If you're an optically-challenged cyclist like me, you may have considered getting some prescription specs designed especially for cycling. Riding in normal glasses is possible, of course, but they don't perform too well in wet, misty or sweaty conditions. Having ridden with contact lenses plus fanc...
I really do have the so-called "Brooks bum" - they work for some and not for others. Peli, for example, didn't get along at all with the one we tested for her and prefers her Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow.
In a attempt to speed up the "riding in" time of my Brooks I added some proofide and soaked it...
Description: (From ukcampsite.co.uk) Millslade camping site is in the heart of Exmoor national park, in the small hamlet of Brendon, Lorna Doone valley, also known as the hidden valley. We are 3 miles from Lynton and Lynmouth and 17 miles from the seaside town of Minehead. We are a small site ru...
Description: Whether you are looking for a short weekend break, a family holiday or just feel like an overnight stop, Bowdens Crest can assist. We are situated in the the heart of Somerset with a panoramic view of the Somerset Levels.
Site visited: 11th of June 2011.
Cycling along the Somerse...
Description: 2.5 acre, level. Advance booking advisable. Taunton to Bridgwater canal for walking nearby.
Site visited: 8th of June 2011.
At first glance this site just looked like a back yard to a rather run down farm. But when you got past the old disused caravans and other equipments, you w...
Because now I can! I picked up a hat the other day after many years of thinking about getting one; I finally narrowed it down to a Tilley Hemp TH5.
The reason for me getting the hat was to cover my face and neck from the sun and the rain while camping.
I have only used it for a few days no...
Description: (From camping.uk-directory.com) Rushbanks Farm is a minimum facility site. It is the only official site on the banks of the River Stour and is very suitable for boaters and canoeists. Tents Caravans and Campers are all welcome.
Site visited: 17-19 June 2011.
As seen on the bl...
Our Jet-boil cooker is brilliant but we found that gas canisters were sometimes hard to find. And, if you go into a outdoor shop you do feel that you are paying a wee bit extra. Whereas liquid (Meths) is cheap and easy to find while touring anywhere in the world.
We were looking for something else...
I'm not much of a "girly girl" at all, but one item of women-specific cycling kit has really fancied my tickle. It's the Terry Stretch Mini skirt. It's a simple piece of lycra, mid-thigh length, with little slits up the sides, so is actually rather dear at around £30.
But, when cycle touring in N...
Description: Whatoff Lodge is a quiet site on a working farm with lovely views of the Charnwood countryside. The site is a large field with plenty of room. We have modern showers and toilets and washing up area. A recent addition is an indoor room with wood burning stove suitable for functions, mee...
Description: Our newly renovated heritage backpacker accommodation with a colourful history - the former Addington Prison in lovely Christchurch, New Zealand. Since opening in 2006, our amazing Christchurch Accommodation has become renowned as a fascinating and award-winning backpackers hostel.
S...
We’ve just come back from a trip to New Zealand where we cycle toured for five weeks. I had crawled the internet for information, reading other people’s blogs and write-ups about their cycle tours in New Zealand. My strong recommendation is that you simply have to buy ‘Pedallers' Paradise’ by Nigel...
Steam boat, stunning views, gorgeous weather, broken valve and a cracked rear rim. Crafty critters, erm, sandflies by the millions and a fall with gravel rash made this challenging, but fantastic, few days.
Day one : 30/10/10
At 10am we boarded the TSS Earnslaw (98+ year-old steam boat) and se...
Description: (From their site) Kinkell Braes is situated on the hillside overlooking the town and the bay. We have a well kept holiday park which has a family bar with entertainment and restaurant. Our hire fleet is modern and reasonably priced. Children are well catered for with our play park.
S...
As you know I'm a big fan of the Surly LHT, I just spotted this in Australia. Might be worth checking your bicycles anyway. I build ours up myself and do not use cantilever brakes, so I'm sure that we are ok.
Dirt Works Australia Pty Ltd are recalling the Surly Crosscheck & Surly Long Haul Trucker...
Description: (From their site) The Royal Oak camping grounds are generously proportioned with easy vehicle access and a short stroll to the amenities in one direction and The high Peak Trail in the other.
Site visited: 24th of August 2010, 9/10th of Sept. 2011.
As seen on the blog: What goes...
I'm now coming up to 5,000 miles on the Surly Long Haul Trucker, aka my little Tank, and boy have they been my most comfortable 5,000 miles ever.
But, as there always is a but, the fecking Long Haul Trucker is the reason that I can't ride my other bicycles any more. As my good friend at my LBS s...
After I read Anne's book A Bike Ride, I just had to read one of her other books and got hold of Lone Traveller: One Woman, Two Wheels and the World.
This book is written in the same way as A Bike Ride, very witty and page turning. You get into the book and just can't get away, not that you are l...
The TravellingTwo have just written a free eBook about the basic touring.
I have just signed up for their news letter and read their first eBook. It is well written and gives you plenty food for thought even for somewhat seasoned cycle tourer. If you are a newbie to the cycling touring world thi...
Description: (From ukcampsite) Evergreen Farm is set in beautiful scenery of fields and woodland close to the medieval town of East Grinstead. Evergreen Farm has 12 pitches each with an optional fire pit (wood provided) set in 10 acres of idyllic woodland incorporating a natural pond. Natural ...
Description: (From their site) Outdoor folk will be spoiled for choice at this former Victorian rectory, set in 25 acres of relaxing riverside grounds with splendid views of the Royal Forest of Dean and Symonds Yat rock. Hire a canoe and take in the picturesque valley from the River Wye or cho...
Description: (From their site) An ideal holiday location especially for families or groups keen to visit The Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons, or walk the Offa`s Dyke Path. The village has The Skirrid Mountain Inn, which is the oldest pub in Wales and was used as Judge Jeffrie`s Court. The scen...
The only reason why I ended up trying out this, was from my own stupidity, because I forgot my Exped DownMats on our last mini tour to Wales. So we had to get a mat for me for the last two nights.
We went into PSM Outdoors in Hay On Wye where we had a great service and had a look at what the...
As the reverse Newton law goes for cycling.
We had good night sleep bar one peak outside at midnight looking at the stars. The Trekmates mat, Mummy camper lite, I got yesterday did the job but I wouldn't sleep on it for more that the two nights I'm doing now.
Got up to glorious sunshine and cook...
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...
