Cycle / pedestrian safety in Ealing: What Julian Bell could have said at Dean Gardens on Saturday

Ealing Council leader, Julian Bell, gave a speech following the march in memory of Claudia Manera on Saturday.  His speech was not well received by many of those present.  This is a speech that Julian could have given that might have received a better reception. I am extremely saddened by the recent death of Claudia …

Advertisements

TCR article in Arrivée (Audax UK mag)

I wrote this Q+A piece on my experience in the 2016 TCR in response to a request from the Audax UK magazine.  Interest in the event amongst UK Audax riders is high, having heard tales from those of us who have done it, and also listened to Mike speaking as guest of honour at the …

Reflections on Mike Hall, the IPWR and cycling in Australia

Mike Hall The IPWR has been an amazing experience but everything has been overshadowed by Mike Hall's death on the road near Canberra. Not since Tom Simpson, in a very different era and context, has British cycling lost one its heros, so suddenly and so sadly, in action. More than anyone, Mike created the sport …

Looking forward to the Indian Pacific Wheel Race

This year was always going to be a short one from a cycling point of view for me as we are expecting a baby at the end of May.  The big rides in the Summer wouldn't work with that timing, so there was no point in even trying for a place in the TCR, which …

Offa’s Dyke & the Flatlands – 600km at the second attempt

Having failed to complete Offa's Dyke, my attempt at a 600km ride earlier in the year - I thought I'd have a go at the Flatlands - a far less hilly ride up the east of England, from Essex to Yorkshire and back.  It was also an excuse to get back out on my bike …

Transcontinental Race 2016 – Part 5a – The final, hardest stage with heat, dreams, ghosts and ferries.

Day 13 – Greece and Turkey Like other towns and villages in Greece, Gazoros was patrolled at night by dogs.  During my hour or so of sleep on my bench there I occasionally heard them barking and, occasionally, spotted one walking along the road.  I was thankful that, off my bike, either as a pedestrian …

Transcontinental Race 2016 – Part 5 – 3 countries in a day, Macedonian roads and Greek dogs

Day 11 – Montenegro, Kosovo and Skopje   After rising from my forest sleeping-place, I enjoyed a breakfast of cream-filled croissants.  Along with byrek, they are the main food memory of the TCR.  I probably ate 4-5 per day.  They are available everywhere, are a good source of calories, come in a variety of flavours.  …