Well, thanks for stopping by, and welcome to my new blog aimed at documenting my personal journeys, on a bike and in my head, taking the rough with the smooth, and hopefully taking some friends with me, and possibly making some more along the way. I had the idea for this blog, (of which I am not seriously expecting anyone to ever read) on the way back home from Cheltenham one nondescript May afternoon. Having recently purchased a set of bike racks for the car in an effort to save some money at a popular holiday resort, or at least have something to show for the money after the break was over, I am currently on the lookout for good family friendly cycling routes that we can drive to, take the bikes off the roof, potter around and then head back home without being in loads of pain the next day.

I thought about all the good things I could do with a blog, with reviews of local routes, pubs, places to visit and hidden gems around the south-west of England (well at first! let’s not get too carried away) Tips on bikes, maintenance, gear and tech as well as not bowing to the pressure of the big brand names and have the need for extra deep pockets to be the stereotypical M.A.M.I.L. (Middle Aged Man In Lycra). I want to share how to enjoy the countryside without the fear of breaking the bank, breaking a leg, or breaking our collective spirit. I think that cycling should be fun and enjoyable, moderately aerobic but overall, relaxing for both body and mind. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no authority on any, and I mean any of the topics listed above! I’m just an averageish guy in need of some head-space that enjoys quality time out with the family, whenever possible.

So where should I start? I want to cover our setup from bikes to roof rack, bike carriers to mobile phone apps and routes and resources that have caused me frustration and joy in equal measures so I will cover these in various posts and try to keep some sort of order to all the exciting things popping in my head at the moment. I’m not a writer, but it is an exercise that I have found helpful for my own mental well being of late, and I would like to put it to a little more use now.

If you read all this, well thanks! Thanks for taking the time to stop by and please leave any comments or questions below, and I’ll try to respond when I can.