Balls Out Challenge ride 2013

We believe that cancer awareness, especially male awareness is really important. Our 'Hope' feature in the current issue about bowel cancer bears witness to this. When we received an invitation from Patrick Cox to ride on the Balls Out Challenge - part of Male Cancer Awareness Campaign on a similar route to last years Olympic Men's Road Race with Rob Hayles, we jumped at the opportunity. The 72 mile ride takes place this Saturday 25 April beginning near The Mall, taking in the legendary Box Hill and finishes at the Grind Coffee Bar, Putney.

We are honoured to be asked to ride and have Patrick Cox, the charities CEO amongst our readership. A full report will follow.

Get out there!

Sure, it's not mid-Summer but it's still shorts weather. Lift your soul with a ride out in the sun. Preparation is still everything though, you still need to plan what you need to wear to be comfortable. Get your best dry weather bike out and hit the road. Don't forget (like we did) to pack those sunglasses.

It was a bit fresh as we headed out but we kept the faith and it paid dividends.

Bespoked Bristol 2013

This show had a vibe like no other we've been to so far! Set in Brunel's Old Station in Bristol, it felt strangely like a real ale festival not the UK Handmade Bicycle Show. Warm, friendly and inviting, it was a gathering of a like minded collective. Every stand was proud to be there and it showed. Great chatting with you all!

Good to see a range of alternative frame materials like hickory and bamboo being exhibited.

Should I stay or should I go!

With our commitment to 30 Days of Biking firmly in place we owed it to many to get out and ride. The decision wasn't an easy one with Paris Roubaix set to be an absolute classic but with our pending trip to the Alps getting closer day by day we had to ride.

Glad we did as it turned out to be one of those days that you just don't want to end.

On the right track

Good Friday just got better, it was our first visit to the legendary Herne Hill Velodrome. Although bitterly cold the atmosphere was amazing. We were treated to a host of different racing; the best in our opinion being the paced events. Good to see Becky James do a lap of honour!

Also some great stalls selling hard to find bike parts and memorabilia, manned by genuinely nice people.