Fighting pollution one bike product at a time.

We have all become more and more aware about issues concerning the environment recently. Single use plastic is bad and as a country we’re not taking the problem seriously enough. Cars and congestion are causes of stupid amounts of emissions, all sorts of chemicals are going down our drains eventually leading to the oceans and reaching sea life. basically it sucks to be nature right now.

But hey that’s cool. We are cyclists right? From throwing ourselves off mountains pretending we are the Athertons competing in the UCI Downhill word cup, or clubs roadie rides doing your own Tour De France. We help the environment by spending less times in our cars so there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

Well mostly yes. Have you ever considered that all the products you use to maintain your two wheeled steed may be polluting the environment? Of course your not considering that! Because you think your being an eco-warrior by using your legs and not adding to emissions in our air.

Okay. Bikes are not too bad right? No they are ceratinly not! Still better than cars with no footprint on the whole carbon thing, but if you think that all that WD-40 and GT-80 you spray into the frame it eventually washing off and goes somewhere right? Oils containing PTFE finds ways into our environment.

Not to mention that bikes go where cars don’t go. Up the mountains, along the beaches on and canals… All those oils and toxins that eventually reach our ocean and pollute our plant life. Places were nothing chemical should ever touch, such as your local bike park or nature reserve you could be contributing to getting these chemicals to these places!

Okay there are a few companies that sell a few products that are bio degradable but are they truly bio degradable and safe for our environment? If you read the ingredients and other info on their packaging some still contain harmful products, exactly what we need to be cutting down on!

18301719_10158732413275074_6250720962463326743_n — Your harmful chemicals could be reaching beautiful places like here. Photo Credit https://www.instagram.com/dave_on_a_mountain/

Is there anybody out there who really do focus on making products that are animal safe and plant safe?

Yes. Yes there is. Green oil is safe. Not just from a marketing point of view this company really are 100% committed to helping the environment. There oils, lubes cleaners and grease are plant based! So no nasty PTFE chemicals coming off your bike during a heavy downpour in north Wales whilst your gaining that air over that table top, damaging the environment around you. These are truly human and animal safe products based right here in the UK.

Here is a Glimpse of what they do.

Based in London… Where their are a lot of bikes lets be honest! Imagine all the grease and oils that go down the gutters eventually leading to our oceans. If everyone used plant based products imagine the difference!

I have used Green oil chain oil for a while now and haven’t had any problems. I have questioned a bike shop about there supply in bike maintenance products. The response I got was rather upsetting as all was said was ‘its just a couple of bikes it really will not make a difference’. Well according to We are cycling UK 31% of us take to our bikes whether it be a hobby, a commute or being a pro and every person makes a difference.

Green oil isn’t just a company set out on making great products from plant based and sustainable safe sources they have won countless awards for their products too!

Their bottles are recycled as well as being recyclable! I really think their products are a fabulous way to help cut out the nasties going into the water and harming other life around us. They have a multitude of products available on their website or even on sites such as Wiggle .

If your as particular with your care and cleanliness of your beautiful bike this one small change will make a lot of difference to the environment. If you own a lot of bikes or even work in a workshop this stuff is ideal. 100% bio degradable goodies that will be nicer all over your skin instead of dirty PTFE oils eh? This is a real moral company out there for the greater good of our beautiful planet!! Made by cyclists for cyclists!

Give them a follow on Social media, if you have any more questions why not ask them? or even get in touch with your local bike shop and ask if they give a crap about the environment enough to stock there fabulous products.

Go on, Ride clean!

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We love football part II

June 30th. The weather was swealtering, my partner… the one I adore had made me give up my Saturday morning lie in to drive to Chester. After coming to terms with the fact Saturday mornings do exist, I got ready for a football rookie day session with Cheshire Bears.

Let me just break that down for you. No not UK football we all know and love as a nation, but the Egg chasing full contact sport that isn’t rugby.

I have been following the sport for the past five years, apart from the fantasy football obsession and naming my dog after the handsome Tom Brady I wasn’t aware as a Brit I could take it a step further with American football, but apparently I could.

However not so eager I had been robbed of my Saturday morning and just recovered form my on and off injury I have moaned about so much in the past I went along anyway.

Well what can I say! 28c heat with no cloud cover, my water was lovely and warm to drink within 15 mins of arriving. I was sweating, tired and my skin was burning despite all the suncream I had heavily applied to my milkbottle coloured skin. But wow! It was fun!

I mean, who uses the word fun in their adult lives??

I was greeted by experienced players who were extreamly nice and helpful even though I didnt have any clue in what I was doing, I wasn’t made to feel like an idiot when I asked questions and felt more confedient as the session went on. This is a massive change in what I am used to being a cyclist who hasn’t really been able to even cycle with my back.

Needless to say after a few words with my better half we decided to join. Even though the next day after the first session left me with a questionable walk and some good soild bruising I felt better for it as I attended more sessions.

Cheshire Bears are a new team based in Chester in the Northwest of the UK. There are ladies attending from North Wales, Halton, Cheshire and Merseyside. This will be their first season this year!

So looks like I have sacrificed my Saturday mornings to them for practise but I am excited to see were my football journey takes me!

So as well as cycling updates (which I am more than aware have been lacking!) I will be blogging my training. Hopfully I can keep up my fitness and help the team succeed!

If you would like to find out more about Cheshire Bears have a look at their website here Facebook and other socail media page links are on their website. Thanks for reading!

The art of being an cyclist

How do you know you’re border line obsessed with cycling and all things bike related?

Here are some truths some of us face when we’re passionate (or clearly obsessed)

You have more than one weather app.

BBC weather, Google weather…. either way you constantly check the weather, also for some reason you seem to trust the one that sounds more promising. Even if it has betrayed you before.

Nope!

Errr better

Ooohhhh! Let’s go out on our bikes. 20 miler anyone ?

Your house has become a garage.

Most people… well normal people may actully have a garage or shed. But the few of us that live in flats, apartments or small houses experience the dining room or front room jumble when trying the tinker with our two wheeled toys.

Yes this is my spare bedroom… I mean garage

You have more jerseys than actual going out clothes.

I can’t remember the last time I bought anything not cycling related.

Oh wait I bought… Errr hmm

Your phone has more pictures of bikes than your family and friends.

This can’t be true can it??

Hmmmmm

Wait …

See??? That’s not a bike !

Every time you go for a walk you’re checking out lines and hills.

Often, when I walk the dog I see a muddy rooty hill and think… I can go down that.

You have amazing ebay feedback….

Oooo! Lights!

Oooo! Gloves!

Oooo! Derailleur!

Must stop spending money..

The local bike shop owner knows your name… Also knows your weakness.

Every time I walk into the Cycle Centre Runcorn I get talked into buying something.

But obviously I needed it. Otherwise I wouldn’t have bought it, right??

You seem to have alot of mucoff bottles knocking around.

I keep finding these everywere! I don’t recall buying this many bottles!

Must have been from my local bike shop…

You’re constantly cheating on your bike online…

As much as you love the steed you own… you still window shop.

Must stop drooling

You’re more smug than your colleges.

“Did you not find the morning commute hard today Jen?” I often hear.

On which I reply “no don’t be silly that was extremely easy”

As I gasp for air and hide my muddy and soggy bottom.

You suddenly think your a dietitian

Telling your friends and colleges that they’re eating crap. Telling them what they should eat… whilst you’re munching on a Yorkie bar and drinking a load of coffee promising yourself you will drink that 2 litres a day and cut down on sugar….

All your friends are now cyclists.. or you’re trying to convert them.

This was at a BBQ last weekend… Oh wait you are not in the picture? If your not a cyclist you can’t come in.

Its a beautiful baby b….bike?

Sadly a few weeks ago me and my other half came to terms with the sale of the beautiful Whyte as it was, if only slightly too big of a bike for the both of us.

Me being me had seen this as a opportunity to ‘give ‘ my other half my Cube Reaction as it was better for her size and start shopping for a bike for myself.

So as I cleaned her for the last time (who am I kidding, I will end up cleaning her!) I handed her over to my other half like a sword at a ceremony and very quickly grabbed the laptop got on google and started hunting.

I already decided… I wanted to stick to a hard tail but I was originally looking at a second hand bike.

That was until I locked eyes on this beaut

This bike was exactly the spec I was after. Originally £1150 to buy off chainreactioncycles.com but as they only had a handful of 15″ frames left and as it was 2015 model it was further reduced to £849.

So I was in love? Or was it just rebound?

I gave myself a cooling off period and went on eBay to check out what this spec and model was actually selling for online. I found the lower spec still selling for £500 and as a cube owner many times before this I know they tend to devalue as soon as the sat on similar to when your car clocks a mile!

So I read some reviews.. had a butchers elsewhere. I wanted to buy from my local bike shop but the hardtails there just didn’t float my boat.

I sat there looking at the screen. Read though the spec again, Worked out Cubes incredibly complicated geometry and realised the tiny frame was perfect for me.

I still read into the bike a bit more. Suddenly I remembered I had a British Cycling membership. Sometimes as a member I get voucher codes. So I quickly logged into my online account and found a fantastic 10% voucher code.

Mind made! Bike bought.

Sadly It was a four day weekend (Easter Bank Hoilday) so I had to wait that little bit longer to receive my new baby. I kept checking my tracking info and as I was sending it to work I spoke to every single member of staff and told them to not sign for my bike. I wanted to see to it that I knew the condition of the box before it was in my grubby little hands.

Then, as I was working away I heard a bellow of one of my colleagues indicating that Parcel Force had a rather large box for me. I quickly hurried to the door ( not breaking any health and safety rules I assure you ) And with a massive grin on my face I signed for the box and wizzed it in the office.

As soon as my break came along I put the beast together. ( okay just needed to pop the pedals on and adjust the handlebars) and Bam! Happy new bike day!

Its been 3 weeks.

Shes already covered many many miles with me 🙂

We have commuted! Played on trails and climbed some lovely hills.

I had to change the seat to a lady friendly seat though. As nice as the seat was that came with it, it was as comfortable as sitting on a plank so it just had to go!

Just look at the Makeup she has.. Sexy hubs love!

She has well and truly been broken in now anyway!

I have already had to strip her down to give her a lovely bath!

Here is too many many miles together… With all her friends!

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First off let me apologise for the lack if blogging goodness explaining how my cycling life has been the past few months.

I am experiencing both techical and health issues stopping me from feeding you spelling mistakes and poor grammer.

So I have lost 4… Yes 4 pre typed on word document and spell checked just needed copying and pasting on to WordPress blogs due to my Hardrive packing in. So now I have to start again.

I have also been poorly on and off and had to have a short while off the bike. 😭

I have already tried to re type my blogs to turn this back to a regular thing.

Stay tuned bike nerds!

My year in review

Tomorrow will be the last day of 2015!

This has to be hands down the best year I have ever encountered in my 28 years of existence. So many firsts and so many experinces!

I got a passport, for the first time. I am not kidding. I had never been abroad to this point. And barley left the country except the odd trip to Wales and Scotland.

We welcomed a new furry into out home! Brady, our now 20 month old Husky. Who is still 11 months in annoying the hell out of his older brother Logan

Went to a few comic cons! I attended both Manchester comic com and London comic con. Had an absolutely fanastic time. Spent some money and even ran into a friend I hadn’t seen in over 5 years by chance! Brilliant!

Got a promotion! Completely out of the blue to. I adore my job. See myself there in ten years which I have never said about any job before. So getting Somewere on the promotion ladder was one of the greatest things I have ever achieved!

I lost a dear dear friend…. as we just didn’t work. I mean my old cube, due two being a slightly bigger frame I was getting back problems everyone I enjoyed riding her…. since we broke up I haven’t had this problem again.

I still think about you clara... sometimes

I moved on… and got another bike!!!! Yet again another cube. This time a carbon small 16″ framed cube reaction. Still stuck to hard tails until I master a few more trails! Such a work horse too. And very good looking. I often stare at it and think how beautiful it is.

You can stop laughing now.

I finished my restoring project with the help of The Cycle Centre Runcorn and Halton Powder Coaters. My lovely 1987 raliegh is now restored. Check out previous blogs to see what was done!

I passed my driving test, first time. God knows how. I pulled my back and spend three hours crying before I climbed into the car…. praying all the way through that the examiner didn’t make me drive over a speed bump. But staying true to my passion I have only driving about 50 miles since I passed in July. I still cycle when I can.

My wee corsa. Well my other halfs and mine.. well its more hers... I hate cars

I finally got on an aeroplane and left the UK to explore some of Europe.

I went to Paris

And made the eiffel tower more like home...

Including Disney Land..

Also Brussels and Amsterdam. Brilliant!

Cannot forget that I joined Runcorn Cycle club who also helped me with a few firsts.

I went to Llandelga and did a black route for the first time.

I also went on a few group rides met new people all thanks to the cycle club.

Here’s to more miles 🍷

Next year should be just as great I hope.

Hope you all have a great year!

Christmas time!

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas. Hope you all got what you wanted, mostly I hope everyone had a fun and safe Christmas (those who have been effected by the flooding I hope you all alright!)

Being England we never seem to get snow. Even though we nearly got it last year, instead it was a dusting on boxing day..

Anyway I have managed to eat my own weight in food so I need to get back on the bike and start burning those extra calories!

I got loads of bike goodies !

Including this awesome Park Tools bike maintenance stand!

Now I can take my bike apart without having to juggle it to keep it balanced and can clean all the parts on my bikes perfectly!

I also got clothes to brave the cold and some amazon vouchers on which I have decided to finally buy the bike attachment to run my dog with my bike 🙂

So let’s see how long it is before I get injured…

Sorry for the lack of bloggage! Will get on it soon.

Have a fantastic new year!

You don’t pay road tax!

Hands up, how many of you have heard this countless amount of times when on a bike?

Also who has replied with the fact it dosent exist and it’s a duty tax we pay on emissions, therefore our wee legs don’t pollute our environment so we are within out rights to not pay ‘road tax’. (okay you can’t fit that amount of speech in the time the motorist over takes you and speeds off!)

Another thing the arrogant motorist forgets is well over 50% of us hold a valid UK driving license or a valid CBT. Or category A license (motorbike) and fail to realise people actully cycle because they enjoy it. Not because they can’t afford to pay ‘road tax’ Or run a car.

As our days have now become shorter for the winter months, we find ourselves more vulnerable due to the lack of care taken by motorists. It seems no matter how well we light ourselves up we still get abuse for being on “their roads” and it leaves alot of people feeling unsafe when commuting especially on these winter nights.

Why can’t we just get along?

In other countries within Europe they seem to get along alot better! France have adapted most of their roads for cyclists. I can imagine though if you lived in Paris owning a car would be a complete nightmare. It’s such a busy city. The amount of motorbikes and cycles locked up made you realise how many people are actully crammed up in a small place. Whilst in England some households have up to 3 cars.

When we went Paris, there were barely any cars the first day we arrived. Shocked and stunned we couldn’t understand why. We didn’t realise that Paris had banned cars in parts of the city for one day! (September 27th 2015) I urge you find articles online about the impact it had on the city. You will find its a very interesting read and they’re considering making it a monthly thing!

It was weird and wonderful, plus with fantastic transport links thoughout the city and Basically cycle safe routes all over they’re really trying to tackle climate change. You don’t always need a car you know…. True story.

Amsterdam was even more fantasic! The moment I arrived I felt like I wanted to live here.

Everyone cycles! Well almost. With Dutch bikes, cargo bikes and a few road bikes it’s absolutely amazing how much people depend on their two wheels people powered machines!

I have one of these! Dosent quite look like this though!

If your a cyclist and you haven’t been Amsterdam you really should go. It makes you wonder how they got it right and yet countries like our own haven’t quite hit it yet!

Okay so what’s the point?

Here in England we seem to suffer more abuse than our neighboring European friends. However cyclists here can be worse than the motorists.

The very first time I stepped into my car all on my own after passing my test, I drove to work. I didn’t want to and haven’t done much since but I wanted to see how long it took, also get used to the route for when I have to drive there.

I got to a long stretch of road just before my place of work that I cycle along every day. So naturally I would be careful of other cyclists.

Well it was dark. My lights were on… not pitch black mind just enough to be careful as the sun was rising within the distance.

Suddenly I was cut up… by a cyclist.. I felt betrayed by my own people. What made things worse is if I didn’t suddenly brake and control the car I could have easily clipped him or worse. It was a 40 mile an hour road. He was on the pavement for starters and dressed in all black. Once he ran out of pavement he jumped on the road and didn’t bother to look.

No lights…

No helmet….

No hi vis….

Foolishly riding in the pavement in the first place….

This is were I feel sorry for motorists. No wonder cyclists have a bad name when most motorists will only remember the one or two cyclists who caused them grief.

Anyway, as I composed myself feeling a bit shaken I over took him. I didn’t give him any abuse but he didn’t show any remorse… infact he looked at me as if it was my own fault for not seeing him.

So it works both ways. There are terrible motorists and horrificly stupid cyclists!

What can be done?

Well the fact is both motorists and cyclists are poorly educated when it comes to the highway code. Or some have no common sense.

I only passed my driving test this year. I did my theory in January and practical in July. Not once in my theory did I get question regarding a cyclist…. nor how to overtake a horse. I felt cheated by reading the highway code as most of it was wasn’t mentioned on my theory but just a collection of repeated questions and also first aid, towing a caravan! Of which my license will not let me do?? Is the UK theory too easy?

My driving instructor was brilliant at mentioning the dangers of over taking cyclists. However I have friends who have recently passed and have never had a mention of how to approach cyclists.

I have even received abuse of friends and colleagues for being a cyclist. So sad really being told such things as

“Some people deserve to be knocked off”

This is a horrible thing to say.. no life should be risked even if they’re riding a bit foolishly.

“Your okay as a cyclist but most of them ride two abreast and there breaking the law”

I hear this weekly near enough. Read the high way code please and don’t say I am okay because you know me… you hate overtaking me as much as any other cyclist.

“They should ride on the pavements were they belong”

Again highway code… how to these people have driving licenses? Bikes can hit a speed of 20 plus mph. You want us on he pavements were we can injure pedestrians?

Sadly though there’s a collection of cyclists who are so unsafe it’s unbelievable. Also I think motorists fail to realise that we are not all that bad… Do not allow the small percentage of us that are unsafe to spoil your opinion on all cyclists, as we don’t belive that the drunk drivers and careless drivers represent all motorists.

After all… We put our life in motorists hands, once we pedal on roads were heavily at risk and that shouldn’t be the case. Everyone should be careful.. respectful and caring of each other.

Here’s a short video of a gent from my local cycling club were half way though the video he has a close shave with a large vehicle. However you can see most motorists overtaking safely!

Is it lack of patience or education that causes this? It’s not a nice feeling and I face it daily along side other cyclists. Maybe one day it will change. However for now I pray that motorists take more care in dealing with cyclists on the road.
Also I hope the small amount of cyclists get pulled and punished for not having correct lights and breaking the law.

Is it all doom and gloom?

No its not. Cycling is fantastic. Some people may not take to it as much as the hard core fanatics out there, however how many people can say I have never ridden a bike? Even the top 10 absolute idiots of motorists have eighter ridden a bike or bought one for there children. So why can’t we just get along?

There are a number of cycle friendly roads and cycleways out there. You just need to find them. Cycling is such a fantastic way to get fit, commute, strengthen the immune system and reduce pollution.

When I cycle I belive being positive is a big deal. I personally make sure I acknowledge every motorist that gives way to me. If someone does overtake me or shout abuse I refuse to go off on a rant and shout abuse back. Why??

Because I am a bigger person. Also if I record myself giving as much as I get on a Gopro surely I look like the small percentage of cyclists who those motorists hate?

This is a long winded post and I am continuing with blogging about how much safety on the road effects cyclists. Over the winter months I am going to ask my cycling club with their experiences. Along with videos of close encounters for both motorists and cyclists.

I am hoping that the government will one day realise that we need more public campaigns for cyclists safety. Any one who follows this blog I accept any input and stories you have to share.

Be seen! Be safe! Be polite and keep peddling!

We Love Football!

Okay I have to admit it, I don’t love it as much as cycling, however I am an English women who loves the NFL and I try to watch as many games as I can get away with. Me and my better half only got into American football beginning of the last season and find we spend a lot of time watching replays and games we have recorded (because the time difference.. staying up to 6am to watch a game just isn’t viable) So you can imagine when we booked our holiday just weeks into the season we were a little bit devastated!

Turns out we had nothing to worry about, there were several bars throughout Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam that were showing the NFL so we could relax and watch the games with fellow sport followers. I thought even though not cycling related I thought I would blog my experiences through these bars we went to just to let you sports fans know were you can go to get a beer in an English speaking environment!

Paris

Wos Bar (wide open spaces bar)

This bar was fantastic, nothing fancy just a few screens but a lovely small ”feel like your a local” place to go. We were made to feel welcome right away by a lovely Chap behind the bar. They do have a fantastic selection of spirits and many lager’s. They also claim to be the only Greenbay Packers supporters bar within Europe. But don’t let that put you off! The atmosphere in here when all the games are going on is ace! You get your usual banter of a bunch of people from around the world who all enjoy the game. They do bar snacks too if you get the munchies but generally its expensive, however you find me a cheap pint and food in Paris! Everywhere else is just as pricey

There not just limited to NFL they show a bunch of English, European and American sports. Again you can ring ahead to see what they are showing.

Check their Facebook page for updates on games there showing.

The Moose Bar

Maybe you can guess by the name that this is a Canadian bar? We didn’t go in here for the football, but we wanted some food and we knew they spoke English so we decided to see what it was like the next day. This bar was much bigger and had a decent food menu. Their burger and fries were excellent! Unlike its neighbor it was twice as big and had many more screens. Lovely Canadian staff and plenty more seats. This place can get very full so you can call ahead to check what games are on and even book a table.

They had a lovely selection of lager and ales, they even have a happy hour! you can grab some cheap pints here if you time it right. Again, they are not limited to NFL! Rugby, football, NHL, Nascar, in fact there will always be a sport on in the background and you can ask or call up in advance too see whats on.

They have Wifi and even charging stations, winner!

Their webpage is here

Brussels

Fatboy’s Bar and Grill

Not my favourite place, took us a while to get served… or even noticed. The food was good, but it was so expensive for what you were getting. However as a sports bar it was ok. Its quite a big bar with a seating area outside and seemed to be always busy. They had football, rugby and NFL on at the same time and a few large screens and smaller screens throughout. Its table service too , you will probably get served quicker if you find a table and sit down.

Their webpage has details of every game they show.

Amsterdam

coco’s outback

Australian? Yup but they show NFL! they had a staggering 4 games on at the same time. This was by far my favourite bar of the holiday. They do unlimited chicken wings!! and Ribs Nom Nom Nom. There menu is awesome and when we went back on a Monday it was 50% off food. BARGIN! I recommend the kangaroo pie and their breakfasts! great food! The bar has plenty of seating, a smoking room (if thats your thing) and over 20… Yeah 20 screens throughout. I recommend you book in advance on a Sunday! It gets busy you can do it online too! Easy!

Plus a pitcher is 15 Euro so don’t worry about the price of beer to much. They have excellent drink offers. If you dont go to watch NFL just go for a few beers and shots, great place.

Coco’s webpage so you can view the Menu and book a table

So sorry for the non cyclist post… but for my wandering American friends and Tourists who Follow the NFL I thought this would help them out when wondering these countries, but with this sport growing ever so quickly within the UK and Europe expect more bars to show the sport and more!

Normal cycling posts will resume this week 😉

Writers block…

Okay I haven’t really got writers block. In fact I have too much to write about. Just sadly it’s taking me a while to decide how and what posts I want to publish first!

So excuse my absence. Since I came back of my hoilday normal service has been resumed. I have continued to commute to work even though the gloves and winter buff is out. Even better it’s been dry enough to use the roadie 🙂 .

Even though I did tuck her in for winter. The sun’s still shining so I had to take advantage!

But yeah! Will publish blogs soon. Lots to write about!