Anne tells a lie in her book A bike ride, she doesn’t cycle 12,000 miles around the world. She only cycles 11,552 miles around the world, but I too would round it to the nearest thousand if I ever managed what she did.
I only learned about this truly remarkable woman last year when she untimely died. At least it was in Syria doing what she loved, what a way to go.
Anne did something that was and still is totally unheard off as woman (in some countries), she travelled the world on her own and on a bicycle. And remember when she did her trip the world wasn’t that much travelled as it is now. You couldn’t just pop into a shop write an email or call over VoIP and ask for money.
The book is a joy to read and it tells her journey around the world where she among other things follow the Romans, Alexander and the Pony express across the world. Great history lessons and reminder of what I have leaned in school but happily forgot over the years. While reading about her hardships and low moments, she still manage to put a smile on your face. The stories …

Last Tuesday I went and had a little meet up with other bicycle touring mad people, some clearly madder than me, just. Alastair Humphrey’s came up with the idea of a bicycle tourist meet up. We took over the top of the pub and had a good old natter, oh and a few beers was drunk.
It was great to meet Friedel of the travellingtwo.com fame, if you are thinking about jumping on your bicycle for a world tour or just a weekend away their website ain’t a bad place to start you read up.
Then I met David, tra-velo-gue.co.uk, who have done the around the world off road tour a few years back. David also told me about Vin Cox’s attempt on the world record around the world on a bicycle. You can follow Vin on his site, http://www.greatbikeride.com/, he is at the time of press (erm press of the button) cycling across India.
I also meet Justin from www.rolling-tales.com who with his partner Emma is just about to leave for their six month tour from Spain to Turkey and then more ?
I also managed to talk to Stephen Lord who wrote the The Adventure Cycle-touring Handbook, definitely the next book on …

Yesterday I had a grand day out with a handful of leather nuts to the Brooks saddle factory in Birmingham, UK. We were split into 2 groups and had a tour on the factory floor. Where we could see, hear and smell the production of these beautiful leather saddles. The whole production is done in true industrial style, e.g big and noisy with oil and steam (ok just added that last bit for effect).
I do have a weak spot for old industrial craftsmanship, ok CNC, robots are great but each has its place. The Brooks factory is any one’s dream to go and see, you can get right up and close to see, smell and hear how it is done and the craftsmen are happy to answer your questions.

You really get to get a feel of the craftsmanship and the hard work and skill they put into their saddles. We got to see every step of the way nearly from the raw metal to the finished product. And none of the steps is a computerised conveyor belt knocking out 1000 units an hour.
I had taken the old neglected Brooks saddles I got the other day with me. Our tour …

I was at a friends place today helping him out with some computer problems, as payment I got two rather knackered looking Brooks saddles. My friend have found them on dumped bicycles or on bicycles left outside to rot. He was thinking that he could use them for a wee bit of art work and have now painted them black. But then figured out after I said that I was looking for a new saddle that I might have some use for them if I could save them.
After a little clicking around on the Brooks website I think I figured out that they are a B66 and a Team Pro.
The B66, is the most knackered one, the steal railings looks ok with a bit of rust and dirt here and there. Though the leather is dead, looks very brittle and cracked up, therefore I don’t think the leather can be saved.
The Team Pro, looks like it can be revitalised if I can get the pain off without damaging the saddle. It does have some scrapes and looks a bit rough but I think some proofide would do some wonders. The tightening screw looks in a bit knackers but …

I was reading The Travelling Two website tonight as fell over a post there, Alastair Humphreys is planing a meet up for bike tourist, March 9th.
I thought that it may be helpful, now that I have done a few trips, to arrange an evening in a pub when I can try to help other people who are planning their own expedition.
So, if you think I can help you with anything you may be planning then do come along!
I will be on the top floor of the Iron Duke pub in Victoria station, London at 6.30pm on Tuesday March 9th until about 9pm.
Since I’m a self proclaimed pootling cycling tourist I will be there for sure, will you ?
LINK : Travelling two, London Meet-Up for Bike Tourists
LINK : Alastair Humphreys, Can I help you plan your expedition?

Today is the sad anniversary of the departure of Sheldon Brown two years ago.
I have never met Sheldon but I have heavily used his website and learned a lot from reading it. If I’m asked where is a good place to learn about bicycles and how to maintain a bicycle, I always send them to Sheldon Browns website.
We are all alive just so long as someone remembers us.
The above quote I totally agree with and I will use and will pass on Sheldon great work to others, thank you Sheldon.
LINK: Sheldon Brown

I finally had the chance to cycle in the snow with my Surly Long Haul Trucker. What can I say, it is sooo easy.
I have done my fair share of cycling in the snow and snow storms where I couldn’t see further than 50 metres ahead. Quite often I had to stop to remove the snow out of the wheels and away from the brakes. The most “fun” to ride on is when there is one layer of snow that have plenty of tracks from people moving about on bicycles or foot. Which slightly thaws doing the day only to freeze during the night while getting a new dusting of snow.
The main trick to cycling in the snow is pretty much the same when it comes to “normal” cycling.
1/ Don’t brake when you turn, do that before. And don’t slam on your brakes you will only skid.
2/ Cycle at a speed where you have control of your bicycle. Don’t cycle above your skills.
3/ Keep the momentum, not racing, but keep the bicycle going.
4/ Look ahead and around you, so you know what is going around you so that you can plan your route.
5/ If your bicycle is drifting/sliding …

Last year took us to Scotland (Grand tour of Edinburgh) , Wales (3 wet days loop), Surrey Hills (3 days tour with TEA), Isle of Wight (one small wet ride), Pyrenees (more up hills than you can shake a stick at) and Denmark (flatter than flat rides) and a few more day trips and pootles here and there.

I always find something to use them for. Like strapping our tent to the rack on our bicycle or our sleeping bags onto our day pack.

The other day while cycling home from work. I heard and felt the loud noise of what seemed to be a screwdriver being put to a bench grinder coming from my rear hub.