I have replaced my Garmin Edge 200 with a XOSS G Cycling Computer. Here’s my review of this great value, easy to use, GPS cycling computer
Equipment
How to change brake pads on Specialized Rockhopper MTB
The Avid Juicy 3 front brakes on my Specialized Rockhopper 2009 MTB started to make a slightly unusual sound recently so it was time to check and/or replace the pads.
Review of Garmin Edge 200 GPS
I bought a new bike recently and needed a cycling trip meter for it. But what type? The Garmin Edge 200 GPS cycling computer was my choice. Here’s my review.
Using Strava to record and track cycle rides
I’ve been using Strava and its Android app to record/track my cycle rides over the last two weeks and it’s made its way into my cycle ride apps list.
New Bontrager handlebar grips
I’ve had the same handlebar grips on my Specialized Rockhopper mountain bike since I bought it in 2009. They’ve gradually become more and more worn and the rubber has started to perish. So, I’ve just been to the local Evans Cycles shop and bought a new pair of Bontrager Rhythm Lock-On Grips which were a bargain price at £11.99.
Standing your bike anywhere
I’ve been wanting a floor stand for my mountain bike for a while now. Just something that will stand the bike in an upright position and can be moved from room to room.
How to Clean Your Bike Chain
You know that cleaning your bike chain should be a regular thing, right? Using a chain cleaner kit makes it quick and easy and gives great results! Here’s how it works.
ViewRanger GPS for Cycling
Over recent months, I have been using ViewRanger GPS on my Nokia E71 mobile phone whilst out cycling. Here’s my review and a few tips for using ViewRanger based on my experiences so far.
Rucksack or Bike Bag?
On long distance cycling trips, the sort of trip where you are staying overnight en route to your destination, what’s the best option for carrying all your luggage? Rucksack or bike bag/panniers?
Personal
My cycling mojo is back!
At the end of last year, and for the start of 2015, I had a quiet period when I didn’t cycle as much as normal. It’s the middle of the year now and I’m happy to say that my cycling mojo is back!
Why I’ve bought a hybrid bike
So, I’ve gone and bought a new bike! I’ve been thinking about getting another bike for a few months and I ‘splashed the cash’ a week ago. It’s a Trek 7.4 FX which is a hybrid/commuting type bike. Here’s why I bought it.
Bikes, beer and brewery visit
On Saturday, some friends and I cycled to Dark Star Brewery for their Spin Up in a Brewery event which promised “Beer, Bikes and BBQ” at the brewery site in Partridge Green.
Training for a Weekend Cycling Trip
It’s summer (so they say) and I have a long weekend cycling trip coming up in July. The trip is the Devon Coast-to Coast route from Ilfracombe to Plymouth. That’s 200 miles cycling over three days. In preparation for this, I’ve been training over the last month or so. Here’s what I have been doing; I’m not a fitness instructor but this is what works for me.
Five Tips for Winter Cycling
I’ve resolved to continue cycling over the winter to maintain a basic fitness level. Here are my tips and advice for winter cycling.
Me, Myself and Cycling
In which I describe how I got into cycling and mountain biking.
Routes
A Cycling Trip to King’s Lynn
I’ve been away for a cycling weekend with friends to King’s Lynn in Norfolk. We cycled about 150 miles over a Friday and Saturday.
The coldest and wettest I’ve ever been on a bike
We cycled a circular route from Faringdon (between Oxford and Swindon) on a very wet and cold day in October. It was wet. It was cold. Here are a few lessons I learned from the trip.
Cycling the Kent Coast: Sandwich to Whitstable and return via Canterbury
A weekend cycling trip to Sandwich, Kent. We cycled the Kent Coast north to Whitstable via Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Margate, and Herne Bay. We returned along country lanes in a loop round the outskirts of Canterbury.
A Cycling Trip to Bournemouth, Dorset
I went on a weekend cycling trip to Bournemouth with some friends recently. We spent two days in the area and cycled a couple of circular routes in Dorset, including the Isle of Purbeck.
Cycle south from Horsham to Henfield
Here’s a route I cycled earlier this month. South from Horsham to Henfield via the Downs Link and country lanes. Very quiet route. Nice!
Two Days Cycling in Norfolk
In the summer, I spent two days cycling in Norfolk with some friends. We stayed on the coast a few miles south of Cromer. Here’s my report on the trip.
A 100 mile cycle ride in Surrey and Sussex
Every year, I try and complete a long distance 100 mile cycle ride. It’s a personal challenge and is great training for other weekend cycling trips. Here’s this year’s ride.
Cycling the Ridgeway Trail … again
I wrote about Cycling the Ridgeway Trail in 2010 and I’ve just cycled it again! This time, we chose a different starting point and rode in alternative directions each day.
Two Days Cycling in the Chilterns
A couple of weekends ago, I spent an enjoyable two days cycling in the Chilterns. It’s an area that I didn’t know very well so it was great to explore parts of it by bike.
Cycle Ride in the New Forest
Last weekend, a few friends and I cycled a 72 mile circular route in the New Forest. It was a great cycle ride through some stunning countryside
Cycling the Devon Coast-to-Coast Route
I’ve cycled the Devon Coast-to-Coast route from Ilfracombe to Plymouth twice now. It’s a great cycling route that winds its way through some stunning and varied scenery, via country lanes, leisure cycling and walking trails, and with a few bridleways thrown in for good measure.
Cycling Near Horsham, South and West
Here’s a route that I cycled last weekend. It’s a big loop south and west of Horsham using some bridleways and country lanes. There are several pubs on the route including the Blue Ship at The Haven.
Cycling loop around Horsham
The other weekend, I cycled a circular route round Horsham. It was a nice mixture of off-road and road riding. Mostly easy bridleways and country lanes. What’s not to like! Here’s the route…
More Cycling in Kent: From Canterbury to the Coast
Last year, some friends and I cycled a couple of routes in southern Kent over a weekend. It was an enjoyable two days so this year we returned to Kent for a one-day cycle trip starting in Canterbury.
Cycling from Horsham to Partridge Green (and back)
This is one of my regular cycle routes because it’s a nice figure-of-eight ride along country lanes and some of the Downs Link bridleway from Horsham to Partridge Green and back.
Cycling in Dorset from Blandford Forum
Last week, I travelled to Blandford Forum in Dorset for a two day cycling holiday with friends. We cycled a circular route each day, which included the Dorset hills to the west of Blandford and the New Forest to the east.
Merstham to Chichester 100 Mile Cycle Ride
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been training for a 100 mile all-day cycle ride and last weekend was the big day! We cycled from Merstham in Surrey to Chichester in Sussex.
Horsham to Wineham Cycle Ride
This is a cycle ride along quiet country lanes in West Sussex. It’s a regular ride for me and it ends at a delightful pub, the Royal Oak in Wineham.
Cycling in Kent: Coast, Castles, and Country Lanes
Recently, some friends and I cycled two circular routes from Hythe in southern Kent over a weekend. Here’s my report.
Cycling the Ridgeway Trail
The Ridgeway National Trail is an off-road trail in south central England. Earlier this year, a few friends and I cycled the route (in both directions) over three days.