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Whether it's five miles or five hundred miles, riding a bicycle is more fun than anyone ever told me! My New Year's Resolution to cycle 10 miles a day or 40 minutes on a spin bike has meant that by the end of May I have cycled 2,600 miles! Because of my cycling wardrobe the weather has not stopped me from cycling (unless it really is -5 degrees or with wind gusts of 25 mph). Cycling in style and in comfort is really important to me as I don't really want to be covered in logos looking like a Ninja as I buy groceries or attend meetings. I have found some things that work for me but am always looking for new pieces. For me, Evans Cycles and Cycle Surgery for the basics. My two favourite brands for my wardrobe are www.velorution.com and www.velovixen.com but I am always looking for new pieces. I would love to know what works for you and why. Happy cycling!

Friday 29 November 2013

Christmas is Coming - all things bicycling are on Santas' radar (I hope)!



In preparation for the big day, a couple of weeks ago I was invited to a Women's Cycling Evening at Evans in London's West End (I know, it sounds like a theatre production).  However,   this event was too good to miss and I managed to be there early enough to receive a goody bag.  There were about 30 of us and we all took advantage of the food and drink kindly provided. 


 A member of staff gave an interesting talk on how to gear up for winter, introducing base layers, jerseys and various outer layers depending on the weather.  The special discounts available for the evening allowed me to stock up on Defeet socks and a Helly Hansen merino baselayer.  

It was a very enjoyable, informative and positive evening - not least as it highlighted how female cyclists are of all ages, riding all sorts of bicycles. I met some serious commuters, triathletes and those who just like to travel a couple of miles every few days.   Apparently statisticians across the cycling fraternity frequently find that the percentage of male/female cyclists is not 50:50.  I have no idea why this is - I have so much fun riding my bike that I just want everyone else to do it too!

It was really encouraging to know that organisations are doing more than just selling merchandise.  Evans have also run maintenance classes and they arrange rides.  They are not alone. Velovixen (am I really on their website?!) and Brompton are also leading rides as indeed do CTC .  Riding in a group means that you have less to think about because the route is the concern of someone else so you can just concentrate on pedalling and chatting!

 
Continuing with the Christmas shopping.... the Buy British theme I followed (as much as I could) for my bike for life is brilliantly being followed by Spin London who earlier in the year hosted an Urban Bike Show that showcased British designers and British products.  

It went  really well - not least because of the very high standard and ingenuity of the products and the people behind them.  Small, independent bicycle and accessory businesses were given centre stage without being in the shadow of the big boys/girls.

From 29th November until 1st December  Spin London are hosting a Christmas Coffee and Shopping event and I popped in to see what was what.  I wasn't disappointed. They have set it up as a small Christmas Fayre, with stalls of hot food, hot drinks and a coffee market that could keep you caffeinated until Christmas!

 
The bicycle peeps included Mosquito Bikes who are based in Islington. They have introduced Velocity GB, a London based designer making clothes to ride in. I will have to encourage Fitzrovia Cycles who produced my bike for life to go and have a look!  


I met Beelco who are designing outerwear and Ragpicker.cc Ragpicker who are sponsoring  the 5th floor racing team  I caught up with Rachel who is the star behind Michaux and have found my perfect Christmas present.  

Roadrags, Fused Bags and Paulus Quiros Paulus Quiros (beautiful and I wished my Woodrup was there!) were alongside Hackney GT - all brilliant brands behind which were their actual creators - not the Sales Team but the real deal.
 

As I left I caught up with the man behind Trophy- the innovative way to store your bicycle which has been announced Winner of the Best New Product Award at Home London 2013. Well done Ross, that's fantastic! And your fixed tandem is amazing!

The Fayre may be small but it is well worth a visit - definitely don't eat anything before you go there and whatever you do, keep off the coffee - you will be spoilt for choice!

Thank you Spin London - the shows you put together are a real reflection on the passion for cycling that it, to me, deserves. 

Sunday 24 November 2013

A Week Worth Waiting For

Some months ago I followed the advice of a friend and made the somewhat startling decision to have a bike built - truly bespoke - just for me. I have never had anything made for me before and never imagined that I would, ever, so this was not going to be a culmination of rushed and rash decisions.


Initially, to try and justify this bespokeness I had to reiterate how cycling seems to have taken over my life in the past few years. I ride a bike every single day, it's my main form of exercise, my only form of transport, my job and for those that know me (although this blog may give a hint) my absolute passion!  I am never happier than when I'm riding a bicycle - grinning from ear to ear the moment my hands are on the brakes and handlebars or my feet are on the pedals!

The decision as to which frame and frame builder to use was made easy for me. I chose Leeds-based Woodrup as frame builders purely because of A Man Called Vernon. 
 

Last year said Vernon rode his brand new Woodrup Chimera on a ride I was on and let me try it. It was amazing. A beautiful bike that he rode and rides all over the country including up the beast of Brighton (aka to the top of Ditchling Beacon). 

 
Finding out some months ago that Fitzrovia Bicycles in New Cavendish Street, W1 are the only London dealer for Woodrup sealed the deal. I did pop on a train to Leeds to meet the frame builder - Kevin Sayles. I also met the head of Woodrup - a family run business started by a husband and wife team with a passion for cycling. 
 


 
Having a bike built has been a fascinating journey all of its own. Both Woodrup and Fitzrovia have been so informative and helpful. Their bicycle knowledge has been outstanding. Kevin has been building bicycles for 35 years. Tom, Will, Alex and their team at Fitzrovia are all brilliant - a group of high calibre mechanics who all really know their stuff and really understand what puts the cycles into bicycles and how to match excellent service with standards. 



They have researched and sourced a variety of components for consideration, providing explanations and advice on the pros and cons of each, always promoting the cheaper alternatives rather than the most money-spinning. None of them, not even for a moment made me feel small or stupid by the questions I was asking or by my lack of technical know how.

Indeed, not being the worlds greatest mechanic I have chosen components that are going to last. Selecting one version then swapping it out in a few months time is not for me.  Friends have also given great advice - disc brakes yes but hydraulic no. My ability to repair hydraulic disc brakes in the middle of nowhere or indeed in the middle of the kitchen would be a big fat no-no!




Just around the corner from Fitzrovia Bicycles is Velorution who, as another independent bike shop, also hand pick the items they sell including the new Brooks Cambium B17 saddle which rather than being made from leather is made from rubber.


My approach to listen to the experts has paid off a million times - I have had the bicycle for one week and I am, to coin a phrase, as happy as a pancake! When I collected it I thought that either I was going to ride it straight home, put it on the wall and never ride it again or I was going to ride it until morning. 

 
I couldn't believe how incredible it was - so smooth and nothing felt that it was brand new as it was so easy. It was like slicing water. Or stirring a cup of tea.  There really has been no element of having to wear it in - like you do when you buy a new pair of shoes. It really is so comfortable, I can hardly believe it. 15 miles later I managed to force myself to head home in time for supper.  My top speed with very little effort was 25.9mph! Wowser!! Another 15 miles the next day and then I had to wait a week until I could ride it again. This time with a group of friends I haven't seen for a while. Really strong cyclists - all of whom could repair their hydraulic disc brakes in an instant! 


 
Four of us set off from Hyde Park corner towards Trafalgar Square. Our conversational pace had split us into two groups and by the time we realised we had lost the other two we were already at St Paul's Cathedral. A quick call established a visitation had delayed TC and Ianrauk so we headed east. 




Our destination was Trinity Buoys Wharf although I think I should rename it Trinity Boys Wharf as the male contingents always love it. Full fat carbed breakfasts in a melange of inventive activities. Respectful though I am of Sir Michael Faraday and his workshop it seems to be the only Sunday London Ride destination at the moment...! Luckily rb58 guided me through the City and on to the A13 so we could have a real bike ride rather than the ghastly super(not)myway that is full of shared pavements, glass, potholes and roads that run across it that I have used before to the wharf. 


At Fat Buoys Diner breakfasts were consumed, Jurek and Wanda1010 joined us and we all chatted about all sorts of stuff. As we do! This included the Fridays rides and we were all of the view that no matter how many rides we do - nobody but nobody leads a group ride to the standard that their Leggships do (and yes AH that includes you because you put the icing on the cake for all of us). 


The time flew by, more teas and coffees then it was time to go. A quick look at a tidal bell and then off to the Woolwich ferry after a visitation was repaired. This provided an opportunity for Ianrauk to test ride my bike. I think he liked it! He did give me some cleaning tips - some of which I have already put into practise!  

 
Our timing at the Woolwich ferry was perfect - we rode down the ramp and the barriers closed behind us.  I was busy taking pics and a man stepped out of his car to take a group shot. Very kind.  Those of us with gears set ourselves in the lower ones ready for the ramp and once on the main road we all headed off into different directions - TC1 and I headed back to town.


What a day. There had been much hilarity! Frinstance .... Being told we hadn't needed to go to HPC conveniences because Mista Preston wasn't with us! And the speed at which we all ran outside to watch TC1 ride fixed - convinced he was going to come a cropper (when of course he was as cool as a, err, cat)!!  

And Ianrauk saying that rb58s steel fixed steed was nothing but a toy bike - to which rb58 replied - yes, gears are for girls!! And the moment later on when I was struggling with the amount of force I needed to keep up with TC1. "Is there a headwind?" I puffed. "No" came the reply "you are in the wrong gear" he went on. I looked at my feet and pedalled with all my might. "Are you sure there isn't a headwind?" I asked again. "Ha! Yes indeed there is a headwind and it's quite strong" came back the guffawing reply! He was actually laughing at his own joke!!

I don't know many miles I rode but every one a winner! I can't believe how long it's been since I've seen these fab peeps and much look forward to doing it again. As for Woodrup and Fitzrovia Cycles - I am very, very happy! It has been a very humbling experience, understanding the true meaning of the word craftsmanship. My bike for life has me smiling already - no wonder I call myself the 5mile cyclist!


Sunday 10 November 2013

A Ride Amongst Champions! Inaugural London Brompton Club Ride



The most miles I have done on my Brommie in one day is 35. A pootle around Central London that ended up including Richmond Park and Surbiton. The thought of actively choosing to ride a Brommie over long distances never appealed as I have way too much fun on my road bike. But curiosity kept me interested. I know people who have cycled from London to Scotland, Paris and Geneva on theirs so when I found an opportunity to ride from Reading to Richmond with this special band of Bromptonites I couldn't resist.
A train from that secret station - the one that moves every time I try and find it (I blame Michael Bond) and at 9.30 I found myself outside Reading Station with fellow Bromptonites. We gathered by the smoking area (?) and soon there were 16 of us! 

There was a large police presence in preparation for Reading v QPR and as the heavens opened during our leaders pep talk I was sorely tempted to pop into a pub and stay there!! However we all climbed into our wet weather gear and headed out of the city. About five miles later there was a visitation. 

Conveniently in a tunnel so we could take shelter. My brand new Lyzene pump (with a gauge) was called into action and proved itself to be the best small pump I have ever come across (and I've tried a few!)

Out of the tunnel (a reminder of the LonJoG tunnel outside Pitlochry came to my head)  back into the rain and we headed along the towpath. The weather kept looking like it might dry up but never quite where we were.

The two new additions to my winter wardrobe were however coming into their own. Up until now - winter wise (hmmm that could be a title for my next blog!) - I have worn two merino base layers and a cycling jersey under my Gore-the-best-purchase-ever-made-in-the-jacket-department-Oxygen jacket. Today however I have progressed to cashmere on top of my Merino base layer. A cashmere scarf, socks and jumper were absolutely perfect.

Part of me thinks I am a Gore girl as my
Gore Oxygen jacket and over trousers are faultless and work as both waterproof and windproof yet still breathe rather than make me sweat like a shower. Gore have also brought out two new windstopper jackets although I haven't had a chance to put them to the test yet. However after today, cashmere is definitely my winter warmer!  I digress...Back to the ride!
 
I think it did stop raining for a bit - just after another visitation. This time we were by an old fashioned wooden bustop which provided some shelter from the elements. As with most cyclists the priority was to keep the bikes  out of the rain - the owners stayed outside!! I headed to the back to see if I could help with the visitation. A fellow Bromptonite produced his Lyzene tyre levers which were awesome and definitely on my Father Christmas list!!

 
Soon we were on our way again. The route was lovely and the company magnificent. All the Bromptons were err, Bromptons but they were all different! And they had travelled from afar. Oxford, Buckinghamshire and London for this special ride. Such a kind group.  I was offered biscuits at the start which set the standard of generosity for the day. General chats about a zillion different things, Some Brompton banter (obviously!) and much laughter. One of my fave moments was discovering how many of us were World Champions having taken part in the 2013 Brompton World Championships - and relegating the two that hadn't to the back of the ride!! Hilarious!!


 
We cycled on fast roads and country lanes. Some of the puddles we rode through reminded me of my ride to Germany this time last year but at least this time the water levels were not higher than my pedals!  Those riding without cleats stuck their feet out like Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!! 



Charlie and I joined up as TECs (that's Tail End Charlie/Tail End Charlotte) which was great fun and I was allowed to be the one who called out All Up although there was no opportunity to do this because The Man at the Front cycled off before I could say it. Charlie and I had a right laugh as we realised that as this was not a Friday Night Ride to the Coast - it was a day ride and we were visible so the all up call was not required!  



 
We followed the Thames (although we were wetter)! The elevenses stop in Ascot turned to a pavement stop outside Costa who excelled themselves by offering us, non customers, Christmas Cake and biscuit samplers. I will be back!




 Reaching Windsor Great Park was sheer delight. What a lovely place in which to cycle. The rain had stopped and we rode through it six abreast. 

A pub lunch in Anglers Forehead which does quite the most spectacular food. What a chef they have in their kitchen. I did find their policy to add 50p to all orders paid by card - regardless of the amount or the card to be a bit greedy. £9.50 for a bowl of soup, bowl of chips, mineral water and a cup of tea was heading for London prices but my goodness it was delicious! They were very efficient and the outside area was perfect for visitation repairs!




I didn't dare stay inside for too long as I thought if I was too snug in the warm I would stay there for the afternoon.  A few of us stayed outside surrounded by Brommies - what's not to like?! With lunch over we were off! Out into a bit of drizzle, I put my sopping Gore gloves on at the recommendation of a fellow rider who suggested if I wiggled my fingers the gloves would warm up and dry up. Whoop! Whoop! They did! 

Along the Thames which was rather high, Hampton Court, Kingston and into Richmond. The sun had gone for the night and I realised what an urban ride my Brommie is - the lights were completely useless for seeing where I was going. I could be seen which is one thing but to not be able to see the road - potholes, glass and puddles is ridiculous. The rear hub and dynamo light system that I didn't chose when I bought my Brommie are about to be ordered. Hopefully suggestions and recommendations will be forthcoming - they will be very gratefully received. 

The other thing that tells me mine is an urban Brommie is the fact that I have never, ever seen it so caked in mud! Truly! 


As we headed to Richmond Station we said our goodbyes and thank yous. If they were missed - Aka Bob, David and David thank you. And to The London Brompton Club - thank you very much for making me feel so welcome and along with Charlie B for being such fine company.  If this is what it's like to do long rides on a Brommie - I am looking forward to the next one! Thank you everyone!


 57.18 miles in 4.24hrs with a top speed of 19.9 mph on the flat! Woohoooo!!!!!
 
The rest of my pics are here