My bike – a 5-year review of a Genesis CdA

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I used to commute 15 hilly miles each way on a daily basis, on a road bike. 700c x 25 tyres may be light and fast, but they sure aren’t designed to take the knocks that rural Devon lanes offer, especially on a cold, dark, and often wet winter commute. My road bike has rim ... Read more

You got the bike, you got the panniers, now what?

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There’s a huge latent demand for cycling, and a huge demand for cycle touring. However, a latent demand for something is not the same as a huge amount of it actually happening. In the UK, if you’re a new cyclist, you can go on the Let’s Ride site and look for group rides in your ... Read more

Back to basics: Map reading

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But  which  map  is  best? Get together a random group of cyclists, then ask them which is best – paper maps, or digital maps – then sit back and watch the at times surprisingly heated discussion that follows. Cyclists are often reliant on mapping, or some form of navigation, and it seems everyone has their ... Read more

SheCycles – Anne Ramsey

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In this SheCycles post, I get to introduce you to Anne Ramsey (she’s on Twitter as @anneramsey740 – do follow her). Anne is a regular cycle commuter, who often posts videos of her rides. In case you didn’t know, SheCycles is a series of posts highlighting a range of women, all different, and all awesome ... Read more

It’s the freedom

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There’s a lot to be said for package holidays to an all-inclusive resort, though most of what I’d have to say about such holidays wouldn’t be particularly flattering. Oh sure, you don’t have to worry about getting there (other than getting to the airport – more on airports a bit later) and once at the ... Read more

SheCycles – Helen

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In this SheCycles post, I’d like to introduce you to Helen. Helen is a lifelong Londoner and lover of bikes, swimming and Liverpool FC, and here she talks about her experiences on two wheels. Helen’s on Twitter as @Coshgirl, and you should definitely follow her. In case you didn’t know, SheCycles is a series of ... Read more

WeCycle – a Redlake guided adventure

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I’m offering a guided wild-camping, gravel cycling experience. There are just five places available, so grab yours at just £86 per person, before they sell out. It will be over the weekend of Saturday, 12th of June. Please read the Ts & Cs on the EventBrite event page before buying a ticket, as buying a ... Read more

Solo

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“You’ve been getting increasingly nervous as the sun starts getting lower in the sky, knowing that tonight will be your very first time ever wild-camping, on your own. With a determined expression on your face, you pedal on, relieved that your tired legs will soon get a break from powering your loaded bike up hills, ... Read more

New challenges

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It is often said that outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens, so why don’t we set a series of challenges, to see if we can get you out of your comfort zone? The title of this blog is WillCycle, so of course cycling will feature heavily in these challenges. Obviously, you’re free ... Read more

Kit review: Vango Compact Gas Stove

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The Vango Compact Gas Stove is really rather good, with only three negatives. First though, what makes it so good: for starters, it’s tiny. It comes in a hard plastic case, and screws directly onto a gas cannister. The three supports for whatever you place on the stove fold up, to fit inside the plastic ... Read more

Consequences

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There’s a basic principle that states we are all free to make our own choices, but we are not free from the consequences of the choices we had made. Sometimes, the consequences are immediate: you’re in a crowded pub, walk up to the biggest, meanest, toughest guy there, and you slap him. Yes, you are ... Read more

With great power comes…

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… great  complexity? If you’re a regular visitor here, you’ll know I have a hub dynamo on my bike, and rely on that to help keep my gadgets charged when out cycling. Especially on multi-day, off-grid rides, with wild camping along the way, your options are either to be self-reliant, or to have all your ... Read more

SheCycles – Uni

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  In this latest SheCycles post, we hear from Uni, in her own words, about what it’s like to be a cyclist and a woman. If you’re unfamiliar with SheCycles posts, I suggest you read them all, simply by clicking this link. Let me hand you over to Uni: I’m strictly a weekend warrior and ... Read more

Security while cycle touring

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After a long day of gorgeous cycling, you had a hearty meal, then settled down in your tent for a well-deserved night’s sleep. But what about your bike? Lying there with wide open eyes all night long is not conducive to good cycle touring, but then again, neither is waking up in the morning to discover ... Read more

Come on in, the water’s fine?

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English  rivers  are  drowning  in  sh*t If you read just a handful of posts on here, you’ll see I’m a big fan of having more adventure in your life. Cycling is a great way to do so, but certainly not the only way. Swimming and cycling is a great combination, and better still if it ... Read more