New Record: Henley to Reading
Perhaps it was the adrenalin boost from the receipt of an email from a disgruntled colleague just before cycling home, but I “smashed” my record time today by 45 seconds! Henley to Reading in 22 minutes 2 seconds.
Just another manic Monday
I don’t end to have the time (or energy) to post mid-week in term term but today is an exception as it’s been a busy Puglia 2010 day. Recieved a couple of emails, one from Kevin Payne at CTC who has pointed me in the direction of someone […]
European Cyclists’ Federation
Frustrated in my efforts to find detailed information about the details of the EuroVélo 5 route, I have gone to the top and just sent an email to the European Cyclists’ Federation asking for any updates.Rue Franklin281000 Brussels,Belgiumphone: +32 2 880 92 74fax: +32 2 880 92 75office@ecf.com […]
1,000 All-Time Top Tips for Cyclists
They forgot top tip number 1,001: think twice before buying this book, especially if you live in the UK or any country that drives on the left. I assume that the book was first published in America. No problem with this you may think until you read a […]
Running without pain…yet
I went for a run a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned it here with a map of the route I take, but the following day I could hardly walk. Most muscles in my body ached and I had done something to my left foot – it felt […]
Cycling from Calais to Brindisi, by Abraham Cohen
Calais-Brindisi
Calais To Brindisi: The Audax Route
John Davies, the Audax cyclist from Willsden has emailed back with some more details of the Audax route from Calais to Brindisi. He writes: Attached is an article from the most recent edition of Arrivée, the magazine of Audax UK. It doesn’t really give you much information about […]
Autumn 2009
Tomorrow is the 1st September: in my mind that marks the start of Autumn. Met Basil & Liz Ford this afternoon for a beer – they have just returned from Puglia – to catch up about summer: mine in the north of England, theirs in southern Italy.The 1st […]
MapMyRide.com
Bought a magazine yesterday published by Cycling Weekly – it was a special called “Health & Fitness”. It certainly works as I lost 6 pounds when I took it to the till! Gripe apart it has some interesting bits & pieces inside if you can ignore the acres […]
A message from Mark Beaumont
I emailed Mark Beaumont a few days ago to say how much I had enjoyed reading his book The Man Who Cycled The World, and he has replied: Hi Andrew, Thanks for your email and glad your own plans for next summer are still on the go. Great […]
Brown leaves and shorter evenings
If you look back at the post I made on Friday 29th August 2008, it was the last one I made until April 2009. I suppose the initial enthusiasm of cycling to Italy had started to dim after the frenzied activity of August, the leaves had started to […]
Audax Cycling – Part 2
Some more useful information from “Audax John” who was in touch a couple of weeks ago, including a clarification about what “Audax Cycling” actually is:Audax is a slightly clandestine activity, with riders slogging through the lanes of our land at the dead of a night. No sag wagons, […]
Topocoding: How cool is this!
I was just having a look at Mark Beaumont’s updates on his blog and noticed he had a terrain profile of one of his stages – it was provided by a company called Topocoding. So I followed the link and plugged in the main towns that make up […]
A visit to Stanfords
Stanfords‘ map & book shop in London is a great place to spend an hour or so in central London. I never remember where it is exactly and always end up wandering around the streets near Leicester Square tube station for a while until I bump into it. […]
Audax Cycling: Daring, Bold, Rash and Foolhardy
Just received an email from a chap called John Davies in Willesden. He writes: I am also planning a ride to Italy next year. I will be starting from Shropshire, where my father was born and riding to Rieti (about 50miles) from Rome where my mother was born. […]
From Mark Beaumont to Alastair Humphreys
I’ve just about finished reading Mark Beaumont’s book The Man Who Cycled The World. It’s a cracking read and doesn’t fall into the trap of being a repetitive log of getting up, cycling, eating and then sleeping which, in effect, is what he did for 195 consecutive days. […]
Running – starting again
Running is a key bit of preparation for cycling next summer: it will build up my levels of stamina and also help me shed the pounds I need to shed. And the good news is that this morning, I got back out on my running circuit and did […]
www.warmshowers.org
http://www.warmshowers.org/This is a site mentioned by Mark Beaumont in his book. I am emailing this to the blog from my phone so I don't forget to investigate it when I get to a computer!
Big Adventures…
My 2010 adventure is pretty tame compared to these guys:Ken Roberts is going around the World in four years. When asked why, he says “Simple – travel solo across the principal inhabited continents – Europe, Asia, Australia, the Americas and Africa – by bicycle. Departure date from home […]
Henley to Reading…in 4 Minutes!
It was such a beautiful day so I thought I would have a go at videoing the journey to work (Reading to Henley). That wasn’t too successful as the camera (my mobile phone) kept bouncing up and down as I fell into the finest potholes that the combined […]
Reason to Keep Tweeting
Lance Armstrong tweeted that he was going for a ride in Paisley, Scotland…. and 300 people turned up!Watch the video. What a nice guy! And he’s a fellow Trek man (although his is probably not “Made in Taiwan” like mine).
Reading to Henley by bike: the first stats!
I mentioned below about having bought the Cateye Micro Wireless bike computer and today I was able to set a benchmark figure for my daily commute from Reading to Henley. I set the starting point as the brow of Reading Bridge (as I always pass this point but […]
Cateye Micro Wireless "Thing"
One thing that I really missed while doing my recent Pennine Cycleway journey was an ability to accurately measure the distances travelled. As a result, I have just bought a “Cateye Micro Wireless” thing (the title of the gadget isn’t long enough – there should be at least […]
Marmite man
This photo is on Mark Beaumont’s Flickr site and has the following description: “Jon Lee from Bristol who is cycling the coast to coast after seeing my round the world documentary joined me for a days ride “. What amazes me about the photo (apart from that incredible […]
Le Vie Francigene del Sud
This site is new, apparently, and details the Via Francigena south of Rome. Those linguists amongst you will note the use of the plural “e” – it isn’t a typo – as there apperas to be more than just the one route. It’s also good to see that […]
MC SpandX: Very Funny!
John & Tom Calver: Update
John Calver emailed me a few months ago asking for information about the route I was planning on taking. I emailed back at the time explaining that I hadn’t really got that far. He was planning to cycle from Calais to the Italian border in July this year, […]
Reflections over distances
Need to get back to thinking about next year’s little adventure to Italy. I am so glad to have completed the trip this summer, albeit a much shorter journey and over a longer period of time that I will need take next summer. I did 350 miles over […]
Boris and the Bike
Another (genuinely) quality video from Boris: bring on the Vélib Londres!
Pennine Cycleway: The Film
Shadow Cycling – more Puglia 2010 Youtube updates
Finished!
Arrived in Derby and waiting for my train to Reading. Feel as though I have achieved something but sad that my little adventure is over… There are however, greater adventures planned!
The most complicated barrier yet!
Just outside Derby
Day 9
Very wet. Paused in Ashbourne for a coffee before heading to Derby and the train home. I envisage issues with the trains but I live in hope.
Finishing in style
I'm staying in a stately home!
South of Buxton
This is more like it!
Chapel-en-le-Frith
Pause for lunch. Haven’t enjoyed this morning much. Bad weather to start the day and lots of uphill! I am missing the Dales. But I am making good progress albeit by not following the 68 and taking the mainly A roads. Very scary in the fog this morning! […]
Day 8
Climbing the hills just outside Holmfirth – Last of the Summer Wine country and the official start of this part of the journey. I’m back on the 68!
On the road again
Almost. Setting off again tomorrow for my most taxing day of the trip: a 65 mile journey from Elland to Ilam, near Ashbourne in Derbyshire. I'm booked into the YHA place in Ilam. Looks like a stunning place to stay. I hope I get there before nightfall to […]
The Pennine Cycleway: Pause for thought
I have enjoyed every minute of it – far more than I actually thought I would. The cycling, the places, the scenery, the people, the weather, the accommodation, the relaxation, the fun…. I could good on. I can’t fault any of them! I would even go so far […]
YouTube Updates – Lots of new videos, these are just a taster…
Elland = End of Part 1
Cafe society…
… in Hebden Bridge.
Calderdale
Into familiar territory.
I hate these barriers!
Day 7
Early start. The longest day is here….
Default evening position
Writing up today’s events for the book (once I secure that elusive publishing contract… I’m open to offers) and planning tomorrow’s cycling. Day 7 will see me back in familiar territory: West Yorkshire and my family so at least I am guaranteed a sprung bed to sleep on. […]
Malham and the World
My pub crawl of the Dales continues… although this being lunchtime I kept off the beer. Another beautiful ride, despite another section of pushing just after Settle. Over the tops I came up with the idea of not just cycling to Puglia next year but of cycling around […]
Stunning!
Ingleborough Hall, Clapham
I stayed here in 1979 for a few days when I was at primary school: it doesn’t appear to have changed!
The Ram’s Head
Not another pub but an addition to the signage here in the Yorkshire Dales. Prettier they may be, but far less frequent than earlier in the journey.
Amazing weather
I could be anywhere on the continent. Beautiful evening sunshine as I write my diary waiting for a very unsummery steak and ale pie.
Half way to Derby!
My thumb shows my position on the map – about half way along the full length of the Pennine Cycleway route. Arrived in Ingleton at 4pm. Despite the spectacular short cut from Appleby to Tebay over the moors which knocked about 8 miles off today’s planned 44 from […]
On the valley into Ingleton
Beautiful
About half way to Ingleton
Back to civilisation
Crossing the M6 just south of Tebay.
Day 5
And with a view like this, Yorkshire can't be far!
And back to Dufton for the night
I'll no doubt pop in here later.
Raining again in Appleby
I did two of the walking tours recommended by the tourist office and have now seen what Appleby has to offer. The rain has come again and I have been forced into this pub for a pint of Black Sheep beer. Dam you rain!
Appleby
Today it has rained for the first time seriously and I am wet. Not that I mind – it’s all part of being a cyclist. However the sun is just coming out and having arrived ridiculously early – only just past midday – in Dufton where I am […]
Hartside Top
You can understand why people go to Greece when you stand on top of this hill. Just cycled up and had breakfast in a cafe that Bill Bryson would write a whole chapter about. It’s now downhill most of the way…
Day 4
Skies are a grew and there is a home wind.
Alston
The last 5 miles were frustratingly complicated and at one point I was lost. All down to the arse who has blocked one end of the Lambley Viaduct. The route then went to pot. A lack of signs didn’t help. This drink x 2 plus two cans of […]
Amazing view from Lambley railway viaduct
A picture for Ian in Adelaide
I know you are envious of the UK’s cycle network Ian. Here is a sign showing who paid for it – the National Lottery!
Hadrian’s Wall
I am still in the very north of England!
Day 3
A steep climb to kick off the day – the steepest of the day I hope. In the distance is last night’s stopover: Bellingham. Alston here I come.
Bellingham
Arrived in Bellingham about an hour and a half ago. It has been a long, tough day of cycling but that only makes the arrival more fulfilling. The bunkhouse is great – fellow residents just as friendly as last night. Sitting writing my diary in the local pub […]
Day 2: Good start
Bridge just outside Wooler. It saved me getting my feet wet at 9am – the road passes through the river!
Wooler YHA
Everything has gone to plan! Arrived at the hostel at around 6pm, showered, ate and am now relaxing with the other hostel dwellers, none of whom appear to fit the description of being youths. The first guy I met was 82 and he had just arrived from South […]
The view I came for…
The important number for the next few days – 68
Berwick-upon-Tweed
The start! 2pm on 1st August 2009.
Great Quote
'I have never been a fanatical cyclist. Furthermore, I am a lousy mechanic. When I decided to cycle around the world I had never ridden a race and hardly knew the difference between degreaser and a derailleur. I didn't want to cycle around the world, it just kind […]
The Luxury of First Class Travel
I just wish I knew whether or not they were complimentary…
Kings Cross: The North starts here
A while since I was at Kings Cross but it still has the feeling of a northern enclave of London with the northern accents and northern names. Getting used to balancing the bike while it is heavily laden – I was a bit anxious about getting on the […]
Packed and err… illuminated!
Does that back wheel look as though it is smiling? Set off at 6am tomorrow.
Mark Beaumont on TV, this blog & the flu
It’s a bit strange seeing someone interviewed on TV as Mark Beaumont was this morning on Breakfast News knowing that you exchanged emails with them only a couple of days ago (unless Mark has a phalanx of flunkies doing his admin for him in the name of “Mark […]
Labels / Tags / Swine Flu (?)
Just finished going back over all the previous posts and giving them “labels” or “tags” (yes, perhaps I should get out more!). It’s interesting to see what is top of the list. This post, btw, does not have a label! Well, it wasn’t going to have a label […]
Bloody Weather
Here is the weather forecast for Appley – the half way point more or less – and it looks OK. Nothing more than that. The wind is 15-20 miles per hour… Could be worse. “Sprinkles” is an amusing way to describe the rain. Thursday and Friday look the […]
The Fat Cyclist
This puts everything into context. Wow. Click & read. Think about it while you watch his video: Six Minutes of Joy from Fat Cyclist on Vimeo.
Accommodation sorted, again!
Ingleton YHA got back to me: they do have space so I will be staying there on Wednesday night, not the farm, so it’s a royal flush of YHA places – I would have laid money on that not being the case if you had asked me this […]
Mark Beaumont and a Hangover
Drank too much last night but it was nice to get out and see friends – Las Inguanas is a good new restaurant in Reading! Another email from Mark Beamont in Canada:Hi AndrewThanks for your email.I am on a talk tour all spring 2010 and will be coming […]
How to organise a cycle trip to the English Pennines
Via Francigena / EuroVélo 5 Blogs of note:
Both Ian Hendry and Jonathan Scott have now got their blogs up and running! Ian has chosen the name “Hendo2010” and Jonathan “Cycling Via Francigena“. Ian is cycling London to Rome but probably a bit earlier than me in summer 2010. Jonathan is cycling Rome to London in […]
Accommodation sorted!
That was easier than I thought! All the accommodation is now booked – all YHA apart from Wednesday 5th when I will be staying at a place called Stackstead Farm: they have dormitory style accommodation for a very reasonable £11 per night. I think my camping mat might […]
Eight trains, Four Bookings, One Royal Palace
Spent the day at Hampton Court with a friend – very impressed – they have special things going on as it is 500 years this year since Henry VIII acceded to the throne. Before setting off I emailed the six YHA hostels at the places listed on the […]
What do you mean you want to see a little girl nearly being run over in Newbury…?
Mark Beaumont never had these problems…
An email from… Mark Beaumont!
I had to look twice at my inbox tonight on returning home after the morning ride to Newbury and the afternoon lazing in a Reading coffee shop with a friend (and getting frost bitten in the process: has anyone told the weather people that it is July?). I […]
Newbury
Second attempt at videoing while cycling. First attempt I nearly ran over a little girl!
Newbury first stop
First stop was actually Blockbusters but I decided having put all the gear on I’d head down the canal to Newbury. Perhaps beyond? Just passing under the brutal M4: shocking contrast.
Pennine Cycleway: Overnight stops
Need to decide where I am going to stay on each night: can’t risk having nowhere to stay. In order to do that, I need to decide which towns I’m going to stop in. Not going to list the places here. Will put them over there on the […]
Cyclists Welcome
Wonder if this is a national thing? The blurb on the Visit North East England website says: Accommodation within the Cyclists Welcome scheme gives cyclists the confidence that when you book, your needs will be well catered for. A separate and secure facility should be provided with a […]
Problems…
Well, only one: the campsite near Lindesfarne is full. I had emailed just for a bit of reassurance that I did indeed have somewhere to sleep for the night, not really expecting any problem whatsoever but the campsite have emailed back saying that they are full “I am […]
Les nouvelles cartes sont arrivées!
French language pun there…(tumbleweed crosses screen)… Anyway, they have – the Sustrans maps arrived that is if your French isn’t quite what it should be. Much time will be spent pouring over them in the course of the next few days. To my relief, campsites are noted on […]
Escape needed
Just been to town for an early morning coffee… and the place is strewn with litter – this being just an example. Get me out of here!
Blue Sky!
..and my equipment is mounting up: I’ll be off on my mini adventure in exactly one week’s time. Still not convinced about that bar bag.
Beachcomber Campsite
I have to say, of the three that Edvardus recommends, the first one – the Beachcomber Campsite – looks wild and wonderful. Very close to the sea. The proximity to Lindisfarne is also an attraction. My first thought is to spend a couple of nights at the place […]
CTC Forum Update
Edvardus writes:There is the Beachcomber Campsite – http://www.lindisfarne.org.uk/beachcomber – near Goswick to the south of Berwick. It’s slap beside the Coast & Castles route. I passed it on the way north and it seemed ok but I can’t vouch for the facilities there. A (small) mix of tents, […]
Almost Derailed by Cross Country Trains
I’m not one of those people who thinks that the trains in Britain were far better before privatisation – they certainly were not – they were much worse; just like TV in the 70s and 80s, the clothes, public services, schools, museums…. Most things are much better now. […]
