My colours

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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 – an introduction

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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

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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

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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

Cycling the South West Coast Path

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Essential winter maintenance for bicycles

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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

Kit Review: uleFone Armor 25T Pro

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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

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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

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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

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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

AI can’t ride a bicycle

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I’m absolutely sick to the back teeth about yet another company “upgrading” their product to be “enhanced” by AI! The Luddites In the UK there’s a description often incorrectly used to portray someone as anti-progress, or anti-machine. That’s done by calling them a Luddite, but the Luddites weren’t any of those things. Instead, the Luddites, ... Read more