Cycling World - August/September 2012

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CYCLING IN THE SUN CYCLING WORLD MAGAZINE • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012

Menorcan antidote

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CYCLE SHOW 2012 PREVIEW

• SOUTHDOWN DAY • ACROSS MID-WALES • ALPINE HOLIDAY • TOURING WITH THE RCTC • LAKE DISTRICT • ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL CW_AugSep_2012_Cover_Final.indd 6

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012

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Contents

28

88

7

Editor’s Letter Views from the editor

8

Cycling in the sun A trip to Menorca

12 News

8 46 Products and technical 54 MLJ column 56 IT 58 Come Gentle Spring Part two of a trip to Lakeland

20 Sea and Down Riding all night in the London to Brighton 62 Informals 26 Befriend the Lake District on your bike Cycle-friendly transport

64 Right on, Wight on...

September’s Cycling Festival on the Isle of Wight

28 Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury Along the Lon Cambria

72 What Have I Done?

London to Paris in aid of Diabetes UK (part two)

32 Why do it so fast?

Rupert Gregory sets forth around the world 76 Raleigh and International Operations More from the Classic Marque 34 Letters 35 Reviews 36 Awesome Vigorous Satisfying!

Moor 2 Sea Sportive 38 London to Canterbury Challenge 2012 The Children’s Trust 42 The three capitals of Russia Moscow - Velikii Novgorod - St. Petersburg

80 The Cycle Show 2012 NEC Birmingham 88 Capital Stuff Northampton to Tower Bridge 92 Roving with Land Rover The latest Montague models 96 Ordnance Survey The new online service www.cyclingworldmag.com | Cycling World 5

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Welcome Welcome to August 2012 Publisher:

Colin Woolley colin@cplmedia.co.uk editor:

Stephen Dyster cw.editor@yahoo.co.uk editorial Consultant:

Mark Jacobson

ProduCtion evaluation:

Michael Stenning Contributors:

Ellie Ross Mike Matthews Tim Bird Paul Wagner Mark Jacobson Scot Whitlock Richie Mitchell Rupert Gregory Stewart Bergman design & ProduCtion:

Colin Halliday Kellie Mills studio@cplmedia.co.uk sales Manager:

Dan Scudder dan@cyclingworldmag.co.uk subsCriPtions:

01227 378390 distribution:

COMAG Tavistock Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QE Tel: 01895 444055 Printed in the uK by:

The Magazine Printing Company www.magprint.co.uk Published by:

Cycling World Magazine Limited Crown House, John Roberts Business Park, Pean Hill, Nr Whitstable, Kent CT5 3BJ Tel: 01227 378390 Fax: 01227 784079 All material contained within Cycling World Magazine is protected by copyright.

No material may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission of the publisher. © Cycling World Magazine Limited 2012 ISSN: 0143-0238

I recently attended a training session at my local velodrome. Fear not, I did not take part and there will be no recounting of a tour of the banked track. No, I was there just to observe. For me there is very little attraction to belting round a track, though the spectacle is impressive and some of the racing was jolly exciting. One has to admire the tactical nous and the deft control high on the banks, and whilst it would not be for me – I’d rather spend the hour and a half riding along a country lane, a prospect that might well seem very dull to those who prefer sport – I can see the pleasure and thrill that participants got from it.

Whilst there, I spoke to a man of approximately my age. He was there to observe, too – his son was one of the riders. Track racing was not for him either. He was a BMXer. “At your age?” That was my first reaction, but I did not blurt it out. Why shouldn’t he be? In fact he enjoyed BMX on the track. His son had started there too. As with many sprinters today, the BMX had built his power. There are, I am reliably told by “Al” of Alpha BMX in Hanley, numerous types of BMXing.

He rightly points out, too, that I know nothing about any of them, let alone understand the jargon that attaches to each. I do, though, admire the skills of some of these riders. I am also impressed by the groups of youngsters who dig out their own tracks on bits of waste-ground. This may be trespassing and even a little dangerous – sometimes local councils step in to stop it or build proper tracks.

It all makes me feel that I am a bit of a talentless dinosaur on a bike. I take heart, however, in the knowledge that I continue to learn new things about cycling. Sometimes a bit of improved technique or new ways to do a roadside bodge comes my way. Add to this a forte for brute force and ignorance, strong legs and lungs that have kept me going for many a mile in all sorts of weather and to all sorts of interesting places. As for skills, well, a good nose for a café or pub can save miles; the ability to find the way along lanes without stopping at every junction to check a map, or needing to carry expensive equipment on the bars, aids a smooth journey; the knack of finding the light-switch in a dark country church, a talent for putting up tents in the dark, find accommodation under hedges, in bus shelters, peasant huts, live for two-days on jelly beans … all have helped.

I have received copies of “Fellowship News”. It was a far cry from the newsletter of that name which did the rounds of the Congregational Church I attended as a boy. It was generously sent by the Fellowship of Cycling Old-Timers. The production is excellent and the content eclectic. There seems to be no cycling topic that is beyond the membership, though one probably needs to read a number of back issues to understand the background to some very frank exchanges of views. Well worth reading. There will be more in future editions of CW. I hope you enjoy this edition, with cycling tours in Menorca and Russia and, if you go via the Isle of Wight, several points in between.

Tournez

Steve

Competitions: Rules of entRy These rules apply to all competitions in Cycling World Magazine. Only one entry per household. Employees of Cycling World Magazine Limited and the relatives, plus employees of companies involved in the magazine are not eligible to enter, entries that fail to comply with these instructions will be disqualified. No Cash alternatives can be offered in lieu of prizes. All entrants must be UK residents and aged 18 years or over. The prize will be the particular item specified in the competition details.

Winners will be notified within 7 days of the draw date.

The editor’s decision is final.

All postCARds: Each competition entry requires an individual postcard of a regular size, oversized cards will not be accepted. Please supply name, address, telephone number and email address (where applicable). Indicate cycling preference. Competition entries should be sent to: Cycling World Magazine, Crown House, John Roberts Business Park, Pean Hill, Nr Whitstable, Kent CT5 3BJ. For a list of winners and previous competition answers, please send an SAE to the above address specifying the date of issue in which you are interested.

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menorca | CYCLE TOURS

cycling in the Sun A

Scot Whitlock seeks his fix and receives unwitting aid from Mrs. Whitlock...

week away in the sun. For most a break away from the daily monotony but for a committed, some might say slightly addictive cyclist, a totally different proposal. Some people even think I should just be committed. My normal daily routine revolves around the bike. Up early and jump on the turbo trainer, sort the kids out, then spend the rest of the morning on two wheels, have a siesta and then the afternoon much the same, either on the road or in the garage. I do work bike friendly shifts as well, mustn’t forget that.

We had organised a winter break to Menorca. I could already feel my legs twitching, but by a complete coincidence

Sarah had picked a hotel which hired out bikes. She never learns. There was a chance, however small, that I may get out and about on two wheels after all.

The first two days of inactivity were bearable, but by the third I was itching to get out and explore. After a discussion with Sarah we agreed a plan of action. I would hire a bike and venture out in the afternoon at siesta time, this would give me a window of four hours to see some of the island and, more importantly, stretch my legs. The bike was a normal Mountain Bike, with front suspension, a relatively basic spec and no lights, but it did look sturdy enough and had plenty of scars, pointing to an exuberant

past. I decided to take it for four days as the price was very reasonable. Actually, I was surprised by my expertise at haggling; I had, worryingly, turned into my Dad. We were staying in Cala ‘n Forcat, which is located at the far west point of the island, very close to the old capital Ciutadella. My usual reconnaissance of the area had been carried out far too enthusiastically. I had scrutinized my collection of Lonely Plant guides prior to departure, selecting a handful of sites I definitely wanted to see. On my first outing I was going to ride south to the tip of Cap d’Artrutx with its impressive lighthouse.

I headed out of the resort and stumbled on a coast road with a designated cycle path which

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‘I ImmedIately fell In love wIth CIutadella, Its arChIteCture and narrow, atmospherIC Cobbled streets. the plaCe was a-buzz wIth aCtIvIty and Is wonderfully set up for exploratIon on two wheels.’ dedICated CyCle lanes wIth theIr own traffIC lIghts, plenty of bIke parkIng; CyClIng Is obvIously popular wIth the loCals.

took me direct to Ciutadella. The views were absolutely magnificent. The sea was a brilliant blue and the waves were angrily crashing against the rocks. The weather was warm but I had plenty of water. Finally I had escaped to my realm, the place that enables me to clear my mind and fully relax. My legs and my imagination were now in complete control and it felt great.

I immediately fell in love with Ciutadella, its architecture and narrow, atmospheric cobbled streets. The place was a-buzz with activity and is wonderfully set up for exploration on two wheels. Dedicated cycle lanes with their own traffic lights, plenty of bike parking; cycling is obviously popular with the locals. The numbers demonstrated this; young and old, pedalling away immersed in daily life. I easily negotiated my way out of town and headed south on the Me24. The road was similar to most A roads back home, the difference being that here they were relatively traffic free. There were occasional signposts to my right, directing the public to

a beach or a resort. I pedalled several miles before I decided to follow one of the signposts to ‘Cala Blanca’. The road swept down gently to the sea. The area around the beach was full of restaurants, cafes and plenty of places to stay. Most of the establishments appeared closed, but I assumed this was due to the time of year. I sat on the beach for a short time. I was even tempted to have a paddle but the thought of sand attaching itself to my skin for several weeks was not that appealing. In England I had purchased a map with clearly marked cycle routes and I had read about the Cami de Cavalls which translates to ‘The Path of Horses’. It’s an ancient pathway used originally by a band of armed British soldiers, usually on horseback, protecting Menorca from invaders. At that time Menorca was a British possession coveted by French and Spanish. Now the Cami de Cavalls is increasingly popular with walkers and cyclists.

This path circumnavigates the whole island.

Clearly marked on the map were the access points to the Cami de Cavalls. Conveniently there was one located just off the main promenade in Cala Blanca. After 5 minutes I finally located the unmistakeable marker post, a wooden stake adorning a red plaque.

I cycled on towards Cap D’Artrutx, with some trepidation. The views were amazing, the ride was at times bumpy and slow but the experience was breathtaking.

Cap D’Artrutx is a small village at the most easterly tip of the island. The lighthouse is imposingly painted black and white and there is a restaurant located to its side, which was closed. There were several tourists clambering over the rocks to get a vantage point to take that memorable photograph but apart from that, everywhere else was deserted. All the properties, of which there were many, were empty or vacant, possibly holiday homes.

The views were stunning and would tempt anybody into the Spanish housing market.

The ride back home followed in reverse.

The light was fading quickly, Ciutadella was even more magical at dusk. The roads were slightly busier but I was happy to have had the opportunity to immerse myself in the surroundings. When I eventually arrived back at the hotel, I had been out for three and half hours. Distance unknown - which I found quite liberating. Normally any pedalling is always associated with mileage, distance travelled, calories and other data. I slept well even though my OCD data crunching had not been satisfied.

The next day I headed east through Ciutadella and towards Ferrieres. My aim was to reach Torre Trencada, which I gathered from a leaflet I had grabbed in the hotel foyer, was a prehistoric town inhabited until the end of the Roman period. The only evidence remaining today is a number of burial chambers. Just on the outskirts of Cuitadella and set strangely amid a busy industrial estate, I stumbled upon Lithica Pederes de S’Hostal. I later discovered it’s a sandstone quarry turned into an amazing sculpture garden but to my dismay it was closed for the afternoon. I was adamant this minor inconvenience would not prevent me from broadening my knowledge of Spanish culture. OK, truthfully I needed to satisfy my inquisitive nature, so I pedalled down a side road, left the bike propped against a stone wall and hopped over a six foot fence into the grounds of the place. In the process of breaking and entering I managed to cut my leg. My hope was the initial pain and the inevitable scar was going to be worth it.

It was astonishingly beautiful and the size was immense. I took a couple of pictures and then decided to leave before I was noticed.

The last thing I wanted was to end up in the local police station. A couple of days later, whilst visiting the tourist information point in Ciutadella, I stumbled upon a leaflet for Lithica and was astonished to discover that in the quarry there is an gigantic stone man, not dissimilar to the Wicker Man from the1973

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film of the same name!, It also hadn’t gone unnoticed that I had completely missed this immense stone structure. How I missed this humungous structure baffles me, obviously my grey matter is showing signs of strain.

The road east towards Torre Trencada was quiet and extremely well signposted, especially for cyclists. It reminded me a lot of rural Britain, most of the properties were farms. The total lack of traffic, apart from the occasional tractor and the glorious weather conditions, enabled me to cover the miles, or should that be kilometres, at a steady pace. My legs were resembling an overactive piston. I was totally in-grossed in my thoughts and I nearly missed the entrance to Torre Trencada. There were a handful of local cars in the makeshift car-park, so I left my bike unlocked and propped up against a wooden fence and trekked up a rough path, through an overgrown wooded area and appeared in front of a map showing a detailed layout of the site. Due to my lack of Spanish, the map and its contents were of no use!...

I wasn’t actually sure what I should have been looking for or looking at, the whole experience was bizarre. There were lots of open spaces surrounded by wooded areas but nothing occupying the spaces. I accidentally

stumbled upon a stone structure which I assumed was a burial chamber, looked at it with a puzzled expression, took a picture and left unimpressed. I somehow managed to get lost on my way back because the route took me on the main Me -1 road, which runs from Mahon direct to Ciutadella, it was busy, not dissimilar to a dual carriageway back home, but I felt safe and comfortably pedalled towards the lights of the town.

My final trip of the week took me in two different directions. My initial ride took me again through Ciutadella and then North East towards Cala Morrell. I had read about the Cala Morell Necropolis, comprising a group of 14 caves, artificially excavated in a cliff. The road out of Ciutadella was probably one of the busiest I had encountered but incomparison to home, there was a reassuringly laidback feel about the whole experience.

The weather was, again glorious and the landscape was fairly flat until I reached a fork in the road. Left was Cala Morrell and right was Platja d’Algaianers. The more I cycled, the more I discovered Menorca to a be an extremely bike friendly island. There are specific cycling signs on all the roads, giving distances and route numbers, but as I aproached this junction I noticed a different,

more visual, more useful sign pointing to my right, in the direction of Platja d’Algaianers.

I will explain. It displayed an image of two bike wheels, one was obviously a knobbly MTB wheel and one was a skinny road bike wheel and the helpful Spanish authorities had obviously assessed the condition of roads in that direction and decided the terrain was not suitable for 700 x 23cc wheels, how wonderfully helpful, Gracias!. Anyway the information was immaterial as I opted to go left and continue on to Cala Morell.

Cala Morelll is a tiny secluded resort on the north coast of the Island. There was a narrow, twisting road down to the sea, which I ignored, as I didn’t fancy the narrow, twisting steep climb back. I decided to rest and rehydrate outside a series of empty villas which were perched on the cliffs looking over the beautiful blue sea in the cove below. I then noticed a sign for the Necropolis and decided to follow. I pedalled enthusiastically. The caves were immense and it is believed they were used as a cemetery from pre-talayotic times to the 11th century, so basically a very long time ago.

After scrambling through the caves and over the cliffs, I headed back towards Ciutadella, on the outskirts of the town. I turned north towards Punt Nati. I had read that the coastline and environment near the Lighthouse at Punta Nati were spectacular, and was one of the main reasons why Menorca had earned worldwide acclaim, eventually resulting in UNESCO declaring the island a Biosphere Reserve. My knowledge of these reserves was non-existent so after a little searching I found the following information.

Bioshphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal eco-systems promoting solutions to reconcile the conversation of bio-diversity with its sustainable use. I hope that provides you with a better understanding. Educated, nope, me neither!.

As I cycled North, the wind picked up and was directly in my face, not ideal when your only means of propulsion are skinny legs. I was later informed by the Menorcans that this was common for the time of year, which may also explain why everywhere appeared deserted. I noticed as I cycled, large stone built structures dotted throughout the landscape. I assumed they were used by the locals as crop stores or even to house livestock. They had a magical, extra-terrestrial presence, even on my return and after several checks of the internet, I still could not get an

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menorca | CYCLE TOURS definate answer. The most feasible is they were used as either dwellings or burial places, called Talaiots.

A short time later I glimpsed the lighthouse, standing imposingly on the horizon. I propelled myself steadily onwards before leaving the bike leaning against the gates to the site and nipped over a well worn drystone wall, not due to the effects of the weather, but because of the incessant human traffic.

The panoramic views of the sea were absolutely glorious and in the grounds were a couple of methalithic buildings. I spoke briefly with some other sightseers, before I wandered in and out of the stone structures, imagining how they lived. Their lives may have been hard but the view from their living room was stunning. The overwelming sense of space and remoteness was so comforting and relaxing.

The light was rapidly fading, so I scrambled back over the well worn wall and rode back towards Ciutadella. The town was buzzing with traffic and people. I decided to take an alternative route back to the resort. The road took me passed the Bastio de sa Font.

Originally built as a fortress, the Bastio de sa Font was renovated as a museum in the mid 1990’s. The museum tells the history of the island from pre-talaiotic, through to muslim times. Collections include Iron Age skulls, Roman coins and jewelery. I stopped, took some touristy snaps, then cycled on towards the port and then the marina.

There were loads of moorings in the harbour and marina accommodating a diverse array of floating crafts. The harbour

also has a commercial passenger fleet which travel to a wealth of destinations around Europe. I could see several small fishing boats moored up among the iron monsters of the wealthy, so there must be still a thriving local fishing community. With a wry smile I satisify myself that parts of the Islands heritage are still going strong.

The night was drawing in so I pushed on back towards the resort. As I approached the scenic coastal road I passed the Far de Ciutadella. Built in 1863, also known as, Punta de Sa Farolo, it’s an active lighthouse with a cylindrical tower, lantern and double gallery, rising from a one storey keeper’s house. As well as being extremely imposing, the setting is absolutely stunning, with views of the harbour and the old town of Ciutadella.

I passed several cyclists as I made my way around the peninsula on the designated cycle route, then I noticed a sign for the the beach at Cala Blanes. I descended down to the beach, it was empty.

I left the bike by a ram shackled beach hut and sat as the sun went down on the horizon; the red swell of colour was so beautiful. The only sound was the gentle lapping of the waves against the rocks. I began to think about the previous four days. I found Menorca to be a wonderful island, the landscape astonishingly beautiful. It offered a plentiful supply of family friendly holiday resorts, but if you make the effort to get off your backside and explore, you will find plenty of history, glorious beaches, friendly locals and most importantly an Island that is totally ‘geared up’ for cycling. I can’t wait to return!

Things To know!

GettinG there Menorca lies 225km off the coast of Barcelona and is within easy reach of travellers from the UK and Ireland.

The main airport is Mahon (MAH) and flight time is approximately two hours from most UK departure points.

Menorca is connected to the Spanish mainland by several ferry routes. If you don’t fly then you can choose to journey through France, Spain and then to Menorca as an interesting alternative. Transmeditarranea run regular ferry services from Barcelona and Valencia, most going via Palma (Mallorca).

When to Come The weather in Menorca is pretty impeccable with average annual temperatures of 17 degrees coupled with 300 days of sunshine a year. Long hot summers and short mild winters sum up Menorca’s weather. Predictably July and August are the most popular times to visit with average temperatures up in the high 20s, although local winds keep things from getting too uncomfortable. However, Autumn is probably the best time to go with temperatures reaching up to 20 degrees in November complete with sunny skies.

Why Come?

The island is easily explored by car or bike and offers glorious secluded bays and beaches and the history of the island is evident with the array of Talaiotic villages and buildings. It is also substantially smaller and quieter than its neighbour Mallorca, with a more relaxed and hushed atmosphere.

CurrenCy Together with the rest of Spain and continental Europe, Menorca successfully converted from the Spanish Peseta to the Euro (€) on 1st January 2002.

Although the locals rarely tip, it is still accepted courtesy to tip for good service. In restaurants, 10% is considered normal where service is not included. In cafés and bars, leave a little small change. For porters, chambermaids and tour guides, €1 - €2 is common. 10% is also normal in taxis.

GettinG Around The best way to explore the island is by car as getting around Menorca using public transport can be tiring and frustrating due to infrequent bus services and the inaccessibility of certain attractions and destinations Car hire is cheap and readily available and the island is easily covered in a day as it is only 50 kilometres across.

mAp And Guidebooks I used the Time out ‘Mallorca and Menorca’ guide book and I found the Menorca Tour and Trail Map 4th Edition invaluable as it has designated cycle tracks incorported.

The tourist information office was also good for local maps and guides.

LAnGuAGe The official language of the island is Catalan and was officially banned under General Franco but was reinstated following his death. To complicate matters further the islanders have there own dialect called Menorquin. English is understood in most places especially restaurants, cafes and hotels.

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news

UK Cyclists Take Different Paths Vast differences in cycling cultures have been found in UK cities; for some cycling is a traditional transport accessible to all while for others it is a new, edgy, urban subculture, according to recent findings from a research project funded by the economic and social research council. “We wanted to find out what British cycling cultures were like, what supported them, and what local and national factors continue to exist as barriers”, says dr rachel aldred from the University of east London.

The cycling cultures study looked at attitudes to cycling in four different english cities – Bristol, cambridge, Hull, and Hackney in London. although these locations have cycle-to-work rates that are at least twice the UK average (2.8 per cent), this was not especially high compared to european standards. for example, ten per cent of all trips are cycled in Germany with even more (25 per cent) in the netherlands.

“When an activity like cycling is seen as something alien to national identity, local identity looms large”, says dr aldred. “some UK cities have a longstanding tradition of cycling as a means of transport, while in other areas cycling for an adult is a relatively new activity.”

Both Hull and cambridge were chosen because of their traditional cycling cultures. in these cities, cycling is seen as an everyday activity that people choose

because it makes sense for their journey; or because in the past they did not have other options. in cambridge, cycling is considered ‘normal’, with people of all ages and abilities taking part; while in Hull cycling is associated more with the city’s past, when few people could afford cars, than with its present. in contrast, cycling has become popular in Bristol and Hackney more recently. in Bristol there are bike festivals and parades, while Hackney has seen the greatest rise in cycling rates over the last decade of any London borough. in these locations, cycling has more the character of a subculture with its own fashions and events. One Hackney participant commented, “it’s purely a fashionable thing isn’t it, it’s become trendy to cycle”.

The study also revealed differences in how people accessed help with maintaining their bikes. in Bristol and Hackney there are free, communitybased cycle maintenance workshops, while in Hull people typically learn how to look after their bicycle from a parent. similarly, there were local differences in what cyclists chose to wear. “We saw the most lycra and helmets in Bristol, and the least in cambridge”, says dr aldred, adding “Worrying about what to wear on the bike can act as a barrier to cycling”.

One issue unites cyclists in all locations: the problem of bike theft. “Most people we spoke to had experienced some form of bicycle theft”, says dr aldred. “in a society where mobility is highly valued, waking up in the morning to find your bicycle missing can feel like a part of yourself has been taken”, she says. While many people simply bought a new bike and a better lock, others started to care less about their bikes, deliberately leaving them looking dirty or unmaintained in an effort to deter thieves. but as dr aldred points out, many UK cyclists feel burdened by having to carry a lot of equipment to keep themselves and their vehicles safe, unlike car drivers. “it’s interesting to consider how driving would be affected if drivers had to remember to bring their own lights and locks each time they made a journey, and had to remove their lights again when the car was parked”, dr aldred comments.

The study also revealed the ways in which cyclists are helping to increase the popularity of cycling. “Many people in local areas are doing a lot for cycling, from running projects to lending friends a bicycle and showing them a good route to work”, says dr aldred. This supports the idea of making cycling a national strategic priority. “if cycling were better resourced in the UK, local support networks might be able to grow and reach a tipping point where cycling cultures can extend beyond specific localities”, she says.

One feels that dr.aldred should have interviewed the Wednesday Lot (see informals, by Paul Wagner, in cWs past and present.) ed.

King ArThUr gyrATes ThroUgh his KingDom One student, his tandem bike and his skeleton cyclingcompanion, have ridden from John o’Groats to Land’s end, to support student scholarships at imperial college London. This wonderfully barking idea – tandem skippers with rear-admirals rather than stokers may substitute “ingenious” for “barking” and manage the additional pedalling themselves – is the brainchild of Physics student, Kadhim shubber. King arthur is an artificial skeleton and we are pleased to say that no stokers were injured or killed during this venture.

Kadhim says: “i’ve been at imperial for nearly five years and i’ve become the person i am today because of my time here - it’s been fantastic. it saddens me that some people may be put off applying to university because they can’t afford it or think they can’t. The rector’s scholarship fund helps ensure people feel able

to come and study here and i wanted to do my bit to support that. i hope it helps other students to benefit from some of opportunities i’ve had at the college.”

He adds: “King arthur and i always got a great reaction when we were out training on the tandem.”

Believe it or not there is a world record for riding a tandem with an artificial skeleton on the back. Having set out from John O’Groats on 30 June, Kadhim and King arthur’s route will skirted edinburgh, carlisle, Wigan, Warrington, Birmingham, Gloucester, taunton and exeter. By the time you read this, he should be the new world record holder for the longest tandem ride with an artificial skeleton. This was first set by an american antismoking campaigner, art Hoffman, who rode 437 miles with Oscar the skeleton, during a 1987 cycle race in iowa.

They even took their own physiotherapist.

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Pedal for Scotland WOrLd cHaMPiOn cYcList Graeme Obree and commonwealth Games medallist charline Joiner launched the fresnlo Pedal for scotland 2012 bike ride, at the People’s Palace, in Glasgow Green. Over 14,000 people joined in the 2011 to enjoy version, enjoying a fun day out with colleagues, friends and family. The 2012 event takes place on sunday 9th september.

The classic freshnlo Pedal for scotland challenge ride is a 51 mile ride between Glasgow and edinburgh; challenge enough. However, the freshnlo Pedal for scotland sportive is a 100 mile timed ride through the southern

Uplands, taking a longer route between Glasgow and edinburg: a serious challenge. supported by charity partner Maggie’s cancer caring centres, participants can also raise money for a good cause. registration for the event is now open - log on to www.pedalforscotland. org to find out more and enter a team. ian aitken, chief executive of cycling scotland, commented: “freshnlo Pedal for scotland has developed into one of scotland’s leading mass participation events. We are approaching a huge summer of sport and as anticipation gathers towards the commonwealth Games we are aiming to attract 2014 more riders this year. it’s a hugely fun day out from experienced riders through to those who have recently rediscovered cycling.” former hour record champion Graeme Obree famously clinched the world record in 1993 on a bike made from old washing machine parts and recently announced his bid to break the bike speed record on a 100mph machine made from a burnt-out saucepan. Graeme commented: “freshnlo Pedal for scotland is a great platform to introduce people of all ages to participation in an event framework. You don’t have to be a racer on a top of the range bike. The event is for riders of all ages and abilities.”

Born and bred in dunfermline, 24 year old charline Joiner won a silver medal in the team sprint category at the commonwealth Games in 2010 in delhi only two years after taking up the sport. she said, “i took part in the race previously, raising money for leukaemia research in memory of my friend and former team mate andrew stewart, and although it rained from start to finish it was a brilliant day with a great atmosphere for all the cyclists.”

BeWAre hgV tHe freiGHt transPOrt assOciatiOn are showing some commitment to reducing the toll of cyclists caused by incautious cyclists, careless or negligent HGV drivers, or a combination of the two. as part of their “cycling safety campaign” they supported the intandeM competition – ‘design a safer cycling sign’. This challenged designers to create a new warning symbol to reduce large vehicle and cycle collisions.

James Hookham – Managing director of Policy and communications for the fta, said: “We congratulate Huw on incorporating a lot of information into a small space that remains clear and intelligible at a distance. He has captured the risks of cycling too close to turning vehicles in a simple but effective design. i hope that over time that this design will come to be recognised by cyclists everywhere as an aid to their safety.”

Julian Huppert, MP for cambridge and chair of the Parlaimentary all-Party cycling Group, unveiled the winning design at Westminster on June 25.

Winner of the £1000 first prize, Huw Gwilliam said: “i’m really honoured to have penned the winning entry and i hope the design works well to promote safer riding/safer driving to all that see it.”

He added: “Utilising the strong and uniquely British design vernacular of Jock Kinneir and Margaret calvert, the designers behind the UK’s existing signs, i felt that a highprofile safety campaign such as this should feel authoritative, solid and lasting. i have attempted to capture the gravity of this campaign’s important message in this design.”

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Clarion Call

BRITZ ABROAD

neW ZeaLand’s LeadinG caMPerVan Brand, Britz, has struck up a partnership with nga Haerenga, The new Zealand cycle trail. Last year Britz launched the ”Britz Bikes” initiative, offering a choice of top quality bikes and bike racks to its customers. Then the nga Haerenga, The new Zealand cycle trial, arrived. The new Zealand cycle trail is a government-led project to build a network ofcycle trails. There are currently 19 trails catering for different abilities. new Zealand cycle trail Programme Manager John dunn says “it’s great to have Britz campervans on-board as a national partner of the new Zealand cycle trails. Visitors can drive around the country with bikes conveniently on the back of their camper van, making it easy for travellers to independently explore both on and off the beaten track.”

Britz are equally delighted. They sponsored the inaugural tour of new Zealand, too. for further information on Britz campervans and bike rack options as well as the their portfolio of brand experiences: visit www.britz.co.nz for tourist information visit www.tourismnewzealand.com

tHis Year MarKs tHe centenarY of the founding of the nelson clarion House.

This was one amongst a number of “houses” where clarion club members – and others could find a warm welcome. With strong links to trade Unions and the Labour Movement, the clarion was (and to some extent still is*) a politically active organisation. it was not just a cycling club, with hiking, drama and choral groups also popular. a longer piece on the clarion Houses and club will appear later in the year. The crucial thing for now is that on saturday, august 11th, and sunday, august 12th, there are events to mark the centenary. saturday’s celebrations will start with a walk at 10.30, starting from the former nelson socialist institute in Vernon street, nelson to the clarion House. The walk will follow in the footsteps of most “nelsoners” of years gone by. if you want a shorter walk, please meet the group along the way, at the car park adjacent to Victoria Park, or the cafe at ‘noggarth top’ (the view and the bacon butties will make your wait worthwhile). Please ensure that you are properly equipped for the walk. during the afternoon ann cryer will probably have a few words to say. ann is the daughter of an iLP activist and the grand-daughter of a leading suffragette. she was the Member of Parliament for Keighley from 1997 until 2010.

There’ll probably be a shorter walk Flying the flag, National Clarion to visit the cottage which was the first CC 1895 (North Lancs Union) (Courtesy of Charles Jepson) nelson clarion House at Thorneyholme square. it is also hoped to visit the nabs House, (the second nelson clarion House) in use until the present clarion House was opened.

On sunday veteran cyclists will start from Oakhill college, in Whalley at 10.00 am, arriving at the iLP clarion House about noon. They will be riding bikes from circa 1912. There will also be a sunday stroll, from the car park at Barley to the clarion House, 10.30.

A hundred years of remember, all are welcome. sustenance and socialism for more information visit www.clarionhouse.org.uk *There was a split between the majority National Clarion CC and the minority who wished to maintain the socialist principles and links on which the club was originally founded. They formed the National Clarion CC 1895 (North Lancs Union). I am indebted to Charles Jepson, secretary of the latter.

The founders of Nelson Independent Labour Party, 1912 (Courtesy of Nelson ILP)

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Schwalbe UK Ltd., Hortonwood 30, Telford, Shropshire, UK, TF1 7ET

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Big LonDon To PAris WHiLst cW Has Been fOLLOWinG richie Mitchell’s ride to Paris for diabetes UK, a rather different phenomenon has arrived at the eiffel tower; a one km long peloton with 450 riders with rolling road closures, 65 motorbike outriders, skoda lead vehicles and the Police nationale. This was Hot chillee’s take on this much frequented journey. a much more competitive affair. stage Three started in amiens and headed 168.25km south to Paris. The ride before lunch was a long 120km, compelted in seven speed groups, with the following 40km being cycled as one peloton. The weather shone down on the riders on the final stage – a complete contrast to the previous two stages. stephen roche, one of the famous participants, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of a famous victory. to mark the occasion he cycled into Paris on his restored Battaglin bike; the very same bike he cycled down the champs-Élysée to victory in the tour de france. riders in this version of L2P contend for the Yellow, Green and red jerseys in the flagged time sections. after only two years of riding, Greg Mansell finished as the overall fastest rider. Hel also takes home the Green Jersey as the fastest sprinter.

Professional German mountain-biker, Karl Platt,

went home as king of the climbs. annette Loubser beat the other ladies to the finish, claiming the Pink Jersey in 2012 and taking it from the former Pink Jersey holder tanja slater. nigel Mansell and the UK Youth team crossed the finish line after an ambitious 1,350 mile nonstop ride from John O’Groats to The London-Paris start-line and onto Paris, raising money for UK Youth. Most impressive of all was group seven, the hand cyclists, who battled through terrible weather conditions and the undulating french countryside.

The hand cyclist team is aiming to raise £500,000 for The Jimmy savile stoke Mandeville Hospital trust.

This year’s London-Paris saw professional cyclists Karl Platt, Magnus Backstedt and colin Lynch and legends, stephen roche and Maurizio fondriest cycling in group one. Other sporting stars in this year’s peloton include nigel Mansell, Joel stransky, Will carling, John salako and Geoff Thomas. irish World champion runner, sonia O’sullivan also rode, moving from group three to group one on the last day. scott Berry, who rode in the second speed group, commented that, “it’s been a few days since L2P 2012 and happy to say the buzz of finishing in Paris is still running through me. i completely underestimated the scale of the adventure which

went by so quickly. the event helped restore my confidence on the bike. The past 6 weeks have been filled with a few falls, a car collision and too many punctures to mention. The realisation of the L2P protective bubble came to me on Thursday morning when i was at the back of the Group watching the lead car and outriders work their magic through intersections.” He is aiming for ironman competitions.

On the other hand, Michelle smyth, who must still have been going a fair old lick in speed group four, said, “it was the best holiday i have ever been on. Yes the cycling was hard and the weather wasn’t amazing but it didn’t dampen my spirits at all.”

Very much the full-pro experience.

NEW GREEN OIL WEBSITE LAUNCH tHe neW Green-OiL.net WeBsite launched recently. “The old website site has become outdated, in an age of social media and modern website layouts, so this overhaul has been long over due. its been a long time in the making, but finally completed to match our new look range.”

–simon nash of Green Oil. The new website will include high quality graphics, simple layout and better product information. The site will also include a short fun online movie which can be viewed in advance of the site going live, the Green Oil Youtube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= npJJcntzfms&feature=youtu.be The short film is a kind of introduction to the brand, with a playful bright edge to it, and features a short clip of simon the inventor of

Green Oil riding through the river Quaggy, which inspired the Original Green Oil chain lube.

The website was launched on 03/07/12, bike shop owners and riders of all kinds should check it out.

Green Oil distributor Upgrade Bikes have the same number as always to take your new Green Oil orders: 01403 711 611. The newly designed Green Oil products are available from local bike shops, too. contact info: info@Green-Oil.net; 020 7274 8725 info@UPgradebikes.co.uk; 01403 711 611

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tHe institUte Of adVanced MOtOrists reports that the condition of council roads failed to improve between 2008 and 2011 according to new figures out today from the department for transport. The councils with the highest percentage of main roads requiring maintenance are Haringey (20 per cent), camden (17 per cent), Oldham (14 per cent) and reading (14 per cent). The councils with the highest percentage of minor roads requiring maintenance are newham (20 per cent), north Lincolnshire (18 per cent), and Haringey (18 per cent). Of the 89 councils that provided data, 38 per cent reported that their minor roads deteriorated in 2010/11, 38 per cent of councils remained the same, and 24 per cent reported improvements. in the same period, 40 per cent of councils reported deterioration in main road conditions, 38 per cent reported that their roads had remained the same and 21 per cent reported improved conditions. iaM director of policy and research neil Greig said: “Under the previous government local authorities had targets to improve the condition of their roads. While the old system of road maintenance targets wasn’t perfect, the effect of the coalition scrapping these targets is evident in certain areas. extra central government money following recent bad winters has helped to stem the tide, but only when we have a commitment to long term funding can councils really start to address the huge backlog of repairs. Poor road conditions damage vehicles, and are

especially dangerous to cyclists and motorcyclists who can be easily thrown off course by potholes. They also put all road users at risk, as drivers take evasive action to avoid hitting them.” iaM also claims that there is unanimous support for proposed new driving offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. ninety-four per cent of 1431 drivers surveyed support it. six per cent think it’s a bad idea. currently when someone drives recklessly and causes very serious injury as a result, they are often charged with dangerous driving. While this is a serious crime with a heavy penalty, it doesn’t take into account the severity of the outcome. This new law would reflect driver recklessness that causes life changing injuries, with even tougher penalties attached.

When asked what the biggest deterrents to bad driving were, 70 per cent said ‘enforcement – the likelihood i will get caught’. almost half of respondents (48 per cent) said ‘the consequences – causing death or injury to myself or others’, and 43 per cent said ‘the severity of the punishment if i am caught’. some may be shocked by the fact that getting caught is a greater deterrent than causing injury or the death of self or others. Others will recognise that deterrents are only effective if there is adequate enforcement. Whether there are enough traffic police and whether they take the issues faced by cyclists and vulnerable road-users seriously enough depends on who one asks.

REVOLUTIONARY NETWORK? WHiLst nOW VerY MUcH part of the cycling establishment, sustrans remains at the cuttingedge of cycling development and has reported the biggest ever annual increase in the number of people cycling on the national cycle network, with 40 million more cycling trips made during 2011 than in the year before – an 18% increase. in total 256 million trips were made by bike on the national cycle network. Overall the number of walking and cycling trips made on the network increased by 15% to 484 million. and every part of the UK played a role. cycling increased by 19% on the network in england, Wales and scotland, with northern ireland seeing a 13% increase. sustrans estimates the 3.3 million people used the network

during 2011 (compared to 3 million in 2010), making over 1.3 million trips each day.

Huw davies, director for the ncn, has dubbed this “the real cycling revolution.” He and sustrans are, quite rightly, delighted. One of the key headline figures for them is that 42% of cyclists surveyed could have used a car, but chose not to. Their reasons ranged from more efficient way to travel to avoiding traffic queues. Men tended to place saving money more prominently than women, with the reverse being true for fitness. importantly, the key factor for 91% of returnee or new cyclists, was that the traffic free sections of the ncn had encouraged them to cycle: they felt safe. forty-five per cent of journeys were for leisure,

with over 20% for commuting. The number of journeys made by women by bicycle on the network was up by 13%. People over fifty-five made a quarter of the trips and 16 to 24 year-olds made one in ten of the journeys. interestingly, the largest increase in journeys was made by women between 16 and 24. sustrans, was founded in 1977. The first route was the Bristol and Bath railway Path, a 17-mile traffic-free trail along a disused railway. The notion that such facilities should be available in all cities was carried forward and this encouraged the further development of a national network. The ncn was officially created in 1995 with a grant from the newly-created national Lottery. its length and popularity have grown enormously. it now

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THE GIRLS ARE DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES

carries over a million walking and cycling journeys daily and passes within a mile of 57% of the population. it is deliberately urban in places. sustrans aims to show that urban cycle design can be functional and interesting enough to encourage more people to cycle. Whilst some cycle tourists avoid urban areas, sustrans aims to make leisure and touring cycling more easily accessible to the majority of the population.

The report also carries a number of case-studies and can be downloaded from the sustrans website at www.sustrans. org.uk/assets/files/Press/real-cyclingrevolution.pdf

WitH an estiMated 79 Per cent of British woman claiming they have never cycled, and men making up three quarters of all cyclists in the UK, it’s clear that the sport’s profile needs raising amongst women. The Mule Bar Girls are making it their personal mission to get more women into cycling. their philosophy is “train hard, win, get more women enthused about cycling of all types and have fun doing it.”

The Mule Bar Girls are a competitive amateur cycling team supported by the makers of Mule Bars.

They compete across the UK and internationally in road racing, cyclocross, downhill mountain biking and track as team member Wiesia Kuczaj goes on to explain ‘i have always had a passion for sport and have always had a competitive streak in me, so when the chance to join the Mule Bar team came about i just had to jump on it.

We have such a lovely bunch of girls on the team.”

One of the main catalysts for getting woman in to cycling has been through events specific for the ladies cycling audience. The latest, and most successful so far, of these being Velo Jam, a woman’s open track race day, which took place this month. Wiesia Kuczaj explains the event ‘after running our regular women’s track sessions we saw that there was a desire for high level track racing to be made more competitive amongst women, and grass roots track racing to be made more accessible, so we created Velo Jam! The whole day was a huge success and proved that there is the demand for more women’s only event.” another key aspect to what the girls do is to bring some feminine style to the sport; they’ve created promotional videos (http://vimeo.com/28001160) show you can be sporty and feminine at the same time. One of the girls, anna clowinksi, set up her own cycling clothing range for women a few years ago because she

was fed up of the lack of options out there for female cyclists. “My designs are a two-way dialogue, both capturing the thrill of bike riding, and allowing riders to push their boundaries in comfort and style. each design is tested by women of all ages, sizes and styles of riding, no minor feature is left unexplored.” (www. ananichoola.co.uk).

The girls are certainly something fresh and new, but that’s exactly what the sport needs to bring in more girls to a male dominated sport. sceptics might respond that lycra-clad pushing one’s body to the limit is exactly what puts many women off cycling. However, whatever encourages more cycling can’t be bad.

Striding Ashton Champion

a neW tHree-Year OLd British champion has been crowned.

Over 120 two-to-five year-olds raced no-pedal balance bikes over the BMX track the national cycling centre, Manchester, for the strider UK World cup, at the first event of its kind in the UK. ashton Heron, aged three, was crowned the overall British champion, and will now be flown, with his dad, to sarasota, florida, in October to represent Great Britain in the strider World championships. adrian, ashton’s dad, who had brought him all the way from nottingham to race said, “it was an incredible day of racing in a stunning venue - all of the kids just loved it! i can’t quite believe that we’re now off to america to race in the strider World championships. i’m not sure it has quite sunk in yet both for me or ashton.”

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SEA AND DOWN | cYcLE TOURS

SEA AND DOWN As day follows night ….. Stephen Dyster finds a way home ….

R

iding all night in the BHF L2B (London to Brighton, for those of us wedded to old-fashioned means of communication) night-ride had two effects on my brain. One was a feeling of exhilaration, after topping the South Downs at as the sun rose. This was thrilling. The second was problematic. Sitting by the pier at Brighton, with a pastel dawn promising another sunny day, I looked at the map and felt that Winchester could not be more than fifty miles from where I sat. Winchester has trains that run all the way home without the necessity to change. Trains through Clapham Junction, we were told, were not carrying bicycles – presumably as there would be so many people returning to London from Brighton following the ride. Whilst this probably makes sense, given the rollingstock in general use, it really does beggar belief that a railway company could not have used some imagination and found a way

of showing that they can lead the way. I am not aware that there were any engineering works. The BHF had put on coach and truck returns for riders, but I had been too slow to book and could not be bothered to seek out the last few spare places available in the morning. In any case, what cyclists with even a light tinge of pink in his veins would shy from the opportunity to ride a few miles along the Sussex coast and into the delightful downs, where he had never cycled before. In any case, I expected to sleep on the train! I was correct about sleeping, but it was on a much later train than I expected.

Night-riders were coming in as I cycled back along the sea-front.

Many showed just the same turn of speed, over the last mile or so, as I had; others looked relieved and pedalled staunchly to the finish.

My mind was mainly on following the signs for NCR2, which headed along the seafront towards Hove. With barely a whisper of wind and

Sussex by the Sea: Brighton Pier

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SEA AND DOWN | cYcLE TOURS hardly the faintest sound of the sea, I couldn’t help but hope that the promenade went on for ever. However, hereabouts the south coast has a ribbon of urbanisation and people need places to work.

Shoreham, short for Shoreham by Sea, has seen many changes, from important river-crossing to port, to hive of ship-building to seaside resort. NCR2 takes one to Shoreham town along an industrial road between a narrow shingle beach, on one side, and a mixture of light-industry and a power station, on the other. It would be unfair to the town to say that this was its only striking section, yet on this piercingly bright morning with the sun just rising, the harbour was magnificent and the view from the lock gates will always remind me that a power station can be beautiful.

I had been advised by a fellow over-nighter, with whom I had cycled along the sea-front that I should head into Shoreham and pick up an old cycle track that would take me across the old wooden bridge to the road for Steyning. He said that this was a delightful lane, frequently used by his club, offering an easy ride, along the valley of the River Adur, to the other side of the Downs. At this early hour the town was virtually deserted, except for a startling pirate lording it over the main shopping area. Palm trees, too. The Adur slid wide and lazy and the old bridge was easily located. In the low light it resembled a surreal game of Jenga. For many years this carried the main road. I have vague memories of a childhood holiday at Littlehampton with a day-trip to Brighton and spending a large chunk of it in Dad’s car waiting to cross this bottleneck.

The other striking feature here is the mass of gothic architecture, properly known as Lancing College, piled loftily on the hill opposite.

The College’s website takes up the story; “Lancing College was founded in 1848 by the Reverend Nathaniel Woodard, whose primary objective was charitable. As curate of Shoreham, Woodard saw the poverty and hardship of the agricultural and seafaring workforce and the ignorance and ungodliness of the middle classes who could not afford a public school education. He started 11 schools in his lifetime and now there are 43 in the corporation that bears his name. The first three, Lancing, Hurstpierpoint and Ardingly, all began life in the vicarage at Shoreham. They were intended to tackle social problems by providing “a good and

Functionally beautiful: Shoreham by Sea power station

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SEA AND DOWN | cYcLE TOURS

Hilltop Gothic: Lancing College Chapel

Botolph’s

complete education of sound principle and sound knowledge, firmly grounded in the Christian faith”. He bought five hundred acres of farmland and opened Lancing College in 1854. It is the remarkable chapel that catches the eye. It holds the attention whenever it comes into view, which it does frequently along the lane recommended by my local advisor. It could be a medieval cathedral or monastery in some hilltop town in Italy. I felt grateful to Woodard for his foresight. Whether ungodly fisher-folk and farmers remain suitably thankful, I know not.

The lane to the west of the Adur fulfilled all the expectations raised by the clubman who so often rode along it. The lovely little church at Botolphs, with the downs rising behind it, felt timeless.

Indeed, it nearly is. Much dates back to the Saxon era, around AD

950. The dedication to Saint Botolph was rejected by the Normans, who favoured Saint Peter. However, local associations prevailed.

Interestingly, there are two “squints” through which lepers, forbidden to use the church in Bramber – where the leper “hospital” was located – could come and see Mass. Taking time to wander in the churchyard in the light of a summer Sunday morning, one could almost feel the parishioners of the past treading their weekly way to Church as their ploughs lay still and their newly sheared sheep grazed up on the hillside. Sitting for a moment or two, the first stanza of The Vision of Piers Plowman came to mind, “In somer seson whan softe was the sunne” and, then, the folk song, “a shepherd of the downs being weary of his work.” Then it occurred to me that I really needed to push on.

Steyning was the first of a series of delightfully attractive small towns, or large villages, shown on my map. Sussex and Hampshire seem particularly rich in these, maybe a reflection of changing sources of prosperity or of strong conservation. The far end of the town was buzzing with triathletes and a number of riders preparing for a time trial. A couple of guys on high end road bikes rushed past me, their skimpy gear suggesting that they were amongst the triathletes. I rode for a short while with two cyclists heading to the start of the time-trial. “Good day?” There was uncertainty in the response of one. “We’re about to have a race, so it might soon change.” It is fair to say that both were proto-veteran riders. When I suggested that they could just go for a nice bike ride, they scoffed. I wished them a fast time and rode on.

That the number of cyclists out in the sun belied the early hour was very little of a surprise, on reflection. A stream of time-trialists was already heading in the opposite direction, and a tourist was just cresting the hill ahead. I slowly snuck up behind. She was putting in some miles in preparation for a big group ride in Devon and Somerset. “I left the family snoring. They’ll still be at it when I get

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SEA AND DOWN | cYcLE TOURS Burton Mill Pond: haunt of bitterns and cycletourers

home.” As for her “big ride”, well it was viewed with trepidation: “there’ll be serious cyclists there and I don’t want to let people down …. but the free massage at the end of the day sounds good.” I assured her that if she could put down a good day’s mileage in Sussex there was little reason she could not do the same further west. We parted company in Storrington, another of those in-betweenie town-village places with an aura of prosperity past and present.

From here I used a minor road through lovely wooded countryside to reach the bridge over the River Arun, near Coldwaltham. Such wooded sections became a feature of much of the rest of the ride. With the exception of the sections over the downs, this was to be a delightfully sylvan route. I suppose that we should refer to the gently rolling hills split by the wide river valleys and lying north of the downs, as the Sussex Weald. Sitting amongst these idyllic woods and gentle contours, looking to the heights of Duncton Down was Burton Mill pond, trendily equipped with its own decking platform and skirted by reeds. The surface was undisturbed by even the slightest breeze and patches of lily-pads blended in with the dark waters. This is an important nature reserve, with mixed wetland and wood. The reed beds are home, in winter, to the bittern “that bombleth in the marsh” as Chaucer put it. I wasted more time lolling about here for a while, to be snapped out of a reverie by a cyclist who “bomblethed” at me. Another one of the Sussex early risers, he was already on his way home to Shoreham. A tourer through and through, we struck up a conversation about finding these quiet spots so lovely and seemingly unknown at this hour. Why rush? He had set off at dawn and would be home in time for breakfast and Chapel. A few minutes after his departure another of the species arrived.

From here I had intended to head to Midhurst, on the basis that its simple name put me in mind of another unspoilt small town. However, my recent acquaintance told me that, heading for Winchester, I would be better off picking up the very minor road to Graffam and South Harting. I was pleased that I followed his advice when I saw signs to Didling Church. It turned out to be a tiny, isolated building with an ancient yew as a sunshade above a wellplaced bench that gave views across the low hills to the much higher ones around Hindhead, and along the lower slopes of the South

Didling Church

I saw sIgns to DIDlIng ChuRCh. It tuRneD out to be a tIny, IsolateD buIlDIng wIth an anCIent yew as a sunshaDe above a well-plaCeD benCh that gave vIews aCRoss the low hIlls to the muCh hIgheR ones aRounD hInDheaD www.cyclingworldmag.com | Cycling World 23

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SEA AND DOWN | cYcLE TOURS East Meon, the main road

Alfred, the Great, King of Wessex

Downs. The hamlets along the road must once have been of greater significance, probably during the great years of the wool trade. Little Didling church remained, but Treyford’s was a ruin.

Soon after leaving Didling another torrent of cyclists poured along the road in the opposite direction. Remarkable for a range of bikes that went from expensive Wilier’s to mongrels lovingly constructed out of bits and bobs, propelled by the strong thighs of lycra-clad,

uniformed club riders or pedalled steadily by ladies and gentlemen and boys and girls of most generations, they were a joy to behold.

Clearly an organised ride, the colourful parade held my attention nearly to Buriton. Beyond here there were fewer.

The Downs have hauled themselves in land a good way around here. Lying amongst them, in a valley which should be of dry chalk, is the crystal clear River Meon. In its upper valley are two delightful, synonymous villages, East and West Meon. When my northern acquaintances jeer, I shall excuse myself by stating that I grew up with the voice of John Arlott describing cricket on summer days.

As I rode I could hear those tones echo around the close-cropped grassy slopes. Had there been a game of village cricket – it was still only ten o’clock – I would have found a bed and breakfast and slumbered to the sound of bat on ball. As it was I glanced at the church and old courthouse in East Meon and bought ice-creams in both villages. At the little shop in West Meon, the lady serving congratulated me on my ride of the night before and sold me some of the most delicious ice-cream I have ever had.

After this I began to feel the effect of tiredness and heat. The scenery remained delightful, the hills rolled on through thick woodland or across open chalk-down. But Winchester remained obstinately distant however steadily I turned the pedals. The long, straight lane I had planned to cycle into town on, turned out to be something of a Sunday lunchtime rat-run, but I had not the energy to add more miles. I had enjoyed my day in this regrettably unfamiliar countryside, yet it was with relief that I rolled round Saint Catherine’s Hill and got my first view of the old city of Winchester. The tourists were busy shuffling out of their coaches to admire the Cathedral, the numerous attractive buildings and the statue of King Alfred. For me it was straight to the station and the train north.

Predictably I fell asleep, with the voice of John Arlott describing Alfred the Great riding a bicycle to a cricket match atop a downland hill, with the church bells ringing for evensong and the shepherds leading their flocks down to the pristine stream that sprung in a field above a pretty flint and half-timbered village.

Then I awoke in Wolverhampton, in time for my change of trains at the next stop.

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03/08/2012 16:42

Castle Combe Cycling Festival…

Something for everyone!

Castle Combe Cycling Festival on Sunday 26th August 2012 is set to be one of the great cycling events of 2012.

So Why Do We Like It? Quite simply, it is a celebration of all things bicycle for all the family… whatever your age, whatever your cycling ability, this event will focus on grass roots cycling right the way through to the 56 and 100 mile Severn Bridge Sportives (and plenty of ‘fun cycling’ in between)!

The race circuit will be open for the ‘Circuit Challenge’ where you can pedal the historic 1.85 miles track to see how many laps you can accomplish; Savage Skills will be providing Stunt Bike Displays throughout the day and there will be plenty of ‘Have-a-Go’ cycling experiences with the Stunt Bike Skills Participation Area, Toddlebikes Try Out, Strider Adventure Zone, Go Ride, Cyclo-Cross, Spin Bike Challenge and much more!

© Phil O’Connor

© Charles Whitton Photography

When Is It? 10am to 5pm on Sunday 26th August 2012 at Castle Combe Circuit, near Chippenham in Wiltshire (just off J17 of M4).

How to Book Check out www.castlecombecyclingfestival.co.uk for full details. Severn Bridge Sportive registration online only. Early bird discounts available online for Cycling Festival tickets.

Show Tips • Bring your bikes… there are plenty of ‘have-a-go’ opportunities but bikes won’t be provided!

• Check out www.castlecombecyclingfestival.co.uk for discounted tickets and offers • Take part in the Circuit Challenge and raise money for Meningitis UK. Full details on www. castlecombecyclingfestival.co.uk • Consider taking part in the Severn Bridge Sportive sponsored by PEDALSAFE. One of the most exciting Sportives in the region, the Severn Bridge Sportive offers both 56 mile and 100 mile routes through some of the prettiest countryside around. Includes riding over the Severn Bridge itself!

• Check out the Strider Adventure Zone if you’ve got littlies aged 18 months to 5 years. As part of the first ever series of organised balance bike races in the UK, the Strider Adventure Zone includes a preset course over which toddlers and children can test their skills and race on no-pedal balance bikes! Experts will be on hand throughout the day to give hints and tips with plenty of medals to be won for the fastest times and best balancing!

And much more besides! Full Show Tips at www.castlecombecyclingfestival.co.uk.

Castle Combe Cycling Festival • Castle Combe Circuit Castle Combe • Chippenham • Wiltshire • SN14 7EY www.castlecombecyclingfestival.co.uk • 01249 782417

t ly ea e nd al nlin o.uk Th Frie stiv able o tival.c e l s ily F vai gfe m ng ts a clin Fa cli coun ecy Cy d dis comb Bir stle rly ca Ea w. ww

Sunday 26th August 2012

Welcome to the first Castle Combe Cycling Festival, set to be one of the most exciting events in the 2012 calendar and a celebration of all things bicycle!...

• Stunt Bike Shows • Circuit Lap Challenge • Have-a-Go Cycling Sessions • Vintage Bikes• Fancy Dress Parade • Trade Area • Youth Racing • Severn Bridge Sportive and much more…!

Castle Combe Cycling Festival • Castle Combe Circuit • Castle Combe • Chippenham • Wiltshire • SN14 7EY www.castlecombecyclingfestival.co.uk • 01249 782417 CW_AUG_SEPT_Ads.indd 12Combe_Advertorial.indd 1 CW_AUG_SEPT-2012_Castle

03/08/2012 12:11 15:29 27/07/2012

LAKELAND | cycle tours

BEfriEND thE LAKE District oN Your BiKE We all know the Lake District is beautiful... we all know it can be choked with traffic... so...

A

n ambitious £6.9 million programme is underway, encouraging visitors to use environmentally friendly transport alternatives when visiting the Lakes. Aiming to get every visitor to ditch the car for some journeys, hoping to save up to 11,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2015, and generate seven million pounds of revenue, whilst creating one hundred new jobs. Even if visitors ditch the car for one day a week it will make a significant difference.

The programme, funded primarily through the Department for Transport and run in partnership by Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Tourism and the Lake District National Park, focusses on the Central and South Lakes, including Grasmere, Ambleside, Windermere, Kendal, Hawkshead and Coniston. This area gets the majority of visitors to the national park.

It includes nine interlinking projects which will deliver improvements, such as better cycleways, more and better bus stops, more frequent bus services, a low emission car hire network, the expansion of an electric cycle network and more flexible ticketing and better transport information.

Councillor Tim Knowles, Transport and Environment portfolio holder for Cumbria County Council, said: “This is a real opportunity to provide a change to the mind-set of visitors coming to the Lake District. People come to the Lake District because it is a beautiful clean place to visit and if we can convince people to use busses or bikes it will help to keep it a clean and green place to be.”

The GoLakes Travel programme aims to cut car use by visitors within the Lake District National Park by seven per cent by 2015. Visitors travelling around the national park account for 205,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. That compares to 165,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions caused by residents’ car use. Whilst the programme is aimed primarily at tourists, the improvements will aid residents, too. For Richard Greenwood, Head of Policy and Research at Cumbria Tourism, it is all about confidence. “We

have to give people the confidence that they can get where they want to go easily and make it enjoyable for them.

The significant improvements to the transport infrastructure will give people that confidence to leave their cars at their accommodation, or, even better, at home,” he observes.

Amongst the projects of particular interest to cyclists is a new bus service to help cyclists travel around the Lake District.

The 800 service is run by Stagecoach and will run at weekends and bank holidays until the summer holidays and in September. From 15 July until August 31 it will be a daily service. The ‘bike bus’ carries up to 12 bikes and riders, travelling along the A591 from Windermere Railway Station to the Whinlatter Forest Visitor Centre. The buses will stop at Ambleside, Rydal, Grasmere, Thirlspot, Keswick and Braithwaite on the way. Stagecoach has also adapted a number of buses to carry two bikes on the 599 route between Windermere and Grasmere.

There is already an extensive electric

bicycle hire service available in the South Lakes, but there will also be new hubs developing. The programme’s slogan, Drive Less See More, is a truism to cyclists, but some are put off by the sometimes challenging terrain and others by roads that can be busy in the high season. Amongst these cycle hubs is one being run by Gary, of Lakeland Hideaways. Based in Hawkshead, the company owns a number of holiday properties but isn’t stopping there. Gary has built up a fleet of high quality bikes, both power-assisted and conventional. He says, “I have selected bikes that will provide comfort for riders on a variety of terrains.

We want to encourage people to give it a go, but we are also keen to attract experienced cyclists and residents.” Hawkshead lies at the heart of popular cycling country, with the off-road trails in Grizedale Forest close by and a network of lanes with great views for those sticking to the tarmac.

Hard core roadies and MTBers are likely to want their own bikes if they are on a cycling holiday, but for the majority hiring a quality bike to do some general riding and getting a boost on the climbs could reveal a new Lake District. As part of the bigger picture, it might just make the area an even more attractive place to go.

For travel and tourist information visit www.golakestravel.co.uk.

Also see www.lakedistrict.gov.uk

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12 12:21

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But you’ll only find

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Visit Abergavenny

ABERGAVENNY – ideally situated for The Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons • Amazing area for cyclists of all abilities • An extensive range of accommodation to suit all ‘pockets’ • A wonderful range of places to eat • Activities to occupy accompanying families

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CW_AUG_SEPT_Ads.indd 3

03/08/2012 15:28

Along the lon CAmbriA | CyCle Tours

Along the Lon Cambria Mike Matthews rode along NCR81 a few years ago...

e

ditor’s note: with the recent death of long-time contributor, Albert Winstanley, my mind turned to Mike Matthews. Mike was a cyclist and teacher who died suddenly in 2008. Mike contributed product tests and other articles to CW. More importantly he offered help and encouragement to other cyclists – especially at the school where he worked. A tool kit and pump were kept in his desk drawer and his immense generosity of spirit was apparent to anyone who met him. He loved all types of cycling and took numerous photographs, many of which he sent to county record offices. I was surprised to find, hidden away, in a forgotten folder on my laptop, an unpublished article. Mike loved cycling in Wales, and since most of the rest of us do too, I thought it should be in the public domain.

oUT oF aBerySTWyTh The long distance cycle route, Lon Cambria, through the heart of mid Wales, starts on the promenade of the Victorian seaside resort of Aberystwyth. This 113 mile route is part of the National Cycle Network. The first part of the route leaves the seafront and winds its way through the town and retail parks to meet up with the main A487. It is all too easy to lose the route through the busy narrow streets and this would be even more of a problem in the summer months when the resort would be packed with holiday makers. Reaching the main A487 you turn right and head out on this road. At this point there is no dedicated cycle route and you cycle along a very busy road. In a few hundred yards you are faced with a very short but steep climb. Cresting the summit you come to a roundabout, staying on

the A487 you climb a further hill and sweep down the other side. Half way down it there is a signed left hand turn onto route 81, its all too easy to miss this on the fast freewheel down the hill, so take care.

The narrow road soon gives way to a small track that turns into a bridleway. The track gently climbs up into woodland and you pass through several gates before descending down

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to a bridge that takes you over the other side of the Afon Ystwyth. This early part of the route through the woods needs care as there are several tracks off each side that can be a little misleading. Once over the bridge the track then follows the river. This part of the route is very quiet and follows an old railway line for nearly three miles. This is a very picturesque part of the route with the river on your left and the rolling hills surrounding you. At the end of the track the route crosses a small country road before rejoining the old railway line. Care is needed here as there were no route signs when I cycled the route.

At the end of the railway line the route then comes out onto a small country lane which slowly climbs up to a small wood and railway bridge. At this point you are signed posted down onto the railway line again. The line climbs slowly up through a rock cutting as you pass through the wood. Just after the summit the line crosses a bridge and you are signposted off to the left. Care is needed here as it’s not clear which way to go. I turned left and headed down a rough single track through the trees, across a small ford onto a road. After a few hundred yards you come to a T junction on a very steep hill. In front of you is a route sign pointing up and down the hill.

The route down appears wrong as it seems to go back to Aberystwyth. I chose uphill and this was the wrong decision. Sitting at home and knowing the route it’s clear which way to

go, but out on the trail it’s all too easy to make a mistake when you are tired.

I followed the B4340 up a very steep hill and on to the village of Pontrthydfendigaid.

The scenery around hear is beautiful, you are surrounded by rolling hills and deep valleys.

I picked route up route 82 and followed this up a steep hill onto the high moors. On the steep climb up the hill there were several magnificent Red Kites soaring over the fields.

At the summit of the hill you are on the high moors and in remote countryside. The route takes you across undulating countryside,

sweeping through remote villages down onto Ysbyty Ystwyth. At this point route 81 meets up with route 82 before a very steep climb up through a forest. Near the summit of the climb I branched right onto the mountain road to Cwmystwyth and Rhayader. This section is very remote and the undulating road takes you through a valley before starting the very long climb alongside a mountain stream towards the summit of Glan Fedwen.

It’s worth looking back at this point down to see the splendour the valley and mountains, that you’ve cycled through. To the right you

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can catch glimpses of the large wind turbines at the head of the valley.

The route then takes you across the moors on a switchback roller coaster ride towards the Elan Valley.

The elan Valley The Elan valley is a very picturesque part of the route and should not be missed. The narrow country road slowly descends towards Craig Goch Reservoir, the first of the three that make up the Elan Valley system. Here rolling moorland and rugged mountains give way to large expanses of water. It is well worth slowing down and taking in the scenery and glimpses of wildlife that inhabit this area of mid Wales. The cycle route follows the road down to Penygarreg Reservoir where a dedicated cycle route takes you round the shore line towards the Elan Village and visitors centre. This track is a little rough in places but gives you the opportunity to experience this remote environment in all its beauty. From the visitors centre the track

skirts the road for a while before climbing up over the old railway tunnel summit and dropping down into the village of Rhayader.

The route out of Rhayader follows the valley up towards Llanidloes with the River Wye in the valley to your right. The narrow lane meanders slowly up the valley, passes through the village of Llangurig and on to Llanidloes.

along The SeVern Valley Several major roads and two rivers meet in the village and you start the long journey through the Severn valley towards Shrewsbury. The next part of the route takes you along narrow country lanes that are very steep and narrow in places. On the long freewheels down hills you suddenly come upon very sharp bends and care is needed in negotiating these lanes. It’s easy to find your way out of the village along a narrow country lane that climbs steeply as it hugs the left hand side of the valley taking you towards the village of Caersws. The narrow lane dips

down into the valley and you follow this road into to Caersws, emerging in the village near the signal box and level crossing. Taking care across the level crossing the road brings you out onto the busy A470, turning right you follow this through the village to a very busy road junction with the A489 and another level crossing. Extreme care is needed in crossing this junction as you head slightly right before turning left alongside the railway.

The narrow lane is flat for a short while before you begin another very steep climb on your way towards Newtown. On your right as you climb and twist your way forever upwards are beautiful views of Caersws and valley below. Eventually the summit is reached and you begin the long freewheel down towards Stepaside and the outskirts of Newtown. Entering the outskirts of Newtown you negotiate a roundabout and cycle along a narrow path in towards the town centre. To miss the busy traffic on the A483 the route follows a road through a housing estate, I found cars parked along the cycle route and glass smashed in the road, you may be better staying on the main road and finding your own way carefully through the centre of town towards the B4568 Bettws Cedewain. This part of the route keeps you to the left of the Severn valley as it twists and turns towards Berriew.

Crossing an old stone bridge over the River Severn you enter the picturesque village with its black and white houses and tiny shops. Out of the village you head left along the B4385 and after just over a mile you turn right along a narrow country lane that takes you past the entrance of Powis castle to emerge onto the A458. That takes you into the very busy town market town of Welshpool. The route through the town is easy to follow but you might want to explore the Powys canal museum or head a little further out of town towards the narrow gauge railway. Route 81 heads out towards the B4388 and the start of a very long climb up over Long Mountain. Once on the top of the mountain there are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside before you freewheel down to Woollaston, cross the A458 again and start a steep climb up over the edge of Breidden Hill. Carefully negotiating the steep decent into Crewgreen, you turn right for a short ride along the B4393 before turning left towards Melverley with its picturesque black and white timbered church. You will be happy to know that the steep hills and climbs are behind you and you now follow a series of narrowlLanes through quiet villages, such as Pentre and Shrawardine, before crossing the A5 at Montford Bridge. Its well worth stopping and looking at the bridge as it was built by Thomas Telford. From here the route follows the B4380 in towards Shrewsbury.

This road is reasonably quiet but more care is needed as you approach the outskirts of Shrewsbury. This town can be very busy and on the narrow roads care is needed as you make your way towards the centre of town and the railway station which is your journey

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Along the lon CAmbriA | CyCle Tours

end, 113 miles from the start in Aberystwyth.

The majority of the route is along well surfaced roads and any strong tyres would be fine. However the route along the old railway track and climb through the forest at the Aberystwyth end of the route requires stronger tyres and a bike with plenty of mud clearance if the conditions are wet. The most important thing to consider is gearing. Route 81 requires a great deal of climbing, some up long drawn out climbs over the mountains at other times up very short steep hills either side of the Severn valley. Cycling this route takes

you through some very remote countryside and your bike needs to be well maintained as there are few opportunities for assistance.

It would be immensely challenging and rewarding to cycle the full length of this route but there are opportunities to break the journey up and use the local rail network.

Both Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury have mainline railway stations and most large towns and villages as far as Caersws have stations that easily link in with the route. In the remote mountain sections between the Aberystwyth and Rhayader some mobile

phones will not work so it is well worth while having an emergency plan just in case anything goes wrong.

The Sustrans map of the Lon Cambria and Lon Teifi is essential for anyone cycling this route, but care is needed in places for following the route, as I found out. In places this route physically and mentally drains you and it is all too easy to make a mistake, as I did. This is an excellent route and a serious challenge and well worth the effort needed to complete it. I would recommend this route to anyone looking for challenge.

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round the world trip | CyCle Tours

Why do it so fast?

CW reader Rupert Gregory sets forth around the world with a sense of purpose... but not too much...

M

y first experience of touring was two summers ago. I cycled from Bilbao to Cherbourg, taking just twenty days to cover 2,000km. Half-way through my first day, I passed a Dutchman.

As I came up alongside to him, I noticed the overloaded panniers, the pair of shoes hanging off the crossbar, the casual clothes and the slow, slow pace, as he tackled the first climb of the day. We chatted for a short while about where we were going, where he’d been and then he asked me something which at the time stuck me as odd, ‘why are you trying to do it so fast’. It took me a little off guard and initially I wasn’t sure how to answer. I had always considered the trip a feat of endurance, a test rather than just a holiday. It was carefully planned, I knew where I had to be each night and how I was going to get there, there was very little room for real exploration or adaptation. I tried to explain decisions which led me to being a lightweight, “speed- tourer”, before wishing him good luck and continuing on up the climb.

I recently read about Alan Bate, who holds the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle *and it made me reflect on this most fleeting of encounters. I’m in the process of planning my next “epic” adventure and I find myself asking the same question, ‘Why was I trying to do it so fast?’ This time I’m taking a very different approach not only to the way I travel but also to planning beforehand.

My intention is to cycle around the world, I’m doing it all by myself and I’m not one hundred percent sure where I’m going or when I’ll get there. This sometimes scares me. I know when I’m more likely to freeze to death in Mongolia or which roads will actually allow me to cross borders without a two-week wait for paperwork, but other than a couple of places that I know I want to visit, I’ll be selecting the roads I want to use and the places that look like fun as I go.

I think the best piece of advice that has been given to me was from Oli Broom, who cycled from Ashes series to Ashes series (England to Australia) over the course of a year and a half, his advice was to ‘try to remove yourself from danger at all costs.

If you’re in a bar and people start to look at you in an aggressive or funny way, then just leave, get on your bike and move on.

It’s easy’. I’m often asked what I expect to see and experience on this trip. I hope to see the simplicity and beauty of the world

from the semi-comfort of a leather saddle; I hope to see the difference between cultures, but also the similarities that bind us all together; the kindness of strangers, if, I should get into any trouble, and the ability to converse and cross boundaries in any part of the world.

With all of this advice and little planning, every time I think about it I get butterflies. To have that kind of freedom at any point during these much regulated, modern times is exceptionally rare and should be treasured. *At the time of writing Alan Bate held the record. You may blame Mike Hall, the new record holder, for being fast and the editor for being slow for this.

Rupert has kindly offered to send regular reports on where he has been and what he has seen.

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01/08/2012 15:28 13:03 03/08/2012

Letters Dear CW On Friday evening I always take a look at Cycleclips, the CTC weekly e.mailing. The first one in July invited readers to join in a forum debate on whether cyclists think they are above the law. Behind this was a story in the Daily Mail describing cyclists as lycra-clad tartars. Better than lycra-clad tarts, I suppose. I don’t think I am above the law when I’m out on my bike any more than I do when I drive a car. I’m not going to speak for anyone else, though we all know some inconsiderate cyclists who disregard the rules.

So, on Saturday I set off for a ride, just a short thirty-miler. First up, on a narrow road, two overtaking cars came so close as to push me into the curb. Fortunately, I stayed upright. Shortly after, while turning right onto a minor road, a car crept up th e inside and deliberately swerved towards me. Stuck between them and on-coming cars, I had no choice but to hold my ground. Having passed me the driver pulled to the left – there had been plenty of room to get past. A few miles further on a guy who clearly did not know where he was going zoomed past my kneecap and then swerved in front and halted at a junction. Then, with three cyclists coming towards me down a narrow lane, a car behind them pulled out to overtake and drove straight at me. I took evasive action and pulled into the verge. I wish I had got their number.

So, let’s have a debate about whether car drivers think they are above the law or just don’t give a monkey’s about other road users.

Bill, Barnsley

Dear CW I would like to invite Cycling World readers to attend the first Castle Combe Cycling Festival, on Sunday 26 August 2012, which celebrates all things bicycle for all the family plus will raise funds for Meningitis UK. The action-packed day includes a host of cycling events and activities, youth racing, stunt bike displays, circuit lap challenges and the popular Severn Bridge Sportive. The sportive offers riders a 56-mile or 100-mile (160km) route through beautiful countryside before heading over the Severn Bridge into Wales.

Each route will be comprehensively signed, have well-stocked refreshment stations, motorcycle

Courtesy of www.charleswhittonphotography.com

outrider support and first aid cover. In its third year, the date of the sportive has changed so it is now an integral part of the inaugural cycling festival at the Castle Combe Circuit, near Chippenham, Wiltshire.

Meningitis UK is focused on finding a vaccine to wipe out all forms of meningitis. Sadly, meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia affect thousands of people across the UK every year and kills more youngsters under five than any other infectious disease.

For more information on Castle Combe Cycling Festival, visit www. castlecombecyclingfestival.co.uk or call 01249 782417.

For more information on Meningitis UK then please visit www.meningitisuk.org Jason Hulbert

Dear CW Last week I was told that motor vehicles had right of way on the roads. It wasn’t in a cycling context, but I was stunned to find that an intelligent friend thought this. Surely a road is a highway for all traffic and all have an equal right of way? I thought that geese being driven to market actually had priority. He said that cars had a greater right of way not because they paid for the roads, but because roads were made for them. That is utter rubbish. Even if I hadn’t read Carlton Reid’s book, I learned at school that roads were made long before motor vehicles arrived on the scene. In fact, motor vehicles are the new boys. I set the record straight, but it is amazing that otherwise well-informed people talk such garbage. What can we do?

Jane, by email

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REVIEWS

Reviews

maps are provided allowing each rider to form his own judgement of the severity of the route and adjust his or her timings and gearing requirements accordingly.

Well chosen attractive photographs appear throughout and all in all I found the book to be an interesting read, as well as a comprehensive guide.

An instructor’s maxim is “Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them it, and then tell them what you’ve told them!” Nick Mitchell does this and does it well – at the end of the book he has quick reference indices covering all the main points of the journey.

As dedicated gardeners pore over seed catalogues during long winter evenings dreaming of next spring’s show of flowers and vegetables, so cyclists often do the same thing with touring guides and maps, dreaming of possible adventures to come.

I’d recommend this book, both for a long winter’s evening of enjoyable reading and as an essential accompaniment to the ride.

Gerry Frisby

The Man Who Cycled The Americas

Mark Beaumont | | Corgi Books | ISBN: 9780552163972 | 461 pgs | £8.99

“1

3,080 miles. Two big mountains.

268 Days on the road. It was going to take some time to get used to the odd notion of opening a packet of biscuits and not finishing them.” Mark Beaumont finishes his epic description of his adventure in characteristically low key language.

Mark needs little introduction – he grew up in the Scottish Highlands; aged 12 cycled across Scotland, a few years later completed and End to End following this with a journey the length of Italy raising £50,00 for charity in the process and then went on to break the Guinness World Record for a round the world cycle ride in 2008.

The description “ a page turner” is often overused by book reviewers but I can genuinely say that I found this book to be one. I simply could not put it down – I had to know what happened next.

The book is an old style, highly readable, epic yarn which takes you straight into the action without lengthy preamble and carries you along with its own momentum. Very quickly Beaumont has you with him on the ice bound slopes of Denali ( Mount McKinley) – all 20,321 feet of them in Alaska and then he gives fascinating glimpses of the pioneering eccentrics he meets on route to Canada, and this theme continues all the way through the USA Mexico and to the very tip of South America after ascending Aconcagua (22,841 feet.)

As he travels on again he gives you insights into the mind of a long distance traveller recounting the highs he experienced and the lows he had to soldier through.

This is a very different book from his first work - “The Man Who Cycled The World” and I felt his writing and narrative style had matured immensely.

Then again this was a very different adventure; almost unbelievably, it was planned at the short notice of only three months after he had just returned from a rowing expedition, taking part in the Atlantic Odyssey Challenge from Morocco to Barbados in under 30 days – this expedition having had to be abandoned after 27 days and only 520 miles.

The End to End Cycle Route Nick Mitchell | Cicerone Press Ltd | ISBN: 978 1 85284 6701 | 202 pgs | £12.95

T

he Author is a committed long distance cyclist, has completed the End to End on more than one occasion and is also a National Standards Cycling Instructor as well as a cycle tour guide, so is perhaps uniquely qualified to produce an End to End Book.

The book is comprehensive, beginning by offering information on things to see en route, notes on accommodation, timing, pre-ride training, nutrition en route and then continuing onto more detailed information on the different stages of the route itself.

Each detailed section introduces the stage to be covered, offers an opening summary of the ride and then goes on to give more detailed route finding information. Relevant tourist information is also offered in each section and the style is readable rather than purely factual. Most usefully gradient

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MOOR 2 SEA | CyCle Tours

Awesome!

Vigorous! sAtisfying!

Brennan Townshend (Team Raleigh - GAC) previewed the inaugural Moor 2 Sea Sportive …. and Stewart Bergman tells us all about it ….

O

n May 23 Brennan Townshend took on the mighty challenge of the Moor 2 Sea Sportive. When invited to preview the 112 mile Devon ride, Townshend said, “This will be great preparation for Canada’s upcoming Tour de Beauce”. Well, let’s see if his preparation tempts you to take it on or treat it as a basis for a spectacular tour of Dartmoor and Devon’s south coast.

Townshend met with Stewart Bergman, Director of Just Events Ltd, at Exeter Racecourse Conference Centre, where the inaugural event’s HQ will be hosted this September. Stewart said, “When selecting an Event HQ for the Moor 2 Sea we wanted to ensure we had a venue that would meet the standards demanded by a top sportive, with

quality facilities, ample on-site parking, easy access, out of town location, with plenty of scope for growth and development.”

At 9am, with the introductions done and the morning sun already showing signs that there was going to be a hot day ahead, Townshend started his Garmin, engaged his cleats, and set off to find out what the Moor 2 Sea had to offer. The first two miles are flat as you travel north-west past the historic Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle), built in 1788 as a memorial to Major General Stringer Lawrence, a commander of the British Army in India during the 1750’s. Here the route forks left onto some real Devonshire lanes, leading you out to Longdown. “It’s a great opener to the event and keeps you on

B3212: could you stand eighteen miles of this?

your toes, giving the perfect wake up and introduction to the ride,” Townshend said.

From Longdown the route follows the B3212 for approximately 18 miles, through the ancient town of Moretonhampstead to Postbridge. After a swift descent down into the Teign Valley, you are confronted with a quick succession of testing climbs over Farrant’s Hill, Steps Bridge and Doccombe to reach Moretonhampstead. Then it’s a steep climb past the Miniature Pony Centre to reach the open Moor. “This section really warms up the legs and gives you a taste of what’s to come,” said Townshend.

After 21 miles you reach 1483 ft, the highest point of the route, cycling past the iconic Warren House Inn (3rd highest in

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MOOR 2 SEA | CyCle Tours England). “At this point you get the chance to really appreciate the breath-taking scenery of Dartmoor as you look at the Tors and views out to the coast,” he adds.

After Postbridge the route goes through Bellever to Poundsgate, where it joins the B3357 for two very steep (25%) descents to Newbridge and Holne Bridge. “This has to be my favorite stretch of road on Dartmoor, it’s thrilling to descend and leads you through the stunning Holne Chase to Ashburton”, says Townshend. “The descent is quite technical.

There are a couple of very steep sections with tight, unforgiving corners where you have to be very careful,” he warns.

“The route, from the B3357 to Ashburton and southwards through Buckfastleigh towards South Brent, is the same as will be used in Stage 7 of the Tour of Britain, just one week after the Moor 2 Sea Sportive”, states Bergman.

Following a pleasant descent to Ivybridge, where you cross the River Erme, the route turns left, climbing sharply up Blachford Road and back to Dartmoor for a beautiful, undulating ride across to Yelverton.

“The long climb from Yelverton to Princetown is great provided you don’t overcook it in the first 60 miles”, warns Townshend. “It’s one where you need to sit in the saddle and tap out a good cadence, that way you’ll be making the most of your energy and conserving a little for those last few miles later on”, he advises.

From Princetown it’s an exhilarating descent past Two Bridges and on towards Dartmeet. At Hexworthy Cross the route turns right towards Venford Reservoir, winding its way up a grueling 25% climb, past the Forest Inn to reach Coombestone Tor. With a wry smile, Townshend states, “Don’t be fooled as you pass the inviting pools of the River Dart and cross the clapper-bridge at one of Dartmoor’s little known beauty spots. It’s here that the Moor reveals it’s true character, providing two very steep, twisting climbs that really set the lactate burning in your legs”.

After Combestone Tor it’s mostly downhill, crossing Venford Reservoir Dam to rejoin the B3352 back to Ashburton.

Bergman tells us, “The Moor 2 Sea will have a well stocked Feed Zone at Ashburton.

This will be staffed by volunteers from the Dartmoor Search & Rescue Team, based close to the town. The Challenge route will pass through once, and the Extreme route, twice”.

After refueling it’s another sharp ascent (18%), over Cabbage Hill. “This is one I have never experienced before, but it’s one that I will be testing myself on again”, states Townshend.

With Dartmoor’s open roads firmly left behind, the route enters a whole new terrain, squirming its way through the narrow twisting lanes between Teignbridge to Kingskerswell. “You need to be switched on for this section, there are a lot of sharp corners and blind bends requiring your full

Combeston

“The Moor 2 Sea rouTe really iS aweSoMe, a vigorouS TeST of endurance and cliMbing abiliTy, a ride ThaT once finiShed leaveS you wiTh a really SaTiSfying SenSe of achieveMenT.” concentration”, reminds Townshend.

The route climbs Fluder Hill (12%) out of Kingskerswell to join the A379 coastal road at Maidencombe. “The route is entering its last leg now and once riding along the south coast, the name ‘Moor 2 Sea’ really explains itself.

Just two more testing climbs left, Teignmouth, and Mamhead. After conquering Teingmouth it’s fairly flat until Mamhead.” Townshend proclaims.

Bergman adds, “Having traversed the highest roads on Dartmoor, the Moor 2 Sea brings you right down to sea level, crossing Shaldon Bridge into Teignmouth. As you make your way to Starcross there are some captivating views along the coast”.

Having passed the Anchor Inn, on the waterfront at Cockwood, the route enters Starcross, guiding you mercilessly to the final frontier, Mamhead. This two mile ascent will have its own King of the Mountain’s time.

Participants who complete this stage within the designated time will receive a prestigious

KoM Bar to append to their medal.

From the top of Mamhead it’s just a gentle spin back through Haldon Forest to the Racecourse. Once safely away from the public roads you will be free to race your way around the two mile closed perimeter track to the finish, in front of the Grandstand.

Townshend completed the event’s Extreme Route, with its grueling 12,000 feet of climb in just 6 hrs and 20 minutes.

He concluded, “The Moor 2 Sea route really is awesome, a vigorous test of endurance and climbing ability, a ride that once finished leaves you with a really satisfying sense of achievement.”

The inaugural Moor 2 Sea Sportive takes place on Saturday 8th September. Places are limited. To register, please visit www. moor2sea.com.

Brennan has kindly uploaded his ride onto STRAVA, allowing you to preview the route profile and compare your times across various segments of the course whilst training.

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the children’s trust | london to canterbury

the childen’s trust London to Canterbury Challenge 2012

W

ant to take part in a scenic, yet challenging bike ride this summer? Then keep reading...

The London to Canterbury Challenge is a 65 or 80 mile ride over the beautiful North Downs. The ride takes place on Sunday 16th September 2012 – so be sure to put that in the diary. The ride was founded in 2004 by The Children’s Trust, with a view to make it the flagship cycling event for the charity. Year on year, the ride has gone from strength to strength, with the first year attracting around 30 riders, to last year there being over 300. 2012 promises to be even bigger still, with the aim to get the numbers up to 500! Over the years, the ride has raised over £168,450 for the children at the Trust.

There is a brand new start location this year; Danson Park in Bexleyheath. You can choose whether to take on the 65 or the 80 mile route. It is a fantastic ride with a real mixture of abilities taking part, from club cyclists to those new to riding longer distances. Riders will follow the same route, from Bexleyheath over the North Downs until mile 55, where the route splits. The majority of riders are on road bikes but we have lots on hybrid and mountain bikes,

some on foldable bikes a few on tandems and even a couple on recumbent bikes (the ones where it looks as if you are lying down).

The ride is very well signposted and well supported with marshals and plenty of water stations along the route. Refreshments and energy drinks and bars are provided at these points. It is a very friendly ride that you can take at your own pace.

The ride finishes in the heart of Canterbury at St Augustine’s Abbey and family and friends are welcome to come and cheer you over the finish line before enjoying some food.

Read what some past riders think about the ride: ‘It really was the best sportive I’ve done.

Superb aid stations.’ Ben - part of a team of 5 participants in 2011 ‘Thanks for putting on a fabulous bike ride. The route was both challenging and picturesque and very well planned and organised from start to finish’ Malcolm, 2011 participant ‘The best and most scenic ride we’ve ever been on’ Steve, 2010 participant ‘I do a few charity rides a year and this just seemed to be that little bit better in all areas’ Tony, 2009 participant

purchase from The Children’s Trust, which will provide you with the right attire for the day along with happy memories after it.

The Children’s Trust is a national charity providing high quality residential care for children with disabilities and complex health needs, intensive residential rehabilitation for children with acquired brain injury and education for children with profound and multiple learning difficulties. All the money raised will go towards helping the children at the Trust.

For more information, or to sign up for the London to Canterbury Challenge, visit thechildrenstrust.org.uk/ltc or contact the team at cycling@thechildrenstrust.org.uk or on 01737364329.

Why not try and recruit a team and enjoy a team discount when entering?

There are also cycling jerseys available to

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MOSCOW - VELIKII NOVGOROD - ST. PETERSBURG | CYCLE TOURS

Moscow

THE THREE CAPITALS OF RUSSIA Moscow - Velikii Novgorod - St. Petersburg, in the company of Timothy Filipov of the Russian Cycle Touring Club

S

ome may wonder why anyone would come to Russia to do a bike tour, but that was not the case for the 18 adventurous men and women who participated in the Russian Cycle Touring Club’s “Three Capitals of Russia” tour. The cyclists came from around the world: the United States,Canada, Australia, England, Germany, and even Hong Kong. Their ages ranged from a mid-20-year-old graduate student to an 80-year-old WWII veteran, and their professional backgrounds and political orientations were similarly diverse.

Despite their differences, the participants shared a compelling interest: they wanted

to explore Russia, a country rich in both extraordinary natural beauty and a fascinating, millennia-old culture. Enthusiastic cyclists all, the group members knew that the very best way to explore would be by bicycle, and most of them chose to rent comfortable (and very affordable) bikes from RCTC, although a few brought their own machines with them.

The Three Capitals of Russia bike tour is nothing like the typical tour that most visitors experience in Russia, which tend to be large “canned” bus or boat tours. No, RCTC offers something entirely different: a chance to get off the beaten path, to step outside of the insulated, tourist bubble, while travelling

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MOSCOW - VELIKII NOVGOROD - ST. PETERSBURG | CYCLE TOURS

Velikii Novogorad

with a small group at one’s own pace, with the guidance of experienced Russian cyclists and tour organizers.

Upon arrival in Moscow, the participants enjoyed a guided walking tour of the city, which also allowed time for individuals to explore sites that held special interest for them, like visiting the tomb of a favourite composer. Of course, the group also had the opportunity to taste authentic, traditional Russian cuisine for the first time (but certainly not the last!) during the walking tour. By the time we left Moscow, each participant had gained a genuine sense of the unique spirit of this dynamic nine-hundred year-old city.

The cycling itself started in the city of Tver, an hour’s train ride from Moscow (the bikes were transported by a sag wagon).

Local riders from the Tver cycling club met our guest cyclists and led the group on a marvellous bike tour around their town. They then guided us to a favourite picnic spot and later to a little-known forest camping site. The first day of riding concluded as we pitched tents (this was our only night with a campfire and tents), mingled, and swapped stories with our local cycling hosts who spent the night with us. This kind of welcoming local

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MOSCOW - VELIKII NOVGOROD - ST. PETERSBURG | CYCLE TOURS

St. Petersburg

hospitality was encountered several times along our 470 mile-long route to St. Petersburg.

Over our ten day journey, everybody was free to ride at his or her own pace.

Even when a person wanted to skip some of the highlighted tour sites (if he or she preferred riding above all else) they were able to do so with a guide. The RCTC guides were fluent in English and they were all committed to ensuring that everyone felt comfortable and enjoyed their Russian cycling vacation fully. The RCTC guides were also proficient bicycle mechanics, so the participants never had to worry about flat tyres or any other mechanical problems. The escort truck carried the group’s luggage and had plenty of space for riders (plus bikes) who wanted to shorten a day’s cycling distance. Daily distances ranged from 40-70 miles. The sag wagon also carried lots of refreshments, and there were ample food stops along the

way. Russian hospitality is legendary, and there was an almost unlimited supply of tea, juice, water, bread, cheese, jam, fresh fruit and vegetables, Russian sweets, and other delectable treats. The group ate most of the main meals in cafes, restaurants, and hotels, but some were cooked by the guides, and these were particularly interesting for the international guests.

Every day offered stunning impressions and experiences, and the varied sights along the route delighted everyone: quaint villages, beautiful forests, pastoral fields, monasteries, museums, and on and on. Many of the buildings we saw were built hundreds of years ago, but the true architectural and cultural jewels of the tour were found in the three historical capital cities we visited: Moscow, Velikii Novgorod, and St. Petersburg. Each of these great cities seemed to engrave its unique image into the minds of the visiting cyclists.

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to fully describe even a single day’s adventures; the full ten-day tour simply overflowed with unforgettable memories.

At the end of the tour, several of the participants said they wanted to return to Russia to do more cycling. And for three of the cyclists, this was not their first bike tour with RCTC, and it surely won’t be their last. The only sadness expressed was at the very end when the cyclists had to say good bye to their new friends. A genuine bond had been forged between these cycling partners, and there was also a profound sense of accomplishment, because the riding had not always been easy. The cyclists came looking for adventure and they found it, along with the opportunity to gain insight into the fascinating and complex Russian culture. For many cyclists this tour is not just a ride, but a quest to embrace the Russian spirit itself.

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03/08/2012 17:06

Bath to Bournemouth bike ride Sign up and help beat heart disease Sunday 30 September 2012 80 miles of on-road cycling

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24/07/2012 03/08/2012 09:38 15:28

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cyclo cross | products & technical

Crossover!

Cyclo Cross- the Bike for all Seasons n’ reasons a

Michael Stenning looks at an all-rounder

resurgence in the popularity of cyclo-cross these past few years, has brought with it a new wave of competition ready mid-range machines with mudguard eyes, triple chainsets and, often, carrier mounts. Swapping the 700c knobblies for slicks, fitting mudguards and/or carriers sees them morph into equally competent Audax/Touring and/ or commuters. It doesn’t take a genius to realise a “crosser” could be the perfect all season’s machine-especially if you’re pressed for space or need a weekend warrior doubling as a weekday workhorse.

What iS a CyClo CroSS BikE? Cyclo-cross is arguably the forerunner to cross country mountain-biking mudplugging. It enjoys a particularly fanatical following on the continent, where the Dutch and Belgians are most enthused.

Held throughout the off-season between September and February, riders compete on

machines closely resembling standard road bikes but with bigger clearances and more relaxed geometry over short, muddy heats, which often involves carrying the bike and running through the more technical sections.

Evolution of a SpECiES Because of this, old converted tourers and hybrids are often spotted at club levels with some obvious cross-species evolution. Bar end controls were justly popular amongst tourists and ‘cross racers because of their convenient positioning coupled with robust, dependable simplicity. In the event of a tumble, the lever will simply rotate in the handlebars, which is not always the case with the now ubiquitous STI units. That said, and despite initial scepticism, the majority of riders (myself included) have made the transition to combined brake/shifters without notable problem; although I’m loath to invest beyond Tiagra/Deore when it comes to drivetrains on ‘cross duty since

spills can still prove financially traumatic.

While better quality touring and hybrid framesets share taller head and shorter toptubes with dedicated mud pluggers, their bottom bracket heights are lower, which presents clearance issues when negotiating more technical sections populated by tree roots, rocks and similar obstacles. Long haul tours are well within the capabilities of multisport ‘cross bikes but call for YAK style trailers since loftier bottom bracket heights can present stability woes with two full-to-bursting fortylitre expedition panniers in tow! Disc brakes have also emerged across the three genres but in ‘cross the humble wide arm cantilever rules supreme thanks to low weight, excellent modulation/feel and mechanical simplicity.

These are also plug n’ play compatible with interrupter levers that allow braking from the handlebar tops without compromising control on long, slippery sections.

What to look for, What to pay Back in 2008 I penned a piece about building a Cyclo Cross bike on a bare bones budget using a Reynolds 631 MTB frameset, aluminium fork and leftover components from the spares bin. Total cost of my particular build came to £120.

Similar efforts remain possible using an old Cro-moly touring/hybrid frameset, some imagination and a thrifty nature.

However and for the time being, let’s concentrate on shop bought, ready to ride packages. £650 is a very reasonable benchmark for an entry-level race bike that will wear alternative hats. Spending more equates to higher end components/ materials but past £900 things become race specific and arguably less desirable for general riding. Generally I resist mentioning specific makes and models but Kona Jake, Specialized Tri Cross and Charge filter mid merit closer inspection.

framE & forkS Expect to find 6061 double, possibly triple

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EaStpak vEloW kruizEr vEloW (Large) £80

butted aluminium frames mated with carbon (composite) forks and a selection of components from mid and lower end road groupsets. Look for mudguard and carrier fixings and possibly two sets of bottle mounts (although the latter isn’t a dealbreaker since there’s a wealth of inexpensive under-the-saddle caddy systems on the market). Solo cages positioned on the down tube are the norm since those on the seat tube interfere with seamless ride-dismount and carry manoeuvres.

It goes without saying that any aluminium or composite frame should have a replaceable derailleur hanger, so be sure your intended purchase has and buy/ order a spare(s) since they can otherwise take weeks to arrive from the supplier and disaster often strikes on a Sunday afternoon miles from the nearest lightweight bike dealer! Steel remains quietly popular; although we’re talking cheerful in-house double-butted TIG welded 4130 at this end of the market-more exotic thin wall stuff starts creeping in around £900. Bent hangers are less of an issue, unless you’re a real rough stuff aficionado but straightening will still cost £20 at your friendly bike shop or frame builder, so consider investing in an alignment tool. These typically command £30 and win many a friend into the bargain!

WhEElS & tyrES In common with other genres of entry-mid level bicycle, compromises are inevitable.

Hard anodised thirty-two hole rims with machined sidewalls laced two-cross to Tiagra rear/Deore front hubs are a pretty good bet, although chances are they’ll be machine-built and need a quick, one-off tweak from the spoke key come the first two-hundred mixed terrain miles. Swapping from slicks to knobblies makes sense in the early stages but consider investing in a second set of wheels (complete with cassette, tyres and tubes) for quick and effortless identity swaps. Prices vary but budget for £250 in the first instance.

To be fair, OEM rubber seems pretty good these days thanks to the bigger ‘brands buying prowess. I like the security of stock knobblies for forest frolics and winter’s unpredictable slush and slime.

However, they induce a fair bit of drag over asphalt, which can become intrusive with prolonged riding. Therefore, a set of 28-35mm touring specific rubber is ideal for bikes spending the majority of their life on tarmac.

Those determined to ride regardless how harsh the winters will be pleased to know spiked snow tyres are available in 42mm 700c sizes but be sure there’s sufficient frame clearance to accommodate them. At

Eastpak Velow Kruizer is a slightly quirky design, rugged enough to shrug off the inevitable rough n’ tumble of crosstown commutes yet suitably civilian to go unnoticed in the office. Attention to detail is generally excellent, segregated compartments are well organised without feeling overly regimented-our thirty one litre sample effortlessly gobbled change of clothes, armoured cable lock, A4 folder, pads, seventeen inch laptop, tools, lunch, stationary, folding tyre and full-size frame fit pump within the main compartment.

That said and pardoning the pun, there’s still room for improvement. While the broad neoprene shoulder strap distributes “kitchen sink” loads admirably, padding at the base is a little Spartan and competitor designs employ reversible hardware, allowing bags to be worn over the left or right shoulder. Speaking of which, nagging discomfort in this area also suggests thin triangular stabilizing straps don’t combat sway nearly so proficiently as their traditional brethren-especially when sprinting from the lights, swerving around opening car doors, potholes, errant pedestrians and similar town centre hazards.

Tipping the scales at a substantial 850g it’s made from a blend of weatherproof nylon, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and reinforced tarpaulin. Common to other flagship models, the Velow boasts an oversized storm flap with belt n’ braces nip n’ tuck ears, Velcro and cam buckle closures preventing water/ingress sneaking inside.

Suffice to say; even in monsoon conditions the contents have remained bone dry. LED tabs are also incorporated into the nylon webbing, positioning blinkeys firmly at driver eye-level.

Popping open the satchel reveals a tan section of cubbyholes for pens/credit cards with zippered pockets perfect for wallets smart phones iPods and similar creature comforts.

The main compartment is pleasingly original featuring a zippered bag for clothes, shoes, stationary, lock etc segregated from the padded laptop/tablet computer sleeve. Access to this is also via a zippered section that rests against the rider-brilliant for hiding feted riding kit/similar personals from clients and colleagues but perhaps a missed opportunity since it eats into storage space. On the bike its surprisingly comfortable-at least for five mile commutes across town with cameras, tripods and other valuables. Hard core traffic jammers will be pleased to hear it doesn’t interfere with helmets when performing over the shoulder checks but sheer size prohibits sneaking through those really tight gaps. Casual indifference coupled with regular brushes with brickwork and the sides of busses have made virtually no impression on the fabric, which despite the instructions seems tolerant of machine-washing at thirty degrees.

Michael Stenning Verdict: Bombproof and generally likeable lifestyle bag but its smaller siblings are a better bet for urban riding.

Sizes: S 11.5 litres, Medium (22 litres) Large 31 litres. www.radiatorpr.com

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cyclo cross | products & technical SECond hand

the other extreme and so long as you’ve an appropriate racing licence, it’s quite feasible to enter the occasional road race/time trial on a crosser, too - simply by opting for a closely spaced cassette and super skinny 23mm tyres.

GEarinG Traditionally cyclo crossers had single, or double chainsets but in this evolving market, 50,40, 30 tooth, triples with ninespeed 12-25 cassettes are commonplace.

In my opinion, this errs on the tall side for competitive riding but provides a decent spread of gears for charging up hill, down dale or just cruising along. By contrast my Raleigh sports 46/36 rings and a 12-25 eight-speed cassette, which is less prone to clogging - a moot point for touring but a distinct advantage when racing.

finiShinG kit Finishing kit tends to err on the serviceable in-house variety. Aheadsets and bottom brackets being reasonably well sealed, if not overly lightweight affairs with bar, stem and seatposts following in this mould.

Carbon composite seatposts have become increasingly commonplace on entry level machines and add a little extra refinement but if you’re planning to haul a post mounted hitch for trailer/tagalong duties, either replace at the time of purchase or buy a second, cheaper alloy model for when it’s playing cart-horse. Contact points are very personal items but saddles and bar wrap in particular can feel very low-rent (dare we say uncomfortable) but easily replaced/upgraded to suit. Mountain bike SPD pedals are another the obvious choice, regardless whether you have competitive urges or not since they offer excellent mudshedding prowess, power transfer and their recessed cleats allow natural, unhindered walking/running. Negotiate tactfully over saddle; handlebar wrap, mudguards and a serviceable four-point carrier at the time of purchase but £100 wouldn’t be an unreasonable deal so long as you weren’t being overly flamboyant in your choices.

Second hand can be a fantastic way of bagging a bargain; it can also be a major headache if you get it wrong. Expect to pay £400 for a comparable well maintained entry-level machine that’s seen a couple of season’s service-less for older examples. Paul Milnes cycles used to offer some fantastic starter packages. Justly popular, I’ve seen his more basic (but arguably perfect do-all) 4130 variants crop up for £300 at race meets with only a few light battle scars.

Many starter framesets/complete bikes are passed through club-members for modest sums and could be a safer bet than buying blind since you’ll know something of the machines history/treatment. That said, remain vigilant and take a companion along if only as a second pair of eyes/moral support when it comes to negotiating a deal.

Nine years back, I snagged a 1978 Geoff Roberts chassis for £50 in the small ads section of a well-known cycling publication.

Satisfied the seller was honest and genuine in his description, I bought blind and wasn’t disappointed (knowing it needed some light cosmetic repair and re-enamelling). Total cost of the build including wheels, groupset and sundries chimed in at a very reasonable £460…

thE nExt BESt thinG: (a) loW BudGEt Imagination, creativity coupled with knowledge is an incredibly potent mix so long as you were prepared to accept some deviations from the purist script.

The most obvious donor mounts are older mid range 700c tourers or hybrids since these are plentiful with solid, second-

hand examples to be had for around £250.

What you expect to see are the inevitable little nicks and scrapes but no major corrosion, dents or other signs of neglect.

This should buy something based around a Reynolds 520/531 or 4130 equivalent tubeset with cantilever bosses, mudguard eyes and ideally four point carrier mounts.

Sometimes manufacturers cheat, building the main frame of this calibre and the rear triangle from cheaper high-tensile steel (a common trick on those marketed as commu-tourers).

These aren’t quite so frisky as the thoroughbreds but resist denting and everyday mishaps better. Smile a lot and walk swiftly away from anyone offering a 531db example (unless its extremely cheap and in excellent structural condition) since this specific blend proved particularly vulnerable in the front-end crashes.

Don’t discount Reynolds lowlier 501/500 or Columbus Gara since these are both plentiful and very competent for training duties- well loved and ready to ride machines can be snapped up for a mere £80!

Refinements are to taste and purse.

Stripped of mudguards and similar dressage, Tourers with old school bar end gear shifters can be ‘cross ready with a simple change of tyres (£25 upwards).

Hybrids follow much the same rules but remember that while flat bars are welcomed in competition bar ends are not. My inclination is to exchange flat or riser variants for wide (44-46cm) drops.

Tektro make some lovely Campagnolo pattern brake levers for around £20 and the existing Sti units can be repositioned either on the drop or top sections

48 Cycling World | www.cyclingworldmag.com

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cyclo cross | products & technical

SmartWool WomEn’S miCroWEiGht Cami top £29.99

depending on preference although this often requires judicious splaying of their clamps. Ultimately conversions needn’t cost more than £60 including fresh handlebar wrap and cables so long as you haven’t bought a basket case and don’t mind trawling the web/small ads/bike shops for suitable bargains.

Good quality mountain bikes from the late 1980s/early 90s can also present excellent platforms for versatile, fun to ride everyday steeds, not least because parts are in plentiful supply and relatively good value. However, the degree of over-build means they’re always going to lag slightly behind 700c builds when it comes to outright road-biased speed and agility.

thE nExt BESt thinG: (B) ShoEStrinG/SCrap hEap ChallEnGE Our justly lamented throwaway society can present rich pickings for the resourceful.

Often perfectly good frames languish in skips, garages/similar outbuildings and even by the roadside. If this sounds beneath you, make enquiries with local project finishers. Occasionally customers drop frames for makeovers, never to be seen again! Proprietors legally reserve the right to dispose of stock to recoup costs/reclaim space after twelve months. Therefore, serendipity coupled with the right approach could bag you a very swish looking starting point for relatively few beans. Bike shops sometimes permit regular (paying!) patrons a discretionary rummage through their biscuit/bodge box. Often this is the stuff no-one else wants but I’ve known perfectly serviceable forks, Girvin flex-stems, shopsoiled rear mechs and odd hubs to be uncovered this way. Tea and biscuits make tasty bribes but play fair and remember that charity is dispensed at staff discretion, not upon demand.

Really creative folk with metal-working skills have been known to go one stage

further, building their own ‘cross hacks from donor frames/scrap tubing, finishing them in leftover acrylic paints and enough parts to make them go, stop and handle surprisingly well. However, this isn’t the stuff of have a go- heroes- my grandfather (forty years a skilled welder) frequently remarked how any fool could blast metal together but making it stick required years of practice. I would recommend structured, supervised tuition from a coachbuilder/toolmaker or someone from a similar engineering background since little knowledge rapidly leads to blindness, extensive UV burns and potentially fatal explosions. Better still, have a look for introductory courses at your local college of further education.

Seasoned types with access to a jig might like to know Peugeot’s bargain basement Carbolite 103 frames make excellent donors since the thicker gauge tubes seem very tolerant of MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding.

limitationS/ thinGS to ConSidEr

Available in a choice of five colours, base layers don’t come more fetching than Smartwool’s micro weight cami-top.

Arguably too pretty to hide beneath jerseys and other technical layers, Sharon was immediately smitten by its classically feminine detailing and flattering cut. Made from 100% merino wool, it boasts temperature and moisture regulating qualities that synthetics can only dream of and won’t look out of place on the beach, around town or worn beneath a blouse during office hours.

Ours was a little black number but there’s natural, mineral, violet and silver grey/ heather should you prefer. Smartwool provide a very comprehensive sizing chart, making for easy virtual purchase but as a guide, the medium supplied was perfect for dress sizes 12/14 and busts of 34b/c cup. While figure hugging, flat seams won’t leave tell-tale branding, nor will the fibres betray sports bras and it packs phenomenally small-occupying the absolute minimum of space in a pannierjust the ticket for weekend/light touring. This also means it dries in a flash- crease free and ready to wear in seven minutes following a campsite bucket wash. Performance in the saddle won’t disappoint the most demanding riders either.

Dismal spring weathers has seen Sharon a slave to the indoor trainer. No garment can synchronise completely with the body’s natural cooling mechanism and after fifteen minutes concerted effort she, reported tell-tale dampness around the back and bust but the fabric quickly awakens, trafficking moisture from the skin, neutralising potential odours before they start. On the open road, a warm glow is as close as she came to feeling soggy and, conversely, wool conserves warmth should the mercury tumble unexpectedly-fine on a quick late summer scoot home from supper at a friends but by their nature, slips offer no protection against painful sun/windburn so pack sunscreen and preferably a lightweight top with sleeves in the height of summer. Michael Stenning Verdict: Beautiful, versatile top for almost every occasion on or off the bike.

Sizes: Sml-XL www.smartwool.com

Conversions always come with some element of compromise. Touring bikes characteristically have lower bottom bracket heights, thus keeping a sensible centre of gravity when hauling the kitchen sink; so greater care is needed off road to prevent chain-ring teeth and sometimes bottom bracket shells grounding out. By no means a magic bullet, substituting the standard 170/175mm arms for shorter 165mm types buys additional ground clearance.

Frame sizing is all the more important when we’re talking mixed terrain riding.

As a very simplistic rule of thumb, going three or four centimetres smaller than usual (e.g. 56cm rather than 60) creates additional clearance between top tubes and soft tissue, while making the bike more agile to ride through those tricky technical sections.

www.cyclingworldmag.com | Cycling World 49

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products & technical

mid tErm tESt: kontaCt anatomiC raCE SaddlE £79.99

Kontact anatomic race saddle could almost go unnoticed among the sea of pronounced pressure relieving grooves and cutaways. On the flip side, this is precisely how a good saddle should feel and despite a quick tweak here and there, we’ve managed several hundred mixed terrain miles without a hint of discomfort or dysfunction and that’s pretty impressive from a perch hovering around 200g. The one amendment I would like to see are scuff bumpers-not that you’d put an eighty-quid saddle on a town hack but since bikes are typically propped by their saddles against walls, posts and other street furniture, it makes sense to add some reinforcement in these key areas.

Titanium rails, carbon fibre/plastic bases and leather covers are hardly front-page news but there’s some secrecy when it comes to the padding and a damper nestling between the chassis and rails. My money says its some kind of elastomer, although to some extent the origins aren’t overly significant so long as it works and doesn’t require any specialist care. Sharing clear similarities with Selle Italia’s classic Flite and BBB’s unfortunately monikered razor, the rear is designed with plentiful support to the Ischial tuberosities (sit bones to you and me) while the cutaway nose is shaped to relieve pressure and chafing around the genital/thigh regions.

Twenty miles into our first outing, I knew we were soul-mates with all the components working harmoniously to give a magic carpet experience, without undue bulk (although we’re told a “recreational” model’s in the pipeline). Good quality, as distinct from “chemical” titanium rails offers plenty of zing over inclement surfaces but the clever little damper and carbon composite base provide additional refinement, suggesting it’s a worthy contender for ‘cross duties too.

Arguably the Univega’s more upright positioning doesn’t place the same pressures upon the soft tissues so I swapped ours over to the Teenage dream for some long, steady miles on the tri bars with no discernable difference. For a time some manufacturers’ design philosophies regarded shuffling as a dirty word but thankfully, the hide permits subtle adjustments without the irksome surfing that can arise wearing super shiny shorts/ longs. Michael Stenning Verdict: Impressive minimalist saddle for generic road duties, although scuff bumpers would be a practical tweak.

Test period: 3 months (1200 miles) www.hubjub.co.uk

lEzynE tECh drivE hp mini pump £24.99 Lezyne’s Tech Drive HP pump hasn’t wowed me to the same degree as its micro floor pump sibling but nonetheless, it’s worthy of the bottle bosses-especially for mid section touring rubber clamouring for pressures between 90 and100psi. Tipping the scales at 117g, everything feels reassuringly sturdy and the medium seems a better option for regular use, slipping conveniently into jersey pockets/luggage should its otherwise dependable composite carry bracket offend rider sensibilities.

Marketed at the road, rather than mountain bike fraternity, HP denotes high pressure, so, look to its HV counterpart if your fleet sports portly rubber. Aesthetics are every bit to the brand’s impeccable standards, the neutral silver anodised CNC machined aluminium barrel and handle incorporate subtle fluting that doesn’t look out of place on an 80’s classic. Elsewhere, a dual headed Presta/Schrader flexi hose won’t damage valves with sustained effort and stows neatly inside the handle when not required.

The eagle eyed amongst you will notice a little black button located at the Presta end. This is Lezyne’s patented ABS (Air bleed system) designed to release pressure from the hose (as opposed to valves) when you’ve finished.

Time will tell as to whether this is gimmick or

genuine innovation but since it doesn’t hinder performance, I’m not fussed either way.

Refinement and efficiency are generally better than I’ve come to expect from the pint-sized breed, very smooth to around sixty -five, maybe seventy psi whereupon a more determined rhythm needs to be adopted to crack the proverbial ton. This arrived in 193 strokes and approximately three minutes with a 700x35, whereas a 700x25 commanded 155. Alas, 103, not 120 proved the absolute limit and by this point my biceps were screaming, full of lactic acid. To be fair, I still squeezed 80psi into a 26x1.3 slick in a commendable- for- size, 302 meaning it’s a viable option for group runs involving more than one genre of machine or solos coupled with trailers/tagalongs. Michael Stenning Verdict: Practical pint sized inflator but its micro floor pump sibling remains a better bet for really demanding road tyres.

Size Tested: Medium Weight: 117g (including bracket) www.upgradebikes.co.uk

lEzynE ClaSSiC pEdal rod £17.99 Generally speaking, I don’t get excited about pedal spanners until I’ve mislaid one, or leant it to someone without the presence of mind to return it. Then along comes Lezyne with this beauty, Crafted from CNC machined, heat treated Cro-moly steel topped off with a nickel plate finish as tough as it is elegant, the additional length provided by the tactile wooden handle makes short work of the most stubborn, weathered and neglected examples.

I’ve toyed with giving ours a lacquer clear coat to prevent it becoming sullied by the accumulated workshop patina as the months, dare I say years roll by but then frankly, I think this will simply add to, rather than detract from its charms. Did I mention the integral bottle opener, perfect for that celebratory tipple?

Precision engineered for a snug, slip free purchase on the pedal flats, the slots are angled for easy leverage, no matter how you approach the components in question without recourse to rubber engineers mallets, penetrating sprays and other coaxing implements. Joshua’s woefully neglected BMX pedals hadn’t been touched since he learned to ride unaided almost two years back. With the neighbours clearly bracing themselves for grazed knuckles, gouged paintwork and subsequent agricultural outpourings, I hooked the slot to the drive side and nudged counter clockwise, breaking the seal of corrosion in seconds.

Pleased as punch, switching the bike around, I docked it to the left hand and plunged in a clockwise

50 Cycling World | www.cyclingworldmag.com

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products & technical

BBB BCS08S CaSSEttE and BCh82 Chain £19.95 (each) BBB BCS08S cassette and BCH82 powerline chain hardly roll off the tongue but should bring cheer to riders with older, mid range Shimano/Sachs groupsets in rude health. Ours still look brand spanking new after four hundred mixed terrain miles but only time will tell if the BCH82 will equal Gusset’s wallet friendly, heavy duty GS8 in terms of longevity.

Prised from their unassuming cardboard packaging, both are positively dripping in electroplate. Far from simply cosmetic, 1.2 Micron thick nickel plating is designed with component longevity and corrosion resistance in mind. Ours was the 13-23, steeper than a traditional rough stuff touring configuration perhaps but the Univega sports 26x1.9 hoops and 42/32/22 rings giving a range between 24.6 and 83.2 inches-sufficient oomph for whirring up hill and down dale, laden like the proverbial camel.

Having greased the Deore freehub for optimum, corrosion free fit, I’m pleased to report the cassette body mated beautifully with the splines before the 13 tooth and lock-ring were introduced, snugged down using a longhandled Shimano pattern/ torque wrench. Those blessed with the latter should note a setting of 35-50Nm, which sounds high but cassettes are subjected to enormous forces so tightening ours within fifty miles came as little surprise.

However, I’ve not had a peep out of it since.

The chain is a similarly refined bushingless affair sporting 114links that

should be adequate for all bar the most extreme configurations. Quick release joining pins have been something I’ve shyed away from but the BCH82 has softened my stance, clipping together and nudging apart in a deft flick without obvious weakness. Harmonious with an A’la Carte orchestra of Ultegra bar cons, LX rear and STX front mechs, shifts were slick and instantaneous in across the block, whether charging into top in preparation for a 1 in 4 descent or trickling through rush hour town centre traffic.

Skipping and similar tantrums couldn’t be cajoled attacking the climbs, leaving changes late and with my full seventy kilos dancing on the pedals.

Forest frolics coupled with the odd river crossing failed to induce the familiar orange rash or metal on metal tinkling for the first two hundred miles, such was the tenacity of the factory marinade. They’ve remained steadfastly blemish free in identical conditions, dressed only in a lightweight wax lube, leading me to conclude this paring are particularly suited to the rigors of touring, mountain bike and cyclo cross. Michael Stenning Verdict: Good quality, competitively priced replacements for mid range eight speed drivetrains. www.windwave.co.uk

direction. Hey presto, off they came, begging for a coating of marine grease.

Duly applied, reversing the process had them snugged tight in a matter of four turns and about thirty seconds. The song remained the same when replacing a cheap n’ nasty OEM set fitted to a friends’ hybrid. Another example clearly installed without so much as a cursory lick of lube, my dog-eared, bargain basement toolbox staple succeeded only in etching in my palm.

No challenge for the thirty-six-centimetre Colossus though-another swift tug of the handle induced instant surrender. Deliberately leaving ours out in the open, coastal air for several days made negligible impression on the brightwork, meaning the quality should be remembered long after the price has been forgotten. Michael Stenning Verdict: Superbly civilised pedal spanner for home or commercial use-loan it at your peril.

Weight: 337g www.upgradebikes.co.uk

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products & technical

SkS raCE BladE lonG Clip on mudGuardS £44.95 SKS Race blade long clip-on mudguards aren’t quite the answer to everyone’s prayers since headsets, bottom brackets, seat tubes, brake callipers and front mechs still get blasted with whatever’s going. They also run at very close tolerances, so fitting requires patience/lateral thought and often both. However, bar one, they’re the best of the clip on breed I’ve used to date.

SKS are synonymous with quality and the materials are generally top-notch. A choice of black/silver chrome plastics, stainless steel stays and portly rubberised flaps look sharp and will win the quiet respect of anyone following your wheel on the wettest days. Although adequate and generally rattle free, other hardware feels decidedly agricultural. Mercifully, the Teenage Dream proved a perfect guinea pig, hailing from a time when small builders would often tack eyelets to race framesets, paint in a different colour and market as winter/trainers.

This enabled me to mount the stays directly at the frame, rather than using the quick release skewer to hold everything in situ. The latter isn’t an overly problematic arrangement but adds a minute or two’s additional faff to roadside mechanicals, which could prove extremely unwelcome when it’s blowing a hoolie. The other mounting point is at the brakes but this is simply a case of slackening the calliper, sliding the horseshoe ends and connecter either side of the bridge/crown and snugging tight using a 5/6mm Allen key.

23mm tyres are the absolute limit and it took a fair bit of jiggery pokery to get everything to align without binding -I resorted to judicious bending of the front and rear chrome plastics to prevent ours catching over inclement road surfaces. Teething troubles resolved; performance has been pretty impressive thanks to their additional length, eliminating wet backsides and to a lesser extent, feet. Several weeks in and predictably nothing has turned furry or showed signs of warping, so I’m confident they’ll look showroom fresh several winters down the line-even on slave bikes. Michael Stenning

fiBrax Soft Compound CantilEvEr padS £4.99pr Giving change from a fiver, Fibrax soft compound pads are an inexpensive way of bringing older/lower end brakesets bang up to scratch without slipping into overdraft. That said, their ability to stop 110 kilos of tubby tourer, rider and trailer brimming with goodies is somewhat compromised by a lack of progression at the lever, which took some adjusting to-especially when trickling through congested town centre traffic and the softer material wears a little faster than their black, all conditions counterparts.

Fibrax were suitably coy about their exact composition, other than to say it’s a reduced carbon compound with condition specific channels designed for improved wet weather braking. Those of you with swanky carbon or ceramic rims or the latest generation of cross cantilevers will need to look elsewhere since these are only intended for alloy and older pattern brakesets. Aside from some toe-in tantrums we’ve had no problems with Dia Compe or pre/M system Shimano, although their longer, thinner profiles demanded I pull the inner cables through by a couple of millimetres so they’d run a hairs breadth from the rims.

Having checked alignment using a scrap of folded card and drizzled some threadlock on the post clamps, I snugged everything tight with a 10mm ring spanner. Paired to a Tektro/ Dia Compe configuration, they were noticeably fiercer than the OEM units they replaced, necessitating a slightly different technique to avoid locking the front wheel. Having mastered this on a series of road rides characterised by long climbs and sweeping descents, I decided it was time to see how they coped on the wild side so swapped them over to my cyclo cross bike.

Its higher end brakeset improved modulation and feel along soggy, swooping singletrack, entertaining split second stopping in situations where bunny hopping or swerving around tree roots and similar obstacles was impractical. However, it wasn’t long before rim chewing grit and stones burrowed inside, turning them into extremely effective scouring pads so be sure to regularly purge the channels of foreign bodies. Michael Stenning Verdict: Cheerful replacement pads well suited to laden touring and utility riding but their all conditions siblings offer more progressive stopping. www.fibrax.co.uk

Verdict: Well-made clip on guards for road bikes with fag-paper clearances but the mounting hardware could be more elegant.

Weight: 475g pr www.chickencycles.co.uk

52 Cycling World | www.cyclingworldmag.com

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07/08/2012 09:48 23/07/2012 20/07/2012 10:20 11:49

mark jacobsen | comment

bcQ 3: stoke bruerne and castle ashby, northamptonshire

by Mark Jacobson

C

ontinuing in my quest, a day of sunshine and showers tempted my taking train to Northampton to make a shorter ride in collecting these two clues. Most of the roads leading out of the town centre are busy but I found a useful cycle path adjacent the road, useful that is until crossing under a large roundabout, with several cycle ways but no indicators of direction! A bit of intuitive choice brought me successfully out on the lesser road to Milton Malsor, and the ride down through Blisworth (former home town of our Editor!) to Stoke Bruerne was quite enjoyable. Naturally, at this time of year the Canal Museum was closed,. The Boat Inn

across the way made a pretty picture.

Moving on the clouds began massing and the wind picked up, while I pushed on through the Salcey Forest, Horton and Denton to Castle Ashby. Locating the clue I rapidly recorded the answer and dived into the conveniently nearby cafe within the Old Farmyard Shopping Precinct. The rain hammered down while I took refreshment.

Returning to Northampton was fairly easy, between heavy showers, except for riding into the gusty breeze. I found a good cycle path taking me into the centre of town through parkland just before reaching the shops. Cycling to the station from there was easy, too.

Notes The British Cycle Quest, or BCQ, is designed to encourage cyclists to visit all of Britain by providing six clue questions for each of 67 counties, making a total of 402, to be answered. In embarking on this quest I saw it as an incentive to revisit the British countryside over then next dozen or more years.

See - http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=3889 For Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum see http://www.stokebruernecanalmuseum.org.uk/.

54 Cycling World | www.cyclingworldmag.com

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01/08/2012 15:28 10:51 03/08/2012

IT | PRODUCTS

The Beauty of Cycling A new photography app proves that harnessing new technology doesn’t always have to be about fitness.

M

ore often than not, when a new app or piece of technology is released into the cycling world it revolves around the fitness element of the sport. And rightly so – if the technology to help make us fitter and better cyclists is readily available, why not make the most of it?

But then it’s always good to see something that skews off in a different direction and reminds us that it isn’t all about becoming faster and stronger.

And recently an app has come along and done just that. The Collarbone is a cycling photography journal for the iPad, which features images of major races and the whirlwind that follows them: the fans, the team buses, the hotels and just about everything else in between.

Originally a Tumblr blog, The Collarbone was created by Luke Scheybeler (the co-founder of cycling clothing and accessory brand Rapha) and Camille McMillan (the former editor-at-large of quarterly reportage mag Rouler) and named after the bone cyclists truly dread breaking. The app has a

clean design and is easy to use. It’s simple, but most of the truly beautiful things are – and this really is a beautiful app. The photos – which are split into several albums containing at least 15 images each – capture the side of cycling we all know exists, but that we rarely get to see. We’re given shots of everything from Philippe Gilbert blasting his way to victory at La Flèche in April 2011, to shots taken from inside Team Sky’s car during the Tour of Britain, to the alcohol consuming Belgian fans at a cyclocross event.

A photograph can have a real rousing effect.

There’s no doubt that the photographs in the app are stunning, but they’re also more than that – they’re inspiring. After twenty-minutes of flipping through The Collarbone, I grabbed my camera, jumped on my bike and went straight out for a ride. The app is free, as are a few of the albums – others you have to pay for, with the prices ranging from £0.69 to £2.99. You can also buy prints of the images you like.

If The Collarbone gives you a taste for cycling photography (after all, when the weather’s bleak we sometimes have to get our riding fixes vicariously) then it’s worth trawling the web and visiting a couple of other places. Michael Robertson’s website, velodramatic.com, features some stunning action shots – many of which appear on the pages of American magazine Bicycling. And anyone who has a passion for mountain biking should check out danbarham.com. Photographer Dan Barham – who’s worked for the majority of the top cycling magazines – captures some breath-taking images of riders putting themselves in all sorts of precarious positions.

The Collarbone, along with Robertson and Barham’s websites, provide us with the emphatic thrills we sometimes need as cyclists. They show us possibilities and realities we know exist, but rarely get to witness – an insider’s perspective on the world we love. Long may they continue to snap away.

56 Cycling World | www.cyclingworldmag.com

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trip to lakeland | CyCle Tours

Come Gentle Spring (Part Two)

Setting off from the Yorkshire Dales for a springtime weekend in the Lake District, Tim bird has his first sight of his destination...

C

Below: Quiet lane, Winster Valley

lose by are the first of the eastern Lakeland valleys; Longsleddale and Kentmere. Their fell sides rising rugged, craggy, and dappled russet with old bracken; I feel a deep affection for them and their mountain strongholds. Scene of many a memorable outing, al fresco swim, and treacherous storm; I pause to admire the view. From the distant sparkling waters of Morecambe Bay, the land rises northward, riven by ice and water into a distinctive profile visible to the west. Instinctively I name my old friends... Dow Cragg, Conisiton Old Man, Wetherlam, Bow Fell, Langdale Pikes, Red Screes, High Street and so on eastwards.

Now the fun really starts as I cycle a very short downhill stretch of the A6 and turn right to plunge headlong into Garnett Bridge, located at the narrow mouth of Longsleddale.

Turning left across the sparkling River Sprint

I halt on the narrow slated bridge. The sound of rushing, tumbling water fills the damp cool air by the former watermill, now a private home. Remains of a weir, water-wheel, and stone steps surround gleaming water-washed boulders; all good perches for that feathered master of the riffle, the shy dipper, who bobs and curtseys whilst on patrol. Water power has recently returned to these eastern valleys with the building of a number of “microhydro” schemes installed at small hill farms.

Water, tapped from modest becks flowing high off the steep fell sides, is directed to a valley-based turbine which drives a generator.

The resulting electricity is fed into the national grid and provides another source of income for the, often marginal, hill farms.

Garnett Bridge Road runs south, above the Sprint, gaining height to connect with Potter Fell Road. The latter makes a splendid cycle route contouring westwards along the edge of the fells with fine views southwards all the way. It only remains for me to enjoy the views and pick my way amongst the winter’s legacy of potholes, puddles, and gravel strewn washes. From my airy balcony I admire the whale-backs of limestone: Cunswick, Scout, and Whitbarrow Scars, that rear up in succession north of the Kent estuary. With gentle wooded dip slopes and steep shattered escarpments tumbling into soft greengrassed valleys, they add great interest to the landscape. Here the land is warmed gently by the soft sea air and spring comes early. The roadside verge is studded with dandelions, a much maligned plant yet with so much robust cheer to offer. James Lees-Milne, writer and expert on country houses, in his 1942 diary “Ancestral Voices”, describes dandelions: “like looking into the innermost recesses of the sun,

a swirl with petal flames alive and licking each other”. Elsewhere amongst the green grass are sprinkled the more delicate celandines, like twinkling stars. Chaffinches cheerfully “rattle” in the hedgerows, whilst raucous crows mill and wheel crazily above swollen-budded sycamores. Spring is in the air.

After an airy mile, Potter Fell Road plunges from High House toward the river Kent taking me whizzing past Godmond Hall and Mirefoot, where appropriately enough, the road is sheeted with water and rocks. I have to steer carefully and lean heavily on the brakes to avoid disaster. I miss the sudden road junction (when will I learn!) and have to come to a stop before I barrel on into distant Bowston and Burneside. These two riverside settlements along with nearby Cowan Bridge were all based around former watermills, along a one mile stretch, worked by the muscular river Kent. Only at Burneside does the family run business, Cropper’s paper mill, still operate, though no longer powered by water. I backtrack to the missed junction and continue west drawing close to the River Kent opposite the delightfully named Beckmickle Ing. Across the open fields I spy the former Bowston mill, now

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a very ritzy looking glazed apartment complex with adjacent riverside golf course. The cycling becomes a joyful succession of woodland, water, and green fields bounded by stone walls.

The steep hillsides to my right bring first, Spring Hag Wood, where a multitude of barelimbed oak and ash are enlivened by splashes of dark green holly and catkin-hung hazel.

Sinuous wild honeysuckle, fully in leaf, tangos with shrubby roadside trees above scatterings of white wood anemones and patches of wild garlic. Then follows Craggy Plantation where oak trees, swarming over steep rocky hillsides, are circled overhead by a pair of mewing buzzards. Thousands of fulsome spring buds, perched atop massed twigs are yet to burst open and they colour the tree tops the most subtle shades of brown; a haze of russet fawns patch-worked with the dark, twiggy purples of birch. Contemplating a New England spring, Henry David Thoreau, the American writer and naturalist, thought a whole book might be written on buds alone. I begin to imagine spending an entire spring cycling from copse to spinney, watching dormant buds first swell, then break, and finally burst, shedding their protective scales and unfolding

Above: Windermere from Brant Fell

mouse-eared into delicate leafy green clusters, as yet unsullied and un-nibbled. Their colours, textures, forms, and uncountable, tiny, breezescattered scales - a largely unnoticed wave of breathtaking beauty that ripples northwards across the country, fuelled by the warming sun.

My spirit is further lifted by the sight of hawthorns in the roadside hedges, bursting into leaf and the occasional white puff of blackthorn blossom. I cycle on past Craggy house and into Staveley town, crossing the Kent at Barley Bridge. A substantial weir indicates the use of water power by the complex of former mills spread southwards along the western bank. It is a short ride into the town before I turn into Staveley Millyard, the site of a former bobbin mill. Originally powered by a water wheel, it later changed to a water turbine, the latter now providing 10-15 per cent of the site’s energy. The extensive mill yard has been re-developed to house a variety of local industries and shops including a brewery, bike shop, bakery, art studio, and Wilf’s Café. The latter is a buzzing place and a good refuelling point complete with a handy bicycle rack, water bowls for dogs, and outdoor benches - usually occupied

by all manner of folk, mothers and babies, mountain bikers, hikers, elderly couples out for a drive, hard-core road racers, and office workers on lunch break. The Staveley I knew 35 years ago was a non-destination, just a place clogged with traffic heading to and from the Lake District. The construction of a by -pass and the subsequent re-development strategy has breathed new life into the community. I still can’t get over how much it has changed. There are even bike paths, in and out of town, alongside the busy by-pass, providing access to quieter roads and the start of splendid Lakeland cycling adventures.

Wilf’s looks strangely quiet, but I proceed to lock my bike up and stride to the front door, only to find it bolted. A scribbled note taped to the glass says that a water leak has closed business for the day. A huge disappointment for me! Fortunately the bakery nearby does an excellent spicy bean soup and saves the day. Next door at Hawkshead Brewery, a forklift is ferrying huge tanks of water indoors to keep their brewing on track until the leak can be repaired. Striking up conversation with two guys about to depart on road bikes,

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they tell me about their ride from Preston (30 miles south) to pick up a bicycle part from the cycle shop, Wheelbase. The latter boasts it is the U. K.’s largest bike shop and I step inside to admire some beautiful and very expensive top end carbon road bikes. Deciding to spend a few quid, I pick up a small bottle of dry lube.

It fits nicely in a side pocket of my bag. Back outside, a cyclist, stopping by Staveley for refreshment, tells me he’s a keen triathelete trying out his new bike; a minimalist lightweight wonder that he lets me pick up, using just a couple of fingers! He admires my steed with its shiny steel mudguards, hub dynamo, and Berthoud Randonneur bag but winces when he tries to heft the bike in one hand. Hmm - it’s at times like this I wonder if I’m carrying more weight than necessary?

Come nightfall though, cycling long distance over rough lanes, I know I’ll fall in love with my Dawes Super Gal all over again.

I cycle out of Staveley due south on the Crook Road. This takes me under the Kendal – Windermere railway line, gently climbing a mile or so before I turn right to enter a lovely area of quiet lanes that wind westward, toward Bowness-on-Windermere, amongst craggy woods and fields. Closer now, the Lakeland Fells fill the view west and my eyes are drawn to the Langdale Pikes and their distinctive summits. The narrow gated lanes deter most traffic and I cycle alone admiring the lamb filled fields around New Hall with its fine old buildings before cycling up and over to the junction at Fell Plain. The latter is gained after an exciting fast descent dodging potholes, stones, and drifts of muddy silt.

Turning right I cycle steadily upward on a lane across pulsing rills and shimmering sheets of water to pass a knot of mud spattered mountain bikers wrestling with a puncture. The crag bound lane leads to the farm at Borwick Fold where I delight in the wide, grassed hollow ahead. The lane becomes

yet more rustic, losing its dry stone walls and running wild and loose through open fields.

I’m on and off the bike to deal with two more gates, in quick succession, toward Hag Run and Outrun Nook. At the top of a final climb, across rocky heights, the Lakeland fells appear yet closer and I yearn for the sight of open water – a Lakeland lake.

Quickly, I descend past pine-scented Summer Grove Plantation to gain the much busier road from Crook to Bowness-onWindermere. I put in a fast quarter mile of easy riding, skirting the shockingly manicured greens of Windermere Golf Club, before scooting off down a quiet lane past Low House Farm. It’s a convoluted route, but the charm of quiet lanes is what I seek. A sharp left turn is taken through woods and fields, with Brant Fell rising steeply on my right.

Heart racing with anticipation and feeling rather child-like I quickly stash and lock the bike amongst roadside trees, climb a stile and stride upward, cycle bag slung over my shoulder. Through gorse bushes sporting yellow sprays of bloom and across rocky ribs I emerge a few minutes later, slightly breathless, onto a smooth rounded rock summit fashioned by a million tons of ice ten thousand years ago. Picking my way across the rocky top, eyes purposefully downcast, I gain the highest point and only then do I look up westward and sigh with pleasure.

Before me lies Windermere, its watery length glittering, snaking amongst wooded hills and framed by the Lakeland fells. An elegant old ferry plies northwards taking passengers from Lakeland, at the southern tip of the lake, to Waterhead, near Ambleside, visible in the north. Directly below, a thicket of white masts mark the quay near Ferry Nab. At the latter is a charming, boxy ferry, haunted by gulls, that crosses the lake hauled on submerged cables. To cycle up to the front of the queue of cars, en route for the tough western mountain

Above: Ford at Birks Bridge, Winster Valley

passes, and rest briefly during the crossing, listening to the water slapping the hull, is a great pleasure – and another story. High overhead a passing raven croaks in-between the distant “ding” of a boat’s bell. I find it all very satisfactory and eat a cheese and jam sandwich followed by a lump of fruit cake, to celebrate. The food is almost snatched from my hand by a sneaky young labrador who alerts me to the presence of a man hanging by his fingertips from a rocky outcrop nearby.

Andy tells me he is a climbing instructor based in Langdale and often comes up here with Henry, his dog, for a little recreational bouldering. I watch him pick his way across the rock face with great precision, perched just a few feet above the grass. Henry goofs about, keeping an eye on my cycle bag in case more food appears.

Eager to be on my way again I quickly descend and retrieve my bike. Ahead, lies some of my favourite countryside: the wooded hills and open fields of the Winster valley through which the river Winster flows south to Morecambe Bay. The cycling is almost entirely on quiet lanes that thread oak woods, crest scenic rocky brows, hug ancient farmsteads, and nod politely to chapel and manor house. Prepared for the very finest bucolic England has to offer I slip directly across the Crook road and enjoy a pleasant mile along Lindeth Lane. At various points it is awash with vigorous spring floods and my passage is punctuated by the occasional feathered explosion that is a disturbed roadside pheasant. The mad whirring, cackling, and chuckling as the surprised bird rockets upward, causes me to start and swear.

I arrive at a four way junction just above the A5074 to Bowness and descend to it at High Mill only to nod hello before detouring back up a steep but charming lane above Charl House. Atop the hill, after greeting two shaggy ponies over the wall, I turn again back downhill to the main road. The dedicated lover of quiet lanes thinks nothing of selecting such a circuitous route! I am rewarded by fine views of the Lakeland fells and marvel at a huge dense blackthorn thicket invading the horse pasture.

I regain the main road a quarter mile further on, adjacent the Brown Horse pub, and here I am able to cross it directly to continue cycling south on a lane past Green Yew. A little further on and Winster Chapel appears, nestled amongst yews and prettily carpeted with daffodils, amongst the sombre gravestones and war memorial. With little room for cars the only lay-by, adjacent a rock outcrop, is clearly signed for church parking only during services. It’s a pleasure to be on a bicycle and feel able to stop wherever and whenever I wish, to linger and admire the unfolding landscape. Bidding farewell to the chapel I cycle on enjoying the quirky lane; free-wheeling downhill past Bryan House Farm, to admire a good view west across shining green pastures toward the plush

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trip to lakeland | CyCle Tours Birket and Winster Houses. The youthful river Winster lies nearby, as yet restrained in an agricultural ditch. Entering craggy woods, typical of the area, I hear the buzz of a chainsaw and the air is redolent with the aromatic turpenes and musty tannins of newly cut pine and oak. Passing the wood yard my eye is caught by a grisly roadside tableau. Carefully arranged on a stump by the entrance are two dead grey squirrels, one drunkenly clutching a Lucozade bottle, the other half flopped into an empty bean tin. As many people know, grey squirrels were introduced 100 years ago and, having spread rapidly, are now classed as vermin.

Harbouring a disease deadly to the much beloved native red squirrel, the latter has vastly diminished in range and numbers.

There is much debate over how to best protect the red squirrels in their last remaining strongholds.

Drifting on, applying the brakes occasionally, I keep the speed down to better enjoy the varied and charming views. The hills on either side draw in and waters swell the river Winster, encouraging it to twist and turn a little. On reaching the lane junction and picturesque foot way at Birks Bridge the Winster spreads across the ford to slip away under a slate-piered footbridge. I lean the bike against a stream side alder and walk across the narrow footbridge noting the recent fording of a car by the wet tyre marks glistening up Birks Brow lane. New hazel leaves hang, still half folded among the fading catkins, the water softly gurgles on, and the loud “plueplue-plue” of a green woodpecker rings out followed by its crazy yelps . Tearing myself away I cycle on southwards following the narrow bilberry-fringed lane as the Winster valley widens. Little and Great Hartbarrow farmsteads, puff smoke, set remote and proud amongst the wooded hills. The countryside has such a lovely feel to it and is the result of a rich history of ancient woodland crafts such as charcoal burning, coppicing, and greenwood construction. The old ways are enjoying a renaissance with the re-appearance of bodgers, burners, and woodsmen (and

women) advertising baskets, besoms, hurdles, hayforks, barbecue fuel, and rustic furniture.

I cycle on past Barkbooth (the name alone, evocative of woodland industry), an easy mile, to gain the Bowland Bridge road.

Here I turn right and pedal the short distance into Bowland Bridge, where there is a good opportunity to eat and drink. The pub, The Hare and Hounds, has a few folk sitting out front and opposite, is a small well-stocked rural shop; something of a rarity these days.

I lean the bike by a handy seat and lift the shop door latch which tinkles, before stepping down inside. To my surprise balls of alpaca wool are heaped in wicker baskets. Making straight for the postcards, I select a few; I like to send locally “flavoured” despatches, en route. One card displays the nearby alpaca farming enterprise, picturing the curious beasts wandering amidst a very non-Andean backdrop of hedgerows, green meadows, and damson blossom. This card suits my purposes very well and, with the baskets of alpaca wool now explained, I purchase a couple, along with crisps and some eccles cakes. Back outside, I fall into conversation with a local elderly lady who fears for the shop’s survival.

She drops a piece of shopping which rolls beneath her car and I end up sprawled full length underneath to retrieve it. The drinkers opposite are most amused! Brushing off the gravel and regaining my composure. I continue south on a narrow lane, cycling a short distance past a former watermill which rejoices in one of my favourite place names – Burblethwaite. Apparently the “burble” isn’t to do with the sound of water flowing, but derives from “Burblad” a dialect name for butturber (Petasites hybridus). A lover of damp places and known as “wild rhubarb” it has broad umbrella -like leaves, which were used to wrap butter in the days before refrigeration. The leaves also make fine hats to protect from summer downpours! The word “thwaite” comes from the Norse for clearing. Today I don’t see any butterbur, but the stream flows merrily amidst a well-kept garden showing traces of the millpond. The watermill is now three private properties.

Top: Waterwheel, Garnett Bridge Above: Andy and Henry, Brant Fell

Left: Wilf’s Café and Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley Mill Yard

It’s toward mid-afternoon now and my early start catches up with me. Feeling sleepy and, dodging the clouds of small flies swarming in the lane, I slowly pedal toward the foot of a prominent wooded crag where I stash my bike and pick a way up amongst the drifts of dry scrunching winter leaves amongst which sprout tender green shoots of dog’s mercury and yellow celandines. Reaching the summit, I lie down against a well-lit bank and, surveying the bough-framed valley, drift off into a delicious short snooze serenaded by a tree top chaffinch and great tits. The thinning cloud cover allows some sunny warmth upon my body and in the quiet I hear the dry leaves flex and rustle. A couple of cyclists pass by unseen below, chatting and laughing, to fade away into the distance. I know dallying will make me late home but who cares? How many more times will I pass this way? Winster works its magic.

We leave Tim to his enchantment, but prepare for some goings-on down in the woods next time … calm down, this is Cycling World!

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WITH PAUL WAGNER | INFORMALS

Rolf with his Mercian.

INFORMALS There’s More To Cycling Than Riding a Bike. More informal cycling from Paul Wagner

O

ne day, The Lot were drifting round in the lanes when someone mentioned that they thought modern bikes were ugly. As they say, ‘A discussion ensued’. The subject was used as the editorial in our local newsletter, Cycle Clips, and the reaction was quite surprising.

The editorial said….

Beautiful Bikes.

“People are beginning once again to talk about how ‘right’ bikes can look. For me, (OK, I’m past the first flush of youth), there is no more beautiful machine than one built round a traditional Reynolds 531 touring frame, with gracefully curved forks and matching equipment, but nowadays we have oddly shaped, oversized tubing and, worst of all, straight forks, (which, of necessity, strike-off at a harsh angle to the head tube) producing, what is to me, a visual abomination.

Do you have an opinion? The Royal Institution Christmas lectures on TV certainly expressed a view when they displayed the latest carbon-fibre racing bike and openly

declared it to be “beautiful”, but they were talking about materials and technology at the time, which is a different consideration entirely. Does the visual attraction of a bike come into it when after all, a machine is primarily designed to do a job as efficiently as possible? Maybe you couldn’t care less and are only concerned with how a bike rides, or you may even think that fat, bent frame tubes and awkward, straight forks are absolutely lovely, more lovely than the straight tubes and bent forks of old. Am I an outdated, sentimental old aesthete? What’s your take on the ‘don’t it look luvverly’ thing?”

That really opened a can of worms and the next newsletter was full of it, as the following extract shows.

George Cooksey, an ex time-trialist, has both ancient and modern machines in his collection, and he was on the ‘phone sharpish to give his views on the matter. He finds that ultra-light modern stuff makes cycling so much easier when one is ‘approaching middle age’, but he moved into another (verbal) gear altogether when he talked about cherished old machines. He waxed positively lyrical

about his classic lightweights and he used the word ‘beautiful’ several times, but perhaps us reactionary oldies should heed his comments concerning the ease of riding lightweight modern machinery.

Meanwhile, on a recent ride Rolf UrsinSmith proudly showed me his immaculate, traditional Mercian. He was effusive about its graceful lines, and quite dismissive of ‘stupid straight forks’. He got quite excited – I love to hear Rolf in full swing, his enthusiasm is legendary and yes Rolf, I agree – your Mercian is exactly what I mean when I talk about beautiful bikes!

Everyone abhorred straight, stabby forks!

Unnecessarily bent or dramatically ‘oversized’ frame tubing received similarly short shrift, but Bates’s diadrant forks and Hetchens curly-stays of yesteryear found favour in some circles, so where does that fit in with the discussion?

Chainsets with unbelievably fat hollow cranks are loathed, while the ‘A-head handlebar fitting’ was considered to be ugly compared to quill stems. Wheels with eight (or thereabouts), spokes were not generally looked upon favourably and some saddles

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WITH PAUL WAGNER | INFORMALS

were compared to plastic razor blades. There was a wide dislike of ‘group sets’ and the need to match drive train componentry by manufacturer – time was when you could mix and match whatever you wanted with anything else. Sadly, this is no longer the case.

The consideration of beauty in bikes progressed, and soon, the matter of simplicity arose. “Why are modern bikes so complicated?”. The fact is that technology is innovative and it sells stuff, so money is the prime driver. We are in an era when bikes are increasingly technical – in fact, the very word ‘technical’ is a buzzword, used to justify many things. Never mind. If you need to pose on the best-looking, most trendy machine, get your wallet out!

On the positive side, there were nods of approval towards some relatively recent innovations that have become standard equipment. Low geared ‘compact’ chain sets, indexed gearing, aero brake levers that rid you of all that cabling in front of the handlebars so you can fit a bar bag, computers that give you useful information, dual pivot brakes, (don’t they stop you well?), the opportunity to use upright handlebars without being accused of being a wimp, Kevlar guarded tyres, brake levers with incorporated gear changes, – all were enthusiastically embraced.

Paul Roberts, he of the ancient ‘sit up and beg’ machines, made the case for gearing simplicity by declaring that three gears – high, medium and low, kept snugly away from the weather in a tin can in the back wheel, are all that is needed, but Paul’s got tough legs. Mind you, I couldn’t find anyone who thought that more than a dozen well chosen ratios are of any real use.

But nothing’s new, and the single geared, fixed wheel bike that was popular so many years ago is now de rigeur among city riders.

It’s not for everyone; perhaps that’s taking simplicity a step too far for most of us, but you don’t actually need bikes that are

technically challenging, to enjoy cycling.

Newcomers are confused by all this stuff and often end up buying something totally unsuited to their needs, so let’s encourage simple riding on simple machines, then if people want to progress to some aspect of the sport that demands something a little more complicated, so be it.

Jim Leach, racing man at heart but an all-rounder of the highest calibre, closed the debate. “Imagine, circa 1890,when all cyclists had to be wealthy because machines were hugely expensive, if one had said, “I’m staying with the penny-farthing, those new cycles with both wheels the same size are ugly and complicated, and the chain might break”. I suspect such attitudes will never alter; many of us are reluctant to accept change from things we are comfortable with. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – at the same time many are nervous about innovation, without which riders of today wouldn’t have even three gears, let alone efficient brakes or a freewheel. My first club bike in 1944 had a single speed, on then to a 3-speed Cyclo Oppy, next a 4-speed with a ‘narrow’ chain before fitting a double chain wheel in 1950, but never anything other than steel for frames.

But only because I’ve never been so inclined!

Labelled a dinosaur by my wife, a pair

Above: Paul Roberts, Cliff Guttridge and Rolf Ursin Smith – an oldie, and two classic, bikes.

Below: Mac Adams’s modern single fixed bike. Too simple, or just right?

Below left: Dropouts – once, there were only a couple of types!

of pedals and shoes with cleats arrived one Christmas about 15 years ago. Used nervously at first, now, I wouldn’t use anything else – comfortable, efficient and so very much safer than clips and straps; that’s innovation.

Similarly with brake-lever-type gear shifters, having waited for them to be proven I found that they would work my way, wide spaced double chain-rings and nine cogs give me gears from 28 inches up to just under 100 with no big jumps in between.

The wonder of a bicycle is that it can be tailored to do any job a rider requires and complication is often perceived rather than fact. I would be terrified to try and take any hub gear apart, but (having obtained the instructions), I stripped down a Campag Ergo lever and rebuilt it, admittedly surprised when, as hoped, it worked better than before.

Who knows: I may even consider a carbon fibre frame one day – technology has certainly kept me rolling along thanks to increased efficiency reducing the effort, and helping balance advancing years”.

Ed (this is still Paul, as editor of the local newsletter) – “I thank everyone who took the time to ‘phone, write, bang on my door or give me an ear bashing whilst out riding. It has been a truly fascinating response. Is there a conclusion to be reached? No, yes, – well, sort of. It is plain to see that there are as many different opinions as there are minutes in the day. The way a bike looks and rides is an immensely personal thing, as Jim suggests, so there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. What equipment you use, and what you expect it to do, is up to you – but no one was prepared to admit to liking straight forks, even though there are one or two who ride them! There is a marked division of opinion between those who have a racing background, (they are much more tolerant of, and interested in, technical innovation), and the rest, but really, bikes are as diverse as the people who ride them, and thank the Lord for that!

Finally, there are some people who simply enjoy the sheer pleasure of owning the latest bit of kit and if it makes riding easier as you get older, as George said when this discussion kicked off and Jim concluded, then that’s the biggest bonus of all.

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isle of wight | CYCLE fEstivaL

Ride on, Wight on...

Looking forward to September’s Cycling Festival on the Isle of Wight

N

ot only is the Isle of Wight a microcosm of England’s chalky south coast, it has an identity very much its own. If you haven’t cycled there then why not let the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival, in partnership with Mio Cyclo, tempt you to head for the ferry.

The festival launch is on Saturday 22nd September, from 11am – 3pm, in St James Square , Newport. The Carbon Cycle Concert, is the first event, aiming to “celebrate the Bike!” Expect music, shows, family activities and the message that cycling offers ”amazing efficiency as well as all the environmental advantages that come with it, such as cleaner air, less noise pollution and better health for all.” And, don’t forget, you’ll have years of enjoyment whilst saving your planet, your waistline and everyone’s fresh air. Amongst the music there’ll be cycling skills training,

bike obstacle course and stunt shows. Also taking place on the first Saturday is the Wight Challenge: eighteen miles on a MTB, three mile canoe and eight mile run, in teams of three. This is a festival aimed at new cyclists and people who might want to cycle more, as well as those who want beautiful riding or a challenge.

The Hills Killer. Sounds gruesome? Well, all things are relative. At the strenuous end this can be a fifty-two mile off-road orienteering event with fourteen hills, against the clock. Yet you could pick to take on three hills over twelve miles. There’s a middle way, too. As for the clock, well that’s your own challenge. The following weekend there is a full triathlon as well as Cycle the Wight and an off-road “enduro” course. Cycle the Wight offers three routes of different lengths, suitable for all ambitions.

However, the above are just the highlight events. A programme of almost sixty rides and events is promised.

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Fantastic day of free entertainment with cycle training, mountain bike shows, live music, and activities for the whole family.

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An 18 mile mountain bike ride, three mile open canoe and eight mile run in teams of three, raising money for Wessex Heartbeat. www.wightchallenge.co.uk

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SATURDAY 22 SEPTEM BE

MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE Choose from 13, 26 or 52 mile courses and take on the challenge of an orienteering event against the clock as you pit your bike against the three, seven or fourteen hills. www.sunseaandcycling.com

Seventy or fifty mile endurance challenge road ride around the Island. www.bhf.org.uk

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SATURDAY 29 SEPTEMBER

NEW FOR 2012!

SATURDAY 29 SEPTEMBER & SUNDAY 30 SEPTEMBER SUNDAY 30 SEPTEMBER

Test your riding skills and saddle stamina with this a new off-road enduro event at the Isle of Wight Mountain Bike Centre. www.britishcycling.org.uk

With 600m pool swim, 35km cycle along the spectacular Military Road and a 7.5km run.

A very friendly welcome and stunning scenery. www.westwight.co.uk

www.facebook.com/isleofwightcyclingfestival CW_AUG_SEPT_2012_IOW 1 CW_AugSep_IOW_REV.inddCouncil_Ad.indd 65

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isle of wight | CYCLE fEstivaL

See www.sunseaandcycling.com where you can also view galleries of photos from previous festivals.

Of course, the Isle of Wight is a grand venue for cycling. I’ll witness that. An energetic day offers a circuit of the whole; a week gives an opportunity to explore with a suitable mixture of effort and leisure. On my last visit Leaving the ferry behind at Yarmouth – I was based in the New Forest and had boarded at Lymington – I was quickly struck by the variety of scenery. Many of the tourist hot-spots are on the high chalk downs that meet the sea with such spectacular effect at the Needles, Alum Bay and Blackgang Chine, but the views north were well-worth the climbs and the crowds were easy to avoid, even in the height of summer.

On an island with a strong tourist economy, a café is rarely too far off. You’ll need refreshment every now and again, but you can sit in a pretty village or sun yourself on the beach with your toes in the salt-water, so don’t be perturbed by occasional steep climbs. In high season the coast road carries most traffic and, as one might expect, this is heaviest around resorts, such as Ventnor. There is, though, a really good network of quieter roads that access all points inland and allows a wide choice of routes. There are around two hundred miles of cycle tracks, by-ways and bridleways, if that is your cup of tea. One of the longest mainly traffic free routes runs from Sandown, on the south-east coast, to Newport, and then running on to Cowes.

However, I found the road network more than adequate for a good day out and this useful cross-island route would have detracted from my vague circumnavigation.

From Ventnor, I went inland a little, to avoid the hilly and busy road to Shanklin.

The landscape changed as I rode northwards, through Winford, and then, east, to Bembridge. The high downs give way to gentler hills, more trees and, eventually a coast of creeks and harbours rather than cliffs. The short ride round Bembrige harbour, filled with colourful boats, was very different to the riding around Brightstone, with its wide-sky and long, sea views.

Once again, I cut inland to the south of Ryde, crossing the Wooton Creek on the main road bridge, but sticking mainly to

‘You’ll need refreshment everY now and again, but You can sit in a prettY village or sun Yourself on the beach with Your toes in the salt-water, so don’t be perturbed bY occasional steep climbs.’

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Isle of Wight Farm & Country Holidays Quality accommodation on independent farms & country houses

The Belmont

shanklin, isle of wighT

Combining Victorian elegance with modern comforts, The Belmont offers 4 star guest accommodation in an excellent location along Queens Road and is central to shanklin old Village, town, beach, the Cliff top lift and is just a short walk from the bus and train station. The Belmont caters exclusively for adults (16 years minimum), and is the perfect choice for touring cyclists.

The Belmont Hotel, 8 Queens Road Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6AN T: 01983 867875 E: enquiries@belmont-iow.co.uk W: www.belmont-iow.co.uk

Wight Wanders 22 Broadfields Avenue Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 7UD Tel: 01983 281662 Email: info@wight-walks.co.uk

Isle of Wight Farm and Country Holidays offer exceptional bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in unique rural locations.

You have the choice of farmhouses, cottages, lovingly restored barn conversions and even manor houses. Our members warmth of welcome matches the care and attention they give to their properties. Holidaying on a working farm always offers something different.

B&B

Self Catering

www.wightfarmholidays.co.uk

The Anchorage Guest House is ideally situated for the marinas, water front and the wide variety of restaurants, shops and yacht clubs that can be found in the charming old town of Cowes.

So, if you are visiting the Isle of Wight for one of the many Festivals or Sailing Events, a family holiday or a relaxing weekend to visit the many attractions this beautiful island has to offer, you will always find a friendly welcome at the Anchorage.

Our wide range of services include: • en-suite rooms with free wifi • tea and coffee facilities • residential parking • a varied menu

We are the Isle of Wight’s leading activity company dedicated to providing self-led walking and cycling holidays on the Island (named as one of the best cycling routes by Lonely Planet). We have a team of local tour specialists who will look after your every requirement during your stay.

Based in Cowes, one of the starting points of the wonderful Isle of Wight Coastal Cycle Route, we have welcomed many hundreds of hikers and cyclists.

With our local knowledge we promise you a walking or cycling holiday that is relaxing, comfortable and filled with discovery as you explore the Island’s quite country lanes and cycle friendly accommodation on route. Bring your own bikes or if you prefer we can supply you with the latest hybrid cycles perfectly suited to the Island’s terrain.

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Anchorage Guest House 23 Mill Hill Road Cowes Isle of Wight PO31 7EE Tel: +44 (0) 1983 247 975 Email: peter@anchoragecowes.co.uk

06/08/2012 14:06

Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Cycling on the Island’s varied quieter roads, Cycle Paths and Bridleways is a great way to explore and enjoy the stunning landscapes within the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The Islands Cycle Hire Specialists

© AONB Unit - Photographer Liz Cooke

The Isle of Wight AONB Partnership is pleased to support the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival.

Hire, Tours, Guided Rides & Skills Training The Old Works Station Rd Yarmouth PO41 0QU

www.wightaonb.org.uk

Tel: 01983 761800

wight_aonb

Web: www.wightcyclehire.co.uk

Wight AONB One of the AONB family

wightlocations_quarter_page_cycling_world_2012_duo marketing 11/07/2012 14:33 Pa

Welcome to the Heart of The Isle of Wight Nettlecombe Farm is a working farm nestled in the heart of the rolling South Wight countryside, at the top of a quiet lane around half a mile from the village of Whitwell. It offers luxurious self-catering holiday accommodation and is perfect for the touring cyclist.

holiday cottages on the Isle of Wight ... stay and cycle any time of the year

image courtesy of IW Council

Quiet country lanes and scenic off-road cycle routes make the Isle of Wight an ideal destination for a UK cycling break - and Wight Locations offer you the ideal accommodation for your stay. l

IW Council, www.islandbreaks.co.uk l

Whitwell, Near Ventnor, Isle of Wight, PO38 2AF

T: 01983 730783 E: enquiries@nettlecombefarm.co.uk W: www.nettlecombefarm.co.uk

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150+ properties from simple to sumptuous. Enjoy England quality inspected. New - exclusive Signature Collection Coastal & Rural holiday cottages island wide, with sought after locations including Seaview, Bembridge, St Helens and Yarmouth

For our personal booking service call the Seaview office on 01983 811418

For special offers and late availability visit www.wightlocations.co.uk

06/08/2012 14:06

Island Cottage Holidays Isle of Wight Holiday Cottages

Rural & coastal self catering holiday cottages in attractive Isle of Wight locations.

01983 403377

www.islandcottageholidays .com

The Ideal Base for The Isle of Wight Cycling Festival We love cycling and cyclists so where better to stay and enjoy the UK’s best cycling festival than The West Bay Club - a four star holiday village located in an area of outstanding natural beauty just minutes from the picturesque car ferry port of Yarmouth.

• Luxury, fully-appointed self-catering cottages that can accommodate in style from two to six.

• Free use of all of the West Bay Country Club facilities including our indoor pool, sauna, steam room, fitness suite and exercise studios plus tennis, squash and badminton courts.

• An ESPA Spa offering a full range of treatments and a resident physiotherapist.

• Secure dry storage for cycles.

• Assistance with cycle hire, maintenance and transport.

• Return car ferry for up to 6 passengers included with every booking.

• 10% discount for ‘Cycling World’ readers when you stay for a minimum of three nights. (Please quote CYW12) Halletts Shute • Yarmouth • P041 0RJ Tel: 01983 760355 • E-mail: info@westbayclub.co.uk • Web: www.westbayclub.co.uk

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isle of wight | CYCLE fEstivaL

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quiet country lanes. The River Medina can be crossed at Newport or Cowes. Choosing the former for this trip, the busy little town’s traffic soon disappeared as lanes were once again available all the way back to Yarmouth.

In the space of a couple of hours I had gone from chalk down land, a la Sussex, to creekindented gentle coast, a la Suffolk.

The Isle of Wight has a long, long history and there are few periods not represented by some sight or ruin. There was and is something here for just about everyone: southern England in a small packet. My favourite spot? Well, that came near the end of my ride at Yarmouth. I might even have picked Yarmouth, where I sat to wait for the ferry home. The little harbour, the castle, the peace of the Solent, all appealed.

But before that, cycling round a four-armed inlet named Newtown Creek, I came out of woodland roads to find a hamlet. This was the eponymous Newtown, a collection of a few old houses standing next to a muddy creek, with a view north of sand and mud and a narrow gap to the sea beyond.

Gold and Silver Streets are not common names in quiet hamlets. Nor do they have a town hall and only a few have a peculiarly shaped building that used to be an inn.

Though there is little to see of it now, this was once a thriving port and a Royal Borough,

with two members of Parliament. Older than the Norman Conquest, it rivalled Newport until a bout of plague and a raid by the French in the fourteenth century led to depopulation.

So now it is, mostly a National Nature Reserve, managed by the National Trust. Not the most spectacular of the islands sights, but one of the most peaceful and quirky.

Remember too, that the Isle of Wight hosts a number of other cycling events earlier in the year, with the Festival as the annual climax.

Information Tempted by the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival? Visit www.sunseaandcycling.com or call 01983 823070. For accommodation call 01983 813813 or visit www.islandbreaks.co.uk. Isle of Wight Council can be contacted via 01983 821000 and www.iwight.com There are several ferry companies operating on routes to the Isle of Wight; Via Portsmouth & Lymington, Wightlink: 0871 376 1000 www.wightlink.co.uk Via Southampton, Red Funnel : 0844 844 9988 www.redfunnel.co.uk ; Via Southsea, Hovertravel: 08434 878887 www.hovertravel.co.uk Whilst you will probably use your bicycle on the island, there is one electrified railway line; Island Line: 0845 6000 650 www.islandlinetrains.co.uk There is also a steam railway see www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk 01983 882204 FESTIVAL PRIZES - For your chance to win one of the following prizes complete the website contact form with the title of the prize you would like the chance to win in the subject box.

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We’re your link to seeing the We’re your link to seeing the We’re We’re your link to seeing the We’reyour yourlink linkto toseeing seeingthe the best of the Isle of Wight best of the Isle of Wight best best of the Isle of Wight bestof ofthe theIsle Isleof ofWight Wight Located justjust a few miles from thethe mainland and only two hours from Located aafew few miles from mainland and only two hours from just few miles from the mainland and only two hours from Located Located just just a afew miles miles from from the the mainland mainland and and only only two two hours hours from from Located just a few miles from the mainland and only two hours thethe centre of of London, thethe IsleIsle of of Wight is isthe perfect place for a afrom centre London, Wight the perfect place for the centre of London, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place the the centre centre ofofLondon, London, the the Isle Isle ofofWight is isthe perfect perfect place place forforfor a a aa the centre ofto London, the Isle ofWight Wight isthe the perfect place for cycling holiday, relax and unwind in in exhilarating clean air: Within cycling holiday, to relax and unwind exhilarating clean air: Within cycling holiday, to relax and unwind in exhilarating clean air: Within cycling cycling holiday, holiday, totorelax and and unwind unwind ininexhilarating clean clean air: air: Within Within cycling torelax relax and unwind inexhilarating exhilarating clean air: Within an area ofholiday, justjust 147 square miles you will find over 200 miles ofofcycle an area of 147 square miles you will find over 200 miles cycle an area of just 147 square miles you will find over 200 miles of cycle ananarea area of of just just 147 147 square square miles miles you you will will find find over over 200 200 miles miles of ofcycle cycle an area of just 147 square miles you will find over 200 miles of cycle routes enticing youyou into thethe countryside ororalong the coast. routes enticing into countryside along the coast. routes enticing you into the countryside or along the coast. routes routes enticing enticing you you into into the the countryside countryside or or along along the the coast. coast. routes enticing you into the countryside or along the coast.

Over halfhalf of of thethe IsleIsle of of Wight is designated as Over Wight is designated Over half of the Isle of Wight is designated as Over Over half half ofofthe the Isle Isle ofofWight Wight is isdesignated designated asasas Over half of the Isle of Wight is designated as an ‘A rea of of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and an ‘ A rea Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and an ‘ A rea of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and anan‘A ‘ A rea rea of of Outstanding Outstanding Natural Natural Beauty’ Beauty’ and and an ‘A reanearly of Outstanding Beauty’ and-an there are 3030 miles ofNatural ‘Heritage Coast’ there are nearly miles of ‘Heritage Coast’ -an there are nearly 30 miles of ‘Heritage Coast’ -an there there are are nearly nearly 30 30 miles miles of of ‘Heritage ‘Heritage Coast’ Coast’ -an -an there are nearly 30to miles of ‘Heritage Coast’ -an accolade only applied coastlines of the highest accolade only applied to coastlines of the highest accolade only applied to coastlines of the highest accolade accolade only only applied applied to to coastlines coastlines of of the the highest highest accolade only applied to coastlines of the highest quality in England andand Wales.

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CW_AUG_SEPT_Wightlink_Ad.indd 1 CW_AugSep_IOW_REV.indd 71

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london - paris | CyCle Tours

What have I done?

Richie Mitchell sets off for Paris in aid of Diabetes UK... Part 2

H

aving reached Les Andelys, on the River Seine, Richie Mitchell has settled to his challenge, but his eyes did not light up when promised “something special” ... he takes up the second part of his ride to Paris for Diabetes UK Cue Richie, our experienced rear cyclist, who also happens to be a club rider and has worked with a pro team. He informed us that the next 15 miles towards Vernon were on a “suitable and safe” road that could be ridden fast. We were under strict orders not to race and at all times we should be sensible, adhering to both the Highway Code and cycling etiquette. We were all to set off together, and after a mile or so, Richie would increase the pace to one that suited the faster riders. From what I could see from my position, safely in the middle of the bunch,

this appeared to be very fast. I thought I’d try to stay with Susan, but that didn’t happen either, she seemed to be equally as fast as those in front. What I learned later on was that only two riders managed to stay with Richie as they sped towards Vernon, and one of them even managed to shake him off, with about 200 yards or so to go. Well done to that chap, he may have a future in cycling.

I feel that it is important to emphasize that this section was not a race; it was merely a stretch of road that lent itself to some fast and safe riding. At no time were any of us encouraged to ride beyond our capability, and at no time is racing ever encouraged on any charity ride.

So we all regrouped near the bridge into Vernon. Everyone, from the fastest to the slowest had enjoyed this section, and many had built up a real sweat, including me. We

then rode, as one big group, to the final mile to our hotel for night two of our challenge. It was still sunny and we were all able to relax in the beer garden with some well-earned liquid refreshment. Hey, not much pain coming from my lower regions either. Joy! The Hotel Kyriad laid on a superb meal that night - although this was a cycle challenge, it was also a trip with fantastic post-ride facilities - once again, a testimony to the CycleWild organisers.

Sunday 11th September, a date firmly etched in my mind, though not, unfortunately, for a good reason. However this September 11th would be a fine one, hopefully with a fantastically rewarding conclusion to the charity cycle challenge that I had set out to complete for Diabetes UK. It was 7am and quite cloudy. Breakfast was good although most of us were still bloated

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london - paris | CyCle Tours from the previous night’s dinner. The main topic of conversation was sartorial; what clothing should one wear; waterproofs, windproofs, long tights, bib shorts, who knows?

Well two people that did appear to know were Susan and Richie, who both entered the hotel lobby wearing waterproof jackets on top of yet another different set of matching lycra. We all knew that we needed to follow their cue and get the rain jackets out. As we departed, at around 8.30, it wasn’t raining, well not yet anyway. We actually had a full fifteen minutes of rain free cycling before the heavens opened and the showers arrived, light ones at this stage.

We had been informed that the scenery this morning would be simply quite

stunning at times, and it wouldn’t be long before this became apparent. Shortly after leaving Vernon, in between the frequent light showers, we found ourselves cycling through Giverney. Claude Monet, the painter who founded the impressionist school, lived in Giverney for 43 years. His house and his garden, the village of Giverney and its surroundings, were his subject matter, and they still attract half a million visitors each year from all over the world, as well as painters charmed by the unique light of the Seine Valley.

Unfortunately there was not enough time to visit these charming gardens and museums,

as we needed to make our way along the valley towards the French capital. Giverney is now on my list of places to visit in the future.

The morning route really was lovely, but some big hills were lying in wait for us, possibly the biggest of the whole event. I guess, as the saying goes, the best is saved until last. These hills, coupled with the now appalling rain, really did contribute to extending the length of the long, wavy, coloured line. But as usual Susan and Richie were in control of it the entire time. They also kept us well informed of the difficulties that lay ahead, and how best to tackle

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them. As we made our way to the top of the final big hill and into a wooded area, we came to our final lunch stop. The usual professional Tonia and Lenny catering road show was in place, this time covered by a gazebo. A nice touch and strategically placed next to the van, to make the most of the rain cover provided by the trees. Was there any length to which this support team would not go to help make life comfortable for us? I don’t think so, no.

Unfortunately the heavens really wanted to be let loose now, and knowing that we still had around 35 miles to go, it was not a joyful thought. Rain, wind and heavy suburban traffic, whilst riding on the wrong side of the road, do not really equate with my idea of fun. But we had to soldier on as they say. So near yet so far.

Jonathan briefed us for the final stage, a stretch that would necessitate us riding without vehicular support for much of the way. This being due to the build-up of traffic as we approached Paris, sections through areas where vehicles are prohibited and also, as the vehicles with Tonia, Paul and Lenny, would be making their way to our final central Paris hotel with the luggage. A true CycleWild gesture was

having our bags placed ready for us in our hotel rooms, excellent.

Jonathan would join us as a third ride leader for the final onslaught, and Richie, whilst remaining at the rear, would carry enough tools and spare inner tubes for all mechanical eventualities. He had around a dozen tubes in his small musette: he and the team knew of something that the rest of us were, at this point, unaware of.

There is a section of wasteland just before we meet the River Seine once more.

It is barren, and has numerous Gypsy camps around it. It isn›t pretty, and much fly tipping appears to take place. The area cannot be avoided on this final leg, without adding at least 10 more miles to the route, and, as the final day is time critical, the route has to be adhered to.

Well, as expected, the punctures came, and came, and came. The driving rain and the terrible road surface took its toll.

Richie had eight to deal with in the area between lunch and the Bois de Boulogne.

At times he was changing tubes on the open wasteland, with driving rain battering him.

The participating doctor had a fallen rider to deal with. It was all happening now.

Fortunately the rider escaped with few injuries. However, her cycling helmet was cracked. It had done its job,; another stark reminder as to why we should always wear one. We then continued along the route, crossing the River Seine five times.

Okay, punctures fixed, rain jackets

removed, the sun came out and we made the final approach from the Bois de Boulogne to the Eiffel Tower. The mood now was one of excitement, we had almost made it, and the weather came good. The team led us right up to the Trocadero, the place where all the best photographs of the Eiffel Tower are taken. Here the celebrations began, and many, many photos were taken. Personally I felt great joy upon realizing my achievement. I never thought that I could do it, but I did, and I felt very proud and still do as I write this account.

We made our way down from the Trocadero and were met, once more, by Tonia and Lenny, underneath the tower, but this time the buffet had been replaced with celebratory fizz! Ecstatic, we all raised our glasses to our success and, of course, for the future of this wonderful charity, Diabetes UK. There was now only the celebratory meal left to enjoy. Needless to say, a good few units of alcohol were consumed that night.

Upon reflection, later that evening, I came to the conclusion that this event had been fantastic. It was fun, successful and, to me, a very rewarding experience. I’d like to convey my deepest gratitude to my fellow riders, and of course the CycleWild team, without whom we could never have completed the event in such comfortable and well organized style.

What next? Who knows? There had been rumblings of a Lands End - John O’Groats.

This would mean stepping up a few categories and training hard beforehand.

Right now this one sounds frightening to me; but if Diabetes UK and CycleWild put their heads together and arrange it, I guess I’ll be in.

Find out more about riding to support Diabetes UK at www.diabetes.org.uk More about Cyclewild can be found at www.cyclewild.co.uk More from Richie at www.richiescycling.co.uk

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03/08/2012 27/07/2012 15:28 12:09

raleigh | classic marques

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AND INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

W

hen Frank Bowden returned to Britain in 1885, he was a man of the world. For fifteen years he’d lived abroad. He’d made a fortune on the stock market in Hong Kong and married a Californian wife. When he decided to invest in a small bicycle workshop on Raleigh Street, Nottingham in 1887, it was clear to him the business would have an international outlook from the start.

Early on Bowden instructed a company in Birmingham to set up a European sales network. Raleigh bicycles were soon being sold in Poland, Sweden, Czechoslovakia and Spain. By the beginning of the 20th century, Bowden was exporting even further – to South America, the Subcontinent and Australasia.

People thought Bowden’s emphasis on overseas sales was eccentric: after all, there was a massive bicycle boom going on at home in the early 1890s. Bowden was astute, though. Through international sales, Raleigh was better positioned to ride out the crises the domestic industry encountered, in particular the slump in 1896. By the time of his death in 1921, Sir Frank Bowden had been round the world seven times appointing agents and distributors for his company. He had successfully secured Raleigh’s position as one of the major international players in the bicycle industry, a position the company retains to this day.

Under Frank’s son, Harold Bowden, Raleigh looked beyond distribution and sales agreements. The company began to

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build factories and assembly plants overseas, to take advantage of lower labour costs and avoid import duties. A factory in Dublin started manufacturing bikes in 1936. The greatest drive for growth, though, came after World War II. At the time of the Queen’s Coronation in 1953, Raleigh were manufacturing over 100,000 bikes a year in Nottingham, and exporting 70% of them to every corner of the planet. This was, perhaps, the zenith of the British bicycle manufacturing industry.

As newly affluent consumers turned to the motorcar for transportation in Britain and domestic bike sales began to fall, Raleigh embarked on a prolonged period of overseas expansion.

A new plant in Boston, USA began making bikes in 1948; the SenRaleigh factory in Asansol, India opened in 1949. Further factories opened in South Africa (1950), Canada (1955), West Germany (1957), Malaysia (1966) and Kano, Nigeria in the early 70s.

When Raleigh and Tube Investments merged in 1960, the resulting company became the largest bicycle manufacturer on the planet. Other international bike brands like Phillips and Hercules came under the umbrella through the merge, while Nottingham became the centre of global bicycle manufacturing. They were heady times for a company at the height of its powers. Royalty regularly

visited the Nottingham HQ. The 75-acre factory site was a mile from corner to corner. The art deco head offices on Lenton Boulevard contained five canteens, an executive penthouse flat and a ballroom.

The Raleigh head badge, with the haughty-eyed heron, was an icon of the industry. Raleigh was one of a handful of truly global brands.

‘It was like an empire. The company ‘followed the flag,’ we used to say: wherever the Commonwealth was, there was Raleigh,’ John MacNaughtan, current Director of Raleigh International who joined as a graduate trainee in 1965, said. ‘In the late 60s, Raleigh Industries Limited was manufacturing 4 million bicycles a year and 75% were being exported. Raleigh had over 60,000 unique models in its range, to meet local requirements across the globe. The plethora of specifications and Bills of Material in a pre-computer age makes an operation of this scale a logistical wonder. You could say the sun never set on Raleigh.’

By 1970, Raleigh owned over 160 different brand names –

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Norman, Excelsior, BSA, Carlton, Phillips, Sunbeam, Hercules, and Triumph to name a few famous ones. The 1970s was all about rationalization though and the smaller brands disappeared.

‘Suddenly, we were virtually one brand. Under ‘Raleigh’ we sold everything from fun bikes for children to Tour de France winning racing bikes,’ John MacNaughtan said.

Yet in spite of that, the Raleigh name still remains unimpeachable in numerous countries. Even now, in the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, you can buy a bike with the distinctive heron head badge in over 140 countries on six continents. This is partly a testament to the enduring quality of Raleigh bicycles (not least the best-selling, all-steel, 28-inch roadsters that sold across the Commonwealth for much of the 20th century – ‘the mother of all bicycles’ as John MacNaughtan described it). It’s also partly to do with the company’s enduring vision.

Most of the commercial arrangements today are with licensees

– there are over 30 – though a small number of subsidiary manufacturing companies remain in Canada, USA, China and Taiwan. Some of the distribution agreements are still in the hands of the companies who originally arranged them decades ago. Raleigh’s oldest distribution partner is in Iran: Khosro Tabarrok is the fourth generation of his family to sell Raleigh bikes.

The brand is, of course, positioned differently in different countries: In Denmark, for example, Raleigh represents integrity and quality and the bikes are expensive, while in Indonesia, they are affordable work horses. To meet the exacting demands of every market and maintain the enviable reputation for quality and value in a global economy that is undergoing a major shift will be difficult.

Raleigh is 125 years old: that experience counts in a fast-changing world. The Raleigh mantra today is: ‘think globally, act locally’. They are words Frank Bowden might have spoken.

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nec birmingham | CYCLE show 2012

Coming Soon...

The cycle Show 2012

N

NEC, Birmingham, September 27th to 30th (press and trade only on 27th): there are the hard facts, so if you fancy seeking out all that is new, or if you like the sound of a mosey round, taking in the sights and sounds, why not go on down to Cycle show 2012?

m

any years ago, I used to wonder if a day indoors was worth a good day’s cycling. Well, even now, riding bikes is better than looking at them, in my view. The good news is that you can get to ride at the show. There is a ninety-six kilometre (about sixty miles) Cycle Show Sportive on Sunday 30th this year. It will start and finish at the NEC halls hosting the Cycle Show. The route takes in Warwickshire’s countryside, including Kenilworth and Warwick castles and Meriden, with the National Cyclists’ Memorial, commemorating all the cyclists who gave their lives during the First and Second World Wars. The Tour Ride Cycle Show Sportive will actually feature two distances, a 96km challenge and a 150km pro ride. As the routes coincided for much of the distance, there’ll be the opportunity to ride alongside some of the UK’s top road cycling teams, with Team Raleigh - GAC, Rapha

Condor and Team UK Youth having already confirmed their participation.

Mick Bennett, Race Director at The Tour of Britain and Creative Director of The Cycle Show, commented on the partnership: “Last year’s move to Birmingham enabled the show to grow both inside and out. Adding The Tour Ride Sportive ensures that we can build our reputation as Britain’s biggest and best cycle show.”

Participants in The Tour Ride Cycle Show Sportive on Sunday 30 September will have access to half price admission and car parking for the show. Sportive are open via www. tourride.co.uk . Entry costs £35 and includes the full Tour of Britain Pro experience, with mechanical support from Specialized and products from Maxifuel, Soreen and Highland Spring, plus a medal and goody bag. The combined ticket also gives you entry into the show for just £6.50. The Cycle Show 2012 will also see the addition of a new Super

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nec birmingham | CYCLE show 2012

Crit 1km circuit race around the NEC on the Saturday evening.

In the halls, there’ll be other active options, including; the Mountain Bike Demo Track, sponsored by Dare 2b; Road Bike Demo Track; 6-12 Year Old’s Test Track; BMX Contest; Inclusive Cycling Hub; and the Electric Bike Area. That there is a “village” dedicated to power assisted bikes shows just how much is happening in this area. In 2011 there were some stunning technical developments making electric bikes increasingly practical for touring cycling.

Seeing how these have come could be an eyeopener. Watch out for Storck Raddar, if last year’s stand is anything to go by.

The exhibitors list begins with Academy Eyewear and ends with Witter Towbars.

In between are many more, of course, with much more obvious cycling credentials. The

point is that this show covers all sorts of things. Witter has been producing some well-thought out cycle-carriage systems, for example, but St. John Street Cycles will also be there with their great - renowned - range of Thorn machines. Why not have a go on a Wattbike? Take a look at what Raleigh have on offer after 125 years or seek out a balance bike for the little’un; there genuinely is something for everyone.

It isn’t all about gear either. There will be numerous companies promoting health and fitness products and others offering to show you fascinating places to go to. Then there’ll be the clothing to wear, the tyres to ride on, organisations that support cycling and so on. Household names; Campagnolo, Carradice, Holdsworth, Mavic and Madison; will mix with others, including, rather delightfully, Doom Bar – surely a beer

brewed by Sharp’s of Rock, Cornwall.

Public opening hours are from 09.30 to 17.00, from Friday 28th to Saturday 29th of September. There is much more information at www.cycleshow.co.uk It is a very good idea to book tickets in advance, as the crowds can make for lengthy queues at the entrance. This, too, can be done online, though there is a rather annoying £1 handling charge. An adult ticket costs £13, with concessions for children 14-18, under-14s and other categories. Group discounts are available, too.

The current list of exhibitors is not necessarily complete. Famous names have been missing in some shows and it looks like there’ll be no Dawes or Pashley again this year.

Visiting the Pashley stand was always a joy, as one got to speak to the guy who put the bikes together rather than the sales executive. No offence to salespeople, it just made a change.

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northampton to tower bridge | CyCle Tours

...And there’s the end

Capital stuff Cycling into the City is easier for a family than you might think...

“N

ow can I ride to the Eiffel Tower?” Not the expected phrase from a six-year-old who has just reached the end of a 134 mile, sixCaption competition?

Bob Nightingale, artisan blacksmith and old friend

day cycle, from Northampton to Tower Bridge.

But that’s what he said. Mum said, “Maybe we’ll have a rest for a while, a few years, maybe.” Dad thought of the “Avenue Verte.”

Truth is, we had both reacted in a similar way when small child stated with resolution that he wanted to cycle to Tower Bridge. When asked why he wanted to ride there he replied, “Because it’s boring in the car.”

A modicum of research showed that by using the National Cycle Network it was actually possible to cycle most of the way traffic free. As a family we are not averse to riding on roads. Like many cycling parents we have learned how to corral young children.

Yet good sections of traffic free riding each day offer children the chance to take the lead, explore and not have to concentrate so hard or worry about concerned parents. In the end we used extensive sections of NCR6, NCR61 and NCR1, along with shorter sections of a couple of others to access refreshments and accommodation, and at the very end NCR13.

Whilst the NCN is not to everyone’s taste and the surfaces can be variable, without it this sort of family cycle tour would not be

possible. Whist there weren’t any cyclists with high-end narrow-tyred machines on view, there were certainly a huge number of cyclists. At Dobb’s Weir, on the River Lea, we met the extremes; a bunch of heavily-loaded tourers and a family new to cycling. The latter, from nearby Nazeing, had taken to their bikes when Mum had been advised by her Doctor to take up cycling. She loved it and, weekends were now spent exploring further and further afield. Riding a variety of machines, they were going further every time. The good news for Mum was that they all loved it. She was aiming to do a London to Brighton run as soon as she felt up to it.

The heavily-laden tourers were on their way home from the Jubilee Concert. Heading for Harwich as they were, I thought they were Dutch, but when one said that they would just “ride down the river from Rotterdam to Stuttgart,” it was clear they were Germans who took “a ride down the river” with nonchalance. “The cycle routes are pretty good,” one said, adding that, “in Germany not all are well-surfaced, but most are.” They found some of the barriers a bit odd. “Not

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bad at all,” was the overall verdict. Mind you, the surfaces in Greater London were sealedsurface or, at least, hard-topped.

Starting off in Blisworth, at the Walnut Tree Hotel, we used the towpath of the Grand Union Canal for the first few miles – except for the minor road along the top of the Blisworth Tunnel. This just avoided a series of undulations early in the day. That risked taking a toll on the spirit, as much as the legs, of a young rider. The climb over Tunnel Hill was easily accomplished with a sense of achievement.

Running down the track to rejoin the towpath at the Stoke Bruerne portal of the tunnel, we made the first of those stops so necessary for young children; a boat, decorated with zebra-stripes that sold icecream and tea and had two amiable dogs to play with. The owners of the boat had decided to travel and take a business with them. Mooring at Stoke Bruerne they had developed a “sewing-circle”, as they called it, of small business operators. They pointed out one, standing outside the buildings by tunnel portal. On approaching, we experienced one of those coincidental meetings which cycling sometimes brings. There, decked out in leather apron, hammer in hand, was none other than artisan blacksmith and former next-door-neighbour of ours, Bob Nightingale. I have always enjoyed a chat with Bob, so we had a longer rest as he showed us his new workshop and his latest wares. What seemed to please him most about his relocation was its authenticity.

The buildings had once been stables, used to house the horses that were walked over the tunnel approximately along the route we had followed. Bob is not a farrier, but the link is there. The horses were led over the hill whilst professional “leggers” walked the boat through the tunnel. Later, steam tugs were employed to pull convoys of boats through, and the stables were used as a workshop to service and supply the tugs. Bob looked, and felt, at home.

Eventually we got tired of the rough surface – eminently cycle-able, but slow. So we headed to NCR6 in the pretty village of Castlethorpe. We’d already stopped at the Navigation Inn, at Thrupp Wharf. Ed had eaten the fourth and fifth sausages of the trip (three at breakfast). He was on the way to gaining the epithet, bestowed by www.road. cc, “the sausage-powered cyclist”. Half-way through the first day he was going well. Now, the new city of Milton Keynes was close. For the cyclist approaching from this direction, MK creeps up stealthily. Where are the signs of urbanisation? Where is the traffic?

Running along by the Great Ouse, then an old railway line to the Grand Union Canal, before diverting along village streets through Great Linford (church, manor house, cottages and thatched pub, all in the city) and back to the canal, anyone might wonder where one of the fastest growing and most modern of British

Wet and wetter, Verulam Park, Saint Alban’s

cities is. Well, you are in the heart of it. As a planned city, where the grid of “redways” for cyclists was built in from the start, it works.

Not everyone loves MK, but you have to admit that it makes cycling easy.

A longish stop at the café at Willen Lake provided interesting entertainment for a child, as well as keeping us out of a lengthy shower. One of the water-sports on offer was water-skiing. Rain doesn’t bother folk in wetsuits and their antics, successful or otherwise, brought gasps of admiration and bursts of laughter by turn. That the skiers were hauled around their course on wires attached to an overhead network of wire and metal struck me as typical MK. It does things in its own way, and they seem to work.

After that we followed broad “redways” alongside main roads to our friends’ house.

We ate their food, slept in their lounge and cycled to school with them the next morning (our sons half-term was different), before heading off to Dunstable. Ed seemed to be a bit sluggish, so we resorted to the jelly babies which the President of Stone Rotary Club

had given Ed, whilst pledging a monetary donation in return for a short talk on our return. A keen cyclist himself, with a very natty road bike, he recommended jelly babies as the finest energy snack available. There was no sign of dissension.

We rolled easily along the shores of Walton Lake to join the Grand Union Canal at Fenny Stratford. Once again the surface was good, though quite narrow. The second heron-sighting of the trip brought a surprise.

Clamped fast in its beak, the heron held a large fish. It clamped it tighter as it flew off as we passed. With Brick Hill standing to the east, the canal provides a flat route south without touching the A5 or A4146. There was little evidence that the presence of cyclists and walkers disturbed the wildlife as much as the busy traffic would have disturbed our ride.

Shortly after passing a public-spirited soul who was tending the flower beds by the canal near Stoke Hammond, we reached the Three Locks public house, for an early lunch. Two more sausages – it is bad news for pigs when Ed sets off on tour, his other favourite being bacon butties – under the belt, and a good deal of watching the world go by, the journey along the canal continued.

An increasing number of boats seem to be selling things. We came across a book-boat.

Ed piled more weight into parental panniers with his selections. It is fair to say that he was already carrying his own waterproof gear and clothing.

Much of our luggage was made up of sleeping bags which we needed for two nights and a laptop to download photos and keep internet presence up to date – price of raising money by cycling. Apart from those, we carried the things cyclists need to be independent and beautiful, in my wife’s case, or half-presentable in mine. Children always seem to need more gear as they are less able to Three Locks

Not NCR6, cycleable towpath – avoiding the hills

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tolerate, physically or in terms of morale, the chilly or uncomfortable.

We rode through Leighton Buzzard, once a Cycling Demonstration Town, where much has been done to make the town centre accessible and pleasant for cyclists and pedestrians. The worst road section of the whole trip was undoubtedly the A4012 from the outskirts of Leighton Buzzard to the turn for Eggington. I hope a way of ameliorating or replacing this section of the NCR6 can be found. Getting off it we rolled into the hills, with Ed surprising himself by clocking up some twenty-five miles per hour on the descent through Stanbridge. Here we joined the Sewell Greenway, which climbs steadily and, for Ed, monotonously into immense chalk cuttings and on to Dunstable.

Our accommodation was at the southern edge of the town, on London Road, the former Watling Street. Considerably busier than the Roman’s expected, we rode a little and then resorted to the pavement to push.

There was some good cycling infrastructure in Dunstable; it just did not go whither we wanted. The accommodation at the Highwayman was excellent value, really “cheap at twice the price.” The receptionist let us lock our bikes under the stairs, where they stayed for two nights. We had decided to make the first two days the longest and then have a rest day. Whipsnade Wildlife Park was on the cards, but, with six-year-old whimsy Ed preferred to visit the charity shops and go swimming. He was really refreshed after the rest day. It is certainly something we will

include on our next long tour.

NCR6 swings north-east from Dunstable town centre to sweep southwards through Luton. As we were at the southern end of town, this would have added considerable distance to the day, so we took some lanes to join the NCR6 near Luton Airport. Landing aircraft emerged dramatically low from the flat grey-cloud from which a steady rain fell.

Fortunately the NCR signing was good as there were a few wiggles about. There followed one of those annoying section of NCN – excellent surface, muddy overgrown section, excellent surface by turn. The notion behind the traffic free route was understandable, running parallel to a busy B-road. It is just such a shame that a consistently high standard cannot be maintained.

We eventually found our way into Harpenden, where three NCN routes meet.

The signage could have been better, but some local knowledge was provided by a passr-by. It may have been Sunday, but there were much needed bacon butties in the café near the station. From here to St. Alban’s was relatively simple – the cycle track ran alongside the main road. Optimism of an early escape from the deteriorating weather was falsely raised by mileage signs that were later contradicted as the distance increased three times. Although the scenery was not very interesting – we decided to ignore a possible off-road, traffic free alternative, due to the weather conditions – we went through several street parties and were told that “Saint Alban’s is the happiest city in the UK.” If easy

Above: Stuttgarters on tour

cycling into the city adds to happiness, then I can see why.

St. Alban’s is an ancient and attractive city.

Much is made of Verulamium, amphitheatre and other Roman remains, and the Abbey.

The well-preserved town centre has a mixture of broad streets and narrow alleyways.

Beyond the Abbey, down Romeland Hill, there is a distinctly “village” feel to the line of old houses and pubs. In spite of pouring rain we took a ride around Verulam Park, past the Old Fighting Cocks pub. The lake was brimming, occasionally over-running the path, but we kept safely to dry land. This was something of a nostalgia trip for me now. I used to come here as a boy, with Mum and Dad and my brothers. We were usually dressed in Sunday best. Whipsnade Zoo, near Dunstable, was another after-Church afternoon out. Here we had learned the disadvantages of Sunday best as leisure-wear,

Hertford has many attractive old buildings

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as a donkey in the “children’s zoo” began to eat my elder brother’s tightly-knotted tie: very funny until snout met neck! But that is another story. Damp and dishevelled was more the mark now, but the Abbey Church kept up medieval traditions by welcoming travellers and we dripped and ate in the “Abbot’s Kitchen”, before taking a look around this famous Church.

St. Alban’s Abbey is still impressive.

How much more it must have been to those peasants, who in 1381, during the Peasant’s Revolt, raided it and destroyed many of the written documents and records. They may have loved God, but they were less keen on the Abbey as master and landlord. The Abbey kept a famous chronicle, and was home to the great chronicler and gossip, Roger of Wendover. His lively, partial writing was often supplemented by drawings, including one of an elephant which he went to London to see. I bought a pack of postcards based on these sketches. For those without families in tow, it is well-worth knowing that Saint Alban’s was the first city in the UK in which every public house served real ale.

Our appearance astonished our hostess at the B&B, but we stowed the bikes, which her son kindly covered in bin bags, hung our wet clothes in the hall and found ourselves in a lovely suite of rooms. Breakfast was equally grand, served by an Italian gentleman, who clearly shared the national characteristic of liking children and families: extra sausages for Ed and sigh of disappointment on discovering that parents’ did not share his appetite for a cooked breakfast. Tankerville House B&B can go on the recommended list, though it does not have special storage for bicycles.

A group had come from Ashbourne to join us for the day. We met them by the Abbey doors and soon picked up the Alban Way, an old railway line that linked the city to Hatfield and then to Hertford. It seems that it carried more flowers and flower seeds that people and was never really a commercial success. The route goes close to the entrance to Hatfield House. Sadly, we had been told that bicycles were not allowed in the grounds and would have to be left at the railway station nearby.

This is not good when one has significant luggage, so we went off to Welwyn Garden City, the second of the Garden Cities. Places like this are ideal for cycling, with broad pavements and roads.

Heading to Hertford along the Cole Green way was fine, though, once again, some sections of surface will soon need to be upgraded. Hertford is the town where I was raised, and much has been done to improve the town centre, especially with improved traffic management. We left our guests to their lifts at Hartham Common. This is an attractive spot and is really the start of the run along the Lea Valley down to the River Thames. We took in the castle grounds and I pointed out some of my old haunts and reminisced. To

avoid boredom for the rest of the family, we headed for the B&B. Hertford has little that is spectacular, but it has a lot of interesting corners and is well-worth a wander to admire the pargetted-buildings, the five rivers that meet around the town, and those little things that are preserved in many small towns.

The B&B, Appletree, was, once again, very good value for a luxurious room and use of a heated outdoor swimming pool.

The owners kindly donated their fee to our fund-raising efforts. It was also at the top of a hill, so it was a speedy start next day.

All through Hertford and Ware, along the riverside paths were walkers, joggers, cyclists enjoying the sunshine. Whilst this didn’t last, we were well on the way. NCR1 was joined near Saint Margaret’s. The surfaces were good and we were able to make steady progress.

This was the additional bank holiday for the Jubilee. Whilst the Queen was at Saint Paul’s, many of her boat-owning subjects were preparing to party. Rarely have we seen such a colourful array of narrow-boats, cruisers and dinghies. Amongst this jollity, Ed proudly announced that his computer was nearly at 100 miles. That momentous moment arrived, inauspiciously, immediately under the A414.

After more sausage-refuelling at the Riverside Café at Dobb’s Weir, the ride continued into a strengthening headwind, through Lea Valley Country Park. Adults were stunned by how close we were to the edge of Greater London: Ed was little put out by a sudden steep climb, as the cycle track performed a series of alpine zig-zags, albeit on a minor scale. This was more than matched by the climb up to Lippet’s Hill, just beyond Waltham Abbey. It would have been pleasant to visit the Abbey, but the weather was getting worse and the caravan we had been offered for the night beckoned. As it turned out be dirty and without any connected services,

we should not have bothered. Put it down to experience, but there comes a point when you can’t ask little legs to search out cleaner accommodation. All part of the adventure we told him – and we slept soundly enough.

The last day was a surprise to my wife, who does not know north-east London. The river is attractive, the locks large, the track surface good. There are parks, Hackney and other “marshes”; heaps of open space. Victoria Park has a lake with a pagoda – café, too. All was shimmering. Past the Olympic site, and the excitement of the boats and lock gates at Limehouse, and the first sight of Tower Bridge, with the eventual ride up to the great towers. The end of the ride. Amidst the mass of tourists and busy Londoners, Ed posed for photos and felt, I hope, the same feeling I had when I reached John O’Groats. None of the passer-by knew what he’d done and few would have cared. Why should they? But here was the end of his first big tour which had originated from his own idea, but also the start of the next one. “How far is it to the Eiffel Tower, Daddy?”

For route information, maps and on-line mapping visit www.sustrans.org.uk OS 1:50 000 maps were carried, but do not, in all cases, carry up to date NCR information.

See sheets 152, 165, 166, 177.

The Highwayman, London Road, Dunstable was comfortable and excellent value. Tankerfield House B&B, in Romeland Hill, Saint Albans was excellent, as was Appletree B&B, Fordwich Rise, Hertford. In London we stayed at the YHA St. Paul’s. Fine as accommodation, but in the absence of the usual bike-storage we were allowed to put our bikes in the laundry. In fairness, there is no cycle storage listed in the facilities on the YHA website. I hadn’t looked carefully enough, I had just assumed that all YHA hostels had cycle storage.

Heading for Hackney

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land rover | marques

ROVING WITH LAND ROVER Amongst the bikes that 2x2 Worldwide supply are the iconic Land Rover product range and the folding Montague’s.

T

he Land Rover range comprises mountain bikes, traditional trekking, and flat bar road bikes as well as fat tyre commuters. They also offer large wheel folders and smaller 20 inch wheel folders. All Land Rover bikes are designed in the UK, in collaboration with their vehicle designers. These are not badge engineered; they are ‘Land Rover’ from the ground up. Specific bikes are modified in house and supplied to the first response teams of the Red Cross and Ambulance service, carrying on the strong relationship with the emergency services that the brand has always enjoyed.

There are female-specific frames available throughout the range.

The frame profiles aim to fit specific uses; the mountain bikes have a distinct crosscountry trail flavour, whereas the commuter models are comfortable mile-eaters. The component parts and production quality rival the best in the industry.

The Montague folding bikes have gone from strength to strength in the UK. They have an enthusiastic following, appreciating the Montague folding design and the specific

advantages their patented system can offer.

Unlike traditional folders the main frame does not ‘break’ to fold the bike, rather it is a pivoting system around the seat tube.

The Clix system does not require constant adjustment to reset it; the oversize cam allows instant release of both the front wheel and the frame pivot. Thus the structural integrity and strength of the traditional bike frame is maintained, with the added convenience of folding. It won’t fold as rapidly as a Brompton, speed of fold isn’t everything.

There are full performance mountain bikes with all the features you would expect for full off road capability; hydraulic disc brakes, suspension forks, and up to 27 gears.

The city and commuter type products have fast rolling tryes and lightweight parts, and another unique feature is their toolfree, height adjustable, octagon stem. This simple stem gives a wide range of handlebar height adjustment at the push of a button.

Lightweight quick release mudguards and folding pedals are also available for some models. The Montague carry bag protects from the dirt and grime picked up on your ride. The bag is unique in that the bike is

Landrover Team Pro

suspended within it and supported by the straps rather than resting on the bottom.

There is less danger of the bike wearing through the bags base with this clever design.

Montague folders have a particularly strong following amongst boat owners. Riding those towpaths and riverside bridleways needs something sturdy, but limited storage requires a folder. Noel Wood, a happy owner, says, “I love my boat and cruising the canals is really my passion, but getting away for shopping or to visit places is perfect by bike. I have a small boat and the bike in a bag stows nicely out of the way. There are cheaper folders about, but this is spot on. When I moor up miles from the nearest pub, out comes the bike and off I pedal. Seems to know its way home, too – always gives a steady ride.”

Packing into a bag they are easy to take as luggage on train, bus or in a car, too.

Information: Montague – www.montguefoldingbike.co.uk Contact – info@montaguefoldingbike.co.uk Land Rover – www.landrover-bikes.com Contact – info@landrover-bikes.com Tel – 01827 331099

Montague Boston – open

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06/08/2012 09:28

land rover | marques Paratrooper folded

Even suits a car

Montague models are suitable for a range of cycling activities

Landrover Ascot

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06/08/2012 09:28

SHOWCASE DIRECTO RY Madgetts v2 1-9

SPECIALIST OUTDOOR FABRICS BY MAIL ORDER • Waterproof and breathable fabrics

Waterproof and breathable fabrics, fleece, • • Fleece and Softshell Lightweight ripstop nylons, midge netting etc.

• • Moleskin New softshell and laminated fabrics.

• • Sweatshirting and ‘T’ shirting Seam sealants and waterproofing products.

• • Canvases & bag fabrics

New for 2012 • Buckles, webbing, zips & patterns EXTENDED RANGE OF BUCKLES, • Nikwax and Grangers products HOOKS, CORDLOCS. ETC.

Order samples and goods on line at:

www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk Pennine Outdoor Ltd, Central Buildings, Main Street, Bentham, Lancaster, LA2 7HE Tel: 015242 63377 Fax: 015242 63107

16/10/08

14:04

Page 1

M CC

adgetts

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Arden House

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* SALES - SERVICING - REPAIRS *

Superb choice of Clothing and Accessories Great range of Cycles on display in...

4 showrooms (incl. Unicycles, Tandems & Tricycles)

Excellent Wheel Building Service and Workshop

SAFE STORAGE FOR CYCLES

B&B £35 p.p.p.n., based on two people sharing a double room (inc. VAT) • Single occupancy from £45 • 3 Rooms • Children (over 10) • Smoking permitted in garden

Argos Flyer_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:21 Page 1

Situated in a quiet residential road with ample parking, yet only a few minutes walk from the sea, town centre and railway station. Our rooms are all comfortably furnished with ensuite or private bathrooms. Breakfast served in our spacious conservatory.

Complimentary tea on arrival.

Argos Flyer_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:21 Page 1

8, SHELFANGER RD, DISS, NORFOLK IP22 4EH email: madgettscycles@aol.com Argos Flyer_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:21 Page 1 www.madgettscycles.co.uk

28 Manor Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1SP Tel: 01424 225068 Email: info@ardenhousebexhill.co.uk www.ardenhousebexhill.co.uk

01379 650419

Argos Flyer_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:21 Page 1 Argos Flyer_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:21 Page 1

Arden House 1-9.indd 1 Pilot Boat Inn 13/03/2012 Pick a colour...Pick a colour...

The

09:20

Bembridge, Isle of Wight PO35 5NN 01983 872077 george@thepilotboatinn.com www.thepilotboatinn.com

Wonderful West Wight

Only pub on the harbour proper bar, delicious food

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Professional bicycle Professional bicycle frame respray service frame respray service

Somewhere you find… a secret you share.

• Specialist frame repairs

• Specialist frame repairs • Frame building • High quality service & end product • Frame building & reliable turnaround • High quality service & end• Quick product • Replacement decals available • Quick & reliable turnaround • Established 1974 • Replacement decals available • Established 1974 Professional bicycle

Professional bicycle Professional bicycle argoscycles.com frame framerespray respray service service sales@argoscycles.com

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Isle of Wight Accommodation in beautiful Steephill Cove

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frameframe respray service 0117 9724730 argoscycles.com • Specialist • Specialist framerepairs repairs Unit 12 Riverside Business Park, sales@argoscycles.com Specialist frame repairs • Frame building •• Frame building St Annes Road, Bristol, BS4 4ED 0117 9724730 Frame building • High quality service •• High quality service&&end end product product Unit•12 Riverside Business Park, & end product High quality service • Quick & reliable turnaround •St Quick & reliable turnaround Annes Road, Bristol, BS4 4ED Quick & reliable turnaround •• Replacement decals available • Replacement decals available •• Replacement decals available Established 1974 • Established 1974 • Established 1974 argoscycles.com argoscycles.com argoscycles.com sales@argoscycles.com sales@argoscycles.com sales@argoscycles.com 0117 9724730 0117 9724730 0117 9724730 Unit 12 Riverside Business Park, St Annes Road, Business Bristol, BS4 4ED Unit 12 Riverside Park, Unit 12 Riverside Business Park, justjuniorscyclewear St Annes Road, Bristol, BS4 St Annes Road, Bristol, BS44ED 4ED is a family run web-based retail outlet specialising in high quality cycle clothing for children. The site, www.justjuniorscyclewear.co.uk caters, primarily, for children from the age of 4 up to 14 years. Including our own range of Windproof Jackets, Gilets, Bib tights & bib shorts.

Our desire is to encourage the younger cyclist.

Phone 02476 397962 E-mail justjuniors@btinternet.com Postal Address 52 Mancetter Road, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 0HN

Just Juniors 1-9.indd 1 CW_AUG_SEPT_Showcases.indd 94

Main courses, snacks, sandwiches including local crab specials 5 ensuite bed and breakfast rooms BRING THIS AD TO RECEIVE 10% DISCOUNT ON FOOD

Welcome to Seahorses Seahorses is a holiday destination with a difference! We are an established four-star Bed and Breakfast with our own Art Studio.

Seahorses Holiday Guest House opened in 1999, offering cyclists a warm and friendly ‘home base’ from which to explore the local landscapes and attractions of the rural West Wight.

Seahorses, Victoria Road, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40 9PP UK Phone: (01983) 752 574 From outside UK: +44 1983 752 574 Email: boris@seahorsesisleofwight.com www.seahorsesisleofwight.com

30/01/2012 16:51 06/08/2012 10:04

SHOWCASE DIRECTO RY Halse Farm

Kings Head Hotel & Venue 59

59-60 Cross street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire.

The Kings Head hotel is based in the stunning surroundings of the famous market town of Abergavenny, we have the reputation of a first class hotel combined with the warm friendly atmosphere of a family home. This lends itself perfectly to serve up a relaxing weekend break in one of our tasteful rooms or a base for a cycling holiday in the Brecon Beacons after we’ve set you up with one of our hearty Welsh breakfasts!

We also have secure overnight storage for cycles.

Pyscodlyn Farm Caravan & Camping Site

Caravan and Camping Site

Llanwenarth Citra Abergavenny NP7 7ER

A peaceful, family run campsite in the Exmoor National Park.

The campsite is the ideal location for exploring Exmoor which straddles the Devon and Somerset border, and encompasses unspoilt moorland and a spectacular coastline.

PLEASE CONTACT: Mrs Laetitia Brown Halse Farm Winsford, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 7JL

Tel: 01873 853575 fax: 01873 853575 Email: info@kingsheadhotelabergavenny.co.uk Web: www.kingsheadhotelabergavenny.co.uk

Tel: 01643 851259 info@halsefarm.co.uk www.halsefarm.co.uk

storybikes

Abergavenny Farm Holidays

• Cyclists Welcome • Secure Lock up for bikes • Only 2 miles from Abergavenny • Easily accessible by train Toilets, Free showers, Laundry and dishwashing area, Electric hook-ups Tel: 01873 853271 Email: pyscodlyn.farm@virgin.net www.pyscodlyncaravanpark.com

Pyscodlyn Farm 1-9.indd 1

14/05/2012 10:59

Locks of Sandwich

Cycles 28 King Street, Sandwich. CT13 9BT

FAST REPAIR

Journey by bicycle through lore and legend with your guide and storyteller, Andy Hunter

Full Fitting & Servicing on all Cycles

Stories: Through stories, travel to the heart and history of the landscape. A story or two along the way each day will include myths, legends, humour and history.

MASSIVE STOCKS OF NEW BIKES FOR SALE

Tours: We cycle at a moderate pace which can be adjusted to suit the group, covering 25 miles or so in a day. Regular half-day tours of Edinburgh are available, or look ahead to 2013 - start the year with a tour of Snowdrops in the Scottish Borders.

BIKE HIRE INCLUDING HELMETS & LOCK

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Sustenance: Stopping at cafes, inns or scenic sites to ensure nourishment for all the senses.

Rates available please give us a call for more info.

“Combination of a brilliant holiday, self-reliance, low carbon, physical challenge, good company, and everything organised” Helen, Newcastle

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★★★★

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FOR ALL YOUR CYCLING NEEDS! www.locksofsandwichcycles.co.uk

08/05/2012 15:33 Alizons Guest House Locks of Sandwich 1-9.indd

Abergavenny Farm Holidays 1-9.indd 1

Isle of Wight

1

04/01/2012 14:04

Swiss Cottage Swiss Cottage in Shanklin, Isle of Wight was built in 1866 and is an attractive, 4 Star Silver, friendly traditional seaside guest accommodation, under the personal supervision of guest house owners Keith & Christine, a home from home where guests meet as strangers and leave as friends, but don’t forget your slippers!

4 star family guest house, top rated on Trip Advisor, popular with cyclists due to enhanced security, i.e. totally secure area for bikes. Breakfasts to suit calorie-starved cyclists, packed lunches available.

Eco Friendly B&B

The guest house is conveniently situated in the heart of Shanklin, on a quiet road with its own off street parking.

Swiss Cottage is within two minutes easy walk to all the amenities Shanklin and the beach has to offer and is an ideal base for the touring cyclist.

Catering for cyclists and walkers Dry secure storage for bikes

Tel: 01873 854823 website: www.theguesthouseabergavenny.co.uk

01983 856 433 www.alizonsguesthouse.co.uk

Keith & Christine Beckett Swiss Cottage, 10 St. Georges Road Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6BA Telephone 01983 862333 info@swiss-cottage.co.uk www.swiss-cottage.co.uk

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14/05/2012 14:55 06/08/2012 10:05

ORDNANCE SURVEY | MAPS

GETAMAP, GETTA YOUR LUVERLY MAPS HERE! Charlie Faringdon tried out Getamap, the new online service from the good old Ordnance Survey

F

or some folk a map is as good as a book. How many of us sit at night surveying the landscape from the armchair? Before you is the whole of the land, its geography, topography and enticing hints at its past, for reminiscing over the last big ride or anticipating the next time the sun appears and a quick ten-miler is on before the rain comes back. The Ordnance Survey is not the only map-maker and some cyclists, I know, prefer a scale somewhere between the 1: 50000 and the 1: 250000. Those exploring in depth might prefer 1: 25000 or even smaller. When it comes down to it, in my view, you can’t beat OS maps as a source of information and a guide for your journey. Regular readers will be aware that many of my maps are pretty old and miss new roads and other useful detail. The problem has always been how to keep up to date without spending a fortune.

More pertinent still is the number of maps that can fit into your luggage on a long trip. When walking from Glasgow to Cape Wrath, I was forced to slice maps into strips to avoid overloading. When cycling LeJog, I posted maps home whenever I moved onto the next sheet. All a bit of a faff.

So here, gentle reader, is a solution. It isn’t the only one – I have used other mapping systems – but it is a good one and comes directly from the horse’s mouth. “Getamap” from the Ordnance Survey.

I registered. I am not technically minded or an enthusiast for lists of great things that I could do which I probably never will. Tasting before buying was a real plus. To do this, go to www.magazine.ordnancesurveyleisure.co.uk/ magazine/tscontent/editorials/getamap/os-getamap-home.html Having been told by the OS that this would give me most of the “functionality”, i.e. I’d be able to do most of the things – planning routes, getting information and so forth, I took a quick look at the introductory videos and pitched in. Clicking on the map, a little to the north of Berwick on Tweed,

quickly zoomed me into Eyemouth. I could have searched for the location by name or grid reference, but I do like to see the detail emerge.

There are three formats to select from; zoom map (roads, towns and so on without the complication of contours and other detail), aerial (satellite pictures) and leisure (the real OS mapping). One advantage immediately struck me. There was need to select preferred map scale, one could just move easily between the generality and the detail, zooming into the 1: 25000 when the 1: 50000 data was not sufficient, or switching to the zoom map for a more general view of where I wanted to go.

With registration came the ability to plan routes and save them, with route cards, elevation graphs, distances and estimations of time taken by bike walking and – less likely in my case – running. A really useful feature is that, by using the menu on the left of the screen, one could find accommodation information, details of refreshment stops and places of interest. Of course, these are unlikely to be completely comprehensive. The pub information comes from the Good Beer Guide; cafes aren’t included. All this could be easily “pinned” to the route and saved. A summary of route distance and elevation range was conveniently visible.

I found the route planning tools easy to use. “Intuitive” is the word they use in IT circles, I’m told, and these really were. If you don’t find them so, there are some delightfully jargon-free help pages. Removing mistakenly located

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‘THIS IS A STRAIGHTFORWARD BIT OF SOFTWARE. IT IS EASY TO USE AND FULL OF THE SORT OF INFORMATION WE WANT TO KNOW WHEN HEADING OFF INTO TERRITORY NEW. THERE IS GREAT FLEXIBILITY BETWEEN SCALES AND FORMATS OF MAPS GRANTED, IT WON’T TELL YOU HOW MANY CALORIES YOU’LL BURN IF YOU RIDE THE ROUTE AT FIFTEEN MILES AN HOUR – BUT IT WILL INDICATE WHERE YOU MIGHT FIND A PUB. IN THE FUTURE, TOURING CYCLISTS WOULD LIKE THE ACCOMMODATION, REFRESHMENT AND PLACES OF INTEREST FUNCTIONS TO BE FURTHER DEVELOPED.’ waypoints was blessedly simple. I tool to it with ease. This was genuinely straight-forward and really useful. Find out what the weather is like? That is there, too. So are driving directions – though these may not suit most leisure and touring cyclists.

The drawback, at the registration level, was that it was not possible to view the full-screen map. For a cyclist, a view of more than a few miles is often a necessity. Heading for a destination some fifty miles away? Hard to do so on a small window. To get into full-screen you need to subscribe. At present there is a deal on £19.99 for a year, but you can subscribe for a month or three months. Clubs or informal groups might be interested in the £100 subscription that allows for up to thirty users. Save your routes in an on-line folder, adding notes and categorising for future reference.

Routes can be mailed to friends, downloaded to GPS systems – only Garmin are supported at present, but the OS promises more are on the way. Best of all, subscribing allows printing of A4 sections of maps. What could be better?

Your own map library with free print outs – well for the price of a subscription anyway. Even better for me, it isn’t a library from the late nineteen-seventies!

A4 prints can be taken on a pay as you go basis, but at £1.99 your travels will need to be pretty limited to make the most of it.

The print options allow you to select the best format for efficient use of space for your chosen route or area. Stuck inside a plastic map wallet or folder there are massive advantages to this. I’ll no longer hide my map at the bottom of my rucksack or pannier in case it rains#; just go home and print another page, rather than have a ruined map. Moreover, whilst the GPS systems I have used offer a very narrow representation of a route – not much use of you need to divert, bail-out or just change your mind: you’ll get a bigger picture of your surroundings on an A4 sheet.

This is a straight-forward bit of software. It is easy to use and full of the sort of information we want to know when heading off into territory new. There is great flexibility between scales and formats of maps. Granted, it won’t tell you how many calories you’ll burn if you ride the route at fifteen miles an hour –

but it will indicate where you might find a pub. In the future, touring cyclists would like the accommodation, refreshment and places of interest functions to be further developed. It’s worth remembering that it is the Devil’s own job to keep that sort of information up to date. However, the mapping will be.

I’m a simple soul really. I like things that function and are straight-forward to use. I like this system and I can foresee frequent use for cycling, walking and research. Well done the Ordnance Survey. You have one more subscriber.

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www.cyclingworldmag.com | Cycling World 97

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07/08/2012 09:25

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