It’s Getting Lighter…

It’s coming… Well quite a few things are actually. Haldon had it’s first Mini-Enduro, really great fun in spite of the total mud bath.

Gawton Gravity hub is getting a brand new shiny uplift to accompany Track 4, if you haven’t been up there for a while then you should – that said the mud theme continues!

There’s going to be a Sky Ride in Central Park, we think it’s going to be May but we’ll keep you posted.

Keep the weekend of June 15/16 free, there’s going to be a bicycle camping trip to East Cornwall with bands, beers and burgers.

All of that is underpinned by a great little project called Rockets & Rascals, if getting kitted from head to toe in lycra is something you’d only do in the privacy of your own home then this place is for you – bringing a bit of fun culture to Plymouth.

In the meantime this little clip should help keep you entertained as the dark draws out.

WAITING OUT WINTER from Andrew David Watson on Vimeo.

Just remember, it’s coming…

Amsterdam and AMWWF – Road Trip

What an amazing Dartmoor day! It doesn’t get better than the high moor on a crisp bluebird day, cold air in the lungs burns a bit but is easily forgotten when you catch a view of the sea glinting in the distance.

To be fair it has capped of an epic weekend of riding, we were lucky enough to get an invite out to Holland – So we thought we’d check out the Mecca of chilled cycling. A road trip was called, soundtrack chosen and a van loaded with bikes – it was on…

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The place is amazing, to the untrained British eye it initially looks like chaos, there are bikes everywhere. It takes a couple of minutes to start picking out the differences, after near collisions or people having to stop abruptly to avoid one they just smile, laugh it off and carry on their way. The drivers are careful to give cyclists room, some severe legislation takes care of this, but above all they look fit and healthy cycling around in perfectly normal clothes – high heels or high vis? We know which we prefer!

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Even at 2 in the morning, people are leaving the plethora of cool bars with their nearest and dearest riding side saddle on the pannier rack, what’s not to love.

A Three-Act: The Dutch Side Saddle Hop from Amsterdamize on Vimeo.

We were too busy checking out the bars and cafes (and forgot our proper camera), so here’s Brooklynspokes take to give you a flavour for cutting around.

@BrooklynSpoke does Amsterdam from Amsterdamize on Vimeo.

We stopped off for chocolate in Bruge, well worth a trip if you get the chance, before jumping back on the France pipe. The road back was made all the more tolerable by a late edition of Bob Harris’ Country, where we stumbled across he amazing Dundonian collective; Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fischer – amazing.

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Smith Journal Now In

The latest edition of the Smith Journal has just come out, it’s an amazing piece of design hiding behind a men’s magazine – not very Loaded.

Take a look, their site is pretty awesome and has plenty of ideas for adventures to be planned whilst you’re rotting in winter induced self pity.

We need this guy’s shed, the food looks way to good.

The Smokehouse from Smith Journal on Vimeo.

If you fancy a road trip, this could be a start.

PETROL-FOOD-BEER: Around the World with Austin Vince from Make Your Bones on Vimeo.

Check out their wider adventures at Mondo Enduro

Smith Journal

Will It Ever Stop

We’re looking forward to having some local all weather trails next year – that’s putting it mildly! In the mean time we’re just left climbing the walls and going for the odd run… as well as becoming Internet addicts to while away the wet and cold.

Here are a few crackers we found through Hickory Nines, enjoy!

Jon Contino from Kevin Steen on Vimeo.

On The Road Episode XII – Two Years, Five Winters from Sweetgrass Productions on Vimeo.

And Rich Hall describing American muscle cars and Jeremy Clarkson

Here’s hoping the storm passes soon…

Woodland Wheelers are One Year Old!

Plymouth’s Family Friendly Cycle Club

After a year of up’s and down’s, most of the down’s were on the trails at Plymbridge thankfully, the Woodland Wheelers family cycle club have made it to their first anniversary.

The cycle club which focuses on woodland adventures for all the family are supported by the National Trust, Plymouth School Sport Partnership and Plymouth City Council  run weekly rides from Plymbridge taking in the local scenery and refreshment stops.

Earlier this year the club were awarded a Sport England grant of nearly £9000 and now intend to spend this money buying bikes to use for hire, coach and ride leader training to support larger groups and those with special needs.

To celebrate this very important anniversary Woodland Wheelers will be holding a club open day for all on the 2^nd December from 10am to 2pm at its woodland HQ in the Plymbridge National Trust Car Park. During the four hour session they will be running a women’s only ride in conjunction with Breeze, mountain bike rides for 14+ as part of the Sportivate programme and junior Go Ride races in conjunction with British Cycling. Alongside this the Club will be offering festive treats such as mince pies and hot drinks and will also be revealing their new club kit.

If you would like to join them on the day for one of the rides please arrive for 10am start (all rides will return by 12pm) or if you want more information about the club just pop down for a chat and a mince pie during the day.

Hope to see you there, perhaps 4As might join us for a bit of festive cheer….