The Life Cycle, by Kate Rawles

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

The stories hidden in maps

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

18 Castles – an introduction

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

New year – new bike

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

Cycling campaigning starter

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 deals with how the media shifts people’s perception away from important matters, onto … Read more

Cycling the South West Coast Path

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

Wild camping spots in England

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

#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 … Read more

How to get fit for summer, before summer

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, 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 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

Kit Review: uleFone Armor 25T Pro

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

Cycling with kids: How to make rides fun and safe

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

Back to basics – my winter camping gear

Winter camping in the UK is radically different to summer camping, and not only because of the temperature difference. In the UK, it rains during winter. That means not only cycling, and quite likely pitching your tent in the rain (or sleet) but sleeping on soggy ground. Through trial and error, I fine-tuned my winter … Read more

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 … Read more

Round The World On A wheel

Round The World On A Wheel is the story of when John Foster Fraser, along with two others, cycled around the world. They set off in 1896, when the British Empire was at its height (Empire features much in this book) and the world was a very different place than it is today. Record-breaking ride … Read more