I thought I would mention my favourite bike rides. At first I was going to list my favourite bike rides around the UK only, but then I decided to also include a list of some memorable bike rides I've done abroad.
I won’t go into much detail now, but over the course of the months I will do blog entries about the different places, if I haven't done any about them already.
Note that I have included bike rides, rather than bike challenges. Rides to be enjoyed rather than endured! I have therefore excluded all those rides that gave me that quad-busting feeling! I have done quite alot of those in my time, but those will be written about another day!
UK Rides
Lake Coniston, Lake District (Cumbria)
This is a really pleasant loop around the Lake Coniston. It's a quiet lane that runs parallel to the lake, gently undulating and twisting through the forest. It's quite a joy to ride, especially at a leisurely pace. When you're done you can either go into Coniston village or catch the Hawkshead Ferry to Windermere.
Lake Vyrnwy, North Wales
The road around the lake is very pretty. Just follow it round and you have the long lake on one side and woodland on the other. It's quite a popular area so don't expect to have the road to yourself. The day I rode this I was just very happy to be there on easy flat land, as I'd spent the previous couple of hours riding up over Bwlch y Groes!
Blanchland (Co. Durham)
An off-road route which I did from Blanchland, a village within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, over the moor and through Slaley Forest. There's a short steep climb to get up to the moor at the start of the ride, but once I was up on the moors there was not much climbing to be done. While up there, I had great views of the Derwent Reservoir below. As well as scenic moors there is also forest land with a stream running nearby and areas to stop for a picnic. Along the way you see various monuments and historic buildings which are a reminder of the North Pennine's bygone lead-mining era.
Grassington-Kettlewell-Yockenthwaite (Yorkshire Dales)
This route runs parallel to the B6160 road as a quiet alternative. The B6160 is not a very busy road though. However the lane parallel to it is really tranquil. There's not much going on at all - just trees and farms where you can ride and not think about anything, apart from enjoying the countryside and woodland around. You'll probably meet walkers and cyclists, plus the odd horse. But it's a very quiet, pleasant road and there is nothing challenging about riding this lane. At Kettlewell the route joins the B6160 but it is fairly quiet and the route goes on to Buckden and Yockenthwaite, where the terrain opens out and you get great views of the peaks above, notably Pen y Gent. At Deepdale retrace your route back to Grassington (unless you want to tackle the 25% climb to Fleet Moss). There are a few country pubs and cafes along the way at Buckden, Kettlewell and many back at Grassington.
Hornsea Rail Trail (East Yorkshire)
Cycle paths along disused railway lines are an increasingly common feature around the UK, especially in the North of England. This one leads from Hull right to the coast. The route is very straightforward and easy to follow. It's pan flat and on good quality surface. The first half of the 15-mile route is on tarmac, so fine for road bikes. Later on it is on compact gravel, so better to have more robust tyres. This is a great route for all the family, including beginners. When you get to the end you can reward yourself with fish and chips and ice cream! Oh, and there is a picnic site along the way.
Spa Trail (Lincolnshire)
Another similar path to the one above. This one leads from Horncastle to Woodhall Spa. It's quite picturesque and along the 3-mile route are various modern art sculptures representing aspects of Lincolnshire heritage and wildlife.
Millington Dale (East Yorkshire)
Just outside Pocklington, in the Yorkshire this lovely route goes through what I think is the best part of the Yorkshire Wolds. Passing through a mixture of pasture and woodland there are spectacular views of the moutains around. Riding through the dale is really quiet apart from the sound of the flowing stream nearby. Your only company is the highland cattle that make an appearance at intervals along the way. It's like a mini version of the Pyrenees. From Millington it's a gradual climb, otherwise it's a lovely descent from Huggate. At either end are pubs/cafes to round off a pleasant jaunt.
Ide Hill/Brasted Chart (Kent)
From the village of Brasted, near Westerham take the road that leads up towards Ide Hill Village. This is a gradual climb, though nothing too difficult, especially if taken at a leisurely pace. While riding upwards, enjoy the scenery that Kent has to offer. Once at the top, a park bench and village shop awaits where you find lots of other cyclists having a short break and on a sunny day, bathing in the heat on the village green. Return to Brasted by rolling approximately 100 metres down Ide Hill, taking the first left and riding uphill towards Emmetts Garden. From there turn right and enjoy the lovely descent down Brasted Chart. For another cafe stop turn left and head to Westerham where you can enjoy cycling cafe culture in Kent at it's best.
Box Hill (Surrey)
I can't not mention this one, given that it will feature heavily in the London 2012 Olympics. In the cycling road race the men will ride up it no fewer than 9 times!
To be honest, it's not that onerous a climb when ridden at a steady pace and just once. Even if you don't like hills this hill isn't so bad, and it is probably the best introduction to the Surrey Hills - it is one of the easiest! I like riding up The Zig Zag, as it is known, because it is like doing a mini Alpine climb. After the first two corners you begin to see how far up you have climbed and there's a real feeling of achievement that you have managed to get up so high already. The early part of the climb is scenic but a little exposed, so gets quite warm on a sunny day. As you near the top, the trees form a pleasant shield and it is a blessing to be in the shade. When you turn the final corner and see the car park you know the work is done and a trip to the National Trust tea and cake shop is a just reward for this effort. Fifty metres after the tea shop is a large green space where you can contemplate the panorama around Dorking and the rest of Surrey. To do a loop you could continue on this road through Boxhill Village, turn left at the T-junction towards Headley. Turn left down Tot Hill (Leech Lane), and left again into Lodge Bottom Road. This gives one of the best descents in the area. You barely have to pedal at all! At the end of Lodgebottom lane turn left onto the main road and then left again up the Zig Zag.
Some Foreign Rides
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Col de la Madone/Peillon, France
Col d'Eze/La Turbie
Cloue de Greolieres
Death Road, Bolivia
Sally Gap, Ireland
Gorges de la Nesque, France
Eastern coast road, Mallorca, Spain
Lac du Bourget, Aix les Bains, France
Monday, 27 June 2011
Sunday, 19 June 2011
Urban Cycle Racing in London
It's that time of year when various towns up and down the UK put on circuit races around their main shopping centres. From Jersey to Beverley, Ixworth to Abergavenny all these places provide their share of cycle racing action.
London, the great metropole, doesn't want to miss out on the action either.
With a stage of September's Tour of Britain being held on a circuit around Westminster, and the London 2012 preparation bike race finishing on a route around Buckingham Palace, not to mention the bike racing in the ITU triathlon at Hyde Park there's plenty to look forward to.
In the meantime I was treated to two other urban cycle races in London.
Last Saturday week the Smithfield Nocturne provided a great evening of pedalling action. There were road races for higher and lower category male racers, as well as a women's race.
In the spirit of representing the eclectic mix of cycling done in London there were other competitions - Penny Farthing races, the longest fixed wheel skid, and the ever popular folding bike race. So there was something to keep everyone entertained.
The women's race was of particular interest to me as it was included in the London Women's Cycle racing series. It was great to see so many women out racing in front of huge crowds. The vast difference in ability between the lead riders and the backmarkers was quite noticeable and made it a little challenging to count laps, as I found while in the commissaire's box.
It's a real credit to Bob and his commissairing team that they managed to keep the lapped riders in the race and produce results for the 40 women who raced.
Once my work for the women's race was done I was able to relax and enjoy a beer in one of the nearby bars while pressing the flesh.
Smithfield really was the place to be last Saturday. Thanks go to James and his team at the Face Partnership for putting on a fun packed evening.
A few days after that, I went down to Canary Wharf to watch the finale of the Halfords Tour Series - a 3-week long circuit racing team league with races in different parts of England.
I had no involvement in this event, but it was great to watch the race and see how the semi-pros do it, especially in the damp and rather windy conditions encountered when sandwiched between tall buildings!
The bad weather didn't deter the crowds and so, as with these events it was another chance to say hello to cycling folks I hadn't seen in a while, as well as to meet new people.
It was good to see the team prize go to Rapha Condor Sharp, which I consider to be a local team - even if their riders are based in various places outside of London!
Anyway, another good night. Thanks to Ryan for organising me a guest pass.
photos by Dave Hayward www.DaveHayward.com
London, the great metropole, doesn't want to miss out on the action either.
With a stage of September's Tour of Britain being held on a circuit around Westminster, and the London 2012 preparation bike race finishing on a route around Buckingham Palace, not to mention the bike racing in the ITU triathlon at Hyde Park there's plenty to look forward to.
In the meantime I was treated to two other urban cycle races in London.
Last Saturday week the Smithfield Nocturne provided a great evening of pedalling action. There were road races for higher and lower category male racers, as well as a women's race.
In the spirit of representing the eclectic mix of cycling done in London there were other competitions - Penny Farthing races, the longest fixed wheel skid, and the ever popular folding bike race. So there was something to keep everyone entertained.
The women's race was of particular interest to me as it was included in the London Women's Cycle racing series. It was great to see so many women out racing in front of huge crowds. The vast difference in ability between the lead riders and the backmarkers was quite noticeable and made it a little challenging to count laps, as I found while in the commissaire's box.
It's a real credit to Bob and his commissairing team that they managed to keep the lapped riders in the race and produce results for the 40 women who raced.
Once my work for the women's race was done I was able to relax and enjoy a beer in one of the nearby bars while pressing the flesh.
Smithfield really was the place to be last Saturday. Thanks go to James and his team at the Face Partnership for putting on a fun packed evening.
A few days after that, I went down to Canary Wharf to watch the finale of the Halfords Tour Series - a 3-week long circuit racing team league with races in different parts of England.
I had no involvement in this event, but it was great to watch the race and see how the semi-pros do it, especially in the damp and rather windy conditions encountered when sandwiched between tall buildings!
The bad weather didn't deter the crowds and so, as with these events it was another chance to say hello to cycling folks I hadn't seen in a while, as well as to meet new people.
It was good to see the team prize go to Rapha Condor Sharp, which I consider to be a local team - even if their riders are based in various places outside of London!
Anyway, another good night. Thanks to Ryan for organising me a guest pass.
photos by Dave Hayward www.DaveHayward.com
Saturday, 21 May 2011
A Sting in the Giro Tale
I rode the Passo Gardeccia a few years ago during a Gran Fondo cyclosportive in the Dolomites.
Despite riding with a compact which gave me lower gears, that made no difference as I used all my gears up early. I could have done with a mountain bike! It was painfully steep with an unrelenting gradient. As the road twisted round each corner I thought things would level off, but it didn't. Those 6.5km were just painful! In fact "racing" up it was the most painful bit of cycling I have ever done. Local hill climb races give around 3 or 4 minutes of pain. This stretch gave me 40!
I felt sick, I was nearly crying, my quads were killing, and by the time I reached the ski resort at the top I just fell off my bike, too broken to do anything apart from panting loudly in a heap.
Yes, Gardeccia may only be a short ramp in the grand scheme of this year's Giro d'Italia route but it's damn tough. That final climb on Stage 15 will be a real sting in the tail for the riders once they've completed Passo di Giau and Passo Fedaia (which they scale from the hard side).
So those who gave their all on Monte Zoncolan today may have to pray that there's another protest and the course gets re-routed somewhere easier! Whoever wins up there tomorrow will have definitely earned their pasta! I look forward to watching this stage.
Pink is Tough!
For the cycling fraternity the interest comes from more money being granted by different authorities to encourage more women into cycling.
Lo and behold, this year a few all-women cycling events have been scheduled. Davina McCall's ride took place a couple of weeks ago, and over the coming months there'll be the Victoria Pendleton Cycletta rides and CTC all-women rides.
A few weeks ago I went down to Bewl Water to take part in the one organised by the all-women cycling club, Kent Velo Girls.
I sometimes see the Kent Velo Girls in the lanes when out on my bike and they seem a friendly bunch. The perception I had had of them was of being a leisure cycling club, with the girls all decked out in stylish pink jerseys with flowers on.
The women are of all ages and their rides appeared to be done at a gentle pace. I had never seen anyone from that club at competitive cycling event.
So I went along to the cyclosportive expecting the ride to be a gentle jaunt through Kent and East Sussex where there was a choice of a 20mile, a 40-mile or a 60-mile ride. Wanting to get in a few miles, I did the 60-miler.
Well, how wrong I was about the "gentle jaunt"! Within the first few hundred metres of crossing the start line we were climbing. That had not been a surprise to me as it was on the profile. Profiles can be deceptive though, and the little lumps that came in the middle section of the ride were steeper than I'd imagined. There were rather more 7-8% ramps than my legs had budgeted for!
Kent, East Sussex, the High Weald - why on earth did I think this terrain would be gentle?? It has been hilly since prehistoric times so why did I think the terrain would be any different on this day?!
So on I plodded - through Wadhurst, Mayfield, Dallington, Robertsbridge and a challenging loop around Bodiam Castle, before returning via the long climb through Robertsbridge.
Descending homewards after Robertsbridge I heaved a sigh of relief as my legs got some respite, but then uttered a yelp as I suddenly had to dodge a snake in the middle of the road! Hmm, not your typical Kentish creature!
I managed the ride in a reasonable time, but by the time I was back at Bewl Water I was crawling. I'd spent the first half of the ride hanging onto the coat-tails of a triathlete from Sevenoaks Tri Club. It was great training for me, but once the elastic snapped that was it. The lack of fitness took its toll on me and I steadily drifted backwards. Still, it was a good day out and I really appreciated the beautiful scenery as we snaked through quiet country lanes, passing woodland, fields and different monuments.
Don't get me wrong. This cyclosportive had something for everyone, and it was great to be in a testosterone free environment. The 20 and 40-mile rides were routed in a way to make them do-able for new riders, and there was even a Go Ride for youngsters.
The ride may have been testosterone free but it was still every bit as testing.
In fact, Kent Velo Girls have women who take part in time trials, and they plan to get some girls into racing, and even hill climbs. Pink may be all pleasant and fluffy, but it is also tough!
Thanks to Bee Gregorie and the Kent Velo Girls for putting on a lovely event.
Monday, 9 May 2011
A Classic in London
London may not have pavés (cobbles) like in the Forest of Arenberg or bergs like Geraadsbergen Muur but we do have cobbled streets and we also have short sharp climbs.
So using these facts, a group of imaginative folks from South London put together The London Classic, based on the series of bike races held in the Spring on the steep and cobbled roads of Flanders (Belgium) and Northern France. This ride was less than 60km long, but it was quite a bone shaker for those uninitiated to the quirky world of Spring Classics.
Under sunny skies we set off from a pub South of the river and then headed into central London where we were treated to our first section of easy pavés in Covent Garden.
Then it was on through The City where the more serious, bumpier stuff was to be found on the old streets of Stepney and Wapping.
Having ridden the Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders cyclosportives in the past, I thought I would have been ok on the cobbles of London. But then I remembered that I had been spared the worst of the jarring at these events by being on my sturdy cyclo cross bike with chunky tyres. On this day I was on my delicate road bike with slicks. So in fact I suffered the shakes more than I'd anticipated. Thankfully the cobbled stretches in London were nowhere near as long as those in Northern France or Belgium.
Heading back to South London via Tower Bridge I took a quick breather before preparing myself for a tough final 10 miles home. We were treated to a rapid succession of steep hills through South East London - Maze Hill, St John's, Honor Oak Park, and the worst of them all - Canonbie Road (oof)! This road should carry a "don't try this at home" warning. It. Is. Steep!!
After somehow surmounting that challenge, the 10% gradients of Eliot Bank and Gipsy Hill were a breeze!
Back at the event HQ of the Alma pub at Crystal Palace we then watched how it's done (or not, in Tom Boonen's case) when we followed live coverage of the queen of the classics, the Paris-Roubaix professional bike race.
We may not have had to negotiate 260km of cobbles in pouring rain and wind on our ride, and it was far from being the "hell of the north" (or the south even), but I had definitely ridden my bike, and Stepney had felt like my Carrefour de L'Arbre while Canonbie Road was my Koppenberg! Maybe for next year the organisers should award us with a genuine Stepney cobble as a form of trophy for our efforts! (I hope the Council aren't reading this!)
Thanks to Dave Mullarkey and Brixton Cycles for putting on a great event!
Photos by Wig Worland
So using these facts, a group of imaginative folks from South London put together The London Classic, based on the series of bike races held in the Spring on the steep and cobbled roads of Flanders (Belgium) and Northern France. This ride was less than 60km long, but it was quite a bone shaker for those uninitiated to the quirky world of Spring Classics.
Under sunny skies we set off from a pub South of the river and then headed into central London where we were treated to our first section of easy pavés in Covent Garden.
Then it was on through The City where the more serious, bumpier stuff was to be found on the old streets of Stepney and Wapping.
Having ridden the Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders cyclosportives in the past, I thought I would have been ok on the cobbles of London. But then I remembered that I had been spared the worst of the jarring at these events by being on my sturdy cyclo cross bike with chunky tyres. On this day I was on my delicate road bike with slicks. So in fact I suffered the shakes more than I'd anticipated. Thankfully the cobbled stretches in London were nowhere near as long as those in Northern France or Belgium.
Heading back to South London via Tower Bridge I took a quick breather before preparing myself for a tough final 10 miles home. We were treated to a rapid succession of steep hills through South East London - Maze Hill, St John's, Honor Oak Park, and the worst of them all - Canonbie Road (oof)! This road should carry a "don't try this at home" warning. It. Is. Steep!!
Back at the event HQ of the Alma pub at Crystal Palace we then watched how it's done (or not, in Tom Boonen's case) when we followed live coverage of the queen of the classics, the Paris-Roubaix professional bike race.
We may not have had to negotiate 260km of cobbles in pouring rain and wind on our ride, and it was far from being the "hell of the north" (or the south even), but I had definitely ridden my bike, and Stepney had felt like my Carrefour de L'Arbre while Canonbie Road was my Koppenberg! Maybe for next year the organisers should award us with a genuine Stepney cobble as a form of trophy for our efforts! (I hope the Council aren't reading this!)
Thanks to Dave Mullarkey and Brixton Cycles for putting on a great event!
Photos by Wig Worland
Thursday, 5 May 2011
A Stylish, Polite Bike Ride - The Tweed Run
I remember seeing the write-ups on the Tweed Run last year and was quite impressed at the idea of riding around London looking all dapper.
It's true that in recent times people in London, as well as in other cities have embraced "urban chic" culture, and folks try to look a bit fashionable as they zip around the traffic in the City and the West End.
Dressing up to the nines in clothing that is not far off your Sunday best, and in tweeds or plus fours is quite something else.
Entries for the event opened on 27th February and closed 7 minutes later! Fortunately I managed to get a place and make the start at St Paul's Cathedral.
The place was awash with folks in all shades, textures and styles of tweed. As the event also incorporated a moustache competition men (and a few women) had gone to the effort to fashion themselves a mo for the day.
It was a real meeting point for eccentric people on vintage bikes of all different fashions. There were old postman bikes, Dursely Pedersens, Penny Farthings,etc. Even one girl just got a Boris Bike, circa 2010 and decked it out in tweed for the event!
So at 12 noon after the class photo on the steps of St Pauls all 400 of us set off on our merry way through central London.
We must have been quite a sight to the tourists and the Saturday afternoon shoppers as we wound our way through the London streets.
From The City we rolled to Westminster via Blackfriars Bridge and back over Westminster Bridge. Then we passed along Birdcage Walk, Buckingham Palace, and up through the West End. Of course we couldn't pass through the area without showing our respect for the shirtmakers at Jermyn Street and the tailors at Savile Row, purveyors of exquisitely fashioned suits and all other things gentlemanly.
Onwards we twiddled, chatting and laughing amongst ourselves in our 400-strong peloton, bidding "good day" to the traffic, the men doffing their caps at the other motorists and taxi drivers.
Some folks had managed to tack gramaphones and other musical appliances onto their bikes so we were even entertained to the sounds of 20s jazz and classical music.
It was all so very civilised, with a feed station at Lincolns Inn fields, where cucumber sandwiches and tea was served, then at the end of the ride in Bethnal Green, mini Gin and Tonics were offered - a spiffing end to the ride!
It's funny how the peloton of the Tweed Run was no smaller, probably even bigger than that of the monthly Critical Mass rides that take place in London. However, because we were dressed in very smart clothes and looking terribly British, the reception we got from the public, motorists, and even taxi drivers was much more positive. Permission to organise this ride had been granted by the authorities, though it was the responsibility of the organisers to sort out the escorting of the peloton and controlling the traffic at junctions. This was carried out with the utmost precision and we felt very safe within the group.
Organiser, Ted Young-Ing who cycles regularly says when he cycles in tweeds he definitely feels a more positive vibe from other road users than when he's in lycra or urban clothing.
So it seems that wearing tweeds when cycling is the way forward - although as we leave behind the warmest April on record and approach summer it might not be the ideal fabric!
In any case, I tip my hat to the excellently turned out ladies and gentleman who helped to make this a splendid day out on the Tweed Run.
It's true that in recent times people in London, as well as in other cities have embraced "urban chic" culture, and folks try to look a bit fashionable as they zip around the traffic in the City and the West End.
Dressing up to the nines in clothing that is not far off your Sunday best, and in tweeds or plus fours is quite something else.
The place was awash with folks in all shades, textures and styles of tweed. As the event also incorporated a moustache competition men (and a few women) had gone to the effort to fashion themselves a mo for the day.
So at 12 noon after the class photo on the steps of St Pauls all 400 of us set off on our merry way through central London.
We must have been quite a sight to the tourists and the Saturday afternoon shoppers as we wound our way through the London streets.
Onwards we twiddled, chatting and laughing amongst ourselves in our 400-strong peloton, bidding "good day" to the traffic, the men doffing their caps at the other motorists and taxi drivers.
Some folks had managed to tack gramaphones and other musical appliances onto their bikes so we were even entertained to the sounds of 20s jazz and classical music.
It was all so very civilised, with a feed station at Lincolns Inn fields, where cucumber sandwiches and tea was served, then at the end of the ride in Bethnal Green, mini Gin and Tonics were offered - a spiffing end to the ride!
Organiser, Ted Young-Ing who cycles regularly says when he cycles in tweeds he definitely feels a more positive vibe from other road users than when he's in lycra or urban clothing.
In any case, I tip my hat to the excellently turned out ladies and gentleman who helped to make this a splendid day out on the Tweed Run.
Friday, 22 April 2011
Nice New Mitts from AnaNichoola
I have never really been one to hunt out and buy cycling mitts that were of a particular style or design. The ones I have accumulated over the years are mainly out of functional need - for example thick padded ones for the cobbles of the Paris-Roubaix cyclosportive last year - or just giveaways as part of an event goodie bag.
In any case women-specific gloves have tended to be much of a muchness and they have never really excited me, so I am quite neutral about what to wear on my hands when cycling.
The good news is designers are thinking more about producing aesthetically pleasing women's cycle wear.
One designer who has thought alot about this is AnaNichoola who recently launched a line of women-specific fingerless gloves.
The Kestral is designed for the woman who'll be out riding for a few hours, while Bow-Peep is more for the commuter lady cyclist.
I had the priviledge of trying out the Bow-Peep mitts during the 10-mile Tweed Run bike ride through London.
What I liked:
The cotton crocheted upper side of the glove provided some warmth while allowing my skin to breathe and not letting my hands get too hot on that warm day.
There was ample padding for when cycling around town.
The loops between the fingers meant I could remove the gloves quickly and easily.
The Velcro is good quality so mitts could be fastened securely.
The grey crocheted design coupled with the pink bow and the grid design on the palm side gives an overall stylish look that does not look out of place even when in smart clothes.
It's good that there is a range of sizes that fit my big hands!
What I need to bear in mind:
The Bow Peep gloves have been designed as commuter gloves, so the padding is not suitable for long rides. If I plan to be out on a 3hour+ club run I'd probably be better off using the harder wearing Kestral gloves.
I am not so dainty with my sportswear and sometimes I do tear around a little without too much care for what I'm doing with my garments. I would have to take care not to scuff the bow or catch it in the velcro!
Overall, I would recommend the Bow-Peep as a great glove to wear when commuting around. Whether you are going for the cycle chic image, the casual look or even wearing your tweeds this glove will fit the bill nicely.
P.S. I hope to try out the Kestral mitts in the near future.
Tweed Run photo by Wig Worland
In any case women-specific gloves have tended to be much of a muchness and they have never really excited me, so I am quite neutral about what to wear on my hands when cycling.
The good news is designers are thinking more about producing aesthetically pleasing women's cycle wear.
One designer who has thought alot about this is AnaNichoola who recently launched a line of women-specific fingerless gloves.
The Kestral is designed for the woman who'll be out riding for a few hours, while Bow-Peep is more for the commuter lady cyclist.
I had the priviledge of trying out the Bow-Peep mitts during the 10-mile Tweed Run bike ride through London.
What I liked:
The cotton crocheted upper side of the glove provided some warmth while allowing my skin to breathe and not letting my hands get too hot on that warm day.
There was ample padding for when cycling around town.
The loops between the fingers meant I could remove the gloves quickly and easily.
The Velcro is good quality so mitts could be fastened securely.
The grey crocheted design coupled with the pink bow and the grid design on the palm side gives an overall stylish look that does not look out of place even when in smart clothes.
It's good that there is a range of sizes that fit my big hands!
What I need to bear in mind:
The Bow Peep gloves have been designed as commuter gloves, so the padding is not suitable for long rides. If I plan to be out on a 3hour+ club run I'd probably be better off using the harder wearing Kestral gloves.
I am not so dainty with my sportswear and sometimes I do tear around a little without too much care for what I'm doing with my garments. I would have to take care not to scuff the bow or catch it in the velcro!
Overall, I would recommend the Bow-Peep as a great glove to wear when commuting around. Whether you are going for the cycle chic image, the casual look or even wearing your tweeds this glove will fit the bill nicely.
P.S. I hope to try out the Kestral mitts in the near future.
Tweed Run photo by Wig Worland
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