James O’Brien challenges “petrol head” who thinks cyclists “don’t have education”; Unmet demand for cycling in ethnic minority groups; Invisible bike stand fits in your back pocket; The longest bike in the world; Giro d’Italia route + more
SUMMARY
It's Giro d'Italia Day (apparently)
They’re announcing the route for this year’s Giro d’Italia later today.
In no way going overboard, they’re calling it ‘Giro d’Italia Day’ and marking it by doing this kind of thing…
Le Frecce Tricolori abbracciano l’Italia! 🇮🇹 | Le Frecce Tricolori embraces Italy 🇮🇹 #GiroDay @ItalianAirForce @FrecceTricolori pic.twitter.com/DQRCW7GURM
— Giro d’Italia (@giroditalia) July 30, 2020
Even Dame Sarah Storey isn't immune to drive-by shoutings
Maybe he shouted “Vainquer”, as in teh French word for Winner.
— Chris Sidwells (@ChrisSidwells) July 29, 2020
Mike Graham continues waging his lonely war
TalkRadio host Mike Graham – who says you can’t cycle to work in Leeds, and that the cycling community is “an absolute eyesore on the entire country” – has found a topic he likes and he’s sticking with it.
Strangely obsessive cyclist account claims something terrible happened. Hopefully you reported the driver to the police. And maybe safeguard your children by not forcing them out into dangerous situations. Just a thought. https://t.co/tPlohAXYIp
— Mike Graham 🍾 (@Iromg) July 29, 2020
You’ll not be entirely surprised to learn that Mike brands his radio show “the home of common sense” and that he’s got Nigel Farage on this morning.
He says he’ll be talking to Farage about, “where all those illegal migrants that arrive on our shores in dinghies are ending up.” (We wish that we were making this up, but we’re not. Seems fair to say he knows his audience.)
Update from Stockport Decathlon
Popped into @DecathlonUK blimey they must have sold a lot of bikes pic.twitter.com/VGATPUv69P
— Andy (@Lets_getcycling) July 29, 2020
Video: The longest bike in the world
A Dutch team put together what was then the world’s longest bike back in 2015.
The bike was 35.79m long and could be ridden around town – but only on straight roads.
We believe this is the current record holder, however – a 41.42m effort put together at the University of South Australia.
Incredible cycling world records: 14 of the fastest, longest and maddest efforts on a bike
Jeremy Vine has a penny farthing on his wall
Also a drum kit.
This has got to get the @ratemyskyperoom once over for @theJeremyVine https://t.co/2Zv75HdVRe
— Phil Riley (@radioriley) July 29, 2020
We presume the penny farthing’s this one.
Although does n+1 apply to penny farthings? We presume it does.
The Grande Partenza from Sicily
It’s Giro d’Italia Day!
(I’m going to make a point of saying that every time I post something relevant because I don’t think the ‘Giro d’Italia Day’ concept’s really going to catch on and I feel a bit sorry for them.)
The Grande Partenza from Sicily! @Regione_Sicilia pic.twitter.com/VehDUGk4ae
— Giro d’Italia (@giroditalia) July 30, 2020
The U23 feeder team for Ineos Grenadiers?
Introducing INEOS Hygienics. Helping you face a Covid-19 world with confidence through hospital grade sanitisers pic.twitter.com/YGMY79lJUG
— INEOS Hygienics (@INEOSHygienics) July 30, 2020
Invisible bike stand that fits in your back pocket
What what whaaat?
It means you can take shots like this…
Peter Bodola told us that it’s basically an acrylic triangle that fits below the pedal axle with a wavy bottom to avoid slippage.
He says the stand and packaging are both made out of recycled materials, because he wanted to keep the project green, no matter how small.
He makes them himself.
You’ll get a better idea how they work in these shots.
There’s a Facebook page as well as the Instagram.
Team AG2R to become even more French
Switching logos as we share the same values.
With our partner @AG2RLAMONDIALE, we are pleased to welcome @Citroen to become #AG2RCITROENTEAM from 2021 season.
Let’s write together the new chapter of the team’s story! pic.twitter.com/YMkMhOzmPc
— AG2RLM Pro Cycling Team (@AG2RLMCyclisme) July 30, 2020
Fat Lad At The Back responds to cycling prescriptions to tackle obesity
Doctors across England are being allowed to prescribe cycling to patients and cycle wear brand Fat Lad At The Back say it’s their community’s “time to shine”.
Co-founder, Lynn Bye said: “It’s about time that we started empowering people to take responsibility for their lifestyle and leading a healthier one, we just need to make sure that we support them through that journey.”
A survey conducted through the firm’s social channels showed the top five challenges that novice cyclists face are…
- Roads/other road users
- Feeling as though you’re not good enough
- Not looking ‘the part’
- Clothes that don’t fit properly
- A lack of cycling routes close by
Bye said her firm had the clothing part covered and called on the Government to do its bit by making roads safer and more accessible.
“Investing in infrastructure for more cycle lanes, better roads to cycle on, and education for road users will help.
“Ultimately, what we need to see is a social shift to more positive attitudes to cyclists. That’s only going to come if the government start to educate people about road safety around cycling and provide the infrastructure for safer, more accessible cycling lanes”
James O'Brien challenges generalising “petrol head” who thinks cyclists “don’t have education”
It’s refreshing to hear a radio host on the side of cyclists for once.
“I see an idiot in a car, I don’t think, ‘down with motorists’; I see an idiot on a bike, I don’t think, ‘ooh, down with cyclists’. But a hell of a lot of people do. And I still don’t understand why.”
LBC presenter James O’Brien was speaking after failing to get that seemingly straightforward point about generalisations across to a self-professed ‘petrol head’.
O’Brien wanted to get to the bottom of that line of thinking after the man in question had phoned in about “standards”.
“They don’t have mirrors and they don’t have education,” was his central point.
You may be surprised to learn that the caller wasn’t outwardly angry about cyclists. This was just a problem he felt he could see and he wanted to tell everyone about it.
At no point did he seem to grasp that he was generalising.
He later went on to make the following claim, which… well… let’s just say we’re not entirely convinced.
“If I see somebody riding well, I’ll say to them when I come to the lights, ‘you’re riding well.’ And they really appreciate that.”
Giro d'Italia stages 5-9
It’s Giro d’Italia Day!
From Calabria to Roccaraso passing by Matera (Stages 5-9) #GiroDay pic.twitter.com/j1QhIpqqHC
— Giro d’Italia (@giroditalia) July 30, 2020
Giro d'Italia stages 10-15
It’s Giro d’Italia Day!
From Lanciano to Piancavallo: the Giro climbs up Italy (Stages 10-15) #GiroDay pic.twitter.com/1jsRxEXbVr
— Giro d’Italia (@giroditalia) July 30, 2020
Andy Burnham says pop-up bike lanes have resulted in "quite a big increase" in the number of people cycling
📞 Paul in Sale asks about pop-up cycle lanes. Have they worked?
🗣️ Andy: “The figures show that there has been quite a big increase in the number of people cycling”.
“You’ve got to give these things a chance. We can’t just say ‘car is king’ anymore.”
— Mayor Andy Burnham (@MayorofGM) July 30, 2020
Giro d'Italia stages 16-21
It’s Giro d’Italia Day!
The Stelvio and the Gran Finale in Milan (Stages 16-21) #GiroDay pic.twitter.com/2x9dEUWvZc
— Giro d’Italia (@giroditalia) July 30, 2020
Shaping up to be hot and dusty at Strade Bianche on Saturday
We think of many of the upcoming races as spring classics, but they’re going to have a different feel to them this year.
Dusty roads and a clear blue sky☀️ Hot recon of Strade Bianche today!🔥 pic.twitter.com/X9RGJK3jmI
— Team Jumbo-Visma cycling (@JumboVismaRoad) July 30, 2020
Brompton World Challenge launched as part of virtual edition of RideLondon
Over the weekend of August 15 and 16, Brompton owners from anywhere in the world will be able to take part in the Brompton World Challenge as part of the virtual edition of Prudential RideLondon.
Riders will be in with a chance of winning a Brompton if they ride one of the four different distances available on the new My Prudential RideLondon app and also complete a series of photo challenges.
There will also be prizes for the participant who achieves the fastest recorded fold and for the best dressed rider (it’s a ‘no Lycra’ event).
Will Butler-Adams, Brompton CEO said: “We are incredibly excited to be able to bring a unique version of the Brompton World Championships to our wonderful community this year with the Brompton World Challenge.
“For the first time, anyone with a Brompton can take part in the BWC, wherever they are in the world, which makes this celebration bigger and better than ever before. It’s going to a fun filled week of events and we can’t wait for everyone to get involved.”
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of Prudential RideLondon, added: “We are delighted that the Brompton World Challenge is part of My Prudential RideLondon. Our ambition for My Prudential RideLondon is to raise as much money for charities as possible and for people to go out and enjoy riding their bikes – the Brompton World Challenge is a great way to do both.”
There’s info on how to register for the Brompton World Challenge at brompton.com
Shimano releases limited edition colour of RX8 gravel shoes
Well, aren’t these rather fancy kicks?
Shimano’s RX8 scored very well when Stu reviewed them earlier this year and if you’re looking to add more colour into your outfit, this new colour scheme “draws its inspiration from the Santa Rita Prickly Pear Cactus, native to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.”
The new colour is coming to the UK in limited numbers and with be available exclusively at Sigma Sports. Size options include standard fitting EU sizes 38-50 or wide fitting sizes 38-48. The price remains at £219.99.
New report shows large unmet demand for cycling in ethnic minority and disadvantaged groups
A new report by Sustrans and Arup has highlighted inequalities in cycling participation in urban areas.
It found that while 74 per cent of people from ethnic minority groups living in cities and towns do not currently cycle, 55 per cent of them would like to.
Major barriers include lack of confidence in cycling skills, a lack of facilities at home or work and the cost of a suitable bike.
Key recommendations include an extension of the UK Government’s Cycle to Work Scheme to include those in low-income jobs, as well as support for those not in employment, to ensure that cost is not a barrier for anyone looking to purchase a bike.
The report also says there is a need for improvements in secure bike storage in residential areas, and particularly for flats and high-rise buildings where storing a bike inside may prove challenging.
It also states that free cycle training needs to be provided to all children and adults, with cycling infrastructure expanded to reach areas where transport options are poor and high traffic levels exist.
Daisy Narayanan, Director of Urbanism at Sustrans commented: “This report brings to light that for too long, the needs of so many have been ignored within cycle planning and development.
“In order to work towards real change and make cycling more inclusive, we call upon the industry, local authorities and central government to welcome and support all people to cycle.
“It is only when we move away from exclusively designing towns and cities for those who already have access to move through spaces with ease, can we really create equitable places to live and work.”
Cat Dixon and Raz Marsden’s round-the-world tandem record is now official
Back in March, Cat Dixon and Raz Marsden arrived back in Oxford after riding round the world on a tandem.
ITV reports that their world record – 263 days, eight hours and seven minutes – is now official.
Marsden and Dixon first met on a London to Paris Cycle Challenge raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and have since ridden a number of events together including L’Etape du Tour.
Their round-the-world ride saw them cover between 80 and 100 miles a day.
It culminated in a race for a ferry on the day France imposed a travel ban in a bid to control the coronavirus outbreak. (They actually boarded the penultimate passenger ferry.)
They raised more than £40,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Oxfam.
30 July 2020, 07:52
30 July 2020, 07:52
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Latest Comments
Here's a photo I took on Alpe d'Huez at TdF 1991. L to R: Gianni Bugno, Miguel Indurain, Luc Leblanc. They would finish the stage in that order, Bugno winning. Yes, colour film was available in 1991 but that day I chose to use black and white knowing that many years hence it would look epic.
Riding a bike is green. Pro cycling is not. Don't greenwash us by confusing one with the other.
The first 750 words of this article comprise a detailed explanation of the ways in which cycling continues to feel the full force of climate change. Perhaps more time reading what's actually written before rushing to spaff nonsense everywhere might help your comprehension.
Sadiq Khan and TfL cannot be accused of neglecting cycling. They have greatly improved provision in London. Yes there is a lot more that could be done, but we need to be patient. The public finances aren't in good shape, so things are going to b e tight for some time.
@Rendel Harris "ultimately football at every level is played on roughly the same size to pitch, the goals are the same size and there are eleven players on each team." Except they don't. In a senior team a 16-year-old plays against adults, under tougher competition, plays more matches and under greater mental strain. If your argument was vaild, I could easily counter it by sayng that riding the very same bike on the same roads as in training, 150 km a day, should not be such a big deal for a pro cyclist.
The TdF yearly circus generates human and atmospheric pollution. Big time. Airplanes, choppers, trucks, cars for teams, media, VIP and other involved parties. But pro cycling is a profitable business, ask ASO. Don't spoil the party with questions about carbon footprint, side-road waste, recycling (pun intended). Also, why does ASO not have a plan B case of high temperatures - earlier departure times, shortened stages, ... ? Based on this week's weather forecasts, several stages are likely to be cancelled. Quote of the day : "But as cycling continues to feel the full force of climate change, ..." In what ways?
@Podc I heard that Scunthorpe CC's experiment with wrapping the name around the jersey under the arm to make it fit didn't go too well either.
Be interesting to see if UAE chase down any breakaway today to ensure that Jonas stays in yellow.
@Rendel Harris Interestingly, and it sort of supports my theory that UAE were being cunning, Pog has the mountains jersey today because he was the quickest up the final climb, which argues that he hadn't burnt all his matches when he got to the finish.
@JLasTSR It takes time. I got knocked off nine years ago in broad daylight on a roundabout, by a driver who was wearing very dark glasses, I'm suspicious that he was actually visually impaired. No prosecution. It took me a few years to get my confidence back. I wish you all the best in getting the enjoyment back.
21 thoughts on “James O’Brien challenges “petrol head” who thinks cyclists “don’t have education”; Unmet demand for cycling in ethnic minority groups; Invisible bike stand fits in your back pocket; The longest bike in the world; Giro d’Italia route + more”
I love the Italian National
I love the Italian National Anthem!
The fix your bike website is
The fix your bike website is currently live, I’ve just got a voucher.
Moist von Lipwig wrote:
OMG! Can we get your autograph?
Moist
Moist
I do so wish Sir Terry was still with us……
Ah, Mike Graham, the
Ah, Mike Graham, the Poundland Nick Ferrari.
Can you stop giving Mike
Can you stop giving Mike Graham publicity.
Compassion: caring about what
Compassion: caring about what happens to someone else. In his case, none given, because none received for a very long time. The very definition of alone.
I was sad enough to read
I was sad enough to read through some of his replies to people calling him out on this and also asking why he is “claiming” it. He replied that he only deals with facts and there are none shown. This from the guy who only yesterday “claimed” no one commutes in any place but London, called all Liverpool fans “murderers” AND works at that bastion of journalistic integrity Talk sport and used to work for the express.
Is that between extremities
Is that between extremities of front/rear wheels, or wheelbase?
Wow, Mike Graham really is
Wow, Mike Graham really is something else
RobD wrote:
“The home of common sense.” Anyone who has to tell people that about their show is either of the intelligence of an amoeba or an irony genius.
Sad that all that effort has
Sad that all that effort has gone into the longest ‘bike’ with no understanding of how steering allows you to balance. Can it still be called a bike with a roller at the back?
Looks like all the Decathlon
Looks like all the Decathlon stores are the same then – the Warrington one looked like it had been hit by a swarm of locusts last time I wasted my time going to the cycling department there – says a lot about their supply chain…
Quote:
Of course – as soon as you get a penny farthing you inevitably start craving a half crown sixpence.
Quote:
Pretty neatly sums up a big part of the problem. I’d be willing to bet that the vast majority of people who said ‘roads’ don’t actually think that roads are a challenge – rather it’s the intimidating proximity and use of motor vehicles on them. Unfortunately it’s become ingrained into our thinking that this is an integral part of what a road is.
Indeed. I know a number of
Indeed. I know a number of friends who won’t cycle because of the motor traffic.
‘Hills’ also feature as a concern…
Quote:
They appreciate it so much that they have to use all sorts of hand gestures, to emphasize just how much they appreciate it…
brooksby wrote:
I think I’d be so amazed at this weapons grade patronising git that I’d be speechless and incapable of movement for several seconds.
Surprised no comment that
Surprised no comment that mirrors have now been added to the ever growing list of legally required items to cycle on British Roads.
I’m intrigued by the
I’m intrigued by the Vainqueur thing. Could this be harking back to the old days when archers in the army would do the V sign to show they still had two fingers (a common punishment when captured was to have a finger cut off). So, V = Vainqueur = winner, which has been contracted to W@nker?
Headline in today’s Bristol
Headline in today’s Bristol Post:
Road rage driver ‘wiped out’ cyclists in ‘deliberate’ hit-and-run
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/road-rage-driver-wickwar-wiped-4378197#comments-section