Cycling UK Forum

Now there is a ferry between Ballycastle in Northern Ireland and Campbeltown at the foot of Kintyre I was thinking about an Irish Sea loop starting at Stranraer and finishing the days off with whisky or whiskey depending where I was. Be sure to call in Morton's at Ballycastle for fish and chips the...

I am 50 in May and I have decided to celebrate my birthday by spending three months touring some of the Scottish Islands on the West Coast - and then on to Orkney and Shetland - solo, unsupported, and mainly wild-camping. Not everyone's idea of a 50th birthday party but there you go! I have never be...

Great comment on Ellies book Phil and its a book I had missed so I have just ordered it. I wouldn't want to embarrass Ellie with unwanted attention or a false sense of praise (as she is also a forumite!), but I would recommend the book to anyone, cyclists and non-cyclists alike, it reminds me of wh...

Thanks Phil. Glad you liked the book.

Cheers guys!

Ellie Bennett

Clem, Sustrans have put together a fact sheet: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/assets/files/leaflets/LEJOG%20Info%20sheet%202011.pdf It has a lot of useful links. I agree with Ron though, it does depend on what you want to do, and how much time you have etc. I think the basics are: a) what sort of bike s...

This thread reminds me of the simple fact that bicycle touring - wherever it may be, over whatever distance and at whatever age - is exciting. Here's to all the rides planned in 2013! *lifts a glass* OP - your trip around southern England with the Good Pub Guide (might I also suggest the Camra Good ...

Remember a lot of Irish youth hostels have camping, there used to be someone who advertised, in cycletouring, a full comprehensive booklet of all the Irish hostels.... there are (were?) 2-3 independant associations, but i think the full handbook disappeared a while ago. It is awhile since I have be...

BTW anectodal - had a fall off my bike and broke my collar bone and had disgusting bruising along my left leg and thigh. First question from the doctor was "were you wearing a cycle helmet?' I had not received any damage to my head. So why the question?

I choose not to use a helmet when I am cycling because I do not believe that a polystyrene cap will protect me, and furthermore, it encourages drivers to believe that that I am protected and therefore puts me more at risk. As for camping on train lines -obviously not recommended - in fact the campsi...

Ellie, let me know when your book is out - will be good to read it Thanks! Re: Mud, Sweat and Gears (cycling from Land's End to John o'Groats via the pub) - due out early March 2012, published by Summersdale. I've now put a link from both my blogs to it. I see that the paper copy is available from ...

Day 4 we started with atrocious weather (the rain stopped the cars) and I can't say we much enjoyed riding in it. Certainly didn't get to take in any views!! The ferry was easy and the best bit of Arran is just after you get off the ferry and I found Brodick a waste of time. Only with I had stuck w...

Sorry can't help but have you tried asking on Twitter as well?

I think one of the best bits of advice i got from this site in 2007/08 when I was planning my LEJOG was this: On your cycle computer, that little number that tells you your average cycling speed - put a bit of black tape over it. It works for me :D Good idea! I don't take a computer. Or a GPS. Or a...

I've got one set of non-cycling clothes - pair of jeans, jumper, two shirts, 2x underwear and socks. Plus (in addition to what I'm wearing) 2 cycling t-shirts, one pair cycling shorts, a light thermal layer (top and bottom) and waterproof jacket. And a towel. Doesn't seem excessive and I'm not sure...