Cycling UK Forum

I'm sure this must have been asked before but I can't find an answer. In the UK, where the standard unit of measurement on the roads is in miles, why do many cyclists record their distances and speed in kilometers. Every road sign indicating the distance to somewhere says miles, even yards for short stretchers i.e. roadworks. The speed signs on our roads are in MPH, not KPH. I have cycled extensively in Europe and set my Garmin to kilometers whilst there but I can't see the point in having it set to kilometers in Britain.The only advantage I can come up with is that the numbers go up faster in kilometers

We all know from time to time our tyres flick a small stone, often at great speed, at right angles to the direction of travel. If the stone causes damage, to a car maybe, or smashes a window, is the cyclists liable. It's not happened to me yet but always wondered

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I don't have any problem with the bridge itself, it's mainly the road leading to and from it. The route via Muir of Ard and the then the bridge sounds fine. I have been over the bridge once before but couldn't ride the bike due to severe Gale blowing off the Moray Firth! It will be the last section of my ride from the Isle of Wight to Inverness, via the Western Isles in April.

Many thanks, that's very helpful!

I'm cycling from Ullapool to Inverness in April. Wishing to avoid the Kessock Bridge route into the city I wondered if going via Urray, Bridge of Ord and Beauly is a better route. Any local knowledge appreciated.

Agree about the Lymington route. But, for logistical reasons, (arranging accommodation etc) it has got to be Southampton this time.

Thanks for all the advice. I think the Hythe route sounds like the winner for me! I can then cut across to Lyndhurst. Day one of my Isle of Wight to Isle of Lewis solo ride.

Does anyone know if there is a safe way of cycling from the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferry terminal to Cadnam? I have driven it years ago and seem to remember it being a very busy road, dual carriageway in most parts.

Thanks everyone for the advice. The 'Dry Valleys' sounds good so hope to fit that in, been to Flamborough Head a few times so may give that a miss. Riding over the Humber Bridge is one thing I fancy doing cycleruk. Staying at http://www.bandbbeverley.co.uk/

Many thanks MockCyclist, some good info to go on there. The 'appealing landscape' option sounds like my kind of riding!

Going off on a mini (four day) tour of East Yorkshire next week, basing myself in or near Beverley. This is a new area for me so any advice/tips would be very welcome. Also any tips on the best route out of Leeds - from the main railway station. Cheers!

A couple of years ago I rode Glasgow to Oban. First down to Ardrossan, ferry to Arran, overnight at the SYHA in Lochranza, ferry to Claonaig then north to Tarbert, Crinnan Canal then up to Oban. Great, quiet, and scenic route!

Attention! Speed Camera!

I had a Trangia....for a couple of years. Then I found the Optimus Terra Solo Cook Set coupled with the Optimus Crux Lite burner - 272g as opposed to the 1100g of my Trangia setup. I can cook all I need on this gear. Takes up half the space too!
http://www.joe-brown.com/22524/products/optimus-crux-lite-gas-stove.aspx?origin=pla&kwd=&currency=GBP&gclid=CJjsg5-QicsCFcYcGwodk_EEiQ
http://www.joe-brown.com/6346/products/optimus-terra-solo-cookset.aspx

Thanks for all the tips. I do 80-100 milers fairly regularly - but not usually on a fully (25+kg) loaded touring bike, more on a 7kg racer so there is a big difference there. Usually on tour, my mileage is more around the 60 mark but the particular day in question was really a 'link' day, getting from one area to another. I find 60 miles an ideal distance giving time to enjoy the places I am passing through, plenty of stops, and a good hour or so for lunch. Thinking now of my next little venture