Category Archives: Touring

The Lost Cyclist with David Herlihy

Posted on by
5

In 1892 a young accountant from t, USA, quit his job and set off to cycle solo around the world. Frank Lenz rode a Rover Safety Bicycle, a revolutionary new design that would soon consign the traditional high wheeler – or penny farthing – to obscurity. It was the birth of the bicycle as we know it today. And Lenz is one of the pioneers of cycle touring. Cycling historian David Herlihy’s latest book tells the story of his courageous, extraordinary and ultimately ill-fated journey.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Looking back at 2011 and ahead to 2012

Posted on by
Reply

Listeners write in with recollections of their favourite ride of 2011 and most exciting plans for riding in 2012. Plus clothing designer Amy Fleuriot tells of her new Cyclodelic boutique on Columbia Road and shows a few of the her new lines. Jack, Jen and Amy offer a few of their own style pointers for cycling fashionistas thinking about what to wear in 2012.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Another day for you and me in Carradice

Posted on by
8

Jack travels over the Yorkshire moors to Nelson, Lancashire to visit one of the oldest and most venerable companies in British cycling. Cotton mill worker Wilf Carradice began producing his indestructible canvas saddlebags in the 1930s and in 2011 sales are booming. Owner and MD David Chadwick tells the story of a family business and we get a tour of the factory. For more history of Carradice, there is a good article over at Classic Lightweights.

This is the latest in a series of special features on British cycling manufacturers. Listen to previous features on Brooks saddles, Brompton folding bikes and Alex Moulton.

Some of Jack’s photographs from the factory are below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Paris-Brest-Paris: part two

Posted on by
6

Following on from last week’s documentary feature by Kieron Yates is a studio discussion of Paris-Brest-Paris, the world’s most venerable long distance bicycle race. In the studio are PBP veterans Judith Swallow and Dave Minter, and PBP debutant Pete Kelsey. Chris Ragsdale, one of this year’s stars, clocking in an exceptionally impressive sub-45 hour time, joins us down the line from his native Seattle.

For more information about audax in the UK see the Audax UK ride calendar and the audax pages of Yet Another Cycling Forum.

Image credit: Wig Worland, from Pete Kelsey’s short film Towards the Ocean.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Paris-Brest-Paris: part one

Posted on by
5

The 1200km Paris-Brest et retour was first raced in 1891 and is the oldest bicycle race still in existence, currently held as a brevet de randonneur every four years. Kieron Yates shares the agony and ecstasy of his second outing in an event that is only for the toughest of the tough.

Next week we’ll be talking about the race with a handful of other riders who will share their experiences and tips for anyone considering taking part.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Dunwich Dynamo Redux

Posted on by
1

From here:

dunwich1

…to here:

dunwich2

The 2011 edition of the Dunwich Dynamo, the cult mass participation night ride from London to the Suffolk Coast, as experienced by listeners of The Bike Show. Thanks to everyone who recorded their audio snippets.

Put the 2012 Dynamo in your diaries now: 30 June / 1 July 2012.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

A Midsummer Misadventure with Dixe Wills (and a podcast bonus)

Posted on by
3

Wild camping sunrise

On a Midsummer’s Night Dixe Wills, travel writer and author of a new book on Britain’s tiny campsites, guides us on a ride from central London up the Lea Valley to a wild camping spot for a ‘sub twenty four hour overnight’. Various pitfalls ensure that little goes to plan.

The new Bike Show jersey is unveiled and – in a podcast only bonus – Andrew Neather of the Evening Standard explains why the newspaper came out for London’s cyclists.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS