Cycling UK Forum

Yes, I must get round to fitting Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres. I kept promising myself, but as I don't think I had one puncture during 2012, the idea went out of my mind. Maybe I will get round to getting a few sets this year.
However, I don't think I can blame the tyres for the second and third ones, full marks to andrew_s - seems that I had ran over several thorns, then didn't notice that I hadn't fully removed the offending spikes.... reckon freezing hands might have had something to do with that - couldn't feel anything by the time I was finished the repairs!
Touch wood though, no further punctures or falls since that first disastrous week.

After missing my target of 5,200 miles last year as I was immobilised for a few months (following a fall from my bike in August which resulted in a 10 day hospital stay recovering from a broken hip and collar bone), and with New Year resolutions in my mind, I thought I would start off 2013 with a nice run, taking advantage of the unseasonal sunshine.
I hadn't gone a mile when I had my first p******* of the year. It was followed by another after 20 miles, one on the 3rd of Jan, and yet another a couple of days later......
I didn't let it put me off though, but after (another) two falls in the same afternoon (both caused by my own stupidity!), the first of which resulted in a broken rib, I was beginning to wonder if I should just give up this cycling lark.
This was all in the first week of the year!
Since then, I've remembered why I can't give up, despite the odd p******* or accident. Especially when I sail past bored motorists stuck in another traffic jam. I just love cycling! Touch wood, I haven't had a p******* for 10 days!

Since the posts all seem to be from type 2's, thought I would contribute as a type 1, with 47 years of experience, having been diagnosed at the age of 5.

Following a heart attack, I joined the gym on advice of the doc. I went regularly for a couple of years, but began to find it a bit repetitive. Around the same time (2006), I had to stop driving for a spell as my blood tests were regularly on the low side and I was beginning to lose my hypo warning signs, so for safety's sake, I voluntarily stopped driving for 6 months until they were regularised. Thankfully, I was able to recover my awareness of a hypo coming on.

Problem was that both the train station and gym were 1 - 2 miles away, so rather than walking, I dug out an old Universal mountain bike lying at the back of the garage and started cycling to both. Although it was in the middle of winter, I found that I really looked forward to getting on the bike to get back home after work / the gym.

In the spring, I handed back the company car, cancelled my gym membership, and bought a half decent bike. I was still quids in, and enjoyed my exercise much more. Since then, I've managed to acquire 5 bikes, all with a personality of their own, and average c.4,000 miles annually. I completed my first 100 miler this year.

If I know I'm going out on a decent length cycle run, I reduce my insulin as well as taking additional carbs - usually fruit. I always have some jelly babies in case, and if I'm out on a 30 mile+ run, I check my bloods every couple of hours. Generally, I manage to keep them between 4.0 and 8.0 during an outing, although they do tend to continue to fall for a few hours afterwards if I've been on a long outing.

I've always had a reasonably healthy diet, weigh c.70kg, but I think I'm probably fitter now than any time since my early 20's - just wish I had rediscovered cycling years before I did!

Thanks for all your suggestions.
Starting off with a train journey is interesting - I haven't considered that. I will dig out the maps and investigate the alternative routes to avoid the forest tracks on Route 7. Hopefully I'll be lucky weather-wise, and avoid any headwinds!
Have just put in my application in for the Cross Border 100 Scotland event in late May which I think will cover some of the Borders cycle loop. Looking forward to it!

I'm hoping to get away for 3 or 4 days in June on a mini tour. Problem is, where to? I'm looking to do c200 miles from/to Edinburgh.
I would prefer to follow designated cycle routes where possible, but will be on a road bike with 700x28 tyres. I have found that some cycle routes are not suited to road bikes.
I had the idea of Edinburgh/Glasgow/Pitlochry/Dundee/Edinburgh, but am not sure if Route 7 from Glasgow to Pitlochry would be suitable for a road bike. Anyone been on that route? Any ideas would be welcome. Thanks!

Hi. After disposing of a couple of bikes, I'm considering buying another hybrid - I already have a Specialized Sirrus Expert, which I love, and a Ridgeback Speed which I am attached to as it's the bike which revived my love of cycling.
I'm looking at either a Ridgeback Element (at £400), a 2009 Fuji Abolute 2.0 Euro (£450) or Boardman Performance Hybrid Comp (£500).
Any thoughts / recommendations?
Also looking for a hybrid for my 14 year old son, who is not yet tall enough to use any of my bikes. I suspect he will have a rapid growth spurt soon, so am reluctant to spend more than say £300 on his. Any recommendations for him?