ONDA Cycle – Looks fun!

Found a cool looking ‘bike’ over on Kickstarter.  Looks like a lot of fun.  Take a look!

Bike Security

Is this bike security or bike theft?!!

[Via Flickr, by David M Hodgson]

57% of UK cyclists jump red lights?!

Lies, damn lies, and statistics about red light jumping

Do 57% of UK cyclists jump red lights? One motoring organisation claims so – on very flimsy evidence…

Full story over at the Guardian…

 

Bicycle Storage Ideas

Image from 'Apartment Therapy'

Looking for some ideas about how and where to store your bike, but you’re in a smaller house or apartment?  Head over to Apartment Therapy and have a look at some of the methods they’ve found.  Turn your bike into a wall-mounted masterpiece!

Link: Apartment Therapy

Early New Year’s Resolution?

I’ve got a New Year’s resolution already: get out on the bikes more in 2012!  This year has been VERY quiet on the cycling front for me and I feel very guilty that the bikes haven’t really been out much at all.  This has to change next year.

Work and other things have limited my cycling this year, but I have to not let that happen in 2012.

I’m stating this resolution now so that I have a month to get it into my little head before January 1st and the resolution comes into force!

Help!: Spot Satellite Messenger

This is Spot.  I found this little gadget online having received a (paper) catalogue from a shop I’ve recently bought from.

Spending a lot of my leisure time outside, either cycling, walking or taking photographs, this device appeals to me.  It’s an emergency location and SOS device.

If you’re in the middle of nowhere and you’re injured, simply press the SOS button and your location (GPS) and SOS are sent via satellite to the GEOS rescue centre who coordinate your rescue with local emergency services.  As it’s based on satellite communication, it will work even when you can’t get a mobile/cell signal on your phone!

It’s £144 on Amazon and there’s an annual fee, but can you really put a price on safety?  I wish I’d had this when I cycled across the UK – it can even report your location so your friends and family can track your progress.

If you’re always outdoors or planning an epic cycle ride, consider getting one of these.  It’s on my ‘wishlist’!

Spot: website

Dahon Puncture!

Took the Dahon out today as I was spending the morning out and didn’t want (or need) to take the car.  The trusty bike was a great ride as always and the 3.5 mile round trip was very nice on a cold autumn morning.

Back home and the Dahon was placed in the hallway and left whilst I had a coffee.  Shortly after, the rear tyre was completely flat and the bike leaning to one side.  Hmm, a damn puncture.  Will need to take a look at that, but not today…

25th August 2011 – Freedom!

It’s Thursday the 25th of April and the Dahon broke free from the confines of the house and ventured out!

Yes, it’s true, it’s the end of August and this is the first time this year that I have been out on my bikes.  Crazy, huh?!  I had a day off last Thursday and gave the Dahon a clean and oiled the chain.  I checked the bolts were tight, the handlebar was straight and made sure the tyres were pumped up.  It was ready to go.

Tonight I went out for dinner and the Dahon was the transport.  It was really great to be out there on the bike – I had forgotten how much fun it is to ride the little folder.  With my NiteRider fully charged, the ride home in the dark was even more fun:  I was weaving along from side to side on a country lane (not used by cars) like we used to do when we were kids.

Ahh, I’ve missed cycling.  🙂

 

Cycling’s Economy Boost

The BBC is reporting that cycling generates £3bn a year for the UK economy.

It also points out that 3.7 million bikes were sold in the UK during 2010 – an increase of 28% over the previous year.

Full story over on the BBC:
BBC News story

Bike Aggression Urged

Bill Owen, Welsh Cycling’s president, has urged cyclists to show more aggression whilst out on the road to ensure drivers are aware of them…

Full story on the Beeb.