cyclinginfo stories

Often Short cycle paths are the butt of jokes – see this ridiculous example. They look like they have been painted into the road in order to meet some imaginary government target for increasing the number of bike lanes. Often these bike lanes are so short, it is doubtful whether you could actually get a tandem on the lane before it mysteriously disappears. See also this crazy bike lanes

I’ve done my fair share of making jokes at short bike paths, so I was pleasantly surprised to see a short bike lane installed and it made a significant  difference to my daily commute.



Basically, this used to be a wall. There was no short cut to avoid the lights ahead. It is a four way light, and often a two minute wait. They created a gap in the wall and a short bike path. This allows you to filter left and avoid the traffic lights.



A simple bike lane, but, of practical use. This junction has a high % of people who used to ride on pavement because of long wait. (I always seem to see drivers on their mobile phone at this junction, but, that’s another post)

Bad Cycle Lanes

Good cycle paths

Today, the World Harmony Run came through Oxford. Some of the runners were staying at my house last night so I went to take a few photos as they ran through Oxford.

The Global Harmony Run  will be completing 56,000 Kilometres during 2010 as it passes through over 100 countries. The European leg, started in Dublin in February and will be finishing in Moscow in later in the year.

It’s quite an achievement to run so many miles, staying somewhere different each night. The Run was founded by peace philosopher Sri Chinmoy in 1987 as a means to promote international friendship and peace.

All Souls and Bikes

Look No Hands

Riding no hands is a good way to tell if your frame is wobbly.

It’s actually easier to ride without hands if you are doing a decent speed. A bike is more stable at higher speeds than very slow speeds.

Once you’ve mastered riding with no hands try take off a waterproof jacket and put in back pocket whilst simultaneously swerving around potholes.

Another view of Radcliffe Camera

I hope when I’m an old man, (in roughly 65 years or so….) I hope that

• I won’t be a grumpy old man


• I’ll still be riding my bike.


• I will still be racing a bike.

Many people who do time trials are ‘Vets’ – people over 40. In fact I know of many riders who don’t start until they are a Vet. It’s often surprising how quick people can still be on bike, even into their 60s and 70s.

Cycling and smoking a pipe. Reminds me of the great Norman Maggs smoking a pipe during a 24 hour time trial

If you’re going to ride for 24 hours, you might as well enjoy it…

I bought this bike before you were born

John Woodburn still racing (aged 73 I think now)

Related

• Cycling into old age

Returning from Race

This was a good weekend for cycling. Firstly, the temperature crept into double figures (10 degrees) in the first time for what seems like ages. Double digit temperatures mean racing in shorts, and the annual ritual of shaving the legs the night before.

The course was shortened from 10 miles to about 8 miles after some road works appeared in the middle of Woolhampton. There was a bit of breeze but, after about 10 years of riding over humps, holes and divots, the A4 has finally  been resurfaced. You can’t a lovely smooth bit of fresh tarmac – especially after all the potholes in the road elsewhere. Before my speedometer packed in half way, I was averaging around 29mph. I finished in first place with a time of 17.13. Second place was Steve Golla (Specialised, Sigma) and I think third place was Justyn Cannon (RAF CC) or Jesse Elizinga (Beeline Cycles)

Rebecca Romero on right, riding back after race

First women was Olympic pursuit gold medallist Rebecca Romero. After the UCI decided to scrap the 4KM Pursuit (btw see previous post for what I think on decision to remove individual track pursuit from Olympics) Rebecca is now aiming for the individual Time Trial for London in 2012. Given her athletic pedigree, she has a very good chance. I’d love to see her do well. It’s certainly inspiring to be in same race as Olympic hopefuls.