grand and luxurious.

Funky features & stunning Scottish scenery

vegetables in the restaurant, watch the birds feeding in the B&B’s

If you go towards the higher end of the scale, your glamping retreat

wildlife garden, or find information on the nearest cycle hire companies

might even include some of these features:

in your self-catering lodge.

• Hot tub.

What do I need to do?

Simply search for the Green Tourism logo, select and book accommodation and enjoy your holiday. The accommodation will make it easy for you to help the planet, if you want to. By using your towel twice before it’s laundered, or switching off lights when going out, you can really make a difference and help to save energy.

• Comfortable beds and inviting rustic décor.

• Sauna.

• Wood burning stove.

Glamping in Scotland

• Underfloor heating.

Camping, it isn’t for everyone. Do you dread the prospect of the

You can go glamping deep in the heart of Scotland’s forests, on the

uneven ground, the ‘wild’ animals, the soggy tent and the mysterious noises through the night? Fear not, there is a truly comfortable way to enjoy the great outdoors, without the stresses of getting back to nature. It’s called glamping!

bonnie banks of one of our stunning lochs and at several coastal and rural spots too. This type of holiday brings you much closer to the action, as many providers also offer activities, walks and cycle rides close to where you sleep.

32 | Cycling World

BEET IT SPORT TOP CYCLISTS FEEL THE POWER OF NITRATE No. 1 natural nitrate supplement

BACKED BY SCIENCE AND ENDORSED BY ATHLETES

vegetables you would have to consume to get the same nitrate as just one small 7cl concentrated Beet It Sport shot

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Developed specifically with the sporting elite in mind, the 7cl Beet It Sport Nitrate 400 shot (98% concentrated beetroot juice and 2% lemon juice) provides a natural boost to cyclists in one quick hit. With a new Nitrate 400 strapline added, the name clearly communicates the optimum 400mg amount of natural dietary nitrate needed to increase cycling performance.

Enjoyed and revered by many leading Pro Tour cycling teams, the Beet It Sport Nitrate 400 concentrated beetroot shot is made from 100% natural ingredients and is the gold standard used by over 200 universities worldwide in natural nitrate supplementation research. The research has identified that Beet It’s naturally high dietary nitrate content (400mg per shot) interacts with enzymes in saliva to generate nitric oxide (NO) in the blood system. NO is a vasodilator that increases the flow of

blood and oxygen to the muscles, thereby boosting cycling strength and endurance.

Top cycling coach, Open Time Trial winner and two-time Kent Best All Rounder, Pav Bryan (www.directpowercoaching.com) is just one top cyclist who relies on Beet It Sport products to give him marginal gains.

Pav commented: “As an Open Time Trial winner and professional cycling coach, I’m always looking to make the most out of my nutrition and diet. Beet It Sport products have helped me beat all my personal bests and I’ll always use them as part of my preparation for events.”

The 7cl Beet It Sport Nitrate 400 shot is available from Wiggle, Holland & Barrett and Amazon, with a RRP of £2.19 per shot.

For more information on the Beet It Sport product range, which also includes the Beet It Sport Flapjack and Nitrate 3000, please visit www.beet-it.com

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ON I T I PET

January 2018| 33

WIN a Limited Edition Elephant Bike Worth £280

craftsmanship. Plus, with Sturney Archer three-speed gearing,

For over a hundred years, our postal services commissioned

You buy a bike, we give a bike, it’s as simple as that.

top-quality, British-made bikes for posties to deliver our mail.

But the way we use postal services has changed: we’re sending more parcels thanks to internet shopping and fewer letters due to email. Bikes are no longer suitable for our posties and they have gradually been phasing out their use. But that’s not the end of the story. For the past few years Krizevac Project (a UK-registered charity) has been on a mission to save the bikes from landfill as they are decommissioned. The charity gives them a new lease of life: supporting the successful growth of social enterprises in Malawi, Africa – one of the poorest countries in the world.

Sending bikes to Malawi is not a small undertaking, George Fur-

drum brakes and great load-carrying ability, your Elephant Bike will give you years of happy cycling.

You buy a bike, we give a bike, it’s as simple as that.

When you buy your robust and sturdy town bike, we will donate a bike to our social enterprise in Africa, where owning a bike can mean securing work, generating an income, or getting an invaluable education.

Elephant Bike has teamed up with Cycling World to offer one lucky reader the chance to win their very own Limited Edition Elephant Bike. To be in with a chance of

nival UK Manager explains, “every time we send a container of

winning, simply answer the following ques-

300 bikes it costs around £8,000 and we send a lot of bikes to

tion, sending your answer on a postcard to

Malawi so it costs a lot of money!” Krizevac Project has a policy

the address on page 8, and the first correct

generating income through social enterprise rather than asking for donations. George goes on to say, “we needed money for the shipping, so we decided to launch our first UK enterprise.

Now we work hard to refurbish some of the old post bikes for

answer drawn on 5th January 2018 will win!

Q: How much does it cost to send a container of bikes to Malawi?

sale here in the UK. We’ve named them as Elephant Bike and for every one that we sell, it pays for us to send another bike to Malawi- it’s a simple but exciting buy-one-give-one model”.

The Limited Edition Elephant Bike This is a unique and time-limited opportunity for you to be part of this exciting project. There will only ever be 5000 Elephant Bikes, making these individually numbered, fully refurbished postal bikes real collectors’ pieces. Ideal for town or leisure cycling, they’re built to last using British components and top

For more information and easy ordering visit www.elephantbike.co.uk Please like and follow us on

34 | Cycling World

craskie

bespoke highland accommodation

Craskie is located in beautiful & secluded Glencannich.

Within easy reach of Inverness yet remote enough to escape modern life, it is perfect backdrop to enjoy the Scottish Highlands.

Open all year, Craskie offers luxurious and affordable, dog-friendly, self catering accommodation in ‘The Old Mill’ cottage, let weekly and sleeping 3+1 (linens included), and 2 Eco-Camping pods, each sleeping 4.

The Old Mill has a double and single bedroom and a sofa bed, a log burner, luxury bathroom and an enclosed garden with loch views.

Pods are heated and insulated with electrics and luxurious shared bathroom facilities. Bedding and towels are available. Each has a loch view terrace and cooking facilities. There is no minimum stay.

Secure cycle storage and cleaning facilities are available on site.

Craskie is ideally situated for exploring the extensive MTB trails of Glen Affric, as well as being just 2 miles from the start of the coast to coast Affric-Kintail Way. If Road Cycling is more your thing there is a huge area to explore and tarmac to the doorstep! Craskie is the perfect base for the North Coast 500, Moray Coast Trail and Great Glen Way. Glencannich teems with wildlife all year long, from magnificent Red Deer who call the glen their home to the secretive Pine Martens in the forest and majestic Golden Eagles which soar overhead.

Contact us for further details and current rates:

Contact Details: Tel: +44 01456 415398 • E: info@craskieestate.com • www.craskie.com CraskieEstateLtd @craskieestate

January 2018| 35

Things to See and Do in Scotland Where do we start?! There are probably a million and one ways to

Park, or the UK’s only giant pandas at Edinburgh Zoo to the resident

fill your holiday with incredible things to do in Scotland.

giant sea turtle at the SeaLife Loch Lomond Aquarium. Many of our top

So, how about grand castles? Train rides through majestic landscapes? Discovering whisky distilling secrets? An island hopping

attractions have animals and reptiles from all over the world, as well as the rare local species from Scotland.

adventure? An afternoon in a gallery or a museum? Coastal

It’s safe to say that when it comes to attractions in Scotland, you are

explorations? Cycling Tours? Night at the theatre? Munro bagging?

bound to find many that you love. Take your pick from the country’s

Following a literary trail? White-water rafting? Shopping expedition?

variety of incredible attractions and soak up a bit of culture, find things

We literally could go on, and on, and on, and on… but Scotland is

to keep the kids entertained, or immerse yourself in Scotland’s past.

certainly the place to do all of these amazing things!

Scottish Attractions

Here are just some of the categories that you can explore on your travels!

When it comes to places to visit, Scotland has some mighty fine options indeed. We wouldn’t be surprised if you wanted to experience them all.

So what’s on offer? Hear tales of kings and queens, see striking cliff-top castles and discover science’s latest inventions. Whether you want to step on board a Royal yacht in Leith, climb over 240 steps up the National Wallace Monument for views over a National Park or try your hand at keyhole surgery in Dundee, there are countless ways to fill days, weeks and even months at Scotland’s attractions.

Wildlife Attractions Keeping the whole family happy on holiday can be hard work, especially if you’re juggling teenagers, toddlers and squabbling siblings.

What better way to create harmony than by coaxing the family out for an animal-themed excursion? Happy memories await you at the many wonderful wildlife attractions across Scotland.

Into the wild Become an intrepid explorer at National Nature Reserves, vast wildlife parks and forest trails which are teeming with wild things, allowing you the chance to come face-to-face with Scottish animals and experience their natural habitat first-hand, including lions, tigers and bears!

History and Heritage: Ships, abbeys, monuments, ancient stone circles, brochs and forts.

Parks and Gardens: Green spaces in towns and cities, castle grounds and botanical gardens.

Museums: Fascinating artefacts and fun interactive displays.

Architecture: Victorian tenements, Georgian country houses and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Food and Drink: Distilleries, breweries, farm shops, cookery schools, markets and speciality shops.

Arts and Culture: Art centres, heritage centres, art studios, historic theatres and much more.

Free Attractions: Museums, galleries, beaches, historic sites, parks and gardens.

Galleries: Incredible artworks, touring exhibitions and beautiful architecture.

Castles: fortresses, tower houses and crumbling ruins.

Family Attractions: Play areas, zoos, safari parks, science centres, museums and farm parks. Nature Reserves, such as Deep Sea World, Blair Drummond Safari, Highland Wildlife Park, Scottish Seabird Centre, Scottish Deer Centre, Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World, just to name a few!

Whatever your reason for your visit to Scotland, there is certainly something for everyone, so why not take a look for yourself.

If you would like any further information about Scotland, places to stay, things to do, cycling events and trails You can see lots of exotic species in Scotland, visit Highland Wildlife

please visit www.visitscotland.com

36 | Cycling World

Kinesis UK and CX Sportive Events team up for Kinesis Gravelcross Series Kinesis UK have been announced as the new title sponsor of CX Sportive’s Gravelcross event series. CX Sportive and Kinesis UK have both been pioneers in the UK gravel riding/open hill CX scene; the first CX Sportive event in 2010 was inspired by the emerging trend for go-anywhere bikes not defined by a specific use, and the original Kinesis Tripster ATR was probably the first bike to become a figurehead for this do-anything generation of machines. The Kinesis Gravelcross Series is designed to offer an exciting range of events for this style of riding, with a very UK-centric approach, embracing the variety of riding we have in abundance, and using it to create fast paced and varied courses on the best mix of surfaces that each area has to offer.

That approach has been the ethos behind CX Sportive since the start, and in Kinesis UK, they are confident they have found partner that understands and is catering for just that style of riding. Phil Harrison from CX Sportive says, “We started CX Sportive events in response to a movement towards people just riding, without restricting themselves to a type of bike, or defining themselves as one kind of rider. In the very early days of the event, we first became aware of the Tripster ATR, and it’s a bike that certainly shaped our thinking and our ambition for what these events should be. This year, we’ve been excited to see Kinesis release the new Tripster AT, which puts top quality gravel riding in the reach a lot more people. Which is exactly what we want to do with the events. The Kinesis Gravelcross Series is open to anyone on any kind of bike that’s up to the job, but the modern gravel bike is very much the all-rounder at the centre of this world, and Kinesis are at the leading edge of the development of those bikes.”

Rory Hitchens is the marketing manager at Upgrade Bikes, the home of Kinesis UK. He says: “I have personally ridden and really enjoyed a number of CX Sportive’s events and the timing is perfect for us to support the growing excitement about riding dropped bars over mixed terrain. We think UK tracks, byways and bridleways are best ridden with wider 40mm tyres and the new Tripster AT is the ideal machine to offer all-round speed and comfort on these events so it’s a great natural fit for us to get involved and we are excited to be working on the new Gravelcross series to bring a new style of cycling to more people this coming year.”

The seven event Kinesis UK Gravelcross Series continues on October 15th from Salisbury Racecourse with the Kinesis UK Gold Rush, which features a rich mix of tarmac and dirt/gravel roads, plus some serious hills, a little bit of singletrack and the iconic cobbled climb of Shaftesbury’s Gold Hill. The series continues through to the spring with rides in accessible locations across the south, each offering three distance choices, fully marked routes, rider support and timing, event catering and a great atmosphere! And you can enter on any bike you like, you don’t need a CX or gravel bike. But there’s a good chance you’ll be thinking of getting one once you get a taste for this way of riding!

Find out more about the events and sign up online at www.cxsportive.com and discover the Kinesis UK range of bikes for road, off road and everything in between at www.kinesisbikes.co.uk

January 2018| 37

ROOMS WITH A VIEW We love to welcome cyclists to Mount Ephraim There are plenty of beautiful cycle rides through rolling countryside and we are happy to provide secure storage for your bike.

Stay in one of our five newly refurbished rooms and enjoy a home cooked breakfast, to set you up for another day in the saddle!

Book online at www.mountephraimgardens.co.uk or call 01227 751496

Mount Ephraim Country House & Gardens, Hernhill, Faversham, Kent, ME13 9TX

The Manor House Luxury Bed & Breakfast

The Manor House Bed and Breakfast is a grade II listed Georgian Manor House in the centre of Brassington.

THE ULTIMATE SPORTS GPS Sarah Copley has renovated The Manor House to a high standard.

You can tell she is a stylist for interior magazines as the rooms are full of pretty strips and florals, painted wood panelling, chandeliers, antique furniture and Farrow and Ball colours.

Brassington is near to all the major attractions in the Peak District; Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall, Carsington Water, Bakewell, Dovedale, Matlock, Ashbourne, Limestone Way, Buxton, Calke Abbey, Hardwick Hall, Keleston Hall, Sudbury Hall, Eyam Hall, Wirksworth.

The Manor House, Brassington, Matlock, Derbyshire. DE4 4HJ Telephone: 07802 494 814 or 01629 540792 e-mail: sarahcopley16@hotmail.co.uk

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Available online and from leading Outdoor stores satmap.com | sales@satmap.com | 0845 873 0101

Adv-A20 CyclingWorld 90x270 2.indd 1

04/09/2017 16:31

38 | Cycling World

Award winning cyclist, coach and trainer, Pav Bryan.

My journey to mental health recovery through cycling

E

ver since I was a child I had issues with my behavior and mood. As I entered into my teens this started presenting itself as intense anxiety, with regular panic attacks and outbursts of violent behavior. I had no idea that what I was feeling wasn’t normal.

To escape this negative pattern, I started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. This soon became an addiction, which, despite several attempts, I wasn’t able to shift in my early twenties. More abnormal behavior and outbursts led me to start looking into what was happening in my mind. I was incorrectly diagnosed by my GP as Clinically Depressed and was visited as an outpatient by the local mental health team after having some low mood, suicide attempts and self-harm.

Unfortunately, the support from NHS was not enough and after a couple of particularly challenging incidents I was diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder. At one time I spent a couple of weeks in psychiatric care to help break that pattern of behavior.

In 2011, I made the decision to become a healthier more productive member of society and about two years ago I was able taper off the medication that had kept me stable for so long. It’s not been easy nor has it been perfect, but I have maintained a more stable mental health through exercise, nutrition, relaxation and support.

My recovery What is the best way to overcome any form of addiction?

Replace it with something else. When I gave up my life of drinking, drugs, poor diet and negative attitude I replaced it with exercising. Later this became cycling training and my love affair with nutrition started because I needed to lose weight. I didn’t realise it at the time, but nutrition would become one of the cornerstones of maintaining my mental stability.

As the weight came off and my cycling legs came back (they had been missing around a decade!) I soon found myself becoming a strong cyclist. At first my determination and motivation came from wanting to prove to myself that I could do it, that I wasn’t a failure and that it was possible for someone like me to be a productive member of society. Later, when I was introduced to time trialing, that became wanting to beat myself.

What is the best way to overcome any form of addiction? Replace it with something else.

I worked hard and I studied a lot. I leant how to convert a decade of coaching and people management experience, from a food retail environment, into one relevant to the cycling industry. My business was founded upon my belief that everyone should get a unique, yet outstanding client experience. This saw my business grow faster than I could ever expect and today it operates in 10 different countries, with an amazing team of One

January 2018| 39 of my proudest days was being able to go professionally into cycling coaching and support myself. I had figured out exactly how to maintain my mental health through exercise (training), nutrition and having my business as a purpose to work hard remaining stable. Life was good again, I even managed to taper off the medication which had helped me find stability when I was first diagnosed.

Yet, something was missing. In analyzing my life I could time every severe manic episode with the breakdown of a romantic relationship and such in the five years I worked on myself and transformed from an overweight addict into a functioning member

of society, I had hidden away from any romantic attachment. I had allowed myself to become a recluse, unable to communicate my issues and hiding that I had a mental disability, mainly due to the stigma attached to it.

I had the opportunity to spend a winter in California with some good friends. Sadly, my trip wasn’t plain sailing and I spent one of the longest periods of my life swinging between mania and depression. I had to learn to talk to people about my problems.

This felt incredibly hard to begin with. Thoughts like ‘what will they think’, ‘can I trust them’ and ‘what if they use it against me’ filled my mind. But the saying is true, practice makes perfect. Not long after

Noelle has become my rock, my muse, my inspiration.

She taught me to love myself, to meditate and made me feel supported.

Pav will be attempting to break the World Record for the fastest ride of Bicycle Route 66 next year – 2500 miles in a little over ten days.

All money raised will go to mental health charity Inner Cycle.

To follow his progresses follow Pav on Twitter, Facebook or go to his website. www.directpowercoaching.com info@directpowercoaching.com @dpcyclecoaching directpowercoaching @directpowercoaching

I had told those first handful of people was I recording a video that I shared on Facebook, which was viewed by tens of thousands of people.

One of the first people who I talked to was a woman who I had met through a nutrition business I was involved in. We actually met on a video call with 10 other people in November 2015, I remember looking at her and smiling, a smile lit up her face. In turn this made me smile more, and so did she. We met in person in Phoenix at a conference March 2016. We spoke frequently between that time and when I visited her in Northern California December 2016. We had our first date January 1st 2017 but had very limited time together due to VISA restrictions. We fell in love via Facetime.

Noelle has become my rock, my muse, my inspiration. She taught me to love myself, to meditate and made me feel supported. With all aspects of my life complete; training, nutrition, relaxation and support I have finally found inner peace. No doubt this will be tested in the future, but for now I enjoy the tranquility of un-medicated good mental health.

TESTED ON ARSEHOLES NOT ANIMALS

40 | Cycling World

Hi There

I’m Charlie the Bikemonger and I make Happy Bottom Bum Butter. Let me tell you all about it: What is it for? Happy Bottom Bum Butter is what is often referred to as a chamois cream.

Basically you slap it on your bum area and it:

• Reduces friction and infection • Reduces pain • Repairs skin • Fanny friendly for females • Made in Dorset UK

Small l0g “knob” £3.50. Big 100g tub £17.99

What’s it made from? It’s actually 100% vegan - we don’t make it out of vegans, as they are awkward to har­vest. But seriously it’s made from vegetable and nut extracts... totally 100% natural ingredients.

Why is it better than other creams? Well, this is not a cream, it’s a vegetable butter that is absorbed into the skin. So unlike the creams it doesn’t feel like someone has squirted toothpaste down your shorts. It not only lasts a lot longer, less is required and it’s pretty damned resistant to water too.

Charliethebikemonger.com or call me on 01929 475833 Available from many great bike shops Trade enquiries: Bikemonger on 01929 475833 or Ison Distribution on 01353 662662

January 2018| 41

ETAPE LOCH NESS A cycle sportive taking place around iconic Loch Ness offering the chance to cycle 66 miles (106 km) on traffic free roads. The 360° closed-road route around the loch starts and finishes in the Highland capital of Inverness, offering 900 m of ascent.

There is a timed King of the Mountain stage, with a 4.8 mile (9 km) climb gaining 380 m in height with a gradient reaching 12% at times.

Why Ride Loch Ness?

Apart from the opportunity to visit one of the world’s best known destinations, with breath-taking scenery and the centuriesold myth and mystery of the Loch Ness monster…

Etape Loch Ness riders are taking on the challenge for many reasons: to achieve their own personal goals, raise money for good causes or simply to cycle in one of the UK’s most popular cycle sportives renowned for its scenery, atmosphere and warm Highland welcome.

The Route The Etape Loch Ness follows a 66-mile/106-km route, starting by the riverside at Bught Park, Inverness IV3 5SQ and finishing by Eden Court, Bishops Road, Inverness IV3 5SA. Leaving Inverness, the route follows the A82 west to Fort Augustus, passing through the villages of Drumnadrochit and Invermoriston, arriving in Fort Augustus where it crosses the historic Caledonian Canal. The route then starts its return journey to Inverness via South Loch Ness on the B862/B852.

Rider Fe

Entry Includes

• Unrivalled scenery on closed roads • Finisher’s medal • Event Giveaway • Electronic timing • Mechanical support • Feed stations along the route • King of the Mountain time trial (optional) • Finisher’s certificate (downloadable post event) So don’t miss out on your chance to ride, the 2018 event will take place on Sunday 29th April at 06.15. Visit www.etapelochness.com for more details, and to register.

edback

you u feel like o Y . o d lped at thing to lf and he “It’s a gre hallenged yourse yc e. ” have reall same tim ple at the o e p r e oth list

illan Cyc

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42 | Cycling World

Bolehill Farm Cottages - Peak District, Bakewell Our 8 dog friendly self-catering cottages are wrapped around a tranquil courtyard, set within 20 acres of grounds within the Peak District National Park. Superb views in abundance and on-site facilities including a games room.

Over 280 cottages throughout the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire

www.welsh-cottages.co.uk

01239 639343

There is something for all cyclists at Bolehill Farm whether it’s exploring on road, tackling the mountain routes or exploring one of the many local trails. We have recently installed a new cycle storage shelter and wash down area. A small, family run business with pub walks from the door - what more can we say! Each cottage sleeps between 2 - 5 people. We are open all year round.

Bolehill Farm Cottages, Bakewell DE45 1QW Website: www.bolehillfarm.co.uk Contact: Dan and Fay Opala 01629 812359

Thirley Cotes Farm Luxur y Self Catering Cottages

The Luxurious KC House is a furnished, three-bedroom home conveniently located near the town centre of Dungannon. The home has 2 double beds, 1 single bed and 3 baths which can accommodate a maximum of five persons. Guest can exclusively book the house and its full modern amenities for a starting nightly rate of £100 plus cleaning fee of £50 per stay.

What our guests love about KC House is it is well maintained and that shops, restaurants and other amenities are only walking distance away. In KC house, we guarantee convenience, comfort and good value for money. Check us online or call us for bookings, discounts and promos.

8 Annes Court, Anne Street, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, BT70 1DS T: 028 8772 5867 • E: info@luxuriouskchouse.com W: www.luxuriouskchouse.com

The Perfect Base For Cycling In The North Yorkshire Moors & Coast A Luxur y Georgian Farmhouse & Stunning Barn Conversions Pet friendly accommodating bookings for 2 to 28 people

Ha rwoo d Da l e , Sc a rbo roug h, No r t h Yor k shi re , YO 1 3 0 D R

Tel: 01723 871782 | www.cottage-escapes.co.uk

January 2018| 43

8th July 2018 ANNECY LE GRAND-BORNAND

Climbing 4,000 metres!

For the 28th edition of Étape du Tour, cycling enthusiasts will serve as forerunners on the first mountain stage of the 2018 Tour de France, on a route between Annecy and Grand-Bornand.

The 169-km stage will see the 15,000 expected riders set off on a challenge to climb a cumulative 4,000 meters, which will also include the all-new climb to the Glières plateau.

The race will be held on 8th July 2018, while the pro riders will compete in the second stage in the Vendée region.

The challenge is approaching even faster than usual. While the world elite head into action in the western region of the country, a much larger gathering is being prepared in the Alps where 15,000 cycling enthusiasts will be awaited to take up the Étape du Tour challenge.

For the 28th edition, the riders will set off on a mountain expedition that will lead them to the neighbouring Grand-Bornand ski resort after a few particularly demanding detours. After climbing the Col de la Croix-Fry, where they will enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Aravis mountain range, they will encounter the 7km plateau des Glières climb, with an average gradient of 11%.

To reach the strategic site where the region’s resistance took refuge during World War II, the amateur climbers will not only have to take on the climb, but also the dust on a 1.5km unpaved sector! They will continue on with the Col de Romme ascension, then the Col de la Colombière at 1,613 meters above sea level. In total, the participants will climb over 4,000 meters: the downhill run towards Grand-Bornand will be a welcome sight for the riders…

Registration opened on 23rd October on the platform

Two price brackets: €109 per race bib for the quickest and upon availability. €139 per race bib from 18th December and upon availability

For more information visit www.letapedutour.com/en

44 | Cycling World

1

dose of the competitive mindset

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heap of motivation

2 sets of pre-cycle stretches 1

surge of determination

1

box of 100% natural, energy-packed Sun-Maid raisins

Sun-Maid Raisins are just one of many ingredients that helps get the best out of any cycle.

With no oils, glazing agents, or preservatives and only natural occurring fruit sugar, this natural snack will keep your energy steady, even on the steepest inclines. www.sunmaid.co.uk | Tel: 01689 878700 | www.sbhf.com

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January 2018| 45

Cycling For Rangers Livingston to Liuwa Plains National Park

By Will Johnston, Charlie Rose, Theo Bromfield & Will Addison

Having followed their journey from the beginning, featured in our June & July issue of Cycling World, both Will’s Charlie and Theo share their amazing experiences with us.

46 | Cycling World We’ve just come to the end of 6 days in Liuwa Plain National Park. We had two objectives. To film for Time and Tide Foundation, a short promotional film highlighting their educational community outreach programme, and to film frontline anti-poaching rangers. These 6 days took us to Kalabo Secondary Schoool, Munde Primary, to interviews with a number of Zambian Wildlife Police Officers, scouts on the ground in the bush and interviews with two convicted poachers in Kalabo Jail. Lots happened so I’ll try and give you a flavour of some of the events of these days.

Before all this however we had 5 days to cycle 500k from Livingston to Lusaka.

The road to Lusaka is straight. The conditions of the tarmac are awful.

It’s a lunar landscape of potholes and crumbling road with our only saving grace being the gentle undulating hills that have provided some speed as we make our way to Lusaka. It’s a one-lane road which is used for heavy cargo trucks coming from South Africa, Botwsanna and Zimbabwe to the Zambian capital Lusaka.

Our source of bicycle touring wisdom has largely come from Mike.

The character we met in Botswana who’s been on the road for 9 years.

His passing comments on the road from Livingston to Lusaka weren’t to be taken lightly.

‘It’s the worst road I’ve ridden in 9 years.’

Our secret weapon for this 5 day blitz to Lusaka? African rocket fuel!

Otherwise known as Pap in South Africa, Sadsa in Zimbabawe and Sheema in Zambia. In its uncooked from, its dried out corn granuals, milled down into a fine white, sand like consistency. Cooked for about an hour, the finished article is a thick white blob. Accompanied by beef stew and some veg it’ll keep you going for hours. Our only problem is the ensuing food coma at lunch which takes at least two hours to emerge from!

The towns and villages along the road provide colourful and vibrant food stops. The buildings are a variety of pastel oranges, blues, purples and yellows. Street stalls line the sides of the road selling oranges, bananas, tomatoes, watermelons, and onions. Regardless of time of day, music is blaring from a number of competing locations and the people are incredibly friendly.

5/5 nights have been spent under canvas. The first at a teacher’s house. He spotted us pulling into his village and offered us a patch of land next to his pig sty. The second night was in a village Head Man’s garden. The third we spent under two trees in the central courtyard of Pemba High school. Awakening to the sound of school children giggling and whispering as I unzipped the tent bleary eyed and disorientated with a hundred kids staring back at me was a nice

change from the phone alarm.

In other news, to our enormous excitement we’ve managed to locate some ‘Heinz Beanz.’ Quite a monumental discovery when your breakfast diet without fail consists of baked beans of some variety. Sat around after dinner, contemplating life and its many mystery’s Charlie had a moment of doubt concerning said beans.

‘Is beans spelt with an ‘s’ or ‘z’. A deafening silence ensued.

Confronting such hard-hitting subject matters as these is a part of daily life on the road. Are they counterfeit or not? One hell of a cliff hanger. If any of our readers could shed any light on this it would be much appreciated!

Similar topics of conversation have been how my once scrupulous standards of bag packing have finally come unstuck. My panniers, once held up as a standard for packing in the touring world, have seen a sharp decline. None more so then the day we came into Lusaka. My bike decided to distribute my belongings at even intervals along the road. For the lucky man who has my connect four set I wish you many good fortunes in your connect four career.

Upon arrival in Lusaka we camped again and were picked up by Elizabeth, the Director of the Time and Tide Foundation. As I mentioned earlier we’d be filming a short film for their promotional purposes over the next few days and also filming lots for our documentary.

The drive from Lusaka to Liuwa Plain National Park is a 9 hour stint and takes us through Kafue National Park. The second largest park on the African continent and one we’ll be returning to film later that week with SAPU (Special Anti Poaching Unit).

Spitting us out the other end of Kafue, in the heart of the Western province, we found ourselves in a small town called Kalabo. We spent the night camping at the Rob’s house (the Park Manger of Liuwa Plain) and woke up to a quick swim in the Zambezi and I mean very quick due to fear of crocs and hippos.

January 2018| 47 We were swiftly back on the road and heading deeper into Liuwa Plain. The Western province is a fascinating place and Liuwa Plain even more so. It hugs the border of Angola and has had a turbulent recent history. With the Angolan civil war raging close to Liuwa Plain it was used as a way to feed the armies of both sides. Decimating the wildlife population Liuwa is still classified as a recovering ecosystem to this day. Liuwa’s also home to the second largest wildebeest migration on earth, after the Serengeti, and hosts a rather famous lioness by the name of Lady Liuwa.’ She was the only surviving lion in the park for a decade. Well worth watching the documentary ‘Lady Liuwa’ if you have a spare minute!

morning with the guys and learnt a huge amount about the specific challenges of operating in Liuwa. Its unlike most parks in that there are hundreds if not thousands of villages within it. These guys are doing a fantastic job and face challenges that are very hard to get your head around. One of the guys had to arrest his own brother for poaching. Another lost his father to a poacher and is now following in his footsteps as a ranger.

We filmed the rangers do a sweep of the surrounding area and as we arrived back in camp spotted a local fisherman in the pan next to the camp. The scouts went over to him to check he had his fishing permit.

The physical geography of Liuwa Plain is unlike any landscape we’ve seen in Southern Africa. As the name suggests its flat as a pancake.

The sky is as vast as I’ve ever seen and the ground stretches out like an ocean before us. The long grass, head height at this time of year, ripples like the currents at sea and if you close your eyes the motion of the landrover gives the rocking sensation of being at sea.

In order to gain access to the park there was one major hurdle. The Liuwa river. Our method of transit? A tractor, driven into the water onto a floating pontoon/barge. The tractor was then edged further and further forward onto the barge so as to lean the vessel away from the bank and enable it to come lose from the river bank. Everyone accounted for it was then up to us to propel our noble steed across the water!

On either side of the river, secured by tree trunks, a thick blue rope links both sides of the river. It’s all hands on deck as we’re put to work heaving ourselves via the rope and the tractor across the Zambezi.

Our captain urgently barking orders at us in the local tongue to very blank expressions. His tone being the only thing we could gauge and even that wasn’t of much help as one minute he seemed very concerned the next minute cracking up at our efforts to keep pace with the local deck hands.

Our first morning in Liuwa began bright and early as we set off at sunrise to meet an anti poaching unit in the field. We spent the

Each pan is allocated to a particular family. The Ndona (head man of the family) has the authority to grant fishing permits and this particular individual didn’t have one. In talking to other fisherman at the pan they learnt he’d been fishing this pool for a month without a permit.

The scouts confiscated his net, his spear and the 10 fish he’d caught.

But as we’ve learnt on our travels there’s always another side to the story. He’d had a disagreement with Ndona and was therefore unable to gain permission to fish. His crops had failed and needed to feed his family. The fish he’d caught would go for 2 qwacha at the market.

That’s about $2 for the 10 he’d caught.

Whilst it’s clearly illegal for him to be fishing it’s never straightforward.

Another moment that stands out from the last few days was the interviews we did at Kalabo Prision. We found ourselves in a Land Cruiser swaying this way and that as it struggled through a sea of sand surrounding the prison. We pulled up in an outer courtyard, the Zambian flag whipping left and right in the wind and the slight figure of the Deputy Warden approaching us.

Minutes later, we were through the security gates and shaking hands with 14 inmates all in prison for poaching. They’re part of an African Parks rehabilitation programme in which they’re being taught agriculture techniques to farm maize, rape and tomatoes. The idea is, when they leave prison they’ll have an alternative means of income.

I certainly have moments of wondering how exactly we ended up here, and the prison was one of those moments. Interviewing convicted poachers, orange boiler suits and all, discussing the challenges they face is just not something I could have possibly imagined doing 2 months ago.

We’ve left Liuwa with some stunning footage and some great friends who we’ll hopefully see again someday. The road from here will take us to the Kafue National Park and then onto the Eastern border of Zambia where we’ll be filming in South Luangwa National Park.

48 | Cycling World

Zambia: eye-opening, challenging, incredible.

Charlie Rose There was something both ceremonial and strangely underwhelming about seeing our first poached elephant carcass. Approaching the scene of a crime one expects a certain furore, tickertape, cameras and a number of people telling you to move on. This particular type of criminal act has been significantly glorified in my head through the last few months, owing to our constant exposure to thoughts and conversation on the matter, however as Godfrey the Zambian Ranger led us around the Edge of an Oxbow to the scene, clearly marked by circling vultures, what we saw was something quite unexpected, yet peculiarly appropriate. The elephant’s last steps were preserved in the soft earth surrounding the lake, and as we tracked them, with our eyes focussed on the dirt, we looked up at the last minute to see a local man hacking away at the animal’s decaying flesh.

From a western perspective this would seem too many as barbaric, shocking or even criminal, but what it encapsulates is the perspective that some local people have towards wildlife. If they are not benefitting from these animals through tourism, job creation, or through the aesthetic pleasure that we take to be so normal, then there is no reason for people to see them as anything more than meat.

In South Luangwa we were lucky enough to meet a few people who are doing a great deal to change perspectives through education, and directly protect the wildlife through innovative anti-poaching… but before I get to that I’ll rewind a week or so to the journey from Lusaka down to the park.

The ride from Lusaka was brutal. We had been warned by a couple of people that it was significantly more mountainous than the rest of the country, but we were not expecting the headwind or two days of sandy footpaths through a GMA (game management area)! Our last day of tarmac summed up the journey entirely. Tensions were

high in the group due to our exploitation of Theo’s strange new attachment to his recently acquired pink flannel. This particular bond was even odd in our eyes, but I have to say that these little things do go a long way on this kind of trip. He would spend all afternoon looking forward to washing himself down before bed, thus avoiding the sticky, salty, sweaty sensation of getting into your sleeping bag unwashed… something we have got used to but will never enjoy.

Anyway, as I was saying, tensions were high because, for the benefit of the documentary, we decided to film Theo’s reaction in the serene and much anticipated tranquillity of a hot spring, as I used this muchvaunted flowery number to wash some of my less accessible areas.

To add to this ‘tension’, we were completely out of money due to a serious miscalculation of quite how rural this road would be, and were growing more and more weary of the perpetual mountains that seemed to hide themselves around every corner, only to pounce on you every time you allowed yourself to enjoy a descent. This misery was reaching its total climax when, as if sent by god, Liz, our employer/guide/host and now friend, appeared over the horizon in her glowing white chariot, otherwise known as a LandCruiser, and led us to the most stunning campsite we have stayed in for the whole trip!

It was almost too good to put into words. We had been discussing, miserably, which patch on the side of the road we would be camping, while arguing about everything we could think of, (mainly flannels), so this oasis of steaks and swimming pools presenting itself out of nowhere was almost too much to handle. To add to the serenity of this sanctuary, Liz woke us up by handing us a kitten that she had found on the road while out jogging! We named her Joy, after one of the Black Mambas, only to discover she is in fact a he, and despite Theo’s efforts to keep him cosily tucked in his front basket, in a pink flannel bed, he has found a loving home in South Luangwa.

In rescuing us from our nadir, Liz earned an innumerable amount of ‘rep’ and brownie points among the group… which she soon lost in spectacular fashion by sending us to our almost certain deaths. She nonchalantly recommended that we take a detour/shortcut/gauntlet through hell, to save a bit of time and see a ‘more scenic route’, which ended up being the most gruelling two days of our lives, over dirt tracks, streams, rocks and sand. We were literally chased by what appeared to be a zombie, who was determined that he was coming with us to Nairobi. In true zombie fashion he was always just too slow to catch us, but whenever we looked over our shoulders, for literally 10Km, we would remember with a shock that this bloke was right on our tail, arms outstretched and the devil in his eye! Reminding us that he was ‘coming to Nairobi!’ The detour also involved seeing Theo, already on the brink of a flannel induced breakdown, tipped well and truly over the edge. He fell off his bike over 10 times, once into water and once into a bog, which left his feet wet and even pongier than usual. He realised, a little too late, that his tyres were pumped up twice as hard as anyone else’s, thus the relentless bouncy-ball effect left him perpetually sprawled on the dirt. It was definitely the most testing two days of the trip for us as characters, and we all took our turns to lose our composure and get close to throwing in the towel (or flannel). My particular ‘moment’ was only 40km before the finish, when my rear rack gave up on me and the entire weight of my bags was compressing into my rear wheel. I was at a point where I was praying Theo couldn’t fix it, and was doing absolutely nothing to help him, in the vain hope that if it was truly buggered I could call Liz and we would all be miraculously rescued. Nonetheless, we finally made it to Mfuwe, and were greeted by the dreamiest setting you could imagine. Liz, who we would be staying with while we filmed for Time + Tide foundation (of which she’s the Director of), had set us up with two amazing rooms looking over an (aforementioned) oxbow, at which elephants came to drink in the mornings and where hippos frolicked all night, which made it all worth it in the end.

January 2018| 49

who know infinitely more about wildlife than we ever will, poachers who have now saved more animals than they could have killed in their lives, and we (not technical me) even took part in a local fun run dedicated to raising awareness for anti-poaching, all of which left us with a very Zambian feeling of positivity.

As we cross into Malawi, and begin the second chapter of our trip, there is an added personal significance for me as it is the country in which my Dad was born and is therefore somewhere I have imagined since I was very young. In contrast, Zambia was a place I knew little about and to which I had given little thought, but now, on reflection, Malawi has a mighty task living up to one of the most spectacular countries I have visited in my life.

It is impossible to do justice to the experience we had in South Luangwa, our 5th filming location. We were so well looked after that getting back on the road felt almost like we were starting the whole trip again, and in a way we are beginning the second chapter. It provided footage almost unrivalled on the trip so far, and a rest and recuperation period that allowed us to make friends for life in Kapani.

One of the stories we told was of a Ranger that I shall not name. He, we discovered, had been a poacher for 15 years, poaching dozens of Buffalo, Elephant and Antelope, thus he had a knowledge of the park that is beyond any of the other Rangers. CSL (Conservation South Luangwa) spotted his talent, his potential value to Anti-Poaching, and hired him rather than condemning him to the jail sentence that would do little to rehabilitate someone so set in his ways. He has been an invaluable asset, his knowledge of poacher trails and their preferred locations allowing the teams to pin-point their efforts. Within CSL we also got to know, and told the story of a tracking dog called Chai.

She is the first dog in the area to successfully track and find a stash of weapons, ivory or a poacher, and the bond she had with her handler, Godfrey, was heart-warming and inspiring. These are just two of the stories we came across in South Luangwa, but there were honestly numerous inspiring and fascinating stories, a number of which will be of huge importance to the conservation story we want to tell through the documentary.

Mala-wi there yet?!

July 9, 2017 Theo Bromfield In true Cycling For Rangers fashion, the sun started to set behind the vast expanse of mountains on our left and we were stuck 50km from our intended destination. It was our first day in Malawi!

One of the last, and lasting experiences we had in South Luangwa was seeing the elephant carcass. The scene I described earlier, and the way it made us feel, is particularly appropriate in the context of everything we saw and filmed in and around the Luangwa. The efforts being put towards anti-poaching, community outreach and education, through Time + Tide, CSL, DNPW and the Chipenbele Wildlife Education Trust are what is needed to protect these animals and to change the mind-set of those people who still see them as a short term resource, not through force but through genuinely helping the population benefit from these fantastic beasts, thus changing perspectives from the short term to long term benefits of wildlife. We met local children

Luckily for us the rumours of Malawian kindness held up and a family offered to take us in for the night. Waddi and I were lead into to the darkness to meet the village chief, an obligatory custom that can take anywhere from ten minutes to four hours. Although we were both accustomed to such situations, never before had an army of kids joined the ceremony. Walking through the almost dark evening, 400 kids surrounded us, intrigued by the two “Mazungu’s” and their tightly padded shorts. As we sat on a small wooden bench, listening to the humbling tone of the Chichewa language, we were both filled with a

50 | Cycling World From the long sandy beaches to the crashing sound of waves, the sparse dry landscape of Zambia seemed long behind us.

profound sense of honour. The chief welcomed us into his village and gave us his blessing in front of hundreds of small-bewildered faces before we returned to our home for the evening.

The family refused to let us camp and after some reshuffling, our four small mattresses were inflated in their sitting room. Although it was nice to be out of our tents for the evening, we would quickly vacate back to their safety the following day due to the infestation of mice and bugs that decided to clamber all over us and join us in our sleeping bags. I’m not sure what amazes me more, the endless generosity that we have experienced throughout this trip or that we have cycled 3000km through six countries and Waddi still has his front tyre on backwards. Nonetheless, it’s fair to say that Malawi instantly won us over and Waddi is the only one not to have a flat tyre.

The following day took us to the gate of the Nkhotakota National Park. Having cycled three and a half thousand kilometres completely unaided, we were devastated to find out that the 20km strip through the park was prohibited for cyclists. After much debate and the sun behind the hills, we were forced to camp. Luckily for us, the Ranger manning the gate invited us to join him for dinner and what could have been a stressful evening turned out to be one full of epic tails of the life of a ranger. Unfortunately for him he had to experience one of the latest introductions to the team dynamic, “Come Dine With Me Bush Style,” a cooking competition that incorporates four of the worst cooks, a bag of pasta and anything from peanut butter to tinned tuna and mayonnaise.

-- Lake Malawi

It was quite disconcerting catching sight of Lake Malawi for the first time. For a brief moment I felt that we had taken a wrong turn somewhere and were looking out at the Indian Ocean. The huge body of water carries as far as the eye can see, until you loose it with the curvature of the earth and you’re convinced you’re at the seaside.

After speaking to some locals we were redirected to the Shtima Inn, a small hotel on the waterfront straight from a Wes Anderson film.

With the tents pitched, we began to consume the habitual quantity of food that has become the norm just in time for the Malawian Times to rock up for a full interview. Having confused the timing of the interview, the FCO had kindly set up for us, our interviewer had to grab a pew and watch four philistines consume three burgers each before commencing his interview. Luckily this didn’t appear in the article!

We spent the next few days enjoying the lake, cycling from beach to beach and spending our evenings in the water, a luxury that we had completely forgotten, especially in the form of a shower. On arrival in Nkhata bay we instantly realised that we had discovered a hidden gem and decided to take our first day off in weeks.

As with all days off, Charlie decided to go seeking further adventure in the nearby town of Mzuzu. Trying to locate one of his many herbal remedies that take up the vast majority of his panniers, he went looking for a taxi. With previous experiences in mind, waiting for a local shuttle bus wasn’t an option so, to the driver’s bewilderment, he rented the whole bus (for a surprisingly small sum)! With intent in his eyes and thinking his nifty trick would buy him some more quality “time in the sun later,” he began the 1500m climb to Mzuzu, one that we would come to know very well a few days after. Unfortunately his dreams of being the first Mazungu shuttle bus driver in Nkhata Bay were short lived due to a petrol shortage and the whole bus came to a standstill half way up the ascent. Catching a lift on the back of a locals moped, he scampered into town and brought a jug to fill with petrol. Regrettably, after his genius plan was put into action, the moped driver was pulled over and arrested for not having a licence and Charlie was forced to walk back down the mountain to his vessel.

It’s fair to say this wasn’t one of Charlie’s happiest days off on the trip.

January 2018| 51 The crossover into Tanzania was fairly straight forward and with the stunning shores of Lake Malawi behind us; we set off into the hills.

This trip has thrown constant mental and physical challenges at us but our climb to Mbeya was the pinnacle for me. A 7500ft climb over two days in the baking heat. With the air thinning inch by inch, the four of us were completely lost for breath and struggled to hold a conversation. Even Waddi, who’s bike it transpires weighs less than the rest of ours, struggled to get to the top.

One of the many realisations I have come to learn on this trip is that the low moments are absolutely key in emphasising the high ones.

Descending down that vast mountain, the sun beaming in my face with three of my best friends completely outweighed the previous two days of brutality. However, like with all good things, it came to an end!

safely guarded by ten baffled local kids.

The last few weeks have been some of the most challenging and rewarding of my life. Johno’s been reduced to decanting a new tube of toothpaste into an old one because “he had become sentimental with it,” and Charlie to kicking his bike at the fourth puncture of the day. It’s fair to say that we have all been tested in various ways and with the largest and toughest section of the trip so far, it’s now time to put our heads down even further and tackle the beast that is Tanzania!

Tanzanian Space Odyssey Part I

July 28, 2017 Will Addison An odd title one might presume when tuning in to find out how the cycling for rangers pan African cycle adventure is going after several weeks of silence… It turns out however there is no better way to encapsulate both the extreme vastness and iconic scenery that makes

With the stunning backdrop of coffee fields and tea plantations, we decided to launch the drone for a tracking shot. Once up in the air, the four of us started to meander down the winding road but inopportunely, around the first corner was a police roadblock!

With the drone laws in Tanzania a “grey area” Waddi cleverly sent the drone 120m into the air whilst Johno, Charlie and myself tried to distract the police officers from looking up. After a five-minute discussion, the drone battery running critically low and several failed attempts to leave, we finally broke the chains and raced around the next corner. The controller was now beeping uncontrollably and with the drone so far away we had completely lost signal. With a blank screen and four panicked faces at the loss of their second drone in two months, there was complete silence….

A brief blink on the screen showed a crowd of kids surrounding the drone and then the dreaded words appeared, battery dead.

With Charlie thinking on his feet, he directed himself one way and myself the other to try and spot a commotion. With legs like lead I peddled for my life past the confused police officers and to my utter amazement, 2km later I came across the “alien space helicopter” being

up southern Tanzania. The descent into the infamous Great Rift Valley is like entering a Star Wars set from when Aniken Skywalker was raised on planet Tatooine. These enormous boulders that sprout inexorably from the ground are the backdrop for a region that is otherwise smothered by dusty red sand.

Cycling through this type of terrain was always going to present its challenges but on a personal level I never realised how tough that reality would be… But first it is necessary to set the scene for this extreme section of our adventure.

Picture if you will, Johnno and Charlie pouring over our East Africa map on the last night we spent on the shores of Lake Malawi. The sun is setting. Theo and I are cooking tuna pasta, sweet corn and mayonnaise. Our fall back dish that appears at least 4 times a week.

Out of nowhere we here a loud “FUCK!”

We turned round to find Charlie having just worked out that the road we were planning on taking, along Lake Tanganyika, had not been maintained since 1993 and it was effectively sand. So instead of the 900km route we had planned, we were required to divert 2000km into central and eastern Tanzania via Dodoma, the capital city. An extra 1100km on the road meant an extra two weeks on the bicycle.. With our deadline to film in Akagera National Park, Rwanda, in under 3 weeks, we had quite the challenge on our hands.

52 | Cycling World

Fast forward 5 days and as Theo described we had successfully reached Mbeya just in time to watch the Lions Rugby defeat New Zealand, morale was high. We descended from the mountain town and on our first night slept in the enclosure of a local farm, surrounded by pigs. We arrived in the late afternoon while the pigs were very much asleep. The night times worth of grunting that followed came as a large surprise. To quote Charlie, as he popped his head out of his tent the following morning, “I am never sleeping anywhere near a pig farm ever again.”

We tucked into another Tuna Pasta and Mayonnaise (this time without sweet corn unfortunately) and delved into some deep analysis on British and Irish Lions rugby. I don’t think any sports pundit around the world has given quite as much thought to the lions rugby as the group of four enthusiasts that sat for 9 hours a day on their bicycles in the middle of Tanzanian desert.

This obsession / growing lack of other stimuli for conversation, as we progressed deeper and deeper into the arid desert, spilled over into a fairly amusing game of picking a rugby team from the people we have met so far on the trip. Unfortunately after a careful selection process, we decided that none of us in our current state, having lost nearly 7kg each, would make the team!

We progressed north along the supposedly ‘tarmacked’ road to Dodoma. It soon however became increasingly clear that this was more a work in progress.. For large stretches we were either battling through pothole ridden dirt roads or vicariously dodging Chinese workmen as they attempted to wave us off their newly compacted earth.

To make matters worse our fellow road users were in the form of giant, fossil fuel guzzling, monstrosities also known as lorries. They rushed past at frightening speeds and coated us with their warm

fumes. Often we found ourselves piling off into the bushes on the side of the road as they bizarrely decided to overtake their equally sized gigantean truck brother, who was also mid overtake. Three abreast they would come bearing down on us, which induced fear only rivalled by the 20ft mock charging bull elephant from Botswana.

The worst part of this stretch for me personally, was my knee slowly descending into a state of excruciating pain. I couldn’t work out why it had decided to flare up during one of the most crucial phases of the entire expedition. For days I would spend the majority of the 9 hours we were on the bike, up to 500 metres behind the others, scoffing as many painkillers as I could. At one stage I was taking 8 ibuprofen and 8 paracetemol before lunch..

I must take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to the other guys.

Without their support and most of all patience, as I trundled along behind, there is no way I would have reached Dodoma in one piece.

In fact, we were very close to none of us making it to Dodoma in one piece.

On the morning before we arrived in the capital, we all saw our lives flash before our eyes. As I described previously, the trucks that run these roads overtake in the tightest of spaces. Blind corners are a particular favourite of theirs. As we cycled along together as a four, I looked up at the front, and saw one bearing down towards us overtaking his colleague. I raised my hand to try and signal to him that we were there. He took this as a provocation and instead of pulling back in, decided instead to swerve right towards us. I only remember seeing the lorry roughly a metre from my bike as I pulled off the hard shoulder and buried myself in a ditch. Theo who was at the back, flipped over his bike and thankfully missed the lorry by inches. The driver didn’t stop, and drove off as fast as possible, knowing what he had done was totally unacceptable.

January 2018| 53 The real shame about this event was it marks the only hostility we have received from anyone in over 4 months on the road. Bizarrely as we pulled into Dodoma still slightly shaken up, we were passed by the number one road safety activist in Tanzania. He also happened to be the only local we have seen wearing a helmet on his bicycle.

Amusingly, as he whizzed past us, he shouted at Charlie for not wearing his. He went by the name of Wiseman Tanzania and as it turns out he was just that. Sorting out our hotel in Dodoma and inviting us to cycle with him during a parade the following day. He was a great example of the generosity we have continued to find on our journey.

One of my favourite memories of this generosity was our first encounter with the local Maasai tribes men. Theo having got his 5th puncture of the day meant we were forced to pull into the side of the road. At which point our pump decided to give up on us. Johnno and Theo set off left of the road in search of a local cattle farmer they had seen grazing his cows a hundred metres away. Sure enough 15 minutes later, the two lycra cladded Mzungus came rushing back from a completely different direction on the right hand side of the road, accompanied by none other than a Maasai warrior clutching a bike pump alongside his tribal dagger. The look of sheer elation on both party’s faces at having found each other was one that will stay long in the memory.

This trip has definitely sent a lot of hurdles our way. Not to mention a snapped gear wire that I managed to break halfway up a hill, 5km from the next town forcing a brief hitch hike on one of our dangerous friends. What has been great to see, despite the adversity that we have frequently been faced with, our morale as group couldn’t be in a stronger place.

Although the rest of Tanzania will be brutal, and the chances are there are a lot more struggles to come… they serve coffee and pizza in the hotel we are staying at in Dodoma so we won’t have to worry about till another day!

Silver Linings

August 4, 2017 Will Johnston We’ve made it to Kigali. The four of us collapse on the sofas of Theo’s cousins house and the pain of the last few days are forgotten. Four weeks of riding and we’ve covered 2,000km. That’s about 80k per day and we’re filled with a sense of relief that we’ve gotten here in one piece…just about.

Kigali doesn’t disappoint as we indulge in the luxuries of expat life, swimming pool, hot showers and internet to name a few treats. It’s my

turn to write the blog and as I think back on the last two weeks, from Dodoma to Kigali, it’s all a blur of one never-ending ribbon of tarmac cutting through thousands of kilometres of desert. If you can imagine those vast empty spaces that one sees at 30,000ft from an aeroplane above Africa then that goes some way in describing the kind of landscape we’ve cycled through. I’ve always wondered what goes on in those sparsely populated ‘edge of nowhere’ spots and I can confirm that the answer is... not a huge amount. There are more goats and cattle than human beings, it’s about 37 degrees by midday and the scenery is absolutely stunning in a brutal way.

Rewind two weeks and our time in Dodoma is drawing to an end. The second half of Tanzania is lurking in the shadows of our maps in the from of a vast sandy coloured expanse which makes up Central and North Western Tanzania. The few rest days we have zip by in a blur and there’s a sickening sense of realisation as we pedal out of Dodoma that we still have a huge job to do.

In the cushy confides of our hotel there had been lots of talk of arriving in Nairobi. What the end would be like and what we were most looking forward to. ‘What is going to be your first meal back home? Where and when should we have a homecoming party?’

These presumptive musings were going to land us in spot of trouble over the next few days and our good friend hubris made sure we knew about it!

My diary entries from the last two weeks make for some rough reading. I thought I’d use some direct extracts to give you all a feel for what we’ve been up to but more to the point because I can’t really remember what happened! This section comes with a disclaimer warning... there may be scenes of a distressing nature and skip to ‘Day 104’ to avoid said scenes. It certainly took a toll on us all.

54 | Cycling World looks like a pump on the back of his bike. Could the pump wielding Masai god that appeared before us last week have returned?! I sprint off in his direction screaming and shouting and for those familiar with Nicholas Cage’s overly dramatic freak-outs on screen it apparently looked something like that.

Day 98:

‘What an intense day. Woke up to the sound of wretching outside my tent at 4 a.m. This continues every hour on the hour until 6.30 when I heave myself up. The space where Theo’s sleeping bag was, is empty. I crawl out of the tent and am met by the bedraggled form of what can only be Theo. Splayed out on the ground his sleeping bag wrapped around his contorted frame. Pools of dried sick surround him and as I extend my field of view I see that a white perimeter fence of toilet role has been erected systematically 360 degrees around the camp. Charlie has also been up all night. The surrounding trees and bushes are decorated with a dystopian take on the tinsel from a Christmas tree only the stench isn’t quite that of pinecones and cinammomn scented candles.

As the morning proceeds we realise that neither Theo or Charlie are fit to cycle. Theo can barely lift up his head and Charlie isn’t much better. They slump onto the back of a passing truck and head onto the next town to rest up and recover. This happens to be 105k from where we are now, more than achievable as its 8.30 am, but quite a big ride. This also marks the first time in four months that we’ve split up as a group.

It’s 9 am and just as we’re preparing to leave Wadi checks his rear tyre. Its flat. In a burst of frustration I head off to the roadside in advance leaving Wads to sort it out. The concentration required in avoiding the mine field left behind by Theo and Charlie, has lead me to entirely ignore the more bike related booby traps that threaten the bike tourer; thorn bushes. As I get onto the tarmac my front tyre begins emitting a high-pitched hissing sound. I slam the bike down, rip the tyre off and find four punctures in one tyre. An hour later and all patched up we’re ready to head on. Leaning my full weight into the pump the tension completely goes.

‘F*******K. The pump is gone!’ Wadi stifles some laughter and in the corner of my eye I see a local cyclists heading off the road with what

Thank (the Maasai) God. We finally get the tyre pumped and he even manages to fit in a short tutorial on inner tube patching. I forgot to mention we were now out of inner tube patches and, using a knife he whips out from under his robe as long as my forearm, he sculpts a patch out of an old inner tube. By 11.30 we’re on the road and by 3 o’clock we’re gorging on a greasy chip omelette in a town 60k from where the boys are holed up. The two of us decide to go for a cheeky round two (living large) and are back on the road by 4.30. Its 2 hours to sunset and we make the decision to aim for a village 20k from where the boys are; the plan being to catch up with them tomorrow.

At 6pm a text comes in from Charlie. ‘We’ve gone to the hospital.’ We’re 27km from the hotel and with the sun setting we decide to push on and make sure the boys are alright. We strap our head torches on over our helmets and have no choice but to crack on. After deciding to split the group up this marks the second major rule to have been broken for the first time in four months within a day.

Cycling at night.

By this stage Wadi has also begun to mention how his ‘tummy is beginning to feel quite bloated.’ We put it down to the two chip omelettes at lunch and crack on. Just 4k from the hotel, cars and trucks blaring past, Wadi scrambles off the road where he has the most explosive d and v imaginable. Thats 3/4 of the Cycling For Rangers

Team down in one day. Things aren’t looking good and here’s screen shot of me doing a diary cam as the last man standing trying to work out what the next move is.

January 2018| 55 enjoyable days we’ve had on the bikes. What we’d failed to realise, in true Cycling For Rangers style, is that Rwanda was just a week out from electing a President or more accurtaley re-electing an incumbent President; Kagame Paul as he’s known over here. Every town and village we rode through was decorated with the blue, white and red of Kigame’s FPR (Front Patriotic Nationale). Bunting strung up across the roads, pavements being painted with fresh colours, billboards on street corners and small flags billowing off the sides of cars, buses, trucks, and bicycles.

To add to this Rwanda is densely populated and made for a change from the last few weeks in Tanzania. Having followed Froome’s progress in the Tour de France it felt like we had our own mini version in Rwanda. We attracted a huge amount of interest as we passed through the villages and small towns of a new country. School children running and cycling with us as we moved at a snails pace up the never-ending hills and wonderful chats with other cyclists taking on the endless climbs. One individual stands out in particular, who Charlie and I both got to chat with. A refugee from Burundi, working as a bicycle courier in Rwanda, he was an incredibly inspiring guy; someone who puts things into perspective and inspired us to keep plugging on.

To defy all logic Wadi somehow gets back on the bike within 10 minutes and we roll into the hotel a bit past 7. The other boys are nowhere to be seen.The hotel staff speak very little English and all they can say of Charlie and Theo is ‘hospital’ and ‘malaria, yeess yeeess.’ We collapse on the sofas too tired to press them further.

An hour later the boys come limping through the door. They’re exhausted but just about alright. They tell a story of how upon arrival at hospital they’d asked for a malaria and bilhartiza test. The immediate response being ‘of course, but the results will take 6 months.’ Fortunately, like many things in Africa, this timeframe was negotiable. After a couple of minutes of bartering they agreed on a 30-minute turnaround for results at a cost of $3 each. The doctor explaining with a spectacularly rolled ‘r’ how it was ‘verrrrrrrrry scientific and verrrrrrrry complicated but verrry possible.’

The symptoms described earlier would persist over the next week for Wadi, Charlie and Theo. I can’t put into words the grit and determination they all showed in getting on with the job at hand. Its one thing cycling through an arid desert in 37 degree heat but quite another proposition all together to have done it with a violent d and v bordering on dysentery.

Day 104:

The day gets off to a lively start as I see off a family sized dairy milk choclate bar pre porridge. It’s definitely a sign of the times, as this doesn’t register the slightest reaction from the boys. It’s probably relating to the fact that we crossed into Rwanda last night. The land

of a thousand hills seems a cruel last kick in the teeth of this 2,000 km monster leg of the trip.

Later that evening…

How can the moral in camp have changed so much? We’ve done over 1,000 metres of ascent in one day yet it was one of the most

The next day…

Its 60k to Kigali! Theo’s in a slight frenzy this morning as he breaks the even more delightful news that there’s a short cut which will save us 10k. Bowled over by his enthusiasm and too knackered to challenge the logic we head off for Kigali. The unprevailing rule that all shortcuts we’ve ever taken being a combination of sand and vertical decents escaping us in our moment of joy. We get on our bikes at a leisurely 10 am in the expectation that Kigali will appear before us in a mere 3 hours.

Twenty minutes later and we’re on the “short cut.” Theo and I nervously try to convince ourselves that the amount of descent we’ve

56 | Cycling World seen on the topography will make up for the almost non-existent dirt road that has appeared before us. Another twenty minutes and the ‘road’ is replaced by what looks like a dried out river bank heading down a hill only Rwanda could possibly have conjured up. I take the first plunge. Theo’s camera is snapping away and I get slightly carried away resulting in an unceremonious face dive over my handlebars.

My front tyre is punctured in several places (quite an impressive feat) and the delicate handy work of our Maasai mate a few days ago has disintegrated.

The rest of the boys pile in behind, helping me up and our positivity at being so close to Kigali keeps spirits high. Wadi carefullly places our remaining glue on the ground next to Theo’s right shoe and the tyre is off and ready for repair in seconds. We look down at where the glue was so delicately placed to find that Theo’s shoe has suddenly had a face-lift! Coated in a pink gleaming gloss it took us a few seconds to realise what had happened. The remaining glue had been squirted allover the ground around Theo! All we could do is laugh and salvage what remaining glue was in the tube.

We’re 40k from Kigali yet we’ve never felt further. We’ve got no way to patch any future punctures and about as rural as it gets. As we limp down into the basin of this valley the most unexpected scene appears before us. We’ve stumbled across a valley of brick makers! Hundreds of ant like figures scuttle around amidst towers of bricks. There’s smoke rising from make shift kilns and it feels like we’ve arrived at the gates of Isengard. The elation is short-lived as we have to push our bikes for 45 minutes up the other side of the hill. It’s too steep to cycle and the help of some locals kids is a life saver.

We’re reliving some of the moments of the last few weeks and a certain sporting analogy seems to fit quite well. A relentless and hard hitting Tanzania, always the favourite, constantly testing us and keeping us on our toes represent an imperious back-to-back world cup winning All Black side. A plucky Lions squad, us, manage to limp away with the series drawn. Our pride just about in tact with heads held up high but definitely not an all conquering outfit.

Whilst none of these stories paint a romantic picture of the last few weeks I don’t think any of us would change it. We’ve learnt to take the smallest glints of positivity and absolutely run with them. Whether it be the generosity of a Maasai man taking time out of his day to help us, or chatting to someone cycling alongside you who has an inspiring story to tell, or getting caught up in a whirlwind of schoolchildren as they hurtle homewards, or purely revelling in the sights and sounds of a new country. Its been all about focusing on the silver linings. We’ve drawn hugely on the messages of support we’ve been receiving from family, friends, people who’ve found out about our expedition through social media and most of all the people we meet day to day on the road. So thank you all for the support!

When thinking of the selfless sacrifice of wildlife rangers across Africa this challenge is put into perspective. We’ve managed to raise £29,000 For Rangers so far and we can’t thank you all enough for your donations. If you want to find out more about the cause then please take a look at our website: www.cyclingforrangers.com

One last thing. At long last, people are more surprised at where we’ve come from then where we’re going to!

Has anything actually changed?

September 30, 2017 Will Addison

Cut back to Kigali and emotions are running high, particularly on hearing the news that sushi burritos can be obtained in the nearby Japanese restaurant for half price. The owner Mio, who became a focal figure for us in Kigali, is a continental bike touring legend! More on that in Charlie’s upcoming blog.

It is easy to sit here, back in London, as normal life begins to absorb us once again, restoring the blinkers we had so enjoyed abandoning, and begin to question has anything actually changed? Have we changed?

I thought I’d use the final episode of the trip to assess whether there were obvious changes from the beginning of the trip.

Leaving Biwindi impenetrable forest and heading north after filming in two back to back parks, felt like starting the trip again. Our legs felt fresh. All aches and pains seemingly having vanished from the nightmare Tanzanian stretch. It wasn’t until we rounded the first corner, leaving the bustling town of Kabale behind us that, that we encountered our first of many rolling Ugandan hills. Very quickly the illusion of recovery was destroyed as the sweat broke the surface of our bodies and began to pour out as only an African hill climb can

January 2018| 57

make it. Despite the advice we’d received from car travelling tourists saying the road to Kampala was flat, these monumental drops and climbs, meant inside we were cursing ourselves for once again having believed that we could get reliable information from people who didn’t cycle.

Point 1. African hills are horrendous and we were still willing to believe tourists. No change.

Next up. Our skills at bike packing. We believed after 4 months of the trip we would have perfected the distance planning part of the trip.

With the deadline of a meeting with the British High Commission and Ugandan Wildlife Authority in 5 days, the 400km to Kampala should have been a solid 80km a day, with a two-hour lunch break and a good feed. Arriving in places before 5pm giving us plenty of time to get find somewhere to stay. Ideally avoiding cycling if there was lightening nearby.

Instead… we stumbled into the high commission 5 days later having been caught in a thunder storm with lightening less than half a second behind; having travelled 120km and another day only 30km; Johnno

having nearly collapsed from heat exhaustion where we were forced to miss lunch in order to make the city of Kampala by dark and my gear cable unceremoniously snapping for a second time as we pulled into the high commission.

Point 2. We still had the audacity to believe our plans would actually go as we anticipated. No change.

In Kampala I decided to set out on a quest to find a new gear cable.

Unfortunately despite my best efforts and £70 worth of taxi fees over 3 hours, I could not seem to find a gear cable the same length as my one anywhere in the capital city. Having previously welded my original one back together, I had even tried to find a welder but unfortunately made the easy mistake of thinking welding was the same as soldiering… So after an hour of the best electricians in Kampala failing to solder my steel wire, I gave up in hope that I would be able to make the shorter wire work. I hacked away at my bike for hours trying to make it fit. Failing miserable I turned to Charlie. He was baffled at how I managed to cock this up so royally and proceeded to drag me to the nearest side of the road bike man we could find near our hostel, who within seconds was able to put right the damage I spent the last 5 hours doing…

Point 3. Always go to the guys on the side of the road rather than trying to find ‘the best bike shop’. Soldering is different to welding and finally never leave Waddi in charge of fixing his own bike. No change.

With the Kenyan election result having only just been announced and violence expected in some of the opposition strongholds we would be cycling through, we had decided to keep our eyes pinned to news updates. This was the first time we ensured there was enough data on our local sim card to receive updates and make calls with our prospective hosts in Nairobi, Nigel and Tonya Shaw. So yes this marked a certain change in our improvised routine.

Funnily because our efforts were so focussed on the Kenyan news, we’d hadn’t paid any attention to the completely unrelated bielection happening in a small town in Uganda we were passing through.

So much to our surprise we cycled towards a traffic jam that seemed to be leading towards a mass of people up ahead. Theo up in front, dodged his way through the traffic as I followed with Charlie and Johnno just behind me. As we got closer we could see riot police stationed either side of the road with huge shotguns in between what must have been over 1000 people. All of a sudden Theo who had been looking behind to see if we were okay went hurtling into a local taxi. Out of nowhere two guys started trying to grab at our water

58 | Cycling World bottles in the confusion. It was a panicked moment. We weren’t sure if they were going to start grabbing our bags as well and with a massive crowd either side, more people could have started getting involved.

Luckily Theo jumped back on his bike and raced forward through a gap in the traffic. We pedalled as fast as we could after him.

We had escaped.

Point 3. We had got better, but somethings you can’t prepare for. No change.

Despite the panic that had shot through me that day, the evening was spent at a school in possibly one of the friendlies most welcoming places we stayed in 5 months. The teachers were extremely generous, letting us camp in their staff common room and providing us with a pump to use as a shower.

The worry that had shrouded my view of what it would be like to cycle through post-election Kenya was quickly shattered as we were met with nothing but beaming smiles and welcoming waves. People from both sides of the political spectrum were keen to reassure us that Kenya was a peaceful country and we were very welcome. One particular family that let us stay in their new mushroom growing facility in their garden. Their lovely 3 year old daughter called Wonder, kept us very amused as she tried out Theo’s spare tyre as a necklace.

Point 4. The people we met on our journey remained as friendly and welcoming as we had been lucky enough to find all the way up through Africa. No change!

Finally arriving in Laikepeia and being met by Sam the co-founder of For Rangers was a monumental moment for all of us. It was awesome to share with him our experiences on the road and learn about his own ultra-marathon challenges that he’d under taken for the For

Rangers cause. He generously spent his time showing us round and letting us interview some of the incredible rangers that are working in what many of the other conservation projects across Africa view as the pinnacle of conservation in Lewa.

We gleaned a first-hand insight into the troubles that the region has faced due to the drought and conflicts over land grabbing further north. A particularly eye opening evening was spent with one of the farmers, who had had the army on his front lawn for the last 6 months, regularly hearing gunshots in the night, therefore deciding it was safer to sleep with a loaded pistol under his pillow. The interesting truth that we gleaned from actually being there was despite the news headlines focussing on one white farmer that was killed in the land conflicts, in the same time there had been 70 black men and women, killed in the crossfires.

Point 5. A sad but honest account of how the media often represents crisis. No change!

The individual that stole the limelight for me during our interviews with the rangers, was an ex gate keeper called Rianto, who’d risen through the ranks all the way up to deputy head of security at Borana conservancy. Along with providing some amusing anecdotes of his time in the bush and some incredibly moving testaments to how much he loves his job, he told us how excited he is to be visiting London in December as a representative at the For Rangers charity dinner.

To quote him: ‘the idea of walking along the streets of London saying hello to everyone who strolls passed me is what I am most looking forward to’. It felt wrong to shatter his dreams and expectations as I imagined the reaction he would get as he eagerly bounded up to the typical London commuter for a roadside chat.

Point 6. London commuters don’t change. No change!

I therefore smiled, nodded and hoped to god that we can intercept

January 2018| 59 him at Heathrow before he gets bitterly disappointed. Our ride down to Nairobi was one of mixed emotions. It was strange to be so close to the end of this incredible yet bizarre lifestyle we had adopted as our own for the last 5 months. Yet this part of the road was known to be particularly dangerous, and so were keen to not let the last few days ruin what had been the trip of a life time. Sure enough Johnno took a tumble which meant we were forced delve into the deeper end of our med kits for the first time. Thankfully it wasn’t any worse.

One thing we did notice though as we passed people on the road,

was when they shouted to us, “Where are you going?” followed by the usual “Where did you come from?”. The reaction of the latter was finally provoking screams of amazement just as the first question had done back in south Africa those many months ago.

Point 7. People were finally more shocked at where we had come from than where we were going. CHANGE!!!

60 | Cycling World

Cycling in the Lake District Let the Scenery do the Talking

W

ith World Championship and Olympic track success, plus, winning the inaugural Tour de France in 2012, British cycling is booming.

For some, cycling is about goals – distance and speed. For others, it is the thrill of the ride – daring descents, corners, climbs and jumps. But for all, it’s about the scenery and the freedom.

The scenery cycling around Lake District is amazing!

Legendary landscapes, varying from the dramatic hills and mountains to the fabulous coastline. Wherever you cycle there are some great stop off points for picnics or maybe pub lunches along route, many of the cafes and pubs also providing safe places for bikes.

Tour de Lakes In the Lake District you are spoilt for choice. There are views at every hairpin that pack a punch on the wow factor scale, without necessarily requiring any gruelling climbs. There’s endless trails where you can lose yourself in the very best landscapes in Britain.

Tight downhill hairpins test skill and precision, ascents get legs pumping, quiet valley roads are long enough to challenge anyone’s stamina and weather that lets you know you’re alive.

With the Lake District, you don’t have to choose between road or mountain cycling as you can do both, it’s no wonder that the Lake District has become a cycling mecca.

Sleep like a Pro, not a Rookie Not your run of the mill holiday accommodation provider, Lakelovers offer the very best of the best.

We can say this with confidence as we’ve been offering quality Lake District holidays for a long time - celebrating our 40th birthday this September.

However, we don’t rest on our laurels and we value the awards that VisitEngland give each and every one of our hand-picked properties.

This quality means that you get stacks of space – spacious private parking for unloading gear. Secure, purpose designed bike storage, drying rooms for wet kit, muddy boot and trainer storage. Towels and bed linen are free with Lakelovers, leaving you more space for the important stuff, helmets, route maps and the like.

Once kit is dealt with, enter a home of sublime comfort, with spectacular views you’ll be eager to explore.

Kitchens are superbly fitted with mod cons for easy living, ideal for active cycling guests.

For downtime, enjoy state-of-the-art music and TV systems, WiFi, pool tables, table tennis and family TV packages such as Sky+.

And returning to a private hot tub wouldn’t be bad, would it? Think of it as hydrotherapy, perfect for keeping you on the trails and injury free.

Another major benefit of cycling in the Lakes, for families in particular, there’s no obligation to make small talk along the route!

January 2018| 61

T R I B E

TR AC K ER

be the predator not the prey Did you know that in the UK close to 400,000 bikes are stolen each year? Locking your bike isn’t enough these days. What if we told you that there’s a simple way of locating your bike if it does get stolen?

1 Tracker unit 1 FREE £5.00 Sim card 1 Titanium cage 1 Locking system and key 1 USB Cable 1 Users manual

On the Islands cycle route and a short walk into the centre of Cowes, this friendly guest house offers attractive rooms both inside the house or within the garden.

A full delicous breakfast made with home grown and local produce is served in the conservatory, or weather permitting, in the pretty woodland garden.

Full details and availability online. Quote CWD to recieve a 10% discount on published rates.

We have developed a GPS tracking system in a water bottle which is easily and securely fitted in a titanium cage.

The has been specifically designed for bikes in mind, however the technology can be utilised on any type of vehicle, cars, motorcycles, boats, tractors, and mobility scooters.

Just knowing you have a on your bike will give you comfort with nearly 8 months battery life you will improve your chances of recovering your bike when it goes missing.

Three Crofts House, 92 Alcester Road, Studley, Warwickshire B80 7NP T: +44 01527 359969 • www.tribetracker.co.uk • info@tribetracker.co.uk

24 Ward Avenue,Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 8AY 01983 292070 - www.cowesbedbreakfast.co.uk

www.alcottfarm.co.uk

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO

Alcott Farm Alcott farm is run by hostess Jane Poole and International trainer and rider John Poole (producer of Olympic horses).

The farm is set in 65 acres of rolling Worcestershire countryside only a short drive from the motorway network as well as the NEC, Birmingham city centre and airport.

Cyclists are are assured a friendly welcome.

CCTV is installed for your security.

Alcott Farm, Icknield Street , Weatheroak, Alvechurch, Worcestershire, B48 7EH. Telephone 01564 824051 • Mobile 07736445188

Credit cards accepted except Amex

Penbugle is a true Working Organic Farm in South East Cornwall.

Located between the market town of Liskeard and the fishing towns of Looe and Polperro. The Eden Project is a 30 minute drive with many other places of interest eg. The lost Gardens of Heligan, Cotehele and of course Bodmin Jail. Another extreme to the famous Cornish coast is the wonderful wilds of Bodmin Moor. We are also very lucky to have Lanhydrock House and Cardinham Woods with excellent cycle tracks for all levels of cycling skills.

Penbugle has 8 Wigwam® Holidays camping pods open all year round, we also have Bell tents and Grass Tent pitches available spring to early autumn. Each type of accommodation comes with a firepit suitable to cook on and a picnic table. Inside the Wigwams® there is a kettle, toaster and fridge, electric panel heater and electric power points and most importantly comfy foam matress seating that folds down into a fantastic super King size bed that sleeps 4 people with a seperate single for a fith person.

Penbugle Farm, St Keyne, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 4RS Tel 01579 326709 • www.penbuglefarm.co.uk

62 | Cycling World

Women’s Cycling Boom

By Emma White, Breeze Coordinator.

Pictures from Rebecca Morgan-Ransom, Communications Officer at Welsh Cycling

C

ycling offers so many benefits to the body, improving both physical and mental wellbeing. So why is there such a large inequality between the numbers of men who ride compared with women?

Like many females, I cycled through my primary school years and then retired my bike when I went to high school. At the age of 37, having put on some weight after having children and having suffered with anxiety for many years, I was looking to find a way to improve my health. My partner at the time had bought me a bike, but it spent the first few years gathering dust in our shed. Eventually he managed to talk me into going for a bike ride along the local trails and all the great memories I had of rides with my family at our local park came flooding back. From that point on I was hooked. I joined my local cycling club, who ran a ladies-only ride, and was overwhelmed by the encouragement the other women offered. Since then, I have supported many other women, whether new to cycling or returning to the activity, through these rides, and this led me to my current role as the South Wales Women and Girls Cycling Development Officer with Welsh Cycling, a role I am very passionate about.

In 2014, research by British Cycling found that only 15 percent of British Cycling members were female. Thanks to programmes such as Breeze, this figure has now risen to 21 percent, however there is still a long way to go before this large divide is closed. Before Breeze was introduced by British Cycling, valuable research found that reasons why there was such a large inequality between male and female riders included;

• concerns over safety, particularly on the road, • lack of confidence, and • struggling to find time away from work and family life.

January 2018| 63

There was also a perception that cycling was a sport dominated by MAMIL’s (middle-aged man in Lycra). I have to admit here, that I too shared many of these concerns!

In an effort to reduce barriers to cycling for women, the British Cycling Breeze programme offers the opportunity to attend women-only rides.

Rides are free, UK-wide, and ride leaders (termed Breeze Champions) are all female. Breeze rides are available for all cycling abilities and the aim is to provide a nurturing environment in which riders can gain confidence in their abilities. Many rides also offer the opportunity to stop at a local cafĂŠ, giving the riders the chance to socialize and make friends, thus increasing the likelihood of participants returning. In Wales alone, roughly 4,500 Breeze cycling opportunities were created in the first two years of the project, thanks to our dedicated Champions.

To complement the Breeze programme, many clubs and local authorities are now training up female coaches to not only support the children’s section, but to run vital confidence-building coaching sessions for women. Key skills such as cornering, gears, group riding and braking are covered and empower the participants to feel more confident in their abilities.

What we have also observed among female participants is that having been offered such overwhelming support on Breeze rides and during coaching sessions, many women are keen to train with Breeze and through coaching programmes so that they can inspire others to fall in love with the sport as they have.

British Cycling and their partners, including Welsh Cycling, have made large steps towards inspiring women to ride and I am really proud of what has been achieved so far. I look forward to seeing the gap between the number of male and female cyclists reducing even further.

If you would like to find out more about Breeze rides local to you,please visit www.breezebikerides.com

64 | Cycling World

The Friars, Aylesford

is a 13th Century working priory and guesthouse situated next to the river Medway within over 40 acres of grounds. It is a truly beautiful and peaceful place. We have 80 bedrooms, both double and single, most with shared bathrooms.

Bed and breakfast or full board is on offer. Homemade meals are served in our licensed Pilgrims’ Hall. There is ample free parking and we can provide secure lock up facilities for bikes. We are within easy distance of many stunning cycle routes across the beautiful county of Kent – the garden of England.

BICYCLE RENTAL

CYCLING HOLIDAYS

Cycling in the Costa Blanca

The Friars, Aylesford Kent ME20 7BX Tel: 01622 717272 • www.thefriars.org.uk

www.solybike.com

info@solybike.com

Tel. +34 676 867 445

C/Blasco Ibáñez nº10 A - 03710 - CALPE - SPAIN

TRAVEL BY KNIGHT are looking to overhaul the coach industry with specially adapted vehicles with sleeper berths, so that passengers can utilise the precious time in their day, and sleep whilst they are transported to their long distance destination.

Founding Knight, Alan Aim, has previously worked as a Tour Guide bus driver in the Orkney Isles, and in Retail & Construction companies in Scotland.

Sporting groups, such as Cyclists, can utilise the time in their weekends/short trips away with a Friday evening pick up that doesnt interfere with their normal work/study week, sleep in the coach whilst it is driven to its destination, have the entire Saturday & Sunday to cycle different terrains and locations at either end of the UK, and on the Sunday night be driven back to their pick up point.

The company logo sums up its vision SAVE YOUR DAY, TRAVEL BY KNIGHT.

Travel by Knight, 96 Commercial Street, Dundee, Scotland DD1 2AJ Tel: 0773 130 7262 • www.travelbyknight.co.uk

January 2018| 65

discover

GRAMPIAN TRANSPORT MUSEUM

THE

And take our Tacx Turbo Trainer Challenge!

Learn about the 200 year story of cycling and try out a replica Hobby Horse and Scottish school treadle cycle.

Learn about the history of local roads and how cyclists paved the way for the motoring era.

Open every day 10am to 5pm from 30th March to 28th October 2018.

For more information visit www.gtm.org.uk Email info@gtm.org.uk • Phone 019755 62292 Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, Aberdeenshire AB33 8AE

Cycling Beyond the Bi-Centenary

AT THE

GRAMPIAN TRANSPORT MUSEUM

As a museum of road and rail travel and transport GTM understands the historical significance of the cycle. We understand that early cycling clubs, most notably the CTC, lobbied to keep roads in repair and safe for cyclists as attention and investment was diverted to the new railways of the mid nineteenth century. We also understand how the first cycles were truly a transport revolution where the alternatives were expensive stage or mail coaches or walking.

When Baron von Drais made his ‘running machine’ (in Britain christened ‘hobby horse’) in 1817 he could not have imagined the social change that would follow. At GTM we have a genuine artisan hobby horse that was used by its farmer owner for 80 mile trips to Inverness to do business. We display replicas and models of Macmillan and Scottish School treadle cycles along with the boneshakers and penny farthings that followed as cycling became worldwide.

In 2017 GTM celebrated the 200 years of cycling with a special exhibition that features a chronology of cycle development right up to the present day with championship winning track and road machines. Most popular exhibit is Guy Martin’s 2016 Tour Divide machine on which he cycled from Canada to Mexico, 2780miles in 18 days, displayed exactly as he finished….covered in red Mexican dust!

For 2018 GTM hopes to see more cyclists arriving by bike and perhaps willing to take our ‘Turbo Trainer Challenge’. In this Top Gear style competition a leader board records times set by famous racing cyclists and touring cyclists over a fixed course aboard two Tacx smart turbo trainers. Times and peak watts are mercilessly recorded! At the other extreme, evoking 200 years of technological advance we have a hobby horse and Scottish school replica to try out…..every cyclist should ride one, once!

66 | Cycling World

TRAVEL IN STYLE

Travel By Knight Retail manager Alan Aim has a dream for long-distance coach travel. We talk to him about the set-up of his own operation: Travel by Knight.

The logo is a knight in shining armour, based on literature’s most chivalrous dreamer Don Quixote. The slogan is “Save your day, Travel

by Knight”. The concept is simple: Instead of groups forking out twice – once for transport and again for accommodation – combine the two and let them sleep on the way. Saving their day, as the slogan says.

Alan Aim, the man behind the idea, is based in Fife, and hopes his idea will provide a good alternative to spending either many daylight hours travelling on express coaches, or lots of money on trains, and what’s more, you can even transport your bike on it!

Small groups and cyclists can board in the late evening, get straight to sleep, travel through the night, and arrive at their destination the next morning hopefully wellrested, and ready for the day ahead.

Currently operating with a restricted O-Licence granted early in the summer, Alan’s full-time job is running four retail stores, but he has always been interested in coach travel, and he has big dreams. “The ultimate goal is to have a network of sleeper buses, connecting Glasgow to Beijing – a sort of Trans-Siberian journey, but on tyres,” he tells routeone. “It will allow people to travel overnight, have a day in a city, and spend the next night travelling to the next city.”

Earlier this year Alan bought his first vehicle, a secondhand Ayats double-deck sleeper coach, which has 14 berths and an upstairs lounge. It’s an ex-band bus, and Alan intends to continue using it for that purpose. He also used it to take a group to Glastonbury this summer, with good results, and has since bought his second vehicle – this one brand new.

It’s a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 516 conversion from Swansea Coachworks, a minicoach with a difference: It’s fitted with 12 berths, each ingeniously designed in a ‘reclining’ position instead of flat, so that

more can be fitted in. Each berth has draw curtains, a magazine rack, a reading light, and a mobile phone USB charger port. Alan calls it “the UK’s first sleeper minicoach”.

The new vehicle is well equipped, including air-conditioning and a microwave for warming up Travel by Knight-branded face cloths for the mornings.

Alan’s goal is to one day run registered services, but for now, the coaches are both available for private hire for small groups.

He says the concept is aimed at school groups, sports groups, and stags and hens – obviously, those that don’t mind the lack of shower and changing facilities onboard.

When we met Alan at CBUK this month, he’d arrived via a National Express coach. “It reiterated to me why I want to do this,” he says, citing the often long journey times – then the need to pay for a hotel on arrival.

“We don’t need to be too price-competitive with other coach companies, because we’re saving our customers the cost of hotel accommodation,” says Alan.

Alan’s concept isn’t one for every kind of group – but it’s different, and with the right market, it could prove to be very rewarding.

Visit www.travelbyknight.co.uk or telephone 0773 130 7262 for more information and prices Based in Scotland,Travel By Knighte provide cost competitive overnight travel services compared to scheduled public transport, and cater towards high value for money for the existing UK tour band industry.

January 2018| 67

68 | Cycling World

Bike or Bump Cycling While Pregnant

Should you continue to ride a bike during pregnancy?

If you’re a regular rider, there’s no reason not to carry on riding whilst pregnant.

If you’re a regular rider anyway, there’s still no reason not to carry on when pregnant.

January 2018| 69

70 | Cycling World

Cycling while pregnant can be a good form of exercise Forget the scare-mongering; cycling while pregnant is a matter of common sense, and it has plenty of health benefits too for both mother and child.

One thing pregnant women never go short on is advice; cut back on that, don’t do this, stop eating that. So, where does cycling fit in? Is it a sensible way to stay fit and healthy during pregnancy, or are there risks for mother and baby?

Keen cyclist and GP Dr Andy Ward thinks this cautious approach is more sensible than putting your bike in a shed the moment you find out you are expecting: “If a pregnant woman was a confident cyclist prior to getting pregnant, I would have no problem with her continuing to ride during pregnancy. You are just as likely to fall off as you were before!”

He continues, saying: “I would make her aware that there is a potential risk to the pregnancy if she did crash — BMX racing might not be the best idea!”

This is the view supported by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), who say “Exercise during pregnancy is associated with many health benefits for both the mother and fetus. If a pregnant woman is used to cycling she is no more likely to fall off a bicycle than a non-pregnant one.

Cycling is often a preferred exercise because whilst it is aerobic it is non-weight bearing.”

Long-distance cycle tourer and author Josie Dew chose to continue cycling throughout her two pregnancies and agrees with Dr Ward that normal, everyday cycling is a reasonable thing for a pregnant woman to do. “I wouldn’t career headlong down a steep rocky hillside off-road, but I think normal cycling is fine — and is actually very beneficial,” she said.

Benefits of cycling while pregnant

What are the advantages of continuing to ride a bike?

“The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists advises that maternal benefits appear to be both physical and psychological in nature,” says Dr Ward. “Many common complaints of pregnancy, including fatigue, varicose veins and swelling of extremities, are reduced in women who exercise. Additionally, active women experience less insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression.

More and more research is showing that there are many benefits to cycling while pregnant, and for some reason it can even combat nausea and be a more comfortable form of transport than walking.

The official line from the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has changed in the last few years. Where previously it was deemed a risky activity, it’s no longer listed as one to avoid.

‘In the end, how much you cycle during pregnancy boils down to listening to your body and using common sense’ Instead, the NHS advises the following: “If you start an aerobic exercise programme (such as running, swimming, cycling, and walking or aerobics classes), tell the instructor that you’re pregnant and begin with no more than 15 minutes of continuous exercise, three times a week. Increase this gradually to at least four 30-minute sessions a week.”

No need to stop, but do take it easy The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) offers a less simplistic assessment of cycling in its leaflet Recreational exercise and pregnancy: information for you, where it suggests these are exercises to be undertaken with “particular care”.

“An argument for public health is that women who incorporate exercise into their routine during pregnancy are more likely to continue exercising after birth. These benefits are not exclusive to cycling, but if that is a woman’s preferred method of exercise, then it beats a sedentary lifestyle.”

The RCM also shared further research into the benefits: “In a Chinese study they found that cycling initiated in early pregnancy, at least three times a week and for at least 30 minutes was associated in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women with high BMI (obese).”

Its spokesperson continues to say that “It is recognised that any aerobic exercise in general (including cycling) has beneficial effects on the mother and fetus as it reduces stress and therefore cortisol, helps maintain healthy weight, blood pressure and blood sugars.”

‘I just rode the number of miles that I felt like riding’ However, while Dr Ward sees many positives to cycling while pregnant, he concedes it’s not entirely risk-free, of course.

January 2018| 71

“The two main risks of cycling while pregnant are falling off and injuring the foetus, and overheating, which can cause abnormalities in the baby if it occurs in the first trimester. To avoid overheating in the first trimester it is advisable to wear cooler gear, maintain hydration and avoid riding on very hot days,” he says.

This illustrates the value of doing your research, something Victoria Hazael, senior communications and media coordinator of cycling charity CTC, took very seriously during her first pregnancy: “I thought about whether to cycle and did some research online. I realised that there’s a lot of conflicting information out there and it depends which website you look at.”

Ambiguously-worded advice from medical professionals and an overly cautious approach from midwives and obstetricians was seen as one of the main factors dissuading women from continuing to commute by bike while pregnant, according to a study by Davara Lee Bennet published in the Journal of Transport and Health.

Her research was based on interviews and panel discussions with women who

had stopped cycling early in pregnancy, those who had carried on until late in their pregnancy, and a mixed group.

While some women stated that the growing size of the pregnancy bump made cycling uncomfortable, others found relief from aches and pains while riding, while some found it helped deal with nausea and was less tiring than walking.

As your pregnancy progresses make sure your bike set-up is still comfortable for you

Consult with your midwife

appointment, so I explained the research I had done, that I cycled every day, and that I didn’t fit in a lot of other exercise. She backed down!”

Josie Dew found that her midwife was happy for her to continue riding. “When I asked her is it okay to keep cycling, she thought I meant maybe half a mile down the road to the shops. But no, I meant 10, 20 or more miles a day. When she realised I normally did a lot more than that a day, she was surprised but very supportive. But she stressed that I shouldn’t push myself, which I didn’t. I just rode the number of miles that I felt like riding.”

When Hazael spoke to a midwife, she was advised that as she already cycled it was sensible to continue if she wished, “I was told that as I cycle everyday anyway and use my bike as transport, it made sense for me to carry on.”

The Royal College of Midwives is keen to emphasise the benefits of exercise while pregnant and, as mentioned above, if you are already used to cycling, then it can be beneficial to continue.

However, not every medical professional Hazael spoke to was as enthusiastic.

“You don’t always see the same midwife throughout your pregnancy, and I met one who was not supportive at all. She told me I shouldn’t have cycled from work to my

It was also keen to challenge some of the assumptions out there, for example informing BikeRadar that “there is no evidence to suggest that cycling has any negative impact on pregnancy such as it has been shown to reduce birth weight or lead to earlier delivery times.”

72 | Cycling World

Don’t overdo it If you do decide to cycle during pregnancy, riding sensibly and not overdoing it makes sense. It’s a time for staying healthy, not starting an ambitious training schedule for a sportive or long charity ride.

Dr Ward says: “Fitness and activity levels will naturally decline through the pregnancy, so setting realistic goals is important.”

‘As the pregnancy progresses, cycling does get trickier, especially when you have a physical bump in the way’ Victoria Hazael’s GP gave similar advice. “He said to really listen to your body. He talked about not getting out of breath, and not taking on something big or training for a long-distance ride. You need to realise that your energy levels won’t be the same as normal, and think about the oxygen levels in your blood.”

As your pregnancy progresses you may want to adjust your position on the bike to make it more comfortable.

“I raised my handlebars so the riding position was more upright,” says Dew. If you usually ride a road bike, you may want to swap to something more comfortable. Hazael explains, “I rode to work on a mountain bike and later a Brompton folder.”

Towards the end of your pregnancy you can expect to feel more tired and to find cycling more difficult. “As the pregnancy progresses, cycling does get trickier, especially when you have a physical bump in the way.

But I didn’t feel particularly unstable. If I had felt unsteady I probably would have opted to walk or take the bus into work,” Hazael says.

As for when to stop riding altogether, different cyclists come to different conclusions. While Hazael stopped at eight and a half months, largely because of snowy weather, Dew continued to ride to within days of her due date. “I rode up until just a few hours before both girls were born. In fact, I think it was cycling over a bumpy, badly surfaced road that set me into labour with my first child!”

Dr Ward suggests it’s better not to push yourself: “Not being too ambitious in later pregnancy would be my advice. Ride with someone as much as possible and always carry a mobile phone. Comfort and energy levels are probably the biggest factor.”

The research conducted by Bennett in the Journal of Transport and Health also highlighted the importance of a comfortable bike, stating that “wide seats, step-through frames and an upright positioning may increase pregnant women’s comfort on the bicycle.”In the end, how much you cycle during pregnancy boils down to listening to your body and using common sense.

January 2018| 73

Cycling in the different trimesters of pregnancy First trimester

Second trimester

Third trimester

The first 12 weeks are a crucial

During month’s three to six,

From month six to your due date, your bump will be big and active. You might get short of breath, especially on the hills, and leaning over the handlebar can be challenging.

time for the foetus to grab a firm hold inside the womb, and this period is the highest risk of miscarriage.

Keep cycling but do it gently and only if you feel like it — fatigue and morning sickness, which can last all day and all night, might force you to stop for a while.

Listen to your body. Cycling off-road is not recommended, it comes with too many jolts and bumps, and a high chance of being sent over the bar.

the chances of miscarrying fall dramatically. The tiredness and nausea of the first trimester are likely to have eased too, meaning you might have more energy than before.

Cycling at this stage will keep you fit and supple, which should help you cope with any aches or pains from carrying extra weight. Just remember to remain cautious despite your newfound energy, because a tumble won’t be good for mother or baby.

Dutch style bikes have a position that avoids leaning over on your stomach. Many pregnant women are plagued by haemorrhoids so a wide saddle with a gel seat cover might be required.

If you feel unstable with the bump, it’s time to put your bike to one side, but this is a personal choice. Cycling keeps you fit, pliable and gives you stamina for the labour itself.

74 | Cycling World

FEED YOUR APPETITE FOR ADVENTURE

Vurie is a phon etic translation of the Gaelic wo rd bhuiridh wh means “roaring” ich or “bellowing”.

Join us in 2018 for a roaring adventure in Sc otland’s Southe rn and Central Highlands.

• Trail cycling tours in Scotland’s stunning Central Highlands • Thrilling rides mostly off-road or on traffic free routes • Good quality bikes supplied (or bring your own) • En route support • Road or mountain bike only alternatives • Comfortable accommodation • Baggage transfer • Short breaks or longer trips • Off the shelf or 100% tailor-made • Professional guides available on request • Complimentary guided rides

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bespoke highland accommodation ’The Old Mill’: Luxurious loch view S/C cottage sleeps 3 & 1. Late availability discounts often available.

Eco Pods: S/C, heated, insulated, electrics inc USB sockets, full cooking facilities, sleep 4. Bedding available. Loch view terraces. Luxury bathrooms

• Single occupancy discount in pods • Secure cycle storage and cleaning facilities available

EXCLUSIVE OFFER for Cycling World readers

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• Perfect location for Road and MTB users Ideally situated for:

Garve is a picturesque village, situated along the Black Water River less than 30 minutes from Inverness.

• NC500 • Affric-Kintail Way

The Garve Hotel is situated in attractive gardens which lead down to the river. The hotel has a lovely restaurant and bar where visitors can relax and enjoy a hearty meal.

• Moray Coast Trail • Great Glen Way Amazing Wildlife Open All Year

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All the bedrooms at the Garve Hotel have an en-suite bathroom, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Call us today for further information.

Tel:

01997 414 205 | garvehotel.com

January 2018| 75

Medical advice for cycling while pregnant The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists advises that exercise in pregnancy can help reduce varicose veins, tiredness and swelling. Active women tend to experience less insomnia, stress, anxiety and depression.

The main risks are related to possible falls and overheating. Be sure to keep hydrated.

Stop cycling and seek medical attention if you experience excessive shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, abdominal pains, leakage of amniotic fluid or bleeding.

The Royal College of Midwives advises that women should ensure they are riding a bike that fits them, and to cycle where they feel confident.

It says “cycling may become less comfortable as the pregnancy progresses because of the size of the uterus or position of their baby.”

It also says that while short interval bursts are safe, pregnant women should be careful not to overheat or overexert for too long: “It’s probably not a good idea to do a spin class as it can overheat you and the baby.”

Note: While the advice published here has come from medical professionals and cycling experts, you should always consult your GP before cycling during pregnancy.

76 | Cycling World

www.forapieceofcake.com

PEDAL POWER PROVIDES SWEET SUCCESS

FOR A PIECE OF CAKE In January’s issue we featured the incredible journey of two intrepid cyclists who vowed to cross continents on their bicycles to raise awareness about diabetes. We now catch up with the remarkable riders who have completed their year-long cycling challenge

“I lost 13 kilograms during the trip and definitely strengthened my legs like I never did before.

”

Two campaigning cyclists who used pedal power to ride through more than 20 countries, to help raise awareness about diabetes, reached their final destination after a year in the saddle.

The global cycling challenge, called ‘For A Piece of Cake’ was the brainchild of professional photographer Riccardo Rocchi and his partner, engineer, Chiara Ricciardi who cycled 18,000 km over 12 months.

The determined duo decided to embark on the epic two-wheeled project to help raise awareness about diabetes worldwide, a condition that affects over 400 million people across the globe.

Chiara, who has type 1 diabetes, embarked on the journey, cycling with Riccardo from Cesena, Italy to Singapore, in a bid to shine a spotlight on the medical condition.

They embarked on their extreme expedition aboard bikes because exercise can help reduce the daily insulin requirement for people like Chiara. During the trip Chiara significantly reduced the amount of insulin she needed to regularly inject.

Cyclist Chiara said: “We showed people with diabetes and their families that diabetes shouldn’t stop anybody from following their dreams.”

Indeed the intrepid Italian cyclists revealed the health benefits both have had from spending over 365 days in the saddle to cycle across continents.

Chiara said: “To me the regular cycling has drastically reduced the amount of insulin injected daily: I passed from 45/50 units per day to 20/30 and this was an unquestionable success.”

Riccardo added: “I lost 13 kilograms during the trip and definitely strengthened my legs like I never did before.”

Chiara explained that despite her medical condition she was determined to complete the cycling challenge during which it was essential she managed her diabetes throughout the trip.

She said: “Cycling was not more difficult for me than it was for Riccardo. Of course, I always had to be aware about my blood sugar levels and adapt my therapy accordingly, but the effort we made on every single climb was the same.

“Also, travelling with Riccardo simplified the management of my diabetes, adding two watchful eyes on my work: for example he could sometimes detect a hypoglycaemia before me from my slowdowns in the pedal.”

However cycling long distances daily, often spending many gruelling hours in the saddle day after day would take its toll on most people and the two were mindful that Chiara would not only need to regularly monitor her blood sugar levels but also ensure her vital insulin medication was with her at all times.

January 2018| 77

Another challenge that faced them was how to safely transport Chiara’s insulin medication while keeping it protected from the severe temperature changes they would encounter en route.

Rider Riccardo said: “The protection of insulin for one year, on a bicycle with very hot climates, was a challenge that we had never faced before.

Insulin is vital for Chiara, so this wasn’t a small concern.”

They found a solution from UK based project partner Peli BioThermal, which specialises in cold chain packaging for the pharmaceutical industry.

The company donated its Crēdo™ ProMed, a robust, temperature controlled medical transport bag designed to ensure protected pharmaceutical products remain intact and is used by emergency first responders and medical couriers worldwide.

The Crēdo ProMed was a permanent fixture on Chiara’s bicycle throughout the 12-month momentous journey ensuring her medication remained intact without the need for external cooling for days at a time as they cycled across continents through some of the world’s toughest terrains and temperature extremes.

The pedalling pair discovered some more novel uses for the bag and even used it to store cheese at some stages of their trip!

The couple took a sabbatical from their professional careers to dedicate themselves to the cycling challenge and set off from Cesena in their native Italy to cycle over numerous countries to their final destination of Singapore, which they reached as successfully, as planned in just over a year.

Riccardo reflected on the epic two wheeled adventure which was the first of its kind encountered by them both .

He said: “The cycling challenge built day by day, with us carefully listening to our physical and mental needs. Of course we had some hard days, but overall it has been exactly how we expected it: a great pleasure and privilege.”

They are still coming to terms with how life changing the trip has been and what impact it will have in the long term.

Riccardo said: “It’s hard to tell now, before we go back to our normal lives.

Despite the fact that life has been completely different over the past year, I suppose that, once back, everything will be pretty much the same as before, just with a lot of new stories to tell!”

The trip was not always easy and they faced challenges along the way, sometimes having to make last minute alternative arrangements regarding their mode of transport to ensure their safety while travelling through areas experiencing some unrest and issues. They revealed what they found to be the biggest challenges during their journey and how they overcame them.

78 | Cycling World

Chiara said: “Cycling through Northern India was probably the biggest challenge of the trip. The traffic, the lack of rules on the streets, the poor hygienic conditions and the people were not always very friendly, which made us pedal as fast as possible to the next country: Nepal, the nation of Buddha.”

Riccardo added: “Also, when cycling back to India (the North-East part of the route taken had been really enjoyable) we discovered the situation in Manipur, the Indian state with the only overland border crossing to Myanmar, which was very complicated due to large scale social/ political disorders. “It was hard to get reliable information about crossing that state overland. Most of the people told us it was too dangerous to cross the area and that we’d better fly to Myanmar. That’s what we did for our safety, but we still think that it could have been a very interesting journey.”

Despite the challenges they faced both remained adamant there was never a time when they ever felt like giving up.

Navigating more than 20 countries with only a bicycle as a means of transport meant that travelling at a more leisurely pace afforded them the opportunity for many positive encounters and the opportunity to experience some stunning sights, many of which Riccardo captured from behind his camera lens. These photographs will feature in an exhibition they have planned which highlights their year-long adventure and will be staged in Cesena, Italy during September.

With so many amazing shared experiences it was difficult for them to select their favourites.

Riccardo confessed: “There are probably many possible answers, but if I have to pick one then I would choose the Iranian Kurdistan where the people were incredibly friendly and welcoming and the mountainous landscape was just stunning.”

Chiara revealed: “My favourite parts were the mountains in Nepal before reaching the Kathmandu Valley and the jungles and forests we crossed in South-East Asia, especially in Thailand. The monsoon season there made everything as green as I had never seen before.”

Cycling such distances daily meant they had to ensure their main mode of transport, their bicycles, continued to perform throughout and now they have completed their cycling challenge there are no immediate plans for another epic trip … just yet.

“Despite the challenges they faced both remained adamant there was never a time when they ever felt like giving up.

”

Riccardo said: “The bikes performed great, we trusted them in every single ride and they never had any problems. For sure we will use them to go the beach back home however it’s too early to talk about future projects.

“We don’t have any real regrets, just one little thing: we both really love the sea and we didn’t spend much time along the coast. We will keep that in mind for the next ride!”

Chiara commented on whether she feels they accomplished their mission of raising awareness about diabetes - a condition she has lived with since first being diagnosed as a young girl aged 11.

January 2018| 79 “I think that of course we can always do more to create awareness about diabetes, but I’m happy with what we managed to do in this year. Both through our social networks and physical presence we talked about diabetes to people who didn’t know about it.

“It is always a big success when we receive messages from families that have diabetic kids and thank us for the hopeful message that we are trying to spread.”

The remarkable riders revealed what they have learned about themselves during their journey and how they feel about what they have achieved.

Chiara said: “The emotions when finally reaching Singapore were really strong and pure, not just because of getting to our goal, but also because of getting to the end of this unbelievable adventure.

“I feel very proud about what I completed - it wasn’t always easy and fun - but also very lucky for the amazing experiences I could collect along the journey.

“I have learned that every big challenge starts with one small step, or pedal stroke in our case. Now I know that I have all the determination needed to carry a big challenge to its end, proceeding step by step.”

Riccardo added: “We spent 24 hours a day together for over a year, and it was easy, very natural and never a difficult coexistence: I learned that we are a very good team.

“Our photo exhibition about the ‘For a Piece of Cake’ project took place in Cesena in September, and then we will go back to our normal lives and start dreaming about the next adventure!”

For more information go to

www.forapieceofcake.com

For A Piece of Cake route followed, countries covered and significant landmarks along the way …

• Italy (Pianura Padana) • Slovenia • Croatia • Bosnia and Herzegovina • Serbia • Bulgaria (the Black Sea coast was surprising) • Romania (Danube Delta) • Moldova • Ukraine • (Ferry from Odessa to Batumi to avoid Crimea and other dangerous areas) • Georgia • Armenia (green beautiful mountains – our highest pass 2535m – Sevan lake) • Iran (high harsh mountains in the North – desert in the South) • (Ferry) • Emirates (desert just outside Dubai – beaches on the East coast) • Oman • (Flight to avoid Pakistan) • North India • Nepal (high terraced mountains, Himalayan views) • North-East India • (Flight taken because of the impossibility to cross the border overland) • Myanmar (Bagan temples valley) • North and North-East Thailand (hills, mountains) • Cambodia (Angkor Wat) • South Thailand (very green, rainy season) • Malaysia • Singapore Photographs by Riccardo Rocchi www.forapieceofcake.com

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Cycling in the UK This month we are looking Scotland as well as Kent, the home of Cycling World magazine! We are also featuring the Isle of Wight always a popular destination for cyclists. As always, we aim to inspire you to test new places of interest and explore the hidden treasures of our country.

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RIDING THE RED ROSE COUNTY

Lancashire could be forgiven for feeling its rugged hills and picturesque landscapes have been ignored by cycle race organisers ever since Gary Verity put together a successful bid for their Yorkshire neighbours to host the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ.

But, for those in the know about its diverse landscape, renowned hill climbs, stunning scenery and quality accommodation it is most definitely the place to be. It has lots to offer to cyclists who are looking to tick off their next cycling challenge, head out on an adventure with friends or enjoy the varying landscape with family.

Climbing through witches’ country

I

t might not have an exciting foreign name like Yorkshire’s Cote de Lofthouse or Cote de Shibden Wall, but when Tour of Britain organisers were looking for a climbing challenge for Britain’s elite cyclists, they headed to Pendle and the Ribble Valley for the Nick O’ Pendle. Incorporating this challenging climb into the 2015 race, the Lancashire stage started in Clitheroe and finished in Colne – host town to the annual Grand Prix race and part of the British Cycling Elite National Circuit Series.

A battle on its own, with an average gradient of 10% but reaching 16% in places, riders who really want to test themselves on the roads used as training routes by many of British Cycling’s riders, are encouraged to tackle the Road Tour of Pendle Hill Area – a relatively short 24.5km route but what it lacks in distance, it makes up for in height. The route includes the Nick O’ Pendle and was famously won by a young Chris Boardman in 1988 in a course record of 3.29. Starting and finishing in the village of Barley, the Barley Mow at the foot of Pendle Hill is the ideal place to stay before starting your ride, offering ahearty Lancashire breakfast as fuel for the climbs ahead.

After leaving Barley, the Road Tour of Pendle Hill descends into Downham, an untouched conservation village with no yellow lines on the road and no satellite dishes on houses. It is also home to the Grade II listed Assheton Arms, owned

by Lord and Lady Assheton. Offering a different view of Pendle Hill to the Barley Mow, luxury accommodation managed by the team at the Assheton Arms is available in two cottages and the village’s former post office and lunch and evening meals are served in the pub.

Staying in the Forest of Bowland, Gisburn Forest offers a range of mountain bike trails from the mellow trail

January 2018| 83

84 | Cycling World

THE DERBY ARMS BACKDROP 2015 TOUR OF BRITAIN

Lancashire’s Queen Stage Heading north in the county, Lancaster has an extensive cycling network to enjoy with routes taking in the historical city, coast and countryside. Leisure Lakes Lancaster have an extensive range of electric, hybrid and mountain bikes available to hire from £10 per day.

Cycling back to the Forest of Bowland from Lancaster, the 41 mile Bowland Explorer route is a challenging circular ride which takes in the stunning scenery of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along various cycle routes, minor roads and off-road paths, as well as a stretch along the river Lune.

Lancaster is home to two famous road cycling climbs which are often combined with the Nick O’ Pendle climb to create a truly challenging ride on the legs.

by Bottoms Beck to a ‘grit your teeth’ descent of Bigfoot Slab. High quality mountain bikes with with hydraulic disc brakes, designed for technical trial riding can be hired from local company Cycle Adventure. Multiple world champion mountain biker Hans Rey recently tackled some of Gisburn Forest’s trails and stayed at the nearby Derby Arms in Longridgewhile he was in the county.

The Derby Arms, which was a backdrop to the 2015 Tour of Britain is the perfect starting point to Longridge Fell which

offers plenty to both road and mountain bikers. Secure bike storage is available at the Derby Arms, and in the words of Hans Rey, it serves an “awesome English breakfast” to set you up for a day’s riding.

Cross of Greet is the highest point on the road from Tatham Fells to Slaidburn. At just under 3km in length from Slaidburn, it gains 182 metres and takes an average of 12 minutes to complete. The Lancaster village of Quernmore is home to the Jubilee Tower climb; only 1.8 miles in length, it has a maximum gradient of 16%. Riders who reach the top are rewarded with stunning views to Lancaster, Lakeland hills, Yorkshire Dales and Fylde Coast on a clear day.

If you’ve forgotten any spares or need to perform some bike maintenance while in the Ribble Valley, The Green Jersey café and shop in Clitheroe is the place to head.

If you are in search of a protein fix or bed for the night while in Lancaster, The Fenwick,a former steakhouse which now specialises in steak and seafood in the nearby village of Claughton, offers stunning accommodation to visitors to the area. For those who

January 2018| 85

Dropping down to the coast For those who prefer a flatter ride, the Lancashire coast offers a range of routes from cycling on the promenade at Blackpool before heading to attractions like Stanley Park to exploring the promenades at Fylde Coast towns like Lytham, Cleveleys and Fleetwood.

The Wyre Exploreris a 31 mile route starting on the seafront at Bispham, just north of Blackpool, and travelling along the cost to Cleveleys before heading inland to explore the area around the river Wyre. It offers fantastic views of the river and an opportunity to spot some interesting wildlife and attractive countryside throughout the leisurely circular route.

If you need to refuel during your visit to the Lancashire coast, the picturesque market village of Great Eccleston is the perfect place to visit.

The Farmers Arms is a traditional country pub with a sheltered and heated courtyard for all-weather al fresco dining and the perfect place to leave your bike while you eat and drink.

For something a little different in the county, Ride the Lights is an annual event at the end

of August where riders can get an exciting preview of the Blackpool illuminations. Riders can join the route at any point from South Shore to Bispham and the road is closed to all vehicles except trams. of August where riders can get an exciting preview of the Blackpool illuminations. Riders can join the route at any point from South Shore to Bispham and the road is closed to all vehicles except trams.

In order to explore the cycle-friendly routes which were created as part of Blackpool’s Cycle Town legacy, a bike hire scheme has been set up to provide visitors with distinctive yellow bikes to experience the area on two wheels. Prices start at £5 for half a day

86 | Cycling World

Following in gold medallists’ pedal strokes Home to Olympic gold medallists Bradley Wiggins and Jason Queally, Chorley and West Lancashire have a growing cycle network and with the West Pennines nearby, there is some great countryside to explore.

Twin Lakes Cafe Velo in Croston, in the Borough of Chorley, is perfectly placed to welcome cyclists for a variety of refreshments, as well as allowing the free use of tools, selling inner tubes and energy gels and providing a jet wash.

The 65km Grand Tour of West Lancashire is the best way to explore the area. Based predominantly on the Lancashire Cycleway, it takes in a large proportion of West Lancashire, from the hills in the east to the levels in the west. Starting this route from Town Green train station makes the Town Green Brasserie, the perfect place to refuel and refresh with a bite to eat and drink after your tour of the area.

The 21-mile Southport circuit takes in the rich agricultural land south of the Ribble Estuary, with a chance to visit the RSPB reserve on the wide expanse of Hesketh Out Marsh. Three off-road sections of this route mean it isn’t suitable for road bikes.

Mountain bikers must visit Rivington Pike and tackle Rivington Country Park’s 17.8 miles of trails. Venturing out of the park to complete the full route, you will visit each of the reservoirs in the valley and the manmade trails in Healey Nab woods. Rivington Bowling Club, overlooking the reservoir, provides plenty of bike storage and a range of food and drink for riders.

Pedalling through the heart of the county Preston is at the heart of the national cycle network and its Guild Wheel route was created to celebrate Preston Guild 2012.

The 21-mile circular cycling and walking route takes you on a tour of the city’s parks, rivers, docklands and countryside. Route highlights include the delightful Avenham Park with its riverside gardens and long waterside sections along the river Ribble and a visit to the nature reserve at Brockholes. Final Whistle Café, part of the University of Central Lancashire’s Sports Arena, welcomes cyclists and is ideally located on this route.

National Cycle Network route 6 takes riders from Preston to Lancaster, through the Forest of Bowland and along the Lancaster canal. Departing from Preston train station, the route heads through the town to Moor Park where you’ll pass Deepdale, home of Preston North End FC. The ride continues north into the countryside towards Garstang and Scorton where there are views of the river Wyre and Cleveley Mere.

After passing through Galgate and crossing the Lancaster Canal you will join the River Lune for a lovely

January 2018| 87 traffic free waterside stretch. Quiet roads and another waterside run along the Lancaster Canal take you into Lancaster.

A 16-mile route from Preston to Pleasington, near Blackburn follows the river Ribble from Avenham Park through to Samlesbury, where BAE manufacture several aircraft types. The route continues through a series of quiet lanes and offers stunning views of Longridge Fell and the river below.

Reaching the Crown Point After riding to Pleasington, cyclists should make the short journey to the Oyster & Otter for a well-earned drink and bite to eat before discovering what the east of the county has to offer. From fish on the specials board sourced from the best of the Lancashire coast’s catch of the day to stone baked pizzas made using the best Italian flour,there is something for all tastes to set you up for the journey ahead.

One of Simon Warren’s greatest cycling climbs, the Crown Point climb is often raced in hill climbing races in the county. Starting on the south side of Burnley, there is a tough ascent to the top, with the main climb taking 14 minutes on average to complete.

The Mary Towneley Loop is a physically challenging 47-mile route which forms part of the Pennine National Bridleway Trail. Mountain bikers are advised to travel anti-clockwise on the route and be aware of the toughness of the trail which climbs up and down the steep-sided South Pennine valleys. Riders can access the route at various points throughout Burnley and Rossendale.

On Yer Bike Cycles in the centre of Burnley is open seven days a week for any riders needing spares or food and drink for their rides. If you’re in the area midweek, they also organise regular Wednesday evening group rides, departing from Burnley or Blackburn.

For riders preferring a short, sharp challenge, the Rake Hill climb in Ramsbottom has featured in the Tour of Britain and three national championships. At just 875 metres in length, it has a maximum gradient of 22%, averaging 11%. Famous names including Chris Boardman, Malcolm Elliott, Graeme Obree, Chris Newton and Michael Hutchinson have all taken on the climb in the past.

The Forest at Fence is the perfect destination to stay overnight when in East Lancashire. All bedrooms are fully equipped with the latest facilities including luxury cotton bed linen, Orla Kiely toiletries, tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary mineral water, flat screen TV with Freeview and free Wi-Fi. Plus, its large south facing garden is ideal for al fresco dining, resting your tired legs after your adventures and reflecting on just how much the red rose county has to offer for road cyclists, hill climbers, mountain bikers, leisure riders and more.

So, next time you’re planning your next weekend ride or cycling getaway, why not take some inspiration from these routes and head for the red rose county instead of the white?

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TOURING & TASTING IN SPEYSIDE Graphic Designer and keen cyclist, Rich Treen has recently joined Murray McDavid, the well-known independent Scotch whisky bottler.

He is looking forward to visiting his new company’s whisky warehouses at the former Coleburn Distillery in Speyside in the Scottish Highlands.

R I C H ’ S C Y C L I N G S TAT S • CYCLING CLUB: Velo Club Montpellier • 2017 CURRENT MILEAGE: 17,500 Mi / 28,000 Km • FAVOURITE BIKE: Colnago C59 • 20 MIN POWER (FTP): 320 Watts • LONGEST RIDE: 180 Mi / 290 Km • HIGHEST CLIMB: Col du Tourmalet

With over fifty distilleries, Speyside is Scotland’s largest whisky producing region. Rich is not only interested in seeing the 4000 barrels of whisky that are maturing at Coleburn, but is also planning to visit distilleries and enjoy the beautiful dramatic countryside on his bike.

Rich, who’s been mad about bikes since a boy, has toured throughout Europe. In 2016 alone, he clocked up over 20,000 miles on his trusty Italian road bike but it will be his first bike tour of Scotland.

Born and bred in the Cotswolds, Rich is now working at Murray McDavid’s Head Office, near Cheltenham. He is one of the Creative Team responsible for labels and packaging design.

Coleburn Distillery maturation warehouses where Murray McDavid stores its maturing cask whisky

During his visit, Rich will be spending his nights at Murray McDavid’s Parkmore Distillery Manager’s House, in the grounds of the old distillery in Dufftown. Like Coleburn, distilling ceased at Parkmore many years

ago but the traditional dunnage warehouses are still very much in use.

Rich is planning two rides. One North to Lossiemouth along the coast, and one taking him into the more arduous terrain around the Ben Rinnes Mountain. At the end of the day, back at Parkmore, he’ll no doubt treat himself to a whisky from the Murray McDavid range.

If you’d like to take your bike and stay at Parkmore and visit Coleburn whisky warehouses contact: 01343 860600.

Murray McDavid’s House at Parkmore Distillery

www.Murray-McDavid.com

MURRAY McDAVID BOTTLER OF SINGLE MALTS, SINGLE GRAINS & BLENDS

POST RIDE REWARD

a range of inspired Scotch whisky showcasing the Art of Maturation WWW.MURRAY-McDAVID.COM

MISSION GOLD B E N C H M A R K MYSTERY MALT SELECT GRAIN T H E VAT T I N G CRAFTED BLEND

January 2018| 89

The

2* self catering bunkhouse

viking centre Claxby

Situated in AONB of the

Viking Centre, Claxby, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire LN8 3YR

Lincolnshire Wolds Sleeps 20 people in 4 dormitories Secure Storage of cycles Excellent value from only £80 per group per night

More information on our website www.thevikingcentre.org for booking information call 01673 828 025 FH Cycling ad 90mm x 130mm_Layout 1 12/10/2017 14:58 Page 1

EXPLORE THE FOREST AT YOUR PACE

A forest full of adventure CYCLING IN THE FOREST Explore miles of trails It may be an easy-going, family cycling expedition, picnic packed in the panniers.

Or perhaps you are an enthusiast, looking for a high-adrenaline mountain bike challenge through the forest’s more thrilling terrains. However you experience it, nothing beats the feeling of freedom that cycling through the forest will give you. Forest Holidays have updated all of their bikes and accessories at each of their locations so you can explore the forests and stunning surroundings on two wheels!

HIRE YOUR BIKES One less thing to worry about...

Cross country epic or leisurely family ride, there are routes on your doorstep for everyone when you stay in luxury cabins with Forest Holidays. At the end of the day, you can completely unwind in stunning natural surroundings from the privacy of your hot tub.

Enter CYCLINGWORLD17 to save 10% off your cabin accommodation when you book at www.forestholidays.co.uk or call 03330 110495.

Book by 31st December 2017 and holiday by 31st January 2018. Discount applies to cabin price only. May not be used in conjunction with any other offer and cannot be applied retrospectively. Forest Holidays reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.

Bikes and accessories are available to hire at all of Forest Holidays, except in the case of Sherwood Forest (bikes are available to hire just a five minute walk away at the Sherwood Pines Forest visitor centre).

Whatever the needs of your party you’ll find the right combination of bikes and equipment.

For family hire there are child bikes, tag-alongs, trailers and child seats, and of course helmets are provided for all too. You can pre-book and secure your bikes through your online account. Forest Holidays have created a useful sizing guide to help you select the right bike for you and your party.

WHERE TO CYCLE? Great Trails at 9 UK locations.

Forest Holidays make sense of the forests for you with their forest trails maps. There are trails for all abilities and appetites, from short, scenic routes for a gentle afternoon’s escape, to thrilling, high-adrenaline trails which will test your limits. Their trails maps are available from the Forest Retreat at all of their locations so where in the UK do you want to go?

CHESHIRE

90 | Cycling World

So much to discover on two-wheels

By Laura Gilling and Robert Capper

W

ith everything from Romans to the Industrial Revolution, estuary and coast, medieval castles, canal towpaths and gentle inclines, to serious downhills and awesome off-roading, you’ll be sure to find the route for you when cycling in Cheshire.

For those into grit and gears, pick out routes from 176 miles of Cheshire’s cycleway, through the mill village of Bollington and over the heights to Wildboarclough and Macclesfield Forest. Exploring has never been easier, with disused railway lines, canal paths and forest trails, you can have a completely traffic-free ride. Take to the quiet back-roads to cover some distance and take in the sights of Jodrell Bank and Beeston Castle, passing through heritage towns, quaint villages, rolling estates and beautiful countryside, not to mention the odd stop in one of the many real ale pubs.

Ride 1: Family / Beginner’s Ride 24km+ For great family cycling, Chester makes a perfect destination.

Made a ‘cycling town’ (even though it is really a city) in 2009, it has good city centre access for bikes and a number of quick routes out to surrounding countryside. You can link canal paths, ex-railway tracks and riverbank paths to stay off-road. There’s some great exploring to be done.

Suitable for children, the River Dee Round (Route no.4) makes use of one of Chester’s longest traffic-free stretches of path. Going out of Chester using a short section of canal towpath, it then links to an old railway route. This sheltered well-surfaced track gets you out of the city and into the country. Look out for animal sculptures created out of trees. The return route to Chester is an exhilarating ride along the banks of the tidal river Dee, with plenty of wildlife

January 2018| 91 to spot. You will pass the Airbus wing loading dock near Saltney Ferry Bridge; you may even spot the Beluga landing or taking off. This is the aptly named plane that swallows up a giant locally manufactured Airbus wing and flies it to France.

Top Tip: Check the wind direction to decide which way round you want to cycle this route. If the wind is from the east, use it at your back going out along the river. Your return journey will then benefit from the shelter afforded by the railway line embankments.

For older children, or more competent cyclists, there is a great add-on if you want to extend the length of this ride. By carrying on along the river at Queensferry and getting to Hawarden Bridge station, you connect to another popular local route, the “Dee Marsh” ride. By following signs for Neston and weaving your way through Deeside Industrial Estate, you will be rewarded by breaking out into the spectacular landscape of the Dee estuary marshland. An elevated wooden walkway/ cycleway has been constructed to link these two areas and it enables the cyclist to carry on their journey and gain magnificent views across the marshland to the majestic Welsh hills. This is a popular area for twitchers, so be prepared to stop and see which species might be visiting. If you are not sure what you might be looking at, there’s usually some knowledgeable enthusiast around to ask. Better still, call in at the nearby RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands and do not forget to bring your binoculars.

Take it steady in this area, as the path is also popular with walkers and dogs. A few hundred yards further on is the Harp Inn at Little Neston; sit outside and literally drink in the views.

A great destination in this neck of the woods is Ness Botanic Gardens. Part of the University of Liverpool, this is a garden lover’s paradise. You can call in to admire the Rhododendrons and Azaleas which are in bloom in May or stop off to use the cafe. They will happily let you lock you bike up outside the visitor centre.

Back in Chester, if you can go just a little further, carry on along the Shropshire Union Canal path to the Mill Hotel. You’ll be rewarded with cask ales, an outdoor terrace and a hotel that offers bike storage if you decide you can’t move (call ahead to pre-arrange your bike lockup). Spa facilities are also available for a relaxing break.

Whilst in Chester, and not on your bike, there’s plenty more to do. Visit the giraffes at Chester Zoo, walk the walls, do a spot of shopping on the Rows, or pick up some bike bling with The Edge Cycleworks, Evans Cycles, Specialized Bikestore and the Bike Factory all on one road. (A51 Boughton).

Another great place to explore with the family is Delamere Forest, with cycle hire and a café and two easy waymarked routes for all ages and abilities. Delamere is a great place for all the family to get on their bikes and enjoy a ride through the forest. Both the Wheelock Rail Trail and the Salt Line are flat, well-surfaced linear trails of 2km and 3km respectively – great distances for little legs to manage a return journey. Parking is available at the Salt Line at Hassall Green.

92 | Cycling World

Ride 2: Longer Day Ride

comfort facilities makes a good starting point for your ride.

You may well remember Stage 3 of last year’s Tour of Britain. It was the one when Ian Stannard led a day-long breakaway.

This area of Cheshire is a training ground for Stannard and many of his British Cycling colleagues, being on the doorstep of the National Cycling Centre. He powered away after the stage was barely twenty

All-day parking will cost £6. From the car park, breeze through the beautiful deer park, skirt past the Meres and emerge into the historic town of Knutsford. It’s not compulsory to ride a penny farthing, but you may spot practitioners in training for the “Knutsford Great Race”, which takes place once a decade and is next due in 2020.

minutes old. The Sky rider took with him Graham Briggs and Kristian House.

Defying the chasing peloton, they stayed away with Stannard soloing ahead 41 kilometres from the finish and claiming a popular victory. Much of that day’s route is covered in the Cheshire Cycling sportive that will take place on Sunday 10th September, 2017. You can, of course, sample the delights of the Windgather Rocks, the beautiful Goyt Valley and the Cat and Fiddle, not to mention the intriguingly named Blaze, Swiss and Wizard Hills, before then.

The tour stage finished in the stunning setting of Tatton Park in Knutsford. This cycle-friendly venue with great eating and

Head out of town on the A537 and follow signs for Mobberley. Carry on the B-road to Alderley Edge, a dramatic red sandstone escarpment, with impressive views over the Cheshire countryside. Head south through the village, crossing the railway line and heading for Macclesfield. Climb the Wizard, then start the descent into the town. From Macclesfield, there’s a little jostle with the traffic and a few roundabouts to negotiate; you will cross the Silk Road at some point.

This is the very same one that begins in China; a stop at the Silk Museum would confirm that the story is true! Pick up the B5470, signposted for Rainow. You will be rewarded with a hefty climb out of Macclesfield. There are opportunities

to extend here by swinging a left onto Lidgetts Lane and heading for Kerridge, and adding in the mill town of Bollington and Pott Shrigley.

Or, you could head away from Macclesfield, skirting around the Teggs Nose country park (a great little café with top notch cake and a log burner to defrost on colder days) and making your way through Macclesfield Forest, where you can be king of the mountain on the famous Cat and Fiddle on Buxton road. It’s downhill from here as you meander your way through the lovely Cheshire towns of Gawesworth, Siddington, Capesthorne, Chelford and Ollerton. Here, you can duck off to add in an optional extra eight miles, visiting Jodrell Bank Telescope Discovery Centre, where there is a bike park shed and a great little café serving hot and cold food. Or, save yourself for a rewarding stop in Knutsford with a choice of restaurants and pubs, before heading back through Tatton Park to complete your ride. If you’re feeling energetic, this last section is a Strava segment, so have yourself a sprint finish, but watch out for deer on the path (check park closing times for high/low season).

January 2018| 93

Your Cycling in Cheshire Essentials: Bring

• • • •

Binoculars for bird watching Beer tasting notebook for the new real ales you’ll find An extra rucksack for the shopping you’ll do Camera for the photo opportunities along the ride

Getting there:

• • •

Trains from London to Chester advance return from £42 with Virgin Trains.

Trains from Chester to Knutsford every 30 minutes.

Fly to Liverpool and Manchester.

Stay: Byways Breaks have been arranging cycling holidays and walking holidays for more than 15 years and can help find the best places to stay. Their cycling routes are carefully planned to explore the most beautiful countryside, visit places of interest and stop at the best pubs and tea shops.

• •

The Mill Hotel www.millhotel.com

Sandstone Trail Cottages www.sandstonetrailcottages.co.uk

Refuelling

• • •

Teggs Nose Tea Room, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 0AP Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, Macclesfield, SK119DL Gardener’s Cottage at Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6QN

For more information about cycling in Cheshire, browse the list of cycling trails on visitcheshire.com/cycling.

94 | Cycling World

January 2018| 95 After a day out in the Scottish countryside, what could be better than seeking out some great traditional Scottish entertainment - a music session in a pub, a ceilidh dance in a village hall, or maybe a concert or festival?

The good news is you can find details of such activity in one place www.tmsa.org.uk For over 20 years, The Traditional Music & Song Association of Scotland (TMSA) has been collating information about events, festivals and activity from around Scotland into a hard copy publication – the TMSA Event Calendar – as well as listing the details online.

In recent years, the work to keep you informed has expanded to social media and now an interactive map of Scottish musical traditions is being developed.

The idea behind the map is to give people - especially visitors to Scotland - a flavour of the different geographical music traditions, types of music, instruments and themes that run through the cultural heritage of the country. Whilst not an exhaustive study of the various topics there is enough detail to give you an idea of what the traditions are and how you can find out more about them, including links to audio and video files, singers and musicians of note, and other resources and organisations.

So with these tools at your fingertips you can plan what you and others with you can do when you take a break from your wheels.

If you can’t make it up to Scotland any time soon to experience the ‘off-road’ cultural events in person, you can always visit the TMSA website shop to buy music from the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year winners and finalists, or top folk singers singing songs from the 101 Scottish Songs (or ‘Wee Red Book’) publication, and other items.

96 | Cycling World

In 2017 we’re celebrating our epic past, present and future like never before. This is our Year of Legends.

Visit our Epic Land.

Hills Hear If these

could

they would have some epic tales to tell.

Win a legendary weekend in Wales.

Win a ÂŁ500 Welsh Rarebits voucher for your autumn legendary weekend in Wales.

Welsh Rarebits hand-pick every one of their country houses, historic inns and luxury spas to offer truly epic style and hospitality.

To enter go to visitwales.com/cycling-world

#FindYourEpic visitwales.com

January 2018| 97 Wales, as you may have heard, is full of mountains – 72 of them at the last count.

There are also lots of forests, countless

weekend warriors. Bwlch Nant Yr Arian near Aberystwyth delivers high-level wilderness riding that’s not for the faint-hearted, with

Atlantic seaboard at Fishguard and hugs the spectacular Pembrokeshire coast before reaching the English border - unless you have a bit more than a weekend to spare.

But both these trails can be split into more manageable sections. They are part of 1,400 miles of National Cycle Network and contain some superb open roads that deliver epic endurance rides, mountainous climbs, headlong sprints and leisurely riverside rolls. Just as you’re never far from a twowheeled adventure, you’re always close to a classic country pub or a boutique bolthole with an incredibly comfy bed. Which is handy because in 2017 Wales is celebrating its Year of Legends. So if you’ve just racked up lots of very hilly miles, you’ll feel like a bit of a legend yourself.

spectacular river valleys and mile after mile of wide open moorland. Not to mention an 870-mile coastline. And at this time of year, in the golden light of autumn, it all looks ravishing.

true mountain climbs, river crossings, and technical rocky descents. And at BikePark Wales in the South Wales

Discover more about cycling in Wales visitwales.com

s e l a W n i g n i l c y c y r a d Legen

Especially if those trees are hurtling past in a russet blur. Because Wales is epic bike country. An increasing number of the weekend cars taking the short journey into

Valleys you can fit in up to 15 exhilarating runs in a single day. With 28 descending trails and a minibus to get you back to the top, you’ll be spoilt for choice. On the other hand, if ending up back where you started isn’t quite what you had in mind, you may prefer to leave the mountain bike at home and pedal just a little further. Not necessarily the full 250 miles of Lôn Las Cymru, which covers the entire length of the country from Holyhead in the north to Chepstow in the south, passes through three different mountain ranges and saps the legs

Wales have bikes strapped to the back. And not just mountain bikes – although there are world-class mountain biking centres in every scenic corner.

It’s epic thinking in legendary landscapes. At Coed-y-Brenin in Snowdonia National Park for instance, they were the first to turn a giant forest into a haven for mud-splattered

with 6,000 metres of vertical climb. Nor the 220-mile Celtic Trail that stretches from the

98 | Cycling World

Wheel-y Good Holidays Purbeck Ride, Dorset

As the popularity of staycations continue to soar, there hasn’t been a better time than now to pack the gear, load your bike and enjoy the best of British cycling. With over 16,000 holiday properties across the UK that offer easy access to stunning cycling routes, and a collection of more than 4,500* cycle-friendly cottages offering facilities such as secure bike-stores, cottages.com is the go-to travel brand for a biking break.

Its expert team share a sample of the best routes in Britain that can be enjoyed on a cycling holiday, whether you’re a strong, experienced cyclist or a novice looking to take your family on their very first active holiday:

Packed full of wonderful coastal views and rural scenery, this trail is for those on the hunt for a challenging ride with historic landmarks on the way. At 47 miles, you’ll see Corfu Castle on the ride around Purbeck and- will provide a test for the up-andcoming rider.

Rutland Water, Leicestershire The 25-mile Rutland Water Cycleway is mostly off-road and flat, making it a perfect route for a group of beginners looking to go on their first cycling break. Along the way, you’ll find great views of the largest lowland man-made lake in Western Europe and, rather conveniently, you’ll end up back at the start. An easy day’s ride for the whole family!

For the top 10 cycling routes in the country and ideas for the perfect place to stay en-route, visit: www.cottages.com/inspire-and-explore/iloveyouk/round-the-uk-on-two-wheels-top-10-cycling-routes or call 0345 498 6900.

Follow us on

Conquer the peaks or tour the teashops: the freedom is yours Find the ideal biking base

From outstanding national routes to local tracks, quiet country roads to purpose built mountain loops, beautiful Britain is ripe for exploring by bike.

At cottages.com you’ll find over 20,000 cottages where tempting routes run direct from your doorstep. And almost 4,000 of them have secure cycle storage for peace of mind.

Choose from over 20,000 cottages many with secure cycle storage

The only dilemma is where to go.

Browse cottages.com for inspiration on the UK’s loveliest destinations, from coast to country. Then look forward to the most liberating escape of them all - a holiday on two wheels.

cottages.com

Visit Prefer to talk? 0345 268 1722 Visit www.cottages.com/inspire-and-explore and let us inspire you for your next break.

January 2018| 99

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100 | Cycling World

“Well organized tour with an amazing crew. We did a shebeen tour in Umlasi where we got to experience the local culture. The fat bikes are great fun and something everybody should try.”

the Bike & Battle “This year we did in the KZN with Detour Trails lly ur was exceptiona to e Th . ds el efi tl Bat od was delicious well organised, fo e amazing!” and the trails wer

Durban, South Africa Tel: 00+27 82 896 0392 • info@detourtrails.co.za • www.detourtrails.co.za

BIKE & BATTLE: RIDING IN ANGLO-ZULU BATTLEFIELDS Much has been written about the many conflicts as the British colonised Southern Africa, but nothing brings this history more alive than retracing the wagon, pony and soldier’s foot trails by mountain bike venturing into the heart of battle to hear and see first-hand what unfolded.

Cetshwayo sent a message to Frere, in the words of historian David Rattray, “begging his British friends not to go to war, and warning him that if the Great White Queen sent her red soldiers into Zululand, his aMabutho would eat those red soldiers up. The die was cast.”

As did the Anglo-Boer Wars, the Anglo-Zulu conflict of 1879 had a great bearing on the shape of South Africa today.

Under Lord Chelmsford, the British invaded Zululand on 1st January 1879 in the first act of aggression of the Anglo-Zulu War the battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift ensued.

While it may not be easy for some to admit, seen through the eyes of contemporary South Africans colonization of the world by the British was fueled by a few arrogant, ignorant men, one of whom was Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere. He was an archetypical Victorian colonial administrator whose belief in the British Empire was as absolute as his disregard for its inhabitants.

This attitude had disastrous implications in SA when he became High Commissioner in 1877.

Despite many years of Zulu and Brit living in relative peace and harmony, Frère had concluded that Natal could not exist safely and peacefully alongside the Zulu nation under King Cetshwayo.

After some devious maneuverings, which failed to initiate war, he had an ultimatum delivered to Cetshwayo at the Ultimatum Tree. The demands were by design impossible.

The British forces were completely out-thought and annihilated at Isandlwana, but famously defended Rorke’s Drift. Words cannot do these battles justice, so adventurous mountain bikers should come and ride raw, natural trails and taste this rich history which has become engrained in South African and British psyche.

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This is a self-catering gîte with two bedrooms for up to five people in rural Isère with an emphasis on quality and tranquility. A perfect base for Cycling in the area.

Velanne is an ancient settlement consisting of six or seven small hamlets with a total population of around 500.

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On the footsteps of the “Tour de France” in South West of France!

• A 5* Hôtel, part of the Mgallery collection by Sofitel, located at the edge of the Park Beaumont, in the city center • Large rooms and suites with view over the Park and the Pyrenees mountains • Private rooms for groups’ meals open onto the large terrace, either gastronomic food or healthy menus • Free access to the Bamboo Spa (indoor swimming pool 15m long, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room) and the fitness room • Secure private place to store bikes and fix them • All types of routes for different abilities and ages (groups and individuals) • South west of France art of living (local produces, nice wines, good weather, a total safety place) • Oustide parking, garage, free wifi

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! e t e l p m o c e g n e l l a h C y r r e 5F “A great day out in good company. It was so inspiring to see the huge age range of participants and feel the enthusiasm.”

On 2nd September, 25 keen EMMS International cyclists took on the ‘5 Ferry Challenge’ to raise vital funds for our Malawi lakeside project, delivering lifesaving healthcare to those living in isolated communities.

Peddling around North Kintyre, the Firth of Clyde, Arran, and Bute, the cyclists took in 53.5 miles of idyllic scenery with a few tough climbs thrown in and plenty of laughs too.

On the day, the bike riders were met by some beautiful sunshine which made the event even more special, and showed the west of Scotland in its best light. One participant said: “The day represented a personal challenge, but it was also an excellent opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together and hear about their reasons for supporting the work of EMMS. It was a challenging but rewarding route, with some beautiful scenery made even better by the stunning weather.”

It was a pleasure to see old friends making some new faces feel welcome. Long term supporter Evelyn Cook, aged 79, was taking part in her 25th sponsored event for EMMS, whilst Calum Stewart, aged 15, was taking part in his second.

Through their sponsorship and fundraising, our wonderful supporters have raised a total of just over £6,000, with more donations still coming in. This money will help us renovate lakeside health clinics, build staff accommodation, train more local healthcare staff, and purchase a new speed boat ambulance; all of which will significantly and sustainable improve the health of rural communities in Malawi.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the challenge. Special thanks go to participant Tom Russell, who made this great video _capturing the experience.

Thanks to the organisers Sport Ecosse Events for their expertise and support.

We hope you will join us for our 5 Ferry Challenge 2018!

To register your interest now for next year’s challenge visit events@emms.org for more details.

January 2018| 103

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106 | Cycling World