She Spoke of The Contents of Her Saddlebag

Having time on my hands over the holiday I decided to get organised in many ways.  This included cleaning my bike chain and also checking my saddlebag for essential contents. 

Having cycled over 1500 miles since last December and having used, lost, loaned and misplaced good few items from my saddlebag, my conscience advised me that I needed to get things sorted.

I had a quick flick around the internet to find a list of essential Saddlebag contents and I came across this list

TEN ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR SADDLEBAG

1.     Identification

2.     Mobile phone

3.     First Aid kit

4.     Patch kit

5.     Spare tube

6.     Mini pump or CO2 dispenser with cartridges

7.     Tire levers

8.     Map 

9.     Multi Tool

10. Energy bar or other small snack

This list came courtesy of: The Beginner Triathlete. I thought the list was a really good guide for essential items, however I thought some items listed were about personal choice and some things I had never thought of.  After examining the contents of my bag and comparing it to the list of Ten Essentials.   I don't think I did too badly!   You will notice I am missing 4 items and duplicated and added other items.

MISSING ITEMS

1. Identification:  I never thought of this before reading the list, but will now add this A.S.A.P
2. Mobile phone: This is always in my purse.   I would not put a cell phone in my Saddlebag as I prefer it to be closer to hand.
3. Spare Tube: There is no space for this in my Saddlebag, so this is stashed in a plastic bag under my seat.
4. Map:  I never travel with maps for my regular daily journeys.   If I need map I use the mapping app on my mobile phone.

DUPLICATIONS & EXTRAS

1. Multi Tool & Tools:  Whilst Multi tools are great, I find that they are often clumsy to hold and to reach tight spaces.  Therefore, I also carry a small selection small single tools that are often easier for more tricky adjustments.
2. Disposable Gloves: I have accidentally put my hands in black grease, mud, dog poo and squashed slugs too many times.   I keep 1 pair in my saddlebag and another pair stuffed inside my handlebar ends.
3. Tyre Levers: I have both Metal & Plastic Coated Metal levers.  Metal lever can distort your wheel rims or tyre beading.  Plastic levers snap too easily. Therefore, I believe the best option is Plastic Coated Metal levers.
4. Dumbbell Spanner:   10 bolt head sizes in one tool.  A great tool if you have wheel nuts and not quick release.  The heavier the better as it is less likely to break whilst releasing wheel nuts.
5. Random Nuts & Bolts: I keep odd screws, bolts and washers from other used bike parts.   When I am  tweaking stuff on my bike, I almost always drop & loose small bits.  So I keep random spares for this purpose.
6. Tweezers:  Great for picking thorns, glass and other random sharp objects out of a punctured tyre.

One of the most important items in my tool bag is my pump.  For me it is important that my pump is compact, easy to use, fits both Shrader & Presta Valve types, and it is fit for purpose.    Having purchased various pumps over the years, I am yet to find one that ticks all of the boxes.

I really like the ease of use and the efficiency of Co2 pumps.  However, I could only find one that fit either Presta Valves.  I have found that hand pumps are very Hit'n'Miss, regardless of how much you pay. 

On a mission to address the "Gap in my Saddlebag,” I took a trip to the shops to see what was on offer.  I managed to grab a combination pump, which can be used manually or with C02 cartridges. Having the opportunity to try out the Air Tool Comb02 in the shop was great.   I hope that it performs just as well when in real time use.

Specialized Air Tool CombO2

Creating a well equipped saddlebag is a relatively easy task, provided you know your bike well & you can gather the tools that fit your bikes components.

Knowing how to put the tools into use to get you out of a situation by fixing your bike on the road side is more tricky than expected.

Having done 3 different bike maintenance courses in the past 3 years, I still don’t feel that I could, quickly and competently fix a puncture whilst out and about.

I can do this at home when I am not under pressure, there is no passing audience and when I can grab other tools if another fails.  So I tend to only do minor adjustments and repairs whilst on the road.  Whilst I do not suffer punctures often, when I do get one, I simply replace the inner tube and then do the repair when I get home.

She Spoke to Johnson About Bikes in Birmingham

I  wanted to catch up with Johnson for a chat for a long time.   However, whenever I see him out and about on his bicycle, he disappears  before I have a chance to say  "Tell me about your bike"

I really admire Johnson's  "No Frills" approach to cycling, his determination to get on  with his life using sustainable transport.

Whilst I would normally transcribe interviews, I thought it would be great for you to hear Johnson tell us about his experiences in his way.

 

Many thanks for your time Johnson.  It was a real pleasure speaking to you 

A Visit to The Bike Kitchen by Urban Cycles

Today was my first unhurried leisure cycle in 4 weeks. I have not been on my bicycle much due to being away on holiday. On my return I felt pretty lethargic and lacking in my usual nippiness and therefore I only did very short local rides to the shops of no more than 2 miles.

I decided to take the Pershore Road route into the city, which was fine, with very few motorists about at 9 am in the morning. I normally like to go fast along the Pershore road, but this morning I could barely reach a consistent plod of 12-13mph. Also being inadequately dressed for the chilly breeze didn't help

On reaching Sherlock Street I remembered that it was the day of the Sunday Market, so I stopped by to have rummage to see what I could find. As usual, there were lots of bikes and bits 'n' bobs to suit every pocket. I spotted a beautiful 1976 Mercian Racing bike for only £60. However, not really having much space for anymore bicycles at home right now, I passed it by with just a envious smile.

I did find myself a a new windproof for just a few pounds from the Halford seconds stall at the market. Problably 1 size too big, but it did the job at keeping the wind off me for the remainder of my journey.

I continued on my journey to the Jewelry Quarter with a rattling and squeaking right pedal. I arrived  at  Urban Cycle's Bike Kitchen event hosted at Urban Coffee in good time and surprisingly with both pedals still fixed to my bike. I was warmly greeted by by +Rosina Mcguigan, Head of Training at Urban Cycles Birmingham and introduced me to Andy

Rosina quickly set to having a look at my bicycle, whilst Rosina tweaked my gears, breaks and pedals, I ordered breakfast and chatted to Andy about East Birmingham and the challenges for new cyclists in the area.

Unfortunately Rosina discovered that my pedals needed more than greasing, and I required a new set of pedals.    To my surprise Rosina & Andy set about finding me a new pair of pedals.  Whilst they were not able to get a pair to fit my crank, they kindly offered to order me a pair.

I was totally impressed with my experience. It was great to receive the  free bike checkup, tweaking and valuable bike maintenance advice from the team at Urban Cycles, who are clearly highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced in their field.  Like Birmingham Bike Foundry, I so am pleased to find yet another, welcoming, user friendly and accessible service for cyclists in Birmingham.

Whilst I am lucky to have Birmingham Bike Foundry on my doorstep, It's great to have Urban Cycles operating from various locations across the city.

Thanks Andy & Rosina for your time and service this morning.   

Cycle Craft Event

Sustrans and Birmingham City Council have secured some funding for a new project focusing on redesigning streets around Kings Heath to make them safer and more attractive for walking and cycling.This project has been inspired by the King’s Heath Road Safety Committee, the Live in Hope campaign and the car culture project with local schools and Hall Green Arts Forum.

Sustrans Active Schools & Neighbourhoods Project starts in Kings Heath, in September 2013.   To raise the profile of the Project, I and an a number of other Active Travel Champions will be hosting an event. The Cycle Craft event will run alongside the regular and popular Village Square Craft Market

 Drop in to Cycle Craft to find out more about the project and the great things that the project will bring to Kings Heath? 

WE WILL ALSO HAVE:

Sustrans Travel Advice info stand with new walking and cycling maps, for Birmingham, South West Birmingham and West Birmingham.
FREE Dr Bike – Bring your bike for a free health check
Cycle Chain – Pop-up Bike Shop – buy a refurbished bike
A Ride - A gentle family friendly led ride at 2pm – 3pm

(under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult) 

I HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

If you are already a Sustrans Active Travel Champion and you could spare an hour or 2 to help out on the day, contact lisa.hartley@sustrans.org.uk or 0121 633 5517. You can also get in contact with Lisa if you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Active Travel Champion.

Due to the rain..............

I had all good intentions of going out cycling today, however the heavy rain and thunder storms that fell on Birmingham this morning meant that this did not happen.

Slept in for 3 hours longer than I would normally do,  waking occasionally to still hear rain and thunder and sparing a thought for those riding to work in it, as a regular cycle commuter or as a newbie due to the tunnel closure.   For the Newbies I began to think "This is going to put off cycling big time"

When I did eventually get out of bed  I began to clear up the clutter from the day before.  I then began to add my collection of cycling themed badges and patches to my sun bleached panniers, in the hope of covering up some of the fading.

Whilst searching for needle and thread  I stumbled on an old 2010 Birmingham walking and cycling map.  I then fetched my old button making machine and decided to have ago making some button badges myself.   

Having not done this since 2004 and with with absence of any instruction manual.   I had to turn to YouTube to learn how it all works again.

After numerous mistakes and hash-ups, I finally got the hang of making button badges.  Using popular sections of the Birmingham Cycling & Walking map, a compass and some sticky backed plastic  I managed to create a selection of  large button badges, with plenty of map left to use.

Hours went by quickly and I was totally distracted from the bad weather

  

Whilst this was not an active outdoor cycling  activity, I  certainly felt a similar feeling of freedom, and an opportunity to loose myself in something that turned out be quite therapeutic.  Also I had a good feeling that I had recycled something that would have been thrown out.

So all in all I still  had a very happy bike themed morning.  The afternoon brightened up considerably, so I'm hoping for a local bicycle meander with the family later.

She Spoke to Jake & Dave About Bikes in Birmingham

Jake & Dave with their bicycles in Rowheath Pavilion

Tell me about your bike and where you got it?

Dave - I have a Giant bike that I purchased from Bike Pro in Kings Heath

Where has your bike taken you today?

Today our bikes have taken us from Kings Heath to Rowheath Pavilion, which I had not visited before.   It's beautiful here, very nice, so I am very pleased that we have come here today.

Why do you choose to cyle?
 Dave: I choose to cycle because it keeps me fit, saves money and is infinitely less stressful than any other way of crossing Birmingham.
Jake:  I cycle because I love to play football, and cycling every day helps to give me as much stamina as Jack Wilshere.

What is your most regular commutes each day.

Dave - I cycle from Kings Heath to Hockley where I work. This is about 7 miles 1 way.

Jake - I cycle from my house to school each day which is about 1/4 mile

Tell me something you do on your bike other than pedal.

Dave - I sing.   I tend to find myself singing songs that I don't even like.  Songs that just get stuck in your head,  then I'm totally embarrassed that I am singing.   I have recently added a song by Alanis Morissette to my "Cycling Karaoke" collection.    I have also been seen Hurst Street riding my bike and singing   "Mr Boombastic".

Jake - I Annoy my dad Dave.

Dave AKA Mr Boombastic

What is your favourite place to ride in Birmingham and the West midlands?
We  like to use the Rea Valley Route quite a lot.  Jake goes swimming in Bournville, so we often use parts of the Rea Valley route to get there.  It's a nice route to use across the year, seeing the changing seasons in Cannon Hill Park & Highbury park.

What do you think Birmingham could to to improve the cycling infrastructure to make it more user friendly for all cyclists?
It could do an awful lot.  Firstly more attention could be paid to the few Cycle Lanes that already exist.   I get frustrated on a daily basis about the stretch of road with a dedicated Cycle Lane, located as your turn right out of the bottom of Pershore Street and Hurst Street, that is used by motorists as a car park.  
Also a lot of drivers in Birmingham don't have a lot of respect for cyclists.  A lot of facilitates for cyclists is disregarded by motorists. 
The section of road that runs across the middle of Belgrave Middle Way, which is for cyclists & buses only, is routinely and casually used as a shortcut by motorists.   I know for a fact by speaking to people, particularly women, are put off from cycling because of what happens on this section of road, as they feel at risk of an accident happening, because motorists aggressively over take them on this junction, when they are not even meant to drive there.    

For those of you who are not familiar activity of motorists driving across the cycle & bus lane.   Please see the video below
  

GET EXCITED & PEDAL ON BIRMINGHAM

A GREAT FAMILY FUN DAY

Pedal on UK

Pedal On UK will reignite the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic torch relays as it travels across the UK between 16th August and 7th September 2013.

Starting at the Olympic Park in London, groups of volunteers, headed up by celebrities and sports stars, will take Pedal On UK to over 35 communities throughout the UK ending in a final celebration in Glasgow.

Along the way the cyclists will inspire a series of local bike rides and stop off to join local people at free community celebration events.

Pedal On Birmingham

Pedal on will reach Birmingham (Sutton Coldfield) on Friday 30th August. 

Birmingham will celebrate walking and cycling along the  Connect2 route linking the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal Towpath, Sutton Coldfield town centre and Sutton Park with The Plants Brook Valley

Pedal On Birmingham

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE 

Sustrans FestiVol Newcastle 2013

I had a  smooth 3 hour journey by train to Newcastle.  A welcome party at the station to meet us all.

Then a lovely 11.2 mile ride to our accommodation located in the Derwent Valley, at the National Trust’s Gibside estate.   The estate and grounds were beautiful, full of interesting wildlife such as  Red Kites, Deer, Swallows.  We had the freedom to roam and explore extensively.  However, the rule of NO CYCLING! on site,  made exploring in a short space of time a bit difficult.

We had various types of accommodation to choose from either indoor or outdoor.   I opted for a Westwood Yurt.   Despite the 10 min up hill walk from the main campsite to access the Yurts.  I was really pleased that I chose this option for my accommodation.   They were really very well equipped, comfortable and cosy.  We had fabulous weather, so I had no excuse to light the wood burning stove :(  

60 Sustrans volunteers arrived by the end of the evening. Once we were settled, we had an option to choose our activities for the next 3 days.  Our options were rides and walks of varying degrees of difficulty ranging from 13 - 60 miles per day.

We had 3 days of sunshine, sight seeing, rambling & riding.  We mainly used all off road and traffic free routes across Newcastle including National cycles routes 7,14 and 72, covering anything between 13 and 60 miles per day.   I stuck to the mid range distances of 25-30 miles per day.  

I quite enjoyed the cycling and the cultural city tours that we took, visiting, Millennium Bridge Gateshead, The Sage Gateshead, and St. Nicholas' Cathedral, Newcastle, and last but not least, Wylam with the beautiful Wylam Railway Bridge.   The design of this bridge was also later used for Tyne Bridge & Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Charles Earl Grey Monument

Our evenings were taken up doing various on site activities including listening to  live music performances, Kaylee Dancing, themed quiz sessions , networking and sharing ideas.  Many were inspired to do more Volunteer activities on their return home.

Birmingham & West midlands  based Volunteers

60 Sustrans Volunteer's gathered in their FestiVol 2013 yellow jerseys

Our last evening was spent modelling plaster-cine into our something that represented what FestiVol meant to us.

Healing Hands & Tea by Michelle

Beer & Bridges Artist unknown

                     

Yurt, Gurt & Showers by Bonnie & Frank

WINNING ART WORK

Joining & Sharing by Kenny 

Happiness on Wheels by Donna

I guess I will be remaining in my day job for the foreseeable future

FestiVol Fun - Artist Unknown

Many thanks to the Sustrans staff , Volunteer Rangers and  Ride leaders  for organising the whole event and activities. You all did a fantastic job, and your hard work and dedication was much appreciated by many.  I hope you are able to gather sufficient interest to warrent organising FestiVol 2014. 

She Spoke to Kenny

Kenny with his Diamondback Sherwood

I met Kenny during my visit to the Sustrans FestiVol 2013.  Kenny attended FestiVol from Edinburgh.   Whilst he is not a cyclist from Birmingham, neither has he visited Birmingham.   I could not pass up the chance to have a brief chat with him about his cycling lifestyle in his home town.

Tell me about your bike, where you got it and why you chose that bike.
I bike is a Diamondback Sherwood, hybrid and i have had it for around 5 years

Where has you bike taken you today?
Today my bike has taken me on a 48 mile round trip from  Derwent Valley to  Parkside in the glorious sunshine

What is your most regular daily commute?
This would be my 9 mile journey to work. this is from Balerno in West Edinburgh  to almost in the centre of Edinburgh .  This is done mainly by road on the most direct route.   I time my journey in my head so that I can do a none stop journey and it takes me about 50 minutes.
What is your favourite ride.
I like to combine cycling and running, so on the weekend I do a 10.5 mile ride to the Promenade at Cremant  where I join the running club for a 5k run.

Tell me something that you do on your bike other than pedal.
I like to time myself on my journey to work so that I can get through all of the traffic lights without being stopped by a red light, I have all of the lights sequences timed in my head.

What do you think could be done in your local area to make the cycling infrastructure to make more user-friendly to all cyclists?
There is a very windy road up to Harlaw Reservoir that lots of cyclists use.   There were some plans to put in a share cycle and footpath in at the side of the road, to keep walkers and cyclists safe from the busy traffic.  If that could be put forward to the local council and plans were put into action, then I think that would be a great asset to my local community and it my encourage more people to walk and cycle.

Joining & Sharing by Kenny

She's going to Sustrans FestiVol 2013

Tomorrow I shall be setting off to join other volunteers in Newcastle for Sustrans FestiVol 2013Bike checked, panniers packed, and fingers crossed for a smooth and unhampered journey by train and bicycle.
I shall provide an update tomorrow.

Bling Your Bike

Today, as promised I packed my panniers & basket full of Bling, stickers, flowers, tools and more to facilitate a community based " Bling Your Bike" Bikeweek event.

I had decided not to do all the advertising through Facebook & Twitter etc..  However, the event was listed on the Bikeweek website.  So I had no idea, who or if anyone would turn up.

The morning was a very warm one, so lots of families passed through Rowheath Pavillion.   

Whilst I did not have a huge gathering of children at anyone time during the morning. I did experience a steady flow of children who came with their bicycles and scooters to take part.

Spoke Beads were very popular with the boys 

Whilst the children decorated their bikes with ribbons, loads of stickers, tinsel and other Bling, parents helped and supported their children to decorate their bikes.

Some older kids  came along for the ABC Safety  Check or t their tires pumped up, or their chain lubricated.

The 2 hours went by very quickly with approximately 12 children taking part. 

Thank you for an enjoyable and creative morning 

She Spoke to Robert About Bikes In Birmingham

Robert with his Birmingham built Dawes Jaguar 531 frame

Tell me about your bike and where you got it?

My bicycle is an original Birmingham built Dawes Jaguar racing bike.

My bike was found by a friend of mine underneath the South Arts Building at Swansea University.  It had been chained up for a year, so he asked the security staff if he could have it, and they said "Yes please take it away."  So he removed the D-lock and took it away.   After all that, unfortunately he didn't have the time to do the necessary extensive renovation, so he gave it to me.

Where has your bike taken you today?

Today my bike has taken me just a mile or so around Bournville.

Why do you cycle?

I cycle for lots of reasons, but most importantly to reduce the size of the footprints I leave in the sands of time. I like to avoid motorised traffic, with all the stress it brings. I like the sense of freedom it gives me.  It's great for fitness and health and also for the cost benefits as no petrol is required.

What is your most regular commute around in Birmingham?

Well I don't really commute because I work from home.  I just go out for transport, shopping and leisure; I normally ride up to Sainsbury in Selly Oak.

What is your favourite place to cycle in Birmingham?

I don't really have a specific place that I like to go to, but what I like to do is cycle around on the canal towpaths in Birmingham because they are peaceful and quiet with lots of wildlife.

What else do you do on your bike other than pedal?

I like to reflect and look at the nature around me, that's why I prefer to ride away from the traffic

What do you think Birmingham could do to improve the cycling infrastructure to make it more user friendly for all cyclists?

It could do an awful lot.   What I would like Birmingham to do is to copy the Dutch Model, because it has been tried and tested, it works, and it gets lots of people cycling

Those Bloomin' Bikes

It was a while ago since I decided to have a go at planning a small event for Bikeweek.    My chosen event was Birmingham Bikes in Bloom, which involved people coming together to decorate their bicycles with floral bling, followed by a short Traffic Free ride around Bournville and some essential Tea & Cake.

Coming up with the idea and getting all of the flowers and bling was easy and very enjoyable.   Then came the registration, route planning and risk assessment.  Taking all eventualities and all needs into consideration was a task.  I had planned a ride of between 4 & 6 miles passing through  Bournville & bits of Victoria Park.   I rode the route once and thought it was fine, "No Problems here"   Then I rode the route a 2nd time yesterday, and to my surprise pathways had grown over with thorny, spiky brambles etc..  This meant another trip on my bicycle with my garden clippers in my pannier to cut the brambles.

The day was the most enjoyable part and was everthing I expected and more. The weather forecast was reasonably good and we had a great  turnout of 19 people in total. A mix of families and others.  Not all people did the ride, but a majority decorated their bicycles, completed the 4 miles ride & returned for the social gathering & the essential Tea & Cake

Kids were first to get hands on & Crafty

This Little lady engaged very well with the idea, and did a great job on her bike, but was later worried that she may be followed home by a swarm of bees!

 People added flowers to their bikes and themselves

People worked together

Fresh garden flowers came in handy

Some people went all out Chelsea Flower Show 

 Fallen Rhododendron petals made great natural garlands 

people did arty frame logos

Bloomin Giant Bikes 

All in all, everyone seemed to have a really good time.  We were all delighted with the the surprise offer at Rowheath Pavilion .  FREE  TEA, COFFEE & TOAST ON SUNDAYS!

Many thanks for everyone who came along and made this a successful and enjoyable event.

 By request from some of the families who were in Rowheath Park, I will be back to do a similar children's event in a few weeks.

Watch out for 

 "Bling Your Bike"