Recent comments

I thought that too, South Glos Council is going into schools teaching kids how to use them properly....nanny state gone too far in my opinion, why dont parents enjoy teaching their kids to cross roads, ride scooters etc etc?

If the BBC is claiming that simple three wheeled scooters are the favoured form of transport for under 10s, then the BBC is wrong. Most mini scooters for kids have two wheels, not three. Only tots have three wheeler scooters and my younger son abandoned his for a two wheeler when he was five.

Both my sons have two bikes but then they're not your average kids as they've been competing in BMX since they were seven and five respectively.

A bit pricey but good for those who need the one eighth size, I modified my 3/32 by riveting a piece of 1/8th chain to the tool.

Sounds fantastic demoff - really glad you enjoyed it.

So, what caused Syd's cable stop bracket to shear off?

What a day there was no option we were doing the big ride from the off. We were parked up a few minutes from the start just after 7am. Fuelled up we were away early doors only for disaster to strike just after 7 miles. As Syd changed back up to the big ring the double cable stop bracket on his downtube sheared off leaving him in 39x12 with no quick fix there was no option other than for him to pack. We were both gutted, my offer to accompany him back was declined and he set off to the start whilst I jumped onto the next group.

Early miles were rolling but nothing too strenuous and allowed for the opportunity of catching some fast wheels.
Shortly after the first drink stop the route split and I settled in for the long haul. As we approached the first KoM climb you could almost feel the groups tense and then like a Medieval army the climbers went forward to attack.

Ramshorn Common was hard but nothing compared to Hollingsclough Moor which was an evil beast coupled with a drop in temperature and a strong wind at times and as expected the toughest climb of the day. The downhill made some amends long and fast and I clocked up 51mph. Lunch was just a few kms further and I was chuffed to get my hands on a coffee and a slab of flapjack.

Refuelled and on my way my chip beeped as we started a climb but there was no KoM signage so it was not until twenty miles on that I had it confirmed that we had done Gun Hill nowhere near as tough as Hollingsclough Moor though.

There was little respite as we made for home with rolling roads and one nasty final short stinger at 85mph. Riding back into Longton park was sweet knowing I had done it and it was made sweeter as I turned a corner to ride the last few hundred metres barriered off leading me to get out of the saddle and sprint for the line. Fantastic to be the other side of the barriers as the spectators banged the boards.

The organisation was spot on with the exception of a few missing KoM signs but some would say not knowing was a blessing. All the food and drink stops were really well stocked with Mule bars, gels, bananas and energy drink.

Route signage was fantastic and clear there was never any cause to think which way you were going.

There were some nice touches the National Escort Group being there was brilliant. We were making our way up a climb when a motorbike slowly eased past all lights flashing made you feel great and we had a Tour Car in front of us on the way in for a short while which was cool as well.

It was a great days riding thanks to the Organisers and RoadCC for the opportunity to take part.

Oh yes my time no official times posted as yet but my computer said 6hours and 45 minutes a tad slower than I wanted but it was one hell of a 100 mile loop.

I feel uneasy making it, but a more apt analogy at least in terms of numbers and risk might be with the Afghan civilian population, last year according to the UN 2412 Afghans were killed in the war out of a population of 33,000,000 while in Britain 2222 people were killed on the roads out of a total road using population of what? 30-40million?

I don't doubt that it's riskier being an Afghan and I'd much rather be living here, but let's not kid ourselves- we accept a level of death and mayhem on the roads which if they occurred in any other areas of our lives would be deemed totally unacceptable. Almost every time your hear a traffic bulletin on the radio, the bit they never mention is that the reason the traffic is delayed is because somebody has died, or been injured - even news radio doesn't tell us that crucial bit of news.

Imagine how differently we'd all react if we heard a traffic bulletin on the radio that said "traffic on the A39 has been held up by a mortar round landing on the eastbound carriageway" even though the end result would probably be the same as if they just used the word "accident" we wouldn't tolearate that going on for very long.

Here's an idea. Stick some brakes, proper handlebars (ie drops), and decent tyres on it and ride the bloody thing.

Now, what's it like then ?

Think might try a 47 from wiggle.. one down from shimano 48 I take... cheers Si

Such a shame. Had a look at the picture of the crash site, and it looks like a great place to ride.

My two kids are fortunate to have a 10 minute walk to school, though they love riding their bikes. The estate, built in the 70s & 80s, has good walking and cycling access though some parents drive surprisingly short distances to drop their children off, causing additional congestion around the front gate and along the narrow lane at the front of the school.

Despite being included in the Sustrans Bike It scheme the school has shown very little enthusiasm for the activities or interest in boosting the numbers on bikes. The response in some of the other primary schools around Shrewsbury has been excellent, with many more children riding regularly.

OK, enough axe grinding...

We live less than 3 miles from the two catchment secondary schools so there is no bus provision (routes go into town, not round the periphery). The children have to make their own way there.

Sounds like brilliant fun... may try it meself next year!