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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!

Thursday 18 April 2013

Lidl Mice in Hailstorm Date 108




11.5 miles to the Harrow Road via Clapham. Top speed 17.7 on the Brommie.

The expression "local showers" took on their true meaning today.  First stop - Lidl in Clapham for their Special Offers Day.  Really worth keeping a look out for these.  My favourites were:

The Lidl Luggage Rack £8.99 (if only I needed more luggage...!)

 The Lidl light set £5.99 - both front and rear lights with fittings and batteries - duly purchased!



The Lidl Cable Lock £2.49 - for when you are standing by your bike talking to friends - not for leaving on its own somewhere


The Lidl Spoke Reflectors 36 pieces £3.99.  I do need to check with friends whether these are good things or bad things. Update  - these are a good thing and I have been advised that a friend wont ride GMT without them.  I could be going back to Lidl tomorrow...!
The Lidl Tool Kit £24.99 This looked ok as a starter set but sometimes it is better value to buy a la carte rather than the set menu as it gives you the choice to buy exactly what you need.  
The Lidl Luggage pannier bag £8.99 This was a really good piece of kit. It seemed to be well made, a good design and clips to the rack.  How I stopped myself from buying it I have no idea!
The Lidl Rucksack £8.99.  Again, it seemed very well made for the price -  I am not really into rucksacks and I have learned how much more comfortable it is to have the luggage on the bike and not on me. 

Lidl had some Ladies shorts and t-shirts which I, personally, didnt really like the look of, along with a very green lightweight jacket that would have been a boil in the bag experience.  

Their gloves always concern me because if they don't fit they can be more trouble than they are worth. There was  also a chain cleaning gadget which again can end up being a waste of money as there are better ways (apparently!) to clean a chain. 

Like last time they did have helmets for £12.99. They also had tyres but I am not sure of the quality so left them behind.  

Having been to a couple of Lidl Special Days I highly recommend them and at the very least are  worth checking out.

I then spent half an hour chasing the blue sky that was just ahead of me - whilst I was actually being hailed upon.  Hailstones hitting my helmet making a real racket!  By the time I was at the Westway  my over-trousers had proved what a great investment they are as although they were soaked I was bone dry!

Luckily the sun came  out and stayed out!