Month: January 2025

I’ve cycled for a long time. It’s taken various forms from going to school (once I’d passed my cycle proficiency around 9 years old), my paper round, BMX (mainly falling off), cyclocross (again a lot of falling off), commuting to college & sports & all my jobs, trail riding (now called Gravel), Sportives, triathlons, Time Trials, club rides, road racing (one time only as was too scary) and now a track ‘taster’ session! A few years ago, I went to watch ‘London 3 Day’ at Lee Valley Velodrome.  Wow.  And having seen the track events on TV, being there was more of everything.  Anyway, if you get a chance go and watch or better still, do a track taster session – it really is amazing (and hard work)!  It was four 15 minutes over 2 hours; getting to know the bike and track, group drills, more advanced drills and then last 15 minutes a mix of races.  Really emptied the tank on the last 15 minutes!  Until next time; #handlebars_haynes

Why do bikes get stolen?  ‘It is a common crime due to the relative ease of reselling bicycles, which have a large second-hand market’. Whether you come off the tube and find your ‘station’ bike gone, leave the office at 7pm when it’s raining and find your lock in two and no bike or go to your shed before your Saturday club ride to find the door open and no bike – it’s rubbish. And having insurance is not much comfort as you want your bike now, it’s your bike that fits you well, you trust it and ‘love’ it.  Reading your insurance policy you’ll find they’ll require you to have certain locks, obviously not leave your bike unlocked and all those other pain-in-the-rear things, that insurance companies ask.  But maybe it’s worth it, to not to feel that sense of lose and inconvenience, by going that extra mile with security? Personally I spend a lot on locks and try and be fastidious about security of my (and others) bikes. Fingers crossed so far, it’s helped.  So double lock and leaving it in well-lit, busy area covered by CCTV, and it will make them think twice.  Until next time; #handlebars_haynes

Getting a professional bikefit, it’s true – it will make you more comfortable, less prone to injuries and faster!  There really is no downside, except the initial cost.  A professional bikefit will cost you £200-£700. And that’s without the new crank, shoes, stem, saddle…. I’ve had a couple and each one has benefited my performance and comfort, significantly, and fortunately without a huge cost on new parts (unless you include the second fit, which ended up in a new bike!)  So, this is all relevant to a serious amateur/club cyclist or enthusiast or anyone thinking of spending a reasonable amount of money on a new road bike.  BUT it’s also important for anyone who cycles more than a few miles a week.  Riding a bike should be comfortable, so you should also consider a fit to make sure it is. Pain, numbness, or tingling—especially in the hands, feet, back or glutes—are signs that something about your bike doesn’t fit you properly.  You can do some fitting yourself (lots of info out there online or books) or come and ask me!  Until next time; #handlebars_haynes

We all like a freebie, right?  Drive to work and you have that lovely temperature-controlled environment and music of your choice. Get public transport to work and it’s better for the environment, not always quick and reliable, but you can get some work done or social stuff on your phone. Walk or run to work – the best! But for most of us, just too far, too sweaty and not practical.  Cycle to work, and it ticks all the boxes.  Okay not everyone has a bike or lives a cyclable distance to the office.  But for those that can incorporate some cycle into their commute – bingo.  A free cardio workout; 30 minutes commuting could burn 300-500 calories.  And did you know, it’s not just a physical workout, but you get a great mental workout too; releasing endorphins, improving brain function, reducing stress, combating depression and anxiety, building resilience, exposure to nature that can reduce tension…. I knew I felt better after a cycle, but this is news to me too!  I’m off for a cycle now!  Until next time; #handlebars_haynes