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Boulogne Ride Dunwich '98 Home Lights QEII Ride

Ah, on yer bike as they say. This is my preferred mode of transport to get to work. I own a Mercian racing bike which takes me, quite comfortably across London every day. The journey is 14 miles in each direction and this I have managed come rain, wind and snow, not forgetting to mention sun! A little plug for my Bike man, Harry Rowland. He is the man who first persuaded me to buy decent kit to ride on, being a wheel builder you will never guess what I upgraded first! He has since moved from London to Ramsgate but I pop down every now and again for him to give it a once over. So if you want any custom built wheels, Harry's your man. Give him a bell on 01843-597443. I do have a page for Harry, take a look.

I have been doing this journey for over 5 years now having worked for the BBC World Service in the Strand previously. The Mercian is not the only bike I own, in fact there are many in the garage in various states of repair. By far the more comfortable is the Mercian, built for touring and comfort its ideal. As the journey is over 1 hour I had to upgrade my lights, I am using the lighting set-up that I made from a article in Cycling Plus, many years ago. If you fancy having a go here are some hints you might find helpful, bright bulb for the front works well, better than ordinary battery versions, a good alternative to a dynamo, saves loads of money on batteries. After 2 years the original battery died, still it only costs about 6 pounds so its cheaper than ordinary batteries. I have also rescued my brother-in-laws racing bike which was rusting in mums summer house. Its a Aende hand built columbus tubing and campy bits, a real racer. I have had to get the wheels rebuilt, replaced the chaingring and block swopped the 46 inner chain ring with a 42, and the rear 12-17 block with a 13/24. Its a bit big for me and I think he might want it back. Its a bit quick though, not one for the daily commute methinks no rear rack so the little luggage space. I brought a Peugeot tandem last year, still hoping to get Trish out on it but I fear cycling is not for her. Its ideal as its a ladyback I also aquired a Raleigh mountain bike from a local dump for 4 pounds, this I have put back together and use as a run about. I have replaced most of the parts over time, mind you if the frame is no lightweight. Tim's has a couple of bikes, a MTB and a racing bike which has hand built wheels (by Harry) and a new paint job..looks very flash but the frame is very heavy. Emma currently has the use of a Decathlon light MTB which was really brought for my Mum and then again there is the tandem (she does not have to pedal). I also have a Brompton which is as good as everyone says no more locking it up, just fold it and take it shopping with you. Er no we do not park the car in the garage!, oh and there is a Moulton childs bike. One of the old original one geared machines with the intregal rear rack. Emma reckons its too embarassing to ride!

Right, apart from the cycle to commute I also enjoy cycling at weekends, time and family commitments permitting. I am chair of Lewisham Cyclists and regularly take part in the Belles d'Europe cycling series, great fun as you should be able to see from the photographs.

To get to work I find that the most direct route is the quickest, that is straight down the Embankment from Vauxhall Bridge through Earls Court and left down the A4 to the Chiswick roundabout, head down and off we go. Can't see the point of rushing these days. There is an excellent UK streetfinder site, almost easier than opening a A-Z.

The Belles d'Europe series of rides take place in France, Belgium and England. These are good fun with a cross selection of cyclists taking part. Another recommended ride is the annual  Dunwich Dynamo (starting at 9 pm and going through the night to Dunwich, on the Suffolk coast) being well worth doing. Don't ask why, it just is. Took me just over 12 hours both years I have done it, including lots of stops. Rode it in '98 and 2001. Its changed somewhat over the last few years, its now a unsupported ride and you are on your own. Saying that well over 100 people took part last year, there is a rest stop about halfway which we reached at 3 am (hot drinks & a nice vegetable curry! and much more). Barry Mason of Greenwich Cyclists organises a coach to bring everyone back although there is a local train station 6 miles from the finish.