Cycling
December 2017| 1 ESTABLISHED 1979
WORLD
HEALTHY CYCLING: CYCLING INJURIES THE TEN BEST WATERWAYS WOMENS CYCLING MY JOURNEY TO RECOVERY THROUGH CYCLING CYCLING CITIES
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05 9 770143 023990
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DECEMBER 2017- £5.50
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2 | Cycling World
CUBE 2017 ATTAIN SERIES
December 2017| 3
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£1699
ATTAIN GTC RACE
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CUBE BIKES, AND TO LOCATE YOUR NEAREST CUBE DEALER, PLEASE VISIT WWW.CUBE.EU
4 | Cycling World
RILL SEEKERS
NTURERS. TH CYCLISTS. ADVE
! S R E V A S E LINFDON TO PARIS BIKE RIDE
f l e s r u o y e g n Challe research LO
r and help fund ou2-5 September 2017 bhf.org.uk/L2P
Proud Partner of BHF Cycling Events
Proud Sponsor of BHF Cycling Events
©British Heart Foundation, registered Charity in England & Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426)
December 2017| 5 London to Land’s End Bike Ride
London to Paris Bike Ride
Our toughest event – a brutally tough 4 day cycling challenge.
Our version of this famous event. We are the only charity who organise this event themselves and as a result all of the money goes directly to our research, instead of paying contributions to any tour operators. With so much competition on the market, the main reason people do this event is to raise money for and support the fight against heart disease.
10-14 June
Target audience: Experienced, fit cyclists – looking for a major challenge in 2017.
Milton Keynes Bike Ride Saturday 8 July
A brand new event featuring on and off-road routes. The event has been designed to allow us to be a part of the 50th birthday celebrations for the town of Milton Keynes – target audience are local people. There’s a lot of buy in and PR opportunities with the local council.
South Downs Way Off-Road Bike Ride Saturday 15 July
Our toughest off-road bike ride. A brutal 100 mile challenge that tests participants to the limit. Target audience: Experienced mountain bike enthusiasts (UK wide).
Swansea Bike Ride Sunday 16 July
Our flagship fundraising event in Wales. Catering to cyclists of all ages and abilities, there are 3 routes on offer – all of which promise a truly enjoyable day out in support of the fight against heart disease. Target audience: People who live in and around South Wales
South East Coast Off-Road Bike Ride Sunday 13 August
Our brand new off-road bike ride. Starting and finishing in Seaford, it’s a perfect introduction to mountain bike events, but with an optional technical section means there’s plenty to entertain the experienced off-road rider. At 35 miles it’s one of our shortest off-road events – but the coastal views mean it is without doubt the most beautiful Target audience: Less experienced off-road cyclists/ mountain bike beginners – and mountain bike enthusiasts who live in the local area and are looking for an enjoyable day out.
Saturday 2 – 4 September
As a result we have 3 streams of target audience: Keen cyclists People with/likely to have a connection to the cause and looking for a way to support/raise money for us Office workers – looking for a challenge they can take on together
London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride
Saturday 23 September
Europe’s biggest charity mountain bike event. It’s also the event’s 10th birthday and we’re busy planning all kinds of fun things around it. Target audience: Mountain bike enthusiasts, but with it being such a big event it does appeal to a wider audience of people looking to try something new.
Manchester to Blackpool Night Ride Saturday 6-7 October
A unique opportunity to cyclie through the night and finish under the world famous blackpool illuminations, which are left on especially for the occasion. Target audience – cyclists form the North.
6 | Cycling World
CYCLE TOURING FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE The Atlas Mountains, Atlantic Coast, Sahara Desert … Morocco is the ideal place to have an amazing cycling adventure this spring. Hire a bike or bring your own to enjoy the great weather and fantastic landscape of this exotic country on Europe’s doorstep.
visitmorocco.com
muchmorocco
December 2017| 7
December 2017
ED's LETTER DECEMBER 2017: Cycling in the Snow
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took a trip to the French Alps last month, with the intention of skiing through snowy landscapes and enjoying a little après-ski at the bottom of the mountains. When we arrived at our alpine resort, however, there was not a snowflake in sight! We had to travel further up the mountain in order to find any snow, but the intense sun and cloudless sky ensured that the white stuff disappeared almost as quickly as we could ski down it! I’m exaggerating a little; we were able to enjoy five days of our favourite winter sports, despite the snow being treacherously icy in some parts and painfully slushy in others. My instructor informed me that the weather was unseasonably warm and had been since December. He then went on to tell me all about the mountain biking opportunities that awaited him when the ice had finally melted. As we travelled up the mountain in our chair-lift, Marco pointed out his favourite BMX hotspots and told me all about how the Portes du Soleil changed in
the summer to become a paradise for those fond of extreme sports. Time constraints (and my inability to walk after a few hours of flailing down the mountain at an uncontrollable speed) meant that I was unable to partake in any mountain biking activities myself, but it is easy to see how the beautiful backdrop of the Alps could provide the perfect cycling destination for those looking for something different and exciting. The undulating landscape is ideal for those looking for a rollercoaster experience, while the chairlifts used by skiers and snowboarders during the winter become the perfect transport to aid you and your bike to the top of the mountain. If you are thinking of taking your bike abroad this summer, and I haven’t convinced you with my tales of France, perhaps you might consider Croatia or Italy instead. Check out our overseas cycling destinations for more inspiration.
CONTENTS
8 | Cycling World
DECEMBER 2017 REGULARS 23
Editor’s Pick
26
Tech Latest
39
Cycling Accomodation
46
Bicycle Maintenance
54
Healthy Cycling: Cycling Injuries
EVENTS 10
Seaton Cycle Fest
FEATURES 34
My journey to mental health
48
Cycling and Mental Health in India
60
Inspirational cyclist
120 The Ten Best Waterways 130 Cycling Cities
UK CYCLING 65
Kent
72
Norfolk
78
Cheshire
82
Bedfordshire
89
Northumberland
96
Scarborough
48
100 Welsh Climbs
CYCLING ABROAD 106 Croatia 112 Italy
72
December 2017| 9
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CONTRIBUTORS
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Kate Sparks, Dan Ellmore, Martin Bailey, Keith Jepson, Nick Rushton, Aslak Fyhri, Hanne Beate Sundfør, Eddie Kehoe, James Crossley, Norma Barry, Liam Hughes, Jamie Lloyd, Catherine Thompson, Will Johnson, Charlie Rose, Theo Bromfield, Will Addison, Lana Redgewell, James Pope, Helen Cutting, Peter Richardson, Liz Pullin, Lucy Galvin, Brian Palmer, Huw Parsons,
Cycling World
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Although every effort is made to ensure the content of features in Cycling World is accurate and correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers. No guarantees can be made upon the safe return of any unsolicited copy of photographic images. Thepublisher reserves the right to alter or amend any submitted material that is printed in Cycling World. All material in Cycling World is the copyright of the publisher and any reproduction of said material would require written permission from the publisher. ©Cycling World Limited 2015 ISSN: 0143-0238
10 | Cycling World
CYCLING NEWS
Andy Lewis MBE promotes disabled sporting opportunities in Wales Paralympic superstar Andy Lewis MBE is hoping to raise £10,000 through a new cycling event, which will see a group of ten amateur cyclists travelling across Wales, covering a distance of 350 miles in five days. Tour de Cymru starts on May 24th and has been organised by Leonard Cheshire Disability. The charity hopes the event will raise awareness of the need for more disabled sporting facilities, while also raising the money needed to provide these. Andy Lewis MBE won a gold medal in last year’s Paralympic games in the first para-triathlon ever included in the competition. He said: “I’m supporting Leonard Cheshire in their cycling challenge as I’d like many more people to be able to access sport. Sport is important to me because it has given me the freedom I believe everyone should have access to. Since believing in myself and taking up sport, I have achieved some great things in life.”
Too Close for Comfort Scheme Launched Cycling UK has launched a new campaign which aims to make cyclists safer on the roads. Too Close for Comfort is an initiative created in collaboration with West Midlands Police and aims to put a stop to ‘near-miss’ overtaking by cars. The campaign comes on the back of the West Midland Police Force’s ‘Give Space, Be Safe’ operation, in which plain-clothed policemen were sent out on bicycles and pulled over cars that did not give them enough space when over-taking. A Safe Pass mat was used to demonstrate how much room was acceptable and the award-winning campaign saw a 50 percent reduction in ‘near-misses’ almost overnight. Too Close for Comfort aims to raise £12,000 to fund the purchase of more of these mats, which cost £800 each. Cycling UK hopes that by making cyclists feel safer on the roads, more people will be encouraged to take to their bikes more often.
Peperami Highlights Cycling Dangers London’s early morning commuters were surprised to wake up one morning last month to a city covered in Peperami flags and cordon tape, as the snack brand aimed to bring awareness to the dangers of London’s potholes.
December 2017| 11
CYCLING NEWS
Scots need Cycling A research report by Sustrans Scotland has shown that cycling tourism is worth £345 million to the Scottish economy. The results have been released as part of a Leisure Cycling Tourism Guide which aims to show Scottish businesses how they can be more accommodating to cyclists and boost their trade.
Health should be behind future travel improvements At the Living Streets Walking Summit conference held in London, Ben Still, West Yorkshire Combined Authority Manager, described active travel as “inherently a local form of transport”, that it is down to local authorities and their partners to deliver.
Based on the usage estimates of the National Cycling Network, the research showed that more than 152,000 tourists to the country last year spent at least one day of their visit in the saddle. However, in contrast to this, only one in seven accommodations are listed as being cycle-friendly. Sustrans Scotland National Director John Lauder, said: “In order to realise the full potential of cycling opportunities in Scotland, it is vital for businesses to understand the needs of leisure cyclists. The cycling market is thriving and has the potential to become one of Scotland’s top tourism activities. Businesses in the sector need to wake up to this huge, untapped opportunity. Many will only need to make a few minor adjustments to feel the benefits offered by the sector.”
Pointing out examples of where pedestrianised walkways and cycle-paths have helped to improve the infrastructure, including the 14km Cycle Superhighway connecting Bradford and Leeds, Dr Still stated that a high quality of life is a significant draw for investors in the community. Insisting that inactivity is a core health issue in the country, Dr Still said: “We need to reclaim the urban environment and develop public realms that put people first and enable all of us to rediscover the habits of walking and cycling as ways of making the trips we need to in our everyday lives. “This represents a revolution in thinking and one which won’t always be welcomed. But by working together and learning from each other’s best examples, we can make progress together, one step at a time.”
As well as the obvious damage that these potholes can do to cars, these hazards are also an issue for cyclists, who can be thrown off balance by unexpected potholes, putting them at risk on London’s busy roads. In the last 12 months, 1,860 potholes have been reported in the city, with the problem said to be at an all-time high. Westminster, Lambeth and Wandsworth were the worst offenders.
12 | Cycling World 12
Introducing: Storey Racing By Dame Sarah Storey
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brand-new women’s cycling team has been created, with grand visions of turning competitive cycling on its head. With Great Britain’s most successful Paralympian behind them, as well as her husband, Barney Storey and a key sponsorship deal with Adidas Sport Eyewear, this is an elite team that is set to make waves in the cycling world. Meet Dame Sarah Storey, the woman who is set to shake up the UK peloton: The launch of Storey Racing felt like a long time in coming and was a culmination of a lot of hard work from my husband Barney and I, along with the support of our sponsors. Women’s cycling is a tough marketplace to field a team; the return on investment for sponsors is not solely based on the promise of hours and hours of TV time and so the partnerships have to be created with innovative ways of ensuring both parties can benefit. Barney and I have managed and delivered a women’s cycling team over a number of years, firstly being involved as sponsors and volunteer supporters of previous teams I have ridden for, and, since 2013, running our own set-up through a previous company Podium Ambition Ltd. Each of these teams has been trying to create opportunities, rise up the rankings and deliver the best it can for the riders. The culmination was being able to take the Podium Ambition team in to the professional rankings as a UCI team in 2016, but sadly lack of sponsorship meant that team had to fold after just 12 months. Barney and I have always believed it was possible to create an entirely British-based, British-focused and British-led team to back the work of our national governing body and to ensure that British women can succeed in the sport despite the current lack of opportunity to be a professional rider unless you are selected as a National Lottery-funded athlete. Compared to the men’s side of the sport, even a small wage is unachievable for the British-based teams and the landscape on which female riders operate is also vastly different to the landscape of the men’s. In men’s cycling there are three tiers of UCI teams,
from WorldTour to Pro Conti, and then Continental Teams, followed by a comprehensive structure of British races in two distinct tiers: the races for Elite, first and second category licence holders; and the races for the second, third and fourth category licence holders. As the population of women has increased, the racing structures haven’t changed at the same pace, so whilst we now have a Women’s World Tour and UCI teams underneath that, the British system doesn’t often segregate the
licence categories to allow for development. Fourth category novice riders are faced with the daunting prospect of entering races against Elite and first category riders, whilst everyone fears the wide range of ability can lead to a higher probability of crashes occurring as riders with varying technical abilities are in the same peloton. In addition, the women have no official under-23 category for race opportunities, which is offered in the men’s side of the sport along with a whole calendar of racing and the chance to develop from a junior level to a senior level. In effect, there are two or three levels of development missing, meaning that a rider can find themselves out of their depth quite quickly and unable to find a way of filling the gaps in their learning towards becoming a professional. Furthermore, when the women look at their
December 2017| 13 prospects of being full-time paid professionals, unless they make it through the Lottery-funded system, the opportunity to develop is far smaller. A male rider can expect to be signed and receive a wage regardless of whether they are chosen by the national team, but this is rarely the case for a female rider. Our inspiration for creating Storey Racing was to try and support some of the change that needs to take place in order to ensure the gender gap is narrowed. We’d like to play our part in securing a bright future for British female cyclists and contribute to a change of landscape that makes becoming a professional sportswoman more likely. For 2017, we will be a British Club team, which means we are in the lowest of the three tiers of racing in the women’s side of the sport. From this level, the next step is predominantly a financial one, as we need to find around £30k to register and set up as a UCI team on paper. Following that, the results of the team would determine whether or not we could rise to become a Women’s World Tour team and so the eligibility for the highest level in the sport relies on a good structure, provision of opportunity and the signing and development of the right riders in order to secure the rankings. Budget, again, plays a part in securing Women’s World Tour status as the cost of bringing in the very best riders is not insignificant. Our aim for 2017 is to become established as a team, provide the right opportunities for rider development and engage with the right people who are keen to see our vision become a reality. We will need a mix of talent, finance and practical support, but we know this ambition won’t happen overnight; we need to set a longer-term plan in place to create this within the next eight years. When the Lotteryfunded programmes of Olympic and Paralympic sport were reviewed, the life-changing input of that funding was built over two decades with a home Games largely expected to be the culmination, but the ongoing support was then seeing a further increase in performance in Rio 2016. We know sport changes lives and in women’s sport we still have a significant gap to jump to ensure that professional sport is a viable career choice. Our 2017 team contains talent that has already experienced international success. Neah Evans, Danni Khan, Beth Crumpton, Hannah Dines and myself have all represented GB in the past 12 months, while Katie Prankered is a former GB rider, and Welsh Commonwealth Games athletes. Jen George, Laura Cameron and EJay Harris all enjoyed a year in the UCI ranks in 2016. Monica Dew is making the tough transition from a sprint talent team programme, but secured Junior National Time Trial Series victory in 2016 and is now in her first year under-23. Chanel Mason joins the team fresh from the army, as EJay Harris had done in 2016, and is looking to build on the incredible development opportunities provided to her alongside being a soldier.
Our final cyclist of the 12-rider roster is first-year junior Mercy Webb. A former downhill skier, Mercy is embarking on the tough transition from youth to senior, without the option of many junior-only events nationally and with no under-23 level to race in prior to being thrown in with the senior international peloton in two-years’ time. Mercy will race junior events internationally alongside select senior events in the UK, where the team can nurture her talent and ease the transition. It’s an exciting roster, with a diverse range of skills, and undoubtedly a team that will grow together and support each other. For Hannah Dines to be a part of the set-up also sets another “first”, as there has never been a threewheeled bike included in an Elite Women’s Road Racing team before. Part of the passion Barney and I have for the development of women’s cycling is to normalise the concept of integration, so that people no longer have to point out that it is happening. Para-athletes have a lot to offer a team, regardless of whether their circumstances, or bike type allow them to race alongside their team mates in the same peloton. Hannah is a Rio Paralympian who, at 23 years of age, hasn’t had her place on the Lottery-funded programme renewed and so with the support of our set-up and the diverse opportunity of working with a completely different group of riders, we are confident we can assist with the improvement that will see her reselected in the future and, of course, in time for Tokyo. As part of our mission we have captured our ethos in the #BestVersionOfYou hashtag. The team also has a logo with a story behind it, with the O of Storey featuring a heartbeat trace. We wanted to create something that people could identify with, that would allow a fan, sponsor or rider to feel that they understood our mission and wanted to be a part of it. Throughout our own careers, Barney and I have focused on the process of achieving our goals and the idea that we need to ensure personal best performances before we can think about whether or not that performance will be good enough to win. The #BestVersionOfYou is all about encouraging everyone to find the best version of themselves, regardless of situation, being the best they can be. The heart rate trace within the logo signifies the heartbeat of the person who is trying to produce that personal best and be the best they can be.
14 | Cycling World
Dates for Your Diary May 2017 1.5.17 Rund um den Finanzplatz Eschborn-Frankfurt, Germany
5.5.17 Redlands Bicycle Classic, USA 5.5.17 Tour of Chongming Island, China 11.5.17 - 14.5.17 Amgen Women’s Race, USA
14.5.17 – 20.5.17 Tour of California, USA 17.5.17 Tour of Norway 24.5.17 Baloise Belgium Tour 24.5.17 Tour des Fjordes, Norway 31.5.17 Skoda Tour De Luxembourg
April 2017| 13 December 2017| 15
Former England Rugby International Peter Winterbottom is training for the Clock to the Rock charity cycle ride. Having hung up his International rugby boots in 1993, Winterbottom swapped balls for wheels in search of new a physical challenge whilst still experiencing the comradery he had enjoyed through rugby. Previous rides include a 700 mile ride of the Home Nations Rugby stadia, a 650 mile ride from Melbourne to Sydney during the 2013 Lions Rugby Tour and the inaugural 1300 mile Clock to the Rock, all whilst raising funds for Walking with the Wounded.
“The cycle challenges are indeed that; challenging but also life-affirming proving there’s still life in the old legs yet, whilst fundraising for causes close to the heart too.” Winterbottom continued. The forthcoming ‘Clock to the Rock’ ride starts in September from the iconic Big Ben, taking in some stunning scenery of picturesque France and Spain en route, finishing up at the Rock of Gibraltar with participants having the opportunity to join all or select legs of the route. September’s Clock to the Rock includes Rugby greats Craig Chalmers, Roger Uttley, Dafydd James and Paralympic Gold Medallist Danny Crates fundraising for both Prostrate Cancer UK & Breast Cancer UK charities.
Whilst finding the rides ‘testing mentally and physically’, the charity cycles have given the former Flanker the opportunity to be part of a team once again and make some new pals en route.
For more information on joining the ride visit www.clocktotherock.co.uk or www.rideofthelions.co.uk for more detail
16 | Cycling World
110 OR 140 KM CLOSED ROADS CARDIFF, 9th July 2017
UCI Sanctioned pro race VELOTHON.COM/WALES
WWW.
BERLIN 18 June | WALES 9 July | SUNSHINE COAST 16 July | HAMBURG 20 August | EDMONTON 4 September | STOCKHOLM 10 September
#THISISCYCLING
December 2017| 17
Velothon Wales 2017 Sunday 9th July
18 | Cycling World
A
nyone who has ever had the opportunity to take their bike for a spin through the lush Welsh mountains knows that it is the perfect place for a UCI event.
Firstly, Wales has AMAZING scenery. There is nothing quite like standing at the top of Snowdonia and looking out over the country. When cycling, you have the opportunity to visit beautiful coastal areas and historical monuments, as well as taking a rollercoaster ride down into steep valleys and back up the rolling hills. So it makes perfect sense to hold a Velothon event in the popular capital city of Cardiff. There is plenty to entertain those looking for culture and tourist attractions after the race, so if you are intending to make your way over the Welsh border, book an extra few days in at your accommodation. Both the start and finish line are in Cardiff, but the full 140km route takes you out around Newport, Usk, Abergavenny, Blaenavon, Pontypool, Newbridge, Ystrad Mynach, Llanbradach, and Caerphilly. For the first time, there will also be a slightly shorter route (110km) that avoids some of the higher altitude climbs of Brecon Beacon National Park, so that more riders will be encouraged to take part. Organisers are expecting around 15,000 participants in this year’s event, and they are pulling out all the stops to ensure it is the biggest and best Velothon Wales event yet. Every road along the route will be closed off, allowing cyclists to ride with confidence, without the added danger that cars bring. Those taking part in the shorter route will still have some climbs to face, but the total climb (around 940m of elevation) will be almost half that of those doing the longer route. There are refreshment stalls dotted around the course, and you will be in excellent company, as professional cyclists will also race their way around the track after the main event in the hope of securing a place on the Velothon leaderboard.
If you wish to take part, visit www.velothon.com/wales and make sure to read the FAQs. For those that just can’t wait until the big day, there is also an interactive map available on the website, which highlights the changes in gradients and the all-important refreshment points. There will be various points around the route for spectators to stand and watch and highlights of the event will also be shown on TV (details to be confirmed).
December 2017| 19
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20 | Cycling World
Seaton Cycle Fest Sunday 2nd July 2017
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he annual Seaton Cycle Fest is back and better than ever before! This family friendly event is more than just a simple bike race (although it does feature a number of these). This event has something for everyone, with BMX displays, family entertainment, an art zone and plenty of refreshments. If you have yet to make a trip to the coastal town of Seaton, now is a good a time as any!
The annual Seaton Cycle Fest is back and better than ever before! Sportives include a men’s race, women’s race, and youth race, so that the whole family can get involved and have a go on the 1.2km track. Cyclists will get to ride along the long esplanade before tackling the uphill slog of Castle Hill and descending down Sea Hill. A final spurt through the town will bring all racers back to the beginning. There will also be family fun races. Enter the raffle and you could be in with the chance of winning some fantastic prizes. Although at the time of writing these were yet to be announced, in 2016, one
December 2017| 21 lucky lady was awarded with a Diamond Back mountain bike! Meanwhile, festival village will provide entertainment for anyone not racing, or for cyclists to stroll around when they have finished their laps. Children will get to try their hand at some BMX tricks, or watch the professionals in action. There are also activities including a bouncy castle, hula-hooping, dancing and juggling, while adults can browse the boutique stalls and sample the many refreshments on offer. If you make your way down to the beach, there are a variety of watersports on offer, including paddle boarding or kayaking, or you can enjoy a Jurassic cruise. There is also a chill-out zone where you can watch live bands and enjoy a few drinks. There will also be some local artists at the event, displaying their work and answering any questions you may have. As you can see, the Seaton Cycle Fest has it all, so you can even drag your non-cycling family and friends along with you to enjoy the day.
For more information or to enter any of the races, visit http://www.seatoncyclefest.co.uk/
22 | Cycling World
The next generation of tubeless tyres. 70 g lighter. Faster. Safer. Revolutionary new MicroSkin design. Tubeless Easy. Patent Pending. 23-622 (235g), 25-622 (255g), 28-622 (275g) www.schwalbe.com/pro-one
Editor’s Pick
December 2017| 23
Cycling accessories that Dad will love!
CUBE Shoes Road C:62 £179.99 As cycling shoes go, they don’t come much more exciting that this! Dad will adore his new road shoes, made up of 62% carbon fibres (hence the name), they are superb quality with a secure, stiff, lightweight fit. Perfect for longer cycling journeys, these shoes will ensure his feet are comfortable and raring to go at every stage of the trip. Ventilation on the sides of the shoe help to keep a constant temperature, while the natural fit moulding ensures a custom-fit for Dad’s feet. Along with a simple disc closure and CUBE’s anti-slip system, these shoes are durable enough to cope with the most demanding of rides.
www.cube.eu/uk/dealer-search
FLAB Lads Union Jack Racing Jersey £49.99 Fat Lad at the Back have been making cycling jerseys for some time now, and the quality is always excellent. Their latest patriotic jersey has been created in celebration of the sporting success the UK has achieved recently, and is sure to be a hit with any Dad who loves his home teams. The lightweight jersey is made of a breathable, wicking Italian fabric and has been made in a variety of sizes in order to fit fathers of every shape and size. It comes with features such as a full-length zip and four useful pockets. This stylish top is sure to get Dad noticed on the road, while also providing him with the functional wear he needs.
www.fatladattheback.com
Topeak Omni RideCase £29.99 Any type of smartphone can fit into this case, so Dad can keep his firmly in sight while cycling. It keeps the phone securely fixed to the handlebars with silicone grippers, so he won’t need to worry about it falling out as he bumps his way through mountainous terrain. Having said that, it is easy to quickly install and remove so Dad won’t have to fuss every time he hops off the bike, and it is small enough to pop in his backpack if he plans on hiring a bike rather than taking his own.
www.topeak.com
24 | Cycling World Tifosi Seek FC Fototec Smoke Lens Sunglasses £53.99 If Dad is in need of a new pair of cycling sunglasses, then the latest offering from Tifosi is sure to brighten his day. Intended to provide a completely unobstructed vision, the frameless design has extra-wide lenses, ensuring excellent protection from the sun while cycling. The photochromatic lenses adjust to light conditions with variable tint technology, so that Dad will be able to focus on his journey, without having to remove his sunglasses when the light fades, or squint when the sun is too bright. Cycling sunglasses are different to standard sunglasses, as they also help to protect the eyes from flying dust and debris, insects and rain as Dad cycles along – making them an essential accessory for road biking.
www.wiggle.co.uk
Hövding 2.0 Airbag Cycle Helmet £219 Nothing is likely to impress Dad more than the world’s first airbag cycle helmet. Recent studies have shown that these helmets are up to eight times safer than traditional helmets, and are able to resist multiple hits, so that the whole family can rest easy when Dad is whizzing through traffic on his bike. Unlike standard helmets, the Hövding 2.0 is worn around the neck like a collar. Enabled with multiple sensors that help to detect emergency situations, it is deployed in the event of a crash, ensuring the head and neck are kept safely cushioned and protected. Since its creation in 2012, its popularity has grown, and the helmet is now sold in 17 different countries. The company are aware of at least 800 situations where it has helped to save a life.
www.hovding.com
Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor £76.50 Now Dad can keep track of his heart rate while cycling or doing any other physical activity, including swimming. Combined with the Polar Pro Strap, the accurate monitor is able to reduce interference to produce a precise reading. The strap sits comfortably across the chest and is kept in place with slip-preventing silicone dots and a buckle. Suitable for even the most strenuous of exercises, Dad will forget that he is wearing it at all as the strap is comfortable and inconspicuous. The sensor can be linked up to the Polar Beat app so that he can get on with his ride without having to check the monitor constantly, as all the data will be saved and stored for him to take a look at when he is finished.
www.polar.com/uk-en
December 2017| 25
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
M
onkey World, the internationally-acclaimed rescue centre, is turning 30 this year! Opened in 1987 to provide a home for nine abused Spanish beach chimpanzees, it is now home to over 250 primates. Many have been neglected, kept in unnatural conditions, or experienced unbelievable cruelty. At Monkey World, they can all enjoy the company of their own kind in a safe and natural environment, and some are now part of international breeding programmes for endangered species. Combining fun with conservation and animal education, half-hourly talks at the park explain all about man’s closest living relative. Visitors can see the stars of TV’s ‘Monkey Business’ and ‘Monkey Life’, then ‘monkey around’ in the south’s largest Great Ape play area for children with its huge variety of swings, slides, and climbing frames. There are several food outlets available at the park, or visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy lunch in the beautiful surroundings. You can help Monkey World to rescue and rehabilitate more primates by adopting a monkey or ape. ‘Adoptive parents’ receive a year’s pass to the park, a photograph of their adopted primate, certificate, and copies of the
Ape Rescue Chronicle up to three times a year. Keep an eye on the website, or our social media pages, to keep up with all the special 30th anniversary events.
For more details, please go to: www.monkeyworld.org, email apes@monkeyworld.org or call 01929 462537
Tech Latest
26 | Cycling World
Cycling World’s Technology Editor and Gadget Guru Martin Bailey features the latest cycling technology
1
OI Bike Bell Price: Around £20 Available from: euro.knog.com.au
1
A bell that doesn’t look like a bell! From Australian manufacturers Knog, this bell is made from titanium and is available in small and large sizes, in four different colours. Wrapping around the handlebars, it even has a built-in cable management system, and is quickly fixed into place with a single hex screw.
2
Flow Price: TBA
Available from: plumelabs.com Announced at CES in January, Flow is the size of a USB stick and effectively does for air pollution what Google’s Waze does for traffic – it crowdsources pollution levels with the ultimate aim of building real-time street level pollution maps. Twelve in-built LEDs give a summary of the local air quality and a small leather strap allows you to attach it to a bag or handlebars. If you suffer from breathing problems then this gadget may well help you to plan a more healthy alternative route.
2
Martin Bailey is the author of The Useful Book of Gadgets, Gizmos & Apps, available to buy on Amazon
December 2017| 27
www.theusefulbookofgadgets.com
3
3
Beeline Price: US$129
Available from: beeline.co The great thing about cycling is that you are not confined to the same route as a car. Beeline is more compass than satnav – simply sync it to your iOS or Android device and strap it to your handlebars. Program the route into the app and instead of showing a traditional map on the Beeline’s circular screen, it’ll simply display an arrow along with the remaining distance. The in-built battery is good for up to 30 hours of use, with 2-3 months of standby time.
4
Corky
4
Price: RRP US$40
Available from: Indiegogo.com Corky fits in the end of your handlebars and folds out to provide two small wing mirrors. They suit all types of road bikes, are available in a variety of colours and provide visibility up to 40 metres behind you. When you arrive at your destination simply fold them back and they tuck away nearly invisibly.
5
5
IRIS eTrike Price: £2,999
Available from: grantsinclair.com Trying to shake off the spectre of his uncle’s ill-fated C5, Grant Sinclair has announced the IRIS e-Trike. Comprising of 8-speed bike gears that are backed up by a 750-watt motor for when you don’t want to pedal, it’s a much faster and sturdier machine than its predecessor, reaching a maximum speed upwards of 30mph. Range is pretty impressive too, at 50 miles on a one-hour charge. A 50-litre boot at the rear provides storage and the driver is protected from the elements under a Perspex canopy. Although the C5 was panned at the time, it has accrued something of a cult status over the years, and with the improved speed, range and driver protection, this could well be the vehicle that moves this sector forward. At nearly £3k it’s much pricier than its forefather though.
The fantastic new Kudos K16 & Secret Electric Bikes.
28 | Cycling World
Ideal transport to get you down to the local village, get back up the hill and not lose your favourite pitch. The K16 is light (only 15kgs), folds in less than ten seconds, easily stowed on a rear rack or in a garage, has a long range (30-50 miles) and will easily carry a 90kg rider up the steepest of hills. A perfect partner to any motorhome.
Fold Me.
The Kudos K16 (16” wheels)
Ride Me.
Love Me.
Stow Me.
£695 inc.VAT
The Secret model has 20” wheels, six-speed Revoshift gears, mudguards and lights. It’s the choice if you want to explore that little further.
BLACK
BLACK
LIME GREEN
PINK
WHITE
The Kudos Secret (20” wheels)
£795 inc.VAT
WHITE
LIME GREEN
Kudos Kudos Headquarters Unit 4, St. Augustine’s Business Park, Estuary Way, Swalecliffe, Kent CT5 2QJ Tel. 01227 792792 www.kudoscycles.com
CYCLES
. o m a l A & h t l a e t S s o Kud ture of sport E-Biking. March 2017| 29
The fu
The development of E-Bikes is evolving such that the appearance and ride is getting ever closer to non assisted road and sport bikes. The Stealth and Alamo bikes are ideal for the rider who needs some assistance up hills but wishes to retain a fast sport cycling experience.
Stealth
Alamo Alamo
SPECIFICATIONS • 700C x 28 tyres • 6061-T6 aluminium frame • Shimano Acera 8-speed derailleur, 46 tooth chain ring • Speed (rotational) power sensor • Black Shimano ‘V’ rim brakes, Tektro cut-outs • Brushless Bafang 36v x 250 watt rear hub motor • Samsung in-frame lithium 36v x 11.6Ah battery, lockable • Charger with UK plug • LCD display with 6 assistance levels, speedo and odometer
£995 inc. VAT With an 11.6 concealed b Ah semilow rolling reattery, tyres and th sistance anticipation e rider will in that the power on th put some E-Bike shoue flat, this fifty mile ‘pluld have a Includes mu s’ range. kickstand, L dguards, display withCD assistance le six off throttle vels, set legal reflectand all Lightweigh ors. t at only 19.2kg.
• 6kmh set off throttle • Wheel, front and rear reflectors • Range 30 - 50 miles, dependent upon rider input and terrain • Weight 19.2kgs • Colour scheme - Alamo: Khaki colour with khaki tyres, contrasting colour keyed graphics • Colour scheme - Stealth: Grey colour with khaki tyres, contrasting colour keyed graphics
Kudos Kudos Headquarters Unit 4, St. Augustine’s Business Park, Estuary Way, Swalecliffe, Kent CT5 2QJ Tel. 01227 792792 www.kudoscycles.com
CYCLES
30 | Cycling World
Professional Cyclist Q&A
Vincenzo Nibali is currently one of the most prominent figures of competitive cycling. Editor Suzanna Hayes-Goldfinch was lucky enough to be able to quiz him on his cycling hopes and dreams ahead of his appearance in the Giro d’Italia 2017.
Q You had such a successful season last year, what are your aims for 2017? A My first goal is to try to win again the Giro, then after I will decide whether to run Tour or Vuelta. Q Who do you see as your biggest competition? A I don’t see one, but I think I will find many great rivals at the Giro. Q How do you prepare for a big race? A It’s a work of months, alternating training camp and races. It’s a gradual preparation determined to ensure I am 100%, in this case, at the Giro d’Italia. Q Racing takes you all around the world. What is your favourite destination? Do you get much time to explore? A My favourite destination is my home with my family! I travel a lot and I like to be at home with my wife and my little daughter. When I’m at the races, I don’t have much time to explore the place.The program is always the same: hotel, race, hotel.
December 2017| 31
Q Outside of racing, do you find much time to cycle leisurely? Do you have a favourite route that you stick to? A Outside the races, I need to continue training every day and so there is not much time for leisure. Q What advice would you give to someone who is looking to get into professional cycling? A !t takes humility, willingness to learn and, above all, a great passion. Q What motivates you to succeed? How do you stay focused? A I love to ride my bike, for me it represents freedom. Then I like to compete and when I put the number on my back [every time] is like the first time. Q A lot of cyclists have tried their hand at other competitive activities. Do you enjoy any other sports? A I don’t have much free time. What I like best are cars and moto competitions.
Q What plans do you have for the future? Both in cycling and beyond. A I have not thought about that yet, we will see in the next years. Q And finally, what is your opinion on the disc brake row? Are you for or against them in professional racing? A No, rather I’m favourable, but it’s important that everyone use it.
32 | Cycling World
December 2017| 33
twitter.com/urbanarrowcom instagram.com/urbanarrow facebook.com/urbanarrow
www.urbanarrow.com
34 | Cycling World
Award winning cyclist, coach and trainer, Pav Bryan.
My journey to mental health recovery through cycling
E
ver since I was a child I had issues with my behavior and mood. As I entered into my teens this started presenting itself as intense anxiety, with regular panic attacks and outbursts of violent behavior. I had no idea that what I was feeling wasn’t normal. To escape this negative pattern, I started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. This soon became an addiction, which, despite several attempts, I wasn’t able to shift in my early twenties. More abnormal behavior and outbursts led me to start looking into what was happening in my mind. I was incorrectly diagnosed by my GP as Clinically Depressed and was visited as an outpatient by the local mental health team after having some low mood, suicide attempts and self-harm. Unfortunately, the support from NHS was not enough and after a couple of particularly challenging incidents I was diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder. At one time I spent a couple of weeks in psychiatric care to help break that pattern of behavior. In 2011, I made the decision to become a healthier more productive member of society and about two years ago I was able taper off the medication that had kept me stable for so long. It’s not been easy nor has it been perfect, but I have maintained a more stable mental health through exercise, nutrition, relaxation and support.
My recovery What is the best way to overcome any form of addiction? Replace it with something else. When I gave up my life of drinking, drugs, poor diet and negative attitude I replaced it with exercising. Later this became cycling training and my love affair with nutrition started because I needed to lose weight. I didn’t realise it at the time, but nutrition would become one of the cornerstones of maintaining my mental stability. As the weight came off and my cycling legs came back (they had been missing around a decade!) I soon found myself becoming a strong cyclist. At first my determination and motivation came from wanting to prove to myself that I could do it, that I wasn’t a failure and that it was possible for someone like me to be a productive member of society. Later, when I was introduced to time trialing, that became wanting to beat myself.
What is the best way to overcome any form of addiction? Replace it with something else.
I worked hard and I studied a lot. I leant how to convert a decade of coaching and people management experience, from a food retail environment, into one relevant to the cycling industry. My business was founded upon my belief that everyone should get a unique, yet outstanding client experience. This saw my business grow faster than I could ever expect and today it operates in 10 different countries, with an amazing team of One
of my proudest days was being able to go professionally into cycling coaching and support myself. I had figured out exactly how to maintain my mental health through exercise (training), nutrition and having my business as a purpose to work hard remaining stable. Life was good again, I even managed to taper off the medication which had helped me find stability when I was first diagnosed. Yet, something was missing. In analyzing my life I could time every severe manic episode with the breakdown of a romantic relationship and such in the five years I worked on myself and transformed from an overweight addict into a functioning member
December 2017| 35
of society, I had hidden away from any romantic attachment. I had allowed myself to become a recluse, unable to communicate my issues and hiding that I had a mental disability, mainly due to the stigma attached to it. I had the opportunity to spend a winter in California with some good friends. Sadly, my trip wasn’t plain sailing and I spent one of the longest periods of my life swinging between mania and depression. I had to learn to talk to people about my problems. This felt incredibly hard to begin with. Thoughts like ‘what will they think’, ‘can I trust them’ and ‘what if they use it against me’ filled my mind. But the saying is true, practice makes perfect. Not long after
Noelle has become my rock, my muse, my inspiration. She taught me to love myself, to meditate and made me feel supported. I had told those first handful of people was I recording a video that I shared on Facebook, which was viewed by tens of thousands of people. One of the first people who I talked to was a woman who I had met through a nutrition business I was involved in. We actually met on a video call with 10 other people in November 2015, I remember looking at her and smiling, a smile lit up her face. In turn this made me smile more, and so did she. We met in person in Phoenix at a conference March 2016. We spoke frequently between that time and when I visited her in Northern California December 2016. We had our first date January 1st 2017 but had very limited time together due to VISA restrictions. We fell in love via Facetime. Noelle has become my rock, my muse, my inspiration. She taught me to love myself, to meditate and made me feel supported. With all aspects of my life complete; training, nutrition, relaxation and support I have finally found inner peace. No doubt this will be tested in the future, but for now I enjoy the tranquility of un-medicated good mental health.
36 | Cycling World Experiencing the great outdoors has never been so refined! We want you to be relaxed, comfortable and well-catered-for.
Nearby Attractions
Coombe Caravan Park A family-managed park with all you need for a relaxing, inspiring holidaySituated on a landscaped and level site, Coombe Caravan Park offers some of the finest views in all of Wiltshire. The Race Plain, Netherhampton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 8PN • Tel: 01722 328451 • Email: enquiries@coombecaravanpark.co.uk
Kinninvie, Barnard Castle, Co Durham DL12 8QX New and pre-owned static caravans for sale on friendly, family run park, 3 miles from Barnard Castle.
A Norman Great Hall 7 Minutes Ride from Rutland Water Oakham Castle is a rare and almost complete Norman Great Hall, famed for its collection of stunning ceremonial horseshoes. Only 2 minutes from National Cycle Network Route 63
Amenities Block, Showers, Laundry Room and Children’s Play Area
Statics: Tourers: Camping W2W Cycle Route runs past the caravan park entrance The park is 10 miles from Hamsterley Forest one of the largest areas for Mountain Bikers
Free Entry, 10am - 4pm daily, Sundays 12noon - 4pm. (Closed Tuesdays) Self service tea and coffee available, toilets and baby change facilities, and children’s activities.
The park is located on a public footpath Contact Janet 01833 631173 or 07762 778049 www.hetherickcaravanpark.co.uk info@hetherickcaravanpark.co.uk
Tel: 01572 75 75 78 www.oakhamcastle.org
December 2017| 37
Tel: 01643 862269
High Bank, Portlock, Somerset, TA24 8ND E-mail: info@portlockcaravanpark.co.uk BOOK ONLINE NOW
Porlock Caravan Park is an ideal base for activities such as walking (coastal path), horse-riding, cycling or relaxing and enjoying the abundance of wildlife amongst the undisturbed tranquillity and outstanding natural beauty of England’s finest countryside. Exmoor is one of the most peaceful National Parks and offers some of the best star-gazing in the country. We’re home to the tallest tree in England, and host the highest cliffs in mainland Britain, in addition to providing the stomping ground for the largest herds of Red Deer (Britain’s largest wild mammal) in England and the home of the famous Exmoor Pony – the oldest breed Europe. We offer the perfect location from which to experience and explore Devon and West Somerset, or to visit the picturesque harbours and resorts of the breathtaking coastline. The site is ideally situated just a short stroll from Porlock village centre with pubs, restaurants, village retailers and good transport links to Minehead. We are also located at the foot of Porlock Hill which is infamous for cyclists and is a fantastic challenge for those who seek a thrill. Dog owners are most welcome and, although we regularly attract a mature clientele, we look forward to welcoming all guests, both old and new. Let us help you plan your days by recommending sites of interest and places to visit.
Wayside House
This 17th century coaching inn on the shropshire/powys border just 15 mins from shrewsbury town centre, welshpool or oswestry has an enviable reputation for good quality food and traditional ales. The Inn offers 7 En-Suite bedrooms, storage for bikes, an outside continental style eating area, beer garden and large car park www. oldhandanddiamond.co.uk e-mail: enquiries@oldhandanddiamond.co.uk
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Whichford, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire CV36 5PG Telephone: 01608 684 679 Mobile: 07900 826 292 mary.manvillehales@btinternet.com www.whichfordbandb.co.uk Contact: Mary Manville-Hales Please note the accommodation is separate from the house
38 | Cycling World
Could a Hostel
December 2017| 39
be the Answer to your Accommodation Needs?
F
inding accommodation for your cycling journey is not always an easy task. You want to stop somewhere that you can safely lock up your bike, take a hot shower and tend to your aches and pains, without feeling as though you are being judged for your mud-splattered clothing or tired demeanour. Independent Hostels UK think they can solve all your cycling accommodation issues with their guide to the very best hostels on offer. Have you ever arrived at your accommodation after a day on your bike and felt your muddy presence is not so welcome in the chintzy B&B? Do you really want to carry a tent, sleeping bag and cooking equipment when cycle touring? And where in the world is there a safe dry place to leave your bike over night? If you like the idea of getting in from a day in the saddle to find a hot shower, a drying room for your clothes and a lockable bike store, you may want to take some tips from the Independent Hostels network.
40 | Cycling World Bed and
Breakfas t - and and spac the time e to just ‘be’.
Heapfield Farm
Old Country House Bed and Breakfast
We welcome you here in our 600-year-old family home, and its large and beautiful garden, where you can enjoy the freedom of walking in the grassland, traditional orchards and ancient woodland of this 220-acre farm. This quiet place close to the Malvern Hills is surrounded by good eating-places, gardens, music, theatre and the arts, and the glories of the Herefordshire landscape. We have a wide variety of maps and cycle routes, and there is ample storage for cycles.
Welcome to Heapfield Farm, Holiday Cottage and Caravan & Campsite Iain Trish and James are happy to welcome guests to our working livestock farm. Peace and quiet, beautiful sunsets and amazing night skies await all our friends, new and old. We are a traditional, working family run farm. We are keen on wildlife and birds being given a habitat that they can thrive in, so we do not employ intestive farm practices. And we are proud to share that with all our guests. Heapfield Farm is keen to welcome cyclists to camp or stay in our holiday cottage. Set on a cycle loop line and have secure storage available for your bikes. From Mid June 2017 we will be offering a cyclists comfort stop – chance to use the facilities and grab a cold drink and an energy bar or similar.
The Studio is the newly built separate annexe to the Lighthouse, sharing part of its garden and driveway. It provides simple yet comfortable accommodation for two people.
Old Country House B&B
Old Country Farm, Mathon, Malvern WR13 5PS Tel: 01886 880867 • www.oldcountryhouse.co.uk
I & P Kilner, Wansford Road, Heapfield Farm, NaffertonYO25 8NJ Phone: 01377 232990 • Mobile : 07791 515367 E-mail: admin@heapfieldfarm.co.uk
your perfect year round retreat take a virtual tour of the holiday homes
www.silverglades.co.uk
make it your perfect holiday retreat An enchanting development of quality 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom self catering accommodation situated beneath the majestic cairngorm mountains and in the heart of the Spey valley. Choose your perfect retreat from our six different holiday home styles to enjoy your perfect stay with us. • Any day check-in & 2 Night breaks available • Open all year round • Top Trip advisor reviews • Pets welcome in allocated properties
*£50
OFF
any stay of 3 nights or more from now to 15/12/17 .
Use code CYCLING10SG online at www.silvergladesaviemore.co.uk or call us 01479 810165 *discount subject to Terms and Conditions and excludes some dates.
Enjoy a break with
silverglades, dalnabay, aviemore scotland PH22 1TD
0800 614 836
info@silverglades.co.uk
December 2017| 41 The Independent Hostel network stretches from Lands End to John O’Groats, taking in the best of Wales, the Peak District, the Lakes and the Highlands. There are independent hostels in every UK National Park and most are very well set up for the cyclist. There are now more independent hostels than youth hostels, and by mixing and matching the two networks you can cycle most of the major cycle trails without resorting to a tent or B&B. Created by editor Sam Dalley, the guide began as a few photocopied sheets of hostel addresses that she collected during her travels in the early 90s. She embarked on a number of trips with her local cycling club, and so spent a lot of time researching youth hostel accommodation. She discovered a handful of independently run hostels which provided bunks and self-catering kitchens but had no connection to the YHA. In 1993, the photocopied sheets became a guidebook listing 20 independent hostels, and the Independent Hostel Guide has been published annually ever since, growing in size each year. The Independent Hostels network now contains 370 hostels, all independently owned and most providing accommodation that is ideal for cyclists.
What makes an Independent Hostel?
The guide defines independent hostels as accommodation that has shared facilities, so guests can meet and swap stories. Many hostels have private sleeping rooms, although shared bunk rooms are still a common feature much liked by those on a budget. The obvious area to chat is the kitchen and nearly all independent hostels have self-catering facilities. Again, this is handy for cooking large wholesome meals on a budget. Beyond this, the definition of an independent hostel is quite broad, encompassing everything from the camping barns, which are no longer supported by the YHA network, to city centre boutique hotels. This results in a mix of accommodation which provides something for everyone.
Independent hostel accommodation ranges from basic “stone tent” camping barns and bunkbarn conversions on working farms, to grand mansions in places such as the Lake District and Scotland. There are also purposebuilt eco-hostels and converted schools, now bunkhouses, in rural villages. Cyclists can look out for logos within the guide that indicate whether a bike shed is available or if bedding is provided, and information from Sustrans helps to identify the distance from each hostel to the nearest NCN route. Everything a cyclist needs to know about the hostels in the network is shown in duplicate on the website. Whilst the internet is a handy tool for researching a route, there is something satisfying about leafing through the chunky pocket-sized guide looking for trip ideas.
Cycling Essentials Of the 370 hostels in the network, two-thirds have a bike/equipment shed and over 60 percent of these are secure locked sheds. Two-thirds of independent hostels advertise a drying room where you can leave wet and dirty clothes and equipment to dry overnight. Some have hose-down areas as well, so your bike can be spick and span ready for the next day’s adventure. The network includes specialist cyclist hostels such as Dale’s Bike Centre in the Yorkshire Dales, Slochd Mhor Lodge in the Cairngorms and Wayfarers Hostel in Penrith, which have on-site bike workshops to help you on your way. Others, like Comrie Croft in Perthshire, have bike hire or can offer mountain bike tours in the local countryside. Blakebeck Farm Camping Barn, on the C2C cycle route in Mungrisedale, has a special cyclist package. Being a camping barn, there is normally a requirement to bring your own bedding and food with you, but for cyclists, the welcoming hosts have offered a package of bedding and a hearty home-made breakfast to see you on the way in the morning. With a pub serving evening meals and local ales a flat mile down the road, what more could you ask for?
42 | Cycling World
es oft. It is minut stay at Hillcr tastic nights lem and ob pr no s “We had a fan wa check-in so rt, our 11pm ble. We were from the airpo very comforta d an ul tif au be wall that s rn wa Co to om ro ck e ba th an driving for ying rather th oft, especially glad to be sta mmend Hillcr co re ly ite fin de ld ou W t.” t! ien nigh s so conven ght stays as it’ pre and post fli
GUEST REVIEW
Hillcroft accommodation is located on a small family-run holding. It offers stop-over accommodation for Bristol Airport and holiday accommodation for longer stays.
all
Claire, Cornw
Hillcroft Accommodation at Firtree Farm is located just eight miles south of Bristol City Centre in the village of Redhill. It is one mile south of Bristol Airport, with easy access to the A38, yet it is tucked away in the corner of our small holding and away from the flight path. Hillcroft accommodation really does offer the best of both worlds! Guests are offered a complimentary breakfast of fruit juice, brioche, breakfast cereal bar, and tea and coffee. Free parking is available to all guests and holiday parking is also available for those who wish to leave their vehicles whist away. Arrow Cars offer a reliable 24-hour transfer service that must be booked in advance: 01275 475000. Twilight Cars also offer an excellent service: 01275 595857.
Contact Andrea for availability and booking on: bookings@hillcroftrooms.co.uk
Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast in the Derbyshire Dales
Bed & Breakfast, Self Catering in the New Forest Alderholt Mill is a picturesque working water mill set in the lovely Dorset countryside, a real escape from the everyday pressures. An ideal spot in which to relax and unwind, and a great situation from which to explore, not only Dorset, but also West Hampshire, Salisbury, the Wiltshire Downs and, of course, the New Forest. We are in easy reach of the south coast, just a short drive from Bournemouth and Poole.
Stay with us and enjoy local cycling to suit all abilities (some with bike hire available).
Explore • the Peak District and the Weaver Hills • the rolling Staffordshire countryside and • the gentle Tissington and Manifold trails. We have two double rooms with glorious rural views and king size beds. • £80 per room per night including a delicious ‘Full Derbyshire’ breakfast
During the summer season, we open our tea room for freshly baked cream teas every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm - 6pm. We are also open for cream teas on bank holidays during the summer. Please contact us using any of the methods listed here.
Sandra & Richard Harte Sandleheath Road, Fordingbridge Hants, Dorset SP6 1PU Phone / Fax : 01425 653130 email : enquiries@alderholtmill.co.uk
evening meals, cream teas, packed lunches secure bike storage and drying facilities wood burning stove for colder months. Telephone: 01283 584811 www.hillfarmderbyshire.co.uk • morgan@hillfarmderbyshire.co.uk
December 2017| 43
Situated on some of the UK’s most popular long-distance routes, independent hostels can be the perfect stop-over, with around three-quarters providing bedding so you don’t have to carry a sleeping bag. Breakfast is available in around 50 percent of the accommodation, to set you up for your next day’s pedalling. While hostels are generally self-catering, some do serve evening meals and provide packed lunches for those who would prefer not to cook for themselves. Many hostels have embraced the Green Tourism award and have used this as a platform to make their hostels bike-friendly. Some hostels, like Thorney How in Cumbria, now have electric bike charging. Family cycling groups will find hostels particularly accommodating, as many have family rooms and the self-catering options make family breaks very affordable. However, hostels and bunkhouses are also great for nonfamily groups. Share a bunkroom with other members of your group or spend a bit more on a private room. Hostel accommodation is particularly good if you are travelling alone, as the communal areas of a hostel are ideal areas to make new friends. You will find yourself talking about your day over the washing-up or discussing new routes and challenges in the games room. Hostel owners tend to be very knowledgeable about the area where they live and work, and often they share your love of getting out on a bike and will be happy to pass on their knowledge and wisdom to ensure you get the best out of the area and your holiday.
Online Help The Independent Hostel Guide website (www.independenthostels.co.uk) enables cyclists to search for hostels by distance from any town or location along a route. They are able to filter by a plethora of useful search terms such as bike store, drying room, private/family rooms or the availability of local meals and a pub. The guidebook has all these details too, with pages of colour photos, but a little extra time pouring over maps is required. Currently the IHUK website has a detailed list of hostels on the C2C and the Lon Las Cymru routes, making planning these trips even easier. Keep an eye out for similar pages for LEJOG and other popular long distance trails, as these will be added soon.
Cycling Interaction Have you got a route suggestion you would like them to research? Or do you fancy writing a blog about your cycling holiday? They are also currently looking for feedback from cyclists interested in undertaking the Coast to Coast and Lon Las Cmryu. Get in touch with the Independent Hostel Guide editors on stay@independenthostels.co.uk if you would like to help.
44 | Cycling World
COMPETITION Independent Hostels UK have kindly given us 20 copies of the latest Independent Hostel Guide to give away. This guide will help you to pinpoint your ideal hostel when following well-known cycle routes throughout the UK. It is an essential book for any bike tourist. Check out the Cycling World Twitter page for information on how to enter (@cyclingworlduk).
Good luck!
s e l a uth W
o S e r o Expl with its wonderful heritage coast, valleys, hills, mountains and varied cycle routes.
Tytanglwyst Farm self-catering cottages are the ideal base
Four converted stone barns varying in size accommodating from 2 to 8 offering visitors character and comfort. Short breaks available. Ty Tanglwyst Farm Holiday Cottages., Pyle, Nr Porthcawl, Bridgend, CF33 4SA www.tytanglwystholidaycottages.co.uk • E: info@tytanglwystholidaycottages.co.uk • Tel 01656 745635
December 2017| 45
See what’s been happening at The Stables
Brecks Cottage B&B features four well appointed guest bedrooms located within our idyllic 17th Century cottage and annex barn conversion. Here you’ll be able to relax in welcoming and comfortable surroundings but will be within easy reach of the A1, Newark, Newark Showground, Clumber Park, Sherwood Forest and Centre Parcs, to name but a few! All guest bedrooms include the following standard features: • En-suite shower rooms with complimentary toiletries, towels and bathrobes. • Tea and coffee making facilities • Flat screen TV/DVD/Freeview • Hair dryer
We also offer complimentary Wi-Fi internet access in the public areas of the house
The Stables Inn has been welcoming travellers & guests for over 330 years. The pub is an original Drovers’ Inn built specifically to cater for the needs of farmers driving their beasts to market from Wales, over Stapeley Hill (keeping the famous Callow Hill in sight) down past the pub and on towards Shrewsbury market. The pub still has many farmers as customers but you’re more likely to see a 4x4 or a tractor in the car park than a herd of sheep or cows - although we do have a few escapees from time to time!
We have outbuildings suitable for storing bikes overnight Brecks Cottage, Green Lane, Moorhouse, Newark-on-Trent NG23 6LZ Tel: 01636 822445 • Email: bandb@breckscottage.co.uk
Drury Lane, Hopesgate, Nr. Minsterley, Shropshire. SY5 0EP Tel: 01743 891 344
AlltybrAin FArm SelF CAtering CottAgeS And FArmhouSe b&b
As you cycle and travel in different parts of the country, reflect on your day’s journey in a cosy B&B in the heart of the countryside, a village or town. The Bed & Breakfast Nationwide brochure - the Little Green Book, and website are comprehensive guides to more than 480 inspected, high quality B&Bs and a selection of self-catering accommodation. Illustrated in colour with detailed descriptions and maps and also useful tourist information. Book direct with the B&B or Self Catering cottage or use our booking service.
Situated 4 miles North of Brecon in the centre of the Brecon Beacons National Park, Alltybrain Farm is the perfect base for cyclists keen to explore the spectacular scenery and varied cycle routes of Breconshire.
For a Brochure send a £2 cheque for p&p – quote Ref: CW1701 to B&B Nationwide, PO Box 10894, Frinton on Sea, CO13 3AN
E: office@bbnationwide.co.uk T: 01255 672377 See www.bedandbreakfastnationwide.com/bb-brochure for B&B www.holidaycottagesnationwide.co.uk for self catering
Details of our accommodation are at
www.alltybrainfarmcottages.co.uk
Bicycle Maintenance 101
46 | Cycling World
By Catherine Thompson, Head Mechanic and Instructor, Outspoken Cycles How to remove a tyre without tyre levers Whether you’ve gone for a spin and left your tyre levers in the garage, or you’re worried about causing damage to your tube or rim, it’s always good to be able to get a tyre without resorting to levers. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of looking like a pro.
1.) Start by letting as much air as possible out of the tyre — make it easy for yourself.
This technique will work for most tyres — excepting maybe the super-tight or brand-new. It isn’t too difficult to master, but it takes a bit of practice and it’s all in the set-up.
1 2.) Next, put the wheel on the ground with the valve pointing up towards you.
2 3.) Put your hands either side of the tyre at about the 5’o clock and 7’o clock positions and start to squeeze the tyre down towards the floor.
3
December 2017| 47
4.) Keep pushing the tyre down, keeping the pressure on — the aim is to stretch as much tyre down to the bottom as possible.
4
Once you get to about the 10’o clock and 2’o clock position, clamp your hands over the tyre and the rim, and try to maintain the pressure and stretch you’ve achieved.
5.) Lift the wheel and push it into your stomach. Continue to squeeze along the tyre until you get enough overlap at the bottom to pull the tyre up and off the rim. 6.) Ease the tyre up and off the rim 7.) … and the jobs a good’un!
6
5
7
You can also use this method in reverse to fit challenging tyres. Try it at home.
Outspoken Cycles work to encourage people to use bicycles more, particularly as an effective means of transport. They offer leisure and professional bike maintenance courses as well as bike repairs and traditional bike shop services. They organise fun, dynamic and unique cycle-themed events from smoothie bikes to pedal-powered cinemas.
Through these, they aim to get people inspired about cycling. They run courses and initiatives throughout the country, but inspiration comes from where they started — in Cambridge, the UK’s city of cycling. They have a dedicated team who make it their mission to show others how much fun can be had on a bike.
48 | Promotional Cycling World Feature
Wheels of Change Cycling and Mental Health in India Written by Rachana Iyer
Rohan Sabharwal is not your ordinary cyclist. An award-winning film-maker, graduate from the London Film School and someone who has been living with multiple mental illnesses for over two decades, he is the creator and director of ’Spreading Cycology’ a documentary capturing 10,000kms of a solo cycling expedition across India as Rohan aims to gather at least 100 stories on mental health. Return of the Cyclist Rohan interviews Dr. Balasaheb Dhere, who runs the Guhagar Handicap Association. Guhagar has a very high number of people with disabilities, almost 1500 out of a population.
W
hen he was all of 11 years old, Rohan Sabharwal, a die-hard BMX fan, would cycle 20kms daily in the crowded streets of Mumbai. He fancied manoeuvring through traffic and secretly cycled to distant suburbs without his mother’s knowledge almost every day just to make it back home to a curfew of 7:30pm. This routine came to a halt when he was sent to a boarding school at the age of 12. “When I finished school and returned home to attend college at 17, it wasn’t cool to ride bicycles and almost everyone was riding a scooter at this age, so I bought one too,” says Rohan, smiling in nostalgia at the peer pressures that separated him and his love for the saddle. Fast-forward to December 2016, and Rohan found himself whimsically wanting a cycle after his partner bought one for herself. Like a fascinated child at a toy store, he spent a good hour and a half at a local cycle shop, exploring which one he would like to buy. Rohan
December 2017| 49
finally settled for a non-geared basic model and cycled his way back home. His inner cyclist had awakened: “It all came back to me naturally. In fact, my first ride was 25kms; the very next day I did 50kms and from the third day onwards I was cycling 100kms every night,” says Rohan. Rohan didn’t want to have a specific diet, nor did he take any vitamin supplements. He ate regular food, but made sure to be loaded up on enough carbs, since he was burning over 2000 calories a day by cycling. Setting up a home gym was cost effective and helpful. He realised all he needed was push-up bars, dumbbells and a basic barbell to work out two to three times a week.
The Saddle – A Source of Inspiration and Insight Rohan was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder at the age of 17, Bipolar Disorder at 28 and Borderline Personality Disorder at 35. He has experienced an array of treatments and therapies since then, most of which did not work for him. After a major breakdown and having been institutionalised in 2014, Rohan had to finally take to heavy doses of medication. The physical and mental manifestations of medication that were more negative than positive, drove him to take the bold decision of giving them up altogether. “I have been off medication for nearly two years now and it’s been very difficult to control my moods without medication. It’s been a horrible couple of years as far as mania and depression go, but ever since I started cycling, these incidents have reduced drastically. Prior to this, I wasn’t able to sleep and now after cycling five to eight hours a day, I’m out like a lightbulb by the end of it. My eating habits have also improved as a result. Because I’m
50 | Cycling World getting enough sleep and a healthy food intake, I have noticed an improvement in my moods too,” says Rohan who also wants to give up smoking at some point in the near future. Like almost every major crowded city in India, Mumbai in all its glory is anything but cyclist-friendly. Surprisingly, this doesn’t seem to faze Rohan at all. He beams in awe of the diverse glimpses one can catch at ungodly hours of the night. Cycling at an average speed of 20-25km/h, Rohan shares some of his observations with me about what one can expect to see. “Mumbai is such a different city at night, compared to the day, and more so when one is cycling. One gets to
Off to catch the ferry to Velas, a village known for it's annual turtle festival, which attracts photographers from India and around the world. Photo Credit- Roozbeh Pardiwa.
Spreading Cycology – The Making
More than half of Rohan's route involved cycling through small villages that had no paved roads. Photo credit - Roozbeh Pardiwala.
Having come out about his experience with mental illness only two years ago, Rohan has been working on combating stigma using his craft of filmmaking, writing and designing campaigns on mental health awareness. As his work evolves, he has realised the lacuna in mental health in smaller towns and rural parts of India. Access to the correct information and services is limited to cities, while 70% of the nation living in rural areas continue to struggle with an epidemic rise of mental illnesses. Keeping with the momentum he has gained on the pedal, Rohan challenged himself to go on an expedition with a clear mission – to gather stories, share his experiences and shoot a documentary while doing so. Rohan strongly believes that it was cycling that made all the difference in the execution of his trip. He shares: “People who travel by air, train, bus, or even car tend to miss a lot. For example, the drive from Mumbai to Goa is an overnight one by road, no matter what vehicle one chooses. It took us nine days by bicycle, so one can only imagine what we were up against. While we witnessed every breathtaking view, we also felt every bump on every bad road.”
see shops closing, people returning home from bars and pubs, couples out on long walks and night drives, college students hanging out near the sea, people waiting for night buses to take them to a different city. I tend to stop at these typical Indian tea stalls every 20-30km and have a chai (tea) and chat with stall owners and other nocturnal tea drinkers. Every now and then, a drunk driver almost runs into me. But what the hell? It’s all a part of the experience,” giggles Rohan. To most of us, cycling is a sport that we use to keep fit, build strength or explore new places. Interestingly to Rohan, cycling is also an activity where inspiration kicks in. “Since cycling is such a repetitive and physical activity, I very soon forget about the time and distance I have travelled, because all I’m ever doing is thinking and trying to put ideas together, and before I know it, it’s 5am and I’ve just cycled over 100km,” says Rohan.
It was on one such night ride that the idea for ‘Spreading Cycology’ was born.
Throwback to the 90's when Rohan was at a boarding school in Dalhousie, India. Photo Credit - C. Sabharwal.
The next challenge was to find funding for his mission. Rohan, well aware that a project of this kind would have very few takers in India, continued to look for the right partner until he met Arfi Lamba, co-founder and producer at Bombay Berlin Film Productions. Rohan fondly shares:
December 2017| 51
Spotting the next village Photo Credit- Roozbeh Pardiwala-2
“In the 20-minute walk from Arfi’s studio to his apartment complex, I had successfully pitched the idea to him and I cycled my way back home, thrilled that I finally had a producer on board!” BBFP provided a lot more than just the finance and production support. Their team was also invested at a mental and emotional level, making sure that Rohan’s responsibility was only limited to gearing for his trip. Given the nature of the journey, safety was a priority. BBFP covered everyone’s insurance from Rohan and the support crew, to the shooting equipment and, of course, the new geared bicycle that was purchased a few days before the expedition. In a country like India, low-budget shoots rarely opt for insurance, which is what made their contribution unparalleled.
The Expedition – A Bumpy but Eye-Opening Ride
Over the past few months Rohan has stopped using all other forms of transport within Mumbai city and cycles over 50kms to and from work Photo Credit - Rachana Iyer.
Rohan finds one if India's cleanest beaches on the way to Ganpatipule, Maharashtra. There was not a single human on the beach that day. Photo Credit- Roozbeh Pardiwala.
Getting out of Mumbai was a breeze, but not for long. Rohan cycled across the west coast of India and crossed a total of five states. Each state had its own geographical and social landscape, along with stark differences in the mental health care system. Cycling cross-country in India was not easy; it came with an array of responses by fellow travellers and onlookers, ranging from curiosity to hostility. “Upon entering Kerala, we experienced a few climbs again, but the roads were generally good. However, we did have many incidents of rash driving, especially with truck and bus drivers. Many thought I was a foreigner and I would get a lot of distractive comments
52 | Cycling World
India is a hot country, but on this particular day the temperature touched 41 degrees celsius. Photo Credit- Roozbeh Pardiwala.
a foreigner and I would get a lot of distractive comments from passing vehicles, and on a few occasions, abuse too.” The weather was unforgiving in many areas, touching 41 degrees centigrade, along with strong wind resistance. On his expedition, Rohan mainly engaged with rural inhabitants who were mostly farmers/menial labourers, along with many psychiatrists and others working in the field of mental health. He also met those with mental illnesses and disabilities, most of whom were happy to share their experiences. Children and teenagers in small towns and villages, many of whom had never tried riding a bike with gears, were fascinated that it was possible to cover such distances on a cycle. At 1,900kms down and only 230kms to his final destination, Bangalore, the company that they hired the support vehicle from, rejected their request for an extension of merely 24 hours, charging them heavy fines. The support vehicle then had to rush back to Mumbai to return the car and this meant that Rohan had to cycle the last leg of his trip without the crew. Recollecting the conundrum, Rohan shared: “We had a mission and we didn’t have any time to think. I convinced my producers that I wanted to finish what I started and promised them that I would take utmost care and not endanger myself in anyway. Quitting at this stage was not an option.”
The Finish Line Is Nowhere Close “To us, having an on-ground impact has always been what this entire endeavour has been about. The unexpected connections and networks we have made have led to the setting up of action-based projects. We have linked many NGOs in rural areas with urban partners. We now also have requests from riders in India and other countries writing in to ask if they too can be part of the movement. So, you never know, the next season of Spreading Cycology could include a few more riders. It’s awesome!”
Rohan is on a mission to complete 10,000kms of Spreading Cycology by October 10th, 2017, which is also World Mental Health Day and, oddly enough, his 38th birthday! He is now back in Mumbai and is currently in the process of editing his expedition which will soon be released as a 70-minute documentary. This will be followed by a web series created from the hundreds of hours of footage and detailed stories with a ‘Call to Action’ at the end of every episode.
M CO
ION T I PET
December 2017| 19
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54 | Cycling World
Types of cycling injuries
By Giles Leeming, clinical specialist at Ossur Webshop
F
ollowing the success of British cyclists at the 2012 Olympics and with part of the Tour de France taking place in Yorkshire, cycling has become ever more popular in the UK, both as a spectator sport and for participation. You can choose to cycle on the roads, usually using a road bike, or off-road, which is more commonly done on a mountain bike. Both are compelling reasons to take up cycling: as a cardiovascular exercise it is excellent for maintaining a level of fitness, but it also has psychological benefits that can reduce the risk of depression, improve mood and enhance self-confidence. Medical professionals encourage starting to cycle at a young age to gain lifelong benefits. If you are aware of your limitations and push yourself using an effective training programme, there is less chance of causing damage to your body, whatever your age. Problems are rare, but unfortunately they do occur and can be divided into two main categories: chronic injuries that result from overuse of a body part and acute injuries that are usually the result of some type of trauma following an accident. Michael Core from Ă–ssur Webshop, an injury management specialist that offers a range of orthotic solutions for many types of injuries, including those
caused by cycling, takes a closer look at the two main categories of cycling injury by running through the different ways you can damage your body.
Injury through overuse As with many other sports, cycling involves a repetitive use of a series of bodily movements. Injuries that result from the sheer amount of time spent on the bike can be greatly reduced by using the right equipment set up in the correct way. •
Repetitive strain injury: this can occur when you have your equipment set up incorrectly for your body size, for example, your seat at the wrong height or your cleats set at the wrong angle. These mechanical settings force your body to compensate and lead to the straining of associated tendons, ligaments and muscles. A common example is iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome. The ITB stretches from your hip to the outside of your knee and repetitive motion can irritate it and cause pain. A good post-ride stretching programme can go a long way to preventing injury.
December 2017| 55 • Point of contact injuries: these refer to those points where your body touches the bike, i.e. your hands, your feet and your posterior. •
Hands and wrists: when you maintain a tight grip on the handlebars for long periods of time, you may start to experience pain or tingling in your hands and wrists caused by compression of the ulnar nerve. To avoid this, try to lighten your grip and continually change your position; this applies particularly to road bikes where your seated position tends to remain constant for longer periods.
• Feet: if the angle of your cleats is set incorrectly, it may cause ankle and knee pain, which will continue until the mechanical placement is adjusted. Properly aligned cleats will result in no pain and will help you to generate more power per pedal stroke. Badly-fitting cycling shoes may also lead to foot numbness as a result of com pression of the metatarsal heads; be sure to purchase a pair of correctly fitting shoes – it is worth it. • Posterior: saddle sores are rashes that develop due to friction between your skin, clothing and the bike saddle. The only item of clothing between your legs should be your cycling shorts and, as a rule, the more expensive ones give the greatest protection. A comfortable saddle is obviously important but even the most expensive can feel as though it is cutting you in two after a few hours if your clothing is incorrect. As far as comfort in the saddle is concerned, your posterior will adapt and become acclimatised to a correctly angled saddle in time so just stick with it. •
Muscle fatigue: this may be simply broken down into time on the bike, your eating schedule and your training regimen. The build-up of lactic acid in the muscles after extended periods of exercise can be relieved by massage. It also helps to alternate between seated and standing positions when cycling to avoid overloading the quads.
• Muscle tightness: this can occur if muscles are used heavily. It is important to warm up at the beginning of a ride and to cool down and stretch at the end to ensure that muscle fibres maintain their elasticity. Yoga is an excellent cross-discipline exercise to keep your body supple.
•
Back and neck pains: if you have problems with your back, these may be exacerbated through extended periods on a bike. Performing a regular change of your cycling posture and having a correctly set-up bike is a huge help here. Ideally, when you cycle, your back should be in a neutral position (neutral spine), however, this doesn’t happen unless the bike setup is precise. Just a few refinements can correct an imperfect position and any pain in your back and neck should be relieved.
Injury through trauma • Wrists: these come in for a lot of damage during cycling accidents, as we tend to place our hands out to break the fall, which can result in a break or sprain in the hand or wrist. Specially designed cycling gloves are indispensable for preventing cuts and grazes and also help with hand and wrist pain from a tight grip. • Knees: these are susceptible to damage and pain as they support the full weight of your body and absorb impact when running, jumping or walking. During a sideways fall from a bike, they tend to hit the ground first and may become injured or twisted. To prevent a twisting of the knee joint and to support it, knee braces may be worn during exercise, which can maintain bone alignment. •
Collar bones: these are among the most frequently broken bones in the body. Such breaks are unlikely to occur from a direct impact on the clavicle and are usually due to the transfer of force travelling up your arm after placing your hand out to break your fall. Broken collarbones are usually manipulated and a shoulder support is applied, while more significant fractures may need to be pinned first. All parts of the shoulder region are susceptible to bicycle accidents as riders are commonly thrown forward and may roll due to their speed at impact.
• Shoulders: these are, again, a common point of impact when falling from a bike and also suffer when the impact is transferred up the arm from the hand. The acromio clavicle joint is particularly susceptible as the ligaments at this point may be strained. Shoulder pain can take a long time to heal so mountain bikers, in
56 | Cycling World
December 2017| 57
Particular, may choose to wear a brace or support to prevent these complications. After recovery from a serious shoulder accident, a full cross-body support is recommended to protect from re-injury. Such supports are worn under your cycling shirt and should not interfere with your athletic movement.
• Grazes and cuts: these are by far the most common injuries after falling off a bike. Superficial or shallow cuts just require cleaning and should heal on their own. Any deep cuts with persistent bleeding will need the attention of a medical professional. Bruising and impact damage to underlying muscles may result in some stiffness that can be relieved through gentle massage. • Head: injury to the head after falling from a bike may be fatal. Thanks to the manufacture of carefully designed helmets, such incidents are now rare. Do remember to ALWAYS wear a helmet when you are on your bike.
Facts on cycling accidents
•
The latest National Travel Survey (2014) shows that 43 percent of the British public over five years old own or have access to a bike, yet 60 percent of non-cyclists believe the British roads are too dangerous for them to cycle on.
• The National Cycling Charity (CTC) states that you are more likely to be injured while gardening than cycling.
• Government statistics suggest that, on British roads, one cyclist is killed for every 27 million miles travelled by bike.
•
A study from the Netherlands concluded that the benefits of travelling by bike far outweigh any potential dangers such as accidents or risk of being exposed to atmospheric pollution.
Treatment options Once an injury has been sustained it should be assessed and treated according to its severity. Light grazes or strains may be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) to reduce the swelling and associated pain. More traumatic injuries may require a course of physiotherapy or even surgery followed by bracing to support the injury during recovery. If the trauma leaves a weakness in, for example, an ankle or a knee, specialist braces can be worn during future exercise to give extra support to the joint. These braces are usually discrete, made of breathable fabric and are worn under your cycling clothes. The technology is in place to help your recovery from a cycling accident; however, it is of course preferable not to fall off in the first place. Obeying the rules of the road and being vigilant about obstacles in your path will go a long way towards keeping you safe. Research has shown that men are approximately 1.7 times more likely to have a serious injury than women. Psychologists suggest that this is because men are more prone to taking risks than women. If this is correct, then many injuries can be avoided by simple care, awareness and common sense.
Cliffe 198 xWorld 140 Advert_The Cliffe 198 x 140 Advert 58 |The Cycling
19/07/2016 13:43 Page 1
bedrooms We have 11 en-suite rooms on two floors in the house plus a cottage with zip and king beds, shower room and kitchen.
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Open every day for light lunches (traditional roasts on Sunday) and dinner. Ales, cocktails & an extensive wine list for all occasions.
Weddings, birthdays, christenings, wakes. Exclusive use package up to 120 with all dining areas, bar and accommodation included.
Open every day from 10.00 for coffee and cake, 12.00 - 2.30 for lunch and dinner from 6.30 - 9.00 (later at the weekend). Dogs, children and walkers welcome.
E
scape to the tranquil setting of The Cliffe at Dinham in Ludlow, alongside the river Teme, with superb views of Ludlow’s historic Castle. A combination of delicious food, charming rooms and a relaxed atmosphere will make your visit one to remember. The Cliffe at Dinham is the perfect location for a relaxed lunch, an evening out or a longer stay in what Sir John Betjeman called “the loveliest town in England”. Our chef Ian Pugh, previously at Mr Underhills Michelin Star restaurant has achieved a 2 AA Rosette Award for his exceptional flavours. Events ranging from Tasting Menu Dinners, Fish Nights and Jazz at lunch & dinner are held every month. The Cliffe was built in the mid 19th Century as a gentlemen’s residence for a local solicitor. It has been a hotel for many years and attracted a loyal clientele.
The Cliffe at Dinham Restaurant with Rooms Halton Lane, Dinham Ludlow, SY8 2JE tel 01584 872063 fax 01584 873991 info@thecliffeatdinham.co.uk www.thecliffeatdinham.co.uk @cliffeatdinham
After 12 successful years as Ludlow hoteliers, Paul & Barbara Brooks bought the hotel in April 2014, re-naming it The Cliffe at Dinham, a restaurant with rooms. A major refurbishment has created two new dining rooms and lounge bar. The original Victorian features of the building have been sympathetically combined with contemporary decoration. From The Cliffe at Dinham, you can walk to Ludlow town centre in a few minutes or take a little longer on a riverside stroll through Whitliffe Common. All around lies the beautiful South Shropshire countryside with wonderful opportunities for walking, cycling and exploration. FREE wireless internet access to all guests.
For booking call 01584 872063 www.thecliffeatdinham.co.uk
December 2017| 59
Do it for them. Mothers. Sisters. Daughters. Aunties. Grandmas. Friends.
Join us and cycle from London to Paris to help support everyone affected by breast cancer. 19 – 23 July 2017 30 August – 03 September 2017 06 June – 10 June 2018 18 July – 22 July 2018 29 August – 02 September 2018 breastcancercare.org.uk/londonpariscycle
Mizen Head
Ireland’s most Southwesterly Point on the Wild Atlantic Way
“One of the best attractions in Ireland...” “... spellbinding”
CLT
Chris Lucas Trust Research into Childhood Cancer
CLT
Chris Lucas Trust Research into Childhood Cancer
Mizen Café & Gift Shop www.mizenhead.ie
GPS: 51° 27’ 0.59” N - 9° 49’ 5.99” W
028-35000 / 35115
60 | Cycling World
Inspirational cyclist Cycling for Charity Against all Odds
K
aren Brooke was always an athletic woman, enjoying cycling and horse-riding on a regular basis, and loyally supporting her football team, Huddersfield Town. That all changed two years ago, when she slipped on some ice just outside her home.
She has signed up to the eighth annual Pedal for Pounds event, in which she will cycle 260 miles on the ‘Wagner Way’ from Dortmund, Germany, back to Huddersfield. She has been sponsored by Made in Cooper and hopes to raise money for the charity that saved her life.
What should have been no more serious than a few bruises, turned into something much more devastating. Karen had been leading her horse at the time, who had become nervous at her sudden fall, and kicked out, hitting the 51-year-old in the head.
“Before the accident, I did a couple of the previous Pedal for Pound events and my brother did it last year,” said Karen. “I wanted to take part to raise money for the Air Ambulance and to give myself a challenge. It is very hard but I will do it.”
Her injuries were life-changing, and Karen spent two months in a coma following her accident. When she finally woke up, she suffered paralysis down the right side of her body and personality changes. She had to learn how to walk, talk, read and write all over again. However, she acknowledges that without the speedy response of the Air Ambulance, she might not have survived. The team arrived within minutes of the accident, in which she suffered a fractured skull and bruising and bleeding on the brain.
Karen hopes to complete around 20 to 30 miles of the route each day on a tandem bike provided by Streetbikes community cycling, who will also provide a co-cyclist for her. She has been busy training, using her static bike every day, having regular sessions with the Streetbikes team, swimming and attending physiotherapy sessions. Katie Collinson, Partnerships Manager from Yorkshire Air Ambulance said: “We are really looking forward to having Karen back on the Pedal for Pounds bike ride this year. Karen has been through so much over the last few years and she’s a real inspiration to us all with her grit and determination to not only learn to walk and talk again, but now to join in this epic bike ride!”
Cycling for Charity
“I was lucky to survive,” she said. “I had only a slight pulse when Yorkshire Air Ambulance landed and I don’t think I would have made it without them. They saved my life.”
Against all Odds
After her hospital rehabilitation, which lasted a further four months, she returned home to a specially adapted house next door to her parents. She relied on carers visiting four times a day, as well as the support of her friends and family. Although she is now more independent, she can still only walk short distances with a stick, which makes her determination to give back to charity even more amazing.
This determined woman will be completing her challenge at the beginning of May. If you would like to support Karen go to her JustGiving page
https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/P4P8kARENSCHALLENGE
December 2017| 61
EXPOSURE LIGHTS by DAY BRIGHT
W
ith the clocks going forward, more cyclists are going to be getting that bike off of the turbo trainer at the back of the garage or shed, and hitting the roads. They could be training for a time trial or sportive, off for a Sunday ride, or back on the commuter route. It is our responsibility to educate cyclists to ensure that they are riding the best equipment for their budget. An estimated 80% of all cycling related accidents happen during the day time*. There are now 31.7 million cars registered to be on the road**; since 2011, new vehicles are supplied with daytime running lights***. With more vehicles having lights on during the day, the cyclist is being visually pushed further into the background of the busier roads. Cars are full of distractions and tools to make their drive easy: satellite navigation tells the driver when to turn, the driver now does not need to look — just react. Mobile phone conversations distract the driver from driving; music emotionally moves the driver’s thoughts into a different place. Cities are stuffed full of buses, taxis, lorries and cars, and country roads are now no longer quiet, as they become rat-runs to alleviate the traffic jams on crowded main routes. Cyclists need to be noticed! Because of this, Exposure Lights have designed a specific pulse pattern and lumen intensity: Day Bright. Through our experience in providing fire and rescue, ambulance and police emergency lights, we have created a light that will be detected from over a kilometre away on a country road and is noticeable through the distractions of other vehicles and obstructions in modern city environments. This Day Bright pulse pattern cuts through the visual noises and distractions that the modern motorist contends with in order to ensure our cyclists are seen.
Be safe, be seen …….. EXPOSURE LIGHTS http://www.exposurelights.com/cycle-lights/commute *80% occur in daylight - RoSPA – Royal Society for the prevention of Accidents - http://www.rospa.com/ rospaweb/docs/advice-services/road-safety/cyclists/ cycling-accidents-factsheet.pdf **31.7m cars on the Road – Statista - https://www. statista.com/statistics/299972/average-age-of-cars-onthe-road-in-the-united-kingdom/ ***Day light running cars since feb 2011 buses and trucks since Aug 2012 - https://www.gov.uk/government/ uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/408964/ daytime-running-lights.pdf
F
ast Friday is a documentary about track bikes in the city of Seattle and the culture that has grown up around them. The director gives an insight into his motivation behind the film: “In November 2006 I quit my job as a bellman to begin shooting a documentary I wanted to do on the Seattle hip hop scene. Then a friend of mine told me about a monthly event called “Fast Friday,” he suggested I bring my camera and shoot it. I showed up, lights and camera in hand, not what to expect or for what purpose Exposureknowing Lights are designed, engineered and made in this footage would be used. A year and 10which the UK. Part of Ultimate Sports Engineering (USE), “Fastin Fridays” later, I’mthis in Tokyo to attend the was founded 1990 and is, to day, driven by the premiere screening of my documentary the obsession of creating the ultimate in innovative at sports Bicycle Film Festival. products. "I shot three "Fast Fridays" encompasses before I decidedesign to Today Ultimate Sports Engineering make the documentary, I was running out of and production of:money and needed to make a decision between Cycling components (ULTIMATE and USE), moving to LA or Lights), getting another job in Seattle Cycle lighting (Exposure and completing theMarine). movie, obviously I chose Marine Lighting (Exposure the latter. Since I already Mobile GPS Man Overboard APP had three “Fast Fridays” in the can I decided to continue filming and Crew Tag (Alert and Find). in the same manner for the rest of them, as a participant. I wanted the viewer to feel as if they were sharing the experience with the riders on screen.” Outdoor track cycling on fixed wheel bikes was first introduced underground in San Francisco, California in 2006 and Dustin Klein, a bike messenger and protagonist, took the idea to Seattle together with his idea for urban cycle clothing. This film is possibly a precursor to films produced by British riders such as Martyn Ashton and Danny Macaskill who showcase their incredible riding skills on a road bike and a trials bike. The documentary is a testament to the riders’ abilities. The opening scene interviews some of the key ompetitors in the film’s culminating Fast Friday race, some with track backgrounds and many of whom have travelled from all over the country. Interestingly, we are introduced to riders, the tricks they can perform and their pleasure in riding bikes with fixed gears and no brakes. It is all about pushing their skills but at the same time having fun. One of the key events is the Cadence Classic where in January the competition is a trackstand, in February it’s a quick stop competition and the main race – an alley cat race takes place in March. One particular guy Keo is interviewed as the winner of the Cadence Classic and he explains that riding bikes has saved him from a life of guns and shootings.
Based in Bury, nestled in the heart of the There is joyous sense of community throughout, South Downs National Park, West Sussex. encouraging people to ride fixed wheel bikes
for commuting andPlease not justContact:racing. There is a For More information
feeling that it binds everybody together through
winter. Coupled with a certain degree of Mark.s@USE.GROUP
madness these guys are like the skateboarders of the 70s with their gung-ho and fearless attitude. It left me with the reassuring feeling that anything is possible on a bike.
62 | Cycling World
December 2017| 63
Cycling in the UK This month we are looking at a county close to our hearts – Kent, the home of Cycling World magazine! If you do travel down this way, we may even cross cycle-paths! If you don’t fancy travelling to this corner of the country, perhaps you might be interested in a trip around Norwich, Cheshire or Bedfordshire. As always, we aim to inspire you to test new destinations and explore the hidden treasures of our country.
64 | Cycling World
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m The Ja
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Join James Tredwell, Geraint Jones, Mitch Claydon, Darren Stevens & Matt Walker for a cycle through Treddy’s cricketing roots. Folkestone CC to Brookland CC returning to Folkestone. Fuel &Waterstops • Midway lunch stop • Cycle jersey • Finishing medal • First aid support • Mechanical support • BBQ & entertainment in the evening All this for just £75 pp
Every rider will be entered in to the raffle to win Treddy’s Wheels! For further details please contact Heidi Coleman: ) 07766 505597 * heidi.coleman.kent@ecb.co.uk To register - tinyurl.com/cricketcycle
bEsiDE THE sEasiDE, bEsiDE THE sEa Take a family cycle ride along the coastal path, and discover our castle’s secrets.
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December 2017| 65
Pilgrims Cycle Trail Location: Rochester ME1 1LD, Detling ME14 3JX,
Ashford TN24 8QQ or Canterbury CT1 2DA
Distance: 47 miles (75.6 KM)
Time: Allow up to 8 Hours (Linear) or take your time over a few days and Explore Kent! OS Explorer Map: 163, 148, 137, 149, 138, 150 Terrain: Suited to the more experienced cyclist; the route can be hilly in places with flatter sections suitable for families Parking: There are several public car parks in
Rochester
Public Transport: For directions by public transport
to Rochester or other locations from your home address please visit kentconnected.org
Refreshments & facilities: Several places along
the trail to eat, drink and stay
Guide: explorekent.org/pilgrims-cycle-trail
This trail should be on every cyclists bucket list as you pedal past delightful riverbanks, outstanding views and Roman buildings. Setting off from one cathedral to another, you’ll be following the ancient route travelled by so many before you – weary pilgrims making their way to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. There is nothing quite as poignant as cycling a meaningful trail – you’ll be cycling along years of faith, excitement and expectation, while taking in some of the best scenery there is in Kent. Heading out from historic Rochester, with its cobbled streets full of independent shops, cafes and art galleries, you’ll be treated to a traditional Kentish town before you even pedal off! Rochester is perhaps best known for its connection with Charles Dickens, who was inspired by the landscape and moved to Chatham with his family. Dickens later returned to Higham, just outside Rochester, in later life living at Gads Hill Place, which is open intermittently throughout the year. Rochester is equally as well known for its imposing cathedral and castle, which sit opposite one another. Rochester Castle was built in the 12th century, with the stone keep being its most prominent feature, one of the best preserved examples in England and France. Opposite the Castle stands the magnificent Rochester Cathedral; after the Norman invasion in 1088, King Rufus asked his Bishop and architect Gundulf to build him a stone castle on an old Roman fort on the present site of the cathedral, the second oldest in the country. It is outside the main entrance to this beautiful cathedral that your ride begins.
66 | Cycling World Heading out of Rochester towards Maidstone, the county town of Kent, this section of your ride will take you alongside the River Medway. First open to public navigation 250 years ago, Sir Francis Drake learnt to sail on the River Medway and it was also the site of the dramatic end of the Dutch invasion in 1667, the 350th anniversary of which is being celebrated in June 2017 with a programme of celebration. The stretch of river you’ll be cycling along is much more peaceful nowadays; you might see a rowing boat or a canoeist making their way along the river. You’ll see the first signs of spring on the banks of this important wetland site, which is a haven for breeding and wintering birds. Emerging from the river, you’ll follow a network of relatively quiet roads with off-road sections taking you through woodland. You will eventually pedal out into the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) near Bluebell Hill, an area of chalk grassland typical of the landscape. You’ll emerge near the Robin Hood pub, a wonderful country inn that sits in pretty grounds and was once frequented by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, a good location to get some well-earned lunch. Cycling onwards along the country lanes, you’ll pass the Blue Bell Hill picnic site. Stop to admire uninterrupted views across the Weald and get some great snaps. The grassland is home to several species of rare plant such as the Bulbour Buttercup, Salad Burnet and Hairy Violet. These plants support a variety of specialist insects, such as the Chalk Hill Blue and Brown Argus butterflies. It’s
well worth stopping off here to explore this fascinating area. You can walk along the lower slopes of Blue Bell Hill to the site of a Neolithic long barrow known as Kits Coty if you’re feeling energetic and adventurous. Shortly after passing the Blue Bell Hill picnic site, you will pick up a dedicated cycle track which takes you to Detling, the home of the Kent County Show, an agricultural event held annually every July. With an interesting history of archaeological finds, including Anglo-Saxon graves, the remains of a Roman House and the flint walks of Thurnham Castle, you’ll find much to explore in the area. If you’re looking for a nice pub with a good selection of beers, the Cock Horse pub in Detling is worth a stop. You’ll now be cycling towards Hollingbourne along a delightful country lane known as the Pilgrims Way. There is plenty of opportunity to stop off for a drink or dinner at a number of lovely country pubs including the Black Horse in Thurnham, a relaxed, family-run 18th century inn, or further along there is the Dirty Habit in Hollingbourne, which offers great locally sourced Kentish fayre. After Hollingbourne, you’ll be heading down the county towards the market town of Ashford. On the way, you’ll pass near some cute Kentish villages, including Lenham which is just over a five-minute, half-mile detour from the route. It’s a worthwhile diversion, with its pretty buildings and treasure trove of independent shops and pubs.
December 2017| 67
Why not make this years cycling holiday a little bit different by strapping the bikes to the back of a beautiful retro campervan! Imagine cycling through the stunning Kent countryside and returning to your fully equipped camper for a cuppa and a bacon We’re sarnie before hitting the open road again.
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offer Cycling ing all World a 20% d readers iscou on 7 nig ht hires nt i Just qu n 2017. o te CWMAY 17.
Sandwich Road, Deal, Kent CT14 0BF We’re the most important cycling centre in East Kent, offering opportunities for first timers and gentle family rides through to elite cyclists. Cycle hire is available daily. We have a 100+ strong fleet of the latest bicycles including a wide range of child carrying attachments and disability bicycles from trikes to wheelchair tandems. Our bikes are regularly checked by our CYTECH certified mechanics
OPENING HOURS 8am-8pm • Bike hire: 9.30am-4.30pm Cafe: 9.30am-4.30pm • Collier’s Gate: 8.30am-7pm Occasionally parts of the Park are booked for exclusive use. Please check our closure information before your visit.
Wye is a hilly village, voted in 2013 as the 3rd best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times. In medieval times, Wye was a market town and today it is home to one of Kent’s best farmers’ markets – a great place to get some local produce if you decide to self-cater. If you want a great place to stay within close proximity of the trail, there are lots of options in Wye including the King’s Head and the Wife of Bath – both with lovely rooms and welcoming to cyclists
The pretty village of Westwell, a rural idle in the heart of the Kent Downs AONB, is along your route. The village is in a conservation area and contains several mature trees and listed buildings including Mill House, with a water wheel still in working order. Wheel Inn is a nice family pub along your route to stop at if you’re yet to refuel.
Further along, you’ll pass near to the acclaimed Eastwell Manor, offering hotel and cottage accommodation as well as high quality dining facilities. It’s just over half a mile detour along a quiet lane, perfect for making a weekend of this trip.
Another landmark that you won’t want to miss is the Wye Crown. It is as the name suggests, a crown carved into the chalk hillside of the downs to the east of the village, by students commemorating the Coronation of King Edward VII in 1902. The best viewing point is at Coldharbour Lane, which is around a 15-minute further detour from Wye.
You’ll soon arrive at the River Stour, picking up National Cycle Route 18. The river is bursting with new life in the spring – this is a nice easy level ride which will give you great views over the Kent Downs and surrounding countryside. This section is known as the Great Stour, and is a haven for important wildlife that thrives in the water. If you’d like to stop for a while, there are several useful information panels that will tell you more about this fascinating river, the ecosystem it supports and the landscape around you.
Leaving the Wye area behind, you’ll heading up the steep hills of Crundale, the dual escarpment of the North Downs. An early Anglo-Saxon gold buckle with a representation of a 3D applique fish and other valuable items were found here in a grave dating from the mid7th century in 1861, and these are now in a collection at the British Museum. The Grade I-listed Norman Church dedicated to St Mary the Virgin sits on the escarpment of the Crundale Downs. There are some panoramic views from the top of Crundale which will be your well-earned reward after the climb to the top!
You will then be cycling on the outskirts of Ashford and on towards Wye, the home of some of the best views in Kent. This section of your ride is a bit of a challenge but, as every cyclist knows, there’s always a reward involved in any climb, with the Pilgrims Cycle Trail being no exception.
! Rochester A2
A299
Sittingbourne
M2
Bluebell Hill
A2 A2T
M2
M20
Canterbury
!
Thurnham Doddington
THE K E N T DO WNS
Maidstone
A28 Chartham
Harrietsham Lenham
Challock
M2 0
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The Pilgrims Cycle Trail 47 miles (75.2km)
!
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10 A28
Km 0Miles
5
On-road Off-road
© Crown Copyright and database right 2016. Ordnance Survey 100019238
Wye
Ashford A2 8
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March 2017| 69 Upon reaching Chartham, you’ll re-join the Great Stour Way on a quiet dedicated cycle trail that will take you directly into the heart of Canterbury. Home to a fascinating collection of history, from the iconic Christopher Marlowe, the Canterbury Tales, and perhaps most importantly, the end-point for thousands of intrepid pilgrims, Canterbury Cathedral. Step inside the most famous and oldest of Christian structures in England, founded in 597AD by St Augustine. Have a celebratory drink in the Thomas Tallis Ale, a great Kentish micro-pub or Foundry Brew Pub which serves good food and has its own on-site brewery. Finish this Kentish adventure in true pilgrims style – with a tad more luxury thrown in at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, a beautiful modern hotel where you’ll wake up to intimate views of the Cathedral itself. If you’re on more of a budget, there are also two great hostels, a YHA Victorian villa and Kipps, an independent hostel just 10 minutes away from the cathedral. For more information on staying in Canterbury check out www.visitkent.co.uk. This may be a trail well-trodden, but every experience is unique. So explore Kent and experience beautiful scenery, fantastic food and 3000 years of history following in the footsteps of Pilgrims on two wheels.
What Next? For more information on our walks, cycle rides and canoe trails visit Explore Kent and discover the great Kentish countryside or follow Explore Kent on social media @explorekent on Twitter and Facebook.
70 | Cycling World
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2017 FREE 76-PAGE BOOKLET Wherever you look in Norfolk you’ll see a church tower, beckoning you across the wide open spaces of countryside. Our free booklet helps you plan cycling routes by highlighting open churches and their facilities. Request your free copy online or call us on 01603 880853.
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72 | Cycling World
Cycling through the city of Norwich By Melanie Cook, Visit Norwich
A
ctivity holidays aren’t always synonymous with city breaks, however, for anyone with a passion for outdoor pursuits, Norwich is a great destination. Offering plenty of options for cycling, it’s a bike-friendly city closely located to the Broads National Park, plus it offers access to miles of country roads and cycle routes into the county, which run all the way to the coast. The city provides easy, relaxed cycling and is compact and simple to navigate, with the majority of the sights and attractions based in close proximity in the city centre. Norwich has five pedalways crossing the city from one side to the other, meeting in the middle at St Andrews Plain. Enthusiasts taking a break in Norwich without their own bikes could still be persuaded to hop back into the saddle to explore the area on two wheels. Cycle hire is available with Greater Anglia at Norwich station, which is situated just minutes by bike from the main hub of the city – all you need is a helmet. If you plan in advance before you travel, you can pay for membership for a £10 annual fee, which cuts your hire cost to £3.80 for 24 hours. It’s a pretty good price and one membership gets you up to two bikes to hire. If you don’t plan in advance you can still do it all at the station and you’ll be given a temporary membership number. The historic four-star Maids Head Hotel (http:// maidsheadhotel.co.uk/) is a good place to be based. It’s located in Tombland in the Cathedral Quarter, opposite Norwich Cathedral, and offers cyclists bike racks in the car park – though for guests bringing high-value bikes, by prior arrangement you can have your bicycles locked overnight in the hotel. Cycling from the station follows a pretty route along the riverside path by the Wensum into Norwich Cathedral Close – cycle through, passing chocolate-box-pretty cottages and large flint houses, past the village green and into Tombland via Erpingham Gate to reach the hotel. Exploring the city centre by bike is fun, but it also allows you to venture a little further without a long walk or bus trip. Make sure you visit Plantation Garden, The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts on the University of East Anglia campus, and Whitlingham Country Park. Whitlingham Country Park, one mile from the edge of the city, spreads over 280 acres of beautiful meadowland, ancient woodland and trails with cycle paths, a picnic meadow and a visitor centre with café. It’s on the banks of the River Yare and Whitlingham Great Broad which
features the Outdoor Education Centre, a bird screen and a conservation area, plus a much smaller Whitlingham Little Broad. The Outdoor Education Centre offers plenty of waterbased activities if you fancy adding to your pursuits whilst in Norwich. The centre provides great tuition from one to five days, offering family activities as well as courses for 8-16 year olds and adults. Try sailing, raft building, kayaking, Funboat taster sessions, paddle boarding, canoeing, windsurfing and more. Whitlingham is cited as being the Gateway to the Broads, so as well as offering waterside panoramas, you can take boat trips on Ra, which is delightfully solar powered! Advance bookings are not always necessary so it’s fantastic as a spontaneous trip. For more details call 01603 617332.
Whitlingham is also bursting with wonderful wildlife – it’s brilliant for bird watching or photography. And if you’re an early riser, don’t miss Whitlingham pre-dawn, not only to travel through the city when it’s quiet (it’s glorious on a warm day) but also to capture Whitlingham at probably one of its most magical times and witness the dawn chorus. Less than three miles away at Trowse is a pretty village with an interesting history, being that it was created for the workers of the Colman’s factory (Colman’s of Norwich mustard fame). Here, find the River Garden Café, a great place for lunch or an early dinner. Overlooking the green (hence the name), this relaxed and informal eatery has quite the local following, serving delicious and imaginative vegetarian dishes using top quality local produce, and is a big hit with meat-eaters and veggies alike.
December 2017| 73
Cycling Information
Greater Anglia Cycle Hire, 0845 6007245 www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/your-journey/cycling/bike-go www.greateranglia.co.uk/travel-information/your-journey/cycling/bikes-on-trains www.marriottsway.info www.sustrans.org.uk www.countrysideaccess.norfolk.gov.uk www.bvrw.co.uk
Where to stay, visit and how to get here www.visitnorwich.co.uk www.visitnorthnorfolk.com
Other www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org www.norfolk.gov.uk/out-and-about-in-norfolk/whitlingham-outdoor-education-centre
Norwich is not only the gateway to the Broads, but also to some great recreational and serious cycle and walking routes through the countryside. Arguably one of the best is the Marriott’s Way, named after William Marriott who was chief engineer and manager of the Midland and Great Northern Railway for 41 years.
and the historic market town of Aylsham for 26 miles, beginning in the city centre where Barn Road meets Barker Street (only minutes from Norwich Cathedral). It’s worth noting that this is not a circular route, so anyone cycling The Marriott’s Way needs to be prepared to also cycle back, as public transport between Aylsham and Norwich is limited. The Marriott’s Way disused lines are made up of the Midland and Great Northern between Norwich and Themelthorpe and the Great Eastern from Themelthorpe to Aylsham. In 1960, the lines were joined together by a piece of track which became known as the Themelthorpe Curve. Heading into summer, the whole route becomes lush green and dense in places due to canopies of overhanging ancient trees. Butterflies and darting dragonflies are plentiful, whilst geese meander in nearby fields; look out for kestrels, owls, magpies and ducks. Orchids, cowslips and wild strawberries flourish in this habitat, so make time for a bit of foraging! Autumn is spectacular with the changing colours; see stoats and
The Marriott’s Way is described locally as a ‘green corridor’ and in any season this is a beautiful route that many would like to travel. Used extensively by walkers and horse riders, as well as cyclists, the route follows two disused railway lines between medieval Norwich
74 | Cycling World
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75 | Cycling World
December March 2017| 75
weasels running through leafy pathways and tracks. Squirrels and hedgehogs prepare for winter and small birds are attracted by the seasonal berries and wild grass seeds.
tracks’ history. Under three bridges there are wind-up boxes playing railway sounds of the past, and there are also pieces of art inscribed with poems and verse as well as concrete sculptures about the railway’s heritage.
Public art plays its part along the railway too, with signs made from old track to show distances and directions to villages and towns. To mark your progress, at each mile there’s a piece of rail sculpture; each is unique with its own metal rubbing plaque including aspects of the
But once on the route, what else can you expect to encounter? In the first instance, the surface is a mix of sometimes hard gravel, softer and muddy around the Themelthorpe Loop, plus hard, well-maintained surface between Norwich and Whitwell Station – this is also part of the Sustrans National Cycle Route 1 (which by the way runs from Dover to the Shetland Islands!)
Travelling light is not always an option, but Norfolk is one of the few places in the UK which offers an innovative solution to this problem. Contact HikeHelp if you need to travel with more luggage than you can comfortably transport by bike. “We live on the edge of the Norfolk Broads and have a passion for our county. After completing a number of long distance walks ourselves and using a baggage transfer service, we thought it would be really good to provide a similar service for Norfolk. HikeHelp is now four years old; we’ve helped walkers and cyclists explore the county. Our customers come from all over the UK and as far away as America and Australia. If you are thinking about a cycling trip in the area then give us a call.”
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The entire route of the Marriott’s Way has been designated as a Country Wildlife Site with section one and two (The Wensum River Valley) recognised as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Through section one (Norwich to Drayton, five miles), the route crosses the Wensum over a high a-frame bridge, providing cyclists with wonderful views. It is in this area that nature lovers can expect to find over 100 species of plants, insects, fish, birds and rare sights such as otters, voles and kingfishers. In section two (Drayton to Whitwell, 9.5 miles, still in the Wensum Valley), make time to visit the old station for some railway history and a museum, as well as places to eat and drink. The wildest part of the route is section three – the fivemile Themelthorpe Loop. Make your way through open farmland and expect to see red-legged partridges, rooks, yellowhammers and flocks of woodpigeons and, maybe if you’re lucky, hares and roe deer. The final leg (section four) is a distance of six miles and runs between Reepham and Aylsham, through more open farmland with a mostly firm surface, following the old Great Eastern Line. Again, it’s great for wildlife and the perfect place to experience the big open skies of Norfolk. In spring and early summer, if you’re very lucky, you may hear the beautiful song of the skylark. You may also see
76 | Cycling World plenty of shops, eateries and pubs – many on the waters edge. Once in Wroxham, if you time it right, you can take a Greater Anglia train back to Norwich with your bikes, although you should bear in mind that there are four bike spaces on each train, provided on a first-come, firstserved basis.
the barn owl known in Norfolk as the Hushwing, Billy Wix or White Owl – it’s not as nocturnal as you may imagine. In summer, you can spot the barn owl hunting for voles and mice to feed its young. With their distinctive heartshaped faces and pure white under-parts, the barn owl is surprisingly easy to see, even though numbers have been declining for years.
The second option is to link up with the Weavers’ Way, taking you past the National Trust’s Blickling Hall – rumoured to be haunted by Henry VIII’s wife, Anne Boleyn. Continue on and you will reach the lovely coastal town of Cromer for fantastic fish and chips or a Cromer crab (highly recommended), or even a well-earned rest on the beach before you head back. You may prefer to stay the night in a good B&B, and this would be a very good idea if you travel light; you can even catch an end of the pier show in high summer – one of just a few today in the UK.
On reaching Aylsham, cyclists have three choices: head home back along the same route, or follow one of two further cycle routes that take you to the coast or into the Broads. From Aylsham runs the Bure Valley Railway, a nine-mile stretch of the same old branch line as Marriott’s Way. This takes you into Wroxham, the hub of the Broads for holidaymakers in summer and a hive of activity with
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Visit our web site for more photographs and online booking
T
he whole of the county of Norfolk offers wonderful opportunities for cyclists but nowhere is better than the delightful area known as Wayland, a place of mystery and legend and home of the sad tale of the Babes in the Wood.
We have developed five circular cycle routes each about 16 miles, beginning and ending in Watton. The route maps show all the natural, architectural and heritage features along the route as well as the range of excellent accommodation.
The area known as Wayland comprises fifteen unique and charming villages, each with a medieval church and with the ancient market town of Watton at their heart. For centuries, this little town has been the centre of the local agricultural economy. The Tourist Information Centre can be found in the Dragonfly Gallery, where information, postcards, leaflets and souvenirs can be found alongside stunning art exhibitions.
We can provide an information pack with all you need for a Wayland break or we can arrange a truly unique cycling experience for you and your family or group.
The Wayland area has walking, cycling and riding trails in abundance, including The Great Eastern Pingo Trail and the Peddars Way.
Contact us at Wayland House, High St, Watton, Norfolk IP25 6AR susan@wayland.org.uk 01953 880205
Contact Details Jan Godfrey jan@wayland.org.uk 01953 880202 Suzanne Rhind suzanne@wayland.org.uk 01953 880204 Susan Hollingworth susan@wayland.org.uk 01953 880205
The Wayland Partnership, Wayland House, High St Watton Norfolk IP25 6AR
www.thewaylanddragonflygallery.co.uk • www.wayland.org.uk • www.visitwayland.co.uk
CHESHIRE
78 | Cycling World
So much to discover on two-wheels By Laura Gilling and Robert Capper
W
ith everything from Romans to the Industrial Revolution, estuary and coast, medieval castles, canal towpaths and gentle inclines, to serious downhills and awesome off-roading, you’ll be sure to find the route for you when cycling in Cheshire. For those into grit and gears, pick out routes from 176 miles of Cheshire’s cycleway, through the mill village of Bollington and over the heights to Wildboarclough and Macclesfield Forest. Exploring has never been easier, with disused railway lines, canal paths and forest trails, you can have a completely traffic-free ride. Take to the quiet back-roads to cover some distance and take in the sights of Jodrell Bank and Beeston Castle, passing through heritage towns, quaint villages, rolling estates and beautiful countryside, not to mention the odd stop in one of the many real ale pubs.
Ride 1: Family / Beginner’s Ride 24km+ For great family cycling, Chester makes a perfect destination. Made a ‘cycling town’ (even though it is really a city) in 2009, it has good city centre access for bikes and a number of quick routes out to surrounding countryside. You can link canal paths, ex-railway tracks and riverbank paths to stay off-road. There’s some great exploring to be done. Suitable for children, the River Dee Round (Route no.4) makes use of one of Chester’s longest traffic-free stretches of path. Going out of Chester using a short section of canal towpath, it then links to an old railway route. This sheltered well-surfaced track gets you out of the city and into the country. Look out for animal sculptures created out of trees. The return route to Chester is an exhilarating ride along the banks of the tidal river Dee, with plenty of wildlife
December 2017| 79 to spot. You will pass the Airbus wing loading dock near Saltney Ferry Bridge; you may even spot the Beluga landing or taking off. This is the aptly named plane that swallows up a giant locally manufactured Airbus wing and flies it to France. Top Tip: Check the wind direction to decide which way round you want to cycle this route. If the wind is from the east, use it at your back going out along the river. Your return journey will then benefit from the shelter afforded by the railway line embankments. For older children, or more competent cyclists, there is a great add-on if you want to extend the length of this ride. By carrying on along the river at Queensferry and getting to Hawarden Bridge station, you connect to another popular local route, the “Dee Marsh” ride. By following signs for Neston and weaving your way through Deeside Industrial Estate, you will be rewarded by breaking out into the spectacular landscape of the Dee estuary marshland. An elevated wooden walkway/ cycleway has been constructed to link these two areas and it enables the cyclist to carry on their journey and gain magnificent views across the marshland to the majestic Welsh hills. This is a popular area for twitchers, so be prepared to stop and see which species might be visiting. If you are not sure what you might be looking at, there’s usually some knowledgeable enthusiast around to ask. Better still, call in at the nearby RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands and do not forget to bring your binoculars. Take it steady in this area, as the path is also popular with walkers and dogs. A few hundred yards further on is the Harp Inn at Little Neston; sit outside and literally drink in the views. A great destination in this neck of the woods is Ness Botanic Gardens. Part of the University of Liverpool, this is a garden lover’s paradise. You can call in to admire the Rhododendrons and Azaleas which are in bloom in May or stop off to use the cafe. They will happily let you lock you bike up outside the visitor centre. Back in Chester, if you can go just a little further, carry on along the Shropshire Union Canal path to the Mill Hotel. You’ll be rewarded with cask ales, an outdoor terrace and a hotel that offers bike storage if you decide you can’t move (call ahead to pre-arrange your bike lockup). Spa facilities are also available for a relaxing break. Whilst in Chester, and not on your bike, there’s plenty more to do. Visit the giraffes at Chester Zoo, walk the walls, do a spot of shopping on the Rows, or pick up some bike bling with The Edge Cycleworks, Evans Cycles, Specialized Bikestore and the Bike Factory all on one road. (A51 Boughton). Another great place to explore with the family is Delamere Forest, with cycle hire and a café and two easy waymarked routes for all ages and abilities. Delamere is a great place for all the family to get on their bikes and enjoy a ride through the forest. Both the Wheelock Rail Trail and the Salt Line are flat, well-surfaced linear trails of 2km and 3km respectively – great distances for little legs to manage a return journey. Parking is available at the Salt Line at Hassall Green.
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Ride 2: Longer Day Ride
comfort facilities makes a good starting point for your ride.
You may well remember Stage 3 of last year’s Tour of Britain. It was the one when Ian Stannard led a day-long breakaway. This area of Cheshire is a training ground for Stannard and many of his British Cycling colleagues, being on the doorstep of the National Cycling Centre. He powered away after the stage was barely twenty
All-day parking will cost £6. From the car park, breeze through the beautiful deer park, skirt past the Meres and emerge into the historic town of Knutsford. It’s not compulsory to ride a penny farthing, but you may spot practitioners in training for the “Knutsford Great Race”, which takes place once a decade and is next due in 2020.
minutes old. The Sky rider took with him Graham Briggs and Kristian House. Defying the chasing peloton, they stayed away with Stannard soloing ahead 41 kilometres from the finish and claiming a popular victory. Much of that day’s route is covered in the Cheshire Cycling sportive that will take place on Sunday 10th September, 2017. You can, of course, sample the delights of the Windgather Rocks, the beautiful Goyt Valley and the Cat and Fiddle, not to mention the intriguingly named Blaze, Swiss and Wizard Hills, before then. The tour stage finished in the stunning setting of Tatton Park in Knutsford. This cycle-friendly venue with great eating and
Head out of town on the A537 and follow signs for Mobberley. Carry on the B-road to Alderley Edge, a dramatic red sandstone escarpment, with impressive views over the Cheshire countryside. Head south through the village, crossing the railway line and heading for Macclesfield. Climb the Wizard, then start the descent into the town. From Macclesfield, there’s a little jostle with the traffic and a few roundabouts to negotiate; you will cross the Silk Road at some point. This is the very same one that begins in China; a stop at the Silk Museum would confirm that the story is true! Pick up the B5470, signposted for Rainow. You will be rewarded with a hefty climb out of Macclesfield. There are opportunities
to extend here by swinging a left onto Lidgetts Lane and heading for Kerridge, and adding in the mill town of Bollington and Pott Shrigley. Or, you could head away from Macclesfield, skirting around the Teggs Nose country park (a great little café with top notch cake and a log burner to defrost on colder days) and making your way through Macclesfield Forest, where you can be king of the mountain on the famous Cat and Fiddle on Buxton road. It’s downhill from here as you meander your way through the lovely Cheshire towns of Gawesworth, Siddington, Capesthorne, Chelford and Ollerton. Here, you can duck off to add in an optional extra eight miles, visiting Jodrell Bank Telescope Discovery Centre, where there is a bike park shed and a great little café serving hot and cold food. Or, save yourself for a rewarding stop in Knutsford with a choice of restaurants and pubs, before heading back through Tatton Park to complete your ride. If you’re feeling energetic, this last section is a Strava segment, so have yourself a sprint finish, but watch out for deer on the path (check park closing times for high/low season).
December 2017| 81
Your Cycling in Cheshire Essentials: Bring
• • • •
Binoculars for bird watching Beer tasting notebook for the new real ales you’ll find An extra rucksack for the shopping you’ll do Camera for the photo opportunities along the ride
Getting there:
• • •
Trains from London to Chester advance return from £42 with Virgin Trains. Trains from Chester to Knutsford every 30 minutes. Fly to Liverpool and Manchester.
Stay: Byways Breaks have been arranging cycling holidays and walking holidays for more than 15 years and can help find the best places to stay. Their cycling routes are carefully planned to explore the most beautiful countryside, visit places of interest and stop at the best pubs and tea shops.
• •
The Mill Hotel www.millhotel.com
Sandstone Trail Cottages www.sandstonetrailcottages.co.uk
Refuelling
• • •
Teggs Nose Tea Room, Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 0AP Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, Macclesfield, SK119DL Gardener’s Cottage at Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6QN
For more information about cycling in Cheshire, browse the list of cycling trails on visitcheshire.com/cycling.
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Cycling Challenges in the Quiet Bedfordshire Countryside By Joy Wilkinson, Ladies Captain of the Bedfordshire Road Cycling Club
December 2017| 83
I
t doesn’t take long to realise that flatlands have their own arsenal to throw at you to test your cycling mettle. Having moved from the somewhat hilly environment of Yorkshire to the county of Bedfordshire, I made the mistake of thinking that cycling would be easy. But the agricultural landscape, where fences and hedges are few and far between, allows fierce winds to stream across the land and test your resolve. I now always check the local weather forecast to determine whether to face the headwind, or have the aid of a tailwind to grab a Strava segment. Days with no wind are a rarity to be savoured.
What else does Bedfordshire offer? Towards the end of the long winter months, local clubs offer their Reliability Rides with a chance to test yourself against sometimes pretty adverse weather before spring takes hold. Bedfordshire Road Cycling Club offers not one, but two such events during the month of February, an excellent way to get out and explore the local region. The 60-mile route offered by the club is an opportunity to clock up a metric century. It starts and finishes at the club house which lies in the small village of Cardington to the south east of Bedford. Before properly starting the ride, it’s worth taking a short detour, turning right out of the club house and heading west. The road quickly takes a sharp turn to the left. After 100m or so, look across the field to the right and you will catch a glimpse of the two Cardington Sheds, huge structures which dominate the skyline for miles.
These were originally built during the First World War for the construction of airships. More recently, they have provided cavernous space to build the large sets used in the filming of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, and rumours of the latest film stars to grace the sheds abound. Coming full-circle, the sheds are currently used as the home for the development of the Airlander. If you spot a line of people holding binoculars to their faces staring across the field, this usually means a flight is imminent and is well worth the wait. Returning past the club house, the route heads towards Cople, turning right through the village. Grassy fields lie on both sides before reaching the first test: Moxhill. Well, to be fair, most people would consider this just a slight undulation in the landscape, but the previous fast run along the flat will have lulled you into a false sense of an easy ride. A few gear changes and you will be at the top. Avoid the enticing long straight downhill section and instead turn left past Sheerhatch Wood. Take a deep breath of damp, loamy woodland air and, if you’re heading this way at the start of spring, have a careful look into the trees to spy the carpet of bluebells amongst the shadows. Other things to keep an eye out for on the ride are the elusive and shy muntjac deer, badgers, foxes, hares and rabbits, and don’t forget to look upwards into the blue sky for buzzards circling overhead searching for prey. The route now takes you through a series of villages: Moggerhanger, Chalton, and Blunham, before crossing the River Great Ouse over Barford Bridge and into Great Barford. This is a good chance to appreciate traditional English villages with thatched cottages, quiet roads and
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Our beautiful Georgian country house, designed by the renowned architect Sir John Soane, is set in thirty three acres of Humphry Repton landscaped parkland and is situated off the A603 in between Sandy and Bedford. We have over 20 B&B rooms and the house is also available for exclusive event hire. Our café in the Old Kitchen serves breakfast, lunches and afternoon teas. The adjoining Courtyard is perfect for cycling tours to relax and recuperate in. During summer weekends the Garden Room pop-up café is open in the grounds near the woodland and playground area. We are open for food and drink every day from 10am until 4pm. Public House tours are run throughout the spring and summer on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. Pre-arranged group tours are available by appointment.
Reception Office: Park Road Moggerhanger Beds MK44 3RW Tel: 01767 641007 • enquiries@moggerhangerpark.com
CYCLING STOP OFF POINT EXCELLENT MENU & DRINKS ON THE EAST KENT COASTAL CYCLE ROUTE
3*** group hostel in peaceful location near Tenterden and Romney Marsh.Exclusive use for up to 45 guests in bunkrooms, plus several single/twins. Clean and spacious, plenty of showers/WC’s. Undercover bike storage +cloakroom. Ample parking. Bedding provided. Self-catered from £17 pppn. Economical catered options available.
W W W. B AY P O I N T C L U B . C O .U K Tel: Email:
01304 613022
enquiries@baypointclub.co.uk
Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9QL
Kench Hill Centre Appledore Rd Tenterden KENT TN30 7DG Tel 01580 762073 • Website: www.kenchhill co.uk http://www.facebook.com/KenchHillCentre
@KenchHillCentre
December 2017| 85 pastures. Be careful of taking too deep a breath of the fresh country air, a recent spread of manure on the land can make this an unpleasant experience. This peace provides preparation for the only busy stretch, a short stint on the A6 on the way to Wymington. Straight roads now give way to ones which curve around the contours of the landscape as they sweep around fields and farms. Take a chance to admire 18th century thatched stone cottages in the village of Podington. Feel free to take a deep lungful of air, you may just catch the perfume of honeysuckle emanating from someone’s garden.
cosy tudor-style pubs, and marvel at the engineering feat of the bridge as you look down at colourful narrow boats lazily floating down the river. The A1 provides a natural boundary to the east, with few places for cyclists to cross safely, and most cycle routes take the safer option heading north over the top of the busy A421. If you feel in need of a coffee or more substantial sustenance, a short detour following signs to Chawston will take you to the Edible Kitchen, a cycling friendly café situated on a chilli farm.
Next stop: Harrold -Odell country park with refreshments and cycle racks available at Tea-Zels café in the visitor centre. The cake selection is usually amazing and you will have earned it by now! Be aware that the café can get very busy, particularly if the sun is shining, as it attracts walkers and cyclists alike. But this does give you chance to rest and admire the wildlife skimming across Grebe Lake – over 160 species of birds can be spotted, and if birds are not your thing, study the wild flowers and see if you can spy a fox or a weasel, or
Retrace your steps to continue to Colmworth, where gently rolling countryside gives way to a more lumpy rollercoaster-ride experience. Trees on the right hide the Augustinian Bushmead Priory, open only on the first Saturday of the month. It does, however, provide a useful off-road space for a brief rest, adjustment of pesky mudguards, puncture repairs and the like. Once past Little Staughton, head towards Pertenhall, Swineshead and Yelden. An alternative route for another occasion is to continue onto Great Staughton from Little Staughton, and then to Perry and the shores of Grafham Water. A café at the visitor centre gives stunning views across the reservoir, denoted as a site of Special Scientific Interest with diverse habitats for birds. A ten-mile circular cycle track takes you around
even a shrew amongst the ubiquitous rabbits. Continue on from the park to Chellington, where a sharp left forces you to conduct a speedy gear change as the road suddenly slopes up without prior warning. A long uphill drag where dry stone walls frame views of fields with woodland beyond. Curvaceous lanes snake up and down, leading eventually down to the river at Felmersham, with more stone cottages to admire before heading on to Milton Earnest. Here, the Coffee Shop at the garden centre provides a further option for refreshments to celebrate completing two-thirds of the ride. The final third takes you back across the old A6 to the windmill at Thurleigh, currently a B&B which provides a useful marker for the right-hand turn past Salph End Farm. Another tearoom awaits with coffee and cake, as well as tea.
the water’s edge, a trail most suitable for hybrid and mountain bikes, and great for children. The land evens out once more towards Yelden, with gently rolling curves helping you glide past peaceful
One final challenge remains to further sap tired legs and this is Church Hill in Ravensden. It starts off with a gradual incline, then a slight plateau before the gradient increases. Looking up, you can see the top. Or what you think is the top, because the road sneaks away with a sharp angled bend to the left and slots in a final kick
86 | Cycling World
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December 2017| 87 in gradient, just as you think you have finished, forcing an even greater effort before the relief as the road eventually levels out. On a 20-mile trip, this hill is just a slight irritation but towards the end of a 60-mile ride, it requires slightly more effort. Beyond this, long downhill sections enable a quick recovery, before the route rejoins the outward journey at Wilden, with a second chance to appreciate Barford Bridge before eventually arriving back at the clubhouse. Alternative cycling routes are present in the form of Sustrans route 51. Not to be confused with Area 51, which is a US air force base in Nevada rumoured to hold alien life, route 51 offers its own hazards in the form of walkers, dogs, and children on bicycles. From Priory Park in Bedford, to Sandy, the route follows an old railway link, offering flat, traffic-free cycling. It is feasible for a road bike but is better with a hybrid or mountain bike to cope with nature’s offerings of leaves and twigs that litter the surface, in addition to a few cattle grids which require careful negotiation, particularly when wet. A great place to stop and admire the river Great Ouse is at Danish Camp in Willington, an unexpected Norwegian log cabin providing refreshments and various entertainment events throughout the year. For those whose love lies in mountain biking, head to Chicksands Bike Park for high octane jumps; or to the trails near Woburn Sands and the Forest of Marston Vale in Marston Moretaine for the low octane version. And if all this cycling ends in an unexpected mechanical, two local bike shops offer coffee and cake alongside repairs, and the opportunity to gaze at new shiny things: Flamme Rouge Cycles in Bedford and Stripes Bikes in Woburn Sands, the kick-off place of choice for heading to the mountain biking trails. So, what does Bedfordshire offer the cyclist? Quiet roads winding through tidy farmlands and woodlands, with wildlife aplenty. Not forgetting the numerous cafes on hand offering succour to the weary. Still want hills? Two legendary slopes offer the autumnal hill climbing challenge for local clubs: Sharpenhoe Clappers (maximum gradient 15.5%) and Bow Brickhill (maximum gradient 19.5%). Each will test you to the limit and are definitely not for the faint-hearted, even without a headwind.
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KING’S LYNN & WEST NORFOLK
T
he western side of Norfolk provides a wonderful mix of wide open countryside with vast panorama’s, coupled with a stunning unspoilt coastline with some beautifully tranquil rolling countryside in-between. Add in the historic waterside town of King’s Lynn which is absolutely brim full of history and this stunning part of Norfolk offers a great location for exploring by bike. For lovers of history, West Norfolk is a treasure trove of historic houses, windmills and castles as well lots of beautiful churches and historic sites. A highlight of any trip is a visit to Sandringham House, the Royal Family’s county retreat, but also don’t miss out on the spectacular Norman Castle at Castle Rising, with its magnificent keep and massive earthworks. Splendid Houghton Hall was home to Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole; the house, stunning walled garden and beautiful parkland making a great place to visit, whilst further south near Downham market is the classic moated Tudor manor house of Oxburgh Hall. The wonderful coastline offers something special for all ages and at all times of year. The classic family resort of Hunstanton, offers all the elements of a great seaside resort, with theatre, boat trips, sealife sanctuary, fun fair, seaside amusements, water sports and much more. Neighbouring Old Hunstanton with its beautiful beach, backed by pine trees and beach huts nestling amongst the dunes, has much of a village feel, with cottages built of Norfolk Carrstone, pubs, restaurants a craft centre and beachside tearoom. From the beaches at Hunstanton and neighbouring Heacham, West Norfolk’s wide sandy beaches stretch far along the coast. At the waterside town of King’s Lynn, the magnificent Minster Church dominates beautiful Saturday Market Place, surrounded by many historic buildings and a maze of cobbled streets, courtyards and alleyways. Stop at the Custom House which is also home to the Tourist Information Centre and be sure to visit Stories of Lynn the town’s new attraction including the old gaol cells, which tells the stories of merchants, explorers, magistrates and miscreants who have shaped the town’s history. Take a stroll along the historic riverfront where you’ll be tempted to stop off for a drink or bite to eat. The free guide ‘Discover King’s Lynn’ is a great introduction to this historic town and features many other great attractions including True’s Yard Fisherfolk
Museum and The Lynn Museum as well as the impressive South Gate and Red Mount Chapel which are both open during the summer months. Lovers of nature and the outdoors will love West Norfolk for its beautiful coastline and excellent nature reserves such as WWT Welney Wetland Centre near Downham Market and RSPB Titchwell on the coast, both of which have excellent visitor facilities and can provide a great introduction to discovering our wildlife.
Travel: Both King’s Lynn and Downham Market offer excellent rail connections to Cambridge and London. National Cycle Routes: Both National Cycle Route 1 and route 11 give access into West Norfolk where they connect near Wiggenhall St German’s, just south of King’s Lynn. Route 1 then continues north through historic King’s Lynn and then gives a beautiful route through the heart of the West Norfolk countryside.
KING’S LYNN & WEST NORFOLK For more information about planning a day out or holiday in West Norfolk be sure to visit our website.
www.visitwestnorfolk.com Before you visit, download our Free Visit West Norfolk App for details of places to eat and shop, attraction, activities and events throughout West Norfolk.
When you visit be sure to visit our Tourist Information Centres
at King’s Lynn (Tel: 01553 763044)
and Hunstanton (Tel: 01485 532610)
December 2017| 89
Northumberland: a quiet cycling paradise By Jami Blythe, Berwick Wheelers
S
hhh, don’t tell anyone, but Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are a cyclist’s heaven. Unlike the Official Secrets Act, we can’t hold you to keeping this quiet, but we’d ask you to save it for those you like the most, at least. Here’s why:
Spanning from the east coast around the Elizabethan walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, across rolling Northumbria hills – where the natives also roll their ‘R’s’ (listen carefully, they do!), into the National Park to the Cheviot Hills and the rugged and unspoilt landscape of the Tweed Valley, there’s plenty to choose from if your mode of transport involves two wheels and pedal power. We could easily write a book on what choice you have to explore the area (well, it would be a bible actually), but we’ll try and keep it brief. If you haven’t already put the kettle on and engaged your imagination, now’s the time….. As with the rest of the country’s climate, the coast of Northumberland often offers a more mild temperament to ease you into your exploration. Usually receiving the last of any westerlies, the white-sanded beaches and imposing, historic castles open up a story book of possibilities. Beal, just a stone’s throw from the A1, is a good starting point. Here the roads are less challenging, with cafés and views over the dunes, aplenty. The Barn at Beal provides a stunning lens over to Holy Island and a perfect spot for coffee on the terrace to plot your pilgrimage there, just a handful of miles away. The crossing to Holy Island is a gateway to a religious ‘Holy Land’ which has its own blend of coffee and quaint character to boot. Remember to check the tide times before you commit to the Causeway – many have been caught out and have had to be rescued, and publicly shamed.
Travelling west, the way becomes more undulating where a wealth of small farms means a huge choice of interconnecting minor roads taking you away from the busy A1. Along the River Tweed, approximately five miles from the town of Berwick, an easy journey will take you to Chain Bridge Honey Farm, welcoming cyclists onto their vintage bus to sample tea and home baked goodies – many made using their very own, and internationally sold, honey. The pretty village of Norham is next, just four miles further west. A popular stop off for those taking on the Coast to Coast Challenge and National Cycle Route 1, it’s also host to sportives and an annual Bike Fest, bringing together tots scooter races and more competitive team time trails. The Masons Arms offers evening meals, a mean roast dinner and good ales after a long day in the saddle. Norham Castle provides the perfect backdrop for an evening stroll to stretch tight hamstrings in the ready for another days pedalling. The site of many bloody battles over the years, the battlement was once described as the most dangerous place in the country and famously painted by Turner. From here, you can be tempted to try your hand at Berwick Wheelers ‘Reivers Road Race’ route, part of the East and Central Scotland series held in March each year. Part of the 20-mile route, tackled three times by riders, starts in the small village of Etal. The circuit takes in the mighty Ford Bank – a category 4 climb featured as a KOM stage in the Tour of Britain 2015. Ford Village itself offers quaint antique shops and The Dairy is home to well-travelled chefs who serve freshly baked scones each day in their converted milking shed. Be warned, however, the Dairy is half way up the hill! The nearby town of Wooler is home to Wooler Cycle Hub, host of the popular Wooler Wheel series of sportives run throughout the year, attracting participants with pie and peas at the end.
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December 2017| 91 A truly spirited adventure awaits those who head further up the Tweed Valley. Here, the view of the Eildon Hills is truly majestic and can be seen from many miles away. Their shadows are cast over the cobbled town of Melrose, a few miles from the similar market town of Kelso. The locals here are always friendly, always have a tale to tell and are usually adorning a kilt. Don’t be put off by the traditions though – if you stay long enough, the Scottish Borders will begin to weave their magic around your pedals and you’ll easily fall in love with the tempting roads and hospitality. Straying up to the Rhymers Stone from Melrose will draw you into the fairy tale of Thomas the Rhymer, from which you can see the impressive Leaderfoot Viaduct. Any b-road or cycle route (see www. cyclescottishborders.com) will keep you away from the busy haulier routes, where further up the valley
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One Destination over 20 Attractions Nestled between the Cheviot Hills, Scottish Border and Northumbrian Coastline lies Ford & Etal Estates. Spanning around 16,000 acres of stunning countryside, quiet roads and picturesque villages this privately owned rural estate offers a range of attractions, outdoor adventure, tearooms and accommodation. A great destination for all ages and interests, it’s easy to spend a day or more here exploring the many lanes, footpaths and bridleways which criss-cross the estate – and bikes for all ages can be hired from the Visitor Centre at Heatherslaw. For long-distance cyclists, Sustrans Route 68 (Berwick-upon-Tweed to Derby) passes through the heart of the estate, with a stamping point at Heatherslaw. Soak up the beauty and tranquillity of the estate, relax in the pretty estate villages, take refreshments at one of the traditional tearooms, book for an outdoor adventure activity or visit one of the attractions (open seasonally). From Heatherslaw Cornmill, a restored 19th Century watermill where visitors can experience living history to Lady Waterford Hall, the original Victorian schoolroom decorated with amazing murals from the time; Heatherslaw Light Railway, pulled by steam locomotives between Heatherslaw and Etal Castle (a return journey of 6.4km) to Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre where the resident Clydesdales tell the story of farming past and present; from Etal Castle to the famous Flodden Battlefield, there’s sure to be something to catch your eye. Regular events are held throughout the year too, so there’s always something fresh to bring you back time and time again.
For more information visit our website www.ford-and-etal.co.uk The Visitor Centre, Heatherslaw, Cornhill-on-Tweed Northumberland TD12 4TJT 01890 820338 W: www.ford-and-etal.co.uk
December 2017| 93 the scree sloped hills grow taller and the heather-filled landscape brings on a beauty of its own. The busy market town of Peebles offers fantastic accommodation and the perfect hideaway, many hotels including pools and Jacuzzis – perfect relaxation for tired legs and souls. A hearty Scottish breakfast with a full complement of black pudding, lorne sausage and homemade potato scones are the perfect fuel to set you up for a longer pedal into the more rugged and
unexplored tributaries of the River Tweed itself. If skinny tyres aren’t your thing, the nearby Glentress Forest is a ‘mountain biking mecca’ you’d be hard pushed to beat. If you’re taking the family, there are plenty of routes for kids to try out too – so no need to leave them at home! For lycra fans, the roads leading from Peebles itself are smooth, with gentle climbs taking you up the river valleys such as the Manor and Ettrick. You’ll share your day with sheep who’ll offer you a polite nod, such is their familiarity with visitors of the spoked variety.
94 | Cycling World Here, café stops are rare and a warm day will easily fool you into thinking fuel won’t be needed. If you head this way, 3G and 4G are few and far between, so doubling your water bottles, packing your pockets with supplies and grabbing a map from the Tourist Information point is a good idea. This is all part of the charm though. Segments such as the ‘Wall of Talla’ and ‘The Sware’ give an idea of how tough some of the climbs can be if you so choose, but the ospreys soaring over St Mary’s Loch on the other side make it every bit worth the effort. With much to offer a variety of cycling abilities, your journey from Berwick to the Border lands can be what you make it. For the more leisurely paced, quiet roads are stress-free. For hardened souls, it’s easy to put in a 120km ride and be distracted by what’s on offer. Berwick Wheelers Cycling Club is a growing local club offering experience and a range of disciplines to get stuck into. With a rich menu of time trials, social Sunday training and club rides and complimentary evenings such as sports massage, strength training and bike maintenance, they’re arguably one of the luckiest clubs around.
Whatever the time of year, come prepared for some good old Scottish weather – rain and shine – picturesque vistas will have you penning postcards aplenty, and more importantly, bring a whole lot of adventure. But shhh, don’t tell anyone.
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For a warm & welcoming stay for Cyclists in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall Country The Grey Bull is ideally situated for visiting Hadrians Wall and museums, and a great starting point for our mapped walks in the area. Local shops, the railway station, bus stops and the Hadrians Wall Bus Service are all within easy walking distance. We have safe and secure storage for Bikes during your stay.
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Cycle for Yorkshire
Experience Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside with two unique cycling challenges Great Yorkshire Bike Ride 17th June Wetherby to Filey Selby Three Swans Sportive 3rd September 30, 60 and 100 mile routes www.ycr.org.uk/events & go to cycling
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Saving Yorkshire Lives
96 | Cycling World
Cycling around Scarborough Written by Brian Musson and Elaine Ward of Scarborough Paragon Cycling Club
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yclists in Scarborough and its district are fortunate in having a wealth of varied and attractive countryside to choose from, providing something for everyone. The North York Moors National Park has some big demanding climbs to the vast heather-clad moors which are ablaze with purple hues from August until September. The busy main a-roads to Whitby can be avoided by taking the minor roads around Goathland (made famous by the television series “Heartbeat”) and the notorious Rosedale Chimney Bank with its one in four hairpin bends and cattle grid to Hutton le Hole, a much photographed, beautiful hill village with wide sheep-grazed greens, and down on to the flatter terrain that is the Vale of York. There are plenty of meandering lanes here; it is possible to notch up an 80-mile route from Scarborough to Helmsley and back, hardly touching the a-roads. Along the corridor that is the A170, gentler rides can be enjoyed. There are several towns and villages including Kirkbymoorside, Pickering, Thornton Dale and Helmsley. Pickering enjoys the terminus for the North York Moors steam railway to Whitby. Whitby has a superb harbour, the abbey of Dracula fame with 199 steps up to it and excellent fish and chips, of course. The steam railway travels between both towns through Goathland and Grosmont, providing scenic views of the moors in between. It is possible to take your bike too and hop on and off on a day rover ticket. Some of the stations were used as a film set for the Harry Potter films.
Thornton le Dale is only two miles from Pickering in the A170 corridor and is a honeypot for tourists with its cafés and chocolate-box thatched cottages by the clear waters of its free-flowing stream. Helmsley is a lovely market town with its dominant castle and Duncombe Park, as is Malton, which now has a growing foodie reputation. The grand stately home of Castle Howard is near Malton and is located near the Hambleton Hills, an area of natural beauty, with Helmsley at its head. The Yorkshire Wolds is also a great area to cycle, being gently rolling in contrast to the tougher climbs of the North York Moors. Once you have accessed the top road from Hunmanby at the coastal end or Malton further inland, the roads are quieter and have a good surface to ride on. Here is the gateway to East Yorkshire and Driffield market town, where we make regular café stops. Riders often call here whilst cycling the Way of the Roses cycle route from Morecambe in Lancashire to Bridlington on the east coast of Yorkshire. The Wolds is an upland area of mainly cereal growing farms which has quiet villages and deep dry valleys. The Gypsey Race is an unusual stream that can be totally dry for years but can suddenly flood with sparkling clear water that runs strongly for weeks before disappearing again. It runs on to exit at Bridlington harbour. Rudston village has a strange prehistoric huge monolith standing beside the church. Nobody knows how it got there as it is not made from local stone. On the coast there are fine beaches from Whitby all the way down into East Yorkshire,
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although a popular little café at Ulrome near Skipsea finally disappeared into the North Sea in a storm in 2016 after years of fighting coastal erosion. Mr Moo’s Ice Cream parlour is now our regular café stop at Skipsea a couple of miles further on. For those who enjoy long-distance challenging rides, there is a route for the summer months in the North York Moors from Scarborough. An earlier start of 8am ensures the 102-mile route is completed in a reasonable time, allowing for refreshment breaks. Scarborough Paragon Cycling Club start at Crossgates, just outside Scarborough on the B1261 towards Seamer, through East and West Ayton, joining the A170 before branching off for a short while at Snainton on the B1258. Taking the back lanes towards Ebberston (Penistone Lane) and left on Allerston lane emerging at Yedingham, you take a right across the six-mile long Low Marishes route (Marishes Lane). There is now a wonderful tea garden about five miles along the lane. The blackboard will be outside the renovated railway cottage that is Briggs & Co, where the hostess bakes wonderful cakes and makes customers on two-wheels very welcome. At the end of the Marishes you reach a t-junction where, unfortunately, you can’t avoid the main A169, which cuts across from the A64 at Malton to Pickering, ultimately continuing to the east coast at Whitby. Turn right here and bear with it for a few miles to Pickering town. At the roundabout turn left, then take a right at the traffic lights to pass the famous
North York Moors railway station. This is now Undercliffe, which follows the course of the Pickering beck. Cross the railway’s level crossing and the road starts to rise ahead of you to climb up to the village of Newton upon Rawcliffe. You soon emerge towards the edge of the moors at the hamlet of Stape, still within earshot of the steam engine’s whistles and sometimes you can pick out the trail of steam rising in plumes against the backdrop of the emotive moorland as the railway cuts it way below you through the valley to your right. In a short while you are out on to Wheeldale Moor where, on hotter days, you can see adders (or their flattened remains if they’ve been unlucky) on the roadside. Sheep-dodging is another hazard to be aware of; they freely roam these moors so special consideration should be given when descending in case one decides to cross the road in your path. There is other wildlife to enjoy up here, including red grouse, snipe, whinchat, skylark, merlin, and golden plover, in addition to heathland and bog plants. There will be some technical descents, for example over Wheeldale Gill, and even a water splash to negotiate – a regular filming spot in the Heartbeat series. Then, a testing climb up again on to the top, eventually reaching 250m, at which point you are almost 40 miles into the route. A fantastic panoramic view can be enjoyed from here, you will feel as though you are a million miles away from civilisation. There are many options to deviate
98 | Cycling World
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December 2017| 99 on other minor roads to places like Goathland, but our route drops down into Egton Bridge, over the bridge across the river Esk, which meanders to Whitby harbour and the North Sea. Take a left towards Glaisdale, keeping the river on your left. The route bends up right and away from the river course, forcing a gear shift into another testing incline. Eventually, after this gradual climb, you reach a t-junction with Egton Lane where you turn left towards Glaisdale. The road steadily drops down but care needs to be taken at the sharp right-hand bend at the top of Limber Hill which famously featured in the Tour de Yorkshire. There is another tight left-hand hairpin towards the bottom which can easily catch riders out, at a point where you have built up a good speed. Be ready on the brakes! By now your legs can take a short break on flatter terrain before going under Beggars Bridge with the railway above you and the river beside. Two miles out of Egton, turn left after the Glaisdale climb at a junction which slightly doubles back on you, signposted Glaisdale Dale. This lane climbs steadily again past the church and school away from the village. It is a pleasant lane which flattens out and is surrounded by farmland heading towards the valley head. You would be excused for wondering where the road will take you. Continue for approximately three miles, but don’t miss the right-hand turn on a slight descent, signposted Rosedale. Here is where the fun begins! This is the start of the single-track lane to the notorious Caper Hill at 0.88 miles in length with a maximum gradient of 25 percent. It starts in anger about 100 metres after the junction and goes up at 15-25 percent for nearly its entire length, and seems longer than you expect. It is difficult to find the right rhythm, constantly in and out of the saddle, especially true just after the halfway point when you need enough momentum to safely cross the cattle grid. You will be glad when you see the junction and the top of Glaisdale High Moor at 1100 feet. Turn right here to Lealholm; refreshments are available here also, turning left to Danby and Castleton where the relocated tea rooms are highly recommended. By now your legs will have covered about 55 miles. Head to Westerdale (a long drag of nearly three miles). On the top
moorland area take a left to Rosedale, Cropton, Newtonupon-Rawcliffe, retracing your outward route. Suggested gear ratio for the reasonably fit is 36/27. There are many variants in these moors. You can miss out Caper Hill and continue straight to Castleton if you are in dire need of further refreshment, before picking up the route to Westerdale and Rosedale. The café on the green in Rosedale is also recommended but depending on the time of year, there are many choices in these villages for cafés and inns. Enjoy! Cyclists local to Scarborough feel fortunate to have such diverse terrain to choose from for their cycling. Groups, clubs and visiting tourists from the south, west and north sometimes converge on regular watering holes. There is something for everyone. Scarborians don’t need to go far from town to take in shorter hillier routes through Dalby Forest and even Oliver’s Mount overlooking Scarborough. Alternatively, if hills aren’t your thing, the Yorkshire Wolds is the place to go.
Putting Welsh Climbs to the Test By Meirion Llywelyn Davies, Energy Cycle Club
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f you are training for the Marmotte, ideally you need to mimic climbing 5,000 meters in one ride. This is not the easiest task, even if you live in a mountain region such as Eryri (or Snowdonia as the English apparently call it). It can be done, but it is a matter of stringing all the major climbs together in one ride. The question is, where are these climbs? Many are familiar with Llanberis or Nant Gwynant from the other side. These are typical of the area – longish climbs which last up to 20 minutes, depending on who is riding. But with a bit of imagination you can find much more climbs like this, as well as some climbs that will take you over the half hour.
So, after gradually building up the time in the saddle once the weather here had improved, I had devised something that would give me close to 4,000 meters of climbing. Note: these rides are dependent on weather conditions. More often than not, long hard rides before March around here can be impossible and are a good way of ruining your season through illness.
TAKE A TRIP THROUGH HISTORY
102 | Cycling World
WHERE WILL YOU GO TODAY?
ENJOY A HERITAGE TRAIN RIDE THROUGH THE DEE VALLEY
Tel: 01978 860979 www.llangollen-railway.co.uk
December 2017| 103 One of the highlights of the season for me was undoubtedly the Marmotte, but the following ride alone early one Sunday Morning was also one of them. “I will be gone for six to seven hours,” I told the wife. “That’s a really long time.” “Yes, I have to do this ride so I know I will finish the Marmotte without trouble. Anyway, your brother is in France watching football for four weeks.” (Wales were through to the European Championships for the first time in years). “Good point… Ok then, go for longer if you want…” It’s not often I can get up at 5am, but this time I succeeded, helped by the already bright daylight. I was out of the house by 6am. I live in Dyffryn Ogwen, so I headed up towards the Dyffryn Valley, straight over the first climb of Nant Ffrancon. Over to my right was Cwm Cneifion or the Namless Cwm, as it is known in English, and I undertook a gradual climb up to Llyn Ogwen which skirts under Tryfan, one of Wales’ most spectacular peaks that resembles a large dark tooth or a dragon’s bent back, depending on the day. I pass often and the view is never the same. I then took a long descent down to Betws y Coed. I usually have to watch out for tourists stepping out in front of me, but at this time in the morning it was fine. I then turned left and followed the back road down to Dyffryn Conwy and Llanrwst. I passed a “ghost bike” on the right, dedicated to Barry Cawley, a member of the seminal Welsh Language Band “ Y Cyrff” that went on to form Catatonia. I was in Llanrwst by 7am. Once over the bridge I turned right, then left, and an immediate right for Melin y Coed/Nebo. This was the first serious climb of the day. A good 15-20 minutes of gradual climbing followed, with an occasional steep ramp, mostly through a canopy of trees. Once I was up to the top I could look down over Dyffryn Conwy; it was a clear morning and I could see most of Eryri to the West. The land changed here to open Moreland as I skirted around the edge of the National Park. I then cycled down to Pentrefoelas, over the main road (the A5) and followed the back road to Ysbyty Ifan. I was there by 8am. I turned left on leaving Ysbyty Ifan. Then it was time for the Mignaint – another 20 minutes of gradual climbing. It’s easy to get caught out here; it’s famous for bad weather, even in mid-summer. After cresting, I was treated to the longest descent of the
ride – a good 10 to 15 minutes down and down through Llanffestiniog and all the way to sea level. Then came a hard part, as I turned right for Blaenau Ffestiniog there was half an hour of climbing in front of me to take me to the top of Stwlan. I turned left when I got to Tan-yGrisiau, passed the lake café around the first hairpin and cycled up to the gate. The good thing about Stwlan was that it was a closed road up to the hydro-electric dam on the side of the Moelwynion. It did have some steep parts, however, and as I got under the dam I was dizzied by hairpins. On this day, the view was fantastic looking down towards Cadair Idris. I headed straight back down, being mindful to watch out for other cyclists coming up, and was at the bottom by by 9.30. I headed back down the way I came, but carried on towards Penrhyndeudraeth, turning right at the Oakley arms and over to Rhyd to Llanfrothen. I had to prepare myself for some weight training on the bike as I hit “Wal Rhyd,” as we call it (The Rhyd Wall, no marks for guessing why), a shockingly steep (but short) climb up to Llyn Mair where it levelled out for a while before a more gradual climb took me up to the summit. I could then enjoy a technical descent down to Llanfrothen. To the left of the junction there was a handy café to fill up with water, which would have been essential for even the fastest riders by this point. The time was now 10am and other cyclists were out. I greeted many with the customary, “Sut mae?” (How are you?) or “Iawn?” (ok?). My next step took me towards Beddgelert. The next 20k or so was generally flat; the first bit skirted around the mountains to where the sea used to come up to until the Cob (the dike in Porthmadog) was built. The structure took the sea back miles and created a new plain of land to the West. After about 10k I came to Aberglaslyn, one of the most picturesque ravines in Wales, and for a while I was surrounded by its towering sides. I continued my journey towards Beddgelert (Gelert’s Grave). As I got to the foot of the next pass, Nant Gwynant, there was another good café on the left, Caffi Gwynant, which is recommended for those who are not hammering round this route. Nant Gwynant must be one of the most aesthetically pleasing climbs there is, not just in Eryri, but the world. A big claim, I know, but I have cycled in many
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Nigel and his family migrated from the flat lands of Norfolk to the mountains of North Wales in 2001.Having previously cycle toured through Britain and western Europe, Nigel got himself a mountain bike in 2004 and took to the hills and trails of Gt Britain and Europe. Nigel and his spaniel Caval can often be found biking around one of the local MTB trails. Nigel has Cytech qualifications in Cycle maintenance and is also Sa MLTB qualified trail leader. There are routes suitable for cyclists of all abilities directly from the shop. For those who want to venture further afield there are established trails close by including Beddgelert forest and the Marin, Penmachno, and Coed y Brenin trails. For families, Lon Eifion is 7 miles away by car in Caernarfon. Bikes can be delivered to all five sites. Bikes can also be delivered to holiday accommodation in the area.
Tan y Ddraig, 34 High Street, Llanberis, LL55 4EU, GB | 01286 872782 email: llanberisbikehire@gmail.com • www.llanberisbikehire.co.uk
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December 2017| 105 of the mountain ranges around the world. On our club rides this one comes towards the end and is usually seen as the “showdown” climb, and it’s always lined out from Beddgelert. It’s a big ring climb if you are flying, but for slower cyclists, there is just more time to enjoy the view. The climb was steeper at the bottom; if I had been in a group, this was where I would have known if I was going to hang on or not. It levelled out after about 1k. Looking to my left, I could see Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and its gang of peaks. On a clear day, or when there is snow, it is really hard to gauge the scale of these mountains. They are just over 1,000 meters, but they could easily be 3,000 meters because of their rocky appearance. I could also see the road in the distance hugging the other side of the valley as it reached up to Pen y Pass, where the hostel buildings were in clear view – very alpine. Once over, I began my descent down Bwlch Llanberis. It was 10.45. Usually it takes me an hour to get home from the bottom of Nant Gwynant, but on this day, l had planned the highest climb of the journey: Marchlyn Mawr, over 600m ahead of me. For years I wondered what it would be like going up Marchlyn Mawr after a hard ride. Then two years ago, I entered the Quebrantuesos in the Pyrenees, which had the Col du Portalet (1,795m) after 160k; and last year the Marmotte which has Alpe d’Huez (1,880m) after 160k. So I had reason to find out how it felt. The first few attempts were marked with bouts of cramp and ridiculously low wattage. Surprisingly, after a few months, I could ride it at a respectable pace which did not make me look like it was my first time on a bike.
As I passed through Llanberis, I looked up to my right. At the top of the huge quarry, I could just about make out the final zig zag to the top of the climb – just below the summit of Elidir Fach. As I left Llanberis, I turned right, and the climb began a few hundred meters later. It started on the main road for 2km, where I turned right for Deiniolen and then left before the village. Then that was where the real slopes began. The gradient soon lessened and I followed the road until I reached a gate. It was another closed road from here, one that was built as part of the Dinorwig power station, another ambitious hydro-electric scheme built at the start of the 70’s. The gradient soon picked up again and I had the choice as to whether I should carry on to the dam (the easy option) or turn right to head to the hard high road. As I approached the summit I could see the zig zags again in front of me with metal barriers on the side. It reminded me of the kind of ridiculous climbs they have in the Vuelta. As I came round the last hairpin and headed for the top, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of achievement. On a clear day, from this point you are able to see Crib Goch and Yr Wyddfa, but from well over half way up. Out to the West were views of the whole of Ynys Mon and over to the Wicklow Mountains, Ireland. It was 12.15 and I arrived home fifteen minutes later, after a total journey of six and a half hours – not a bad trip and I had the rest of the day to spend with the family, even though I would not be up to much. I choose not to mention the trip to France in a month’s time.
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Croatia – Gearing Up From active families to pro cyclists, Croatia is a hot tip for a cool trip Words and pictures by Niki Baker and Martin Webb
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roatia’s growing popularity as a general holiday destination is very old news these days, with Dubrovnik and Plitvice Lakes firmly established as magnets for camera-wielding droves of culture vultures and nature lovers. What hasn’t yet hit the headlines is that the country is also a fantastic option for cycling getaways, whatever your skill level, budget, or appetite for exercise. The cat’s already out of the saddlebag for pros in the know, since this spring sees the third Tour of Croatia event take place (www.tourofcroatia.com). The six-day race has a UCI classification of 2.1 and attracts around 20 teams as part of the annual UCI Europe Tour. Mind you, one has to feel almost sorry for the professional competitors, who ride way too fast to appreciate their beautiful surroundings. Last year’s overall winner was 35-year-old Croatian cyclist Matija Kvasina, riding for the Azerbaijani continental team Synergy Baku, who completed all six stages of the 1,005 kilometre route in a total time of 23 hours and 29 minutes.
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However, for those of us mere mortals who are lucky enough to ride at average speeds of significantly (in our case very significantly) less than 40 kilometres per hour, there’s time to take in the delights of Croatia’s dramatically diverse and incredibly photogenic scenery.
Game of saddles Dubrovnik is regarded by many as the jewel in Croatia’s crown – even more so since it was chosen to represent King’s Landing in the popular television series ‘Game of Thrones’ – but it certainly doesn’t have a monopoly on beguiling urban environments. Cities further up the coast such as Split (another ‘Game of Thrones’ filming location, incidentally), Šibenik and Zadar also boast fascinating old town sectors whose narrow stone-clad streets gleam between tall shuttered buildings, ancient palaces, bell towers and cathedrals. These cities are also somewhat more bike-friendly than Dubrovnik, too. While we’re on the subject of fantasy settings, Plitvice Lakes National Park has deservedly gained fame for its fairytale-worthy waterfalls, crystal-clear pools and sundappled forests. There are care-free cycling trails here that have been described as the best one-day bicycle route in Europe. Plitvice’s little sister, Krka National Park, is also worth a visit and it too has bike paths. Its waterfalls may be less awe-inspiring and extensive, but they’re still very lovely and, unlike Plitvice, you can swim in one of the enticing pools – a blissful way to cool down if you don’t mind sharing the experience with all the other tourists who had the same idea. If you prefer a little more privacy and really enjoy mixing your pedalling with some paddling, Croatia has almost 1,800 kilometres of coastline just begging to be explored, and you can add a stunning 4,000 kilometres to that figure if you include (and, quite frankly, it would be rude not to) the thousand or so islands lying just offshore.
Expect rocks rather than sandy beaches in most places, but truly idyllic swimming spots are easy to find, lapped by the irresistibly clear turquoise Adriatic, so be sure to leave room in your backpack for a mask and snorkel and a pair of water shoes.
Ferry handy In Croatia, the delights of island-hopping are not reserved exclusively for those with deep pockets or private yachts. Most of the inhabited islands (of which there are about 50) are served by scheduled public ferry services (www.croatiaferries.com), and are readily accessible for surprisingly cheap fares. The biggest ferry company is Jadrolinija (www.jadrolinija.hr/en/ferry-croatia), which operates a sizeable fleet of vessels ranging from zippy catamarans to large car ferries. Do note, though, that only the latter will generally take bikes on board (for a modest surcharge). You can check routes, timetables and restrictions online, via tourist information offices, or at the ticket office when you book. Don’t forget to check the times of return services too, as they may vary on different days.
Pedalling the peninsula Way out in the lead as the most popular and welldeveloped destination for pedal-powered visitors to Croatia is the Istrian peninsula in the north-west, to the extent that the region now hosts a number of cycling events. The Istria Granfondo international cycling marathon in the autumn is a major weekend bikefest, attracting increasing numbers of participants and spectators each year. There’s a choice of routes on the Saturday (88 or 128 kilometres) and/or a 25-kilometre recreational ride on the Sunday billed as a ‘family and gourmet tour’, suitable for children as young as 10.
108 | Cycling World Events aside, you can fly direct to Pula near the peninsula’s southern tip and spend your entire holiday happily exploring some of the many marked bike trails and circular routes (www.istria-bike.com/en). In simple terms, Istria is mountainous in the north, hilly in the middle and flat in the south, which makes it easy to choose a base location according to how hard you want to work your muscles. Bear in mind that Istria’s coastal areas in particular are likely to be busy with tourists for much of the year. If you’re keen to avoid the crowds, your best bet is to stick to the undulating rural roads of the central interior.
Hire and higher The number of possible different ways to enjoy Croatia by bike are almost as diverse as the country itself. For those independent souls who like to be self-sufficient but don’t want the cost and hassle of transporting bikes from home, most major Croatian towns catering to tourists have one or more bike rental outfits where you can hire a fairly decent hybrid and then do your own thing, whatever that may be. Tourist information offices are the best bet for finding out about local hire services. Towards the other end of the budget scale, a growing number of companies will tailor-make a personalised tour according to your own dream itinerary and chosen destinations, offering advice and suggestions and arranging bikes and accommodation to suit. Guided cycling tours are now widely available, whether you aim to spend one day or a whole week or more in the saddle. And of course you can combine the best of both worlds with a self-guided tour: all the convenience and reassurance of pre-booked accommodation, luggage transfers and technical support if you need it, with the freedom to set your own pace and enjoy the sights on your own as you wish. It’s worth choosing your operator carefully, though, as Croatia’s burgeoning tourism industry is largely unregulated and any old Tom, Dick or Marko can buy a few substandard bikes, create themselves a snazzylooking website and turn your dream holiday into a nightmare. Our research led us to Croactive Holidays (www.croactive-holidays.com), based in Split and Hvar, who use professional equipment, provide precise daily descriptions and maps and include basic repair kits (tubes, etc.), as well as English-speaking contacts en route to help with any problems you may encounter.
It soon becomes evident that boss Veselka Huljić and her handpicked team have thought through every possible eventuality. When we comment that everything is impressively well organised, Vese simply replies, “It has to be”. They apply the same high quality standards (evidenced by ISO 9001 accreditation) to all of their offerings, which include a wide range of guided and multiactivity tours.
The spice of life Croatia’s diversity is such that you can certainly spend your entire trip in the saddle and enjoy different environments and experiences every day. Or, like us, you can combine your love of cycling with a broader appetite for variety and adventure, and book a multi-activity tour. These are an inspired option for families travelling with teenage kids. Share amazing experiences in the great outdoors, make some memories they’ll never forget, then sit back and wait for your Parent Of The Year award. Job done. To be honest, if you’re even remotely inclined towards an active lifestyle, in Croatia it would be verging on criminal to miss out on the abundant opportunities to at least sample some hiking, kayaking, rafting and rock climbing, or even sailing, scuba diving, zip-lining, canyoning and bungee jumping. More sedate options include cultural excursions, culinary expeditions and winery tours; Croatian wine is generally excellent, and reasonably priced to boot – check out the Kraljevski winery near Zadar, for example (www.kraljevski-vinogradi.hr/en).
Even the briefest delve into the internet search engines will reveal a tempting array of multi-activity holidays and providers, and more are popping up all the time. No surprise, really, in a country so conducive to outdoor adventures and so rich in natural beauty. Selecting your ideal tour is a question of deciding which activities you fancy mixing in with your cycling, how long you want to stay, where you want to go, and what you’re prepared to pay. Needless to say, to ensure the best result it’s always worth checking reviews and doing some homework before committing yourself, although in Croatia it’s difficult to go too far wrong. We spent an active and entertaining week in the laidback company of Paul Špehar, who runs Jamming Adventures (www.kayak.hr) with his business partner on the island of Murter (between Zadar and Šibenik on the Dalmatian coast). The island is linked to the mainland
December 2017| 109 via a bridge and provides an ideal base for multi-activity tours in the heart of this picturesque part of Croatia. It may not be the perfect choice for hard-core cyclists, but Jamming Adventures certainly know how to pack a lot of cool stuff into seven days and have a great deal of fun along the way.
Some like it not too hot The best times to cycle in Croatia are the tourism ‘shoulder’ seasons of spring and autumn, when temperatures are extremely pleasant (mid-twenties centigrade) but not energy-sappingly hot. The Dalmatian coast, in particular, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with more than its fair share of warm sunny days for most of the year. From April to June and from September to early November, conditions are normally pretty close to perfect for adventuring on two wheels, with the added advantages that you won’t be dodging as many tourists as you would be in July and August, and prices for accommodation may be lower. In fact, it’s entirely possible to find really nice apartments in good locations and with great facilities, for under £30 per night, and it’s not always necessary to book in advance. The country’s multiple airports are served by a variety of international airlines, and a budget flight may well cost you less than a train fare to your UK departure point. Eating out is generally cheaper than in western Europe, although restaurant prices are starting to catch up with Croatia’s reputation as a highly attractive holiday destination. Basic main courses start at around £6 for pasta and deliciously good pizzas; fresh seafood is excellent quality but you can expect to pay north of £10 for a fish dish in most places. Local lager is refreshing for both the palate and the pocket; you’ll typically pay between £1.80 and £2.40 for half a litre, depending on where you are. And if your vice is caffeine rather than alcohol, the coffee is good pretty much everywhere (Croatians love their ‘kava’) and the tab is often under £1. Speaking of vices, it’s worth bearing in mind that there’s no blanket ban on smoking in restaurants here. Good news if you’re an addict, but otherwise you may wish to choose your table pretty carefully to avoid sitting too near to anyone who looks like they might want to light up between every course. Better still, if you’d prefer to save your money as well as your lungs, opt for a self-catering apartment.
Silver surface As in most countries, road surfaces and conditions vary in Croatia, but shouldn’t present many problems for
experienced cyclists. In some of the historic towns and cities, routes are paved with stones that have been worn to a high shine by centuries of footsteps – nice to look at, but tricky to ride on, especially when wet, interrupted by steps or walls, and/or liberally sprinkled with dawdling sightseers. Rural routes tend to be pleasant and wellmaintained. Some of the smaller lanes and more rugged tracks have never seen tarmac, but you’ll potentially be rewarded with olive groves, vineyards, forests and beaches if you take the paths less travelled and more gravelled. A precautionary note, however, if you’re venturing offpiste: you may come across places that are designated as military zones and a few areas still have landmines buried in the ground, a tragic remnant of the war that took place in the 1990s. Such areas are usually fenced and marked with warning signs bearing a white skull and crossbones on a red background, but do check before nipping into uncultivated woodland or grassland for an unscheduled comfort break. The coast and islands were apparently never mined. Main roads, predictably, are busy and carry fast traffic. It’s not unfair to say that Croatian drivers tend not to concern themselves terribly much with taking wide berths or observing correct overtaking protocols where cyclists are concerned, so remember to stay alert, especially if you’re riding with children. Dedicated cycling lanes are rare, although there is evidence of some investment in this regard. Overall, most of the country is perfectly accessible by bike and, to those who enjoy long distance cruising, Croatia holds the promise of days, or even weeks, of uninterrupted and immersive sightseeing across varied and beautiful terrain. And, if you have a penchant for unplanned exploration, you shouldn’t have too much difficulty finding an abundance of places to stop for a cold beer, a revitalising swim, a delicious meal or a bed for the night. Croatia’s days as the next big thing in tourism may be waning, but it’s only just getting started as a huge draw for cyclists and active travellers. The country still offers an awful lot of bang for your hard-earned buck, and it’s only two hours’ flying time from London. And, we know from personal experience, that your holiday snaps will provoke hideously jealous reactions from your friends.
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A Great Time - Guaranteed The Isle of Man has plenty to offer for all kinds of cyclists, whether sightseeing or competing. Plan ahead and book everything you need before you turn a pedal. To make the most of your trip, simply visit miquando.im and search for whatever you want‌ a relaxing massage, a casual lunch or a winning steak dinner, it’s all bookable, with a few simple taps and clicks with MiQuandoTM. Booking before you travel gives you more time to explore our wonderful coastal roads, scenic country lanes and sweeping glens. Guarantee yourself a great time - get in gear and start booking.
visit miquando.im
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Creg Ny Baa, Hillberry “Refuel at this world famous TT landmark pub“
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Ballacregga Cornmill, Laxey “Relax at the local restaurant and tea rooms”
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Truth Wine Bar, Ramsey “Chill out before or after dining at sister restaurant, Attraversiamo”
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Gandhi, Onchan “Serving fresh and modern Indian cuisine with amazing views”
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L’experience, Douglas “Serving fabulous French cuisine for 30 years”
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Mannin Hotel, Douglas “Traditional Manx hospitality in modern surroundings”
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Loose Knots, Douglas “Enjoy a much needed relaxing and healing massage”
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Cafe Bar TWO-SIX, Derbyhaven “Charming cafe & Restaurant serving breakfast, lunch & dinner”
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Waterside Bistro, Port Erin “Great food with views across the bay and beautiful sandy beach”
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The Hawthorn Bar & Bistro, Greeba “Family run pub/restaurant offering fantastic fresh, home-made food”
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The Spirit of Verona By Simon Rutherford
December 2017| 113
A
s a keen cyclist, Italy enthusiast and a member of the Freewheel Holidays team, I travelled out to Verona to spend a few days riding along the excellent River Adige cycle path network, on the route of our Dolomites and Lake Garda tour. The full seven-night tour begins close to the Austrian border in Resia with a dramatic descent through the picturesque Val Venosta, amongst beautiful valleys and the impressive mountain scenery of Italy’s South Tyrol region. The route takes you through Silandro and the stylish spa town of Merano (the most widely known tourist location in South Tyrol), before you reach Bolzano, the region’s capital, and then onwards to Lake Garda, where you will take a boat trip from the north to the south. The tour climaxes in Verona, or alternatively there is even the option to end your holiday in Mantova.
Why I love Italy Italy to me offers an extraordinary combination of
beautiful artistic treasures, lasting traditions, a fantastic variety of food, excellent wine and incredible natural diversity. From the north’s icy alpine peaks and the central Tuscan countryside, to the south’s fabulous beaches and turquoise waters, in one day you could be skiing on the slopes, then cycling along one of the many river paths before diving in the waters of Campania – impressive. Italy also has more UNESCO World Heritage cultural sites than any other country on earth. Having spent many fantastic holidays in various regions of Italy, my own passion for this country began after spending my honeymoon along the Amalfi Coast, visiting Rome and the island of Capri. The spirit of Italy seems dedicated to living life well and enjoying the finer things. When one arrives in Italy, everything seems to slow down and the chance to indulge in a little ‘bella vita’ presents itself. My solo Freewheel visit to northern Italy would actually be my first time cycling through this fascinating country.
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Dolomites and Lake Garda After the short flight from Manchester to Verona, I hopped on the airport shuttle bus (approx. €8) to catch a direct train from Verona Porta Nuovo station to Bolzano. The train journey itself was both relaxing and spectacular, passing through vineyards, lush valleys and mountain peaks. I felt excited to be back in Italy and was really looking forward to travelling through such a beautiful region on my bike. On arrival at Bolzano, it was only a five-minute walk from the train station to the charming four-star Hotel Scala, which offered excellent rooms with some beautiful mountain views. I spent the afternoon in Bolzano Old Town, exploring on foot, navigating its narrow porticoed streets, discovering colourful buildings and a busy main square (Piazza Walther) with its cathedral, restaurants and street musicians. There was also the church in Dominikanerplatz square, with its gothic chapel which featured some of the finest examples of Northern Italian frescoes. Near the Hotel Scala was the Ritten cable car, where a short trip took me to Oberbozen (to connect with the Renon train) for a stunning view of the Dolomites and surrounding countryside. Being close to the Austrian border, Bolzano shared certain influences with its neighbour, such as the architecture and cuisine. I had just enough time to sample a local porcini pasta dish with red wine before heading back to my hotel in the early
evening for a welcome meeting with other guests where the bike fitting also took place. Whilst in Italy, I cycled for three days and the first, for me, began on a warm early summer morning only a few minutes ride from the Hotel Scala. We started in the main square and I cycled behind the wonderful cathedral and onto the quiet banks of the River Adige cycle path network, which led all the way to the charming town of Trento. On arrival in Trento, I found the locals to be very friendly. As I had been gradually learning to speak Italian over the past 18 months, I even had the opportunity to see how well my skills were progressing – after asking for directions to my hotel, I think I need a bit more practice yet! Although the longest day of the tour, at just over 40 miles, the river paths offered a perfect surface for cycling and were an absolute joy to ride on; the route was very well signposted and I was left almost speechless by the incredible scenery throughout. This terrain was flat and the itinerary very easy to navigate – perfect for cyclists of all levels. Crossing the river on footbridges both old and modern, I experienced beautiful valleys, peaks, vineyards and poppy fields, as well as several interesting small towns and villages, such as Firmiano, with the tourist attraction of Sigmundskron Castle and pretty Caldaro – very famous for wine-growing and its impressive cellar museum. Along the way there was no shortage of places to stop for a relaxing lunch, most of which welcomed cyclists, of course!
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All this, and much more, without climbing a single hill. The university town of Trento is a popular holiday destination in itself and it was not hard to see why – with its castle, churches, Romanesque cathedral square, imposing renaissance palazzi, restaurants and modern cafes; it all left me wanting to come back in the near future. The four-star Grand Hotel Trento was particularly special and memorable, with an elegant lobby entrance, offering fine-dining, as well as luxurious rooms and facilities to enjoy after a day riding in very warm temperatures . On the second day, I cycled from Trento to Peschiera, on Lake Garda, which meant more fantastic scenery along the River Adige cycle path – a succession of vineyards and orchards which gave me a feeling of being more in the countryside. Approximately half-way through the ride was the lively little town of Rovereto, which was well worth a visit and an excellent place to stop for a spot of lunch. As I knew there would later be a short challenging climb on the approach to Riva, I decided this might be a good time to dismount, eat and refuel. The town was actually the second largest in the Trentino region and also boasted a hillside castle, an Italian history museum, several churches and many other points of interest. As I rode on through the Lagarina Valley, I followed the MoriTorbole cycle track passing through Mori itself, a small village with beautiful town houses and precious religious monuments. Onwards along the old railway route, lined with olive trees, via the fishing village of Torbole, I eventually reached Riva del Garda and Nago, a wonderful
balcony which overlooked Lake Garda itself, where the panoramic view was quite remarkable and the perfect photo opportunity. At this point, I enjoyed a superb descent to meet the lakeside cycle path, which eventually led to the ferry port near ‘Piazza Novembre’. I would suggest spending an hour here to soak up the unique atmosphere. I stepped onto the boat and once we started to sail, I admired the hillside villages and row upon row of slender Mediterranean cypress trees. As we zig-zagged from north to south, the wider the lake became, and it was almost like sailing out of a fjord into the open sea whilst stopping at many traditional lakeside towns along the way to Peschiera. Here, there were plenty of lakeside restaurants and gelaterias, and even attractions for families and children to enjoy, including numerous theme parks such as Gardaland, Parco Natura Viva Zoological park, Caneva Aquaworld and the huge Sigurta Botanical Park. The town was a great place to stroll around, with pretty hamlets shielded by Venetian walls, and the surrounding waters met a lovely beach offering watersports and the chance to swim. Peschiera was also on the Venice-Milan line and was therefore one of the few places on Lake Garda that could be reached by rail – a useful thing to know. On the third day, I cycled from Peschiera to the wonderful city of Verona. Having visited Verona once before (without a bike), I couldn’t wait to arrive there,
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Cycle the French Alps Relax in a luxurious chalet
La Grange au Merle by Clarian Chalets Châtel, Haute Savoie, France (flights to/from Geneva) clarianchalets.com/summer
Croatia is a world class biking destination The best periods for cycling here are spring and autumn - it is not extremely hot and the traffic is slower outside the main tourist season. Ride from Split to Dubrovnik, discover the Adriatic, with local guides thus providing insider access and local knowledge! Between the coastline which is abundant with islands and bays, eight national parks, underwater life, mountainous mainland rivers and forests. Croatia offers a wealth of outdoor activities - there are tours along almost the entire coast.
All we need is that you share with us your wishes.
December 2017| 117 (without a bike), I couldn’t wait to arrive there, but this time in the saddle. Another easy ride, albeit with some hills at the beginning along small country roads, dirt tracks and quiet paths via vineyards, travelling through some tiny tranquil and colourful towns. There were also some short uphill slopes between the villages of Sandra and Bussolengo, an area famous for peach production, hence being known as the ‘Terra delle Pesche’. Despite this day being slightly less scenic, I rolled into romantic Verona via Chievo and the canal pathways on the outskirts of the city. I felt slightly overwhelmed at the sight of Piazza Bra and its imposing Roman arena, which was a reward in itself and made this leg of the journey very worthwhile. It also brought back pleasant memories of a fairly recent short break to the city with my wife, this being one of the first times I have travelled to the country without her. Before I checked into the Hotel San Marco, it felt natural to have dinner in such a perfect location and so I locked up my bike. I watched as the elegant Veronese people went about their daily business whilst I sipped a refreshing local drink made from orange liquor and white wine, known as Aperol spritz. Verona is one of the most famous cities in Italy for many different things, such as historic Roman monuments, art, architecture, shopping, stylish restaurants offering gourmet cuisine, hipster bars, numerous pretty piazzas, monumental bridges and obviously Romeo and Juliet. Anyone who happens to be a fan of classical music will have the perfect opportunity to combine cycling with one of the many summer opera performances which take place at the fabulous outdoor Arena. Having now visited the city twice myself, I would definitely recommend it to anyone, especially by bike.
Freewheel Holidays offers both four and sevennight versions of the Dolomites and Lake Garda tour from April to October, with arrivals on a Saturday or Sunday. Prices include bike hire and luggage transfers and begin from £409 per person for four nights, or from £669 per person (excluding flights) for seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
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DISCOVER A NEW WORLD OF CYCLING • 5 nights Flyingeese experience in the Algarve • Thrilling rides, varied terrain on quiet roads • Coaching with former GB international pro support, guides and transfers • Full board in luxury accommodation
E: hello@flyingeese.co.uk W: www.flyingeese.co.uk T: 0844 836 9855
5 REASONS WHY WE LOVE PORTUGAL With year-round sunshine, varied terrain and quiet roads; we believe that the Algarve is a world-class cycling destination. We all flock to the same familiar cycling regions – ignoring the virtually unvisited treasures nearby. Flyingeese spill the beans on why the jaw-dropping Serra Monchique is the next big cycling destination.
RIDE
– Nestled high in the Monchique mountains is an epic 7 mile hair pin road we call Death Valley. The last mile is a gruelling 140m climb, made by Ben King in a staggering 4.39mins!
SEE
– High above the coast is a mountainous woodland called the Sierra Monchique with fragrant orchards and natural springs. The highest point, Fóia stands at 902m.
LEARN
– Cycle with coach and ride leader, Vincent Smith, former GB international pro cyclist, winner of national first category races and veteran rider champion.
TASTE
–There are many cycle-friendly café stops that offer super-charged Portuguese coffee and its natural pairing of custard tart or Pasteis De Nata.
STAY
– Oleander is a private, luxury villa with heated swimming pool, outstanding facilities and ocean views to unwind out of the saddle.
www.flyingeese.co.uk
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Three luxury self-catering holiday cottages in the north and west of the Isle of Man We have three beautiful holiday cottages on the Isle of Man that are available for self-catering holiday lets For further information and booking enquiries: Claire Gordon Telephone: 01624 619915 • Mobile: 07624 473518 • e-mail: westhaven-iom@hotmail.co.uk
East Ballabane Farmhouse and The Milking Parlour offer opportunity to relax in a peaceful setting close to the picturesque village of Bride, close to the northern shores, perfect for nature, bird watching, walking, and sea fishing. All three cottages now have free wifi. The skies are clear for stargazing too! This area has been awarded the Dark Skies Discovery Initiative highest rating of 'Two Stars'. This status is only awarded to those dark sky sites from where the Milky Way can be clearly seen - cloud permitting, naturally! If required, East Ballabane Farmhouse and the Milking Parlour can be booked together at a discount to provide accommodation for up to 9 people (availability permitting). The Fuchsias is a period cottage nestling in the small hamlet of Glen Wyllin near Kirk Michael on the west coast of the Isle of Man. Ten minutes drive from all the amenities of Peel, the sunset city, and a short walk to the sandy beach which stretches miles to the Point of Ayre. Price includes: A 'Welcome Pack' with local produce such as milk, bread, butter, cheese and eggs. An initial supply of essential store-cupboard items such as tea, coffee, sugar and condiments. Bed linen and towels
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The Great Escape Our Top Ten Waterway Cycle Routes
As selected by the Canal & River Trust
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orget cars, traffic lights and roundabouts – for two-wheeled adventurers, Britain’s waterways brim with historical and scenic rides that provide countless opportunities to change down a gear and experience the calming quality of a ride by the water. Re-discover your inner serenity and experience the quiet life with a host of unusual travelling companions too – cue the ducks, canoeists, boaters, runners, dogs, pushchairs and paddle boarders.
Keeping these 200-year-old special places thriving is the charitable work of the Canal & River Trust. Over 2,000 miles of towpath, historic buildings, locks and wildlife conservation work is part of their daily bread and the winter months are dedicated to maintaining and improving these waterways and towpaths.
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The transformative beauty of the waterways appeals to a wide variety of people. Those who want to escape the inner-city chaos, families looking for memory-making encounters with nature or those who just wish to go slow and appreciate our industrial past. Their popularity creates an eclectic mix of colourful narrowboats, beautiful views, wildlife, history and characters that in turn draws more and more people to them. Inevitably their popularity can put pressure on some of the canals and the Trust’s ‘Share the Space’ campaign encourages people to be mindful of everyone, to share the space and drop their pace. So by following the simple towpath code-of-conduct these much loved waterways will retain their calming charm.
December 2017| 121 1. Bath to Reading, Kennet & Avon Canal This popular and accessible long-distance waterside route, a mere 85 miles, takes in some of the country’s finest canal architecture. This historic canal links the Thames and the Bristol Channel, weaving through peaceful and spectacular scenery. You’ll pass nearly 100 locks and the highlight for many are the dramatic Caen Hill Locks. The route also passes two striking limestone aqueducts, Dundas and Avoncliff, as well as the famous Clavedon Pumping Station, now back in working order thanks to the work of the Trust and devoted volunteers.
2. Dudley Stourbridge Canal Circular, Stourbridge Canal A 6.6-mile route along the Stourbridge Canal follows a scenic journey along the towpath for the majority of the ride. This waterway has a unique association with the former glass-making industry and along the way you’ll see the Stourbridge 16, a flight of 16 locks and the Red House Glass Cone, one of only four glass-making cones left in the UK.
3. Codebreakers and The Grand Union Canal This 16-mile route follows the course of the Grand Union Canal towpath from the centre of Milton Keynes, south to Leighton Buzzard and through Bletchley, famous as the headquarters of the Enigma codebreakers during the Second World War. Refreshments and picnic spots are plentiful as your route winds its way through the parkland of Campbell Park. There is a short section on minor roads past the 13th-century church of St Mary’s in Woughton and then the route runs alongside the River Ouzel past Caldecotte Lake, with its Windmill pub and play area, to Bletchley before rejoining the canal towpath for six miles to Leighton Buzzard.
4. Sneyd Junction to Pudding Green Junction, Walsall Canal A 10-mile route following the Walsall Canal just outside Wolverhampton forms part of a network of routes that connects the town centre to the countryside. For the energetic, there are numerous ways to extend your ride and enjoy the historic route of the canal, spotting wildlife and, if time allows, visiting the Walsall Art Gallery, Museums and Arboretum.
5. Northfield to Bournville Circular, Worcester & Birmingham Canal This cycle route is 6 miles long and takes you through historic Bourneville, along park paths, quiet roads and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal towpath. The canal was responsible for bringing chocolate crumb and milk to the chocolate-making factory. It is a route that takes you past two of Birmingham’s ancient parish churches at Kings Norton and Northfield as well as the famous Cadbury factory and Cadbury World.
6. Llangollen to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen Canal This journey is 4 miles long and runs from the Welsh tourist town Llangollen to the world-famous Pontcysyllte aqueduct, which is a World Heritage Site. Built in 1805 by Thomas Telford, the aqueduct measures 1,007ft long and 126ft high. The canal roughly follows the course of the River Dee and on reaching the canal basin there is a café, shop and pub for refreshments. Cyclists will need to dismount as you cross the aqueduct, but it’s worth it to take in those views.
7. River Lee Cycle Route, River Lee Navigation This 15.6-mile route can be broken down into shorter rides and follows the River Lee along the towpath with great views of surrounding marshland and historic buildings. The beautiful views and wildlife make it hard to believe that it is only 17 miles from central London. While on your journey, you will see wetlands that are part of the Seventy Acres Lake and you will cycle near Fishers Green, home of the National Bittern Watchpoint. Near the end of your journey you will pass the Waltham Abbey, which was the last Abbey to fall in the 16th Century due to the dissolution of the monasteries.
122 | Cycling World 8. Manchester, Mills and the National Cycling Centre, Ashton Canal This 3-mile route runs from Piccadilly Station in Manchester to Newton Heath. It forms part of Route 66 of the National Cycle Network. Places to spot along the way include Cotton Field Eco Park with lakes, wildflower meadows and lawns to relax on, and a number of significant mills (the Beehive Mill, Murray’s Mill and Victoria Mill – one of Manchester’s finest mills with a graceful tall chimney stack that can be seen from miles around). Your ride will also pass the Victorian formality of Philips Park and the Manchester Velodrome (the National Cycling Centre and Britain’s primary indoor Olympic cycle track) and finish at Newton Heath – birthplace of Manchester United which was originally set up as a social team for the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Club.
9. Anderton Boat Lift to The Weaver Hall Museum, River Weaver Follow the Anderton Boat Lift heritage trail and discover an amazing feat of engineering in the heart of the Cheshire plain. Then meander through the Cheshire countryside, along the waterways heading into Northwich, to discover the story of this salt-mining town at the meeting point of the River Dane and River Weaver. Your starting point is Anderton Boat Lift, the cathedral of the canals which was built to transfer salt laden barges between the Weaver Navigation and the canal 50 feet above. As you head off on your journey, enjoy the meadows and woodland. Take a detour into Marbury Country Park and marvel at the lime avenues and arboretum before heading down into Northwich. After Northwich, take the riverside path to visit Weaver Hall Museum to discover the tales and history of West Cheshire.
10. The Great Glen Fort William to Inverness, Caledonian Canal, Scotland The 66-mile route provides a true flavour of highland life, as it follows the Caledonian Canal from the shadows of Ben Nevis in Fort William along the towpath, through some forest roads and skirts the east of the infamous Loch Ness before ending at Inverness Castle. It is part of the Caledonian Way and the National Cycle Network and for the brave can be extended to 237 miles! (www.scottishcanals.co.uk) Dick Vincent, National Towpath Ranger, Canal & River Trust Dick Vincent is the national towpath ranger for waterways charity, the Canal & River Trust. His role involves co-ordinating walking and cycling projects to encourage people to enjoy the canals and rivers, helping to manage the work of volunteer towpath rangers and ensuring that everyone enjoys their visit to our beautiful and historic waterways. Dick, 43, has been a Towpath Ranger for six years. Based in London, his work takes him across 2,000 miles of canal and river, meeting volunteers, cyclists, walkers, boaters and tourists at every point along the way. “I love my job, not least because it means I get to talk to all sorts of different people who use our canals. For me, whilst I love boats and bikes and walking the towpaths, it’s all the awesome folk that live on and visit canals that make them so special. “Sometimes I find it quite hard to explain to people what my job is, but it’s pretty simple really – I run a bunch of projects to ensure canals, rivers and towpaths are special places for everyone to enjoy and it’s not hard to get excited about that, is it? This includes running the ‘Share the Space, Drop your Pace’ campaign, which reminds everyone to be more considerate to each other on towpaths. I’ve always loved cycling, but I’ve always had a connection with water in some way or other too. I worked in marine navigation for 15 years and I lived on a narrowboat at Three Mills in Bow for six years. Now to work for the Canal & River Trust, I get to spend most of my life on the towpath and to share my passions with the people I meet too.”
For more details on these and other cycle routes and the charity’s Share the Space, Drop Your Pace Campaign visit
www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
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Cycle Cities:
the future of inner-city infrastructure? By Matthew Lawson,
Chief Marketing Officer, at Ribble Cycles
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rying to drive across London or Manchester city centre between the hours of 8am and 7pm can be a real nightmare. In fact, sitting behind the wheel through any of the UK’s major cities during the working day can drive even the most patient of motorists to despair. The root of the problem is pretty obvious. Last year there were over 30 million cars on the UK’s roads, a number that signified a 15 percent increase of the same statistic in the year 2000. And yet, despite this dramatic increase in the number of vehicles using the roads, the roads themselves have only seen minor improvements – both on the UK’s motorway network, as well as busy inner city routes.
1 Within these reimagined 3D landscapes, automated cycle storage units provide a clever alternative to today's traditional racks.
The result? Traffic, congestion, pollution – all the lovely things that hundreds of thousands of people familiarise themselves with each and every time they try and make their way from A to B. Whether it involves turning slip lanes into carriageways or applying congestion charges to polluted city centres, fixing this issue is something that almost every single council across the UK has tried (and failed) to do at some point or another during the past decade.
2 Replacing dimly lit paths in inner city areas, a system of lights will be used to stitch the urban landscape together.
What’s frustrating for the taxpayer is that little to no progress has been made, and that despite millions of pounds being thrown at the problem, a sustainable solution has yet to be found. Until now, that is. Offering their own solution to the issues that surround the UK’s congested roads, a team of transport planning consultants, city planners and university lecturers have partnered with Ribble Cycles to deliver a fresh alternative to the norm. 3 The surface of the elevated superhighway will be made up of several materials, including solar panels.
124 | Cycling World By transforming both Manchester Piccadilly and London Waterloo, the project titled Cycle Cities shows what two iconic inner city areas could look like in a car-free, cyclefirst environment. In this vision, dangerous roads are replaced with elevated superhighways, allowing the pedestrians below to roam the green, surrounding area as they wish. Dimly lit orange street lamps are also replaced too – presenting the case for a lighting system that stitches the city together with energy efficient LEDs. 4 The concrete wall that currently runs across a small section of Piccadilly Gardens will be replaced with an open, glass façade.
Each system is designed to provide the cyclist with the most efficient and safest route across each area, something that would surely be a welcome alternative to the cluttered and poorly designed cycle paths that currently populate the urban landscape. Cycle Cities even considers storage options, as lazy, randomly placed cycle racks are transformed into underground automated systems, similar to those already used in Tokyo.
5 Not only will these elevated superhighways transform Piccadilly Gardens back to its former glory, they will reduce commuter times, accident rates and crime statistics.
So far, so good, but could Cycle Cities actually happen one day for real? Could these idealistic visions soon represent the blueprints used by city planners and local councils alike? To find the answer, we spoke with some of the brains behind the project, John Parkin, Graham Titchener and Javier Iñigo. First up is Javier Iñigo. As an urban designer working in West London, he’s a man who clearly knows a thing or two about cycling infrastructure – a term he believes must be rethought before anything half as bold and brash as Cycle Cities can be made into a reality. “We mention London as a potential city to invest in” he explains, “and yet it is a city that is a little behind, and still places the car at the centre of infrastructure planning. We need to modify the culture.”
6 Each design has been inspired and shaped by a series of experts, including university lecturers, professors, transport planning consultants and regional directors.
Next up is Professor of Transport Engineering at the University of West England, John Parkin; who is quick to add some academic clout to the argument put forward by Iñigo. “Vehicles should be benign when discussing infrastructure,” he argues, again highlighting how important it is to adopt a cycle-first approach when planning the UK’s most densely populated urban areas. Last up is Graham Titchener, Regional Director at York City Council, who argues that if grand ideas such as Cycle Cities are ever going to make their way into the mainstream, then funding must play an integral part in the process. “Germany has a cycling budget of €15m,” he says, before adding; “We need to make things less about revenue, and instead try to push boundaries for cultural change. Private sector backing is essential.”
7 The number of commuters that pass through London Waterloo Station each year is close to 100m – that's a lot of traffic.
While the last point stands on its own, the first two can be condensed into one and placed under the following
December 2017| 125 subheading: changing the culture – something that could be argued to be easier to say, rather than do. And yet
despite this, a shift in the culture is exactly what’s been happening this whole time, albeit very slowly. With more and more people choosing pedals over petrol, conversations about cycling infrastructure have started to arise, and Cycle Cities is living proof of this. However, what’s important to remember is that in order to move these conversations away from the dinner table, websites or magazines and into Whitehall, the voices of the people must first be heard.
8 Automated cycle storage will be in place for those who cycle to the station – a feature that's already used in Tokyo to ease congestion.
Knowing exactly how things will look in ten, 15 or 20 years is impossible to predict, but if more projects like Cycle Cities rise up, slapping local councils, investors and urban planners in the face, the more likely it is that we’ll start to see cycle lanes that actually work, reduced levels of pollution and a better use of the taxpayer’s money. Anything’s got to be better than the current commute, right?
Sources: https://www.statista.com/statistics/299972/ average-age-of-cars-on-the-road-in-the-united-kingdom/ 9 Replacing the current roundabouts at BFI IMAX and Westminster Bridge, an elevated cycle superhighway will be used. Similar to the Hovenring in North Brabant, Holland.
10 Solar roads will be used as the surface of the superhighways – a feature that can be used to power an entire office block within the Waterloo area.
13 Providing a safe, efficient alternative for London's many cyclists, the design of the superhighway will reduce the amount of time commuters spend riding to work.
14 The elevated superhighway will run across Westminster Bridge, allowing cyclists to ride above the busy, dangerous roads that currently run throughout the area. 11 Here we see the BFI IMAX sat inside the innovative and modern cycle superhighway. The lights that adorn the design will be powered by the road surface itself.
94 | Cycling World
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