YouTubers try cycling across England in a straight line… and end up hating Halfords and National Cycle Network; 250 miles, 10,500m of climbing and 50 leg-shredding hills — Yorkshire cyclist’s “mad” day out; Workplace bike sheds + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
250 miles, 10,500m of climbing and 50 leg-shredding hills — Yorkshire cyclist's "mad" day out
Now here’s a big old bike ride…
Just the 50 climbs for Steve Eastwood during this monster ride raising money for Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team. That’s all 50 of Richard Facey’s ‘Facey Fifty’ — a collection of climbs in the Colne and Holme Valleys near Huddersfield. Now, for anyone not familiar with this part of the world, we’re talking steep, leg-shredding, double-digit bergs… 11%, 14%, 14%, 10%, 11%, 11%, 10%… etc. etc…. and that’s just some of the average gradients. We’re sure Steve had to endure plenty of even more horrific ramps too.
Steve’s JustGiving page is at 92 per cent of his £5,000 target, raising money for Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team. The challenge to ride all 50 in one ride has been done before, by Ed Wolstenholme, so Steve “needed to go a few steps further” and opted to ride all the climbs in sequential order, only descending back to the valleys via any road once and only making U-turns twice, at Castle Hill and Holme Moss.
“All other climbs will see me loop round via a different descent or looping around roads near the top of the climb just completed,” he explained prior to the big ride, concluding, “This’ll be mad, can’t believe I’m doing it…”
“It’s the equivalent of riding from Huddersfield to London, while also climbing over Ben Nevis and Everest,” Steve said. “Motivation? I like a challenge… driven by the challenge of Dick [Richard Facey] saying, ‘if you ever ride all these in one go I’ll give you 20 quid’.
“Now, being a member of mountain rescue, we might as well raise some money for a good cause, and it’s one heck of a good cause.”
It most certainly is. Chapeau, Steve, our legs hurt just looking at that one…
Campaigners "disappointed and angered" by Thames Water closing "only safe and inclusive" cycle route during works
Newham Cyclists, part of the London Cycling Campaign, has urged Thames Water to immediately re-open a cycling and walking route in East London until a safe diversion can be put in place. The Evening Standard reported a key route between Canning Town and the Olympic Park had been gated off by Thames Water and will remain closed for 18 months during works.
Instead of being able to use the Greenway, a four-mile-long paved off-road route, riders will now be sent on a long diversion via busier roads, raising safety and accessibility concerns. Newham Cyclists released the following statement:
As a volunteer group which exists to help more people access cycling, we are disappointed and angered by Thames Water’s and their contractors’ decision to close part of the Greenway, Newham’s only safe and inclusive north-south cycle route, while the diversion route is dangerously busy with car and van traffic. They chose to do this despite us warning them as early as July that this would be unacceptable and unsafe.
The result is that people who use the Greenway—from children and families cycling to school or the park, to dog-walkers, to workers at Newham Hospital—are being forced onto a narrow bridge at Abbey Road DLR with fast and heavy traffic. Cars and vans speed and emerge suddenly due to poor sight lines, which is a major collision risk. Some drivers are impatient, intimidating cyclists by revving and passing too close. Many people cycling, particularly children, are riding on the pavement in fear; the pavement is much too narrow for pedestrians as it is.
We have been inundated with messages from Greenway users reporting frightening encounters on the diversion. We think it is only a matter of time before someone is hurt, or worse.
Ribble's "redefining road" range expands with launch of Allroad Ti featuring 3D-printed titanium tube junctions and 35mm tyres
200% increase in cycling to work for company that benefitted from £14,000 grant to build bike shelter
Nottingham-based industrial machinery company Daltons Wadkin reports it has experienced a “200 per cent increase in staff cycling to work” since installing a bike shelter that was paid for mainly by the Transforming Cities Fund.
The 75 per cent funded grant of £14,255 went towards the shelter, as well as two additional electric vehicle charging points, the business saying more staff are cycling than ever, as a result.
“When we heard about the opportunity to apply for a grant with Nottingham City Council, we already had a number of staff who were travelling to work on foot, cycles and in electric vehicles. Following meetings with our staff, there was enthusiasm for more environmentally friendly travel methods if the facilities were available,” Alex Dalton said.
“After benefitting from the grant, our new EV chargers are being used by visitors daily, and adding a secure bike shelter has helped spur a 200 per cent increase in staff cycling to work.”
No word yet on how easy to use those racks inside the shelter are…
Dan Walker's coast to coast
Classic FM presenter Dan Walker is doing a coast to coast, riding from Hull (or Withernsea to be exact) to Liverpool via two 100-mile days, raising money for his station’s official charity Global’s Make Some Noise. Swinging by his hometown of Sheffield along the way, he’s apparently going to be hosting his usual breakfast show on Thursday 3 and Friday 4 October before hitting the road.
Vintage Colnago belonging to screenwriter of iconic cycling film Breaking Away goes up for auction
A vintage Colnago road bike owned by Steve Tesich, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of famous cycling film Breaking Away, is to be auctioned. Bicycle Retailer and Industry News were contacted by Bob Shaver — a friend of Tesich — the screenwriter of one of the most iconic cycling films ever made having passed away in 1996 and his family now deciding to auction one of his two Colnagos.
> An ode to Breaking Away: The film that inspired a generation of young cyclists
“The bike was ridden mostly in Central Park, NYC, and he may have ridden it as an extra in a ‘Breaking Away’ race scene,” Shaver explained. “The bike was last ridden in the spring of 1996 in Central Park.”
It is largely the original 1970s machine, just with an upgraded headset, stem and aero brake levers that were added in early 1990. Shaver has communicated that anyone seeking more information should contact him at bshaverco@gmail.com.
> Best cycling films — the best bike-related movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and DVD
Giant acquires Stages Cycling brand and assets, months after suing power meter and indoor bike company for £16 million
Want to design the next rainbow jersey? Well, now you can... (sort of)...
Big news! The UCI and Santini are inviting designs from the public for a new competition to “design the UCI World Champion rainbow jersey of the future”. The internet obviously assumed this meant whoever wins at the World Championships will be wearing the winning design for the next 12 months, the UCI quickly sending out a second press release clarifying that the winning design will only be created as a one-off unique item by Santini and presented to whoever wins the competition, NOT the World Championships.
That’s lucky for you guys because I’ve got my entry ready and was feeling pretty confident Tadej Pogačar would look great in it…
You can try beat that here, but no hard feelings if they pick mine…
Elsewhere on the Halfords front... UK's largest cycling retailer to double the amount of bikes in its range priced over £1,000
Salsa Cycles swamped with "snowflakey comments" after drag queen collab
Want to know how to get tens of your Instagram followers to comment saying they’re never buying one of your bikes again? For reasons we’re yet to work out, it turns out a bike brand collabing with a drag queen gets some people very very angry.
“Came for the snowflakey comments from the insecure man babies, wasn’t disappointed. Lighten up, Francine!” was the first one we found not expressing that sentiment.
Anyway, if you’re bored on the walk/bus/train home, or need some procrastinating time once you’ve cycled/driven home, have a scroll through that comments section… then put your phone away… that’s enough social media for today…
"A close pass isn't an offence and a lot of cyclists don't realise that": Police chief's "odd" claim that cyclists need education on driving offences highlighted as evidence of UK's current road safety "mess"
YouTubers try cycling across England in a straight line... and end up hating Halfords and National Cycle Network
You’ve heard of Land’s End to John O’Groats, but what about cycling the length of England in a straight line? Well, that’s exactly what this intrepid band of YouTubers attempted to do.
When we say ‘straight line’ there is of course some wriggle room… riding a bicycle in a perfectly straight line over roads, farmers’ fields, rivers and other bodies of water, inhospitable terrain, and people’s property doesn’t sound like a great idea, but the Fieldhouse Boys channel appears to have invented a form of “deviation range” to ensure their ride is challenging enough to be worthy of its straight-line title, but still ultimately doable.
In the end this means a highly watchable highlights reel of a group of lads flogging themselves in a straight enough line along roads, bridleways and some quite disgusting sections of unpaved off-roading, all while riding rapidly disintegrating and heavy machines. No top-of-the-class lightweight steeds here, just crumbling brake pads, buckled wheels, and cracked rims (WARNING: Contains bike abuse, viewer discretion advised)…
In a true welcome to the live blog, the YouTubers ended up in a frustration-fuelled rant about the National Cycle Network when met with another kissing gate halting their progress… “It’s supposed to be National Cycle Network, they’ve got all these stupid kissing gates in… what a waste of time…”
And, in a second rite of passage, they were then treated to an unsuccessful trip to Halfords although, in fairness to Halfords and the lone mechanic faced with the battered bikes, it wasn’t exactly the quickest of new parts and an easy Sunday afternoon tune-up they were after between this, the buckled rim, lack of braking, and drivetrain issues…
And fair play for achieving this level of brake pad wear in the name of entertainment…
Top comment under the video? “Never seen someone so excited to arrive at Halfords, the level of disappointment whilst leaving is about standard though.”
Some sage advice in the next most popular one: “At this point you should’ve just purchased a whole new bike off Marketplace in the next large town you were going through.”
Other amusing thoughts: “As a proper bike enthusiast, the noises and ‘play’ (being generous with word choice here) from some major components will give me nightmares, especially that wheel and how loose that cassette was! Fair play for soldiering on! Bold!”
“Same here. I can’t help but think that this whole thing would’ve been way more enjoyable for them if they hadn’t gotten bikes of which quite literally every component is f****d.”
“Hello fellow cyclists. It has been torture watching. Somebody please donate these guys some bikes.”
I guess we’ll all be back next week to see how they’re getting on…
19 September 2024, 08:16
19 September 2024, 08:16
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@Rendel Harris you've painted a rather alluring picture of social harmony there, but unfortunately you've got my name wrong. I'm Jack, not Nigel. However, to return the compliment, I must think of a story for you. I imagine you sat outside a pub, real ale and pipe propped on the adjacent table, in a similar fashion to Nigel Farage at his populist best. You turn to your wife. "You know what dear? I think I've been a bit harsh in my time. I've shunned the politeness and wisdom of others for too long and want to change my ways.* "There there Rendel", says Mrs Harris. "You're not a bad old stick, it's just living in London that's emptied your soul of kindness and compassion. I've found a lovely new place where we can settle down in our later years. It's on a leafy cul de sac, surrounded by friendly neighbours and smiling faces. There's a guy a couple of doors down, a remarkable man. As well as his towering intellect and rapier wit, he's also a keen cyclist, holding severa local KOMs. Don't be perturbed dear - he'll ride with anyone provided they show other road users the kindness and courtesy they deserve." Rendel turned emotionally, voice shaking. "Oh my dear, thank you for this second chance", and with that the rest of the pub goers turned and applauded the couple, throwing garlands of petals in their wake. The end.
As a Councillor, Edward needs to be paying some attention to all that parking obstructing visibility and manoeuvres at the junction, and sorting out those radii.
Ed Hill was chucked out by Reform in 2025, though TBF to him it was about how to run it rather than ideology I think. He is now reportedly closer to Advance UK, which is distinctly more extreme than Reform. I'd call this Alan Amos style attention seeking.
Emily, thank you for such an insightful piece. I’m a man, but I enjoy watching the women’s races, possibly more than the men’s. The racing is so much closer, we rarely know who’s going to win. You painted a wonderful picture of how a true champion is able to ‘rise above’ setbacks and distractions, and focus their energy on the task in hand. ‘All’s fair in live and war -and sport, but always good to hear riders expressing their admiration for their competitors
@Nigel Garage ...and then everyone applauded my courtesy and I waved courteously to all the people who were courteously throwing flowers and cheering and courteously waving flags that said "Nigel is the best!"
The picture from street view clearly shows give way lines from the roads to the green painted cycle/pedestrian lane. The road user should give way (or must...) to the user of the green lane. This would of course apply to any cyclist on the roadway.
If I recall there is a cave or two along the route - perhaps they were sheltering from the heat in one of those having taken it for a Golf bunker?
“So if there’s a cyclist travelling down the cycle path at the moment, from this position I can’t see them because my blind spots are too big on the left hand side of the vehicle”, claims Hill. Well, there's your problem, right there...🙄
First impression from the headline that he's likely a twit. Then the detail he was expelled from Reform makes you suspect that failing even their low bar requirements he really is. Then he clearly explains his vehicle is unsafe for the highway because he can't see to give way when turning. Any collision he now has should have that video run out explaining he drove a vehicle he knew to be unsafe. Advice for motorists; instead of thinking that pedestrians and cyclists are low risk 100kg objects, imagine them as a 300 Tonne trains that will crush you and your vehicle if you cross into their paths. You'd give way to the train, so you equally can to the others.
I've had a brief look on Facebook, and Ed Hill (who now appears to be affiliated with Advance UK) seems to have taken some useful road safety improvements under his remit, including an initiative to help local pedestrians on unpaved roads, where the wider council won't help due to planning failures. Regarding the cycle path, I think this is linked to a wider misunderstanding about giving way at junctions and I'm afraid I cannot agree with Mr Hill's conclusion. Regardless of the suitability of the cycle path, vehicles should give way at the junction to both pedestrians crossing and cyclists. It seems to be a poorly understood rule among motorists where some believe they have priority at junctions like this, where they certainly do not. I once had a similar issue myself, while leisurely walking to Waitrose to buy some lunchtime fripperies. A driver beeped their horn as I crossed the junction, despite me having priority, and was shocked and apologetic when I explained I had priority. A polite conversation later, the driver departed, educated and updated on the rules of the road.
22 thoughts on “YouTubers try cycling across England in a straight line… and end up hating Halfords and National Cycle Network; 250 miles, 10,500m of climbing and 50 leg-shredding hills — Yorkshire cyclist’s “mad” day out; Workplace bike sheds + more on the live blog”
I wish there was somewhere
I wish there was somewhere which actually showed where this blockage is and an actual map of the diversion for the Greenway. I’ll likely be using it in the next week and I’d really like to plan my route.
EDIT. Found a map and the diversion. That’s f-ing awful. I’ll avoid the route entirely, there is no safe diversion possible for that section.
https://www.newhamcyclists.org.uk/greenway-update-closure-postponed-to-02-09-24/
Hi, in case this helps: https
Hi, in case this helps: https://www.thameswater.co.uk/about-us/projects/improvements-in-your-area/manor-road-bridge-improvements#:~:text=The%20Greenway%20public%20footpath%20at,services%20for%20millions%20of%20customers.
Thanks. I can see Newham
Thanks. I can see Newham cyclists concern. The bridge over Abbey Road DLR is very narrow and the drivers in that car-centric area of London can be very aggresive. There really is no viable alternative diversion, at that section, if you use the Greenway.
Have to admit that I always
Have to admit that I always hate road closures where you can see the other end of the closure but still have to go all around the houses to avoid it (quite literally, in this case…).
Not wishing to be too cynical
Not wishing to be too cynical, but does the 200% increase mean that 3 people cycle to work instead of 1?
I was just going to ask the
I was just going to ask the same.
Like some of the Cycling
Like some of the Cycling England reports of the early noughties, which proudly claimed similar for their ‘Cycling Demonstration Towns’. They were starting from a base of 0.1% :-/
However, in this case and actual facilities I think every little helps, from ‘small acorns’ and all that.
There appear to be seven
There appear to be seven spaces, so assuming those who already cycled are happy to continue to despite not being able to use it, it could have gone from as much as 3 to 9.
And looks like the wrong type
And looks like the wrong type of racks in the shed…
ErnieC wrote:
Oh god I just noticed that!
I’d love to see itemised
I’d love to see itemised receipts for these extortionately priced cycle sheds that keep popping up in the stories on here.
Whilst I suspect that price
Whilst I suspect that price does include some Grantflation (or what ever its called), that price also includes the EV charging points and is hopefully mainly high because its the quality needed to deter scrotes and make staff feel safe about leaving their bikes there.
£14,000 for completely
£14,000 for completely covered and secure shelter. Room for what looks like at least 6 bikes. That’s a rate of £3,000 per bike without factoring other work that has taken place. A good return on investment compared to the Irish Government spending nearly 100x that amount for bike storage outside their Parliament building – that is open to the elements and has a capacity for 18 bikes.
There has been no indication of the size of company’s workforce, so even finite figures may not be helpful.
It looks like a scheme done reasonably well. It has limitations (cargo or adaptive bikes won’t fit, fixed panniers may also be a struggle) but it mostly is fit for purpose and has persuaded people to ditch the car for commuting. It’s much better than what some are doing.
That’s 36 bikes on 18
That’s 36 bikes on 18 Sheffield stands.
And whilst the the cheaper shed looks impressive, there doesn’t appear to be an easy way to lock up the frame.
Exactly – isn’t it likely to
Exactly – isn’t it likely to be (eg) £12,000 for a couple of commercial grade EV charging points and then whatever was left paid for the bike shed?
In case people haven’t heard
In case people haven’t heard about this…
“NYC Speed Limit To Be Reduced As Low As 10MPH On Certain Streets”
https://secretnyc.co/nyc-speed-limit-lowered-20mph/
Imagine the uproar in certain corners here…
mitsky wrote:
For safety purposes, I’d suggest even slower on corners
A rather misleading headline
A rather misleading headline on the cost of the bike shelter.
Just looked at the website
Just looked at the website for that “musical” Tegan Phillips – landing page says, “
Quote:
Given Mr Walker’s infamous faceplant on a roundabout in Sheffield last year, that could have been better phrased – or are you being mischevious?
YouTubers try cycling across
YouTubers try cycling across England in a straight line…
A testament to youthful foolishness and the effects of failing to plan properly. Not really much Halfords could do when a couple of really cheap bikes turn up needing a complete rebuild: and they still wouldn’t have been fit for purpose.
TBF it’s all for views innit.
TBF it’s all for views innit.
Their channel is actually OK. The on foot straight line missions (these guys, but Geo Wizard’s content in particular) are pretty good watching.