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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 hour ago
Darkmoor – the return Darkmoor was an annual all-night bike ride that I used to organise. It never really took off, so I stopped it. After all, there’s no point continuing a ride that attracted exactly 2 riders the last time it ran. ## Dark _what?_ Darkmoor was an all-night ride that crossed Dartmoor – the last wilderness in England. The name is descriptive: a ride through the **dark** , over the **moor**. The ride had many advantages over all other similar rides in the UK: it’s circular, so you end up at the same point where you started. All other such routes are linear, meaning you have a logistics challenge for getting back, after finishing the ride. Additionally, Plymouth (where the ride starts and ends) has fairly decent transport connections, making getting there, and back home again, a bit easier. ## Not done yet However, I’m not ready to let Darkmoor simply fade away. I’ve been mulling it over, and decided to bring it back, albeit in a slightly changed format. For starters, Darkmoor won’t be an annual even anymore. Instead, it will take place every four years, probably beginning in 2024. The route, which was exactly 100 miles (161km) will be changed, to become at least 200km long. There’s a valid reason for that: Audax events are set around certain distances, always measured in kilometres. There are 100km, 150km, 200km, 300km, and more (Paris-Brest-Paris is over 1 200km). ## Audax As you probably gathered, I will be turning Darkmoor into an official Audax ride. Audax is long-distance cycling, but they’re supposedly non-competitive events. Audax riders (audaxers) like to joke that audax events are races that try very hard to pretend not to be a race, while sportives aren’t races, but try very hard to pretend to be a race. See also Summer holidays adventures with kids Audax rides have rules, and that includes a minimum _and_ maximum speed. It’s extremely unlikely that anyone will hit the maximum average speed over the terrain of the route, but stranger things have happened. ## Different distances Not everyone wants to, or is able to cycle 200km. Because of this, Darkmoor will also offer a shorter route option of 150km, which will mostly follow the route from the last time Darkmoor was organised. ## Why ride through the night? Why not? There’s something magical about crossing the high moor in your personal bubble of light. Even better, the very first time I organised Darkmoor, I cycled perhaps 5 miles with my bike’s headlight turned off, riding by the clear, bright light of the full moon overhead. It was an amazing experience. Of course, I need to qualify that: I was cycling at 02h30 along a rural road that doesn’t get much traffic at any time of day, and none at all at that time of night. Additionally, if there were any cars, you could see their headlights from very far away, and my tail light remained switched on. ## Costs Darkmoor costs money to organise, and Audax rides often include a light meal. That means I have to buy supplies, make sandwiches and more, run a few gas stoves for hot drinks, and quite possible hire a village hall somewhere to use for a control. As is usually the case with Audaxes, I’ll have to charge an entry fee, but nothing like the rip-off prices sportives tend to charge. After all, I’ll simply try to cover my costs, and I expect entry fees will end up being between £5 and £10. See also November Digital Detox Campout ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

From the #WillCycle archives: Darkmoor – the return

Darkmoor was an annual all-night bike ride that I used to organise. It never really took off, so I stopped it. After all, there's no point continuing a ride that...

www.willcycle.com/adventure/darkmoor-the-r...

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
2 hours ago
Bliss. On two wheels I went on a gentle adventure, with my youngest daughter, and it was so good! Why? Well, to answer that you'll need to settle in, but it's worth your time. Multi-modal I've long been a fan of taking my bicycle on the train, and that was the plan for this adventure, right from the start. I bought us return tickets to Barnstaple, in North Devon, with bicycle reservations. Only, this time round things didn't quite go to plan! When I arrived early enough at my daughter's flat, we soon […]

From the #WillCycle archives: Bliss. On two wheels

I went on a gentle adventure, with my youngest daughter, and it was so good! Why? Well, to answer that you'll need to settle in, but it's worth your time....

www.willcycle.com/adventure/bliss-on-two-w...

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Will cycles slower than you 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
Will cycles slower than you 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.bsky.social
4 hours ago

I had to redo this, as my database restore over the weekend wiped it out.

I'm genuinely proud of the #FairyTrails on #WillCycle routes.

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
5 hours ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: UPDATED: Kit review – iGPSport BSC200 GPS unit

Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Do read the update to this review further below. I know my cunning plan was to never replace my ageing old Garmin Edge 500 GPS unit, and […]

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
6 hours ago
10 Cycle touring mistakes We're all human, and we all make mistakes. Here's a list of mistakes that are easy to make when cycle touring, and easy to avoid. 1 - Not taking your time2 - Not going3 - Not filling water bottles up4 - Not knowing your gear5 - Packing too much stuff6 - Not taking emergency gear7 - Not eating enough8 - Not learning how to do basic roadside repairs9 - Overdoing sugar10 - Carrying a backpack 1 - Not taking your time My advice for planning a tour is simple: take your leisurely cycling speed, […]

From the #WillCycle archives: 10 Cycle touring mistakes

We're all human, and we all make mistakes. Here's a list of mistakes that are easy to make when cycle touring, and easy to avoid. 1 - Not taking your...

www.willcycle.com/cycle-touring/10-cycle-t...

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
9 hours ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: Riding Out, by Simon Parker

Riding Out tells the story of when travel writer Simon Parker decided to cycle from the UK's northernmost point, Muckle Flugga, in Shetland, to the southwesternmost point, Bishop's Rock. The […]

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
10 hours ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: Great Central Way – Leicester to Cossington

This route guide actually covers more than just the Great Central Way, and includes some towpaths, and other traffic-free paths, to extend the route to 11.7 miles, ending in Cossington […]

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
13 hours ago
Brighton Bimble – finally done! So, you’re based in, or near London, and you’re looking for a great, ready-made, two or three day cycling adventure? Oh, then I have _really_ good news for you! Over three years in the making, with two attempts at cycling the route, my new Brighton Bimble route is ready. The route guide itself will soon be added to the Shop. If you didn’t know, I have 2 types of route guides available on WillCycle. There are DayCycle route guides, and as the name implies, those are routes most people should be able to in a day. I also have GoCycle route guides, and those are longer, multi-day routes. My Brighton Bimble is a GoCycle route. ## The route Brighton Bimble starts and ends in Crawley. You can easily get to the start by direct train from London Blackfriars. It’s a 40 minute journey, with no changes, but be sure to read my Bikes On Trains post for handy tips. The route is 105 miles long, of which just about two thirds are traffic-free. This means London cyclists can easily use this route as a ready-made two, or three day cycling adventure. The route itself is very varied, and includes urban cycle lanes, idyllic rural rail trails, (normally) quiet rural lanes, bridle ways, stunning seascapes, and of course the beautiful South Downs to enjoy. Weather permitting, you can even have a good view of the Long Man of Wilmington. ## An adventure route This route is intended to allow you a cycling adventure, and it delivers that in heaps. In places, you will find it challenging on a bike without plenty of gears, and there are some bridleway sections (none very long) that can get muddy after rain. See also Colliers Way traffic-free cycle route When done, I truly expect you’ll have a smile on your face, saying “That wasn’t easy, but it was SO worth it!” ## Get out of your comfort zone This route will get you out of your comfort zone. Despite passing through quite a densely-populated part of the UK, you will at times feel like you’re million miles away from civilisation, and that simply adds to the adventure. The route is best suited to touring bikes, sturdy hybrids, or gravel bikes. It is _not_ an accessible route, and most cargo bikes will seriously struggle, if not with the terrain, then with the dreaded A-frames in a few places along the route. ## A gentle adventure Let’s be honest here: you’re exceedingly unlikely to encounter lions, or terrifying tropical spiders along this route. And you don’t even have to carry camping gear – you always have the option of B&B’s along the way (ideal for those on ebikes, who require overnight charging). ## A route so good, it took 2 attempts! The first incarnation of this route simply didn’t meet the high standards I set for a GoCycle route, but life got in the way, and it would be over three years before I finally got to test my revised route. I have to say, I’m very happy with the route, and I genuinely believe you will be, too. All you have to do is go ride it! You can get your copy of the route guide here. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * See also The Breakfast Club ### _Related_

From the #WillCycle archives: Brighton Bimble – finally done!

So, you're based in, or near London, and you're looking for a great, ready-made, two or three day cycling adventure? Oh, then I have really good news for you!

www.willcycle.com/cycle-touring/brighton-b...

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
14 hours ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: This Road I Ride – Juliana Buhring

In this world, very few people truly get to be trailblazers. Juliana Buhring is one of those few people. This Road I Ride tells the story of Buhring's record-breaking round-the-world […]

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
17 hours ago
Bigger, better, faster, MORE I have a confession to make: I don’t like all those Red Bull extreme cycling videos. The reason for that is really simple: real people get hurt doing ever more extreme things, as marketing for a company. ## Arms race Think about it for a minute. You’re watching a Red Bull video showing someone doing a double backflip on a bicycle, and – because you’re human – in time you will adjust to such videos as _normal_. As a result, they will start losing their _edginess_ over time. The only way to counter that, is to get someone to do a triple backflip, or perhaps a double backflip over a pit of crocodiles, while passing through a ring of flames. And once that becomes old hat, what’s the next level of escalation? And who will suffer life-changing injuries, if something went wrong? Not Red Bull, that’s for sure. They’ll simply replace the injured riders with other riders, and move on. The image above is a still from the official Red Bull Rampage 2025 video. Do go watch the video. Once the excitement wore off, ask yourself why there are are no mentions of the severe injuries suffered by Adolf Silva. He sustained paralysing spinal injuries after a double backflip crash, yet all the video tells you is that he’s alert, talking to his family, and being taken to hospital for further treatment. Also not a word about any of the other riders severely injured during the event. Can’t let very real broken human bodies interfere with the marketing hype, now can we? ## Cycle tourers are sometimes guilty, too Cycle touring can suffer from the same. Most cycle tourers , like Andrew Sykes, do it right. However, there are some that feel the need to _be first_. Now someone needs to be first, but if racing the clock is your primary motivation, then I absolutely guarantee you will miss out on so much along the way. See also Top Camping tips ## Machismo There’s far too much machismo in cycling. One cycling club near me used to use the slogan of “No falls, no balls”, which pretty much sums up toxic masculinity. Cyclists talk about “attacking” a climb, or “conquering” a mountain. Look, if you want to challenge yourself, by all means go for it. That can be quite healthy. But can you do so with less military phrasing? Cycling’s not supposed to be a war! Ask your average female cyclist what she thinks of cycling clubs, then see if you can work out why so many women dislike male-dominated cycling clubs. Next, _honestly_ examine your own behaviour, and truthfully evaluate where you fit it. ## Sometimes, less is more If you’re always going full speed, at hardest levels of effort, while staring at your computer, to check your heart rate, cadence and speed is where you want it to be, try doing something different. Try going for a ride with your computer in a jersey pocket. Ignore what speed you’re going at, and instead focus on what’s around you. Did you see that young stoat in the hedge? Can you identify the smells along the way? What do those cloud shapes remind you of? And would the view be better if you stop at that gap in the hedge? And can you identify those crops in the field? ## Sometimes, even Red Bull gets it right Have you ever watched the Red Bull soapbox races? Ordinary people building all sorts of weird and wonderful soapbox cars, then test them down a downhill track filled with obstacles. While inevitably someone tries to be the winner, most probably just try and complete the course. See also The WillCam mount options And suddenly, machismo disappears. People are smiling – competitors and onlookers alike – and enjoying themselves. Your cycling can be similar. It’s entirely possible to ride to a café at a sedate pace, not because you’re incapable of going faster, but because you chose to slow down, and immerse yourself in the journey. Go try it. I suspect you’ll agree with me. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

From the #WillCycle archives: Bigger, better, faster, MORE

I have a confession to make: I don't like all those Red Bull extreme cycling videos. The reason for that is really simple: real people get hurt doing ever more...

www.willcycle.com/adventure/bigger-better-...

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
18 hours ago
Llama Drama, by Anna McNuff Anna McNuff is a British adventurer, perhaps best known for her barefoot, long-distance running. She had this idea of using a scooter (the type that you push with one foot) to travel down the length of South America. To accompany her, McNuff enlisted a friend of hers, Faye. When initial testing (in the UK) showed the disadvantages of using scooters, they changed their plans, and switched to bicycles instead. ## Not the easy way I doubt there’s actually an _easy_ way to cycle the 5 300 miles of South America, but McNuff and her friend decided from the outset to include at least 100 000 metres of climbing. That’s more than 13 Everests! When you throw into the mix the fact the pair of them hardly spoke a word of Spanish, you can see things getting even more complicated. Undeterred, the two adventurers set off. ## Relationship building McNuff and her friend pulled off an awe-inspiring feat, one that would have left many macho men as sobbing wrecks by the roadside. The fact the pair of them are exceptionally tough and resilient human beings is indisputable, and becomes very clear, throughout the book. Despite that, what struck me the most is the very human way they went about it. When you go on a cycling adventure with someone, you are essentially in each other’s company 24/7. That makes it inevitable that tempers will fray, and misunderstandings will occur. What impressed me to no end was the superb way McNuff and her friend dealt with this. I’m not afraid to say that I learnt a great deal about how to be a better human being, simply by reading this book. I believe all but the most callous-hearted people would also benefit from reading it. See also Surrender ## Easy-going McNuff comes across an an exceptionally easy-going person, fully capable of dealing with enormous challenges, while retaining a great sense of humour. Her writing style is easy-going, too, and this book was an absolute pleasure to read. South America can be extremely unforgiving, and the two riders took on some of the continent’s biggest challenges. However, the McNuff tells the story, without any hint of bravado, is refreshing. ## Verdict This is a great read. Llama Drama won’t win awards for the most prosaic of language, and I think that’s one of the book’s greatest strengths. It’s a very honest retelling of an incredible adventure, in language that simply flows, and describes the scenery – and the challenges – very well. I found it difficult to put down, and I have no doubt you’ll feel the same. Get your copy here, or from any good book store. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

From the #WillCycle archives: Llama Drama, by Anna McNuff

Anna McNuff is a British adventurer, perhaps best known for her barefoot, long-distance running. She had this idea of using a scooter (the type that you push with one foot)...

www.willcycle.com/adventure/llama-drama-by...

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
21 hours ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: Life Cycles – Julian Sayarer

When Mark Beaumont set a new round-the-world cycling record, he managed to get corporate sponsorship to finance his record attempt. One London cycling courier saw that as an affront, and […]

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
22 hours ago
Clarks CMD-24 cable disk brakes Everyone loves a bargain, right? At around £40 for a set of these – front and rear callipers, with an extra set of brake pads thrown in – you certainly will get a bargain, so let’s delve a bit deeper. Like most mechanical disk brakes, these have a piston on one side only. That’s not a deal-breaker – far more expensive mechanical brake callipers often have the same. It does mean that you’ll need to adjust these regularly, to allow for brake pad wear. ## Do they stop your bike? Brakes have ONE function, and one function only: through friction, they convert kinetic energy into thermal energy, and in doing so, slow you down. These Clarks brakes, when correctly fitted and adjusted, certainly do slow you down. In fact, it’s quite possible to stop rapidly with these. It’s equally possible to lock the wheels with these brakes. That’s all good. Combined with the really low price, the relative light weight, and the extra set of brake pads thrown in for good measure, it seems we’re onto a winner here, right? ## The bad points Sadly, these brakes suffer from a design flaw. That design flaw can and often does lead to the brakes failing to release properly. I haven’t been able to figure out exactly why/where this happens, but it certainly does happen. Imagine you’re approaching a tight turn on a descent, so you brake to slow down. The Clarks brakes slow you down quite well enough, but when you exit the turn, and release the brake lever, the brakes don’t fully release. That becomes very annoying, very quickly. See also Kit review - Time ATAC XC4 pedals Admittedly, it didn’t do so every time, during my testing. Also (and I’m happy to be corrected here, should you know better) it _seems_ to me the brakes fail to release mainly when at the extreme end of brake lever travel. More simply put, I never experienced this unless braking hard. I accept that this may be influenced by the brake adjustment, and it remains possible that I failed to adjust the brakes perfectly. However, while no certified bike mechanic, I feel I’m reasonably competent working on my own bike, and I’ve never had this issue with any other brakes. ## Verdict Purely because of this, I’d suggest you steer clear of these, and instead spend more, on more reliable brake callipers. If you found this review helpful, you’ll probably benefit from all the other reviews on WillCycle. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

From the #WillCycle archives: Clarks CMD-24 cable disk brakes

Everyone loves a bargain, right? At around £40 for a set of these - front and rear callipers, with an extra set of brake pads thrown in - you certainly...

www.willcycle.com/kit-review/clarks-cmd-24...

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 day ago
Why one map is never enough We’ve all been there: you planned a glorious route for a bike ride. You checked OS Maps and confirmed it’s a bridleway that you may legally use. You planned a 50 mile loop, using that bridleway to avoid a nasty, busy A-road. Then you arrive, and that “legal right of way” is a chest-high sea of nettles or a bog that would swallow a tank. How can you avoid a repeat? The truth is, no single mapping tool tells the whole story. To plan a route that actually works on a Sunday morning, you need the Hybrid Scout method: a three-way cross-reference between the Law (OS Maps), the Community (OSM), and the Reality (Google). ### **The Route Planning Matrix** Below is how these tools stack up when you’re sitting at your desk trying to decide if a track is “Any-Bike” friendly or a “Gravel-Bike” nightmare. Feature| OS Maps (The Law)| OpenStreetMap (The Community)| Google Earth (The View) ---|---|---|--- **Legal Status**| Definitive Bridleway/Byway status.| Crowdsourced; usually right, but not legal proof.| None. Doesn’t distinguish between a driveway and a path. **Surface Detail**| “Track” or “Path” (Very vague).| Excellent “Tags” (e.g., Asphalt vs. Unpaved).| Visual confirmation of ruts, mud, or loose rock. **Amenities**| Public toilets and pubs only.| **Repair stations, bike racks, and taps.**| Can see if a cafe actually has outdoor seating. **Obstacles**| Shows “FB” or “Gate” symbols.| Often tags “Stile” or “Cattle Grid.”| **3D Tilt** shows the height of the hills and gate types. ## 1. The OS Map: Your Legal Shield If you aren’t using the **1:25k Explorer** layer, you’re guessing. This is the only tool that tells you where you are legally allowed to be. For cycle touring, we are looking for those long green or pink dashes. Having said that, when wild camping, I effectively trespass, so I contacted the National Police Chiefs Council for legal clarification. I really suggest you go read what they had to say. See also Round The World On A wheel **The WillCycle Tip:** Just because it’s a Bridleway doesn’t mean it’s been maintained since the 1970s. This is where the next few tools come in. ## 2. OpenStreetMap (OSM): Crowdsourced knowledge OSM is the “Wikipedia of Maps.” Layers like **CyclOSM** or **OpenCycleMap** are a revelation. * **The “Smoothness” Tag:** Many OSM-based apps (like RideWithGPS) pull data that tells you if a path is “Excellent” (Tarmac) or “Very Horrible” (Big rocks). * **The PINS:** Need a bike pump in the middle of nowhere? OSM users frequently mark “Fix-it” stations and water troughs that the Ordnance Survey ignores. Brilliant as the Open Street Map is, it isn’t perfect, and sometimes contains inaccuracies. This is where **you** come in: anybody can, and _should_ edit the map. The easiest way to do so is to simply visit this link, and add what you need to the map. ## 3. Google Earth: The reality check This is your final check. * **The Rut Test:** Zoom into that Bridleway. If you see two dark parallel lines with green in the middle, it’s a farm track. In winter, that’s a mud bath. If it’s a solid light-grey line, it’s likely compacted stone—go for it. * **The Street View “Peek”:** If the trail crosses a road, drop the little yellow man onto the road. Turn around and look at the trail entrance. Is there a “No Cycling” sign? Is there a kissing gate too narrow for your panniers? Ten seconds of Street View can save ten miles of backtracking. ## The bonus: RideWithGPS I tend to design routes using the superb RideWithGPS site. In addition to allowing me to seamlessly switch between maps, and even drop into StreetView, RideWithGPS brings another enormous advantage: heat maps! See also The Jennride Heat maps indicate how heavily-used, and therefore how popular with other cyclists, a route is. After all, if _nobody_ else is using a particular route segment, it’s a safe bet that you’d be physically prevented from using that segment, or it’s a very scary road to ride. ## The Verdict Don’t trust, verify. Use **OS Maps** to find the legal path, **OSM** and the heat maps on **RideWithGPS** to see if other cyclists actually use it, and **Google Earth** to see if you’ll be carrying your bike over a metre-deep puddle. **Planning a ride this weekend?** Check out my DayCycle Routes! ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

From the #WillCycle archives: Why one map is never enough

We've all been there: you planned a glorious route for a bike ride. You checked OS Maps and confirmed it's a bridleway that you may legally use. You planned a...

www.willcycle.com/adventure/why-one-map-is...

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 day ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: Summer holidays adventures with kids

If you're a parent, you don't need reminding how expensive kids can be, or how difficult it can be to incorporate healthy activity and adventure into family outings. Fortunately, there […]

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 day ago
Darkmoor – the return Darkmoor was an annual all-night bike ride that I used to organise. It never really took off, so I stopped it. After all, there’s no point continuing a ride that attracted exactly 2 riders the last time it ran. ## Dark _what?_ Darkmoor was an all-night ride that crossed Dartmoor – the last wilderness in England. The name is descriptive: a ride through the **dark** , over the **moor**. The ride had many advantages over all other similar rides in the UK: it’s circular, so you end up at the same point where you started. All other such routes are linear, meaning you have a logistics challenge for getting back, after finishing the ride. Additionally, Plymouth (where the ride starts and ends) has fairly decent transport connections, making getting there, and back home again, a bit easier. ## Not done yet However, I’m not ready to let Darkmoor simply fade away. I’ve been mulling it over, and decided to bring it back, albeit in a slightly changed format. For starters, Darkmoor won’t be an annual even anymore. Instead, it will take place every four years, probably beginning in 2024. The route, which was exactly 100 miles (161km) will be changed, to become at least 200km long. There’s a valid reason for that: Audax events are set around certain distances, always measured in kilometres. There are 100km, 150km, 200km, 300km, and more (Paris-Brest-Paris is over 1 200km). ## Audax As you probably gathered, I will be turning Darkmoor into an official Audax ride. Audax is long-distance cycling, but they’re supposedly non-competitive events. Audax riders (audaxers) like to joke that audax events are races that try very hard to pretend not to be a race, while sportives aren’t races, but try very hard to pretend to be a race. See also Summer holidays adventures with kids Audax rides have rules, and that includes a minimum _and_ maximum speed. It’s extremely unlikely that anyone will hit the maximum average speed over the terrain of the route, but stranger things have happened. ## Different distances Not everyone wants to, or is able to cycle 200km. Because of this, Darkmoor will also offer a shorter route option of 150km, which will mostly follow the route from the last time Darkmoor was organised. ## Why ride through the night? Why not? There’s something magical about crossing the high moor in your personal bubble of light. Even better, the very first time I organised Darkmoor, I cycled perhaps 5 miles with my bike’s headlight turned off, riding by the clear, bright light of the full moon overhead. It was an amazing experience. Of course, I need to qualify that: I was cycling at 02h30 along a rural road that doesn’t get much traffic at any time of day, and none at all at that time of night. Additionally, if there were any cars, you could see their headlights from very far away, and my tail light remained switched on. ## Costs Darkmoor costs money to organise, and Audax rides often include a light meal. That means I have to buy supplies, make sandwiches and more, run a few gas stoves for hot drinks, and quite possible hire a village hall somewhere to use for a control. As is usually the case with Audaxes, I’ll have to charge an entry fee, but nothing like the rip-off prices sportives tend to charge. After all, I’ll simply try to cover my costs, and I expect entry fees will end up being between £5 and £10. See also November Digital Detox Campout ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

From the #WillCycle archives: Darkmoor – the return

Darkmoor was an annual all-night bike ride that I used to organise. It never really took off, so I stopped it. After all, there's no point continuing a ride that...

www.willcycle.com/adventure/darkmoor-the-r...

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 day ago
#RubbishRide I’d wager that, like pretty much all of us, you too are fed up with rubbish along your favourite cycle routes. We know that cyclists aren’t usually the problem. If you doubt that, have a look at the side of any British motorway. Remember, cyclists aren’t permitted on motorways! ## If it’s to be, it’s up to me… Yes, we all would like the council to clean up all the rubbish. We also know councils are having to make their reduced budgets last longer than ever before. That’s part of the reason so many UK councils became insolvent. Collecting roadside rubbish is very low on their list of financial priorities! Like it, or not, if we want rubbish cleaned up, _we_ will have to start doing part of that. And that means organising a #RubbishRide! ## Get organised! Cyclists can easily stop almost anywhere to pick up some litter. However, if you’re thinking of organising your #RubbishRide on a road, you need to plan it carefully. Ideally, plan it for a traffic-free cycle route. The guide below will help. ## Organise _your_ #RubbishRide! Cycling is not only a fantastic way to stay fit and explore the outdoors, but it can also be a powerful tool for community improvement. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan and execute a successful #RubbishRide. #### 1. Define Your Goals Before you start planning, it’s important to define the goals of your #RubbishRide. Are you focusing on a specific area that needs cleaning? Do you want to raise awareness about littering? Having clear objectives will help make your #RubbishRide more successful. Remember to clearly explain the objectives in your posters, social media messages, and more. See also Round The World On A wheel #### 2. Choose a Route Select a route that is ideally traffic-free and accessible for everyone joining in. Consider routes that are known for litter problems or areas that could benefit from a clean-up. Why not look at your nearest traffic-free cycle routes on here? #### 3. Gather Supplies Ensure you have all the necessary supplies for the ride: * **Litter-picking tools** : Grabbers, gloves, and strong bin bags. Ask the council for the bin bags! * **Other gear** : A first aid kit (along with ideally one person who’s a qualified first-aider) is a good idea, and perhaps some signs, to warn other path users. * **Refreshments** : Water, snacks, and if you can, a café stop along the route. Failing that, take a camping stove, and brew up hot drinks by the side of the trail. #### 4. Promote your #RubbishRide Use social media to spread the word about your #RubbishRide. Create an event page on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and use the hashtag #RubbishRide to generate interest. Ask people joining your #RubbishRide to invite everyone they know. #### 5. Coordinate with your local council If you speak to them beforehand, your council may even lend you litter-picking grabbers, and perhaps arrange to take the bin bags away. #### 6. Plan the day * **Meeting Point** : Choose a central location for people to gather. * **Briefing** : Explain the route, safety guidelines, and litter-picking procedures. * **Groups** : Divide participants into smaller groups if the turnout is large. * **Start Time** : Set a clear start time and ensure everyone is ready to go. #### 7. Go for the ride! On the day of the event, ensure everything runs smoothly: * **Rubbish Collection** : Encourage everyone to stop and pick up litter as they slowly ride along.. * **Breaks** : Schedule regular breaks for rest and refreshments. See also eBike touring #### 8. Post-Ride Activities After the ride, gather all the collected litter and dispose of it properly. Share photos (ask people for permission first!) on social media with the hashtag #RubbishRide. Thank everyone who joined in, and ask them to join future events. By organising a #RubbishRide, you’re not only helping to keep your community clean but also promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Happy cycling and happy cleaning! Do let us know in the comments about _your_ #RubbishRide? ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

From the #WillCycle archives: #RubbishRide

I'd wager that, like pretty much all of us, you too are fed up with rubbish along your favourite cycle routes. We know that cyclists aren't usually the problem. If...

https://www.willcycle.com/adventure/rubbishride/

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 day ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: The Road Headed West – Leon McCarron

During the economic crash of 2008, Leon McCarron was in a predicament: jobs were few and far between, and after a 6 month stint of working in New York city […]

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 day ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: Cycling for a cause: Fundraising on 2 wheels

Let's start with the bad news: no matter how good the cause you're fundraising for, and no matter what bike ride you have planned, people are fed up with someone […]

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 day ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: Kit review – Time ATAC XC4 pedals

Time ATAC XC4 pedals overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A kit review for pedals? Yes! Because ATAC XC4 aren't your normal bicycle pedals. In a world dominated by Shimano pedals, ATAC XC4 […]

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 day ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: Great Central Way – Leicester to Cossington

This route guide actually covers more than just the Great Central Way, and includes some towpaths, and other traffic-free paths, to extend the route to 11.7 miles, ending in Cossington […]

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 day ago
Secret Torbay – Hills and Sea Secret Torbay routes are part of the Secret Cities series of cycle route guides. This one starts and ends at the Torre train station in Torquay. From there, you’ll follow the coast into Paignton, before veering inland (and uphill!) There’s a clue in the name – this route is hilly, but SO worth it! ### Route surface The surface varies greatly. You will start, and end the ride on tar, but in between there are a fair few miles of unsealed surfaces. In places, the surface is gravelly single-track, but it should be rideable all year round. ### Getting there The easiest way might well be to take the train, but be sure to first read my Bikes On Trains post. ## Refreshment stops There are several refreshment stops along the seafront, and a tea-room in Cockington. ### Bikes For this route, you’d be best off with an MTB, a gravel bike, or perhaps a sturdy hybrid. I did the route on my touring bike, with road tyres. ### Barriers There are several gates along the route, and two of the awful A-frame barriers. Most cargo bike, and all trikes will be unable to complete the route. ### Bike hire You can hire bicycles from E-Bikes 4 Hire. ### Child friendliness This route can be suitable for older kids, though some sections are on quite busy roads, and there are some challenging hills, too. ## The route map The interactive map below allows you to zoom in or out, and you can also switch between different types of maps, including Google Satellite View. Click here to download the GPX for the route. See also Secret Plymouth - Plumtown ## The route video This route video plays at 4 x speed, so you can see almost the entire route in a quarter of the time. Watch this video on YouTube. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

From the #WillCycle archives: Secret Torbay – Hills and Sea

This Secret Cities route runs through Torbay, and includes several delightful surprises. You can even download the GPX, and watch the route video from here!

www.willcycle.com/secret-cities/secret-tor...

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 day ago
Why one map is never enough We’ve all been there: you planned a glorious route for a bike ride. You checked OS Maps and confirmed it’s a bridleway that you may legally use. You planned a 50 mile loop, using that bridleway to avoid a nasty, busy A-road. Then you arrive, and that “legal right of way” is a chest-high sea of nettles or a bog that would swallow a tank. How can you avoid a repeat? The truth is, no single mapping tool tells the whole story. To plan a route that actually works on a Sunday morning, you need the Hybrid Scout method: a three-way cross-reference between the Law (OS Maps), the Community (OSM), and the Reality (Google). ### **The Route Planning Matrix** Below is how these tools stack up when you’re sitting at your desk trying to decide if a track is “Any-Bike” friendly or a “Gravel-Bike” nightmare. Feature| OS Maps (The Law)| OpenStreetMap (The Community)| Google Earth (The View) ---|---|---|--- **Legal Status**| Definitive Bridleway/Byway status.| Crowdsourced; usually right, but not legal proof.| None. Doesn’t distinguish between a driveway and a path. **Surface Detail**| “Track” or “Path” (Very vague).| Excellent “Tags” (e.g., Asphalt vs. Unpaved).| Visual confirmation of ruts, mud, or loose rock. **Amenities**| Public toilets and pubs only.| **Repair stations, bike racks, and taps.**| Can see if a cafe actually has outdoor seating. **Obstacles**| Shows “FB” or “Gate” symbols.| Often tags “Stile” or “Cattle Grid.”| **3D Tilt** shows the height of the hills and gate types. ## 1. The OS Map: Your Legal Shield If you aren’t using the **1:25k Explorer** layer, you’re guessing. This is the only tool that tells you where you are legally allowed to be. For cycle touring, we are looking for those long green or pink dashes. Having said that, when wild camping, I effectively trespass, so I contacted the National Police Chiefs Council for legal clarification. I really suggest you go read what they had to say. See also Round The World On A wheel **The WillCycle Tip:** Just because it’s a Bridleway doesn’t mean it’s been maintained since the 1970s. This is where the next few tools come in. ## 2. OpenStreetMap (OSM): Crowdsourced knowledge OSM is the “Wikipedia of Maps.” Layers like **CyclOSM** or **OpenCycleMap** are a revelation. * **The “Smoothness” Tag:** Many OSM-based apps (like RideWithGPS) pull data that tells you if a path is “Excellent” (Tarmac) or “Very Horrible” (Big rocks). * **The PINS:** Need a bike pump in the middle of nowhere? OSM users frequently mark “Fix-it” stations and water troughs that the Ordnance Survey ignores. Brilliant as the Open Street Map is, it isn’t perfect, and sometimes contains inaccuracies. This is where **you** come in: anybody can, and _should_ edit the map. The easiest way to do so is to simply visit this link, and add what you need to the map. ## 3. Google Earth: The reality check This is your final check. * **The Rut Test:** Zoom into that Bridleway. If you see two dark parallel lines with green in the middle, it’s a farm track. In winter, that’s a mud bath. If it’s a solid light-grey line, it’s likely compacted stone—go for it. * **The Street View “Peek”:** If the trail crosses a road, drop the little yellow man onto the road. Turn around and look at the trail entrance. Is there a “No Cycling” sign? Is there a kissing gate too narrow for your panniers? Ten seconds of Street View can save ten miles of backtracking. ## The bonus: RideWithGPS I tend to design routes using the superb RideWithGPS site. In addition to allowing me to seamlessly switch between maps, and even drop into StreetView, RideWithGPS brings another enormous advantage: heat maps! See also The Jennride Heat maps indicate how heavily-used, and therefore how popular with other cyclists, a route is. After all, if _nobody_ else is using a particular route segment, it’s a safe bet that you’d be physically prevented from using that segment, or it’s a very scary road to ride. ## The Verdict Don’t trust, verify. Use **OS Maps** to find the legal path, **OSM** and the heat maps on **RideWithGPS** to see if other cyclists actually use it, and **Google Earth** to see if you’ll be carrying your bike over a metre-deep puddle. **Planning a ride this weekend?** Check out my DayCycle Routes! ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

From the #WillCycle archives: Why one map is never enough

We've all been there: you planned a glorious route for a bike ride. You checked OS Maps and confirmed it's a bridleway that you may legally use. You planned a...

www.willcycle.com/adventure/why-one-map-is...

1 1 0 0
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 day ago
Camping Coffee To a huge number of people, coffee is an important part of life. If you don't believe me, just have a look at how many coffee shops there are in your local neighbourhood! Now coffee shops are great, but especially when wild camping, the nearest coffee shop might be quite some distance away. What are your options for enjoying a cup of the good stuff while camping, or cycle touring? What are your options? When camping, your options are rather limited, unless you'll be behaving like a Dr […]

From the #WillCycle archives: Camping Coffee

To a huge number of people, coffee is an important part of life. If you don't believe me, just have a look at how many coffee shops there are in...

https://www.willcycle.com/adventure/camping-coffee/

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
1 day ago
Finding the wild Scientists tell us that _behaviourally_ modern humans existed for around 50 000 to 65 000 years. For the vast majority of that time, most humans lived in wild surroundings. Though some cities existed a few thousand years ago, by today’s standards, they were small, and most humans lived in a more rural setting. Then along came the Industrial Revolution, bringing with it urbanisation on a previously unprecedented scale. Roll along to today, and the vast majority of people in the UK live in urban areas. And why not? After all, you have that great little coffee shop around the corner, right next to a great artisan bakery. You have schools, doctors, shops (of every imaginable variety, it seems) surprisingly close by. But for that you had to sacrifice your connection with nature. Your connection with wild, that’s what! ## Where’s your wild? You didn’t evolve simply to get stuck in traffic. As a human being, you’re an immensely complex creature. Inside of you there’s over 60 000 _miles_ of blood vessels – enough to go around the world twice, and have some left over. Your brain constitutes only about 2% of your weight, but uses around 20% off all the energy available to your body. Even more mind-blowing, more than half of your body isn’t even human! Your body is made to move, and it **requires** nature around it. Don’t believe me? Studies found that you require a _minimum_ of 120 minutes per week immersed in nature. Those that meet (or exceed) that time are healthier and happier than those who don’t. See also All you need to know about cycling on Dartmoor Crucially, that 120 minutes include time spent in your local park. You don’t have to trek barefoot across Patagonia to benefit from this. I previously wrote about the documented benefits of green exercise, too. If you live in London, you will find a surprising variety of wildlife to be found in the Royal Parks. ## Green doesn’t always mean wild Sadly, the UK is one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries. Part of that is down to the crowd of deeply maladjusted people who think killing animals for sport is great fun. However, the rest of us aren’t off the hook! You see, when we talk about “nature-depleted”, we don’t simply mean foxes, hares, or various raptors. Our stupid insistence on borderline sterile, mono-culture and perfectly manicured lawns is part of the problem. And don’t get me started on fake lawns! Wild means exactly that – untamed! Manicured lawns are green, but not untamed! ## Go find the wild Wildness exists all around us, but you may need to adjust your focus before you can see it. Wildness is that dandelion growing through a crack in the pavement. It’s that one tree growing on top of a Dartmoor tor, despite all the odds. Wildness is that butterfly, or even that wasp that you see. It’s the spider that moves indoors, seeking warmth, as autumn continues. But wildness also exists inside of you. And no, I’m not referring to all the microbes that make up more than half of what you thought was your body. Wildness is mindset! See also Project Rebuild: The result ## Embrace your inner wild I’m not referring to “going wild at a party”. Out of the past 65 000 years, we mostly became urbanised only for around the past 200 years. And 200 years, in terms of human evolution, is a blink of an eye! If you plotted the past 65 000 years on a one-metre line, our urbanisation happened in the last 3 millimetres of that line. Put differently, if the past 65 000 years was an hour long, our urbanisation happened in the last 0.1 seconds! What this means is that you are wearing an extremely thin veneer of civilisation, and underneath is the _real_ you. Underneath all that is the person who can sleep outdoors, walk miles in the pouring rain, and still smile. All you have to do is figure out how to reconnect with your inner wild. Believe me, your life will be so much better when you do. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

From the #WillCycle archives: Finding the wild

Scientists tell us that behaviourally modern humans existed for around 50 000 to 65 000 years. For the vast majority of that time, most humans lived in wild surroundings. Though...

https://www.willcycle.com/adventure/finding-the-wild/

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
2 days ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: Four Ferries & Freedom

Remember all those holidays you had in Cornwall? Remember how stunning the county is? There's a reason why around five million people flock to Cornwall each year! Green rolling hills […]

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
2 days ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: Aero Bars On A Touring Bike

Aero bars, also called tri-bars, are attached to your bike's handlebars, with the primary purpose to get your body into a far more aerodynamic position. They're mostly used by riders […]

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
2 days ago
Clarks CMD-24 cable disk brakes Everyone loves a bargain, right? At around £40 for a set of these – front and rear callipers, with an extra set of brake pads thrown in – you certainly will get a bargain, so let’s delve a bit deeper. Like most mechanical disk brakes, these have a piston on one side only. That’s not a deal-breaker – far more expensive mechanical brake callipers often have the same. It does mean that you’ll need to adjust these regularly, to allow for brake pad wear. ## Do they stop your bike? Brakes have ONE function, and one function only: through friction, they convert kinetic energy into thermal energy, and in doing so, slow you down. These Clarks brakes, when correctly fitted and adjusted, certainly do slow you down. In fact, it’s quite possible to stop rapidly with these. It’s equally possible to lock the wheels with these brakes. That’s all good. Combined with the really low price, the relative light weight, and the extra set of brake pads thrown in for good measure, it seems we’re onto a winner here, right? ## The bad points Sadly, these brakes suffer from a design flaw. That design flaw can and often does lead to the brakes failing to release properly. I haven’t been able to figure out exactly why/where this happens, but it certainly does happen. Imagine you’re approaching a tight turn on a descent, so you brake to slow down. The Clarks brakes slow you down quite well enough, but when you exit the turn, and release the brake lever, the brakes don’t fully release. That becomes very annoying, very quickly. See also Kit review - Time ATAC XC4 pedals Admittedly, it didn’t do so every time, during my testing. Also (and I’m happy to be corrected here, should you know better) it _seems_ to me the brakes fail to release mainly when at the extreme end of brake lever travel. More simply put, I never experienced this unless braking hard. I accept that this may be influenced by the brake adjustment, and it remains possible that I failed to adjust the brakes perfectly. However, while no certified bike mechanic, I feel I’m reasonably competent working on my own bike, and I’ve never had this issue with any other brakes. ## Verdict Purely because of this, I’d suggest you steer clear of these, and instead spend more, on more reliable brake callipers. If you found this review helpful, you’ll probably benefit from all the other reviews on WillCycle. ### Share this: * Share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon * Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook * Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp * Share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor * Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit * Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email * Share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads * Share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky * More * * Print (Opens in new window) Print * Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn * Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr * Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest * ### _Related_

From the #WillCycle archives: Clarks CMD-24 cable disk brakes

Everyone loves a bargain, right? At around £40 for a set of these - front and rear callipers, with an extra set of brake pads thrown in - you certainly...

www.willcycle.com/kit-review/clarks-cmd-24...

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WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
WilliamNB 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.social.vivaldi.net.ap.brid.gy
2 days ago
Original post on social.vivaldi.net

From the #WillCycle archives: Cycling for a cause: Fundraising on 2 wheels

Let's start with the bad news: no matter how good the cause you're fundraising for, and no matter what bike ride you have planned, people are fed up with someone […]

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Will cycles slower than you 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
Will cycles slower than you 🇿🇦🇬🇧🏳️‍⚧️
@williamnb.bsky.social
2 days ago
Preview
WillCycle Supporters - WillCycle WillCycle Supporters are people just like you, and just like you, they want to have benefits most visitors to the site don't have. What benefits? Well, for starters, WillCycle Supporters can browse Wi...

Tomorrow is the last day you get to use the Route Builder on #WillCycle for free, and it'd revert to being restricted to members only, so hurry and go create your #cycling routes.
www.willcycle.com/route-builder/

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