Recent
-
Top 5 Bicycle Upgrades
Disc Brakes Braking is a very important part of cycling. If you can’t stop effectively you are in trouble. Rim brakes are the brakes that have rubber pads that are applied onto the rims of the wheel. These can be quite effective and are lightweight. However, they also wear your rim out and are not as powerful as disc brakes. Disc brakes come in mechanical and hydraulic forms and can be found on all types of bike now- road and off-road.
-
The Difficulty of Taking Your Own Time
The Problem Why is it difficult to pack a bag, turn round and say - see you in a few days? Why? Worry and uncertainty Irresponsible Takes time to prepare Potentially risky Cost No time Addiction to computers and devices Fear of not being comfortable Family and friend responsibilities Work responsibilities Conclusion None of the above are excuses for inaction. The question is above why you want to do something.
-
Coronavirus Tips Working From Home
If you are self-isolating due to COVID-19. My tips: Download a workout app and do it in your back yard. This is an important one. Getting fresh air daily and moving your body will increase your fitness and your mental wellbeing. An app that varies the workout each day will also give you a mental workout as you figure out the movements. Don’t sit down for more than 20 mins if you can help it It’s a good idea to not stay seated for too long.
-
Encouraging Quotes 8
John Lennon Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time Dalai Lama This is my simple religion: There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness Tony Gaskins If you don’t build your dream someone will hire you to help build theirs Napolean Bonapart The only one who is wiser than anyone is everyone
-
Why is bicycle touring so good for exploring?
Exploring is all about: Covering new ground Going out of your comfort zone Bicycle touring allows you to get off the beaten track and travel at your own pace. Bicycle touring puts you: In direct contact with the environment and exposed to the weather You feel the heat and cold, rain on your face and the terrain affects your progress. You can vary your bike to the terrain by changing the tyres and different types of bikes can be suited to the riding such as a road, mountain, recumbent and mountain bike.
-
Coming up for a Name for Prepare, Pack, Pedal
These were some of my first attempts at names for my self-published book Prepare, Pack, Pedal which is a practical guide to going cycle touring. Coming up with a name is a process. You may have to brainstorm many ideas before you come up with the one you settle on. A ‘how-to’ book Guidebook to cycle touring How to go cycle touring How to go adventure cycling Execute a cycle tour Prepare and do a tour Adventure cycling how to book Include a subtitle Take off on your bike - the complete guide Escape on your bike- the complete guide to prepare and go on any kind of cycle tour Road to Freedom
-
Bug Out Bag, Survival Situation Kit bag
In a survival situation what do you need in a “grab-and-go” kitbag. Here are some essentials that you might need. Sleeping If you are leaving your usual residence and facing days on the move you want to ensure the best night sleep you can. Sleeping Bag Down Mat Tarp Clothing No additional clothes other than the ones you are wearing will be included. Poncho Dust Mask Tooling A basic knife is usually suggested enough for a real survival situation.
-
Looking for some stocking fillers?
Looking for gifts for cyclists? Why not try these items (or similar): Winter Cycling Gloves: dhb Windslam Stretch Cycling Gloves Some warm gloves for winter riding. Personally, I use some gardening gloves bought from Aldi, but when the weather gets really bad, I switch to some proper winter gloves. Windproof gloves offering more protection than their slim construction suggests, these stretchy gloves offer brilliant protection in cool, windy conditions.
-
Using Wordpress, Twitter, GPS to document a multi-day hike in Spain
When I did a hike in Spain, I wanted to share the journey on social media and a website. I also wanted to share the route live whilst I was walking. How? I decided to do this through the following strategies: A website built on WordPress with a customised theme A plugin that shows a map with a location pin A mobile phone with a GPS signal and a 3G internet connection A Twitter account & tweeting with the location and an image Showing tweets on a map with Google Maps JavaScript API A Garmin GPS unit to keep a track log and as a backup GPS and Twitter When I did the walk, I carried the Garmin GPS unit with me to record a track log to make a backup GPX of the route.
-
Gift for a cyclist who likes reading? Between Worlds - The Promise of the Road
Between Worlds chronicles a real journey of discovery from the harsh winter of Georgia to the wilds of Mongolia by bicycle. A lone ride which began in Tbilisi and continued through Armenia, Iran, Pakistan, India and Nepal ending in Mongolia. Architectural Observations It is full of detailed architectural observations that question the nature of the spaces we inhabit and encourage consideration of the profound effects of architecture on our thoughts and habits.