• Singletrack session in Epping Forest this morning. Wet, muddy and more wet. Good fun riding though, as always. #mtb #
• Lots of fun for everyone, in Llandegla. All about different kinds of fun on trails http://j.mp/9Av8fs via @thisismusic #

• The bicycle that's faster than an electric car
  http://shar.es/mcDYx #

• RT @Wiles84: just seen hundreds of cyclists along the southbank being led by guy blasting techno out of speakers rigged to his bike #weird #
• RT @PaulDominguez: Was this the world's first-ever cycle? | Metro.co.uk: http://bit.ly/aC1bIs #

• First ride on new hardtail I built 2 months ago. On One 456 rides nicely taking sting out of the tail. Needs longer fork, Pike perhaps. #mtb #
• RT @hurns: Great piece on wiggo RT@TeamSkyNews: Bradley Wiggins: 'It's time for me to step up a gear' http://bit.ly/cdPjC5 #

• Now that's what I call a triathlon. Run from Alaska to New York, swim the Atlantic, bike across Asia. Madness, surely > http://bit.ly/9J8CbR #

• RT @wigglebikeshop: 3 hours left for the voucher codes! #

• RT @londoncyclenews: Lazer bike helmets – awesome ad! http://www.flickr.com/photos/duvalguillaume/2360107161/sizes/o/ #
• RT @engadget: Cannondale's mind-blowing Simon electronic suspension system hands-on http://bit.ly/7zlgTP #
• Signed up for the Blenheim tri this year as well as Windsor the following week and London in August. Bring it on. http://ow.ly/UBvW #

• Here's a pic of the fully built On-One 456 in chocolate brown. Nice? http://bit.ly/6JVr01 #

• Tomorrow, surely the exercise has to kick in having not done any for an entire fortnight. A gentle #
• Happy Christmas to all and a happy and healthy 2010 to you also. Enjoy… #

• Want to finish building my nice new On-One 456. Need to find decent bike shop to buy seat clamp, saddle and appropriately sized front mech #

• RT @Steve_Palmer: Commuting: How to save time without going faster? Just like triathlon, you work on your tranistions http://bit.ly/7Xl9R8 #

• Worthy commuter? > RT @londoncyclenews: Jeesh, check this $120K Gold Bicycle http://bit.ly/7CWA4m #

• Stolen: Specialised Langster, 2010 model, black with panier rack. Seen a scumbag riding this steed. Stolen this afternoon, Tottenham Ct Rd? #
• Too many cars on the road! #
• @Steve_Palmer Now you're talking. In your face motorist! in reply to Steve_Palmer #

• Holy Moly!! Can't believe the amazing value of the Planet-X SL Pro Carbon @ £899 with Ultegra 6700. Amazing! – http://ow.ly/BJmy #
• RT @PaulDominguez: RT @Steve_Palmer: cycling advice! Take your pick – the police (93 page manual) or Bicycle Boris http://bit.ly/26Qifr #
• RT @PaulDominguez: That's just how it should be in London, don't you think? – RT @RichMyles: Everyone, everyone in Cambridge has a bicycle. #

• Holy Moly!! Can't believe the amazing value of the Planet-X SL Pro Carbon @ £899 with Ultegra 6700. Amazing! – http://ow.ly/BJmy #
• RT @PaulDominguez: RT @Steve_Palmer: cycling advice! Take your pick – the police (93 page manual) or Bicycle Boris http://bit.ly/26Qifr #
• RT @PaulDominguez: That's just how it should be in London, don't you think? – RT @RichMyles: Everyone, everyone in Cambridge has a bicycle. #

• RT @PaulDominguez: All cyclists take note – RT @Steve_Palmer: Excellent idea! Sort of name+shame bad drivers http://bit.ly/2gqE4w #

• Entered – The Roding Valley Half Marathon, 28 Feb 2010. Better start training for distance AND speed. Yikes! http://ow.ly/ykuh #fb #

• RT @Zerochamp: RT @guardianeco: Caught on camera: Britain's crap cycle lanes http://bit.ly/4tQ2KD #
• The GRIM Duathlon. But, was it? http://bit.ly/3aprIm #

• RT @mashable: Tweeting to #BeatCancer: 200,000+ Tweets So Far – http://bit.ly/4cs3NV #
• Thinking of getting a 2nd job as Google Trike rider – RT @mashable: Google Street View Gets a New Vehicle: The Trike – http://bit.ly/1zM1k3 #

IslaBike CNOC 16

Following the success of my eldest son’s first bike, a LikeAbike Mountain Classic purchased for his second birthday, the time came to consider a successor as his size and skill approaching the age of four, meant he had graduated to the next stage, a real bike with pedals.

After a reasonable amount of research and having gathered a consensus of opinion on various forums I came to the conclusion the next steed my eldest would use to develop his skills and allow me to start riding with him in a more meaningful way would be an IslaBike CNOC 16.

I ordered the bike over the phone with the help of a friendly and helpful member of theIslaBike’s team who guided me through the options. I decided on upgrading the tyres to off-road knobbly’s and didn’t bother with stabilisers or the mudguards as it was unlikely I’d take my son riding in the rain. When the bike arrived a week later it was delivered in a suitably protected cardboard housing. All I needed to do to get the bike up and running was turn the stem and tighten a bolt, and attach the pedals.

You get what you pay for…

At £149 plus extras this is certainly not a cheap first bike. In the flesh though, the first thing that struck me about the bike was the quality of the components as well as the metallic paintwork. It felt like a miniaturised quality adult bike. The 9″ frame is constructed from 7005 T6 heat treated aluminium, complimented by lightweight cro-moly blade forks, Ahead aluminium stem, Tektro aluminium ‘V’ brakes, which incidentally are nice and powerful comparable to adult equivalent brakes, and 16″ Alloy wheels with Continental tyres. Nice specification (Full spec available here).

On the quality front, despite being a kids bike there are no short-cuts. All the rotating parts run very smoothly thanks to ball bearings most of which are sealed. The scaling and geometry is also very well considered, for example the brake lever reach is adjustable and built to fit the smaller hands of a 4+ year old. The same detailing on the pedals, saddle etc make it a comfortable and easy to use ride.

Build quality is superb, so much so that it can easily take my 90 kilos on the several occasions I’ve had a go. It feels solid and positive. The brakes stopped me surprisingly quickly, amazing brakes! No rattling or need to keep tightening nuts and bolts up, it’s solid and reliable.

Despite the plentiful aluminium and the claims of being lightweight I was actually a little surprised at how heavy it is for it’s size and spec, listed as “approx weight 7.7kgs (16.9 lbs)” that makes it around the same weight as my Planet X carbon road bike. Still on the light side I was expecting it to be lighter. Despite this, from picking up similarly sized bikes in my local bike shop, it is comparably lighter. I do however notice my son struggling to lift the front when walking up to and over a kerb for example, but then technique and strength do play a factor which I as an adult probably take for granted.

Having ridden a balance bike for two years, my son almost instantly was able to ride this bike unaided, a real proud dad moment. As a keen cyclist on and off-road I can’t recommend this bike enough.

Here are a load of pictures…

• Whites Leve trail, Afan: Great sunny dry conditions. Cleaned it! Loved black run. 16.04 km, 01h 47m, Ave 9.0 km/h, Ave 139 bpm, Cals 1,922 #
• Penhydd trail, Afan: Beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon, great trail conditions. 16.69 km, 01h 26m, Ave 11.5 km/h, Ave 142 bpm, Cals 1,551 #
• RT @PaulDominguez: Confirmed, heading to Wales this w/e for Afan action. Penhydd and Whites Level, or just go for the W2? What do you reckon #
• RT @PaulDominguez: Amazed how oblivious some cyclists are to lorries. Witnessed a near miss this morning Assume THEY CAN'T SEE YOU, be aware #
• … I now wondering how I'm going to attach the front Crud Roadracer mudguard to my rigid Lefty fork!? I'm sure I'll work something out!?! #
• Just ordered set of Crud Roadracer mudguards, http://ow.ly/qAqH. Believe it or not they look good despite being mudguards. Review to follow #
• Ride home: Speedy ride home, partly courtesy of Sainsbury's articulated lorry. 22.30 km, 51m 56s, Ave 25.8 km/h, Ave 132 bpm, Cals 1,141 #
• Sunday off-road. Thankfully not the hideous quagmire I expected. Great singletrack 19.81 km, 2h 08m, Ave 9.2 km/h, Ave 116 bpm, Cals 1,708 #
• Epping Forest was relatively dry for tomorrow's ride, until it started raining over 2 hours ago. Hope it stops soon to avoid mud bath mayhem #
• Images: Tour of Britain final stage, London http://bit.ly/1aDKgS #
• Great deal on the Planet X SL Pro Carbon, with full 2010 Ultegra 6700 groupset. Get 'em while you can. http://ow.ly/q3rd #
• RT @PaulDominguez: Ride home: Naaaaasty NNE headwind. Slowed my tired legs. Getting dark sooner, boo. #
• Just added myself to the http://wefollow.com twitter directory under: #london_united_kingdom #mountainbiking #roadcycling #internet #family #

Taken on my Oregon Scientific ATC5K, handlebar mounted.

See video of the “Black Run” at Afan’s Whites Level trail.

Arriving a little later than planned due mainly to an unfortunate alarm malfunction, we decided to start off at the old Argoed trail centre starting off with the Penhydd trail, a 17 km Red graded trail (difficult) combining forest road climbs with tight, technical, switchback trails through mixed woodland, a great trail in the dry. We dusted it off in a reasonably swift 1 hour 26 minutes, video of this to follow.

Thankfully, the lack of mechanicals meant we made good time, enough to ride the 7 km picturesque pathway to the new trail centre in Glyncorrwg which hosts the Whites Level trail head. Whites Level is my favourite trail featuring a huge range of absolutely awesome man-made technical riding. Another 17 km, red grade trail featuring some very technical climbing, board walk, slabbed rocky descents, and a Black graded (severe) descent, the relatively new addition named the “Black Run”. I love it. The 7 hour round trip car journey was definitely worth it for the amazing 4 hours in the saddle!

The short video below shows the black run from a helmet camera mounted onto my handlebars. Forgive the shaky picture. Although it doesn’t do the Black Run justice it should give you an idea of it’s challenging technical riding. Hope you like it.

Taken on my Oregon Scientific ATC5K, handlebar mounted.

Look at video from “The Hidden Valley” at Afan’s Penhydd trail.

Edvald Boasson Hagen comfortably sealed overall victory in The Tour of Britain, as Italian Michele Merlo sprinted to victory in an action packed stage in front of thousands of spectators in central London.  Boasson Hagen crossed the line safely in the peloton to confirm victory; only his second overall win in a stage race.

Tour of Britain, www.tourofbritain.co.uk

LIKEaBIKE Mountain Classic

When the time came to buy my eldest son his first bike – at the grand age of two – it wasn’t a decision I could take lightly. Well, his entire future as an Olympic track rider/Triathlete/or Tour de France legend could hinge on this very fundamental choice.

I needed to make sure that this first bike was usable right from the start and able to provide a platform for my littl’un to develop his riding skills, well his balance at least, and not be outgrown too quickly. I wanted the transition from this first bike to his next to be seamless, ideally avoiding the need for stabilisers on his second bike. Following a little research I decided on a LIKEaBIKE Mountain Classic. I bought it for his second birthday and it’s lasted him beyond two years, and he still likes to ride it from time to time despite his new steed which I upgraded to an IslaBike Cnoc 16 for his fourth birthday.

Being a keen cyclist in multiple disciplines I was naturally eager for my son to eventually come out and ride with me on a Sunday morning, whether in the forest on off-road bikes, or through the Essex countryside on road bikes. So to see him take to riding the LIKEaBIKE like a fish to water was a real joy not to mention a relief, and I could start imagining the reality of future bike outings.

Out of the box, the bike simply needs the handlebars to be fitted as well as the grips and seat cover, a ten minute job. Once on the bike the riding position is very natural and the new riders seem to know exactly what to do as soon as they get on and start pushing themselves along the ground with their feet, eventually building up a pretty good pace and momentum. Before long they’re zooming off and riding with feet in the air, balancing and controlling the bike as they ride. Great to watch.

Because there are no brakes, stopping is carried out using feet, which at first is a little disconcerting, but as they get used to slowing down and stopping, any worries quickly disappear.

When my eldest moved on to his second bike, the beauty was he didn’t need to use stabilisers at all, and despite not having used a pedal bike with brakes, he instinctively new what to do and began pedalling off unassisted straight away, as hoped. Quite impressive. Take a look at a quick video clip of my son riding his first pedal bike on the first day.

Build quality

The build quality is second to none as you’d imagine from German engineering. The wood is birch marine plywood, which is incredibly strong and won’t warp. The LIKEaBIKE is held together with high-grade steel, felt, textiles and rubber. To date the bike hasn’t required any mechanical servicing besides adjusting the height of the seat. The pneumatic tyres provide great ride comfort and added bumper like protection.

These bikes are not cheap, far from it infact, but the quality is unmatched. From my point of view, worth every penny. And now that my youngest son is showing an interest in riding, the LIKEaBIKE which is still in mint condition will be passed on to him so that he can start learning to ride.

Here are some close-up pictures of the LIKEaBIKE Mountain Classic…

Meet my off-road full suspension pride and joy, the Specialized Enduro SL Expert, 2007 model.

From reviews I’d read at the time it was clear the engineering and ride-ability of the bike wasn’t in question, having evolved from a trusted and proven design. On the looks front however, it was very much a Marmite experience, you either loved it, or hated it. When I first clapped eyes on one of these back in 2006 I fell in love with the lines and the burly yet light-footed appearance of this updated classic.

The first thing you notice about the bike is the Future Shock E150 fork, a dual crown affair typically seen on downhill rigs, or motorbikes. This was complimented by the AFR Shock at the rear. The second more unusual aspect was the origin of the suspension setups, each Specialized own brand designs for both front and back. Specialized invested in the expertise of Mike McAndrews, who served six years as head of R&D at SockShox, later moving on to Fox Racing then Maverick. His vision was to create a completely integrated system designed from the ground up.

The idea was to create a suspension ride that allowed a balanced and controlled experience for the rider, and in my opionion it all works very nicely thank you very much.

What surprises me most about this bike is it’s ability to climb. Despite the slack angles and long fork, once the E150 altitude adjustment (the black dial) is turned on the fork compresses 40mm to lower the front and change the geometry for easier climbing. The difference is noticeable and the result is a bike capable of fast, comfortable ascending.

The machine descends just as convincingly and confidently as it climbs. With 2.3 inch tyres and wide riser bars the feel is one of full control and positive feedback when descending trails at speed. The suspension carries out it’s duties effortlessly leaving you to focus on the steering.

I’ll be updating this post with a more indepth review over time. For now enjoy some of the close-up images of the Specialized Enduro SL Expert below.

• Update Blog post containing more detailed review: Images and review: Planet X SL Pro Carbon http://bit.ly/XRlAv #
• Blog update: Images and review: Planet X SL Pro Carbon http://bit.ly/XRlAv #
• How does one easily & quickly remove the rear wheel on a Cannondale Bad Boy 8 with Shimano Alfine geared hub? How does the cable disengage? #
• Blog update: Video: How to cycle safely in a city http://bit.ly/MLwdn #
• Playing around to decide which social plugin does the best job. What do you think of these, http://www.bikesr4riding.com #
• All posts from http://www.bikesr4riding.com will be coming through on this shiny new Twitter account, @bikesr4rising. Follow for bike related reads #
• http://twitpic.com/fq2e8 – Avid Juicy7 front caliper taken apart. Decided to service it myself. Need to order new pistons #

• Servicing my full susser. Stripped and greased rear wheel, replaced rear shock bushings and replaced fork. Front brake needs pro service. #
• Ride home: Missed downpour, just. Nice easy ride. Hate that it’s getting dark sooner 19.16 km, 46m 03s, Ave 24.9 km/h, Ave 128 bpm, Cals 960 #
• Ride to work: Brutal headwind, tired legs, mild hangover = slow, hard ride in. 22.47 km, 58m 40s, Ave 23.0 km/h, Ave 132 bpm, Cals 1,096 #
• Now that’s what I’m talking about! RT @mashable Dual-Screen Laptops?! Yes, They’re Real (and Coming Soon) http://bit.ly/6v9st #
• this is a test http://tinyurl.com/b2bedge #
• Ride home: Wet-ish, windy, slow and tiring, but still good fun. 22.27 km, 56m 31s, Ave 23.6 km/h, Ave 127 bpm, Cals 1,264 #
• RT @YokeDigital at last! Today is the official launch of Yoke Shopper http://www.yokeshopper.com – join the hands free revolution! #
• Ride to work: Ahhhhh! Huge spider in my bike shoes this morning 22.79 km, 55m 00s, Ave 24.9 km/h, Ave 136 bpm, Cals 1,132 #
• Just yelped at discovery of massive spider in my cycling shoe. Put shoe on, felt a lump, explored and saw the creepy crawly. It was big! #fb #
• Ride home: Another sub 50 minutes. Stunning and fun ride home. 22.19 km, 49m 44s, Ave 26.8 km/h, Ave 137 bpm, Cals 1,264 #
• RT @MrBrainz Just had a play with some Augmented Reality. I have Tower Bridge in the palm of my hand! Mwah ha ha ha ha http://bit.ly/Bl2B9 #
• Ride to work: Great ride in with @Steve_Palmer. 22.07 km, 53m 11s, Ave 24.9 km/h, Ave 137 bpm, Cals 1,143 #
• Ride home: Steady apart from crazy lady who didn’t indicate left, saw her coming. 21.87 km, 50m 56s, Ave 25.8 km/h, Ave 137 bpm, Cals 1,250 #
• Ride to work: Feeling energetic after w/end sans much excercise. Stats ‘cos I can. 22.83 km, 53m 10s, Ave 25.8 km/h, Ave 140 bpm, Cals 1,213 #

This video, one of a series is the first explaining how the Cervélo Team started.

Right blade of fork

I’ve owned my Planet X SL Pro Carbon road bike for two years now. Originally purchased directly from Planet X via the Halfords cycle to work scheme I can honestly say that I’m very happy with this purchase, one of my best bike buys to date.

Value and service?

In terms of value, it can’t really be knocked. There are (or at least were) several comparative deals on other brands which I considered at the time, including Focus, Wilier, Ribble, and Orbea bikes. I paid £999 for my Planet X back in the summer of 2007, at the time specified with Shimano 105 brakes and transmission, and a Full Speed Ahead chainset. Since then, the bike has been offered at different price points between £999 and £1,600 plus, in a variety of flavours including Ultegra, Dura Ace and and now SRAM Red. Every now and then I see it available for under the £1K mark with Ultegra, a great deal!

When I first bought it, I spec’d the bike over the phone during an in-depth conversation with the guys at Planet X, who incidentally are very helpful. Great service!

They asked what style of riding I do, the typical terrain I ride, my weight, body measurements etc. On that basis they built the appropriate bike for me (frame size (Small), crank lengths (170 mm), stem lengths (100 mm), number of front chainrings (2), etc). As a result the bike is perfectly fitted and rides beautifully. It’s geometry is not at all aggressive, so provides a comfortable ride experience without having to be to far over the front of the bike with your arse in the air.

The combination of geometry and materials makes for a positive ride experience allowing quick and powerful acceleration. The bike climbs well and is very stable under pedal.

How does it ride?

I’ve ridden it mostly on a range of undulating Essex and Hertfordshire country roads. It’s also gone multi-purpose and served as my weapon of choice in several triathlons, hence the aero bars in the image gallery below.

In no uncertain terms I’m extremely surprised at how comfortable it is. I’ve never experienced back ache after riding the bike, and have always felt it to be setup in a very natural position for riding, so comfortable on longer rides, perfect for sportive.

Thinking about when I first picked it up and took her out for a spin I was shocked at the power transfer to the rear wheel from the pedal, blistering. It felt really twitchy and I was genuinely scared when taking it for a full speed straight road blast. The speed pick-up was quick, great acceleration throughout and the responsiveness, tracking and feedback was incredible. Bear in mind back then I hadn’t ridden a road bike for 16 years and was only used to comparatively bouncy MTBs, so the difference was immense.

When I ride the bike now I love the precision of it as well as the highly engineered feel. I adore the clean, snappy gear changes, and having picked up speed I’m really liking the noise of the whirring wheels and efficiently sharp transmission.

Having upgraded my old SPD pedals to Ultegra SPD SLs I can feel even more positivity through the drive.

I love it to bits.

What does it look like?

Check out the images below. Click on the first image to view a gallery of larger images.

The frame set you see in the pictures below is now FOR SALE. Click here for details

Do you own/ride a carbon road bike, or want to ride one. What are your experiences? Let us know below…

As a cyclist of over 30 years and a seasoned commuter I consider myself relatively experienced, but never take it for granted and am nearly always aware and conscious of the activity happening around me and always second guessing other road users in my riding zone, always leaving myself a safety bailout option whenever possible.

I thought it would be useful to share the video below, which although a little stiff in presentation does a good job of highlighting good advice for those riding in cities and also provides some great tips to keep safe in some of the more precarious road situations a typical commuter faces on a daily basis.

Use eye contact, use plenty of road, be very careful around lorries and buses who can’t always see you. Enjoy…

Bicycle Safety: How To Cycle Safely In A City

In addition to the lights I was considering what else I needed to do to make myself stand out as much as possible, especially in the rain, when I’m convinced cyclists are the last thing on a car driver’s mind as they turn into a junction. As well as developing that special sixth sense you need to be able to read other road users minds, being seen is of course the most important thing to gear up for, something I’ve been guilty of under preparing for in the past.

Here’s a useful video highlighting (excuse the pun) some points to consider when riding in the dark. Be safe.

Bicycle Safety: How To Cycle Safely In The Dark

“…one of those sports where there are so many rewards…” Couldn’t agree with you more, Tim.

• Began a mission to sort garage out with hope of turning it into a bike workshop. One car load to tip and it's not even dented the chaos #fb #
• Just polished off a lovely roast dinner in the garden accompanied by a large glass of sangria, of course #
• Ride home: Gentle ride back to the ranch which still felt hard going. 22.26 km, 54m 05s, Ave 24.7 km/h, Ave 130 bpm, Cals 1,574 #
• Ride to work: Despite the fierce headwind myself and @Steve_Palmer did good. 23.07 km, 54m 16s, Ave 25.5 km/h, Ave 138 bpm, Cals 1,188 #
• Lunchtime run: First run since the London Triathlon. It was tough going & windy. 4.69 km, 24m 39s, Ave 11.4 km/h, Ave 145 bpm, Cals 418 #
• Ride home: Longer ride from Herne Hill this evening in fading light. Knackered 28.50 km, 01h 16m 20s, Ave 22.4 km/h, Ave 131 bpm, Cals 1,575 #
• http://twitpic.com/eh9gj – Another lap down at Herne Hill #
• http://twitpic.com/eh95s – 2 wave lap of a 10 lap race #
• http://twitpic.com/eh3sg – Preparing for the Building track day at Herne Hill #
• Off to Herne Hill Velodrome this afternoon to help out with Building's track day. Will be shooting video, taking pics and participating #fb #
• Ride to work: Lovely morning. 21.95 km, 54m 08s, Ave 24.3 km/h, Ave 137 bpm, Cals 1,188 #
• I should've gone for a run at lunchtime. Opted out in favour of work, must go on Thursday! What a beautiful evening in London by the way #fb #
• Ride home: Stunning evening. Could've been a PB, but wasn't to be. Another day. 22.34 km, 49m 26s, Ave 27.1 km/h, Ave 141 bpm, Cals 1,387 #
• Ride to work: Felt a little harder than normal following off-road ride yesterday. 22.45 km, 54m 39s, Ave 24.6 km/h, Ave 142 bpm, Cals 1,188 #

If you didn’t catch the on-board video, have a look at Video: Building’s track day at Herne Hill Velodrome

Although I was attending on official work business, I felt privileged to be doing so at the legendary Herne Hill Velodrome for this quite excellent event in the construction industry event calendar. In my capacity as on-board cameraman, supporting photographer and general assistant host it was an absolute pleasure to meet the cycling aficionado’s of the construction industry.

For the second time since it’s inauguration last year, a 40 strong contingent turned out to thrash it out on the legendary concrete track in south London. As the more seasoned swapped out pedals and fine tuned their machines, the less acquainted familiarised themselves with their gear-less, brake-less steeds.

The order of events consisted of:

Event 1: 8 Lap Scratch Race (3 heats)
Event 2: Keirin Heats
Event 3: Keirin Final
Event 4: 10 Lap Points Race
Event 5: Team sprint

The day was a roaring success. In the 30 degree heat we battled it out. Below is the rider’s perspective of the 8 lap scratch race heat, a little bumpy but I hope you enjoy.

“Try get in a lake, it is different. In a swimming pool try swimming a length with your eyes closed and you’ll be bashing off the lane rope, because that’s what happens in triathlon…”

Courtesy of the latest ads from Oakley

• Sunday off-road forest road: Sweet Epping Forest singletrack, dry and fast fun. 29.16 km, 2h 21m 22s, Ave 12.4 km/h, Ave 122 bpm, Cals 1,757 #
• Watching the London Triathlon 2009 on TV, channel 4. Bringing back the memories #
• Updated post with loads of larger pictures and a mini review of the Cannondale Bad Boy 8 http://bit.ly/1LWyqM #
• http://twitpic.com/e00t0 – Pre dinner ride to Connought Water with Daniel. Halfway ice cream treat for hydration purposes #
• Why oh why does every single bottle of milk delivered to the house have bird poo on the foil lid. Aaaargggh. #
• Good fun! RT: @hurns RT @lancearmstrong: It's all about performance. http://bit.ly/s3XnP So True! #
• Ride home: An absolute pleasure on the new steed. Speedy, smooth and stealth. 22.37 km, 50m 57s, Ave 26.3 km/h, Ave 140 bpm, Cals 1,242 #
• testing #testcoverit #
• Ride to work: Loving the new bike, we're getting along very nicely thanks. 22.73 km, 54m 35s, Ave 25.0 km/h, Ave 142 bpm, Cals 1,159 #
• RT @londoncyclenews' Cycle Friday' for London tomorrow 8.00am: Brixton, Finsbury Park, Mile End, Ravenscourt & Greenwich http://bit.ly/31u6 #
• RT: @londoncyclenews London Mayor, Boris Johnson says London will operate cycle hire scheme similiar to that in Canada (Bixi) by next summer #
• Ride home: Despite the earlier downpour managed to ride home without getting wet. 22.50 km, 52m 19s, Ave 25.8 km/h, Ave 138 bpm, Cals 1,449 #
• Ride to work: Another fast ride, the new bike is paying off. Bedding in nicely. 21.87 km, 49m 22s, Ave 26.6 km/h, Ave 146 bpm, Cals 1,212 #
• I like this. Get your plant to tweet you when they're thirsty. RT @Zerochamp This is cool http://www.botanicalls.com/... #
• Looking out the window it appears the sky is going to literally fall upon us, and I'm hoping to ride home in the dry… #
• Crossair's Chetan in the limelight with their release of augmented reality for the iPhone. Looks awesome! Check out BBC http://bit.ly/19m2kI #
• Watching the Matrix Reloaded. What a load of pants compared to the first… ITV1 on until 00:55 (2 hours and 20 minutes!) No no #
• Ride home: 26 seconds off a new personal best. Pesky lights, next time damn it!. 21.64 km, 47m 38s, Ave 27.3 km/h, Ave 142 bpm, Cals 1,201 #
• Just got me a Rapha Fixed Backpack (large). Feels a bit decadent. No, it actually is quite decadent. A self Birthday present. Justified! #fb #
• Ride to work: Stopped the watch a little early as I had to stop off. 20.57 km, 52m 18s, Ave 23.6 km/h, Ave 136 bpm, Cals 1,185 #

Front side view

It’s been over a week now since I’ve had the pleasure of owning a Cannondale Bad Boy 8 in which time I’ve managed four in/out commutes to work, so 120 miles so far. I’d like to offer this brief short term review of the bike and follow it up with a longer term review, maybe in four months time once the bike has fully bedded in.

Compared to my previous commuter hack bike, a Kona Cinder Cone with skinny tyres, the Cannondale Bad Boy 8 was certainly a pleasant although not entirely unexpected change for the better.

First off the riding position is less slack than a traditional mountain bike yet a little more so than a road bike, so at first felt much more aggressive than I thought it would. I’m totally used to the new riding position now and find it very comfortable. The initial lack of any suspension made the Bad Boy feel a little twitchy at first, however it very quickly became evident just how stiff it is, all round. The power transfer to the rear wheel is phenomenal, allowing me to accelerate from traffic lights fast.

I still haven’t worked out how to remove the back wheel and disconnect the hub gear cable in case of rear p*. I’ll have to play with this a little. The front wheel is also a little awkward to remove as the front disk brake need to be partially removed to allow the unbolted wheel to slide off the Lefty spindle. This isn’t really a problem unless you need to regularly remove the wheel to transport the bike. In the case of punctures the wheel can stay on as is due to the lack of right fork blade.

The Shimano Alfine rear hub containing the gearing has worked without fail so far. It really does shift quickly, much more so than traditional gearing, almost instantaneously. The grinding and clanking noises coming from the hub are a little different and I think just need a little getting used to. From what I understand this eases off as the hub becomes ridden in. So far so good.

The only other comment I have at this point is about the handlebar grips, which look good but have already fallen apart. Despite being lock-on grips the grippy part is made from a tape, a little like tennis racket grip and has effectively come unravelled. I remedied this with a little glue, but we’ll see how long that lasts.

Finally, the tyres, Schwalbe Kojak Bad Boy Edition 622 x 28, are nice and fast with low rolling resistance. Awesome in the dry, OK in the wet, despite being completely slick. I’m still a little apprehensive about them in the wet.

I’ll follow up with a more detailed review at a later point. In the meantime here are a load of pictures of my Cannondale Bad Boy 8, 2009 model. Click the image for a larger version.

Do you ride a hub geared bike? If so I’d be interested in your thoughts on the pros and cons. Feedback below…

Enjoy…

• Trying out my new Vodafone mobile broadband usb stick. Works a treat, evidently! #
• http://twitpic.com/d6561 – Canary Wharf from the river. Nice! Just ws couple more stops until Greenwich #
• http://twitpic.com/d644y – On Clipper river bus on route to Greenwich for more relaxing times. Coffee, dinner and drinks #fb #
• Woken up by natural causes, not crying babies or baby feet in face. Kids at grandparents, Lovely! Run of the house #fb #
• BT recently amended their accounting systems and overcharged in July by almost double. Check your statements for over billing! #
• RT @StantonWarriors During lunch today, the time and date will be 12.34:56 7/8/9 Spooky hey…… #
• Ride home: Drizzly wet ride, a little slippy with those Bad Boy slicks. 21.98 km, 52m 34s, Ave 25.1 km/h, Ave 141 bpm, Cals 1,118 #
• Ride to work: Virgin ride for new steed, Cannondale Bad Boy 8, effortlessly fast. 21.94 km, 49m 08s, Ave 26.8 km/h, Ave 143 bpm, Cals 1,297 #
• http://twitpic.com/cusg4 – Lots of momentary police action outside the office. Some armed police as well #
• Took delivery today of a Cannondale Bad Boy 8. Whoa she's a lovely stealth commuting machine http://bit.ly/7ggS9. Can't wait to ride her #fb #

• London Triathlon – results in 02:43:41 which I'm happy with despite awful swim time. Maybe start gunning for a sub 2:30 next time?!? #fb #
• Whoa, Jenson Button (F1) completes London Triathlon in a time of two hours seven minutes and 20 seconds. Nice work Jenson. #
• The morning of my London Triathlon start. Starting to feel nervous already. 2:10 pm start time, so plenty of time to hydrate and carb load #
• Lunchtime run: Somewhat unscheduled lunchtime run, which is fine. Dist 5.50 km, about 28 minutes, pace was 5.07mins/km. So not far off pace. #
• Ride home: Fast ride when it meant to be slow and tranquilm, oh well. 21.83 km, 49m 29s, Ave 26.5 km/h, Ave 137 bpm, Cals 1,120 #
• RT Loving this: Matt_ParsonsIncredible – free scrolling video (via @tara_jackson) http://tr.im/und2 #
• Ride to work: Meant to go nice and easy today for tapering, but couldn't resist. 22.02 km, 55m 08s, Ave 24.0 km/h, Ave 142 bpm, Cals 1,118 #

• Need to think about what/how much activity to do this week to taper down for the London Triathlon next weekend. Not looking forward to swim #
• Nice end to the tour. Great work Cavendish for the stage win, and nice one Wiggins (what a top guy!) #
• Managed a 10km run earlier this morning, felt like hard work, it always does when running on your own. London triathlon next weekend, yay! #
• Ride home: All good apart from the verbal abuse by fascist cycle commuter. Stats: 22.27 km, 54m 05s, Ave 24.7 km/h, Ave 136 bpm, Cals 1,255 #
• … left the fooking twat choking on my fart fumes as I left him for dust as I sprinted off letting him know he was a complete amateur. TWAT #
• Just got abuse from fellow cycle commuter, called me a fat c**t cos I was 15 ft behind him "Get off my wheel" he yelled. What a fooking TWAT #
• Ride to work: Again, hard work keeping up with @Steve_Palmer who kept pace high. 22.63 km, 55m 37s, Ave 24.4 km/h, Ave 136 bpm, Cals 1,179 #
• Ride home: Took it nice and easy and still made a respectable time, lovely. Stats: 22.26 km, 55m 32s, Ave 24.0 km/h, Ave 130 bpm, Cals 1,214 #
• Ride to work: EVIL head wind. Despite this and my attempts to go slow, all good. 23.3 km, 56m 14s, Ave 23.3 km/h, Ave 140 bpm, Cals 1,124 #
• Lunchtime run: Relluctantly went for run. Started well, ended short of breath Stats: 5.01 km, 25m 27s, Ave 11.8 km/h, Ave 148 bpm, Cals 408 #
• Ride home: New record! Fastest ride home with @Steve_Palmer pushing the pace. 22.37 km, 47m 12s, Ave 28.4 km/h, Ave 141 bpm, Cals 1,328 #fb #
• Ride to work: Monday! Dragged myself to work, fast to start, then slowed. Stats: 23.08 km, 57m 34s, Ave 24.1 km/h, Ave 133 bpm, Cals 1,118 #
• Went for a swim this morning. 60 laps… #

• RT Liking this. @robenslin Email unsubscribe best practice: "Sorry to see you go.Thank you for your loyalty and stay… http://bit.ly/hQoDG #
• Can't get my Twitterberry to work properly. Can send update but can't se timelines. Boo #
• Ride home: Another flooking puncture! in the wet, ARSE. Loving CO2 instead of pumps. 21.37 km, 58m 17s, Ave 22 km/h, Ave 126 bpm, Cals 1,239 #
• Ride to work: Rain held off thankfully, hoping for the same on return trip. Stats: 22.87 km, 55m 48s, Ave 24.6 km/h, Ave 136 bpm, Cals 1,144 #
• Went to dentist for check up and found broken tooth. Got it fixed but now feel like a mong as a result of anaesthetic. #
• Ride home: Would've been a new PB if not for the police diversion in Hackney. 22.59 km, 52m 15s, Ave 25.9 km/h, Ave 146 bpm, Cals 1,280 #
• Ride to work: Head wind made hard work of it, fun nontheless. Stats: 21.98 km, 57m 35s, Ave 22.9 km/h, Ave 141 bpm, Cals 1,058 #
• Lunchtime run: Speedy especially 1st split, & with a new running partner, @Mileage01. 5.52 km, 27m 20s, Ave 12.1 km/h, Ave 153 bpm, Cals 425 #
• Ride home: Where's Norris whatsisname for my PB record breaking moment. 21.83 km, 49m 37s, Ave 26.4 km/h, Ave 138 bpm, Cals 1,145 #
• A record breaking sub 50 minutes ride home despite the hold up at the numerous lights. Worthy of a Tweet in it's own right. #
• Ride to work: Felt faster than it was and felt good to be riding in. Stats: 22.95 km, 58m 09s, Ave 23.7 km/h, Ave 134 bpm, Cals 1,154 #

• Heading to Columbia Road for Sunday lunch. Yummy yummy roast beef in my tummy #
• Afternoon run: Nice gentle run with a little fartlek thrown in at the end. Stats: 10.01 km, 56m 53s, Ave 10.6 km/h, Ave 148 bpm, Cals 761 #
• Ordered my new commuter machine today, my first ever Cannondale. It's a Bad Boy 8, http://bit.ly/4jAn5u. Looking forward to riding her #
• Ride home: Reasonably gentle ride home wih tired legs. Speedy: 21.84 km, 55m 57s, Ave 23.4 km/h, Ave 132 bpm, Cals 1,207 #
• Ride to work: Doh, got a puncture! Damn air canisters are the wrong size. Stats: 22.52 km, 58m 44s, Ave 23.0 km/h, Ave 135 bpm, Cals 1,123 #
• Very fast ride home. Unfortunately the GPS watch ran out of juice so you'll no doubt be gutted to hear there are no stats #
• http://twitpic.com/9s4eg – Some important dudes in Range Rovers being given police escort #
• Ride to work: Windy, but fast. Feeling it in the legs right now. Stats: 21.74 km, 51m 21s, Ave 25.4 km/h, Ave 148 bpm, Cals 1,170 #
• Evening run: OK but running is easier when not alone. Stats: 5.01 km, 26m 37s, Ave 11.3 km/h, Ave 146 bpm, Cals 431 #
• RT @zerochamp Preparing for the start of the Education Now virtual event. Still not too late to register http://snipurl.com/l5za9. #edunow #
• Oh crap. Hope that big rain doesn't come my way or I'll soon be strategically placing pots and pans around my kitchen floor.#hellonearth #
• Talk of the end of the world by 3 separate work tweeters back at the office in Blackfriars. Glad I left earlier to collect son from nursery #
• Ride home: Speedy: 17.21 km, 51m 43s, Ave 19.3 km/h, Ave 132 bpm, Cals 801 #
• Ride to work: Windy, so hard work, but a good ride nonetheless. Stats: 21.66 km, 1h 00m 14s, Ave 21.6 km/h, Ave 136 bpm, Cals 1,253 #
• Wanting to get myself a Cannodale Bad Boy 8 via the company ride2work scheme. It's a great looking and nicely built bike, any critisisms? #

• Go Cavendish! Sweet sprint to win the second stage. #tdf #
• Watching the 2009 Windsor Triathlon, looks awesome! Will enter next year possibly rather than Blenheim #
• Evening road ride: Awesome ride in the beautiful Essex countryside, fast. Stats: 37.64 km, 1h 19m, Ave 28.3 km/h, Ave 149 bpm, Cals 1,910 #
• Filling out my first ever speeding offence form. 41 mph in a 30 zone… #
• Ride home: Nice ride. Stunning weather. Felt fast but dragged towards end. Stats: 22.49 km, 58m 06s, Ave 23.2 km/h, Ave 141 bpm, Cals 1,268 #
• Ride to work: The lights were mostly on my side, so a fast ride in the sun. Stats: 21.86 km, 55m 11s, Ave 23.8 km/h, Ave 149 bpm, Cals 1,194 #
• Ride home: Battery died part way through. Stats: 14.38 km, 44m 43s, Ave 19.3 km/h, Ave 134 bpm, Cals 816 #
• http://twitpic.com/8v77d – Lots of modern ballet going on infront of St Paul's Cathedral. Lovely #
• Hot hot hot and I'm loving it. Shame to be stuck in the office on such a stunning day #fb #
• Ride to work: Beautiful day! Lovely ride. Stats: 20.99 km, 58m 18s, Ave 21.6 km/h, Ave 142 bpm, Cals 1,088 #

• Question is, did @MrBrainz invest in a Fanboy Air??? #
• Back in the land of rain. From 26 C at Gatwick to 16 C half an hour later. #
• Whilst wondering around the resort on last night of hols the karaoke bars are resonating tributes to Michael Jacko Jackson. RIP freak #
• Evening run: Nice hot 5km around the marina. Nice boat mate. Dist: 5.0 km, Time: 28:06, Ave Spd: 10.7 km/h, Ave HR:141 bpm, Cals burnt: 354 #
• Concerned about my fitness regime ahead of upcoming London Triathlon I'm doing. A week of fry up breakfasts and 3 course meals can't be good #
• http://twitpic.com/8gdgh – It's a tough life. I'll be doing this all day long. How repetitive! #fb #
• http://twitpic.com/8gbb7 – If I get bored d the pool I'll hit the beach. #fb #
• http://twitpic.com/8emik – Flamenco dancers, although its practically imposible to tell… Rubbish camera on the blackberry pearl #
• For tonights entertainment, flamenco dancing. At least its not the house entertainment team doing it, instead a team of pros. Pic to follow #
• http://twitpic.com/8eaqd – View from dining room. Bar leading to pools than to the beached cove. Lovely #
• What a stunning day of boatrips, beach, pool, waterpolo, more pool. Getting ready for evening eats, then a nice stroll to a nearby cove. #fb #
• Getting ready for a boat trip which has stop off at nature park with swimming in turquoise waters. I love a good boat trip on holiday. #fb #
• WiFi on the sun lounger, pool side! Checking out the scores at Wimbledon. Not sure yet if Murray got through or got knocked out in 1st round #
• Just did 12 laps of the cove. To my reckoning that's got to be around 1,600 meters (1 mile) of swimming in crystal clear warm med water #fb #
• Just about to partake in a round of mini golf with the family. There are only 17 holes, that's either 8 too many or 1 adrift. #fb #

• Just been watching the tail end of hotel entertainment re-enacting Sister Act. It was as bad as you're imagining. The large G&T helped. #fb #
• What a great flight! Relatively stress free and only 1 hour and 40 minutes. Now waiting ages for baggage. #
• Boarding a key to sunny Mallorca #
• Had to wait a whole 9 minutes for a Loughton tube earlier. Outrageous #
• Ride home: Not a bad ride home, slogged it out and got tired towards end. Stats: 22.54 km, 54m 57s, Ave 24.6 km/h, Ave 134 bpm, Cals 1,327 #
• Ride to work: Twat in a gold Merc ran a red and nearly caused chaos, TWAT!. Stats: 21.98 km, 57m 39s, Ave 22.9 km/h, Ave 144 bpm, Cals 1,184 #
• Where did all that water go? Some of it came through my kitchen extension roof, freaking cowboys. #
• Ride home: Torrential rain, riding through rivers at speed. Great fun. Stats: 22.03 km, 55m 06s, Ave 24.0 km/h, Ave 142 bpm, Cals 1,395 #
• U-N-B-E-L-E-I-V-A-B-L-E R-A-I-N. Never have I seen let alone ridden through torrential rain like that in my entire life. Amazing fun though #
• Lots of lightning as I about to leave the office to cycle home. Wish me luck … #fb #
• Ride to work: Felt like a fast ride mainly because of the fresh legs. Stats: 22.72 km, 58m 15s, Ave 23.4 km/h, Ave 138 bpm, Cals 1,200 #

• Mum and Dad's Ruby (40th) wedding anniversary today. Congratulations! to them both. #
• Weekend run: Easing back into it. Not bad going, no aches and pains so good. Stats: 9.02 km, 55m 51s, Ave 9.7 km/h, Ave 142 bpm, Cals 751 #
• First. Run after the blenheim triathlon. 9 km. It went better than expected. Stats to follow. #fb #
• Ride home: Tiring. Got that pain back in my achilles heel, strange. Stats: 21.80 km, 54m 01s, Ave 24.2 km/h, Ave 137 bpm, Cals 1,177 #
• Ride to work: Mad school run mothers zig-zagging all over the road. Stats: 23.04 km, 59m 43s, Ave 23.1 km/h, Ave 141 bpm, Cals 1,189 #
• Ride home: Pretty average ride. Quite uneventful, thankfully. Stats: 20.67 km, 53m 55s, Ave 23.0 km/h, Ave 135 bpm, Cals 1,057 #
• Cycle cops out in force today, what a liberty! I was under the impression authorities were going to help commuters today, not arrest them… #
• Ride to work: Never seen so many cyclists on the road. Dist: 23.01 km, Time: 01:03:20, Ave Spd: 21.8 km/h, Ave HR:140 bpm, Cals burnt: 1,129 #
• Unless these #lazyfookingtubedrivers get real and realise we're in the middle of a recession, I'm riding my bike into work tomorrow #
• Managed to catch a tube home ahead of the this evening's tube strike. Wasn't too painful either. #lazyfookingtubedrivers #fb #
• Getting onto one of the last tubes on the central line before the tube strike kicks in #

• Must get some good and serious training in for the London Triathlon (#lontri). Only 8 weeks to go. The diet starts tomorrow. #
• Results in: Should’ve been better, hills are my excuse. Swim 20:14/750m, Bike 41:35/20km, Run 30:38/5km, Total 01:39:58. Damn those hills #
• Took decision not to wear socks or gloves on ride and run, only the necessary. It should pay off for faster transition times. We’ll see… #
• Blenheim Tri: Took a while to aclimatise to swim, bike leg was much hillier than expected, thankfully the run was OK. Results to follow soon #
• Blenheim Triathlon conquered! bike cleaned, wetsuit washed down, at home relaxing. Waiting for the times to be sent to me via SMS #
• It’s the morning of the triathlon and the skys have well and truely opened up. Should be interesting. #
• Need to ramp up the carb loading in the run up to the Blenheim Triathlon this Sunday. Must remember to get some more SIS drink #
• Evening Road Ride: Testing new shoes/pedals/tri bars on the Essex Loop. All good. 38.35 km, 1 h 23 m, ave 27.7 km/h, ave 153 bpm, 1,811 cals #

• Didn’t manage to ride this morning, was hoping to do Essex loop. Maybe tomorrow morning. I love the feeling of carbon fibre in the morning #
• Starbucks Frapaccino are without doubt better than Costa’s version, but Starbuck’s Loughton stinks and is in desperate need of a refurb #fb #

• 90 lengths at an outdoor west end swimming pool. Beer in hand rehydrating as I type. Nice! #

• Hoping baby won’t be sick in his sleep, not on my watch. #fb #
• Ride home: Ouch ouch, not sure what happened to right acilles, but it hurt. Stats: 21.63 km, 53m 09s, Ave 24.4 km/h, Ave 138 bpm, Cals 1,186 #
• Fed baby Luca milk for the first time this morning. 10 minutes later it was ejected in the form of cottage cheese. Fascinating to watch. #fb #
• Ride to work: Fast and flowy, still half term. Dist: 23.13 km, Time: 54:10, Ave Spd: 25.6 km/h, Ave HR:146 bpm, Cals burnt: 1,217 #

• Evening off-road run: Painfully difficult. Many leg cramps. Dist: 5.00 km, Time: 37:23, Ave Spd: 8.0 km/h, Ave HR: 137 bpm, Cals burnt: 362 #
• Ride home: Pretty good going despite heavy traffic. Dist: 21.63 km, Time: 53:09, Ave Spd: 24.4 km/h, Ave HR: 138 bpm, Cals burnt: 1,186 #
• Ride to work: Drizzly and windy. Less traffic than usual. Dist: 21.94 km, Time: 56:27, Ave Spd: 23.3 km/h, Ave HR:144 bpm, Cals burnt: 1,119 #
• Mate, you riding in today? I am #

• Cameron you muppet, it’ll take you a whole term to think about how to reform government. We just don’t want you to steel from us anymore #

• http://twitpic.com/5x50i – Nice stroll around Connaught Water. The sun is shining and its getting warmer. Lovely. #fb #
• BH Monday Ride: Hard going following boozy BBQ. Dist: 37.56 km, Time: 01:25:07, Ave Spd: 26.5 km/h, Ave HR: 144 bpm, Cals burnt: 1,794 #
• Built the garden step last night. Didn’t get the garden furniture, it wouldn’t fit in the car. Celebrated my youngest son’s 1st birthday #fb #

• Treated the decking now need to build step for the back of the garden, then shop for BBQ food, maybe a new garden seating set, we’ll see #fb #
• First Frescato of the year, from Costa. V dissappointed, badly made by rude server. Avoid Loughton branch if you want decent Frescato. #fb #

• Whoa, another 70 lengths knocked out at the local pool. Can’t quite believe it, two swims in the same week. Training is hotting up. #fb #
• Ride home: Good going. Dist: 22.19 km, Time: 57:47, Ave Spd: 23.0 km/h, Ave HR: 140 bpm, Cals burnt: 1,157 #
• Will I go for a swim tonight? The plan is to go, but time will tell the reality. Feel energised by the swim earlier in the week. #fb #
• Ride to work: Liek a giant obstacle course of roadworks. Dist: 22.3 km, Time: 57:43, Ave Spd: 23.2 km/h, Ave HR:143 bpm, Cals burnt: 1,164 #

• No time for lunchtime run today, had to leave office early today. Damn, the local pool isn’t available tonight either, training will suffer #

• Ride home: Good going, the lights were on my side. Dist: 21.71 km, Time: 53:21, Ave Spd: 24.4 km/h, Ave HR: 149 bpm, Cals burnt: 1,083 #
• Ride to work: Tough at first easing into a steady pace. Dist: 22.1 km, Time: 01:00:03, Ave Spd: 22.1 km/h, Ave HR:148 bpm, Cals burnt: 1,090 #

• http://twitpic.com/5i0g8 – Nice work Mr Wren. She’s looking better than ever #
• Beautiful sunny evening walking slowly on the Millennium Bridge on my way home from work. A bit windy though, but I can live with that. #fb #
• Lunchtime Run: Fast off slowing somewhat. Dist: 5.12 km, Time: 26:51, Ave Spd: 11.4 km/h, Ave HR: 154 bpm, Cals burnt: 391 #

• Swim: 70 laps x 25m. Second since August 08, felt relatively OK. Hope it doesn’t F me up for the rest of the week. #fb #
• Ride home: Fast !!! Must’ve been a tail wind. Dist: 22.38 km, Time: 50:55, Ave Spd: 26.4 km/h, Ave HR: 154 bpm, Cals burnt: 1,125 #
• Ride to work: Very windy, first ride in for two 3 weeks. Dist: 22.2 km, Time: 01:04:09, Ave Spd: 21.2km/h, Ave HR:146bpm, Cals burnt: 1,109 #

Thought I’d have a go at filming a road ride with the intention of presenting a film with a time lapsed effect, rather than bore you with the full hour and a half of fantastic road riding – you had to be there to appreciate it. Having filmed most of the 1.5 hour ride, I say most because the camera ran out of memory onto which to record the remainder (Note: Remember to clear down the SD card before filming next time), the ride has been condensed down to just over a more managable 8 minutes of viewing, 10 times realtime speed.

The map above shows the route we took through the Essex countryside. Click for a larger version

From BikesR4riding