“Dear CTC supporter At the beginning of next week, your MP will have a chance to make not only a difference to cycling but also to the future health and economy of the country. As CTC’s research issued today has shown, with ambition, leadership and long-term funding commitment […]
Not that I have done this yet, but it is part of next year’s plan to cycle along the Eurovelo 3 from Santiago de Compostela to Trondheim (and beyond, along the Eurovelo 1 to North Cape). Yesterday’s trip to London (see previous post / video) allowed me a […]
CTC are calling on local councils to make our roads safe and inviting so everyone can cycle. What is the Space for Cycling campaign calling for? Watch the video below (& then visit the Space for Cycling website for further instructions!)
Here’s an urgent message from the European Cyclists’ Federation (the ECF) which I support whole-heartedly! “There are 35 million daily cyclists in Europe. There are more than 100 million Europeans who cycle regularly. Yet the European Institutions are failing to take cycling seriously as a mode of Transport. […]
In the recent CTC review of Good Vibrations, Chris Peck noted ‘Never judge a book by its cover‘ before going on to extol the virtues of the read (‘I can’t recommend a better book for inspiration‘). Others have made similar comments about the cover (‘why choose a litter-strewn, […]
“‘Never judge a book by its cover’ to which I would add: ‘nor its title’. I embarked on this book a little wearily but was quickly won over by Andrew Sykes’s engaging, self-deprecating style. His account of his transformation from daily cycle commuter to trans-European long distance cyclist […]
If you go down to your local newsagent today, you’re sure of a big surprise. Well, a nice little one at least. A couple of months ago, I was interviewed by a journalist called David Motton who writes for Britain’s top-selling cycling magazine, Cycling Plus. He was in […]
‘bikes4two’ has written some nice comments about the book on the CTC forum called ‘Eurovelo 5 information‘; Hi Andrew, Just bought the e-book as I’m in the early stages of planning a trip for me and Mrs bikes4two on our tandem. I’m in trouble already in that I […]
‘Mattie’ in the Channel Islands is planning a trip from St. Malo to Athens. He asked on one of CTC’s forums for advice as to whether to take the Italian route (which would potentially use part of the Eurovelo 5) or the Balkan route (which would use part of the […]
I have spent many pounds on many glossy cycling magazines in the last couple of years but I have to say that one of the best is the one that I receive for free by being a member of the CTC (OK, it’s not really free I know […]
I have spent tha last week banging on about butterfly handlebars so it is a relief to post about the Eurovelo 5 again, albeit during a “nuit blanche”; I have man flu and can’t sleep…. So, as one does on such occasions, I was browsing the list of […]
It looks to me as if the Swiss National Route 3 – full details are here – segways perfectly with the Italian National Route 3; La Via dei Pellegrini. What joined up thinking! This sign (take your pick of the language) is the one to follow in Switzerland (but will it […]
Back home now, sinking my first beer of 2010 – 4% Stella Artois so I can still feel a bit virtuous (although by the time the bottle of Shiraz I bought to accompany my evening meal is demolished later, my argument may fall down a bit) – and reading the posts […]
There is a site, run by CTC where you can report your pothole. I’ve just done it and my pothole is officially number 27775. Go to http://www.fillthathole.org.uk to see it in all its glory. This is becoming an obsession.
Just recieved the following email. Rob’s comments in red, my comments in blue: Hi Andrew Just been looking at your blog which is very helpful and inspiring. Thanks! Me and my girlfriend are planning to cycle London to Istanbul in May (for our honeymoon) and are considering route […]
Just arrived back home from my visit to the Cycle Show at Earls Court in London (see entries below). A little bit disappointed: it is cycling pornography – undeniably beautiful objects everywhere; brushed chrome this and carbon-fibre that… but little of practical use that will help me in […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
More useful info from the CTC forum: “We camped here in 2001. Marshall Meadows Farm BERWICK-UPON-TWEED TD151UT Tel: 01289 307375 The site was basic with no shop, but does have toilets and showers. It also has the main rail line running past it, although we didn’t find it […]
A reassuring post on the CTC forum that I set up:“No suggestions on campsites, I’m afraid – I stayed in B&Bs and Youth Hostels. But don’t get too worried about the wind. We did it south-to-north and had some really rotten wind in Northumberland – “beasterly easterlies”, I […]
I have a reply – from a certain rapidfire72 – here it is:“I did the Pennine Cycleway a few years, but only from Settle to Berwick, but I only B&B and YHA it. I can recommend the Pennine View Caravan & camping in Kirkby Stephen, very good and […]
I’ve just started a CTC forum thread asking for advice and top tips on cycling route 68: here is the link.The kit I bought today is cracking – £60 for the cycling shorts is a bargain if they continue to be that comfortable after a week of hard […]
Already worth the £36!Just found this route description – not particularly detailed – but worth a look (England to Israel in 1979!). You’ll need to be a member of CTC to access it.
According to the little vote countdown over there on the right, it is now 365 days until I set off at 9am on Monday 19th July 2010. Actually, it isn’t as it is still Saturday 18th July 2009. But anyway, P-365 is looming and is now within hours…I […]
My goodness, my morning of surfing the net is turning out to be full of surprises. I just found myself mentioned on a CTC forum! I must join and introduce myself.
