30 Days Of Biking UK

johnthemonkey: Of course, no one really knows how fawns spend...

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 06:08:35 -0400

Of course, no one really knows how fawns spend their birthdays, what with them being secretive and all.

I like to think it’s a bit like this, but drawn better.

Neglect

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:52:25 -0400

Sadly neglected but we’ll be back shortly with all things bike and 30 days of biking, you’ll see.

In the mean time here’s something I wrote for the official 30 Days of Biking Blog http://30daysofbiking.com/blog/?p=9

PAX IN BELLO by Hazel

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 09:05:53 -0500

In the summer of 2011, perhaps a on a few occasions the summer before, I began to cycle to work - it is approximately a 20 mile round trip. The first few times were a struggle; shaky legs, nausea, inability to talk once I had reached my destination - but after cycling to work for most of last summer the struggle subsided and the ride became a real pleasure - far less stressful than driving a big angry car about.

On the 18th August 2011 Mark surprised me by secretly purchasing a Navy & ivory Pashley Princess…the most wonderful gift I have ever received. I’m not an expert on bicycles, I tend to go on looks alone and my Pashley Princess really is a wonderful looking machine, unique, regal, complete with mudguards, basket and all - I have had to stop doing the wheelies and the skids but I am very attached to my new bike – far better than that bashed up old boys mountain bike I was using!

I last rode my bike in late October. I don’t mind the cold but it was the absolute darkness coming home that made me stop, not because I am nervous but I simply could not see more than a few inches in front of me and my eyes do not seem to cope well in the dark! As the nights began to draw in the final straw was encountering a very odd man on the local Cuckoo Trail, I won’t go into details but he unnerved me and he was wearing shell suit joggers - what’s that if not a clue to strange behavior!? So, when the clocks changed I was forced to store my beloved bike away in the shed for the winter.

Today was the first day this year riding to work, occasionally Mark is able to work in town and can accompany back in the evening which is always really nice. After not riding for a while (other than a little trip down to Bexhill-on-Sea just before Christmas) I had forgotten what it felt like and what it does for you. I had a fretful nights sleep caused by a very vivid dream of being mauled by ferrets (ferrets that could open patio doors), and I was badly organized for riding in the morning but then that is probably never going to change for me. I had wanted to leave by 8am but didn’t get out in time and finally managed to bash my way out of the humble abode at about 8.20.

I would normally hurry from the house – which could easily be compared to the money pit; the unfinished DIY jobs, the piles of washing, the breakfast dishes and other chores that will have to wait since I am a busy working mum – THAT CAT! – the recent arrival of a beautiful but psychotic cat who seems to have taken it upon herself to destroy me by urinating and defecating in any place she chooses, stealing flapjacks and generally being unnecessarily violent and destructive with her supercilious manic, bold stare and evil intent - fall into my car, then have a stressful stop start drive, followed by the twenty minute car space hunt, then the fifteen minute walk to the office which would inevitably make me late. STRESS!

So, it was a refreshing change this morning to calmly leave the house and get on the saddle, and I felt much better for it, this is what my bike does for me…

I started off by ticking passed the local duck pond; the sun was just breaking through with small pockets of blue sky giving me a wink. The ducks were gently gliding together, they had already been feed by some kind and early to start person. Then off down the Cuckoo Trail. It was alive with birdsong, so loud that it could have been a recording. There was a lovely smell, cant quite grab it to fully describe it but it was reminiscent of something happy. These are all the things you miss when you join the angry car brigade!

I then glided up behind Jan Meyer out of The Killing (it’s not really him, but someone that looks like him) with his two adorable but utterly disobedient dogs, stopping I gave them a pat and was rewarded by wagging tails! Jan looked quite relived that I didn’t mind nearly being taken out by the animals in his charge!

I noticed the vibrant catkins merrily decorating the branches, a sure sign that spring is considering an early debut, Robins, so cheery gave me the nod - such a friendly bird, squirrels running across my path, all very busy indeed. It’s so delightful to have the time to notice all these different little worlds all busy going about their day! By this time I had forgotten all my ‘to do’ lists, and all the jobs I want to do around the home and instead I got that little inkling of the life I aspire to, that it is within grasp and that all the hard work is worth it.

As I cycled (almost forgetting that actually I am supposed to be getting to work) I slip into a reverie and imagine my perfect day; up early, walking my two dogs, most likely Springer Spaniels named Clarence & Jerome. Waiting for me when I return home the coffee would be bubbling away, the fine cut home made marmalade and rye bread, the paper - I’d kick off my wellingtons, join the family for breakfast and plan our next trip to Rome. After I have finished planning our holiday, I’d have an afternoon of home baking, sitting in my scented garden, picking herbs and then sitting crossed legged, looking thoughtful and clever. It was a lovely feeling and I felt that I had inched that much closer to my dreams!

Back on the cycle path, and without noticing the time pass I was now nearing the gym (Bummingtynes, I call it) and some early gym goers - I tried to stare deep into their eyes to see a glimmer of what on gods good earth could make any human enter a gym at that time of the morning - a sweat encrusted soulless berkbox, especially when it is situated right on the edge of the beautiful Cuckoo Trail, where the ponds are like mirrors, herons perch, horses graze all on the back drop of the majestic South Downs. It’s a weird decision considering they are all probably paying a hefty direct debit to that idiot Bummingtyne which they can probably ill afford, when they could just run around for free and for nothing and enjoy the environment!

I then pass the dreary Audi garage, with the coffee breath’d sales men shuffling about, pretending they own the big cars, with their badly fitting suits and oily persona’s, only for this unpleasant scene to be interrupted by four gracious swans effortlessly streaming over head - WONDERFUL.

Almost at journey’s end I pass students - I do wish their mums would tell them to wrap up warm and hitch up their trousers (I get that tune from the film Uncle Buck in my head when I see them)! On passed the hospital with the smell of clean linen and ironing, the tricky negotiation of Kings Drive and the loony drivers (the only part of the ride that I don’t like much) and then hey presto I am at work!

A nice 50 minute ride, good going, no wobbly legs, no stress, no desire to hurl, happy, deeply satisfied – time for a cup of tea and think about the day ahead! PAX IN BELLO

thebicycle: Poster Cabaret Illustration.

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:14:42 -0500

thebicycle:

Poster Cabaret Illustration.

New tyres for the commuter bike. Green clash! Thanks to...

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 11:03:28 -0500

New tyres for the commuter bike. Green clash!

Thanks to @FutureCyclesltd of Lewes.

cyclivist: More than 230 bikes were used to create a 12-metre...

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 06:14:12 -0500

cyclivist:

More than 230 bikes were used to create a 12-metre (39ft) tree for a shopping mall in Shenyang, China

bikeladiesunite: (via) IT’S JOOLS!!! Xxx :-)

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 07:15:07 -0500

bikeladiesunite:

(via)

IT’S JOOLS!!! Xxx :-)

eathealthyexercisealot: my life,one of the best decisions ever...

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:27:20 -0500

eathealthyexercisealot:

my life,one of the best decisions ever i got for getting a bike

True story

Photo

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:13:23 -0400

Photo

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 09:13:03 -0400

cycleboredom: Sick video for Hutchinson Serenity tires! “100%...

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:19:34 -0400

cycleboredom:

Sick video for Hutchinson Serenity tires! “100% puncture proof warranted”

(by fortiche studio)

Kathryn Langley: #30daysifbiking ... Days Nineteen and Twenty

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:35:01 -0400

Kathryn Langley: #30daysifbiking ... Days Nineteen and Twenty:

kathrynlangley:

I’ve been having a slight out of body experience over the last couple of days. I caught a cold on Sunday, but it seemed to disappear yesterday. Today my head feels detached from my body.

After a quick ride last night (just to the shop for essential provisions: crisps and chocolate), I packed up…

“car windscreen wash doesn’t taste nice” my favourite quote this round of 30 days of biking

cyclivist: First person view of a mountain bike race in urban...

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:30:47 -0400

cyclivist:

First person view of a mountain bike race in urban Chile - completely rad and insane

Madness!!

kathrynlangley: #30daysofbiking … Day Ten Excuse the slightly...

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 13:44:11 -0400

kathrynlangley:

#30daysofbiking … Day Ten

Excuse the slightly mad face. I think I was in shock at actually making it home…

Things I have learned today:

It is exhilarating cycling in the rain.

I CAN cycle along the A27 into the wind. Somehow the legs just keep going if I put my mind to it.

NONE of my clothes are waterproof.

Neither is my mascara.

It is really hard cycling in jeans that are so wet they feel like they’ve just come out of the washing machine.

I definitely definitely need a mudguard.

Changing into a pair of comfy tracky pants feels *amazing* after cycling 9 miles in the rain #nobodytoimpress

Red wine tastes better after exercise.

It is exhilarating cycling in the rain!

Photo

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 08:58:17 -0400

cyclivist: Bike Test Footage (by Francis Kmiecik) Strange but...

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 05:06:54 -0400

cyclivist:

Bike Test Footage (by Francis Kmiecik)

Strange but interesting nonetheless!

My Day 7 Part 3

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:27:39 -0400

The Journey home

All that was left of the day was quickly leaving in the west and the bright headlamps of the cars were already brightening up the Brighton street. I cycled down towards the sea weaving through the home coming traffic - my own lights blinking.

My journey home would take me from Madeira Drive along the Brighton sea front, up on to Marine Parade and out of Brighton via the A259 and along the cliffs. Much of this journey was the subject of a recent Excess Baggage piece on Radio 4 - Bus trip from Brighton to Eastbourne http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0144pvg …it’s a great bus trip on those Brighton and Hove double deckers but far more rewarding on a bicycle with a strong wind behind you.

Following the A259 passed Brighton Marina, The private girls school at Roedean, up and down along the cliffs passed the imposing Rottingdean Windmill, black against the skyline above the road and on in to Rottingdean. To the right of me all this way is the sea, silent in the darkness.

At Rottingdean the road ramps up steeply, rewarded at the top with a lovely view of Saltdean Lido, shining in all it’s 1930’s art deco splendour in the gloaming.

With the wind in my favour I travelled effortlessly, enjoying the silence only broken by the occasional passing car or bus. The road continues along the cliffs from Saltdean and through the sleepy town of Peacehaven, where my grandparents made their home many years ago. I took a slight detour off the road and down towards the cliffs here, looking for the monument that marks where the Meridian line leaves the UK heading south over to France; a place that I had visited many times walking with my granddad and his dogs. In the darkness I just couldn’t find it! http://www.peacehaven.co.uk/culture.php

I was a little disappointed not to find it, however imaginary it would have been fun to take a photograph of the monument and have my right leg in the Western Hemisphere and my left leg in the Eastern Hemisphere whilst looking out to sea towards france. I took the above shot as I left Peacehaven for my friend Gareth, who has a small obsession with village signs.

Out of Peacehaven, then down in to Newhaven, crossing the river Ouse on the swing bridge at Newhaven where the sea ferry leaves for Dieppe, France twice a day.

From Newhaven I picked up the cycle path that navigates its way away from the road along the Ouse Estuary Nature Reserve - in the pitch darkness my lights picking out Kamikaze rabbits who seemed determind for me to take a spill…they made me a little more cautious and I was forced to slow down a little.

The end of the Reserve meets with Bishopstone and the edges of Seaford. I took a right under the railway tracks and down on to the blustery sea front at Seaford. In the darkness I could see white breakers crashing on to the pebble beach with the sea spray reaching me on the road. Despite the wind it was warm and I was propelled along the sea front road at a decent rate.

From Seaford my route now headed a little inland, still on the A259 down towards Exceat. Leaving the bright street lights of the town I was now plunged into darkness, my front headlight picking out the white markings on the road (where there were any) and the high hedgerows. No more mad rabbits at least.

At the Seven Sisters Country park I took a left and headed through the dark ad narrow country lane that traverses the side of Friston Forest towards Litlington along the Cuckmere Valley. Through Litlington the road starts to climb up into the Downs, passed the Long Man at Wilmington, hiding on the side of Windover Hill in the darkness.

Not far to go now…just a quick dash across the busy A27 and on to that cold lonely stretch along side Abbots Wood. I was starting to feel a little spooked now, but signs of life, bright flood lights and the sound of revving engines at the Arlington Raceway soothed me a little, and knowing I only had a mile more to go.

5 minutes later I was home, a hot cup of tea and smiles. It had been an extraordinary day and one that will remain with me for a while. I will go back to Peacehaven some time soon and find that monument. It is a must!

Isn’t 30 Days of Biking bloody brilliant?

_BLIXA_

John the Monkey: ADVERT PITCH

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:15:51 -0400

John the Monkey: ADVERT PITCH:

johnthemonkey:

scene - a crowded restaurant.

A couple are nearing the end of their main course, and wavering over choosing dessert. SUDDENLY! Out pops Gio Compario (for it is he) much beloved* star of the Go Compare! advertisements.

Gio plonks two large slices of gateaux before the diners, as he sings;

“Ride…

*mainly loathed!

John the Monkey: ADVERT PITCH #2

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 10:15:04 -0400

John the Monkey: ADVERT PITCH #2:

johnthemonkey:

Scene: A garage forecourt in Britain, day.

A motorist is filling up a car. The motorist’s eyes widen in surprise at the cost of the fuel. SUDDENLY! Out pops Gio Compario (for it is he) much beloved* star of the Go Compare! advertisements, he is riding a vintage Raleigh roadster.

Gio waves a…

My Day 7 Part 2

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:32:34 -0400

Preston Park Velodrome is probably one of Brightons best kept secrets, I must admit that I didn’t even know about it at all this time last year and this day would be my first visit. Nestled in the north west corner of Preston Park the track sits open to the elements, smooth tarmac and slightly banked at the oval bends.

The Preston Park Chain Gang is loosely organised by On the Rivet, which is a social media website that brings together Sussex cyclists from whatever discipline, walk of life, sex and age. Despite the wind, which had started to pick up again, the Chain Gang session was very well attended. 20 to 25 people, predominately men but it was great to see a couple of youngsters, as young as 10 and a few women.

The idea of the chain gang session is to train as a group and develop skills and bike handling which will serve you well if you are intending to race out on the road, in Criteriums or at the track. I’ll let the website offer the rest of the explanation http://ontherivet.ning.com/

After my morning commute and trial across the downs to get to Brighton I was in need of a bit of sustenance so I dashed up to the local chip shop and got myself a portion of chips and a drink, and sat out watching the riders warm up.

I must admit that it looked like a lot of fun, and watching everyone take their turn on the front to peel off and grab a place at the back is a discipline I am keen to learn. I was quite excited to have a go.

After about 20 minutes I was starting to feel a little cold. The chips I had eaten had hit the spot perfectly so I decided to get out on the track and do a few warm up laps.

I was joined briefly by a young lad who told me that he had been riding since 1 o’clock and probably wouldn’t take part in the Chain Gang session, he then went on to tell me all about his girl friend and show me recent text messages he had received. He also told me that he enjoyed listening to Heart FM whilst riding on the track because it motivates him to give at least 10% more energy output…it was an interesting chat.

I hopped off the track to chat to Rupert a little more, we discussed the session and local teams, sportives, bike riding in general and racing before getting back on the track and joining the back of the chain gang. The pace was high and the laps were quick, it was soon my time at the front and I took to the drops to maintain the pace for 3 quarters of a lap before peeling off.

I had a lot of fun, there’s nothing quite like riding with others at pace and learning some new tricks along the way. I certainly took a lot away from that brief session and I hope to be back as soon as my diary will allow it.

As the dusk was encroaching it was my time to leave. I said my goodbyes as everyone took a break to discuss the session and come up with ideas about how it could be improved.

Maybe the purchase of a track bike and a little competition may be found on my wish list of things to do for next year…

May Day 7 continues in Part 3