Will
Every so often, our lives are touched by inspirational people. Pel Scopes is one such person, and my youngest daughter and I were fortunate enough to meet him along the Granite Way, just outside Okehampton. We were simply out for a bike ride, but Pel was on a mission. Grays, Essex, to Penzance, Cornwall. On … Read more
In a nutshell, The Life Cycle tells the story of Rawles’ 8 000 miles ride along the length of South America. However, that’s only a fraction of what the book is about. As a dedicated environmentalist, Rawles’ bike ride was more than a sigh-seeing trip. Along the way, she diverted regularly to meet local people … Read more
When you talk to someone about maps, they usually think of paper maps. Paper maps are great (though they have limitations, which we’ll look at later). Of course, most maps are actually digital these days, and for valid reasons. What stories? When a map has any way – be that shading, or contour lines – … Read more
This post is NOT about cycling, but it underpins EVERYTHING on WillCycle. Sometimes the right thing to do is to be diplomatic. Sometimes, the right thing to do is to look the other way. Right now is NOT one of those times. Right now, it’s time for me to nail my colours to the mast. … Read more
18 Castles is a multi-day cycle touring route guide, and if old, or ancient buildings are your thing, then you will love this route. Even if you’re not into castles that much, this route showcases some of the best riding Devon has to offer. Set entirely within Devon, as is usual for my GoCycle routes, … Read more
As I’m writing this, at the start of 2025, I must confess that I’m not planning on buying a new bicycle. That was an option, and of course I considered it. However, buying new seems so utterly wasteful, and upgrading seems to be a far better choice. In fact, I previously wrote about how Upgrade … Read more
In 1986, British band Depeche Mode released a song called New Dress. The song deals with the media’s obsession at the time with Princess Diana’s outfits. It highlights how warped media coverage is (and it got far worse since then!) The song highlights how the media shifts people’s perception away from important matters, onto other … Read more
You ready for a monster adventure? One that doesn’t require you to travel to exotic foreign locations? And has oodles of sights to see? You’re in luck, my friend! Cycling the South West Coast Path is just what you’re looking for! Isn’t it a footpath? Quite right. The stunning South West Coast Path is, for … Read more
Looking for the top wild camping spots in England, are you? Somewhere secret, off the beaten path, but also stunning? Oh, I can assure you there are plenty of those about. But let’s not jump the gun here, shall we? The basics of wild camping in England Let’s start by clarifying some things. First off, … Read more
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 … Read more
Many cyclists either stop riding, or greatly reduce their riding during winter. Of course, that’s perfectly understandable. After all, it takes a great deal of motivation to step outside and get on your bike when it’s sleeting outside! However, winter miles are summer smiles, and those who ride through winter are usually rewarded with a … Read more
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 catch? It was during the height of the pandemic. Parker barely made it to Land’s End, when Lockdown 1 scuppered his plans. When restrictions were … Read more
Winter cycling is a bunch tougher on your bike, and on you, than cycling in summer. So, what can you do to help ensure your bike is in as good a shape throughout winter? Here are some relatively straightforward tips that are sure to improve your winter cycling. Cleanliness Winter road much punishes your bike, … Read more
My requirements for mobile phones are different to those of most people, and that’s because of cycle touring and camping. For starters, I need a phone that is waterproof. Next, it needs to be rugged, and thirdly, it needs a large capacity battery. The Armor 25T Pro ticks all these boxes, plus a lot more. … Read more
Kids are amazing. They’re full of energy and inquisitive about the world around the. Until suddenly they’re not. Every parent knows that tired kids can rapidly become grumpy kids. Add into the mix that the same can happen when kids are hungry, and things can start going sideways in a hurry. Kids love to cycle! … Read more