Search found 128 matches

by Snakes
4 Nov 2009, 11:33am
Forum: Off-road Cycling.
Topic: MTB Training
Replies: 6
Views: 751

Re: MTB Training

Hi John,

It sounds as though you'd benefit from a skills course... Have a look at the following link, as there's a number of course options available to you:

http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefaultMTB.aspx?TabID=5207

Apart from this many individuals build upon existing skills simply by riding as much as possible off-road when you can. Clearly this is better done if you're out with some friends that hopefully can pass on some of ther skills. You may also find joining a local off-road club useful too. One way or the other, it's nice to hear you're enjoying off-road riding, for a list clubs, see: http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefaultMTB.aspx?TabID=5188

Hope the above is of some help.

All the best

Snakes
by Snakes
23 Oct 2009, 2:20pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Help/Advice
Replies: 14
Views: 737

Re: Help/Advice

Hi Lichfield Pony,

Sounds like it could be a very nice ride indeed!! You shouldn't have many issues using canal/river towpaths. You will need to obtain an official permit from British waterways, see: http://www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/cycling/permit

As you'll be undertaking the ride in the Summer, the towpaths should be in fairly good order, i.e. dry! During wet weather many can become very sticky, which isn't overly favourable if you're looking at towpath riding for the larger percentage of the ride.

I'm guessing you'd possibly use the Grand Union Canal out of town possibly to leicester, and make your way from here. The daily mileage you're intending may well need to be altered if you're looking at finding campsites either on, or close to the route. The best thing to do is to try and work out the route that suits best in the first instance, then make allowance in mileage pending on how far apart campsites are etc. If you have difficulties locating sites in a given area, a google search or a quick call to the nearest Tourist Information office should do the trick.

In terms of the bike to use, a touring bike, or a rigid/hardtail mountain bike should be fine. Clearly with a Hardtail Mountain bike you'll not have as much a carrying capacity, but with a good rear rack fitted, a couple of good panniers, I'm sure you'd survive. Of course, you've also got the option of using a trailer. many people using a Mountain Bike to tour will often use a trailer, such as the 'Bob Yak' due to it's single wheel and manouverability.

Anyway, I hope the above is of help.

All the best

Snakes
by Snakes
1 Oct 2009, 10:50am
Forum: Off-road Cycling.
Topic: CTC Club Affiliation CTC or British Cycling?
Replies: 3
Views: 2692

Re: CTC Club Affiliation CTC or British Cycling?

Hi Daniel,

I've just had a quick look at your website, and you're certainly doing some good things for local riders!! Before I clarrify the membership stuff... You might wish to highlight the site/website with our Off-road Development Officer Ian Warby. I say this as apart from membership, there may well be other areas Ian can offer assistance with! Email: ian.warby@ctc.org.uk. I'll drop him a link to your site.

Basically the difference between our affiliated membership and BCs is that BC membership/insurance is aimed more at those into competative cycling, and CTCs covers all other areas.

Essentially affiliated Membership of CTC will provide organisers within the club a liability cover, and the option of a 3rd party insurance for individual club members plus free listings of events. If you'd like further details, please contact our Membership dept on 0844 736 8451.

If you've any other questions, feel free to contact me directly: andy.hawes@ctc.org.uk or 01483 238306

Aka - Snakes
by Snakes
24 Sep 2009, 3:26pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Why do cyclists wear dark glasses?
Replies: 20
Views: 1704

Re: Why do cyclists wear dark glasses?

My sun glasses are with me all year round due to grit and bugs moistly, but also to protect from the sun on particularly bright days. A bug in the eye's never a pleasent experience, and I shouldn't have thought the bugs enjoy it that much either! I guess the grit side of things possibly applies more so to those riding off-road due to the fact that many off-roaders ride without mudguards.

Snakes
by Snakes
21 Sep 2009, 9:05am
Forum: Off-road Cycling.
Topic: Off-road commutes....
Replies: 7
Views: 1327

Off-road commutes....

Living within the Surrey Hills, I know I'm fortunate to have numerous off-road routes to work. One of my favourite journeys was from Cranleigh to Godalming. I could and did use the Downslink, the river Wey, the bridleways over Hascombe Hill to mention just a few of the options I had.

I also had a commute from Ash Vale to Godalming, across Ash Ranges (when allowed), and around the edge when not. A Byway, a short section of the Christmas Pie route, then Bridleway over the Hogs Back to Puttenham...

Anyway, before I ramble on... I wonder how many of you are fortunate enough to have a pleasent off-road commute, where the route takes you, Bike you use etc...?

I guess I'm writing this partially on the basis that we've always got road commute topics on the go on the forum, and I thought it would be nice to find out about peoples off-road commuting for a change...

Snakes
by Snakes
18 Sep 2009, 1:01pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Commute Times
Replies: 30
Views: 1669

Re: Commute Times

Cycling: 30 mins
Car: 15 min - 1hr
Train: 5 mins plus 30 min walk
Bus: 45 min -1hr
Walk: 1hr 30 mins

The best thing about commuting by bike, your journey time never changes, well perhaps give or take 5 mins...
by Snakes
15 Sep 2009, 10:41am
Forum: Off-road Cycling.
Topic: Boys.... will be Boys....
Replies: 2
Views: 753

Boys.... will be Boys....

So normally my commute to work's undertaken on my Mountain Bike, along the towpath for 3/4s of the journey, and then through the winter months on my trusty Carlton.... However both are in need of some mechanical attention, and both are off the road/towpath at the minute.

Luckily I have access to a Brompton, and whilst the towpath's still dry I've been using this with the Brompton for the last few weeks. This morning I see my usual regular cycling faces, then an unfamiliar rider shoots past on his MTB, obviously thinking I'd have no chance of tailing him all the way... which I did, much to his annoyance In fact, I tailed him for 2.5 miles. He was out of the saddle several times too!! So that was my mornings fun!

No offence to any Mountain Biker intended, I am one! If you want a good training tip though, try riding a 3 spd Brompton off-road to work, it'll do wonders! Can't wait to get my Marin back on track, I've had enough of small wheels/training now!

Snakes
by Snakes
4 Sep 2009, 10:35am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Seat Height and Knee Problem
Replies: 10
Views: 920

Re: Seat Height and Knee Problem

It certainly sounds as though you have the fitness level required for a 100 mile ride, but whilst you may have the heart/lungs and muscles to do the job, knee joints might not always agree...

My riding takes me to and from work daily, a round trip of 12 miles, and generally on the flat, so no climbing. At weekends I'll often do a 30 mile off-road ride in the Surrey Hills, and no problems. Occasionally however, I'll do the odd Audax ride in the region of 100 miles, and I've suffered with knee pain (to the front upper of the knee).

The saddle height maybe a problem, and is worth looking into perhaps further as you maybe over stretching. But the one thing that many long distance riders will tell you is, when riding a 100 miler, don't push big gears all the time!! It's something that's all to easy to do, and possibly is why you've suffered, as clearly a little more tension on the knee for hours on end isn't always the best thing.

If you suffer again, or have suffered since, the best advice would be to consult your Doctor and perhaps get a referal to a physio.

I hope that's of some help.

Snakes
by Snakes
1 Sep 2009, 3:25pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: MTB or Road Bike?
Replies: 14
Views: 2084

Re: MTB or Road Bike?

You could do the off-road version of End to End, saving those little adjustments.... If you're A CTC member feel free to drop me a personal message and include your membership number or postcode, and I'll send it along. It's 1201 miles, and ridden over a 23 day stint!

Clearly if you're undertakng a ride such as End to End, a full suspension MTB's not ideal, but it's certainly possible. You'd get away with a hardtail far more easily, ideally one that has mounting points for a rear rack. Those that have undetaken End to End off-road have tended to use a trailer (particularly if on full sus).

If you're set on changing to slicks and hammering the road with your MTB, and asuming you've owned your current bike some years i.e. that you're completely comfortable on it, then why not. Just be sure to inflate the tyres to the suitably, as low pressure on fatter tyres (even 1.5 slicks) will add to the drag factor.

Snakes
by Snakes
18 Aug 2009, 11:43am
Forum: Off-road Cycling.
Topic: Coast to Coast SCOTLAND
Replies: 12
Views: 4207

Re: Coast to Coast SCOTLAND

Hi Neil,

We do have a route for CTC members, it's the Highland Coast to Coast. It was written by a CTC member in 2005. If you'd like a copy please send me a personal message including your membership number. I can either email it, or post it, whichever you prefer.

All the best

Andy (aka snakes)
by Snakes
18 Aug 2009, 11:33am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: wooden trainer bike
Replies: 6
Views: 552

Re: wooden trainer bike

My son had a 'wooden' training bike. His was a 'LikeaBike', which I obtained for him approx 6 years ago when they first started to appear on the UK market. I have to say initially these training bikes where a tad expensive, although there's now alot more choice, and cheaper options available.

In terms of it's success, I'd say they're brilliant!! My son absolutely loved his, and within a couple of months, not the he realised it straight away, but his feet didn't touch the ground, apart from the push off. He was 3 at the time, and I'm sure it excelerated his learning. In terms of learning to balance, and providing him with the 'bug', it was 100% succesful!!

Have a look at this link: http://www.likeabike.co.uk/

As I've said above, they're not cheap, but having been through the motions, well worth it.

Hope this helps.

Snakes
by Snakes
30 Jul 2009, 11:12am
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: carlton corsa
Replies: 19
Views: 8853

Re: carlton corsa

I have a Carlton Corsa (and a lovely bike she is too), but alas, having just looked at my frame, nothing but the frame number is on it.

So... I've just spoken with Chris Juden our highly knowledgeable Technical Officer, and having worked for Raliegh many years ago, he's said the following:

(Seem Welded Medium Carbon 'High Tensil' steel - Not Reynolds or Cromoly, though it probably has a bit of Cr plus Mo in it. Made by Tube Investments, who did also own Reynolds at that time)

So, hopefully that'll help.

Snakes
by Snakes
22 Jul 2009, 2:39pm
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Transport to / from JoG
Replies: 1
Views: 452

Re: Transport to / from JoG

I've spoken with Kyle this morning, and he's certainly a good option if you're travelling as a group of 4, or perhaps if you can team up with others.

Here's the link: http://www.highlandbicycletransfers.co.uk/jog.html

As you'll see he'll also come to the assistance of cyclists across Scotland.

Re the note about mudguards, this only applies to the trailer they use as it clamps the rear wheel (hence no mudguards). From what I understand that's purely on the MTB side of his business.

Hope this helps!

All the best

Snakes
by Snakes
25 Jun 2009, 11:56am
Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
Topic: Warrington B&B
Replies: 12
Views: 2441

Re: Warrington B&B

Just to say that 'Tall Trees' in Warrington changed ownership sometime ago now, and is now called 'Happy Guests Lodge'. It's absolutely lovely, with a friendly/warm welcome, and really is a very pleasent place to stay. Have at look at http://www.happyguestslodge.co.uk/index.php
by Snakes
18 Jun 2009, 11:45am
Forum: Off-road Cycling.
Topic: marin palasides trail 2004 seat post size?
Replies: 2
Views: 525

Re: marin palasides trail 2004 seat post size?

Have a look at the following link:

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/Bike ... &Type=bike

The list to the right indicates that Marin didn't produce this model in 2004, if this is so, then I'd advise to look at the 2003/2005 model. 2003's model states, 27.0mm.

Hope this helps.

Snakes