WorldBikeGirl

P.8 P.6 P.7

Power To Your PedalCaliforniaPart Two

Coast to CoastMemorial Rideday Two

Pedal Your CycleWest Midlands & Walesspring 2015Issue 04

WWW.pedalyourcycle.co.uk

The free cyclists paper for the West Midlands & Wales

I’m Free

Continue the adventure with Dawn Farnworth in part two.

“It’s sixty nine miles to the top of the Pennines, a really long haul.”

TransAm... a long way from Paris...For Chris armishaw, a 50-year-old Property Manager, the route to a self-planned solo attempt at ‘TransAm’, an East to West crossing of the US, started just eight years ago on the road from London to Paris.

In January 2007 Armishaw read about a 4-day London to Paris ride organised by the UK Children’s charity Action Medical Research. The event appealed in a number of ways; the challenge of riding 320 miles in 4 days; the opportunity to raise funds for a great cause and

reaching Paris in time to see the greatest names in cycling on the final stage of the Tour de France.

Being generally fit and healthy Armishaw considered himself reasonably capable of completing the challenge that lay ahead even though at the time of posting the entry form he didn’t even own a bike!

Leading up to the event Armishaw followed a programme of general training and preparation and the big day arrived in July with Armishaw being in one of three groups of 150 riders to leave London.

However, with just 30 miles completed he already felt a little fatigued and concerned about the 300 miles that still lay ahead. After a planned stop for the group Armishaw found the back wheel of three riders that he’d been following for the previous few miles. This was a moment that not only proved to be a turning point on the road to Paris but also the foundation for future cycling challenges. One of the three

riders was Clifford Davison a 60-year-old rider and lifetime cyclist from Inverness. Davison, his daughter Susan and close friend John helped Armishaw all the way to Paris by giving good advice, encouragement and support along the way.

Christine

P.4

IntervIew wIth

We chat with the American downhill pro.

“Johny Ringo”

Will Ford’s Diary Of A Beginner....P.11 10 Reasons Cyclists Need Yoga....P.15 PYC Hereford Cyclo-cross - Winter Series....P.24

Continued on Page 3 >

2 Issue 04 - spring 2015 facebook.com/pedalyourcycle

Welcome

Pedal Your Cycle is part of Peloton Marketing Services. pelotonmarketingservices.co.uk

Designed by Lakewood media Limited www.lakewoodmedia.uk

BM Box 4523, London. wC1n 3XX. Registered in England & Wales 831 4554

JamiE BoothManaging Director & Editor-

in-Chief

adam haWoRth Managing Editor

JEni hughEs News & Copy Editor

nEil ColEman Advertising & Sales Director

ChaRlEs JaRRoldNon-executive director

www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk

facebook.com/pedalyourcycle

twiiter.com/pedalyourcycle

advertise@pedalyourcycle.co.uk

COnTACT US

FOLLOW US

ADvERTiSing

hello@pedalyourcycle.co.uk

Pedal Your Cycle is the UK’s only free newspaper for cyclists. With articles for all levels of riders, from professional cyclists to parents looking for a route suitable for the whole family, our aim is to create a newspaper and hub for all who love cycling.

In each issue you will find local news, trails and events along with reviews and cycling adventures. Discover cyclists from all over the world in our interviews and check out the centre map to find trusted local places along your cycling route.

We hope you enjoy your copy of Pedal Your Cycle as much as we enjoy making it.

Missed something in the newspaper? Check out our website www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk for all the latest cycling news and videos.

Spring is just around the corner and the cycling season is already underway. It’s great to see so many cyclists out and about on the roads training hard for the season ahead and wonderful also to see more women getting involved. We are

excited to hear that local girl Molly Weaver from Hereford has joined Laura Trott’s newly formed pro cycling team Matrix, which is based in the potteries.

At the UCL cycling world championships held in France recently, the womens team pursuit was won by the Australians, our Sky team came in second, losing the title after holding it for the

past 4 years. Although our team rode extremely well, congratulations must go to the Australians who broke a new world record in gaining the title. The mens team pursuit final was won by New Zealand, our Sky team coming in a very creditable 2nd place.

We have already completed our first two cyclo-cross events in Hereford and you can read about how they went in this issue. The next event will be on 29th March at Hereford Leisure Centre. Bring your bike along and join in the fun or just come and see what it’s all about.

In this issue we also have some inspiring stories from women including an interview

with professional American downhill racer, Christine ‘Johny’ Ringo and an introduction from Ishbel Taromsari who will be writing a regular column for PYC as she travels around the world on her bike. We catch up too with Dawn & Steve with the second part of their adventure in California.

Editor’s Welcome The fourth West Midlands & Wales Edition

Jamie Booth

Winter SeriesCYCLO-CROSS

29th MarchBook online www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk/cc

registration opens at 12:00 - first race starts at 13:00 - Hereford Leisure Centre HR4 9UD

Events categories:Under 12Under 16Seniors

Entry Fees:Senior £12.50Under 16 £3.50Under 12 £2.00

sponsored by Pedal Your Cycle, Climb on Bikes and get in gearlots of prizes for winners

Come along and support Hereford’s own cyclo-cross. don’t have a cyclo-cross bike, no Problem? We aren’t running a strict event just for the pro’s! if you only have a mountain bike and want to take part then come along. under 12 and under 16 races are first so bring your children for a fun and safe day out on their bike.

Plenty of parking and space for spectators.

head towards the reception of hereford leisure Centre and you will see registration on the day of the event.

HErEFord

You can also register online and find out more information at

pedalyourcycle.co.uk/cc

pedalyourcycle.co.uk/advertising

3

Armishaw reflects, “I’m not sure that, without the help of Clifford and the other riders, I would have made it all the way to Paris. When we eventually reached the outskirts of Paris we joined up with the other groups to become a large peloton of 500 riders cycling towards the finishing line along the Champs Elysees. This was an amazing moment, full of emotion from the experience of being part of such a large group of individual achievements.”

Davison and Armishaw became good friends and the four of them cycled London to Paris on four further occasions. By this time, Armishaw had raised over £6000 for Action and began to think about the possibilities of bigger riding challenges and opportunities for fund raising.

Motivated by Davison, Armishaw joined a local club and started to improve the different aspects of his riding: techniques, training regimes, nutrition and diet. Alongside club runs and indoor turbo sessions Armishaw started road based training rides with a small group of riders in Essex. This led the way to bigger challenges and longer distances through taking part in local 100-mile sportives, tougher climbing challenges in the shape of the Fred Whitton sportive in the Lake District and further afield to European sportives such as the Etape and the Maratona in the heart of the Italian Dolomites.

Armishaw recounts, “The Fred Whitton is regarded by many riders as the toughest sportive in the UK, a 1-day event that takes in most of the toughest climbs in the Lakes with 25 and 30% ascents combined with 112 miles of challenging weather conditions. If you can get through the Fred Whitton you could take on almost anything.”

Riding this event a number of times led Armishaw to Italy and the challenge of racing the highest peaks of the Dolomites. Armishaw says, “I remember driving up from the Auto Strada that runs through the valley and realising the scale of the challenge I’d taken on; these are climbs used in the high mountain stages of the Giro d’Italia.

“With 85 miles of closed roads, live TV coverage and roadside support, this event is immaculately organised and in a stunningly beautiful part of the world. Both events just make you want to ride no matter how much it hurts.”

Armishaw will be heading back out to

Italy in July with his riding buddies from Essex.

Those bigger challenges lay the foundation to bringing to life the dream of taking on Race Across America, one of the top three toughest endurance events in the world. Armishaw attended two RAAM seminars in London to get a better insight about what the race meant for riders and crew and to set out a more rigorous training regime. His aim was to at least qualify for the start line in Oceanside California June 2012. Preparation for RAAM started 15 months ahead, including sponsorship, fund raising and qualification which Armishaw completed by riding 350 miles in 17 hours at one of Action’s cycling events, the 24-hour non-stop race held at that time at Goodwood race circuit.

Armishaw’s next call was to the University of Essex and the Human Performance unit. What followed was months of preparation covering physiology, nutrition, lab tests and physical preparation & training plans. Armishaw recruited 7 crew members and began a fund raising plan that ultimately raised £30,000 for Action.

The aim was to complete the gruelling 3000 mile challenge in 12 days, but 2 days in, miscalculations by the crew, the support vehicle being stuck in desert sands combined with extreme heat meant that one of the main time cut-offs in Colorado Springs could not be achieved. Not to be outdone after so much preparation and in recognition of the fund raising and sponsorship, they carried on across the US.

Armishaw says “RAAM is one of the most gruelling challenges that anybody could take on, the sheer distances involved; the changing landscapes and terrain; the extreme heat and sleep deprivation are not to be taken lightly.”

Now helping RAAM organisers to host

their London seminar Armishaw often gets asked questions about training and preparation. In response to questions about climate and heat Armishaw says, “Imagine a hard, non-stop 12-hour turbo session completed in a sauna, that’s what riding through the Western side of the US and the deserts of California and Arizona are like. Riding through Monument Valley in Utah in temperatures exceeding 116° is not something you can train for, there are simply no conditions like this in Europe.”

“What I took from RAAM above everything else was realising that there is no failure in not reaching specific targets either for the crew or rider. Many people involved in RAAM are just everyday people that give everything they can to taking on and being part of a very demanding challenge. Whatever the outcome you certainly come out of it stronger and more determined.”

As they say ‘suffering makes you stronger’. Taking on the challenge of RAAM is a major undertaking and just to get to the start line is a big challenge.

In November 2012, Armishaw decided to take on the challenge of solo riding all 21 Stages of the Centenary 2013 Tour de France. Armishaw self-planned the ‘Ride 21’ challenge, aiming to start four days after the Tour and reaching Paris one day ahead, making up time by riding two stages in one day on three occasions. Armishaw was supported by a crew of three, two of whom were 21 and 17 years old. Armishaw recounts, “Age is no barrier to responsibility and endeavour, the crew did an amazing job.” A day-to-day account of the TdF challenge can be found online (www.ride21.blogpsot.co.uk ). Armishaw’s continued support of Action and his involvement with the team based in Horsham saw a further £10,000 raised for the charity.

Of the many experiences and surprises

that taking on such challenges have brought none can be more special than at the Cycling Sport Gala Dinner when Armishaw was presented with a framed ‘centenary’ yellow jersey signed by Chris Froome, the winner of the 2013 Tour, by Sir David Brailsford.

In 2014 Armishaw rode the bi-annual 240km full course of Paris Roubaix ‘the Hell of the North’, and a sportive event organised by the Velo Club of Roubaix which included a finish on the famous Roubaix Velodrome. Armishaw also gained accreditation at the London Velodrome to race on the track. There was a return to London to Paris in July, but this time the 240 mile course took 12 hours, certainly a long way from being rescued on the first day of Armishaw’s introduction to cycling.

In August 2015, if all goes to plan Armishaw will head out West from Washington DC on a solo challenge following a 3000 mile route and 140,000ft of climbing to arrive 15 days later in San Francisco. Beyond the physical, mental and psychological challenge his aim is to raise considerable funds for Action Medical Research and hopefully encourage others in the same way that he was encouraged and inspired riding to Paris in 2007.

“The pleasure that cycling gives you is delicate, intimate and ephemeral. It arrives, takes hold of you sweeps you up and then leaves you again, it is a combination of speed and ease, force and grace. It is pure happiness.” Jean Bobet - Tomorrow We Ride

Continued from cover

Twitter @chrisarmishawwww.TransAm3000.blogspot.comwww.action.org.uk

4

Interviewed by Jamie Booth

“Johny Ringo”Christine

Why do you use the name Johny Ringo on Facebook?Long funny story, but it all started when I was watching the movie Tombstone one night…. Anyways, Johny Ringo is the deadliest pistoleer in the Old West. Watch out for him! Ha ha.

It’s my nickname at races and in the biking community. Usually people grab my attention with “Ringo!,” “JR,” or “Johny!”

How did you get into Mountain Biking and more to the point downhill racing?My mom has been riding all her life, so she had me riding when I was about 4 years old. I remember those days, dreading riding, pushing my bike up long, steep hills

as a young child. Looking back though, I wouldn’t change a thing! Today, my mom and sister are my riding partners, riding 5-6 days a week with me. As a kid, she started me off on a cheap, heavy hard-tail, which I now appreciate, since I believe it greatly helped my skills. If you can get through challenging sections without suspension, you can fly over it with full suspension!

In the beginning of 2013, I watched a downhill race, and I was pretty much instantly hooked. Watching the riders fly down the mountain and over rock gardens, I thought “I want to do that!”

How does being glamorous fit in with downhill racing, do you worry about the scrapes and bruises?I always carry with me my Victoria’s Secret shimmer lotion and spray when I go riding. Ha ha!

It definitely helps me feel better after every ride, especially at races. Being the only girl on the shuttle bus at races with 20 sweaty guys can be interesting sometimes.

I bruise very easily, so after a few hits to my legs, I stopped worrying about them. I don't want scars on my legs so I always wear full knee and shin pads. Being so small I struggle to find gear that fits me properly. Size small is typically aimed towards men’s size small, which is still a size too large for me. iXS knee guards fit me well! But some cuts and scrapes I don’t mind. Usually you never even notice them until you are

showering and the hot water burns wounds like crazy. Some scars are cool though; they can hold awesome, epic stories!

There’s a quote from an unknown author that I like to live by. It states, “Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.”

Where do you see your career going? Would you ride for a pro road or cyclo-cross team?I hope to one day travel nationally and to join a downhill riding team. I would love to compete more pro GRT races and ride in new areas. World cups would be awesome too, but that’s a long way from where I am currently at. I have never ridden road, so that would be interesting.

What do you like most about riding?I love adrenaline and speed, and the feeling of accomplishment after a good long, hard workout! The joy and sense of achievement that biking brings to me is simply awesome. I also love running, so I compare it to “the runner’s high,” that feeling that you get pushing your limits and seeing how hard you can ride… and then push even a little further. Exploring new trails, staying fit, tackling new challenges, and overcoming my fears is my drive for pedalling.

Where is your favourite place to ride?I love my local trails in Idyllwild, CA. That is my escape to a mini paradise in the pines. The area has so much to offer; incredible single track trails and some unique downhill trails with different types of terrain from burms, to jumps, to challenging rock gardens. It’s so beautiful and peaceful up there! Also, I love Virgin, Utah; the drops, jumps and terrain are simply incredible!

How would you like to see women's cycling and women's sport improve and progress?More women specific gear. It would be awesome to have more options of body armour, shoes, and clothes that fit properly. Riding gear and protection that actually fits is top on my wish list…..possibly in pink!

What would you say to other women thinking of getting into cycling?Just ride and you wont regret it! Yes, it is a male dominated sport since it can be highly intimidating for some women, but we should never let our fears conquer us and hold us back from anything. Keep your riding within your limits, just push enough each ride for progress. Riding with the guys definitely helps too and it makes things fun and interesting. They are all very encouraging, offering help, and telling me to push myself.

The joy and sense of achievement that biking brings to me is simply awesome.

5

How much training do you do?I love being active! Usually, I am doing something daily, whether it be riding, running, or weight training. I mix it up, ride all mountain / trail as well as downhill. We have a joke at my house that the TV is rarely on. My mom, sister, and I are always outside discovering some kind of excitement.

What's the worst part of competing at your level?Still getting the uncontrollable butterflies in your stomach at the start gate, but eventually I use them to my advantage and embrace them. Usually, no matter what you tell yourself, your mind and spirit is still too excited and adrenaline is racing throughout your body. But rather than fighting it, flow with it.

What's the best bit?Simply having fun, riding! I also love travelling so it’s always fun to check out new places to race, meet new and cool people, and ride in unique areas.

Do you have any pets?Before I became more interested in cycling, you would find me at the stable horseback riding every day. I had my quarterhorse, Cowboy, for about 10 years. Interestingly, I think most of my mountain bike skills came from the horses; they taught me a lot about balance and being prepared for the unexpected. I also love my dogs. My dog

Moab was my trail partner, keeping up with me on all of my crazy adventures.

What would you do if you didn’t ride?You would still find me out on the trail, but I would be sitting in a Western or English saddle, horseback riding instead of on my bike saddle. My dream was always to be competing in rodeos and hunter-jumping on my horse.

What is a must have when you’re travelling away?My bike! If I can, I always take it with me.

Have you got a favourite band?That’s a tough one since my music is always changing. It depends on the mood I am in. But country and rock keep my wheels spinning. Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, and Keith Urban are two of my favourite music artists. But I also love Alice in Chains, Journey, and Maroon 5.

Who do you most admire?Let’s see… I’d have to say my mother. She is strong, determined, but still humble and my number one role model! She’s always there for me, supporting me and encouraging me to do my best and stay focused. I always

notice, when I race downhill, that I get so focused on my lines that I literally tune out everything around me. I don’t even hear the yells and shouting sometimes. When I do, it’s always a couple of my close friends and my mother’s voice that my ear catches during my race run.

What else do you do when you’re not riding?I’m a full time student, working towards earning my Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies to be a school teacher. I used to be a math major, so I love math and helping others. On the side, I work as a private math tutor.

Besides riding, I also love to dance, play guitar, hike, and camp.

My mother taught me how to cook when I was a kid, so you can find me in the kitchen a lot. Baking! I have a BIG sweet

tooth! But hey, we ride off the calories...

Christine ringo Sponsors:DVO Suspension; Kenda Tires; Intense Cycles; Spank; Profile Racing; KMC Chain; Shimano; iXS Protective Gear; Atlas Brace; FiveTen; Scorpion Bike Stands; Speed Evolution Products; Oakley; Gamut; Pro Motion Racing.

Photography ©Mike lord Photography

6 Issue 04 - spring 2015 facebook.com/pedalyourcycle

Coast to Coast

The second day dawned bright, is that the start of a poem?

The stag and hen do weekend at

the hotel, complete with the Americana coffee that had a hint of Nescafe about it and the nauseous smell emanating from the wardrobe was already becoming a distant memory.

We checked tyre pressures, cleaned the bikes up a bit and got ready to start. We had decided to add the Wiggins loop to our ride with the option of a hotel stop in the Dales. I was already feeling too shattered before we had even got our wheels moving, despite the early night and scalding hot bath the night before.

After the disastrous way-marking incident the previous day, we were both a bit paranoid about making a wrong turn but the trail for the return leg proved easy to find, so off we went.

The ride up by the river Tyne is lovely, even stunning, despite the broken beer bottles and strewn litter. It takes you through areas where the old shipyards used to be and gives a good impression of the scale of the industry on which Newcastle was built. As we continued along the Tyne we were shocked by the amount of street furniture, it’s as though someone had set up a really complicated slalom course.

We end up on a cycle track that is like a fire road through the woods, but was infact an old railway line. We catch up with an odd bunch of cyclists on cross bikes, they are a little older than we are and have fresh legs. Although we are travelling faster they obstruct our passage and won’t let us pass. They did stop eventually so we cracked on, following way marks that they were not, only to find we ended up behind them again. It’s a ball ache, they think we are trying to be smart but we just want to be on the top of the Pennines by lunch time... Eventually we get past the lot of them.

It’s sixty nine miles to the top of the Pennines, a really long haul. We lose contact with our support team again and are both feeling shattered and because we are riding different geared bikes it’s hard going. I don’t need to know how fast or slow we are travelling, so I make a mental note to put my Garmin in the pocket of my cycle jersey the next time I do this.

We crack on through the drizzle and stop for a jersey change. I am beginning to struggle a bit, partly due to a knee issue that has not properly recovered yet and not enough of the right sort of training. I try to tuck in behind Carl for a while but I keep having to brake as he is able to

ride in a much easier gear than I can.Time for a lunch stop as we are both fed up

with gels and cliff bars. What a mistake that was, it was so hot indoors! I am not happy, consequently I never really got going again that day and bale out on the final climb up the Pennines. Carl reaches the top and starts the descent, we finish that day in Appleby.

That night over dinner we chat through our options and the lessons learned. We should have better information for the support crew, better route planning, more varied food and the same gearing on our bikes and no electric shifters in the UK! Not sure we will ever do it again though, but June would be a better time with the longer daytime hours.

The next morning dawns and I am feeling okay, we ride for a while but realise we are tight on time so decide to just ride the Lake District

leg back.On the ride over to Whinlatter I let a guy on

a mountain bike catch me up. “Alright you, not a great start,” he says, but after informing him of the miles and weather conditions we had already ridden in and the fact that it was raining yet again, he backed off somewhat. I can’t feel my left foot and bail on the last big climb. It’s a long 20 mile run in to Whitehaven so we decide to finish the last 40 miles together.

Neither of us were feeling as pleased with ourselves as we should have been considering the amount of miles we had covered, the weather conditions and coping with mechanical problems but actually it was the lack of training for that specific ride that was the downfall if anything. We are going to do it one way again in June when the weather ought to be better and the daylight hours longer.

On reflection the whole challenge was a knee jerk reaction to losing my parents in 2010 and 2013. I became a lot fitter by 2012 then lost a lot of my fitness in 2014 for many reasons, but mainly because of the emotional stress while visiting my mother daily in hospital during her illness. Someone said to me during this time that I was not the first person to deal with cancer. It’s true of course, but losing both parents seemed almost impossible to comprehend and still does. I am pleased we did the ride in honour of their memory, but I think with the correct approach and state of mind we will nail it this year.In the meantime I am trying to get a ride organized to cross America in 2016.We will keep you posted of progress in that venture and of any other events we ride.

The CoaST to CoaST

Part two By Jamie Booth

7www.pedalyourcycle.co.uktwitter.com/pedalyourcycle

News

You’re going to be seeing me in future editions of Pedal Your Cycle so here’s an introduction

to who I am and what I’m doing.

My name is Ishbel taromsari and I am 34. I was born in Manchester and raised in Scotland. In July of 2014 I gave up everything and began a lifelong dream, that I never realistically thought was ever going to happen, of cycling around the world. Seven months

on, we are into 2015 and I have cycled through France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and now I’m in turkey. I’ve done it solo and all by my own pedalling! Although I do confess to a moment when I spat the dummy in the face of a never-ending head wind and thumbed a lift with my bike and kit for a few miles. You all know the sort of head wind I’m talking about - the kind when it doesn’t matter which way you turn you always seem to be cycling into the headwind!

I wild camp in my one man tent at nights and scream at the creepy crawlies. I watch the stars instead of my flat screen smart tv. I stand under a litre bottle of cold water in a field instead of enjoying a hot shower. I bathe in lakes and wash my clothes in rivers. I cook all my own food with a little stove; after a day in the saddle, my meals taste as good as what you’d be served up in a Jamie Oliver restaurant. Although, there was that time after much

consideration I offered half my dinner to a starving stray dog with visible ribs and she declined...

I’ve been cycling most of my life with sporadic periods of when I forgot about the bike altogether but cycling always found its way back into my life. As a child I gave my bicycle a name and instead of wheels turning I imagined there were legs galloping and me and my horse would go everywhere together. I never bothered getting a driving

license as an adult and to this day I do not have one; I’ve always had a bicycle to commute. I enjoyed road racing for a while and then track sprinting. I actually went from specialising in the 500m time trial to cycling around the world! And yes, the first weeks hurt... they hurt a lot.

I pack up my tent each morning and set off with no schedule, I just pedal and see what happens. It’s been by far the best experience of my life and I’m so glad I started it even though I had so many fears.

I’ll be sharing updates with you of this amazing journey. If you have any questions about doing such a journey or the kit I use or my budget please send an email to us and I can cover in future posts. who knows, perhaps you will be inspired to make your own adventure happen.

Ishbel

By Ishbel Taromsari

WorldBikeGirl

Find out more at:www.worldbikegirl.com

It’s been a learning curve, I can’t deny it. ‘A bike is a bike is a bike,’ I thought. But with head now spinning with mountain treads, gears and how to use them, helmets that look like dragons eggs, saddle

bags that barely hold a key and a packet of mints, what kind of bike pump is easiest to use, I have learned there is a lot to cycling in this 21st century world.

Why has all this become so important to me?

Well, it was the 2nd of January and I was having lunch with a bunch of friends. As it was New Year we were all doing our usual, unconvincing pledging that this year we would get down the gym, lose weight and get fit. Kaye, the only fitness fanatic amongst us, having celebrated her 50th birthday by completing a one day triathlon, suggested a good way to go would be to work towards an event such as the ‘Ride The Night’ charity bike ride for womens’ cancer charities at the end of May. Being ‘Women of a Certain Age’ this struck a chord with all of us. We all knew someone close who had been affected by the Big C at some point and having a specific goal that all our friends would know about would make it harder to drop out of!

But a 100km bike ride? Only five months away? Some of us hadn’t ridden a bike in years! It was madness. Within the next five minutes, with the desperation of women not wanting to look like uncharitable wimps, and with a sneaking suspicion on my part that I had been ambushed, five of us had agreed to do it.

But two of us didn’t even have a bike; I didn’t even have a pair of trainers! ‘What have I done?’ I asked myself for the 100th time later that day.

My next door neighbour had stored a brand new bike in my shed a year ago. It had remained there ever since, so I asked her if I could borrow it to at least see if I could still ride a bike. So, on the 8th January I had my first bike ride in years. It would have been the 7th January but I discovered both tyres were flat and the tiny plastic pump attached to the bike broke the minute we attached it, so proceedings were delayed 24 hours till another friend came up with a handy electric pump that connects to the car cigarette lighter. It was great and I was onto Amazon and purchasing one within the day.

Tyres and enthusiasm pumped, and wearing three pairs of leggings and a big winter coat, I set off. Once I had actually got on the bike (short legs makes mounting and dismounting comically difficult) I almost enjoyed it. Being ‘of a certain age’ parts of me are in pain to varying degrees, so the first surprise was that while cycling,

nothing hurt - not yet anyway. All in all a not unpleasant experience. Photos were taken as proof for doubters.

But it is a long long way from pootling around my village to 100 km ride in less than five months. I needed a plan...

Circuits of the village increased over the following week. At first I stayed on the flat and just went around the streets - it is impossible to get in or out of this village without going up a hill so I gradually had to get used to using gears. The last time I was on a bike three gears was a revolution; this bike has 21!

At the end of the second week, Caroline, one of the other ‘volunteers’ had dusted off her 20-year-old bike, borrowed a trailer and dragged me off to Chesterton and we cycled an undulating, mostly off road route to Harbury. She had told me it would be flat but what she called inclines, I called hills and we agreed to disagree on the subject. On that lovely sunny but cold Saturday, we cycled ten miles.

Carried away with our achievement the next day we took the bikes to Draycote Water where there is another off road cycle route around the reservoir. Once again a few ‘inclines’ that challenged my novice skills but I was getting the hang of the gears now, the chain only came off twice (it doesn’t seem to like me going down to first on a hill). We went twice around the reservoir - another ten miles.

The following week, Susie finally got her bike (a brand new Crossfire Calabria) and we decided to go for a ride. We went along the Greenway, a flat cycle route from Stratford Upon Avon to Long Marston. It was a lovely day again, that bright sunny coldness that I am discovering is perfect cycling weather. We stopped for a coffee in Long Marston before heading back feeling very motivated and smug. Another 10 miler and things were getting easier. The pelvic bones are getting used to the saddle - we are amazed that as well padded as we are, how come the body neglects to provide padding for this crucial cycling bone. After an hour things become distinctly uncomfortable. Daily Pilates stretches seem to help the aches and pains and I try to do an hour Pilates on the days when I don’t get out on the bike (I’ve discovered that, for the moment I am a ‘fair weather’ cyclist).

Then it all went horribly wrong. As we came off the Greenway to where I had parked my car, Susie insisted on cycling through town back to her place. I went the same route but driving, only to come upon her in a crumpled heap on the pavement by one of the busiest roads in Stratford town centre. She had swerved away from a truck

that overtook her too close for comfort

and hit the kerb. F o r t u n a t e l y she fell away from the traffic but the saddle had gone into the top of her leg

and as we later found out,

tore an artery which required an

operation to repair.So a month in and I am

riding at least 3 days a week and our longest communal ride has been 20 miles. As a group we are of mixed experience and have yet to do a proper combined training ride.

I have found a lovely route which I try to do at least every other day - an 8 mile circuit out of the village (yes, I can make it up the hill now) and round the local villages; a quiet, relatively traffic free route that has got easier. Individually (except for Susie) we are confident we are on track. Susie has not been put off, but has yet to recover so watch this space for her progress.

All in all with buying all the gear, repair and servicing bikes, operations and so forth it would have been cheaper and easier to just donate. But of course we are doing this for more than just raising money for charity. There are benefits to ourselves already, although no great weight loss in evidence, I already feel fitter and it has brought a lot of laughter and purpose. We have been more motivated about this than anything for a long time and personally I never thought I would enjoy any sporting activity as much as I have this. We are aiming for 30 miles next week.

Charity Begins.... at the Bike Shop

By Kim riddell

Want to take part? Find our more at www.ridethenight.co.uk

Help Support Kim by donating atwww.justgiving.com/Kim-riddell

8 Issue 04 - spring 2015 facebook.com/pedalyourcycle

Power To Your Pedal

San Francisco to Monterey done, hoping to catch our new found fellow cyclists, we were back on the tarmac. First stop Carmel, an unusual, enchanting town where apparently ladies need a permit to wear heels over 2

inches because of the irregular pavements; whose mayor was Clint Eastwood back in the eighties and rated a top 10 US destination year on year. The coastline was beginning to change becoming more rugged, more winding, more hilly – the giant redwoods were calling. Here through Big Sur the mountainous cliffs drop at vertical angles into the tumbling surf, so the road is narrow and the terrain mentally and physically strenuous. We rounded one corner aptly named Hurricane Point and I was blown completely across the highway. Luckily there was no traffic, I regained my composure and set off again battling the side-wind. That night’s camp was Pfeiffer-Big Sur, a fabulous back-to-nature park where you pitch up right in the ancestral redwood forests with plenty of fire pits for cooking and keeping warm. First to greet us were the fixies, Elvis and Zeb, who had

decided to have a rest day, their aching muscles needed time out.

Now the reason you go North to South is simple - THE WIND, which blows strongest in the afternoon. At best it will rain dirt into your face whilst deafening you as it whistles through your helmet and at worst it will attempt to push you all the way back to Mexico should you ride against it. We had it on our side and by the end of the evening when stories where exchanged, we very nearly convinced two newcomers to turn around and come with us. Going south to north, their overriding memories were the wind and the fact that they pretty much were on their own for the journey.

Next day, Big-Sur to Kirk Creek campground, destination decided only 30 miles today, minus side trips. According to our Bible, more demanding than the previous day. We set off first, the newbies still undecided, then slowly the rest of the gang gathered up their things and took to the road. Scattered along the route were many panoramic viewpoints, we took advantage of these to have a rest. The fixies, seeing nothing but their front wheels, had to stop in order to breathe, they were struggling to get to grips with the enormous climbs and

descents. It was as if the road was clinging onto the cliff side and the boys were clinging onto the road. Miles upon miles of the most breathtaking scenery, this area of central California is wild and undeveloped. There’s a possibility of mountain lions, rattlesnakes, sea otters, sea lions and whales - yes please!

No Mexican food wagons on the side today, and not many shops, it is really important to carry enough for a meal just in case. In full summer this stretch could be tricky. The road is so narrow in places and with an added volume of nervous tourists in leviathan RV’s, I’m not sure it would be quite so exhilarating. Its charm, beauty and feeling of desolation would be lost.

The next morning we were up early, as was becoming the way, tea, porridge, route briefing then off. Our camp had been at sea level, with sandy beach access – although the water here is too cold for swimming in November, so the warm-up today was a hill climb! In fact, for the next 20 miles, climbing and diving along the grey line that had scratched its way into the headland. Then in the turn of a corner, low, gentle rolling hills and a huge sigh of relief, the miles flew by.

Remember the wind thing, on this stretch

we saw the evidence. In the distance and on the opposite side of the road a lonely cyclist. He was there a while, had he stopped? A puncture? No, he was pedalling for all he was worth, with his head resting on his knees it was so low and getting absolutely NOWHERE except possibly backwards!! Walking would have been quicker and more productive. He didn’t acknowledge us, and probably failed to see the herd of wild zebra grazing the fields below Hearst Castle.

San Simeon was home for the night and here I finally saw a raccoon. After days of hearing them and seeing the aftermath, Elvis invited me to join in the chase and scare them off, hilarious. The next two nights took us to Oceano Campground and Lompoc, both of these sites felt different somehow, not hugely threatening but uneasy. Oceano is close to sand dunes inhabited by homeless people and we were warned not to leave our things lying around. The terrain here also changes with the transition from central to southern California. You weave your way through the level valley floor growing acres of strawberries, leeks and sprouts all being harvested together. The warmer air is filled for miles with the aroma of the strawberries and eucalyptus trees.

Power To Your Pedal

californiaParTTwo

By Dawn Farnworth

9www.pedalyourcycle.co.uktwitter.com/pedalyourcycle

The Monarch butterfly also stops along this route on its migration to Mexico. From Oceano we back tracked to Pismo Beach to find literally thousands hanging from the trees like dead leaves, until the sunlight warmed their wings enough for them to wake up and take flight. Captivating.

The climb out of Lompoc is long, 13 miles all up with a couple of nasty steep bits. We were moving into an urban area, with a mix of freeways, back roads, and cities. The freeways have broad shoulders for cyclists, and though the traffic is daunting, the US drivers are far more courteous than ours. Sat around the campsite discussing this fact one night, Brett decided this was because they are never sure if we’re carrying guns.

With LA looming, evening debates often centred around the megalopolis and how we were ever going to get through it and come out alive. Next though was Refugio, a pretty site overlooking the beach, with welcoming hot showers. The ride was about 40 miles, we saw a couple of big wild boar on the roadside but still no rattlesnakes. Again talk of LA.

All breakfasted we set off for Carpenteria, another 40 miles. It claims to have the world’s safest swimming beach, long and sandy with no undertow. We passed through Santa Barbara, not too big, a colourful city with a host of Spanish influences and homeless people sleeping under the palm trees along the promenades. That evening we caught back up with Brett’s gang and in celebration we all went to the pub just across from the campsite over the train track. The deep two tone blow of the Pacific Surfliners had been chasing us

for days. A good night at the pub meant an early brisk walk along the beach was needed to clear the head before breakfast. It says in our Bible that whale bones wash up along this coastline but so far no joy until this morning. Two pieces, one much larger than the other, lie amongst the seaweed. After much wrangling and a refusal from Steve re the heaviest we carefully wrapped 18 inches of rib bone and put it in the trailer – yet another big smile.

The evening’s destination hadn’t really been decided when everyone left that morning, a choice of two, Sycamore Canyon or Leo Carillo Beach, 5 miles apart, both on the outskirts of LA. The terrain was forgiving, nearly level and views to the ocean gave us palm trees and oil rigs. In one instance, an oil rig too close to the shore was disguised as an island, the only one of its kind and still in operation today. Arrival at the Canyon and there had been a bushfire, everything smelled burnt and black, we really didn’t want to stay, so we pushed on trying to convince the lone female cyclist who had already pitched there to join us. Leo Carillo was out of the fire zone, much nicer, with hot showers and a small camp store. Before long we were reunited with our stove, which we had left behind in our enthusiasm to get going, and the rest of the gang. Without delay we were huddled around the fire making tea, swapping stories and nervously laughing with LA looming tomorrow…..

A bicycle trip can be as simple as putting on a pair of shorts, climbing on a bike and pedalling down a country road, or something completely different.

Cycling saying: You’re only one ride away from a good mood.

“ ”A bicycle trip can be as simple as putting on a pair of shorts,

climbing on a bike and pedalling down a country road, or something

completely different.

Part 3 continued in issue 5

Quality, all-inclusive cycle tours in the Pyrenees for small groups, April – October.

Weekend rides, local sportives and raid training weeks all set in stunning scenery, with great weather and clear open roads.

CYCling ToUrS - SChool advenTUre - The freedoM Trail - faMilY advenTUre

“I have been involved in outdoor activities for most of my life either as an enthusiastic amateur or in a professional capacity. Having travelled

the globe on land and sea, I believe I have now found the perfect environment that provides the opportunity to experience true adventure

and to achieve personal sporting highs” Will Burchnall - Owner/Founder/Director of The Pyrenees Adventure Company Ltd

The Pyrenees Adventure Company Ltd

WWW.PYREnEESADvEnTURE.COMinfo@pyreneesadventure.com

11www.pedalyourcycle.co.uktwitter.com/pedalyourcycle

Will Ford’s Beginners Diary

Lycra. The innocuous five letter word, the thought of which filled me with the same dread arachnophobes feel of spiders. That said, I wasn’t new to the world of

Lycra, or sport for that matter, just a case of avoidance for many years!

I started cycling in September 2014. 36-years-old but seeing the big 40 looming large, I wanted a new challenge to keep me motivated and fit. I had spent the previous three years running, completing a number of 10km races and a half marathon, however I was getting the usual aches and pains in the knees and ankles that many runners suffer. With a very active job I decided that I needed to find another outlet that was easier on the joints and that I could continue for years to come.

A good friend suggested cycling as an alternative and introduced me, with the help of her cycling mad family, to the world of road cycling....and Lycra! With their help and guidance and full of enthusiasm, I soon purchased a road bike, a Felt F85, bought at the back end of the season to make the most of my pennies. With a young family and running our own business, money was tight and I definitely had a budget. Having searched the internet and bought a pair of mid range Shimano shoes, Look pedals and a helmet, I sat back and eagerly awaited their arrival.

The bike arrived within 3 or 4 days and I was straight round to my friend’s house to get set-up. As I found out, setting up the bike properly is one of the most important aspects of performing well in the future. Four hours later we were finished. I had a bike that fitted well, with pedals attached

and also a load of loaned bib shorts, bib tights, jerseys

and a wind stopper jacket to be going on with. I left with literally

all the gear but no real idea!I eagerly awaited the opportunity to go

out on my first ride. I didn’t have to wait long as the following weekend the weather was kind and I found myself cycling towards Madley, deep in the Herefordshire countryside, with my cycling gurus boxing me in and keeping me safe as we travelled south. As we cycled, we chatted about cycling techniques, the art of cycling in groups including etiquette but for the most part, just chit-chat. It’s a cliché but I had the most amazing time and realised that I had found a sport that I really loved.

I spent the next two months getting out on my bike as often as possible, usually only once a week on the weekend as that was all time would allow. I soon found that I could stay out for longer, cycling further on each occasion, allowing me to become more adventurous with my route planning.

I discovered the internet app ‘STRAVA’, which was great as it allows you to create routes showing distance and elevation and log your training. It can be a little addictive, as I found out, but it does allow you to benchmark yourself with other riders who ride the same roads as you. A great training tool but don’t take it too seriously!

In late November a friend invited me to join the weekly Sunday social ride of the NFTO Race Club in Hereford. Meeting at the Bunch of Carrots in Fownhope, 18 riders set out towards Hereford City Centre on a cold dark morning. The route ran north of the city towards the Roman Road then onto Credenhill and out to open countryside. Before embarking on this ride, I had

checked with my friend that she thought I’d be able to keep up and she assured me that I would. If keeping up is sitting 2/3rds back in the pack or at the back all the way round the 45 mile loop, then I kept up.

I’m not ashamed to say that my guardian angel on the day kept me well motivated as we pedalled on and even physically helped by getting hold of my saddle as we cycled side by side, helping me up one or two of the steepest inclines! On finishing I was congratulated for my efforts but reminded of the importance of nutrition whilst riding. I hadn’t eaten anything during the two and a half hour ride which explained my poor performance on the hills. A good lesson learnt! I drove home happy with my performance, if a little embarrassed over the ‘helping hand’! The route was twice the distance I had ever cycled before and I had met some really great guys too. Overall, a good result.

I spent December riding out mainly on my own, managing two or three rides per week as work allowed until Christmas brought an enforced stop. Mid-way between Christmas and New Year I was invited to attend a track session at the National Cycling Centre in Cardiff. The training session was organised by NFTO Race Club and included a session for complete beginners to track cycling. I have only ever seen an indoor cycling track on TV so walking out underneath the track with my single speed bike that I had just hired for the session was a strange experience.

The indoor arena was cold and fairly quiet, with only the hum of the bikes as they flew round halfway up the banked wooden track. I sat down and watched as the friend who had invited me got himself prepared and joined in the session, which I had made

him late for. I watched for an hour or so as the 15 or so guys rattled round the track completing various drills such as sprint pursuits efforts and for one rider, a crash.

7pm drew near, meaning that it was my turn. I ate some food, kitted up, grabbed my bike and walked out towards the coach, butterflies churning in my stomach. The coach, hired in from 42 Degrees Coaching, was a friendly guy who took us through the fundamentals of operating a bike with no brakes or gears. He also went through the “cycles” of how to keep the pace going and most importantly, how not to ride into the back of another cyclist whilst trying to stay upright on the banked track. For the next two hours I had the most amazing experience with six other newbies! We learnt some of the basic principles of track cycling, but also had the chance to try some sprinting and other drills to raise confidence. I finished the session 2 hours later having had the best time. Thanks again to NFTO for arranging the session.

Sadly, I wasn’t able to ride out during the first two weeks of January due to the weather. Unfortunately, I was confined to using an indoor trainer in my sitting room with my two girls watching on. They were fascinated by the spectacle of Dad, now completely comfortable in Lycra, pedalling hard, sweating harder and going absolutely nowhere. Dad has entered several events and the cycling bug has fully taken a hold.......

Follow Will in Issue 5 when he takes on the Mud Runner Ice Breaker; Hops and Glory Sportive and Storm the Castle Duathalon.

Will Ford’s Diary Of A Beginner

Where To sToP & Things To do

Welshpool

Rhayader

Pembridge

Brecon

Hay-on-Wye

Llandrindod Wells

Abergavenny

4 musEum of CYClingthe Automobile Palace, temple St, Llandrindod wells. Powys. LD1 5DL

01597 825531www.cyclemuseum.org.uk

6 ludloW CastlECastle Square, Ludlow, Shropshire. SY18 1AY

01584 873355www.ludlowcastle.com

2 PEPPERs oRganiC CafE 2 Bull Lane, Gloucester, GL1 2hG

01452 384343

7 andY’s KitChEn 12 King Street, hereford, County of hereford-shire hr4 9Bw

01432 272001

11 sallY’s PantRY CafE 10, headbrook, Kington, herefordshire, hr5 3DZ

01544 239000

5 shRoPshiRE CamPing & Pods Campsite and Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Marsh-brook, nr Church Stretton, SY6 6Qe

01694 781515www.camping-shropshire.co.uk

9 PoRtland housE B&B Spa road, Llandrindod wells, LD1 5er

01597 859000www.portlandhousebandb.co.uk 10 KidWElls B&B

5-13 newtown rd, hereford, hr4 9Lh

01432 264625www.kidwellshouse.com

13 BERRoW housEhollybush, Ledbury, hr8 1et

01531 635845www.berrowhouse.co.uk

15 mid WalEs BunKhousEwoodhouse Farm Ltd, woodhouse, St. harmon, rhayader, LD6 5LY

01597 870081www.bunkhousemidwales.co.uk

1 BaCK on tRaCK BiKEs Unit 2, 6 north Malvern road, Malvern wr14 4Lt

01684 565777www.backontrack-bikes.com

8 taRmaC and tRail 18 high Street, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 2nA

01453 822881www.tarmactrail.co.uk

12 stRiKing BiKEs Unit 1a, Morelands trading estate, Gloucester

01452 522100www.striking-bikes.co.uk

14 BiKEs and hiKEs Lion Yard, Brecon, Powys. LD3 7BA

01874 610 071 www.bikesandhikes.co.uk

3 Phil PRothERo CYClEs 91-93 etnam St, Leominster, herefordshire hr6 8AF

01568 611222www.cyclesofleominster.co.uk

14

21

11

26

16

20

4

24

Cycling in The MiDLANDS & WALeS

www.the-start.net | 01497 821391dawn@the-start.net

ncn 8 & 42

3 ensuite rooms. secure bike storage. Off road parking.

Gateway to Wye Valley, Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains.

Free Wifi. Drying room. Bike tools.

The Start B&BHay-on-Wye, HR3 5Rs

16

9

15

19Shrewsbury

? Do you know of or own a place that is cyclist friendly?Advertise your place on our map in the next issue and reach a broad audience of happy cyclists. want to know more? Contact us at hello@pedalyourcycle.co.uk

Where To sToP & Things To do

Abergavenny

Cycling in The MiDLANDS & WALeS

MAP LEgEnD

Bike Shop

Bike Friendly CaFe

plaCe oF intereSt

CyCliSt aCCommodation

Hereford

Leominster

Ludlow

Kidderminster

Shrewsbury

Worcester

Malvern

GloucesterRoss-on-Wye

Monmouth

22 WoRCEstER CitY aRt gallERY & musEumForegate Street, worcester, wr1 1Dt

01905 25371

24 llangoRsE multi aCtivitY CEntREGilfach Farm, Llangorse, Powys LD3 7Uh

01874 658272www.activityuk.com

26 BRidgE CafE B&B 7 Bridge St, Brecon, Powys LD3 8Ah

01874 622024www.bridgecafe.co.uk

18 BRoCKington golf CluB Bodenham, hereford, here-fordshire, hr1 3hX

01568 797877www.brockingtongolfclub.co.uk

28 ClEmEntinEs CoffEE 4 high Street, Bewdley. DY12 2Dh

01299 404453

30 maC & JaC’s CafÉ 23 Abbey road, Great Mal-vern, wr14 3eS

01684 573300www.macandjacs.co.uk

20 BiKEs, BunKs, BEERstower hotel, the Square, talgarth, Brecon, LD30Bw

01874 711253www.bikesbunksbeers.co.uk

19 long mountain B&BLittle hope, Long Mountain B&B, hope, welshpool, SY21 8hF

01938 553456www.longmountainbandb.co.uk

25 thE saRaCEns hEad innSymonds Yat east, ross-on-wye, her-efordshire

01600 890435www.saracensheadinn.co.uk

27 tREhERnE housE54 Guarlford rd, Malvern, worcs, wr14 3QP

01684 572445www.trehernehouse.co.uk

29 malvERn hills hotEl & REstauRant wynds Point, Malvern. worcestershire, wr13 6Dw

01684 540690www.malvernhillshotel.co.uk

17 uRBan BiKEs the Market hall, Claremont St, Shrewsbury SY1 1QG

01686 941286www.urbanbikesuk.co.uk

21 m and d CYClEs 36b Frogmore St, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, nP7 5An

01873 854980www.cycleshopinabergavenny.co.uk

23 dEan foREst CYClEs new road, Parkend, GL15 4hG

01594 368009www.deanforestcycles.co.uk

3

17

1

8

12

23

2

28

7

5

Do you know of a place or bike shop that you trust, or maybe a business that is bike friendly? If so we would love to find out more and even feature your suggestion on our map.hello@pedalyourcycle.co.uk

© PAinTing BY ALix MCgREgORALix@LAkEWOODMEDiA.Uk

6

22

Do you know of or own a place that is cyclist friendly?Advertise your place on our map in the next issue and reach a broad audience of happy cyclists. want to know more? Contact us at hello@pedalyourcycle.co.uk

10

25

13

272930

18

14 Issue 04 - Spring 2015 facebook.com/pedalyourcycle

News

If you’re on the Somerset coastline at sunset this summer and find yourself in The Reeds Arms pub on the evening of Saturday 20th June, you may well find yourself in the company of a growing group of lycra clad cyclists, a group

which will probably look exhausted but be fighting it off with laughter, a few beers and if the kitchen is still open, a large bowl of pasta. You may also think to yourself, why is this place full of cyclists?

Well, to avoid the embarrassment, let’s start with the answer and work backwards… if we wind the clock back 7 years, 3 friends decided to set themselves the challenge to see how far they could cycle in one day during daylight hours. To give them the best possible opportunity of success, organiser Olly Moore decided that the longest day of the year seemed a reasonable day to do this. He began plotting a route that would take them from a vantage point on the UK east coast to watch the first rays of sunrise over the North Sea, to a location to witness the last glimpse of sunset on the west coast, the given route is in excess of 200 miles from start to finish. As Olly and a couple of mates set off on a cool morning at 4.30am from Minster on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, none of them could imagine the challenge that lay ahead. Neither did they imagine that 8 years later, they’d still be organising a ride which continues to grow in popularity and numbers and yet is still true to that original idea for a ride to ‘Chase the Sun’.

So, coming back to the longest day of 2015, this annual challenge continues. The ride is steadily growing in numbers and this year registrations had already topped the 200 mark before the end of January. The event is billed as a ride rather than a sportive, with Olly’s objective being to ensure that all participants have fun whilst tackling the challenge together. He says, “Despite the physical challenge of completing the distance against the clock, the ride is first and foremost a group event, with a good spirit on the road. Enthusiasm and motivation are essential to success. This year we expect a growing number of riders across a variety of abilities, cycling in small groups on the road, working together to take on the elements and chasing the sun.”

Looking at the ride, Olly‘s published route has been tweaked and improved annually and this year looks to be the best ever. There are only three compulsory

points – the cyclists start from The Abbey Hotel in Minster on The Isle of Sheppey, midpoint is at the lunch pub in Bramley, and the finish on the esplanade at Burnham on Sea (outside The Reeds!). The rest of the route is flexible, not way-marked, and a key part of the riders adventure is navigation. However, as an option for Audax lovers, this DIY brevet registered route complies with the regulations and ticks all the boxes so why argue with experience? In Olly’s words, “The ride is intentionally a diverse cross-section of the UK’s geography.”

This year’s route will take in historic and cycling landmarks along the way, ancient roman roads, past Crystal Palace in south London and into Richmond Park before riding part of the Olympic time trial route where Sir Brad had his monumental gold medal ride, before continuing out through the rolling country lanes and villages of Surrey, Hampshire and Wiltshire. The ride is very much billed as a ride rather than a race so there’ll be some opportunity to admire the stunning scenery whilst descending through Cheddar Gorge but at the end of the day (pardon the pun) there is, in a fashion, a race as the ultimate objective is to arrive on time at the finish at the esplanade, with a drink in hand, to watch the summer sun disappear over the horizon.

This year’s ride, as with all previous years, is free to enter and can be undertaken either individually, in teams or for those that would like to participate but feel that the distance is too great, it’s also possible to enter as part of a relay team. Along the way, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to meet up and ride along with all sorts of other cyclists attracted to the ride, from commuters, to couriers, fundraisers, triathletes and even world champion athletes, who no doubt will be encouraging, cajoling and pulling each other along the well planned and organised route and one suspects that there’ll be many tales to tell of trials and adventures at the day’s end in the pub or on the esplanade too.

If you’d like more information or to join in, have a look at the website: www.chasethesun.org where there’s lots more information available. But a quick word of warning, if you will need accommodation at either end, book quickly as with the growing popularity, there soon won’t be many rooms left.

Chase The SunBy Neil Coleman

we’ve now expanded our range of mountain biking guidebooks to 16, which cover most of the UK, and there are always a few more in the pipeline. Mountain Bike rider (MBr) Magazine called our MtB guides ‘a series of glossy, highly polished and well researched guidebooks to some of the UK’s favourite riding spots.’ that’s certainly our plan, and we’re almost there. we want to provide MtB’ers with well-researched, informative, functional, inspirational and great-looking MtB guidebooks that document the superb riding across the length and breadth of the UK. So if you want to go riding somewhere, you can count on us to point you in the right direction.

www.v-publishing.co.uk

15www.pedalyourcycle.co.uktwitter.com/pedalyourcycle

Discover something New

Core StrengthYes, that’s right. Core Strength. Cyclists quite often have a weak core, the majority of the strength coming from the hip flexors and quads, while the lower back muscles tend to suffer from the forward bending posture on the bike. Yoga will greatly improve your Core Strength with poses such as Plank, Forearm Plank, Boat Pose for the front of the body, while Locust Pose and Cobra will strengthen the posterior core muscles and undo all the forward bending we do. This will help to protect the lower back which is always a good thing.

You are probably always hearing, “Oh, you are a cyclist - you should do Yoga,” but have possibly never been told why. You may also have the image of a Yoga class as a room full of middle-aged

women sitting cross legged and chanting or, even worse, lying down in corpse pose for half an hour and you would be forgiven for thinking, how is that going to improve my riding? Well here’s the thing, not all Yoga classes are like

that! The right class will find you sweating and discovering muscles that you never knew you had! So here is my list of reasons why you should drop a session at the gym and head instead to your nearest Yoga class.

Ten Reasons Cyclists need To Practice YogaBy Polly Clarke i am a Yoga teacher, Mountain biker and lover of the outdoors, living in beautiful Mid-Wales. i teach classes in Powys, Ceredigion and gwynedd as well as running weekends and holidays combining Yoga and Mountain Biking.

FocusThis kind of follows on and is a part of balance. A good Yoga class will challenge you and require you to focus completely on what you are doing at that very moment. Riding is also about focus, both road riding and mountain biking require focussed awareness. In Yoga there is Drishti - gazing points and while this may not be taught in many classes it is valuable to be aware of where you are looking as one of the first lessons we learn as mountain bikers is - if you look at a rock you are going to hit it!

Body AwarenessHaving been teaching for nearly 15 years what often becomes apparent with new students is complete lack of body awareness. This is something that develops usually quite quickly once someone starts coming to class. Body awareness is about being able to spread your attention to all areas of your body equally which is going to be a massive benefit to you as a cyclist. How many times have you gotten off your bike and found that your shoulders are sore because you have been hunching them during the ride or that you have been holding on so tight to the bars that your hands are in pain? Yoga helps to make you more aware of what’s happening in the body and so be able to notice these sorts of things and change them. The more often we notice and change, the less these things happen.

Stamina“What?” I hear you saying. Yoga gives you stamina. Yoga teaches you how to stay calm and steady in uncomfortable situations by maintaining awareness on your breath and the sensations in the body. This is massive. How much of riding is about being able to push through the voice that’s telling you that you can’t possibly make it up that hill? We learn in Yoga to find a balance between the sense of effort and the sense of relaxation and once this becomes a habit it can be tapped into when tackling tricky descents or challenging climbs. Yes, you will be working hard but having a strong mental discipline is what will get you up hills where others are getting off and pushing!!!

FlexibilityOkay this is an obvious one. The reason I often hear for not trying Yoga is, “I’m not flexible enough to do Yoga.” My answer to this is usually something similar to, “That’s why you go to Yoga!” To add to this, who cares if you can touch your toes or not? Yoga will help to improve your flexibility from wherever you are starting from and everyone is different. It’s never too late and you are not too inflexible to go to a Yoga class. Being flexible on the bike is going to really help with being able to move around and allow the bike to move around underneath you.

RelaxationMajor importance for Mountain Bikers. Being able to relax both the body and the mind while facing what may be a challenging or quite simply terrifying (sometimes) descent can be the difference between you taking a fall or just getting off and pushing. Or being able to control the fear, ride something that scares you a little bit and get the rush of elation and endorphins when you smash that scary descent! Relaxation sounds like a small insignificant useless thing but believe me it’s not, it’s so so important and is something you will learn in a Yoga class.

BreathingWith improved posture comes an increase in lung capacity. Think about it. If we are rounded in the upper back and the chest is collapsed inwards we have less room to breathe. Yoga improves our general posture and so our breath. We also learn breath awareness which we can utilise when riding to help us to stay calm and steady. An ancient Yogic text says, “When the breath is steady, so is the mind.” Being able to control the breath helps us to relax.

RecoveryRiding bikes uses a lot of repetitive motion. When we do this day in day out our bodies natural flexibility tends to become limited. We need Yoga to help us to unwind some of the tension that cycling can create in the

muscles. Think of it this way - we look after our bikes after a ride, we clean and lubricate them so that they will stay in good condition for years to come. So we should do the same with our bodies, undo all the doing so that we can keep riding for years to come! Just a small cool down sequence after a ride can really help keep our bodies happy.

Humour, gratitude, LaughterOkay so this hasn’t got anything to do with riding bikes but a whole lot to do with life itself! Just as I believe riding bikes will improve your life, so I also believe Yoga does the same thing. Just as cycling tends to put us in touch with the earth and the elements and ourselves, the practice of Yoga - Hatha Yoga meaning the Union (Yoga) of the Sun (Ha) and the Moon (Tha) - for me does exactly the same thing, it grounds us, makes us feel good and can give a sense of the connectedness of life and ultimately a sense of Gratitude. So whether you are a roadie, a mountain biker, or just starting out on your cycling journey give Yoga a go. You might have to try out a few different classes to find one that suits you but give it time and you will reap the benefits. Go with a friend or two, that way you can motivate each other. Don’t worry about what other people in the class will think of you, believe me, no one will be watching you, they will be too busy focussing on themselves to worry about what you are doing! Most of all though, enjoy the journey!

BalanceWith an increase in Core strength comes improved balance. There are also many Yoga poses which teach balance such as Tree Pose, Eagle Pose and other more challenging poses such as Half Moon Pose and Crouching Warrior. As riding a bike is all about balance, being able to get in touch with the sense of balance is going to greatly improve your riding.

all products locally sourced 56 Saint owens Street, hereford

Tel: 01432 279558

Oceans of Hereford

Finest fish and chips in Hereford. Right opposite The Barrels Pub

16 Issue 04 - spring 2015 facebook.com/pedalyourcycle

News

As a child I had t h e normal

introduction to cycling: a pink sparkly bike with stabilisers. Through the years I progressed onto a junior mountain bike but the extent of my cycling experience was going out on cycle paths with my grandparents. I eventually grew out of this and there followed a few years where I didn’t cycle at all until about a year and a half ago when I joined a triathlon club.

I had enjoyed running and swimming for a long time, however I’d never had much of an interest in serious cycling before. This definitely changed after I joined my junior triathlon club with two of my friends. I also received a new bike shortly after joining which made the cycling much more enjoyable.

My bike is the Boardman Road Team Carbon 2014 which is completely different to any other bike I’ve ridden before. At first I was nervous because it was so light that I sometimes felt as if I was going to fall off, but soon I got used to riding it, figuring out the gears and cornering. The frame is made completely out of carbon, weighing only 8.6kg which is a huge bonus for triathlons. Not only does it help in transition where you are lifting and moving the bike around a lot but it has a massive impact on the speed. I had completely underestimated how much the carbon frame would allow me to ride and turn faster.

For my training I do two sessions a week with my club which vary between the three disciplines (running, swimming and cycling) and I try to keep my fitness up by doing extra run and cycle training on other days.

Last season I competed in two races - a triathlon and a duathlon (a run followed by a cycle then finishing with another run). Before competing I was most nervous about the cycle leg however it turns out that it was my favourite out of three in both races. As I had been focussing on my cycling that season the work paid off and I was able to move up quite a few places in the cycle to put me in a good position for the final run.

Over the winter I have continued to work on all three disciplines but especially my cycling. Next season I am hoping to do lots more triathlons and duathlons and even some pure cycling races.

SophieIllsleyrediscovering cycling

I’m sure I wont be the only one to say I miss the hazy summer rides and dusty woodland trails on a Saturday afternoon; there is a real easiness to life when you don’t have to worry about forgetting your bike lights and packing extra layers... wait,

easy isn’t fun. winter is fun! I confess I have hardly touched my bike all winter, that said I haven’t been sitting around indoors all day if that’s what you are thinking (apart from when I was writing this and... okay, I did a little).

Anyway having failed to find the time to go skiing this year I have been making the most of the pretty awesome area we live in. having left my bike in the garage I have put together some interesting yet challenging trips to keep you out and about during winter.

this trip is all about the Brecon Beacons. ‘Pen y Fan,’ I hear you thinking. Yep, we will visit the high

ridges but the real beauty of this trip is on the ridgeline and lower peaks leading up to Corn Du and Pen y Fan. Best place to start this walk is from the torpantau car park (key these coordinates into google maps 51.847776, -3.372140). From here you can start the assent on the small footpath to the left of the waterfall; you will see this as you drive into the car park. this car park can get very busy on weekends and is used frequently by the military so take care on the way in. I say this is the best place to start as the route is very obvious from the carpark all the way to the top of Craig y Fan Ddu, just follow the steep cobble path to the top. Once near the top the path goes around the back of the peak and you simply walk along the ridge for about 1 mile. You will come to a stream that you can either pass by going through or find the footpath that leads to the east which cuts

part of the walk out.regardless of which way

you take at the stream you will eventually come to Fan y Big. when approaching from the south it looks nothing more than a hill with Cribyn and Pen y Fan dominating the background. however once at the peak of Fan y Big you can get the classic picture on the diving board rock, the drop on the other side isn’t as vertical as pictures portray but nethertheless you really wouldn’t want to fall here so take care.

From Fan y Big you can make your way back down to the path and follow the ridgeline towards Cribyn. this part of the walk can get busy depending on the weather and time of week, however there is plenty of room on top of Pen y Fan for some pictures and a deserved half way break knowing it’s all literally downhill from there.

From Pen y Fan you can follow

the path over to the marginally smaller Corn Du and from there its north along the ridge with neuadd reservoirs below to the north east. You need to follow this ridge for about 3 miles then descend toward taf Fechan forest where you can pick up the path at the smaller reservoir. Follow the path through the forest until you come to a small road with a stone bridge and a car park. Depending how well you know the area you can either follow paths through the woods or just follow the road east to make it back to the torpantau car park.

regardless of whether you are walking or running take plenty of kit, the weather may be nice when you set off but the Beacons are notoriously unpredictable especially in this area. Snow can get pretty deep on the ridges so stick to the path if there is one.

adam Haworth explores The Beacons

BreconBeacons

Start/finish

fan y BigPen y

fan

wALKInG & rUnnInG rOUte

START | TOURPAnTAU CAR PARk (51.847776, -3.372140)FiNiSH | TOURPAnTAU CAR PARkMAP oF RoUTe | TinY.CC/BRECOnDiSTANCe | 12.2MiLES/19.6kMNeARBY | BRECOn, MERTHYR TYDFiL© google

© google

THE UK’S NEWEST & MOST EXCITING DOWNHILL & FREERIDE CENTRE

Great Llwygy FarmAbergavenny

NP7 7PE

07779 243099gwenda@blackmountainscyclecentre.com

www.blackmountainscyclecentre.comBook Ahead To Avoid DISAPPOINTMENT.

Book Now

The ultimate mountain biking experience set in the heart of the breathtakingly natural beauty of The Black Mountains. Situated just five miles north of Abergavenny, the centre is designed to inspire, excite and is guaranteed to take your breath away!The BMCC is predominantly a downhill and free ride centre which has been designed by renowned riders and trail designers Shaun Bevan and Gary Broad. They have joined forces to design a course which is unique to the UK.We can boast a trail that features a dramatic bridge, large table tops, flowy berms and the country’s best jump line set on a working hill farm in beautiful unspoilt rural Wales.We aim to challenge enthusiasts of intermediate and advanced ability.

PUSH UP AND RIDE:Available every day from 10.00 – dusk

UPLIFTS:10.00 – dusk on Saturday and Sunday

(Summer + Winter Months)

1 Day Push & Ride Pass

Pay On Arrival

£51 day ride pass with

uplift

Contact for availability

£25Midweek Group uplift

service

Contact us

18 Issue 04 - spring 2015 facebook.com/pedalyourcycle

Off The Bike

Since you have opened your shop do you have chance to surf much?Not a lot now. I used to before I had to earn a living. In the last 18 months I’ve not really got into the water much. It’s bad really as I should try to get out more.

When did your surf shop open and why?About a year ago now; we opened in December 2013. I find it very difficult to be in an office environment, I would much rather be doing this than be bored in an office. It’s not easy though and I have worked harder than I have ever worked in my whole life. In the summer we open all week and only 3 days a week in the winter months when it’s quiet.

How did you get into shaping boards?I did a degree in naval architecture so technically I’m a boat designer. I just took what I learnt from that as it’s all the same kind of materials and hydrodynamics. So I taught myself. Lots of trial and error.

With the winter in full swing is it less busy with surfers now?There are 2 types of surfers, fair weather

surfers that come in the summer, but the problem with that is when we have nice weather there is generally no swell so you can’t actually go surfing. So during the months of autumn/winter it’s the best time to go. But it’s been surprisingly warm this winter.

Does surfing compare to snowboarding?Yes, kind of. If you’re physically fit and physically agile then you will pick up surfing easily. It’s all about practice. When you are standing up, that’s the easy bit, the hard bit is when you try to catch the wave. Getting in the right place is the really difficult part.

How do you catch a wave?As a wave comes at you, the shape changes to a bigger peak and also the colour changes. It comes up like a triangle closer to the shore. What happens is the water at the bottom slows down and the water on the top keeps going. You need to be on the wave just as it is peaking. Then you need to paddle in and get onto your feet. It’s pretty simple really, and the better you are the bigger the waves you catch.

Can you get injured from this sport?Not really, no. Now and again but it’s not that common for someone to get injured.

When it does happen it tends to be pretty bad. Like semi-drowning, but it’s very rare. Sometimes you could get minor injuries like twisted knees if you fall off awkwardly. It’s a relatively safe sport really.

How would someone go about choosing a suitable board?Well, you start off with a sponge board for a beginner. Volume is the key; the more volume, the more it will float and the easier it will be to catch waves. You pick one for your size and ability and go from there. The worst thing to do is go and buy the most expensive board out as your first one because you won’t be able to use it and it’ll be a waste of money.Materiel is an important factor. The more high performance ones are made of a much lighter material. But the problem with that is they don’t last as long.

How long does it take to make a board?A standard board from scratch is about 2 weeks. There are so many different types of boards I can do; there is carbon fibre, foam and wooden boards. It also depends on if the customer wants any artwork. I’d much rather do a board that has something different and unique on it. I have a couple of

boards ready made for those that want one straight away.

How much do the boards cost?Standard price is about £450 which is the same as any other board off the shelf. It also depends on the size and material. A very basic entry level board can start at about £280. For someone starting out you would be spending about £300 for everything needed. By the time you have got a board and wetsuit, the rest is free. You don’t pay to go out in the sea.

You also offer surf lessons?Yes, we offer coasteering and surf lessons. We would eventually like to introduce a few bicycles to hire out from the shop too. We get a lot of people asking about where to hire bikes from so I think it would be a good thing to have access to.

I’ve never tried surfing before and would like to learn. How many lessons would you recommend?I would say a couple of lessons and then go out by yourself to get better. You improve really quickly. The main problem with surfing is fitness. It’s a really physically demanding sport.

A Hero in The Shaping

In the summer months Britain’s smallest city is heaving with tourists, outdoor enthusiasts, and of course those who can’t function without hopping onto their board for a daily dose of surfing. But today, on this cold drizzly autumn morning it was a drastic contrast, and I got the impression that St David’s in

Pembrokeshire was having some down time. The sound of seagulls filled the eerie silence as I meandered down the empty street and I was surprised to see some of the shops were open for business. Business was obviously elsewhere. Elsewhere, being in the water.

People always associate surfing with warm weather, and with the sun bouncing off the water. But in fact not even the drop in temperature stops those wanting to catch the waves. The harsher weather makes the waves more aggressive so in the winter there is greater offshore wind which gives a better wave shape. It becomes a surfer’s paradise with consistent swell.

Dedication to this sport doesn’t mean it is essential to be snug as a bug in a wetsuit running purposely towards the sea, while proudly carrying a board under your arm. One man I was about to meet is so passionate about this sport, that he is spending all the

hours he has to make the boards for others to enjoy it.

Grant is the man in charge and creator of the inspiring surf company, Unsung Hero. Straight away I knew we were going to get along when he offered me a selection of out-of-this-world coffee. This is a man who knows his coffee beans. I was in my element, being a coffee lover myself this was a perfect start to a meeting. Lined up in front of me there were shots of silky brown liquid, all of which had their own distinct taste. Enjoying the multitude of flavours from these comforting hot drinks on this drizzly winter morning, it became apparent

that this was the link between surfing and cycling. A coffee has a much more deep and meaningful existence than being just a drink. It relaxes and re-energises you, it is a time to sit with your friends and reminisce the hours spent riding the waves, and most of all it gives you that intense buzz you crave; all of this in a cup. That is where cycling and surfing intermingle. It is an addictive drug which you cannot stop taking.Before I met up with Grant he was down the road in his workshop getting all creative and hands on.

By Reanne Atherton

19www.pedalyourcycle.co.uktwitter.com/pedalyourcycle

News

With spring just around the corner, thoughts are turning to whipping the dust sheets off summer bikes, mothballing the winter hacks, and laying

down some serious mileage. But for some riders, longer daylight hours and more time in the saddle might mean the kind of unrelenting aches and pains that have the capacity to transform a simple pleasure ride into a two-wheeled torture session.

These bodily warning signs are ignored at your peril. Turning a blind eye to them only increases the risk of suffering a serious cycling-related injury: handlebars that are too low can result in persistent shoulder, back and neck pain; poorly positioned saddles can trash knees; and a cramped cockpit can cause repetitive strain injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome.The good news is, it doesn’t have to be this way. There is a cure.

A proper bike fit - carried out by a professional - can eliminate discomfort and ward-off the risk of doing yourself serious damage, as well as saving you a small fortune over the cost of buying again. Instead of throwing good money after bad in the search for a bike that feels right, the steed you’ve ridden for years - but have rarely properly enjoyed - might be transformed with the help of a little expert knowledge.

Tom Sturdy, a bike fitting expert at Hay-on-Wye’s Drover Cycles, says even subtle changes can revolutionize the ride experience and make an uncomfortable bike feel like a dream machine.

Tom explained: “A bike fit puts you in the most effective position for what you’re looking to achieve. Inevitably, that differs from rider to rider and again according to cycling discipline. It’s a bespoke service, tailored to the individual rider and taking into account everything from the length of your inseam to the distance of your weekly club ride.”

A bike fit means measuring body ‘components’ - individual arm, leg and foot length (as most bodies are asymmetrical and the length of left and right limbs isn’t always an exact match), torso length, shoulder width, height and inseam.

Drover feed these results into a software

package - bikefitting.com - to determine the ideal frame size for customers buying new bikes and they’re an authorised Selle Italia ID Match centre, meaning they use the saddle giant’s revolutionary four-step measurement system to establish the best perch.

Drawing on Tom’s knowledge and experience takes the fitting service a stage further. He examines clients in action on a static bike, discusses their riding history and goals and takes into account any discomfort or persistent injuries they are experiencing before tweaking components to ensure the perfect match.

Says Tom, a former mid-distance British champion triathlete who holds a masters degree in Sports Biomechanics: “The first thing to do is get the saddle height right, and that differs between road, leisure and mountain bikes as well as the individual rider. Then it’s about balancing body weight between the front and rear wheels to get a good weight distribution and then, finally, addressing specific issues that a rider might have. We can overcome persistent discomfort or even adjust the set-up to help rehabilitation from an injury.”

The system - which takes between one and two hours to complete - works as well for clients buying new bikes as experienced riders who have owned their bikes for years - and for the latter the changes can sometimes be dramatic.

“With experienced riders, the changes are often subtle,” Tom says. “With less experienced cyclists or someone completely new to the sport they sometimes go away with a drastically new position, and they report back both improved performance and comfort.

“Occasionally it can be quite a shock and take some time to get used to the new feel of a bike - if I suspect that’s going to be the case, I’ll send the client away with an ‘intermediate’ fitting position with a view to moving to the final set up when they’ve had a little time to adjust.”

In short, before you splash out on those pricey carbon bars or pull the trigger on a new saddle in a bid to cure your discomfort blues, consider a bike fit first. It might just be the most cost-effective upgrade you make this spring.

The importance of a Proper Bike Fit

By Robin Eveleigh

Drover Cycles’ bike fit service starts at £35 for a shoe and pedal fit addressing cleat & lower limb alignment and goes up to £135 for a full bike fit which includes an assessment of core strength and flexibility, a detailed analysis of performance goals and a repeat consultation.

Contact them on 01497 822 419 or info@drovercycles.co.uk, or visit the website at www.drovercycles.co.uk/bike-fit

Blisterproof™ is a new revolutionary product designed to prevent blisters from occurring. Australian owned and designed, this adhesive fabric acts like a second skin, preventing friction/rubbing, which is the main cause of blisters. Blisterproof™- . Blisters are most commonly caused by new shoes/boots, or even new socks rubbing on heels, soles and under toes. Current products on the market do not wear well, moving and scrunching as they become damp with sweat.

The Blisterproof™ key lies in the shapes, moulded to fit various susceptible parts of the body. The shapes are designed to fit heels, feet, toes and hands.

Blisterpoof™ is ideal for anyone prone to blisters, from athletes to heavy-booted tradesmen and soldiers. It can even be used by dancers and models, who are often in high heels.

Blisterproof™ is for everyone.

NOW

AVAILABLE

IN THE UK

THOUSANDS

ALREADY SOLD

IN

AUSTRALIA

Blisterproof™ is distributed in the UK by Fingerprint Marketing Ltd and is available to buy NOW on . For more information, please visit www.blisterproof.uk or contact us at sales@blisterproof.uk or call 07714 872724

20 Issue 04 - spring 2015 facebook.com/pedalyourcycle

Discover something New

If you live in the Hay-on-Wye area, you may have spotted a vivid green metallic machine with a seemingly very tall person on it, clad in a lime green jacket, looking like a flying green bean! You might then do a double take as this

apparent ‘cyclist’ also has no saddle to sit on and is permanently standing! Examine closer again and you’ll see her legs are not moving as you might expect but sliding back and forth on two rails. It’s me on my 8-gear Elliptigo!

I used to love running (and even race-running) until I started getting a warning ‘fuzzy feeling’ in my back. Years of high impact aerobics, running over different terrains and age caught up with me and I then went through a few years of varying degrees of pain, thankfully all good now! Any impact sports were clearly going to have to take a back seat. However, I’m a Personal Trainer, fitness class instructor and Gym Proprietor of Gym & Tonic Health Club (Est 2002) so as a Fit Pro I already had plenty of other disciplines to keep me fit. My studio classes, gym machines, weights and cycling all played their part and in fact it was whilst researching purchasing a new machine for the gym a few years ago that I first saw (and seriously fancied) the Elliptigo! The price of

it was a little startling however, so I bought a water rower for the gym instead and put it to the back of my mind…

Last year I went a bit mental and seemed to acquire a vehicle fetish: I changed my sports car for a hybrid Jeep, bought an Eriba Puck 1961 caravan to travel about with and then couldn’t get the Elliptigo out of my mind so took the plunge and got one to add to my fleet.

I have no regrets whatsoever. They’re ideal for anyone who wishes to keep cardio-fit and like me, out of the studio and into fresh air.

I’d been using a Merida bike to get about on for years (for me walking is WAY too slow!) so am in a fair position to make the inevitable comparisons, yet I find the Elliptigo is a stand-alone piece of beautifully engineered machinery which is awesome for increasing fitness levels, whether you’re a beginner or athlete.

Originally developed by a runner who’d developed injuries; he wanted to make a low impact outdoors machine satisfying for runners. As it happens, runners and cyclists alike will find it valuable either for complimentary training (resting joints), giving muscles better balance or for those who USED to enjoy these pursuits but are unable to continue easily due to hip, knee or back problems, or maybe where the stooped posture of biking is prohibitive.

You’ll notice that like the Elliptical trainer in the gym there is far less knee flexion than

on a bike and no impact, so it is gentler on the joints. The ‘disadvantage’ of standing upright though is more wind resistance, you’re not tucked up in the aerodynamically friendly hunched up position. It’s been tested as 33% harder than cycling at the same speed, yet despite this, it’s often been remarked upon that on arrival you’re also fresher! I personally notice more gluteal action because you’re standing, so it’s superb for posture. They are outstanding at climbing and cyclists using Elliptigos often gain strength and endurance for hills. As you have the weight of the Elliptigo to pull up inclines, runners will also get stronger in this respect too. Elliptigos will also strengthen the core – you’re higher up, so you need to balance more (I was thinking the other day it’s like cycling on stilts!) this will automatically engage your core.

The first time you have a go I think you’ll be surprised – even if you’re an accomplished cyclist. It’s rare to simply jump on and ride the Elliptigo from the off; it can take a bit of practise to get the right stroke and it’s not as fast as a bike. It’s not the same motion as an indoor Elliptical either as it has a longer stride length. However, just like when you first rode a bike, you’ll get on a few sessions later, no worries, and have the best fun ever!

I LOVE gliding down hills, it reminds me of scooters as kids! To ride an Elliptigo you need a flat foot on the drive arm and emphasis on pushing through the midfoot and heel (this is why I find it works the

glutes). I find when going up very steep hills, it works for me to take my feet to the back of the nylon feet. Elliptigo forums are full of various discussions as to the ‘best’ way to ride them – it’s a never ending curve – we’re all still learning. (We talk of ‘GO’ing, “Are you GOing out today?” in Elliptigo-speak!).

In case you were wondering, it uses industry standard components easily serviced by the same cycling technician you’d normally use (or yourselves of course!). Max rider weight is 250 lbs and max height is 6’8”, and yes you can use them indoors during frosty winters as you can purchase a stationary trainer, effectively making it an indoor elliptical trainer!

There is nothing not to like! In my experience people are fascinated by them, I’m always getting stopped and asked about it as there are no other Elliptigos in my area. I’ve lit it up like a Christmas tree but feel much safer than when I used my bike as it’s far more visible – you’re about 8’ up! The only downside is it is really only suitable for the road – no rough terrain!

To find out more visit the Elliptigo website www.elliptigo.co.uk or feel free to contact me for either informal advice or as a Personal Trainer for the best way to use it for maximum effect when training should you decide to make the investment and I hope you do, as hey... I could do with the company!

By Cat Lawford www.gymantonichay.co.uk

Me and my Elliptigo (‘Margot’) To test ride the Elliptigo call Cat on 01497 822995

www.gymantonichay.co.uk

21www.pedalyourcycle.co.uktwitter.com/pedalyourcycle

News

with Pontesbury being one of my local running spots, I tend to drive through the

quaint village frequently, so with the opportunity to visit the new All Ability Cycling Hub, I meandered through the lanes to talk to Nicky Henshaw, the liaison officer and Cytec qualified bicycle consultant, Steve Holloway - who is also part of bicycle maintenance company, Cycle Smart, based in Telford - to find out more about this new bicycle shop on the scene.

The All Ability Cycling Hub is a new venture for specialist cycling company Quest 88. The family business which is based in Shifnal, has won numerous awards for its equipment and customer service. Quest 88 has been in business for over 25 years, catering mainly for the disabled and people of limited abilities by creating specialist cycles, trikes, parallel tandems and recumbent bikes.

With the business in such high demand, the decision was necessary to expand and introduce electric cycles to their already impressive range. The gleaming new shop officially opened on 29th October, and will showcase a select collection of electric bikes, as well as adaptive tricycles and recumbent cycles. There will also be a selection of accessories available.

Walking into the shop, Steve was in the process of assembling one of the new bicycles that will stand with pride amongst the electric family. Putting his tools down I was obviously a welcome interruption, as Steve was eager for me to try out one of the bicycles. Steve’s professionalism and passion for cycling was showing as he wanted to give me the real customer experience allowing me the opportunity to ride one of the machines.

Initially the thought of getting aboard an electric bicycle naturally made me slightly anxious. Luckily my instructor was very understanding and patient. I’m a very competent cyclist, so for

me these unusual nerves were making me a little unsure.

Amongst the row of bikes, I easily chose my electric steed: the one with spots all over it. Before I knew it I was hopping onto the Roodog Polka Dot. As we joined on to the new cycle lane that links up the nearby village, it was clear this would be a perfect testing location. I can imagine the smooth, pothole free lane will be very useful to future customers trying out their new purchases. Nicky also pointed out why this bustling village gives plenty of cycling opportunities: “We have the new cycle path, the railway line which was converted and is good for cycling, we’re on Route 44 and we also have Eastridge forest down the road, so we have a little bit of everything here.”

On asking about the beginning of this successful unique company, Nicky said: “We started in 1988, hence the name ‘Quest 88’, and stemmed from a therapeutic and rehabilitation background and it was in the very early 90s we started manufacturing children’s tricycles, and still produce these now at our headquarters.” Nicky added, “We started with an admin base in Pontesbury over two years ago, and as time has gone by we realised we didn’t need all of this space just for admin. As I’m here anyway we could rejig this and showcase the electric bikes. We have never done 2 wheelers before, but the electric bikes do complete everything we do. We will never do conventional bikes because other local bicycles shops are catering fine for everybody.”

The innovative aspect about this particular range of electric bikes is that it gives you a choice of how the power is applied. By a simple press of a button, the power can change from pedal assist to a throttle. Similar to a motorbike but restricted to 15mph, cyclists can benefit from electric power without any leg power. From my own past experience, the power has only ever been available by putting pressure to the pedals. This additional power

option is perfect for people who struggle to apply much strength through their legs. Nicky said: “The good thing about throttle power is that we have a lot of people who have got weaknesses in their legs or in their ankles and they can’t manage that initial start before the motor, they haven’t got that strength. So we find this is a very useful tool to have.”

In Europe, Germany in particular, electric bikes are as popular over there as ordinary good old fashioned leg powered bicycles. Maybe here in the UK we’re not far behind with this increasingly popular activity. Nicky revealed an astonishing fact: “Statistics show that in Germany 50% of all bikes sold are electric bikes.” Steve also admits, “Europe are well ahead in their mind-set and their usage of electric bikes.”

Nicky explains: “Electric bikes are aimed at two different groups of people: Health – aimed at possibly older people, unfit, over weight or have a need and just want to get out cycling; and you have your Commuters, getting to work not all hot and sweaty.”

Specialist range of e-bikes that will be available are: A2B, F4W, Roodog and specialist German brand, Hase Bikes. Hase specifically manufacture recumbent bikes, and these are an extension to Quest 88’s pedigree in specialist all ability bikes.

For an entry level machine, you would be looking at a very reasonable price of £899 for the Roodog Tourer. The ladies equivalent is the Polka Dot £1085. Within the range there are two options of wheel size, 26” or 700c offering different levels of manoeuvrability.

As I reluctantly headed back to the hub with Steve, my usual riding confidence was showing again. With the power set on high, it really motored on, and it was as if I had awakened its mischievous personality. The journey back seemed to be over far too quickly as I came to a standstill outside of the shop and although I had the biggest smile on my face, I thought to myself, I’m going to miss this.

A new QuestBy Reanne Atherton

Did you know you can subscribe?never miss a copy of Pedal Your Cycle again

Receive a digital and print copy the second each issue is released.You can choose between a print copy that is sent straight to your home address or a digital copy.

go to: www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk/subscribeannasley Park in issue 3

22 Issue 04 - spring 2015 facebook.com/pedalyourcycle

News

Key Points for cyclists to look out for with a home Contents insurance policy:In 2014 we reviewed 10 very well-known home Contents insurance policies and found that most policies:

• do not cover accidental damage - Only 2 of the policies actually covered bicycles against damage whilst being ridden! Most policies also excluded Accidental and Malicious Damage whilst the cycle was away from the home. Eversure Cycle insurance, when in keeping to our Policy Wording, insures bikes against Accidental Damage and Malicious Damage whilst ridden, when away from the home or locked up.

• do not cover theft whilst away from home - The majority of the policies did not cover bicycles against theft whilst away from the home, even when locked up securely at a bona fide cycle rack. Our policy instantly covers the bike against theft, provided you have used the appropriate level of Sold Secure Approved Lock. Bikes may be left at a cycle rack for up to 12 hours or up to 24 hours at a train station cycle rack.

• have a low value cycle limit - Most of the policies had a very low maximum cycle limit. Eversure Cycle insurance routinely insures cycles up to the value of £10,000.

• do not cover permanently fixed cycle accessories - Eversure Cycle insurance covers all permanently fixed accessories included in the value of the cycle. For an additional annual premium of £15, we also have an add-on that insures removable kit up to the value of £1,500.

• do not cover sporting activities such as cycling within their Public liability cover - Eversure Public Liability can cover you should you cause injury or damage to another person or to their property whilst cycling. For example, colliding with a pedestrian or damaging a car. Public Liability Cover can be added to the Eversure Cycle insurance policy for a small additional premium.

We’re often asked “Why shouldn’t I just use my Home C o n t e n t s insurance to

cover my bike?”. The answer is dependent upon your Home Contents insurance policy and whether it has any of the major exclusions that are common under some Home Contents insurance policies.

Firstly, Home Contents insurance as a whole is an excellent product that every household should seriously consider. Home Contents insurance serves a really important purpose; that is to insure the contents of your home against fire, theft, flood, and perhaps accidental damage.

All insurance has its limitations or exclusions and you can be certain that Home Contents insurance has its too - it is unlikely to cover every single item that you own in every single situation. For example, you would not expect your Home Contents insurance to replace your car if it was stolen from your garage.

Like all insurances, the only way to determine whether a Home Contents insurance policy is suitable for your needs is to carefully read the policy wording. In summary, it is important to read your home Contents insurance and eversure’s Cycle insurance

Policy wordings to compare the cover provided and then make the decision as to whether you want a home Contents insurance policy or whether you want eversure’s specialist Cycle insurance policy.

Why use Eversure’s specialist Cycle insurance rather than home Contents insurance?

‘in 1991, cyclist and entrepreneur John Baudhuin and South African ultra-distance cyclist Johnny “Johnny g” goldberg introduced the world to indoor cycling. Working out of a Santa Monica, California garage, they created Spinning by uniting innovation in indoor stationary bike technology with an unprecedented cycling experience.

On Spinner® bikes, riders experience a challenging, exhilarating and fun workout. Knowledgeable and inspiring Certified Spinning® Instructors — the core of Spinning® — ensure riders enjoy the journey.’www.spinning.com

having taken part in Spinning® classes for a few years, I am lucky enough to now be a qualified Spinning® Instructor and I love it! It is one of the best indoor exercise classes I’ve been involved in. As a runner it’s fantastic cross training, for a cyclist a great way to winter train.each ride is constructed differently to work you aerobically, or push your endurance or intervals to improve your strength and lactate threshold. training sessions mimic a road ride with hills, flat roads, switchbacks, the resistance is increased to get you up a hill, or burst to the front with a sprint. All rides are accompanied with music, the music encourages the rhythm of the pedalling and you can lose yourself in your imagination as the instructor guides you through the ride.

working in heart rate zones or perceived rates of exertion are at the core of a Spinning® class. Understanding your own capabilities and working

towards your target zones are key to each ride. You are riding for yourself, it’s not a competition…everyone is different, so all classes are multi-levelled, from the experienced rider to the novice.

we hold Spinning® classes at Gwernyfed Sports Centre and also coming up on March 14th a sponsored Spinnathon for Comic relief. Sign up for 3, 6, or 9 hours continuous instruction.Contact Jo Lord for more information on joanne.lord@powys.gov.uknB. Be aware that only a class taken by a qualified Spinning® Instructor on Spinner® Bikes can be called Spinning®Article supplied by Jo Lord (the hay runner) Personal trainer, UK Athletics running Fitness Instructor and Spinning® Instructor.

Eversure Cycle insuranceAbout eversure.com

MyFinance.com Ltd. (estd. 2008) launched eversure.com in 2011. the company as a whole has sold and administered tens of thousands of insurance policies. Based in Guildford, Surrey, our team has on average around 20 years’ of experience each in the Financial Services Industry. Feefo began gathering independent customer reviews at the end of 2014 and to date 100% of our customers rated our Service as ‘excellent’ or ‘Good’ and 96% rated our Products as ‘excellent’ or ‘Good’.

ADvERTORiAL BY

23www.pedalyourcycle.co.uktwitter.com/pedalyourcycle

Local News

12 Week courses in:run to run fasterPersonal Training

Walk to Walk fasterWalk to run

discount rates apply for all 12 sessions. If you would like a course in your area and can get 10 plus people involved I’ll give you the 12 weeks free.

You don’t have to be able to run to take part in this course...just determined to have a go and have some fun. whether you are aiming for a 5k event or just want

to learn to run this is the gentle way to get you there.

individual or group Personal Trainingif you are interested in me setting up a Walk to Run course in your area please

get in touch.

Jo Lord Personal Trainer, Uk Athletics Leader in Running Fitness, Spinning® instructor

jo@jolord.orangehome.co.uk 07831 609889

‘12 weeks ago I said I can’t run. Tonight I ran 3 miles, I can run! Thanks to Jo and all the girls who also achieved so much tonight. If you have the tiniest thought that you would like to give it a go, do it!’

The Hay Runner

hay-on-Wye’s Drover Cycles has signed up with mountain bike event organiser Red Kite to co-sponsor their mid Wales-based

enduros.The Mondraker Enduro series is the

brainchild of Red Kite head honcho and top shredder Neil Delafield. He quietly tested the water with a couple of low-profile enduros last season after several successful years running mountain bike endurance events and road sportives.

Leaping in feet first for 2015, Red Kite Events are laying on five enduros at various venues around mid-Wales. Besides Mondraker their efforts caught the attention of major sponsors including Muc-Off, Continental Tyres, High 5, and Trail 42. And the third round of the series will also double up at the Welsh National Enduro Championships.

Drover Cycles co-owner Luke Skinner, said: ‘We recently added Mondraker to our roster of bike brands, so signing up as co-sponsor to a race series backed by them was a no-brainer.

‘We’ll be taking the great service we offer at the shop out on the road, putting us at the heart of the action for enduro racing in mid Wales, and with a fleet of Mondraker demo bikes that can be put to test in the races.’

Besides hire and demo bikes, Drover will also be on hand with last-minute clothing and spares - tyres, tubes and control cables - and will be providing some emergency spannering.

The Mondraker Enduro Series kicks off at Coed Trallwm MTB centre near

Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, on March 21-22nd.

April 18-19 sees the series move to Nant-yr-Arian trail centre, Aberystwyth.

The Crychan and Irfon Forests near Llanwrtyd host the third round - and the Welsh National Enduro Championships - on 23-24th May.

After a couple of months’ break, the series returns to Coed Trallwm on 22-23rd August.

Finally, Clyro’s Baskerville Hall Hotel - just a mile from Drover Cycle’s shop on Forest Road, Hay, hosts round five on 24-25th October.

Anyone who’s ridden a Red Kite mountain bike event will know they have a reputation for being tough and testing, with Neil’s background as a downhill racer frequently playing into route design. He said: ‘This year we’ve listened to the feedback from previous entrants and made the timed sections more challenging with more corners and drops. Expect courses to be tight, steep and technical - the aim is to make them fun to ride, but challenging to ride cleanly.’

Enter the Mondraker Enduro Series online at tiny.cc/enduroseries.

Get in touch with Drover Cycles on 01497 822 419, by email at info@drovercycles.co.uk, or via their website www.drovercycles.co.uk to discuss a Mondraker demo ride.

In the meantime, get your race face on with Drover Cycles’ sponsored rider Lewis Day’s top tips for enduro racing success at tiny.cc/drovertips.

Drover Cycles to co-sponsor mid Wales Mondraker enduro Series

By robin eveleigh There’s a modern day need to put everything or everyone in a category so, in cycling terminology, I’d be a MAMIL. there’s plenty of us around and apparently we’re a growing breed (or type), depending on how

you look at it. however, I’m also a ‘Cyclist who Commutes’

as, living 40 miles from London, I have a daily routine that involves standing on a platform, waiting for delayed trains and then sitting on an overcrowded train cursing Apple, who design and make fantastic products... except headphones. As we approach London, I notice a few of us looking down enviously at the growing army of cyclists making their way into work, together with the occasional sight of teams of yellow jackets, notebook in hand, waiting to pounce on the erring cyclist who decides to speed up the journey by jumping the odd red traffic light. I’m pretty sure that it’s not just me who wishes we live a little closer so could be out on the road rather than stuck on the train.

the other evening though, the evening Standard carried the headline that tragically a third cyclist had been killed whilst on London’s roads this year - for the record today is the 10th of February! I don’t think anyone who hasn’t experienced it, can even begin to imagine what it’s like to receive news that a loved one had lost their life in a tragic accident. Sadly, and with the talk of Cycle Superhighways potentially being introduced, these events continue to happen and such is our culture, we tend to look at potential reasons why. My kids will tell anyone that if there’s one word I don’t like, it’s ‘blame’ as that’s the consequence of something that has gone wrong, they’ll follow that with a roll of

the eyes and the statement ‘ it’s responsibility that’s important’.

Last night, I found myself driving back from London after work, it was dark and the roads were still very busy with commuters trying to get home; the roads being shared between cars, motorbikes, lorries, buses and cyclists - we’re all human and we’re all doing the same thing so there’s no axe to grind here. As a fellow cyclist, I tend to look out for my ‘mates’ but what was alarming was the number of bikes that I nearly didn’t see as they didn’t have any lights on. Don’t get me wrong, in no way am I blaming any of the tragedies on a bike not having lights, far from it, but what I don’t get is why someone would decide that, no matter whether they’ve bought a second hand bike for a tenner, or saved hard to buy a beautiful looking Bianchi, it’s not worth £10 or so to stick a set of lights on it so that there’s a better chance of being seen. Maybe a different way of looking at it is to think that it might not be important as a bike can be replaced; however it’s not so easy to bolt ourselves back together.

For those that don’t know - a MAMIL is a Middle Aged Man In Lycra. My uncle is slightly older than me and I don’t remember the acronym but what I distinctly remember though is the tone in my Mum’s voice, almost exactly a year ago, when she told me that her brother had been airlifted to hospital having been knocked off his bike. People think that it might never happen to them but it can do.

So come on fellow cyclists, invest a tenner and Light Up Your ride.

light Up Your ride

By Neil Coleman

PYC HeReFoRD CYCLo-CRoSSA big thank you to all helped support the first two races

AdverTise WiTh usExpose your business to a wide demographic of cycling and outdoor enthusiasts throughout Wales, West Midlands, Oxfordshire & the Chilterns

Email: advertise@pedalyourcycle.co.ukPhone Jamie: 07823 325099

Our latest print advertising offers:full page - £300half page - £150Map advertisement - £25

CurrenT offers

ConTACT us

www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk/advertise

Next Race29th March

1pm at Hereford Leisure Centre

Sunday the 22nd February dawned bright and sunny but I really should have listened to the forecast in the morning. We were busy setting up the course on a lovely spring morning, when it

suddenly went dark and started to rain. We then had a snow shower before it got very windy and the heavens opened. Luckily this didn’t deter the riders from attending our second cyclo-cross event.

The start was a bit delayed due to carrying out a risk assessment on the new course which was slightly more complex than in the first event with new sections forcing dismounts. With the help of the two

representatives from British Cycling we managed to create a more technical course using the side of the banks. We are planning even better obstacles for the next race, so be prepared!

Attendance was good but there were not as many participants as we’d anticipated due to, I suspect, the horizontal rain. Two women and four girls took part this time which was fantastic. We’d like to encourage more female riders so any help in promoting this would be very welcome.

We ran three races again with the majority of under 12’s from Abergavenny Road Club. Thomas Crapper came 1st with Madeleine Osborn 2nd followed by Felix

Hodges. It would be great to see more youngsters from other clubs at future events to give the Abergavenny racers a bit more competition.

The Youth race was won by a lap and a half by Tyler Brennan with Joseph Feiven in 2nd place, closely followed by Huw Higgins-Worrall.

Tyler Brennan also rode a very tactical ride in the adult race, sitting behind the leader, Adrian Peall, until the last sprint when he overtook him to take 1st place with Matthew Lewis coming in 3rd.

The event was well supported by NFTO and other local clubs with Climb On Bikes donating lots of prizes. With people

travelling from all over the West Midlands and some as far afield as West Yorkshire, it looks like word is spreading about Hereford Cyclo-Cross.

There will be one more event on 29th March and then we will review it. We may run a summer and a winter event depending on interest. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

A big thank you to all who came to support our first two events in Hereford and we hope to see you at the next one.

If you’re interested in joining our small but dedicated team to help marshal the event or erecting and dismantling the course we would love to hear from you.

www.pedalyourcycle.co.uk/cc