James Thinks - Cycling category

Bicycle leaning against an old phone box.

It's only August, but 2014 has already been a good cycling year for me.

Audax bike resting against wooden gate with rural countryside behind.

A few photos from a 50km DIY I did today from Church Stretton to Marton and back.

Underside of saddle, showing rails with black clamp around them.

I always try to be aware of the sounds the bike makes and investigate any unusual rattles. After a 120km ride last year I noticed that the rack was noticeably loose.

Large group of cyclists on the road in dawn sunlight.

First 600 - in search of dragons and legends

"Mae Mr Pickwick yn mynd i chwilio am ddreigiau a chwedlau" is a new event for 2014, which I chose partly because I was busy during the classic Brian Chapman Memorial and because I'd enjoyed so many of the organiser's shorter routes over the winter. With over 9000 metres of climbing, it was unusually hilly, but I was hoping the views over Welsh mountains and lakes would make it worthwhile.

Cyclists cresting a hill in early morning sunlight with hot air balloon behind.

Brevet Cymru - First 400km ride

For the third time in a year I told my friends I'd be cycling further than I ever have before.

Straight road with flooded field to the left reflecting clouds and blue sky

Ice and sunshine: Kennet Valley Run

It was shaping up to be a beautiful day, but at 7:30am, the car park in Grazeley was noticeably slippery. Still, a good crowd of us set off with caution.

Large lake with tower in the water and wooded hills behind.

Mae Mr Pickwick yn mynd i chwilio am ddreigiau a chwedlau - Photos

Photos to follow

Yr Elenydd 2014

Damp fields and muddy river with small stone building

Between Two Stools: Sam Weller's Day Trip To Wochma 2014

In the days before the second Blacksheep event of the year, the weather provided much cause for discussion. The forecasts variously promised ice, snow, torrential downpours and gale-force winds.

Bike skewers, the left one with a worn plastic bearing surface, the right one with brass.

Something creaking on the bike

While I'm riding, one of the main ways I know my bike is running ok is by the noise, or lack of it.

Evergreen trees either side of a road in sunlight.

First 300 - The Dean

I saw The Dean advertised and entered it on a whim. It was popular, not quite so hilly and much of it was familiar territory. In fact the route overlapped with at least four other rides I've done in the last year.

Hope are a great company or maybe the others are rubbish

Not content with making some great bike lights, Hope have proven themselves by providing a free light-fixing service to our three-year old light.

James Thinks : Cycling

writing is a kind of thinking