cycle touring

Big Rides: Great Britain & Ireland – Book Review

~ Another Cyclist ~ Leave a comment

The thing I still struggle with the most when it comes to cycle trips and big rides is the idea. Something that truly grabs me and “inspires” me to get just a big fitter and spend the time sorting out the route and logistics. That’s where a book like this is really useful to have on your shelf. Lots of big ride inspiration in Great Britain and Ireland (also a bit of France), all broken down easily (distance/time of year/road, gravel, mountain, gravel bike etc) so you can see at a glance what each one will need to complete it. It gets straight to the point and guides you straight to the information you will need to prepare and go.

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Product Review – Shapeheart Magnetic Bike Mount Phone Holder

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If you’re just starting out, a phone holder makes a lot of sense. Using technology that you already own to track rides and add a bit of navigation. 

If you have a dedicated GPS cycling device like a Garmin/Wahoo then you’ll still be taking your phone, just in a pocket for emergencies and probably photos. 

The design of the Shapeheart actually suits both of these markets quite well. Housing the phone in a protective wallet means it can be used on the bike and also to protect a phone in a jersey pocket.  

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5 Ferries Challenge Route – Scotland

~ Another Cyclist ~ 2 Comments

“Are you sure you want to wild camp?” I said, “because after a day in the saddle a shower and a supply of drinking water is quite a nice thing to have”. 

“I want to wild camp, this is supposed to be an adventure” said Sarah, my wife.  

Everyone has a different focus for a cycling trip. It may be distance, it may be about height gained or epic mountain passes. It may simply be about taking the time to immerse yourself in the landscape and the solitude of being out in it. Watching the sun set and rise and taking time to be out there away from all the home comforts and distractions, instead of rushing to get going all the time. I’ll admit it, I have a tendency to put big miles into my cycle touring days, and can sometimes feel pressured to get the miles in. So this was going to be a very different experience for me. 

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Not all borders are open to tourists…

~ Another Cyclist ~ 1 Comment

Climbing out of Risan above the bay of Kotor, Montenegro

I was up and out at sun rise, leaving the rented apartment in Dubrovnik (Croatia) and the relaxed holiday atmosphere for a slightly ambitious adventure. My wife had flow out to the start of my bike tour and rented an apartment, making this first day of cycling luggage free, before setting off for real (and fully loaded) tomorrow. We’d made dinner reservations for the evening to make the most of us both being in Croatia, all I had to do was make it back in time. Continue reading →