Not quite countrykids Dad's solo ride

Evening all. 

During the Easter break the kids were away with the grandparents for a few days so I took advantage of the fine weather and took ShortyBike out for a smallish ride out of town, check on mum's grave prior to tidy up and see some of the places I used to hang as a child and see how they've changed over the last few years.

Starting with NCN Route 574 Dunstable Downs, a route I proudly sponsor with Sustrans, bringing with me finally having a bike capable of riding up one of the more technical hills that usually stifle me on certain parts. And with it, bringing perfect views over Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire on a somewhat smoggy day. Over the years they've added a multi use path on top of the downs to help make it accessible for more people, but beforehand it was packed full of little mud paths with fast paced fun for two wheels, when we were kids there were three paths. Easy, hard and stupid - with stupid being a sheer drop with only a few of us trying it without harm. Sadly our hangout there was demolished (the pyramid/toblerone building) to make way for the new gateway centre, from here we head off to Kensworth, also known as Canesworde in 1086. It's one of three villages I'll fleet through on this journey and the main stopping point, on cycling in the road access is pothole central so bear this in mind and you run the risk of fast cars and tractors on the country lanes. (I'll record a ride through the lane soon) Once your past the narrow section you find yourself immersed in quaint village life, calm and soothing, with clear views over the valley and visibility far exceeding the control tower of Luton Airport on good days. 

Eventually I get to my main destination, arrive at the Methodist Church, somewhere I spent a lot of my time when younger but recently spending less time there over the last few years.

While here I note what I need to do and bookmark bits and bobs in readiness for a tidyup, then offski for more riding, choosing a route I used as a child which lead to a fantastic surprise, discovering T.C. Feeds still has a sign my mother painted proudly displayed in their entrance, this and the fact the sun was finally poking out of the smog made the day even better. Following this road takes us to more places we played when younger, while some are no longer safe I had to pop in and have a look, even with bits hanging off them precariously, reminding me we were silly to play here then and I'm just as silly now! After this we pootle down Buckwood road, a fast lane sandwiched between Kensworth, Studham and the somewhat posh hamlet of Holywell and one of the most amazing hangouts of my youth, Studham Dell. (Not the one with the little blue man story) I'll be back here later for more pictures.

Zooming onto Whipsnade, a small village with a somewhat famous Zoo, tree Cathedral and a gorgeous pub, perfect for those riding rest stops, walks around the Cathedral visiting Dell Farm with the kids or lay on the village green and watch the clouds while listening to music or visiting, just a few of the things you can do here. But for now we scooch past Dell Farm onto Whipsnade Downs, part of the NT managed sites whisk us homeward bound. But not without the beautiful views across Aylesbury Vale on Bison Hill, from here on a good day you can see far across Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, also looking into the sky you can see the gliders soaring over, seeming to say hi.

Before I know it I'm back on the main road homeward bound, cruising at good speed over the main road before entering town. While kid free it was a jolly good blat and chill.

Check out more of my other journeys on Instagram later.

Paul :)

 

  

Daddy Fails - Party time

There comes a time we all inevitably cock up and when the crap hits the fan in many cases the children are the ones that lose out, causing upset all round. And this weekend I messed up big time.

The girls have been ultra excited about a bowling party they were invited to and to be truthful I was excited too as we've had some behavioural wobbles as of late, and I wanted to see if a change of scenery would ease some of these grumps.

Well it would have been if I'd got the flipping time of the party wrong, instead of being 1-3pm it turned out to be 10am-1pm, leaving a very embarrassed me to explain to the girls I messed up, while Vee was calm but annoyed and strangely understanding about it unlike Lissy, who got upset quite quickly, only calming down once I promised a trip to the nearby park, while it calmed things down she was somewhat upset about it. (I'm a terrible dad apparently, I can accept that.)

I won't lie I'm also happy as a plan B seemed to be unfolding in front of me and a bit of bonding with the monsters is very good for the souls and may improve the wobbles. So a damp park is go!

The first thing I'd done right all day it seems as the frowns turned to smiles within seconds, I won't bore you with the park as we all know what happens at the park when it's been raining (unless your Humf and Wallace - then it's super happy mud fun.)

The best part of plan B was a little treat for the girls, a babyccino as we've seen in our silent Sunday topped the afternoon off fantastically. Even if I messed up!

It brings me to one thing I look into quite a lot and it's the plan B's, as a carer and an idiot who needs to plan things meticulously they're very important to me, although I understand things can change in seconds with a disabled partner and children I also hate it when things do change and there is no plans for this. So for me to think up a completely random afternoon for the kids with no immediate planning to do things was a great but strange experience for me, knocking down a somewhat annoying mental barrier.

So in all an awesome day and a small personal victory, even if I messed up somewhat!

Me :)

The London Bike Show 2015 - An epic day out!

Last week me, the girls and their friend, L took on one of the busiest cycling events in London bar Critical mass. The London Bike Show 2015

We were promised a plethora of fun for all the family and I'm happy to say they didn't disappoint here, with the tied in nature of the London bike show and the Telegraph Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show it wasn't long before we got our bearings and worked our away around seeing where the day would take us, starting off at the British Triathlon Trust's stand, where the girls were spoilt with colouring in and a mini triathlon, with the girls pulling off some very impressive times for their ages.
While they tried to beat the clock I discovered a dancing goat - It was at this moment we knew we'd picked the right day to attend, as everyone working the event were ramping up the madness for the last day, you just knew.

Loving the dancing goat at the #londonbikeshow

A video posted by Paul Hooker (@hooker1uk) on Feb 15, 2015 at 3:41am PST

It's time to test some toys, firstly the Islabike Bienn 20 and 24 small. L is less confident but jumped on and once she found her footing she took to it like a duck to water, similar to Lissy, who's looking for a new bike at the moment and seemed shocked that she needed a 20 inch bike compared to her 14 inch wheeled bike she currently rides. From here it was Daddies turn to test some Boxer Cycles utility trikes, mainly the Shuttle and the Rocket, I have to say I scream like a girl on the shuttle with the girls in the front, mainly down to how it steers on top of the power it has under the hood, suffice to say it's fast and fun.
Similarly the Rocket is a one stop mad transporter machine, pimped out for fast paced fun with uprated suspension, indicators, lights and horn to help keep you and your precious cargo safer.

From here the children wanted more fun and thanks to activities from
SuperBloc, Guide dogs for the blind, DMR Bikes, and much more for them to see and do. Leaving the kids buzzing with anticipation for next year. From a parents point of view - An amazing day for the more active children, however if bringing two or more children I would suggest getting there for doors opening to get the best from the day.



 Our video will be embedded here - once L's parents give us the ok to publish. I apologise about the screams and poor editing. It's taken ages to put together without crashing!



For the adult cyclist, outdoor fan and even the novice looking to get more from sport it's an ideal place to go, learn, try some of the years greatest feats in cycling so far and a key insight to future cycling trends. With Innovation from both companies and charities like See.Sense, CUDA Cycles, Raleigh, Rubena, Stolen Goat, RIDE EAT DRINK SLEEP, CTC, Sustrans, British Heart Foundation, British Triathlon Trust and many more too you could easily find anything you wanted to see and do in a relaxed atmosphere, something quite different compared to other major events I've been to in the past. While next year I'll try and take a day out to visit the 2016 show to get more photos and immerse greater in the sanctity of two wheeled greatness. both with and without the smalls.

The final show from Action Sports Tour was so full of energy, people who were there throughout the event told me these guys were upping their game every day becoming more immense every time they bought the show to a close. Truth be told I missed the first part of the show but was fortunate to see the second half and the finale, these guys were amazing, kept the now slightly tired crowd pumped and you could see how hard they were pushing themselves for the finale and they pulled it off spectacularly! Hat's off to them!

To wrap up - The 2015 London Bike show was an amazing event, tied in with the telegraph outdoor and adventure shows made it one of the most complete sports days out for everyone! I wholehartedly recommend going to the 2016 show from the 11th-14th Feb next year.


I must add extend a huge thank you to Steve Backshall from Cbbc's Deadly 60 for giving us a moment of his time while trying to relax with his family and at the same time sorry for disturbing you. We do appreciate it

What were your highlights of the London Bike Show 2015? Let us know and we'll add them to the post too!

Paul

The first ride of 2015 #familyfun

Muriel at the junction of Route 6, 574 and the Totternhoe Hills and Green Lanes

It's been a madly busy Christmas and new years here at imwellconfused towers, despite the omission of more two wheeled fun, while some of that was down to meeting family, tacky festive films and the rebuilding of Naughtybike.

Also that darned weather played an annoying part here with it's inability to make it's mind up. While we did go for a few small rides around town we've been quite lacklustre on larger rides to the disdain of both Lissy and Vee!

That changed on Monday when we unleashed the beasts onto NCN Route 6 and 574 on the outskirts of Dunstable and Totternhoe, for one of our ' do what you want rides.' I'll not hide the fact I'm a sponsor of 574 (link here) as it's an awesome place to ride, de-stress and get out of town for a few hours.

On entering the Sewell Greenway  both girls decided they wanted to let off some steam and thrash their bikes. considering how fast they can be when they want to it was good to see them doing this rather than screaming at each other, while it turned into a "hoon it" moment, it was what the doctor ordered.  Especially with one afternoon of freedom before they're back to school, it was certainly needed.

At the sewell bridge and 574/green lane junction we admired the recently installed murial advertising the Totternhoe hills and lanes. featuring some beautiful carved animals. Eventually they wanted to move on and they chose the muddy track, Oh hell no - there is no way I'm getting all of us coated in muck, world war z is not needed today (trust me I'd be in a world of pain here.) Thankfully they decided to go on the more stable route back into town, while it's still muddy it's not going to cause hell for all of us.

The only downside to this is the first hill, it's a pain in the behind, I can defeat it but i do struggle on both Naughtybike and Grampsbike here. We walked this bit it as it was easier on little feet as we can't wear them out when there's hooning to do on the flat!
Walking the hill bought a few special surprises and views, including the chance to see the horses and other animals out and about, a good chance for little explorers to see nature, bug hunt and play in the mud at the same time!

Home time was looming so we made tracks on the flat, passing the mighty Maidenbower Hillfort and plenty of beautiful scenery on the way through, on the final half mile to home Vee alerts me to a wobbly feeling on her bike, a loose steerer caused this issue for her hand tightened to get us home without dirt destroying the tube. *this is why it's important to check a bike*

On the final stretch I get asked the question of question.

"Dad! For our next ride can we go to the Enchanted Wood?"

Oh boy, Vee's certainly got the bike bug!

I'll be doing more rides like this throughout the year so if anyone wants to join our little rides say the word! If there's enough demand I'll organise some lead guided rides through Sustrans.
(More on the enchanted wood will come soon) 

If you wish to see the route we cycled click here for the Endomondo route

Cheers

Paul

This post has also been shared on the Coombe Mill #Familykids linky too!

  

Dunstable Cyclists Unite!

2015 Let's do this.

There is an enormously large amount of people who cycle in Dunstable, many of these co-exist with nobody noticing as they get on with things like the rest of us. Then you have a few who want to make a difference. I'm one of the latter, let's do something together.

January is a time for change for all and many have bikes, do you think you could ride a few miles? I bet you could easily ride 5+ miles within a month and not notice? a few more months and 10 miles will be easy. On top of this you get a good workout, seeing beauty spots in the area and get to meet other people you'd never think of speaking to and spark off a friendship or two.

The project I'm creating is coming to Dunstable but for now I want to try a few beta test or two.

One evening we'll arrange a little meetup of people who ride or want to ride regularly. All are welcome including those who aren't as confident on two wheels, I promise you now the less confident will be looked after. (I still struggle so I promise no pressure.)

The ride date will be announced in the next two weeks.

Requirements as follows:

Helmets - Optional (let's not go into that debate here please)

Lights - Required as it'll be an evening ride. Halfords do some very basic lights for £3 or £5 with
batteries included at the moment, or Poundland sells basic lights and batteries for £3

Bike - As long as it's working and roadworthy. Considering the test ride will be a mix of both on and off road make sure the bike is up to it.

Drinks - It's a ronseal moment there!

If  interested please get in touch and we'll arrange it.

Paul 

Keep on riding with Sustrans Sponsor a mile

I don't hide the fact I'm a Sustrans volunteer from anyone, I'm quite proud of this fact, especially when I can see the benefits we've helped bring to the local community, especially the school projects I've participated on, projects that help families get out and have fun, be it in the sun, rain, wind or even the rain, it's all about families doing things together, without little screens or computers getting in the way.

When Sustrans realised I blogged they asked me if I would sponsor a mile of NCN route and what my favourite National Cycle Network route would be. I was happy to oblige them, especially as the local NCN routes around here are kept to high standards and easy to ride, walk or take the horses for a ride and accessible to all in the local community.
For me It has to be the smaller, somewhat hidden (but in plain view) gem taking you from Sewell to Dunstable Downs via an Iron Age hillfort and burial ground. That route is 574

Locals will understand!

The reason I like my mile of route 574 is down to it's beauty and immense history. While the route gives easy access to Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade Zoo (via shallowsprings,) the Five Knolls Barrow Cemetery, Maidenbower Iron Age HillFort and onto Route 6 in Sewell, While I'm still learning the history of the area it doesn't take a lot to see the beauty and through the years I've seen it from living in a neighbouring village, Kensworth. A strange village with next to no travel options bar cars or a bike, and with the limited options the downs becomes an essential gateway well before Sustrans upgraded the route.
The upgrade made commuting to work, school, the pub, or shopping even easier to villagers and similarly for townsfolk, who can visit the local areas easier and more accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
On top of this there's the ride I used to ride a lot when younger and called it the "Ring of fire" Where you start from Gateway Centre, and go down the hill to the lower portion of the downs, to the base of the downs and back up to the gateway centre, I'll eventually embed an endomondo route for this ride as soon as I can, but I can say, at 12 years old in the rain it was hard, but seems more like fun these days, I know when we used to ride it with the kids they liked it too.

If you've got a favourite mile you ride, please visit the Sponsor a mile page and get sponsoring, as sponsoring a mile means we can help keep the mile to good standards, tidy and increase the routes in the future. On top of this Sustrans schemes such as Travel Choices and Travel Luton bring support to your children in helping them ride, checking the safety of their bikes, and building their confidence up to enable them to be safe, on top of this we host support for adults in walking, cycling and all things transport. They help support you, so let's support them!

Disclosure, I was given a mile by Sustrans to help spread the word.

The three amigos #HalfTermFun

UPDATE, Two of the amigo's were changed! Updated link here in a moment!

Well summer has been and long gone and the weather is being somewhat kind to us so far with fair temperatures, perfect cycling and scooting weather. and with that it's time for a proper introduction of the Three amigo's

Let's start with my youngest's bike.

It's an  Avigo Precious, to be fair a very lightweight starter bike for a child.
All I've done to this bike is upgrade the saddle to a Selle Royale Lollipop child saddle, LED lights for the night rides (I kid you not Lissy wants to night rides) and the darker nights drawing in we'll need them for the fairer school pedals

Next we have a Professional Blush, a repaired and recycled bike, It's the bike we'll be training Vee on and once riding independently we'll continue to turn this rusty unloved set of wheels into a fun little tool for a monster.

To complete this bike requires new brake pads, LED lights and chain cleanup or replacement and a Lollipop seat to make it comfortable for Vee


Lastly we have Gramps, an old Raleigh Outland steel bike, aged approximately 22 years old. Weighs a flipping tonne but has had an easy life, well until I got my hands on him that is.
Upgraded bars, brakes, shifters, crankset and wheel.




While these may be three bikes there may be a shimmer of hope for Naughtybike yet. We'll see soon but over the half term while we've got the weather I'll be on the bikes as much as possible with the girls. Even if we end up scooting just as many places It'll be fun and I'll hope to document some of it.


Edit: I've had the odd PM telling me the two children's bikes look like dreaded Bike Shape Objects, while this may be the case they both have a serious advantage to BSO's and that's their weight. For instance the other child bike we had weight far too much for a child to learn to ride on.
Sadly this is a common thing with cheaper bikes and there is nothing we can do unless manufacturers are willing to up prices a bit and make them with higher quality parts. That said, adult bikes have the same problem too thanks to cheaper processing plants and lower quality assistance, meaning more dangerous lumps of metal destined for landfill or the scrapvan.

While I would never tell someone what to buy  but with christmas around the corner and many companies will start selling utter junk cheap *happens every year* bikes I would urge you to take the following on board:

Don't buy customer returns or end of run products offered by companies like Stirling House (it was the damaged returned, patched and resell junk resale dept of Universal Cycles, trust me I have the scars to prove it!) Luckily Stirling and Universal and some of the once amazing bike brands were sold to Sports Direct, but looking at some of the bikes they sell it's clear they are not high quality. While there may be a few they are few and far between!

If you can go and look at the bike you're interested in purchasing. Touch and feel, the only way to tell if a bike will be too heavy, the seat offering no cushioning for growing bones and bottoms and whether things move as they should.

Ignore things like Suspension, or motorbike styles, all it does is weigh the bike down, unless it's a high specification £300+ child's mountain bike bought for a specific reason they won't need it,
similarly with twist grip gears, unless made by SRAM or Shimano they will be less than up for the abuse a child will give them and fall apart over time. (any components by Sunrace, Falcon or unbranded walk away from)

Sizing is important. Many bikes will be adaptable to a child for a few years and some for a lot longer due to the frame design, in this case it may be practical to by at one size which may fit all for a while. (I know some Ridgebacks and Islabikes have children's frames with this in mind)

If the child knows they are getting a bike, take them to be measured by an expert in a local bike shop, the more knowledgeable Halfords staff or go local with CycleLife independent retailers are a good place to start on this to get the best bike for your children.

One more thing. Don't think of it as "just a bike" for many kids they only ride a little bit but with the right bike they'll want to ride more and more, which helps keep them fit and healthy and cycling has been proven to make people happier than walking or driving (not a cycling vs driving rant) so it benefits you in many ways. If you want ways to get on your bike speak to me or anyone at Sustrans and we'll help you find places for you or your children to ride to the best of your current abilities. If you live in Central Beds and we get enough demand I'll see about organising a cycling day in Dunstable to show you what's available for all.


Paul

Daddy moments : Pride - Riding

'Ning all.

Music I wrote this post to came from the C64 Demo Of The Year 2013

Over the last few weeks I've been beavering away at three little bike projects.



Gramps bike a 22 year old Raleigh Outland which I'm rebuilding for ride leader purposes with Sustrans. While the bike is solid some of the components are to be replaced and upgraded over the next few weeks for safeties sake which I'm planning on doing some youtube videos on, well here's hoping anyway.

Bumblebee, Vee's first bike and now Lissy's bike, while it's heavy and poorly painted it does the job well.
we'll be coming back to this one soon.

Purple Nurple, This is a second junker bike I've been tidying up. Given to me the day it was destined to be scrapped, while it needs some TLC and suffered from being built badly by it's previous owners then being subsequently left at my daughters school unloved. Since then it's been sanded down, primer painted where needed and made to look presentable where required. I plan for this to be Vee's bike in the near future - stabilisers are on the way tomorrow!

The reason I'm doing this is due to the fact I want the girls riding to school, leading a happier healthier life and gaining life skills they'll never get from being slapped in front of a TV or computer system. I get not all parents are interested in riding but we're all different, so there!

Both girls need a a fair bit more coaching to get them riding without stabilisers, especially where they can make a bike feel heavier and remove the natural balance you get when riding unaided but recently Lissy had really got into riding and is incredibly close to riding unaided. Throw her on a balance bike and she can do it, but the momentum of the controls, pedalling and balancing is just a little too much for her right now.

But she's been asking to ride more on Bumblebee to the point last weekend she asked could he come to the shops with me, It was a dreary day, wet with a dashing of rain for good measure and did I mention it was raining? Yes it was bad, but she still wanted to come out so I ask her, assuming she wanted the trailer.

"You'll have to ride as it's too wet for the trailer, Midge?" 

*Putting her raincoat on*"YEAH Dad! Let's go for a ride!"

And off we went to the shops, a good mile each way in a father daughter bunch grabbing potatoes and milk, in the wet, damp rain, and a good mile back too. She wasn't the fastest (but her bike is pretty heavy - I may have another bike to resolve this with soon though) but she never complained once, and throughout I was reminded that it's the "Best day ever!" Hearing these three words and seeing her smile the whole journey both ways was an awesome feeling, a proper proud dad moment!

I just hope little things like this can help her come out of her shell, bring us closer and being more fun for all of us in the future. And while her sister prefers a scooter right now it won't be long before I hope she jumps onto something with somewhat better brakes.

Infographic: Cyclist safety in Bike Week

Hi Guy's 

As it's Bike Week 2014, I'll be posting a few posts through the week to celebrate all things two wheeled, and today's post is aimed at road safety, with thanks to fellow cyclists and London solicitors, Osbornes we've teamed up together to share some statistics about cyclist safety in a neat infographic. If you are a road user some of these may be of surprise to you. And I promise you now it's not just motorists to blame here too, both motorists and cyclists can be both as bad and need to take more responsibility for their actions. With huge props to the motorists who look out for other road users even if they can be morons at times. 

 Personally some of these figures are no surprise to me they highlight one important thing. Both motorists and cyclists need to be educated on how to handle the roads themselves and how to interact around traffic, educating in this way could reduce accidents and reduce tensions on the roads between all users and above all else if you muck up, or worse cause an accident, apologise, try and work out who's to blame and pass details over, if the victim of a hit and run please speak to the police. 

I'm currently building the foundations on a new local cycle group in my local area with Sustrans for those who want to ride but are not as confident but the main hurdle I've got to beat is the sheer amount of people who are worried to cycle alone on the roads due to the risks, and CTC statistics back this up. In instances like this I hope we can broaden the LCC's Space For Cycling campaign to a nationwide initiative, bringing key changed whilst making infrastructure easier to use for all. C'mon LCC spread out the space for cycling love around the UK, there's plenty of cyclists and motorists alike willing to work together with you. After all, this is not just for us, it's for the future road users too, including your children and my children too. 

If you'd like more information on the infographic above, take a click here to Osbornes website, a group who are keen cyclists and want to help push changes through for all to share the roads together.  

Tomorrow we'll be talking about doing the school run with a bike an trailer,

How would you like to see infrastructure changed for the better, be it better roads, separation for cyclists or even more disability friendly pathways, anything? Let us know and we'll be happy to add these. 

Paul 

Disclosure: This post has been published in collaboration with Osbornes Solicitors LLP, 

The Hornit Review Part 2

****There are a few bits missing, will be updated asap****

I've had the Hornit for over a month now and I feel able to talk about it in greater detail now.

In Summary it's a fantastic package which works well. But for the daily cyclist there are a few caveats. Are these enough to sway you to an air based product. Let's see!

For now Let's look at the good.
It's certainly loud and gains the right amount of attention required when needed, be it to say hi to a friend or try and tell a fool he's clipped you at 30mph! It makes for good fun in tunnels too as seen in this lower res clip below. A more in Depth video review is rendering now!



I like how it looks too. Emulating the look of some bike cameras. which is a good thing if it encourages road users to treat others with the same respect we should all get. (with exception of the idiots on the roads. We all dislike them)
on huge advantage is the lack of air pump or huge rechargeable batteries required for this horn. 2 AAA's will last around a year if used in short blasts. Usually enough for a lookout warning, or Don't Pull out bark!!

I've got another to upload onto youtube soon. I'll be completing it this week. Some of the footage of the hornit in use on the road have been canned due to me getting shouty at a few bad drivers.


Now let's go onto the bad
The mounting clip seems to come loose a lot. But if you over tighten it you get the same effect too. I suspected it was my bars at first but now suspect the mount more now. I would invest in some strips of rubber from a local bike shop or an old piece of inner tube to help stabilise it.

If you choose to remove the horn a lot I suggest cable tying the wire in place or it'll go walkies or the cable will come loose at the silicon button joint which could cause it to fail in the oncoming bad weather.

Bar it's pitfalls It's an impressive device for the price. I give it a 7 out of 10 mainly as some people prefer the air powered alternatives or the classic bell. Heck I use a bell still also, for pedestrians it's much more useful

Spares of both the mounting clip and the fire trigger are available as spares for £3.99 each I like that a lot as some manufacturers would make you buy the kit again which would be useless if it's just a clip damaged or cable frayed.

The only thing i would improve is the horns. There is a choice of two, One is a solid tone, the second a multi tone horn, which sounds identical to an alarm I installed at my old flat after a break in. It's not a bad noise in terms of what it is, It does indeed get you noticed but I feel the horns could do with beefing up a bit or made to sound more like a car horn if possible.


Would you like one? here's your chance!

If you would like a Hornit, Visit the Hornit website and use discount code confused. for 20% off for the first 50 people.


Tell me if you were using the road daily would you invest in one?

Cycle Ninja's

Evening all.
This post comes to you from personal experience of both dealing with and being the Cycle Ninja.

The Cycle Ninja comes out at night, armed with a pushbike, dark clothing no lights and a deathwish, these night dwellers do not keep the streets safe. HELL BLOODY NO they cause chaos by cycling on the road in the darkest of nights at the worst times possible. In some cases getting killed as a result.

For instance. When working at a place on the Luton/Dunstable boarder I had to deal with at least 3 daily, all going the same way. leaving a fat grump going the same way trying to illuminate the other three.
after 3/4 days I got fed up of this and overtook them, leaving them to the whim of the mental drivers going from our town to the motorway. Thankfully none were hurt from what i can gather, but luck runs out people. I for one would hate to have died from being unlit on a dark road or die because a ninja causes an accident. (Remember, to some motorists we are "just cyclists")

Now before people say to me they can't afford a set of lights. In this day that it utter balls.
A visit to Pound shop, armed with £3 is enough to buy Batteries and both front and back lighs. Yes they will fail a damn sight faster than a £30 set from a dedicated bike shop like Chain Reaction Cycles, Halfords or Cyclelife Dunstable. But these will be enough as a start. If splashing £30 is too much many sites do a decent front and rear set for £10. I will link to a few below

I get throughly annoyed when parents let children use bikes late at night with no lights, but. Realize we can't leash our kids. Most do get that being seen is important at night and could keep them alive. but to those who ride without lights you are only encouraging your kids to potentially do the same. And yes I was the ninja when younger. Totaling a £900 bike in the process

A bike can set you back a lot of money if you invest in a good one (not these £50 pile of junk from Indonesia sold through supermarkets and dodgy places that sell "ex catalouge bikes" cheaply) I for one would be ensuring I am visible and safe when on the roads.

I Say this as I witnessed on friday night coming home from the MADS at about 1AM through Leagrave no more than 5 Ninja cyclists, including a near miss sandwiching me and a ninja between a van. (thank the baby jebus the oncoming lane was clear for me to emergency overtake at speed, otherwise the ninja's actions would have injured both me and him)

Keep yourself protected at night. After all nobody else can.

Disclaimer. This is not an advertisement post. far from it. I would be happy to know this post has stopped your child, father, mother, lover, family member, best friend or even enemy from being killed.

Companies i have mentioned here are ones I have remembered off the top of my head, and as a result of this I will link to some sites below with full light sets available cheaply.  If the website wishes for these to be removed as there are other companies listed too. Jog on. This is not for you guys! It's for the protection of my followers and there families (the links are outdated, I'll update them this evening)

Chain reaction cycles (cheapest full set £10 - budget fall apart in weeks set £3) 
Halfords - cheapest decent set £15
Argos - they have some from £6 - spend more than that please
Evans Cycles 
Cyclelife 


Please buy lights. I'm not demanding the full hi viz here, just a light to say you are there!

Paul

2014 Update:

I must urge again people grab a set of lights, £3 is not a lot of money and to be seen and safe is more important that becoming squished under a car. I'm not one of those cyclists who will tell the world what to do with exception of lights, the days are getting darker and too many people risk their lives with this.
If the police used a similar Operation Safeway throught the UK not just the MET how well it would work?
Thoughts please

Join me at SkyRide MK.

Evening all.

Two weeks ago I was contacted by the team from Sky and British Cycling to join in with the Sky Ride in Milton Keynes on Sunday the 26th August.

I've accepted the chance to join in for a few reasons.
Firstly because I like cycling and exploring new areas to ride,
I need a good excuse to train a bit more and increase my currently rubbish health (curse you spinal issues)
And finally. Naughtybike wants to play, safe in the knowledge I'm not going to thrash the bike about too much in respect for other riders.

From now until then I'll be looking for friends, fruitloons, families, vloggers and even hardened cyclists to register for the MK sky ride and join with me and many others for a jolly good set of two wheeled fun. Everyone from beginner to raving loons with naughtybikes are welcome.
I'm aiming to be there at about half nine to meet up with the sky team, and I'm thinking of offering to ride with those who are less confident or maybe need some encouragement. If you wish to join in on that ride please, get in touch.

Before I forget this is a family friendly ride, meaning children and there bikes are welcome, even if attached to a trailgaiter or a child is in a trailer (if i didn't have so many main roads to ride to get to the train station I would bring my trailer and youngest. We'll see)

Also if you join up, register for the Mk ride and come on the ride you have the chance to win many cool things, including bikes, Sky tv packages and Skybox and chances to meet Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton at the National Cycling Center in Manchester.

Come on, take part in a community ride with me and the team at British Cycling and Sky at SkyRide Milton Keynes.

Paul.

P.s. over the next two weeks i'll be adding endomondo training rides onto the blog for you all to see. Some will be slow, due to the trailer or back pain. However some will be stupidly fast.