Coast to Coast: Memorial Ride from St. Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay September 25th-28th Power To Your Pedal Follow Dawn and Steve across France as they embark on a cycling adventure P.12
The Brompton Folding bike: Revisited
P.16
Cycling With Your Dog P.6
P.2
Cycling to work
The Crossing. Mountain Bike Race
We look at the Cycle to Work Scheme and other benefits to leaving the car at home and cycling to work
P.4
P.7
The cyclists paper for the Midlands & Wales
Online edition September/October 2014 Issue 02
www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk
Pedal Your Cycle
Riding The Canal Tow Paths Of The UK
By Jamie Booth
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While blasting back with the wind behind me it occurred to me that these paths solve a massive problem of where to ride safely with kids away from traffic.
A few years ago I helped some friends move a narrow boat around the Midlands and the way they commuted between boat and car was by bike. On the whole the tow paths were muddy, wet and had huge great holes in them.
Moving on a few years I find myself near Basingstoke for a series of meetings and someone tells me there is a canal tow path from here to Reading so I decide to take a ride along it. It’s been hot for the last few months which is not a normal situation in the UK and I find the dry roads and trails fast, quick and fun. That said, I still turn up at the visitors centre
near Aldermaston thinking it would be a trundle. I set off along the tow path and once I’m away from the Café at the centre, the people start to evaporate. The path is single track and has the river Kennet on one side and the Canal on the other. The only other people I see are the odd fisherman and canal boater. Every so often you come to a junction or
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bridge but apart from these the track is pretty flat so you can really get up some speed along the fast sections and there are long, sweeping curves to enjoy. Every 5 miles or so there is a village, café or pub and this little ride I did took me from the edge of Reading to the heart of Newbury Continued on page 2
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Issue 02 - September & October 2014
Cycling News
Letter from the
Editor
T
hank you readers for your feedback on the first edition of Pedal Your Cycle. Your favourable comments have been gratefully received along with lots of interesting articles. Our second issue has certainly got something for everybody. We have an article about how to encourage your kids to learn how to cycle; a few examples of the challenges they can take on once they have mastered riding like Jo’s first ever MTB event; a charity ride from London to Paris or even a cycling holiday! Then when they slow down a little bit later on in life they could consider getting an electric bike like Brian did or join a club like the Veterans Cycle Club who are definitely still up for a bit of fun. Happy and safe cycling everyone.
info@pedalyourcycle.co.uk www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk
NEWS
Road
Hereford Active Travel
Tour of Britain
Solva Festival Of Cycling
Herefordshire County Council have implemented a programme of 18 walking and cycling schemes, following a successful bid for funds. This supports a network of town and country routes and infrastructure and the routes are designed to represent either 10 minutes walking or cycling. We think this is a brilliant idea. Download the routes from our site, get out of the house and get some fresh air!
Bradley Wiggins will be defending his title in this years Tour of Britain which takes place on 7 - 14 September from Liverpool to London. Two stages will be of particular interest to our readers as stage 3 on 9th will be starting in Newtown passing through Knighton and Talgarth on its way to Monmouth. Stage 4 will be starting in Worcester. For more information go to www.tourofbritain. co.uk
The Solva festival for 2015 is taking shape. We have been having a lot of fun planning the routes and coming up with something a bit different. Some of the things on the agenda are a night ride from Solva to Cardigan and back; a triathlon that involves a road
Events
bike, mountain bike and a canoe; a bit of a treasure hunt for the youngsters and the chance to relax and unwind around a camp fire. We may have a few live bands and one or two other gems. Keep an eye on the website for more details. www.solvacyclefest.com
Review
Travel
News
Mavic Shoes
Cycling and Transport
Stuck for ideas?
For the Herefordshire cyclist, these stations have covered bike storage: Hereford (50 spaces at the end of platform 3) Ledbury and Leominster. We’ll be having a look at facilities in an upcoming issue, and we’d like to know your experiences, good and bad. Let us know on facebook, Twitter or on our website.
Worcester Council have a great page listing all the useful cycling and walking maps for the area at www. worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/cycling/ cycling-maps.aspx We’ll be looking at some of these routes in a forthcoming issue, but if you’ve already tried some of them, let us know what you think at www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk
I bought a pair of Mavic shoes when they were reduced to half price and I thought I’d give them a try. They are comfortable and have never hurt my feet or made my toes go numb. I have ridden thousands
of miles in them now and despite being white they still look okay. I always thought that SIDI were better and looked cool but they do hurt my feet and hence I always end up back in the Mavics. I love them!
Apps
Safety
Useful info: Know your tech
In an emergency ring 112
Strava.com is an easy to use ride monitoring and info sharing app. Grab your phone or GPS device, track your ride and upload it. Then choose to keep it private or share to compare with others riding that route. Social Media doing something for cyclists – lovely!
facebook.com/pedalyourcycle
Everybody knows about 999 but it seems many people haven’t yet heard of 112. This is the EU number for emergencies which is used in over 70 countries including India, Pakistan, America, Canada and Australia. It can be more useful than trying to ring 999, particularly if you are up in the mountains and have no signal. 112 searches for any available
network and will override a ‘network busy’ signal. The emergency services can also find out your location from your call. If you have pre-registered your mobile phone with 112 you can send an sms message so even if there is no signal your phone will keep trying until it picks one up . 112 will by-pass a phone’s security system so if you pick
up anyone else’s phone you can still dial 112 and on some smart phones it will work even if there is no sim card in the phone. Everyone should know about 112, it could save yours or someone else’s life. To enable the sms service text REGISTER to 112 and then reply to the message you receive with YES.
twiiter.com/pedalyourcycle
Continued from page 1
The Team Jeni Hughes Editor
Adam Haworth Managing Editor / Creative Director
Jamie Booth
Equipment Editor / Marketing Director
Neil Coleman
Advertising / Sales Director
Charles Jarrold Production Director / Product Testing
Designed by and in association with Lakewood media Limited. www.lakewoodmedia.co.uk Pedal Your Cycle is part of Peloton Marketing Services. pelotonmarketingservices. co.uk Registered in England & Wales 831 4554
with only a few metres riding on a road. While blasting back with the wind behind me it occurred to me that these paths solve a massive problem of where to ride safely with kids away from traffic. Apart from the obvious risk of falling in the canal, it’s a pretty safe place for kids to ride and they are right in the middle of Nature in all its glory with water birds, insects, butterflies and wild flowers. There is also the fascinating historical interest of the industrial side of the canals and the incredible fact that they were dug by hand. Running alongside the canal is the Railway which during the heyday of
the canals was the modern form of transport that spelled change. Sustrans Cycle Network have also come to the same conclusion that canals are a great way of getting around both in and out of cities, and by linking them up with old railways and cycle paths have created alternative routes for bikes that seem to work very well. In this issue we have focused on one route which is out and back but you can make your own up. You could carry on and ride further out along the path and get the train back or link it up with a quiet road route
back. There are lots of brambles along the tracks and a distinct lack of bike shops to pop into so don’t forget to take a puncture repair kit and a spare inner tube. Considering the normal UK weather pattern, it would also be worthwhile taking along a good waterproof coat. It’s worth thinking about the type of bike that would be suitable for the tow paths. I recently took a titanium hand-built Baldwin down a canal path out of necessity and it did fine but any Hybrid or Mountain Bike with a bit of grip and slightly larger
tyres would work well. I’ve also used my cyclocross bike, a specialised Crux which was overkill for what I needed but it’s cool and it rides like a road bike on the gravel. I think there could be a whole new racing scene sprout up using these routes, like the Gravel Grinders in the states - Tow Path Racing in the UK! Download this route for your Garmin connect.garmin.com/ activity/555565779
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Coastto Coast John & Odette Memorial Ride
Within the space of three years, I lost both my parents. My father in March 2010 to Motor neurone disease and my mother in March 2013 to Cancer of the mouth. They became engaged in the Lake District, married and lived in Yorkshire, where indeed I was born. Now seems the right time to do something special as a tribute to them, other than just a headstone or brass plaque on a bench. A gentleman, born in Blackburn by the name of Alfred Wainwright (19071991) wrote a book in 1973 entitled ‘A Coast to Coast walk’, which ran from St. Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire. The route passes through
at Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast, have a rest day then transfer by car up to Newcastle. Our intention is to do the return ride in one hit, from Tynemouth Castle to St. Bees, which is about 140 miles. For those in the know, there will be the small issue of riding the road route into the prevailing wind, following the Sustrans Sea to Sea 14 and 71 routes. We wont be carrying kit as we will have our support vehicle on the outward journey and full road support on return. The aim is to enjoy a challenging ride and for me personally, to do it in memory of my parents, any funds raised will be a bonus. I would very much like the company of others riders on the journey and hope to make it an annual event; the more riders, the easier it will be, especially with
25th - 28th September 2014 three of our finest National parks; The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors, all boasting some spectacular scenery. My father did this walk himself in 1974. It was this walk that has inspired me to cycle the route as a fitting and challenging tribute and hopefully raise some much needed funds for Cancer Research and Motor Neurone Disease. After much hand wringing and deliberating, the decision has been made to tackle the mountain bike route over 3 days, based on a long first day and then easier days. It’s been said by the local Mountain Bikers, that it’s “Nay Picnic”, but then we wouldn’t be doing it if it was easy would we? The ride will start from the Irish sea at St. Bees and as Wainwright suggests, we go with the prevailing wind. After travelling about 220 miles, we arrive
having vehicle support and hopefully the event will be filmed with a view to putting it on the website at a later date. For anyone wishing to participate, whether it be for one way, both ways or just part of the journey, a little experience of riding in the mountains and on roads would be advantageous. Riders joining me are welcome to use the challenge as an opportunity to raise funds for their own chosen charities. So, have a little think about donning your lycra and contact me for details if you are interested and up for a fun ride.
For more information about taking part or helping please contact Jamie Booth: 07823 325099 jamie@peloton.email
Events
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Issue 02 - September & October 2014
MTB
The Crossing. Mountain Bike Race from Whitehaven to Scarborough By Jo Lord
Day 1 Lake District
68 miles 7,688 ft climbing I’m not a mountain bike rider, I’m a runner. I have the bike and the kit and can make myself look like a Mountain bike rider but underneath I have always preferred coming down a hill fast on both feet! So why was I sitting on my bike with 400 other people at 6am (who all looked like MTB pros) about to leave Whitehaven on a 200 mile trip over 3 days to Scarborough? Never having been shy about taking on new challenges, I signed up for The Rat Race series of epic coast to coast journeys and started by running Hadrian’s Wall. This was the next on the list and I thought (possibly rather stupidly) my base endurance fitness and small amount of MTB technical riding skills would help blag my way across 3 National Parks!
We set off riding along flat cycle trails moving onto country roads which began to climb steadily before heading off road and uphill. The Lake District looked stunning, it was only 8.30 am and we were already right up in the hills with the sun beating down. I learnt very quickly how to get from the top to the bottom on stony tracks and grassy trails, the best way is fast! After about 35 miles the first pit stop came into sight and was a welcome breather. I was really feeling the heat and the thought of another 30 miles off road was daunting to say the least. After a bit of road cycling we headed off road again. The track was a long and steady climb, my running legs came into their own on the non-riding bits and I found myself breaking
away from our little group. After a glorious descent I was down in Ullswater. The word on the road there was a steep climb out of Patterdale ahead, stories of lifting your bike over boulders right to the top of the pass. It was all true and the leg burning, extremely hot ascent began. Temperatures had reached the high 20s and people were beginning to suffer from heat exhaustion. Weirdly, I actually really enjoyed this bit and passed many a mean biker sitting it out for a while. The way down was worse than the way up. Although my bike is called a Rock Hopper it wasn’t doing much hopping and I suspected I might end up down the bottom of the mountain if I tried to ride it. I was dreaming of the duel
suspension bike I could now be on, instead I was pushing my hardtail whilst braking and stumbling on foot down a rocky slope, which is pretty hard on the arms. I could feel the strain and it was a relief to get back on the bike. The rest of day one consisted of some lovely trail as the Lakes started to disappear as we approached Shap and the first camp. Shap appeared to be round the corner but as is the tradition with most of these events, you follow the arrows, not the road signs, which adds on about another 4 miles! The camp finally arrived and I put up my tent and sank a pint of lager. A brilliant first day
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Day 2 Yorkshire Dales
70 miles 5,886 ft climbing God’s Country! More road than the day before but if you’re going to cycle road, following the Tour de France route was the way to do it. Up to the top of Buttertubs Pass, the names of the tour riders were still sprayed on the roads, villages decorated with yellow bikes and flags. The roads were steep with sweeping downhill sections that went on for miles, winding our way across the Dales ending up at Northallerton for the second nights camping. Feeling very tired now and really not sure if it’s possible to get back in the saddle to take on a whole days off road in the Yorkshire Moors.
Day 3 Yorkshire Moors
62 miles 5,481 ft climbing Jude was on the start line, my riding mate from day 1. She’d not ridden the day before due to heat exhaustion, but was determined to complete the final day. We were joined by Jenny and Paul and all rode together supporting and helping each other along. This was by far the worst day but in some ways the best, due to the people I shared the journey with. The tracks were mud and difficult to ride. 300 bikers had spun their wheels before us so it was pretty churned up and impossible to get any traction.
Our tyres were slipping all over the place, brakes next to useless. Over 60 miles of forest trail and a mud fest; I’d be in my element on 2 feet but hard going on a bike. We counted the paces pushing up hills, held on for dear life sliding down the other side. Finally we arrived in Scarborough, very emotional to have completed this event. It was never a race for those of us at the back but an incredible sense of achievement. I met some great people and amazing memories of places I travelled through.
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Am I a mountain biker? I’m not sure but I’m beginning to have a niggling urge to get back in the saddle and find out. Brilliant!
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Issue 02 - September & October 2014
News
Mountain Riding
I
By A Cyclist
live in a beautiful village in the shadows of the Black Mountains. I ride every day except when I’m entering a sportive when I’ll try to have a rest day beforehand. I have been riding around here for 4 years so I know the area pretty well. I love the challenge of the hills and often use the same routes, tracked using Strava to improve my time but this can sometimes distract me from the actual ride. I usually ride on my own so I can do what I want, go wherever I like and have some private time. I’ve ridden through the mountains before now for 5 hours and didn’t see a single soul. Up in the hills there’s a real sense of peace and you get to see so much wildlife. There’s always plenty of Red Kites and Buzzards to see in this area and there’s often a beautiful sunset to sit and watch in the evenings. On one trip I was climbing up the hill when a young ewe decided to follow me. She ran along with me all the way up to the top of the mountain and
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loved ones know where you are in case anything does happen. If you’re out all day you need to make sure you’ve got enough food and energy bars and plenty of fluids. A backpack with a water reservoir is really useful. If you want some peace and freedom, go up in the mountains but if you don’t mind being among lots of people then the trail centres are great and a lot of them are free. They have lots of different trails graded for difficulty from green, blue, red and up to black which will be more challenging. The Forest of Dean Trail Centre is geared up for families and it’s a great introduction for the kids. Find more info at www. pedalabikeaway.com. ‘Nant-yr-Arian’ in Aberwystwyth is another good one. There’s a great visitors centre with lots to do for the whole family. They have walking trails and 3 different mountain bike trails for varying abilities all starting and finishing at the visitors centre. There’s a red kite feeding
Archie Goes Cycling By Adam Haworth
Up in the hills there’s a real sense of peace and you get to see so much wildlife
only turned to go when I got off my bike to take a photo. I have no idea why she joined me but it was a pretty special moment. I also go mountain biking up in the forests on a few local trails for a couple of hours in the week and maybe a longer weekend ride. If the weather’s rough I’ll go to a trail centre, of which there are many in Wales, where I can spend a few hours on man-made trails or, if the weather’s good, it will be a mountain ride, usually over the Beacons or the Black Mountains. If any of this sounds appealing to you I would suggest you just get out and try it. It’s amazing how much ground you can cover on a mountain bike without even thinking about it. Once you get up to a certain level of fitness then it all starts to become really enjoyable. If you do decide to have a day out in the mountains it’s important to plan a route in advance so that parents or
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centre and it’s in an extremely beautiful area surrounded by the Cambrian Mountains. It’s an amazing place to visit and spend the whole day with the family. Or for something different you could try the Brechfa Centre. It’s a bit more raw and off the beaten track but the trails are absolutely brilliant. It’s somewhere you can go and not see anyone for hours; it’s a bit more natural and again they have varying ability trails. They haven’t got a cafe there so remember to take refreshments with you. Bike Park Wales is a new downhill centre where you can pay for a day’s uplift where you will be transported to the top of the mountain with your bike then you can choose lots of interesting and challenging downhill rides back. Have a look on www. mbwales.com for these and other trails centres in Wales and just get out there!
Growing up I was never away from my bike; if I wasn’t building dirt jumps or trails in the woods I would be taking my bike to bits and putting it back together again. My first ‘pride and joy’ was a Kona Stinky. Unfortunately as I grew older I stopped cycling as much and the trails and jumps we built soon disappeared. It wasn’t until I was working in London that I got cycling again, this time it was to get away from the tedious morning commute. My depressing mornings crammed on the tube became a beautiful ride through central London passing through Regents park, Hyde Park and South Kensington during sunrise. After moving back to the countryside I no longer had a need to cycle, but cycling kept coming back to me and soon enough I was back on a bike again. This time I got a Giant TCX from Jamie at Peloton
who helped me get back into cycling. There was one thing that always put a hold on cycling again and that was Archie, my border collie. Archie goes everywhere with me, from work to kayaking and even coming along on holidays. So I was determined to teach Archie to run on the correct side of the bike, follow trails and even run alongside on quiet country lanes. The first cycling trip Archie came on was a spin around Credenhill Park Wood, a fantastic place for a quiet ride through the woods with the chance to see part of the Iron Age hill fort that once sat on the hill. Archie is usually extremely well behaved and follows commands every time, so the transition from walking to cycling wasn’t too hard. We started with local bridleways where he could run comfortably alongside. After he got used to the bike we did a few narrow trails where he would run ahead uphill
then follow behind back down. He struggles to stay close going down hill but is never more than 20 yards behind. If you plan on taking your dog out on a bike ride there are a couple of things to consider. Never tie a lead to your handlebars, this is only going to end in disaster when your dog suddenly stops or decides to take an alternative route. If you need to keep your dog on a lead you can get a seat post lead attachment. The seat post, being a central part of the bike, is more secure and you are less likely to be pulled off. Be aware of other riders, if there are a few people cycling then a slower speed should be taken to ensure your dog doesn’t decide to take a path across someone else’s wheel. All in all cycling with your dog is a great alternative to walking and can help discover new places and ultimately help keep you and your canine friend fit.
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News
On Your Bike By Sarah Murray
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There’s never been a better time than now to consider ditching the car or bus journeys to work and getting on your bike. Census data tells us that 760,000 people cycle to work regularly and the number is steadily rising
he Cycle to Work Scheme is a tax initiative to promote healthier journeys and reduce pollution in our towns and cities. The Scheme enables employers to loan cycles and cycling safety equipment (usually up to a maximum value of £1000) to employees as a tax free benefit. Employers recover the cost of the equipment
through a hire agreement which is paid out of the employee’s gross salary and therefore not taxed. At the end of the hire agreement there is usually an option for the employee to purchase the equipment or to continue use without further charge. To qualify for the scheme, ownership of the bike must not pass to the employee during the hire period. The Cycle To Work Alliance (CTWA)
aims to bring together scheme providers to highlight the benefits of cycling to work in terms of health, environmental factors and employee engagement. With the Scheme saving employees up to 40% off the cost of a new bike, affordability and access to cycling equipment have greatly improved. According to the CTWA 550,000 people have taken advantage of the Scheme through
Turning to health, riding a bike for half an hour per day, 5 days a week can give you:
35% 50% 50% 20% 30%
lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
lower risk of type 2 diabetes
lower risk of colon cancer
lower risk of breast cancer
lower risk of early death
83% 68% 30% 30% 30%
lower risk of osteoarthritis
lower risk of hip fracture
Tour de France By Sue Hughes The excitement and anticipation were building, July was almost upon us and the truly awe inspiring pinnacle of road cycling ‘Le Tour de France’ would begin; could our boy Chris Froome win it again? Along with my husband, I have been an avid follower of The Tour for at least the last four decades, Lance Armstrong becoming my idol. I felt so betrayed by his eventual confession of doping that the event temporarily lost its appeal, thank goodness for Wiggo and Froomie, not only did they restore my interest but being British gave me more to root for. 198 cyclists, made up of 22 teams, each with 9 riders (47 of them being first time tour participants,) set off on 5th July from Leeds in glorious sunshine, cheered on by phenomenal crowds of supporters, a
lower risk of depression
lower risk of falls (among older adults)
lower risk of dementia
wonderful sight to behold. Yorkshire really did us proud during those first three days, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry were at Harwood House to officially start the second stage from York and the most northerly point in the tours history was at Reeth over the North Yorkshire Moors. Alas, we lost Mark Cavendish on the first day and Chris Froome on the fifth day due to crashes, but Alberto Contador, Vincenzo Nibali and Alejandro Valverde were still strong contenders for the title. Then, even before the first big mountain stage in the Alps had begun, Contador had abandoned along with another team leader Andrew Talansky, making it the most team leaders to be out at this stage in the tour’s history. Nibali took the yellow jersey that day and with such a good time margin lead, looked to have the race all wrapped up, but there was still a long way to go and anything could happen as we had already seen. A few more riders abandoned as the race went on including the youngest rider 19-yearold Danny Van Poppel, but the oldest rider, Jens Voigt at 42, was riding his last tour and
32,000 employers. The benefits of the Scheme aren’t just financial. With Scheme users cycling 13,222,620 miles per week and 67% of those saying they would otherwise travel by car the result is a reduction in emissions of 112,210 tonnes of CO2 per annum.
With the Scheme saving employees up to 40% off the cost of a new bike, affordability and access to cycling equipment have greatly improved.
The Cycle to Work Scheme is available to all UK businesses in the public and private sector. With benefits for the employer (such as NI savings, environmental image and staff benefits) and employee (such as healthy lifestyle, cheaper travel costs and environmental factors) it’s hard to imagine why everyone isn’t jumping on their bikes and cycling to work. Thursday 4 September 2014 is the second Cycle to Work
Day championed by Paralympic cyclist, Dame Sarah Storey who is encouraging everyone to take to two wheels on that day. Tens of thousands of new cyclists are expected to take to the streets on that day. Why not join them? Speak to your employer about getting involved and experience first hand the health and financial benefits of participating.
Information on eligibility and how to join the Scheme can be obtained from the Cycle to Work Alliance: www.cycletoworkalliance.org.uk
eventually made it to the end. As a tribute he was allowed to be the first rider on to the famous cobbled stones of the Champs Elysees in Paris. Although we have been in France during the Tour, we now much prefer to sit at home and watch it on television. Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen are very entertaining and knowledgeable long-standing commentators, this was Phil’s 42nd year, his detailed knowledge of teams and individual riders both past and present is amazing. Paul tells the viewers interesting information about the places the tour rides through such as its wildlife, history, special features etc., I particularly like the Chateaux we see via the cameras operated from the helicopters. These cameras not only show aerial pictures of the riders, but pan out showing panoramic views of spectacular scenery, especially in the mountains and zoom in to show us the artistry of the tour such as tractors, hay bales and people in fields depicting local specialities. We also saw for the first time this year, sheep with yellow fleeces and fountains with yellow water cascading from
them. The French certainly know how to promote their grand tour. After three weeks and much pain and suffering, the peloton finally reach Paris for the concluding laps and sprint finish on the Champs Elysees. Vincenzo Nibali kept his yellow jersey and was awarded the coveted final one as overall leader of the race. The Green jersey was awarded to Peter Sagan for the points competition leader, the White to Thibaut Pinot for the highest placed young rider under 25 and the Polka Dot to Rafal Majka for the ‘King of the Mountains’, the races best climber. Marcel Kittel won first and last sprint stages of the tour. Ji Cheng was the tours first ever Chinese rider and four teams finished with all their nine riders. For anyone that has not watched the tour, I strongly urge you to do so, you will certainly get hooked and like me, you will eagerly await the coming of July every year.
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Issue 02 - September & October 2014
News
If Cycles Could Talk
T
he phrases “every picture tells a story” and “every picture is worth a thousand words” are often quoted. Rarely though, do we hear the story so I thought that it would be a nice idea to share the story of some of the bikes that we’ve recycled which, in a similar way, all have a story to tell. We’ve recycled well over 200 cycles now, including an almost brand new mountain bike donated by a lady who had recently been diagnosed as having ME. Having decided that she no longer needed a cycle, her and her husband decided to pass their bikes on to someone else who could use them. Those bicycles required little, if any,
By Neil Coleman tidying up before moving onto a new life with new owners. We’ve also had what was described by its owner as a ‘weather worn 50-year-old Sun racing cycle’ that was once the proud possession of a local man who received it as a present for passing his eleven plus exam. Although it had seen better days, its (or ‘her’ as she was affectionately referred to) story evoked many memories. Trips to school and later on, to work picking fruit at local fruit farms, rides to neighbouring villages fully laden with cricket attire and equipment, visits to the pub that involved navigating dark, narrow, winding Kent country lanes on the way home having consumed pints of
The Tour de France comes to Yorkshire, and local company Stroma celebrates by supporting ReCycle Your Cycle
A company with its head office in Yorkshire chose to celebrate a great moment for the region – the Tour de France’s Grand Départ – with a fundraising event that aimed to celebrate cycling as a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transport. The Grand Départ has seen a surge in interest in cycling across the Yorkshire region. An estimated 2.5 million people lined the streets for the event, many of whom have since been motivated to get on their bikes! But what about the people who can’t afford to buy one?
local Kent cider - maybe he’d even picked some of the apples - and latterly, cycling around the village to help local businesses with their bookkeeping. It was clear that not only was I receiving an old bike, I was also receiving a part of the memory. In fact, I became convinced that more than likely, this old bike was actually the catalyst for creating many of the memories that were being shared. It also became the start of an adventure into basic mechanics. First it was converted from its original 3 speed Sturmey Archer speed set up to accommodate a 5 speed derailleur to help get up and down the hilly Kent downs, before later being returned to
Stroma spent Friday 4th July, the day before the Départ, celebrating all things cycling whilst supporting social enterprise Re-Cycle Your Cycle. The organisation aims to ensure that everyone can access a bike – and reduce waste – by collecting unwanted bikes and refurbishing them, before lending them out or selling them on cheaply. Stroma staff enthusiastically backed the cause by donating three of their own bikes and raising over £150 to help with the cost of fixing
its original set up as the ageing legs decided they weren’t for hills any longer and the owner converted it back to its former status as it would be easier to maintain. It seemed to me that whilst living at the back of the garage for 10 years, it was accompanied by those memories and it was a privilege to listen to these being shared. Now, over 50 years later, that very same bicycle has been converted again. This time it’s a fixie, so one feels that in some ways it’s starting its life again, once more creating many hours of pleasure and many more memories. If only a bicycle could talk...
them up for new owners. Re-Cycle Your Cycle’s ‘green’ message tied in perfectly with Stroma’s corporate aims: the group incorporates several brands with different service remits, but a common purpose of improving the sustainability and energy performance of the UK’s buildings. In a nice twist to the tale, one of Stroma’s employees has just benefited from the scheme herself, after being lent a bike. Laura said, “I’ve been interested in getting a bike so I can go riding with my four year old, who is finally getting a little more confident on the bike he received for Christmas. However, after looking on various websites it became very clear me to me that a new bike is well out of my price range. Now with help from Recycle Your Cycle, I can get out with my son and hopefully give him more confidence, and maybe one day we can get rid of his stabilisers!”
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Art
The Art of Cycling By Kathryn Sassall
Some people pedal around town on them, some use them for a green commute, others race them for fun or in gritty competition, they help with fitness and aid youngsters to get road awareness, but for me cycles and cyclists inspire me to paint. When I moved to Hereford I was not sure how to continue my Noise for your Walls paintings - often the result of working at or visiting motorsport events. Thankfully I also love to explore the countryside and in doing so began to hear and see new noises. Point-to-point, rally, autograss, and lots of cyclists are to be found being active in the Marches most weekends. All of these interest me as I love the interplay of the
human body with machine or steed; capturing the tension in muscles, the stance of the body in different disciplines and the energy of the riders. I draw from life weekly as the anatomy is an important part of getting a painting right. Due to the speed of the subjects it’s unusual for me to draw at an event unless I’m sitting or standing opposite a pit, but I will take lots of photos. You’ll often find me shooting from ground level. These are of parts of riders and panning the action. Any video or TV coverage also helps me experience the feel of a ride or race. Noise is also about interference shown in my expressionist style
of vibrant colour against natures greens, browns and yellows or the greys of tarmacadam. Take a look at Gallery 25, in the Independent Quarter, Hereford, which has two of my Weekender series of cyclists framed on display plus unframed prints. Locally inspired works and sketches of the National Series and T’Tour will be at the church, Clehonger as part of hArt Week from 6 to 14 September. If you decide to cycle to us, Venue #55, we’ll give you a home-made flapjack to boost your energy levels. Please take care on the roads, there is no direct cycle route.
See more Noise for your Walls on www. kathrynsassall.com and on Facebook Kathryn Sassall Arts or Clehonger Art Group for hArt times.
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Cycling In Th
Issue 02 - September & October 2014
E
ach issue we will be listing the best places to visit, repair your bike and refresh while out cycling in the Midlands. From Hotels to local attractions we have you Covered.
Where to stop
Each issue we will add new places and hidden gems to be discovered in the beautiful countryside. Each place is picked by our readers and staff who consist of avid road and MTB cyclists, ensuring there is a place suited to every cyclist.
Shre 1
National Cycling Museum
The Automobile Palace Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5DL
01597 825531
Welshpool
www.cyclemuseum.org.uk
2
Drover Cycles / Holidays Forest Rd, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5EH
01497 822419
www.drovercycles.co.uk www.droverholidays.co.uk
3
Ye Olde Steppes Tearoom High Street, Pembridge, HR6 9DS
01544 388506
www.yeoldesteppes.co.uk
4
Epic Cycles
Temeside Industrial Estate, Temeside, Ludlow, SY8 1PA
9
Rhayader 15
01544 388506
www.yeoldesteppes.co.uk
5
Pembridge Tintern Abbey
Tintern,Gwent, NP16 6SE
01291 689251
6
1
3
14
Llandrindod Wells
The Start B&B
2 6
Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5RS
Hay-on-Wye
01497 821391
www.the-start.net
7
Climb On Bikes 01432 261 211
www.climbonbikes.co.uk
8
Mastercraft Cycles
39 Bridge Street, Hereford, HR4 9DG
01432 274047
www.mastercraftcycles.co.uk
9
Penbont House Tea Room Elan Valley, Rhayader, LD6 5HS
01597 811515
10
Brecon
24-25 Coningsby Street, Hereford, HR1 2DY
The Old School Tearoom High Street, Defynnog, LD3 8SL
01597 811515
www.theoldschooltearoom.co.uk
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13 19
Abergavenny
he Midlands
11
& things to do
11
Ludlow Castle
Castle Square, Ludlow, SY8 1AY
01584 878796
www.ludlowcastle.com
ewsberry
12
The Prince Rupert Hotel
Butcher Row, Shrewsbury, SY1 1UQ www.camelliatearooms.co.uk
12 16
13
Gentle Jane Tearoom Grosmont, NP7 8EP
01981 241655
18
14
Kidderminster
Herb Garden Cafe
5 Spa Centre, Station Crescent, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5BB
01597 823082
www.herbgardencafe.co.uk
4 11
Ludlow
15
Beili Neuadd
Beili Neuadd, Rhayader, Powys LD6 5NS
01597 810211
www.beilineuadd.co.uk
16
Leominster 17
Worcester
Ironbridge Gorge Museum
Coach Road, Coalbrookdale, Shropshire, TF8 7DQ
01952 435900
17
The Green Bike Company
Bromyard Road, St. Johns, Worcester, WR2 5ER
0844 888 2008
www.thegreenbikecompany.co.uk
Hereford
7 8
18
Shropshire Camping & Pods
Marshbrook, Nr Church Stretton, SY6 6QE
01694 781515
www.camping-shropshire.co.uk
3
Gloucester
Ross-on-Wye
19
Brynhonddu Country House B&B Brynhonddu, Bwlch Trewyn Estate, Pandy, Abergavenny, NP7 7PD
01873 890535
y
www.brynhonddu.co.uk
Monmouth Do you know of a place or bike shop that you trust, or maybe a business that is bike friendly? If so we would love to find out more and even feature your suggestion on our map.
5
If you own a business that focuses on cyclists, fitness or the great outdoors then Pedal Your Cycle can provide fantastic advertising oportunities for you. Find out more below:
Map Legend Bike Shop
Bike Friendly Cafe
Place of Interest
www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk Š Painting by Alix McGregor alix@lakewoodmedia.uk
advertise@pedalyourcycle.co.uk
Cyclist Accommodation
12
Issue 02 - September & October 2014
Travel
Power To Your Pedal By Dawn Farnworth
“ I
Five years ago I didn’t even own a bike; four years ago I was a novice cyclist swearing never to wear nappy pants or use clippety cloppety pedals. Now I spend every possible minute I can on my beloved bike and daydream about my next adventure. Some call it cycle touring, I call it going for a ride and here is a little insight into my world of cycling and camping.
t all started by accident, Anna from Drovers Cycles in Hay-on-Wye was organising a social ride and invited me along. ‘How hard can it be?’ I thought and off I went with my naïveté and £5 for chips on the way home. I borrowed a bike from the shop and what felt like a fortnight later I returned absolutely exhausted, aching all over and no chips - by the time we got back the shop was shut! Steve, my partner, fell about laughing. A month later I had invested in a secondhand bike, convinced that this was only a phase and I’d be over it soon. Well, so far we have covered a few thousand miles in a few different countries. Cycling gives me a feeling of freedom like nothing else. All you’re doing is pushing your legs around and yet the possibilities of where it can take you are endless. I had to
build up to it, so in the beginning I had a reward system: pedal 4 miles to the pub for a pint; 7 miles to the pub for tea and at the weekends at least 10 miles for Sunday lunch and so it went on. I soon discovered that I needed nappy pants to avoid those sore areas and trying to find suitable ones is a nightmare in itself! How do you know which ones? Nobody tells you, you have to figure it out for yourself. From personal experience all I can say is don’t try saving money because your under carriage will pay the price. The best tip of all though is to make sure your bike fits, it doesn’t have to be hugely expensive but it’s really important it fits you properly. There is absolutely no point in cycling if you are uncomfortable, you just won’t stick to it and it can lead to much bigger problems further on down the line. Most reputable dealers
”
will do a fitting session and if you purchase a bike from them they usually knock that off the price of the bike. There is also a super bike fit available from the motion and performance centre at Worcester Uni which is motion sensored and takes into account your personal level of flexibility. After about eighteen months we embarked on our first proper cycling adventure - to Brittany, France. Ten days with nowhere in particular to go. Steve borrowed a BOB trailer and we packed the tent, the sleeping stuff and a small cooker and I had a set of panniers for the clothes. I booked a train from Hereford to Portsmouth then the ferry to St Malo; an overnight trip meant that in under a day we were there sorted ! On arrival we bought a map and found the nearest tourist information. They have booklets for all the cycle routes, canals and rivers which includes accommodation,
www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk
“
Cycling gives me a feeling of freedom like nothing else. All you’re doing is pushing your legs around and yet the possibilities of where it can take you are endless.
restaurants and general info. We roughly planned a flattish route following a cycle tour on the Brittany Ferries website following a canal, a disused railway track and river. Having absolutely no idea of how far we could ride, by taking our accommodation with us meant that it really didn’t matter, when we wanted to stop we could! Campsites in France are generally excellent and most big towns have a municipal campsite so the destination is never important and that brings on a whole new sense of freedom. The initial route we planned was about 190 miles, mostly on dedicated cycle paths (voies vertes). Could we do the 200 miles as we only had 10 days? The simple answer to that was, Yes! In fact we did about 500 miles as we kept finding interesting things to go and have a look at. We would get up early and cycle 10-15 miles, stop somewhere for breakfast, cycle on a bit further
and stop for lunch and on until we found a campsite for the night. The history and the buildings in France are outstanding and being on the bike meant that we just stumbled across places that you wouldn’t necessarily find by car. It’s not necessary to camp, we have met many cyclists that get hotels or B&Bs on the way, it’s just that you need to be better organised with where you want to go. As we found out on a subsequent trip it’s not always possible to get a room without booking ahead and at least if you have a tent then you will be just fine, and for me, not having a destination each day makes it extra special. So after our first adventure, we returned feeling like we’d been away months, completely relaxed and invigorated. Odd really given the mileage. We did this trip with only one 40mile ride as practice and a few pub runs. Cycling is not age
13
”
or fitness related, it’s open to everyone, simple. Just get on your bike and go!
We will be following more of Dawn’s cycling adventures in the next issue.
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Issue 02 - September & October 2014
News
On your bike! 5 tips for getting kids into cycling By Robin Eveleigh
Everyone who rides a bike remembers the skinned knees, grazed palms and highspeed encounters with tarmac that come with those first forays into pedal-powered joy. Combining the skills that allow you to steer, balance, brake and pedal - sometimes all at once - involves time,
patience and even the odd bump and bruise too. Before long it all becomes second nature. Just like walking, once you’ve learned how to ride a bike, you never forget - and that’s where the fun starts!
Maintenance
If you’re thinking of getting your kids into bikes, check out these tips to make the going that bit easier on yourself and your budding Wiggo:
1. Start them early You can get children used to the idea of bikes as soon as they can sit unassisted - wrap them up warm, strap them into a tow-along trailer buggy or a bike seat and away you go!
2. Balance bikes not stabilisers De-stabilisers would be a more accurate name, because - if anything - these paradoxical pieces of cycle accoutrement encourage instability. Instead of stabilisers, start your littlun on a balance bike from as young as two years old. With no brakes or pedals to confuse them they can concentrate on developing the key skills of balance and coordination.
3. Be prepared to spend on a decent bicycle The plain fact is, if you want to get them into riding bikes, you’ll need to invest a bit of money in one they actually enjoy pedalling. Look for a lightweight aluminium frame fitted with decent components that won’t fall to bits the first time it rains. A decent bike will hold its value far better than an el-cheapo lump of lead picked up for peanuts - you can always sell it on to fund the next purchase when it’s time to go up a size. Speaking of which...
4. Size matters A common mistake parents make is to buy a bike that’s too big for their child, thinking they’ll grow into it over several years. Of course, they will grow into it - but by that time it’ll be long abandoned at the back of the garage, covered in cobwebs. Whether you’re an adult or a child, a poorly-fitted bike is no fun to ride. The solution? Get fitted with the help of experts at a bike shop.
5. Fun and safety All the above adds up to making sure your child has fun on his or her bike - but it’ll count for nada if you choose a route beyond their abilities. You may relish the challenge of trying to beat your friends’ PBs on a categorised road climb - but the kids will be wishing they were back at home with the XBox. Look for easy-going, smooth-rolling terrain. Traffic-free riding is ideal when they start out - for their own safety and to avoid shredding your nerves. With the right route, and older children, considerable distances are quite doable. Consider supported, self-guided tours on the Taff Trail, Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal and around the Elan Valley. www.droverholidays.co.uk/child_friendly_cyclingholidays.html
© Visit Wales
Review
Radar Lock
Oakley Sunglasses I bought a pair of Radar Lock Oakley sunglasses because the Flack Jackets I have owned for 4 or 5 years finally got to the point where they just didn’t work any more. When I was handed my Oakley Casteli jersey, bag and hat I wondered if they were just a gimmick… They’re not! In fact, they are the best glasses I have ever owned. One great point is they don’t mist up due to the ingenious little vents in the bottom of the lens. My pair have a low light lens and they look great. They feel really strong and secure so I’m confident they won’t just snap or fall off. They come in a super tough case and I think they are well worth the money.
How to repair a puncture
Drover Cycles stock the full range of Frog kids’ bikes, as well as BMXs and road and mountain bikes for children. www.drovercycles.co.uk
Whether to repair a puncture or not depends on what type of riding you do; if it’s high pressure road riding then just change the inner tube. It’s not worth taking a risk with a repaired tube if you are riding at 50mph on 100psi, just pay the £5 and always carry a spare. However, sometimes you will need to carry out a repair, so here’s how you do it with a simple repair kit: 1. Take out the tube and pump it up. If it’s not obvious where the puncture is, move the tube around under your chin until you feel the air and mark it with the yellow crayon. 2. Rough the area with the sandpaper and apply an amount of glue larger than the area of the patch you are using. Wait for approximately 1 minute or until the glue is touch dry, then apply the patch firmly. After 5 minutes peel the backing off the patch. 3. Cover the whole area in chalk ensuring any surplus glue is covered to prevent the tube adhering to the inside of the tyre. Put the tube back in the tyre and pump it up. It’s easier to use a track pump to inflate the tyres. 4. Finally, don’t leave patched tyres in the sun as the glue has a tendency to melt.
www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk
15
News
My Electric Bike
South Shropshire Tors
By Brian Minton
“
I
Cycling up a 1 in 4 hill the other day, I ‘shot’ past a group of young cyclists who looked astounded! I couldn’t resist shouting, “I’m cheating”.
am 80-years-old and have been cycling for the past 70 years. I cycled from Kidderminster to Ilfracombe in Devon when I was 16-years-old, on a Raleigh which had the name ‘Reg Harris’ written on it, he was the cyclist of the day. I went with my Aunt and Uncle who rode a tandem and my two younger cousins. It must have taken about 3 days and it rained all day the first day. We were youth hostelling en route which was a pretty primitive way of getting a cheap bed for the night. I spent one night in a bunk which was actually above a pig sty! It was a big adventure and a good introduction to long distance cycling. Almost everyone cycled in those days; there was only one car owned on the Avenue where I lived. I’ve lived in Hereford for 53 years and cycled to town and back from Kings Acre Road for work every day. I have also cycled for pleasure, mostly in a 25 mile radius of Hereford including over the Black Mountains. In the summer months I would get up about 4am on the weekend, sometimes taking my son with me and cycle around the Black Mountains. It was peaceful at that time in the morning and beautiful on the hills. The last few years, with a dodgy knee, I was finding it difficult to go far and was even contemplating the fact that it was the end of my cycling days. About 3 years ago I decided to purchase a Raleigh Leeds Tour electric bike from Mastercraft in Hereford. Without this bike my cycling days would have come to an end but now I can continue to have the quality of life I love. If my knee is playing up I actually find that using the bike is easier than walking. I can keep it mobile without the pressure of walking. In the time I’ve had the bike I have done 3,500 miles and it has been incredibly reliable. I have not
S ”
had to do anything other than normal maintenance and it is still in excellent condition. I also use my bike to do “top up” shopping and although the back of the bike is too heavy to lift with two full panniers, I can still ride up all the hills home without much effort and without getting stuck in traffic or having to find a parking space! I just pull up in front of the shops, do my shopping and fill my the panniers outside the shop, no carrying to the car. If it’s a nice day I come back along the river and it is so relaxing. There are 3 levels on the bike so you can choose which level to use. If you go along the flat you can put it in a low power so you use your legs a bit more or turn it off altogether so you are cycling under your own steam but if you put it in high power for hills or when loaded up with shopping, this is when you really feel the benefit. It will assist you up to a maximum of 15 mph when the power cuts out which is a good average speed. A fully charged battery is supposed to do 50 miles but if you only use the power when needed and turn it off when going along the flat, I’m sure it would go much further. I felt it important to me to have suspension on the front forks and saddle stem, this makes it very comfortable to ride. I went for a ride the other day and rode up lanes called Growmore Lane and Tow Tree Lane. It makes you wonder where these names came from and I wouldn’t have seen them had I been driving. One of my favourite rides is out towards Tillington up quite a steep climb to the Golf Course where a little lane takes you up to a stunning view point. Then back down the country roads towards Weobley and Canon Pyon and back to Hereford. Cycling up a 1 in 4 hill the other day, I ‘shot’ past a group of young cyclists who looked astounded! I couldn’t resist shouting, “I’m cheating.”
Sunday 21st September 2014 Ludlow Rugby Club
outh Shropshire features some of the mostly beautiful cycling countryside in the country. Bordering the soft rolling country of Herefordshire to the south, and the dramatic climbs on the Shropshire/ Welsh border, it is ideal cycling terrain for those who want a challenge, but who also want to enjoy dramatic scenery after all the effort getting to the top of a climb – not to mention the fast descents. With over 1470 metres of climbing in 100k, the ride will be challenging, but not over demanding. Starting in the historic town of Ludlow, and overshadowed by its imposing 11th century castle, the British Cycling registered South Shropshire Tors 100k sportive has been planned to make the most of this unique area. Within half a kilometre of the start the route passes for 4k through the Oakley Park estate before gently
rising and then dropping to follow the valley road alongside the river Teme to Leintwardine, a small town on the ancient roman Watling Way. Leaving the Teme at Bucknell, and with 22k of flat road behind, the route gently rise for a further 8 or 9 kilometres before dramatically steepening within the shadow of Rockall before topping Weston Hill, at 4112 metres, the highest point of the day’s ride. Just after crossing Offa’s Dyke, a short steep descent brings the riders down to Newcastle on Clun, and the first refreshment stop. The next section sees a series of short and not so short climbs, starting with a pull to Mardu, before a short drop gives a bit of a breather before the 7 k climb up to the ancient Kerry Ridgeway and its dramatic views, which on a clear day, can see for up to 100 kilometres. A fast drop down then off the end of the ridgeway to Bishops Castle brings a flatter section for the next 10K, followed by a further
10k of rolling hills before the last refreshment stop at Ticklerton. Just over one kilometre after this point, Westhope is the most challenging of three further pulls before the last section which, despite a few rolls, is an overall drop back into Ludlow. The sportive will be fully supported with signposting, two refreshment stops, first aid support and a broom. Rides will be manually timed. The sportive is the main ride in Ludlow’s first Cycling Festival – with several other family orientated rides and activities such as local led rides ( for individuals and families), guided mountain bike rides, turbo time trial challenge, bike checks, family entertainment and live music. In addition there will be food, cakes, refreshments and a licensed bar. The event is organised on behalf of by Macmillan Cancer Support who will benefit from all of the festival’s proceeds.
Details of the South Shropshire Tors Sportive route are at: ridewithgps.com/routes/4647801 On line entry to the South Shropshire Tors and further details of the Ludlow Cycling Festival can be found at: ludlowcc.org.uk/ludlow-cycling-festival. Entry can also be made on the British Cycling web site: britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/113873/LudlowCycling-Festival
The Start B&B Gateway to Wye Valley, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains.
3 ensuite rooms Secure bike storage Off road parking Free Wifi Drying room Bike tools
www.thestart.net | 01497 821391 | dawn@thestart.net ncn 8 & 42
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Issue 02 - September & October 2014
Review
Brompton Revisited By Jamie Booth
Since I wrote my last article about the Brompton I have done a few hundred miles on it and I now wish that I had bought a slightly different specification. There was an option to add Hub Dynamo lights but I didn’t think I would use the bike at night or during the winter but in fact, I will use it all the time. A battery set is okay but it has its drawbacks, like having to remember to take a spare set of batteries! I bought the Brompton bag for the front to carry my computer and other bits. What
a cool piece of kit! I was getting a bit fed up of pulling wheelies every time I tried to hop up on to a kerb due to too much weight on my back. As with most other accessories Brompton makes, it just clips on and off and works like a normal bag. It has loads of pockets for everything and includes a water bottle and a glow in the dark cover. The bag itself is hard wearing and like a lot of these fashionable courier bags, looks cool. I also wish I had got the luggage rack for the back as this would be useful for putting
the shopping somewhere or carrying one of many other things we find our selves lugging about. I guess I will add one in time. The six speed gears are spot on and the saddle is okay but I think Brooks handle bar grips would finish the bike off nicely. I also had easy wheels fitted but they are no use at all to me but I can see how they might work at the station in a city when travelling on the tube. I have to say I couldn’t find anything wrong with the bike and any little niggles I have are
down to me picking the wrong specification, this is unusual for me with bikes. From a riding point of view I have put the bike through a challenge or two. We visited Solva near St David’s in Pembrokeshire and I used the bike every day like I would a road bike. I have taken it camping and ridden many urban cycle tracks along tarmac and gravel. Have a look at the photos and see what you think, but I have to say, “Well done again, Brompton.”
Cycling is good for you?
..ISH!!
Order Your Wide & Slow kit pedalyourcycle.co.uk/wideandslow
Name: Address:
Please fill in your details using black block capitals. Sizes Small to Extra Large are available. £75.00 for the jersey £62.00 for the shorts £142.00 for the rain jacket Cheque payable to: Peloton Marketing Services.
Postcode: Phone #: Size:
Send this form with cheque to: The Old Music Hall 106-108 Cowley Road Oxford OX4 1JE
No, of course it’s good for you (!), but like any sport – especially if you do this competitively (you’re long in the saddle), it can yield inherent muscular problems which’ll need addressing at some point before they become problematic. At Gym &Tonic Health Club in Hay On Wye we use Weights, Yoga and Pilates (following a comprehensive assessment from Personal Trainer Cat Lawford), to stretch any presenting tight: Quads, hamstrings, traps, hip flexors, anterior deltoids pecs, calves & neck flexors, & strengthen gluteals (which often have amnesia!), abdominals, neck extensors & Rhomboids/posterior deltoids, so preventing injury, keep optimal posture intact, & avoid chronic pain. As you can see, cycling can cause some serious muscle imbalances but these can be restored with expert care and an integrated training approach (this applies to ALL sports so call!)
www.gymandtonichay.co.uk 01497 822995 Est 2002
www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk
News
Veteran-Cycle Club, Hereford Section By Roger Alma (Co-author of A History of the Tricycle)
Early Cycles with Rockhampton Fête: July 26th, 2014
D
espite the attractions of the penultimate stage of the Tour de France, twenty-four riders, with a magnificent range of cycles, assembled in Berkeley on a beautiful summer’s day for a ride through the Vale of Berkeley. No fewer than seven tricycles graced the peloton, Peter Card’s Quadrant taking the concours d’élégance by a country mile. Organiser Mike Christy’s plan for the day was simple, a circular route in the morning, returning to the Berkeley Arms for lunch, then following the same route in reverse in the afternoon, with a stop for refreshment at the Rockhampton Fête. Unlike the Tour de France, no one fell off, despite some adverse cambers and pot holes. A stop in the village of Hill allowed us to examine the smallest library in the country, an old telephone box, while Mike Christy and John Dunn gradually worked through a century of bicycle pumps to find one that would inflate a flat tyre on John’s 1910 Raleigh.
It proved quite difficult to prise some members from the Berkeley Arms after lunch. Willpower gave way entirely at Rockhampton on the second lap. The fête was one of those oldfashioned affairs where, very agreeably, nothing much happens. Some of us found interesting books on an excellent second-hand book stall. Tea, cakes and ice cream provided alternative pleasures while we were entertained by a ukulele band. On the far side of the cricket pitch, attempts were being made to inflate an air balloon, with results less successful than Mike Christie and John Dunn’s efforts in the morning. We didn’t offer help with our assortment of bicycle pumps; it was too hot. Among the great pleasures of these V-CC rides is the opportunity they afford to meet some very pleasant people and to discover more about the history of old cycles, not from books and catalogues but from conversations with experts about the machines they are riding. On both counts this was a wonderful day out.
To find out more about the V-CC please visit www.v-cc.org.uk
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18
Issue 02 - September & October 2014
News
Wild Rides By Robin Eveleigh
Glugging single malt may not be the best way to rehydrate after a tough day in the saddle, but when you’re midway through a two-day mountain biking trip and staying on the shores of a mountain reservoir, a tot of the hard stuff swigged straight from a hip flask is practically obligatory. To earn it, we’d ridden peaty bogs, high upland passes and fast-and-loose plummets on bikes laden with sleeping kit, cooking gear and dry togs before arriving at our shelter, a tiny bothy - one of those spartan mountain huts usually associated with outdoor adventures in bonnie Scotland. Yet the start point for our jaunt was barely three hours’ drive from London. We were in another Celtic nation – Wales – and the UK’s southernmost bothy maintained by the Mountain Bothy Association (MBA). The Grwyne Fawr bothy, high in the Black Mountains, above Hay-on-Wye, is one of eight MBA shelters in Wales. They describe the bothy experience as ‘camping without a tent’ and warn that wherever you plan to stay, it’s best to assume there will be no facilities. Our bothy had a wood-burner to keep us toasty – but not all bothies do and the vast majority only have a spade for toilet duties!
If you want home comforts, you’ll need to carry them yourself and that can even mean packing in your own firewood. Of course, bothies can’t be pre-booked – it’s a case of first-come, first-served so it makes sense to have a back-up plan or some bivvy kit in case there’s no room at the inn and you’re unable to beat a retreat to shelter. The good news is – bothies are open to everyone to use – for free, the MBA just asks you follow the bothy code: • Respect other users and leave the shelter spic and span for the next visitors. • Respect the bothy by not leaving behind rubbish and perishable food, and by extinguishing fires. • Look after the surroundings – do your morning ablutions well away from natural water supplies and don’t chop down live wood. • Keep an eye on restrictions on bothy use – the shelters belong to landowners who may need to close them from time to time, eg during stag stalking or lambing. • Don’t turn up at bothies in a large group of 6 or more, and don’t use them for commercial outings.
For more info & bothy locations, visit www.mountainbothies.org.uk. For mountain bike guiding, skills and holidays in the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains, see www. wild-rides.co.uk.
Van Life By Jamie Booth
A
long time ago, about 20 years in fact, I owned a Citroen van. It had many faults: appalling road holding; tiny engine; not comfortable and it only carried one passenger... legally. But I could put a mountain bike in the back. My longest and most ambitious trip was to Huntley, just before Christmas. The journey was a bit hair-raising as it skated over the snow and ice. I got shot of the van and purchased a Golf, much to my parents and my then girlfriend’s relief. It was white and spent most of its time with the back seats down to accommodate bikes and tools, clothes and shoes.
Roll on a few years and my cycling companions and friends, all approaching 40 or in some cases 50, are still pondering on what to buy to provide everyday transport and also to easily transport our bikes. Those with the option of company cars are opting out because of tax, while some of us are thinking the best option may be an estate with a Thule rack on the roof or a tow bar. Some of us have taken another route. A fellow cyclist, a family man, turned up one day with a VW transporter, saying that it was his everyday form of transport. This made me think... He is a smart chap and I suspect took his time choosing the right model. It had sliding doors both sides making it very accessible and a lifting tail gate so
when it rains you can stand underneath it. I now have my own transporter after months of pondering options and I still didn’t quite get it right. The model I chose only had one sliding door, which I quickly regretted. Having no rear windows means nobody can see what’s in there and I felt confident leaving it in London with an S3 in the back. As there are no windows there is plenty of room to attach hooks to hang up riding gear. I wish I had purchased a model with reclining seats and intend to upgrade so that it can be multi-purpose. Air Conditioning is a must and I’m not impressed with the standard sound system. The good side is everything is easy and convenient when I decide to go for a ride. I
think the van looks cool so I’m happy going anywhere in it and the big alloys finish it off nicely and improve road holding. More importantly it drives like a car and can really shift. The downside is it has the wrong seats; they’re too flash and I now have covers on and I should have had folding seats in the back. I also wish it had air con, but I overlooked these things when I bought it. On the whole I like it and it gets admiring glances wherever it goes, if you like that kind of thing. Go get one but make sure you think carefully before you buy.
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19
Issue 02 - September & October 2014
H
London to Paris Challenge
aving decided to do a cycle ride from London to Paris and raise some money for our chosen charities, we set about making plans. Finding an independent organiser that was not linked to a charity was a bit difficult, however we found Action Adventure who were excellent. We wanted any money raised to go to our charities and so paid all of the expenses ourselves. Myself, Chris Lee and Rob McCaffery did it for Rainbows Children’s hospice in Loughborough and a little girl in Nottingham who has cerebral Palsy. Graham Williams did it for Autism Wessex and Jeremy (Jezlar) Ward did it for Parkinson’s disease. We had massive support from Linsco, NWM, Mint, Player Layer and ‘Hooters’,
By Adrian Clark which incidentally drew a comment from a guy that he’d never heard of an owl sanctuary sponsoring a bike event but it is actually a bar in Nottingham! Mint paid for the shirts and Player Layer supplied all the personalised shirts. We wore a different coloured shirt for each day and particularly liked the black flattering ones... Action Adventure set the route and we set off on 11th June 2014. All we had to do was follow orange arrows all the way, it was very easy. We were relatively new to cycling so decided to train for it, but anyone can do it with the right mindset. It wasn’t the most challenging of rides and was mainly on beautiful, quiet roads. A total of about 65 people took part, all chattering and laughing and enjoying a ‘relaxing’ ride, it certainly wasn’t a race.
Day 1. London to Calais - 82 miles. That
was the hardest day cycling, climbing over 4000 feet in total on quiet country roads and through beautiful villages and the weather was fantastic. This was further than we had travelled during training, but it was such a pleasurable experience and the feeling of achievement when we got to the port was fantastic; a do-able trip for most cyclists.
Day 2. Calais to Arras - 81 miles. Again on quiet country roads. Day 3. Arras to Compiegne - 85 miles. We went through the Somme stopping at the war graves and the monument to The Glorious Dead. This was a sobering time. Day 4. Compiegne to Paris - 65 miles. All cyclists met up in a park in Paris, we then followed a support vehicle round the Arc de
Triomphe, then down the Champs Elysee, where the tourists were taking photos and clapping. I’m not sure what they thought was going on but it was great. Finally we rode over the Seine and back towards the Eiffel Tower; that was an amazing experience. We retired to bed each night before 11pm and the weather was brilliant throughout. We spent the last evening in Paris, drinking beer and watching England play Italy in the World Cup. Our bikes were shipped back home but each day we were getting fitter and by the last day my legs felt so strong I felt I could have ridden home! I was pretty unfit before I started training and I’ve even managed to lose a stone in weight. It was one of the best things I have ever done and between us we raised a total of £5171 for our charities.