2016, Let’s do this.

Solo from Brandy Machado on Vimeo.

I'd like to introduce you to this amazing short video about the experiences of women who have done solo bike tours. It's by Brandy Machado and is a preliminary edit of a longer project she is working on.

My 2015 New Year’s resolution to not take any flights and see more of this island went really well. I cycled the whole length of Britain on my own with no support crew and very little clue what I was doing. I also did many mini cycling trips and I have LOVED every minute, even the punctures (an excuse to take a break) and especially the hills.

There is something very empowering about cycle touring on your own. You can dictate the schedule, the speed and do whatever the hell you want. I like to push my body, be reminded how strong it can be and how far that strength can get me. Also, having to eat all those extra calories is a added bonus. You don't have to decide which cake to have because you can have both.

Before I started solo touring I was scared I would get scared. Being a city girl I was unsure how I would cope with miles of open road and no people or buildings. People kept telling me I was brave which made it all sound very scary.

I was also asked if I would get bored or lonely. Well I didn’t get any of these things. I’m not one of those zen, colouring in book, yoga, mindful types but something takes over and pushes all those doubts away. Maybe it’s the fresh air or maybe some kind of survival mode kicks in and you just feel calm about everything.

I carry around an MP3 just in case I need some distraction or escapism but have only ever used it a handful of times as it's so nice to listen to the sounds around you and really take in the scene with all your senses. Ok that's enough hippyfied nonsense.

Soon I'm cycling to Amsterdam which will be my first real bit of winter touring so I'm going to wear ALL the gloves. I don't like to plan too much as I've learnt that it is nice to leave room for random adventures and see where the road takes you so watch this space.

I'm going to let the late great David Bowie have the final word.

Un Final Inesperado

In Latin American countries they sometimes translate film titles into things that bear no resemblance to the actual titles. My all time favourite ridiculous title among an ocean of ridiculous translated titles is Thelma and Louise which has been translated as Un Final Inesperado which means The Unexpected Ending. I mean, COME ON.

Screw the ending, for me this film is ALL about this scene. The Giro helmet, the Cinelli Lycra, the strapped on walkman blasting out Johnny Nash, it's so iconic. Also, hello Brad Pitt 23 years ago. 

Bike Beatz// Disiz, Le Poids d'Un Gravillon

This week is SO jealous of last week.

Last week I was cycling around Paris which is a great city to see by bike. Next time I'm bringing my BMX. That thing really needs to see Paris.

With that in mind, here is a Bike Beatz Paris Special:

L'Eroica// More Merino, Less Lycra

Or as my computer likes to spellcheck 'La Erotica' which brings up actual porn, not bike porn.

L'Eroica has taken place in Chianti Italy every year since 1997 and sees participants ride one of four courses that takes them through picturesque Tuscan scenery. I want to play but you have to ride a 'heroic' bike built before 1987 with vintage qualities. The nearest I have right now is a beat up BMX which doesn't match any of the criteria and I don't think it would do too well on those hills. And by 'it' I mean 'me'.

Penned as 'the Woodstock of vintage cycling' this elegant yet treacherous ride definitely features more merino less Lycra.

L'Eroica 2013 Sunday October 6th.

Images from the documentary by Morgan Bertacca  Bikes,Bread and Wine: L'Eroica:

Fe Fi Foe Fum

Remember rainy Sundays when you were a kid? Watching Land of the Giants until your parents called you for lunch? No? Jeesh, how old are you? 
My parents abused our love of this show to trick us into eating vegetables. We'd pretend we were all giants eating trees (broccoli) and cabbages (sprouts). Their technique totally back fired when we found their stash of airplane miniature spirits and they are now 100% responsible for my diet exclusively containing chocolate in the form of Celebrations. Raawww.

At 5'4", ALRIGHT, 5'3 and a half, my gigantic dreams have fallen short which makes finding decent frames somewhat of a chore. Tandems are especially sexist, I mean shortist. The crossbars are usually really large throughout or high at the front with what they call a 'lady back'. I finally found a Viking one that was 17.5" front and 15.5" rear frame which is perfect for short sisters. 
On the opposite end of the height spectrum,the other day I gave my 6'4" friend a lift home on the back. He was kind of freaked out because he could see over my head and kept forgetting I was there. He said it was like he was guiding the bike with his mind. 

Here is a guy living the dream. Cleats and all.


And here is Danny MacAskill doing the opposite.

What I say is my favourite book.

What is actually my favourite book.

Remember this? The Borrowers.

Land of the Giants. 1980's gold.

Me hijacking my nephew's bike which now looking at it, looks about my size. Sigh.

Wiser?

Tomorrow is Bob Dylan's, Julius Caesar's, Eric Cantona's, Queen Victoria's and my Birthday. I know I say this every year, but this one really has been the bestest. When you start it by riding to Brighton for breakfast and end it riding around in Mexico, all the rainy rides and punctures pale in significance. 

This will probably go down in history as the best present EVER. Even with the MX$25 price tag left on. That's about £1, I fricken LOVE Mexico.

As always I'll be seeing this next year in on my bike wearing a party hat, but this year i'll be whacking the hell out of a piñata.

Balloon bike pic from Cycle City Mexico.

Here is my present to you. A llama on a bike singing Stevie Wonder's Happy Birthday.

El Coche Nos Cuesta

What cars cost us.

What an amazing weekend.Did you nail it?

Here is a nice little rest from the images of traffic and pollution that you probably associate with Mexico City. This was earlier today on Paseo de la Reforma which is closed to cars for 24km every Sunday from 7am until 2pm. It's so nice to see families and friends having some good old fashioned wholesome fun to end the weekend. Probably before going to church and watching the Antique Roadshow. The Last Sunday of every month they close an additional 35km which is even more awesome. 

Here is a great video illustrating what we are paying for excessive car use from the ITDP an international non-profit organization that promotes sustainable and equitable transportation worldwide. They work with local and national authorities to promote transportation solutions that reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, pollution, poverty, travel times, traffic accidents to improve the economic development and quality of life in the cities where they operate.