"Like the fingers of a hand stretching from low lying farmland of Strathmore deep into the southern ranges of the Cairngorms."
I found this description of the Angus Glens on a visitor information panel. It perfectly describes the journey into Glen Clova. It begins in farmland, quite ordinary. Then the Cairngorm mountains appear on the horizon. Each pedal stroke brings you closer to them. You enter a landscape that was sculpted by melting glaciers. It's spectacular to travel through. Getting to Glen Clova
You can follow these steps to reach Glen Clova:
1. Take a train to Arbroath. Then cycle 20 miles on quiet roads to visit Glamis Castle. I have a blog about this route. 2. Cycle 5 miles from Glamis Castle to Kirriemuir. This is on the A928. Although it's not the most exciting road it is flat and smooth. I found the traffic volume to be low. 3. Cycle 5 miles from Kirriemuir to Dykehead, the start of Glen Clova. The scenery starts to get interesting on this road. There are twists and turns ad forested sections. It feels like a road leading to something special. 4. It's then a 9.6 mile through Glen Clova to the Glen Clova Hotel. Kirriemuir
Make sure to stop in Kirriemuir. It's the gateway town to the Angus Glens and has:
JM Barrie gifted a cricket pavilion with a camera obscura to the town. Kirriemuir's camera obscura is one of only 3 in Scotland.
Another famous person born here is Bon Scott, the lead singer of AC/DC. There's a statue of him on the Bellie's Brae Road. Scotland's oldest sweet shop is right here in Kirriemuir. It opened in 1833. Name your sweet, they've got it. It's called the Star Rock Shop after their own, unique sweet. Star rock is made in the kitchen in the back of the shop. It's a hard sweet, flavoured with natural lemon oil. It's wrapped in paper that has a lovely, classic design featuring the Peter Pan statue. Entering Glen Clova
Dykehead, with its pretty cottages, is 5 miles from Kirriemuir. This marks the start of the glen. After a few pedal strokes the mass of the Cairngorm mountain range appears on the horizon.
The junction
Around 3 miles later the road splits. It doesn't matter which path you choose as they both take you to the same place. This is the great thing about this road, it means you can do a loop and come a different way when you travel back out of the glen.
I took the right-hand road, where the sign points to 'Rottal Lodge'.
The sound of the River Esk, meandering through the valley, is a constant companion Sometimes you are looking down on it. Sometimes it is flowing right next to you.
Then there is the beauty of the plant life. It was the ferns that caught my attention. So common all over Scotland that they are easy to overlook, but in Glen Cova they seemed to have a prominence. They made the place rich, lush and smell amazing. I took a closer look at them, the beauty of the simple pattern of their leaves.
The glen is teeming with bird life. I heard lots of different songs and calls as I pedaled along. I saw lapwing and oystercatcher and many others that I didn't know the names of. There were rabbits everywhere, some dashing right in front of my front wheel. Sheep were slower moving than the rabbits and some stopped to stare at me.
There is a feeling of going deeper and deeper into nature, getting closer to the moutains and further from the towns and cities. And that brought a great sense of well-being, that cares and worries were being left behind. I loved being in this place.
Glen Clova Hotel
As I got closer to the hotel I imagined what it must be like. I pictured a spectacular and secluded location that would forever make me smile when I drifted into my memories. It turned out to be even better than that.
The hotel has an immaculate white exterior and is very well appointed. It's the perfect place to relax at the journey's end. There's a bar with a wood burning stove and a restaurant with a bay window overlooking the glen.
I had a heavenly crab salad for a starter, followed by the Clova Fish Box. This is fish n' chips, presented in a wooden box printed with the name of the hotel. The haddock is from Arbroath and potatoes from the nearby farm are used to make the chunky chips.
After dinner I took my pint of Clova Ale to the outside tables. I got bitten by swarms of midges, but I didn't care. I was in this wonderful place, listening to bird calls, baa-ing sheep and trickling water from the Corrie Burn.
There's always a 'moment' on a great bike trip where everything feels special and you are so glad that you made the journey. Sitting outside the Glen Clova Hotel was definitely the 'moment' of this trip. Evening wander
I loved that it was still daylight at 9pm and I could keep on exploring. Clova Kirk is opposite the hotel. One of those simple church buildings that are found all over Scotland, but always complement their surroundings. It's made of sandstone and Aberdeenshire granite. It's no longer a parish church and is now mainly used for weddings.
The road goes beyond the hotel into Glen Doll. Each step that I took revealed somewhere that managed to be even more magical than Glen Clova. I was surrounded by rugged and majestic hillsides- the impact of the melting glacier was clearly on show. It was a tantalising glimpse of where I would cycle tomorrow.
Glen Doll
After a breakfast of poached eggs I cycled into Glen Doll. Mist hung in the air, creating that mysterious and authentic Scottish glen atmosphere.
I passed rocky outcrops where some sheep had got themselves into precarious positions.
The road between Glen Clova and the Glen Doll Ranger Base is only 3.5 miles, but it is one of the most beautiful short cycle rides I have experienced.
Glen Doll is very popular for walking. I saw signs and boards with route maps. There is a lot to explore here and I made a note to return one day.
Where to next?
0 Comments
This is a masterclass in travel writing. It's a collection of encounters with people who live in these lands, expertly curated by the author. You will learn a lot about what life is like here and what people think of the political situation. There is plenty of cycling action, the joys of travelling by bike are recorded immaculately in this book, but it is primarily about the place and the people who live there.
The prologue of this book has one of the best love notes to bicycle travel I have ever read. It's just a couple of paragraphs, but it perfectly captures why travel by bicycle is one of the most beautiful things in life. Sayarer is a master of detail. I was stunned at the level of detail in the opening chapter- his arrival into Israel, the encounters with the border guards, and then his departure from the airport into Tel Aviv. This care and attention to recording everything that he experiences makes this an exquisite read and it made me feel like I was travelling with the author. He records his conversations with people in similar detail. Again it felt like I was in the room, or by the roadside, listening to these people talking. It's an interesting mix of people that the encounters- hip-hop artists, cyclists, brewers, Bedouin and more. Then there is the food. Sayarer describes it so well that you can practically taste it. In particular, his love of hummus will have you ditching the supermarket stuff and searching for recipes that will taste as good as it does in this part of the world. I adored the chapter about the author's first night in Ramallah. It's just a couple of pages, but it so perfectly expresses the joy for life that he witnesses. So often the media portray Palestine as a place of struggle, but by simply recording what he sees Sayarer opens our eyes to the spirit of the place. As you might expect this journey has plenty of tense situations. Guns. Border crossings. Soldiers. But what I will remember the most about this book is that travel in this region can be complex, but also beautiful. CJC 1295 ist ein Peptidhormon, auch bekannt als GHRH, das die Produktion von Wachstumshormonen anregen soll. CJC 1295 wirkt direkt auf die Hirnanhangsdrüse, was zu einem Anstieg der Wachstumshormonsynthese im menschlichen Körper führt. CJC 1295 wird in der westlichen Welt schon seit langem erfolgreich eingesetzt. Zuerst wurde es in Kombination mit anderen Peptiden am Ende des Steroidzyklus verwendet, um die anabole Wirkung zu verstärken, und jetzt ist CJC 1295 (Sie können es in unserem Shop kaufen) ein direkter Konkurrent für viele anabole Steroide, während es absolut sicher und legal ist. Das Peptid hat eine Halbwertszeit von etwa 30 Minuten, was als guter Wert angesehen wird. CJC 1295 erfreut sich aufgrund seiner langen Halbwertszeit und seiner stabilen Wirkung zunehmender Beliebtheit.
Mehrere klinische Studien haben gezeigt, dass bereits eine einzige Injektion dieses Peptids einen deutlichen Anstieg des Wachstumshormonspiegels bewirkt! Sie können Steroide legal in Deutschland kaufen, indem Sie eine Bestellung in unserem Online-Sportshop aufgeben. Welche Auswirkungen hat dieses Medikament? Zahlreiche Studien haben bewiesen, dass CJC 1295 die gleichen Eigenschaften und positiven Wirkungen hat wie ein normales Wachstumshormon. Dies ist nur natürlich, da ihre Wirkmechanismen sehr ähnlich sind. Sie können auf die folgenden Wirkungen dieser Zubereitung hinweisen: o Erhöhung des Energiepotenzials des Körpers; o Stärkung und Regeneration des Skelett- und Knorpelsystems; o deutliche Beschleunigung der Fettverbrennung; o Stimulation der Muskelmasse und des Kraftzuwachses; o allgemeine Verbesserung der Gesundheit und des Immunsystems; o Verkürzung der Erholungszeit nach längerer körperlicher Anstrengung; o Verlangsamen den Alterungsprozess und verjüngen den Körper im Allgemeinen. Um den Alterungsprozess zu verlangsamen, sollte dieses Produkt einmal täglich (vor dem Schlafengehen) verabreicht werden. Im Bodybuilding und Powerlifting wird CJC 1295 nach anderen Schemata verwendet, die im Folgenden beschrieben werden. Besonderheiten und Arten der Anwendung von Arzneimitteln Das Arzneimittel wird subkutan oder intramuskulär verabreicht. Eine optimale Einzeldosis liegt bei 1-2 Mikrogramm pro Kilogramm Körpergewicht. Diese Injektion sollte bis zu dreimal durchgeführt werden, um die beste anabole Wirkung zu erzielen, oder einmal, um den Körper zu verjüngen. Für einen Sportler mit einem Gewicht von 100 kg würde also eine einzige Injektion von 100 mcg CJC 1295 für 7-20 Tage ausreichen, je nachdem, wie viele Injektionen pro Tag gesetzt werden. Das Arzneimittel muss in 1-2 ml eines speziellen Injektionswassers verdünnt werden. Die Injektionen sollten in einem Mindestabstand von drei Stunden erfolgen. Die beste Zeit für die Einnahme des Peptide: nach dem Training, vor dem Schlafengehen und vor den Mahlzeiten. Scotland takes its cycling seriously. And that only makes sense for the land of blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan, born and raised in Dumfries and Galloway, who invented the pedal-driven bicycle. Hopping on a bike is one of the greatest ways to explore the country from north to south. Scotland is therefore a dream come true for professional and amateur cyclists alike. The country may boast no prestigious race to rival the Tour de France or the Giro. Still, tremendous events are held throughout the year. While the Tour of Britain won’t visit Scotland in 2023, the coming year looks to be an exciting time for bike lovers nonetheless. So, from world championships to sportives, here are a few events not to miss. Tour de ForthSports can be an extraordinary means of coming together for the greater good. And the Tour de Forth is a perfect example of that giving spirit. A charity fundraising sportive, Tour de Forth raises funds for local charity Cash for Kids. The event features two distinct routes for bikers willing to make a change pedalling. A classic route starts west of Edinburg and circles around the River Forth, spanning 68 miles/109km. The Nouveau, on the other hand, is a shorter 36 miles/58 km route by the River Forth and back to RBS Gogarburn. The next tour will kick off on Sunday, 11 June. Paying a small standard fee, participants can enter the race by registering on the British Cycling website. Bealach MorThe Bealach Mor is arguably one of the most scenic rides in Scotland. Running for 90 miles through the grandiose Highlands, this event is also particularly challenging as the route takes riders on the steepest and toughest hill climb there is in the UK. Of course, bikers can take comfort in the splendour of the rugged cliffs and mesmerising lochs all around glens Docherty and Carron. The route also graces its participants with an astonishing view of the Isle of Skye before branching off through the Applecross peninsula and all the way back to Kinlochewe. If you’re planning a Scottish trip, come 9th September, you might as well watch the epic Bealach Mor. UCI Cycling World ChampionshipsA massive event is coming to Scotland for the first time in 2023, as Glasgow gears up for hosting the UCI Cycling World Championships. Combining all thirteen world championships into one, these championships will be nothing less than the biggest cycling event ever. From BMX freestyle flatland to indoor cycling and para-cycling tracks, competition events will mix with medal events. And this championship of pharaonic proportions will start on Thursday, 3 August to wrap up on Sunday, 13 August. So, who will lift the most trophies? Punters can check out top betting hubs like SBO to start placing their bets. Expert bettors have reviewed the best online bookies offering betting options on cycling, among other popular sports. First-timers may even find free tips and tricks to improve their betting strategies. Better yet, lofty bonuses and free bets await on the most profitable sportsbooks. Chain Reaction Tweedlove Bike FestivalBike lovers, rejoice, for one of the biggest bike festivals in Scotland is coming back in 2023. The latest edition celebrated its twelfth anniversary in stylish fashion around the Scottish Borders, and next year’s programme is bound to be as eclectic. Riders may thus have a blast on the greatest rides of the Tweed Valley while on-lookers cheer them out. But spectators might as well sip a local brew at the festival bar or take a bite at a street food stall. The festival also offers an array of family-friendly activities, including an outdoor kids’ cinema night. So, book your schedule on 29 and 30 April to join in on the fun. Thrive BikeBallater inaugurated its first bike festival last year with a long weekend of entertainment for bikers and amateur riders. And Thrive Bike returns in 2023 with a splash. Cycling events, demo rides from established brands, guided mountain bike rides to get non-bikers back on the saddle, you name it. The festival even caters to families with a children’s play area boasting stunt shows and sender ramps, amongst other fun-filled activities. Besides, all proceeds directly go to the local trail network and the Aberdeen Trail Association alongside a number of sanctioned projects. While the exact schedule is yet to be disclosed, this free event will likely take place sometime in September.
If you are heading out in the evening, pull on this vest, press the button and you will instantly improve your visibility. The Vizirider LED vest features bright LED lights on the front and on the back. I have often worried that the single red light on the rear of my bike is not enough to make me visible to drivers. With this vest that worry disappears as you get an additional 6 red lights on the upper part of your body. Night safetyIt's the law to use bike lights if you cycle on roads in the dark. However, the minimum requirement for a red rear light and white front light can sometimes feel inadequate on some of our roads. Cycling at night is a whole different ball game to cycling in the day and it does need a certain level of confidence to get over the fear that you are going to be hit by a vehicle because the driver does not see you. Some people will simply not venture out in the evening for that reason. The solution is to remove that fear completely by having proper segregated cycling infrastructure. However, that feels like a long way off for many parts of our country, so any product that helps to reduce that fear of night cycling is to be commended. This vest vastly increases your visibility from what you could ever get from a set of bike lights. It covers your whole upper body with lights. It has 6 white lights on the front and 6 red lights on the rear. I've seen other people try to cover this part of their body by attaching a second light to a backpack or helmet, but this vest does a much better job. Simple set upThere's a small power bank that you charge with a USB cable. It's got a red light to indicate that it is charging and this will turn green when it is fully charged. It takes about 2 hours to fully charge it. You then connect the power bank to the vest. There's a neat inside pocket with a connector that you attach the power bank to. There's a velcro flap so that you can close the pocket and keep the power bank secure and protected from rain. That's all there is to the set up. On the outside of the jacket there is a power symbol. On the other side of this symbol is the pocket that has the power bank. The power bank has a button on it and this needs to be be aligned to the power symbol so that you can push it on the outside of the jacket. There are three settings for the lights. Press the button once for a solid light, twice for a fast flash and three times for a slow flash. Using the flashing modes will make the battery last longer. You'll get about 20 hours from the fast flash and 10 hours for the solid lights. Using the vest The vest is super easy to use. Pull it on and press the button. That's what makes this such a great product. There's no faff with setting it up. Extra bike lights and lights that you have to attach to your backpack or helmet require set up time. It can make leaving the house more time consuming than it needs to be. The lights on this vest are excellent quality and the level of visibility that they provide is superb. I felt a lot more confident wearing this vest than I did when I just relied on my single red rear light. Weather performanceThe vest is water resistant, wind resistant and breathable. The lights are waterproof. I used it in rain and it performed well. Vizirider also offer jackets with LED lights. That's a good option if you don't already have a cycling jacket or want something a bit more substantial for wetter weather. They also have gilets so check out their website for other options. Summary and costThis vest currently retails for £39. It's good value when you consider you get a high-visibility vest plus 6 lights.
This product is a really great idea. It provides a practical solution to improving the visibility of the upper part of a cyclist's body. Personally I feel more confident heading out into the dark wearing this vest. It makes me much more visible to other road users. I love that it is so easy to set it up when you are going out. You can just grab it off the peg, like you would with any coat, and you are ready to go. This book is about using the power of your mind to ride your best. The subjects of cycling fitness and nutrition are well documented, but how to train the cycling mind is a less familiar aspect. I found it a fascinating read which gave me lots of tips and advice about mental training.
It's written by two renowned experts. Mark Beaumont, the Scottish cycling legend and Dr Jim Taylor who is a leading authority on sports psychology. This book isn't just for round the world cyclists or serious racing cyclists, it's for everyone who uses a bicycle. This is summed up nicely in this quote from the book: "...it is about getting the most out of yourself and your life...to give you the inspiration, insights, information, and tools to find your own personal greatness, and experience essential meaning, satisfaction, and joy in both your cycling and life journeys." This is a key point- the information in this book can be just as useful in everyday life. It's about using your mind to overcome adversity and become a more positive person. The book has 240 pages with a sharp design that features bold images of Mark on his training runs. There are tips and exercises that can help you to train your mind. It's thought-provoking stuff and it made me think about my rides and how I can apply this knowledge to ride better. Take the chapter on 'attitudes'. It teaches you to have a positive attitude when you go on a ride. If its bad weather you could moan about this and it will have a negative impact on your performance. But if you see bad weather as just a part of the experience of riding a bike you will feel more positive about it. You will see it as something that you take on to achieve your goal. There's so much great content in this book. There's even a chapter about emotions with tips on how to overcome the trauma of a bike crash. I found the most interesting chapter to be the one on 'self-talk' which is about the things you tell yourself when you are riding a bike. Negative self-talk, like saying "I can't do this" when faced with a steep hill will have a negative impact on performance. The book tells you how to train yourself to use positive self-talk, even in challenging situations. The book is filled with real life examples of cycling psychology from Mark Beaumont. These sections are called 'inside Mark's mind'. For anyone who has followed the cycling adventures of Mark this is the highlight of the book. It provides an intimate and personal insight to what was going on in Mark's mind when facing these challenges. For example, he recalls a low point during his around the world cycle. He was in Canada and encountered a herd of bison. He found this experience with nature exhilarating. It helped him to refocus on why he loves adventure cycling, that opportunity to see amazing things. It pulled him out of the mental low point. This book delivers on both the insight into Mark's cycling mind and providing you with practical advice. It's not just for adventure and competitive cyclists, but anyone who wants to improve their mental fitness. The Complete Guide to Cycling Psychology is published by the Global Cycling Network. You can buy a copy from the GCN website. Are you in the market for a BMX bike? If so, it's important to choose the right one for your needs. There are many different types of BMX bikes available, and the price can vary greatly depending on the features and specifications. So, how do you know which one is right for you? In this article, we will discuss the different factors you need to consider when choosing a BMX bike. We will also provide some tips on how to find the best deal on a BMX bike price in order to fit your budget. Let's get started!
What to look for when choosing a BMX bike? When choosing a BMX bike, it's important to consider the type of riding you'll be doing. If you're mostly going to be riding street, then you'll want a bike with larger diameter tires and a beefier frame. If you're going to be doing mostly tricks in the park or on dirt trails, then you'll want a bike with smaller tires and a lighter frame. Other things to consider when choosing a BMX bike include the frame material (steel vs aluminum), number of gears (1 gear or 3 gears), and brake type (v-brakes or coaster brakes). It's also important to make sure the bike fits properly, so be sure to get fitted by a professional before making your purchase. What are the different types of BMX bikes available? There are four main types of BMX bikes: racing, street, dirt, and park. Racing bikes are designed for speed and performance on race tracks. They typically have a lightweight frame and low gearing to allow for fast acceleration. Street bikes are built for stunts and tricks on city streets. They typically feature a heavier frame and more robust components to withstand the wear and tear of urban riding. Dirt bikes are designed for off-road riding in rocky terrain or mud pits. They usually have large knobby tires for traction and high ground clearance to help clear obstacles. Park bikes are designed for use in skate parks or bike parks. They typically have a heavy frame and long wheelbase for stability when performing tricks. How to know which BMX bike type is the best for your needs? The best BMX bike for your needs depends on what you'll be using it for. If you're just starting out, a basic model is probably the best choice. But if you're looking for something more advanced, there are a few things to consider. For starters, think about what type of terrain you'll be riding on most often. If you'll mostly be riding on paved roads or in skate parks, then a street or park bike would be best. But if you're planning to ride off-road or through obstacles, you'll need a bike with thicker tires and a more robust frame. Also, consider your height and weight when choosing a BMX bike. Larger riders may prefer a bike with a longer wheelbase, while smaller riders may prefer a bike with a shorter wheelbase. And if you're planning to do any stunts on your BMX bike, be sure to choose one that's designed for that purpose. How to determine the right size BMX bike for you? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best size BMX bike for you will depend on your height, weight, and riding style. That said, here are three tips to help you find the right size BMX bike for you: 1. Consult the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to find the appropriate frame size for your height. 2. Choose a BMX bike that's proportional to your weight. Heavier riders should choose bikes with thicker frames and vice versa. 3. Test out different sizes and styles of BMX bikes until you find one that feels comfortable and fits your riding style. Where to find the best price deals on BMX bikes? There are a few places you can find good deals on BMX bike price that will fit your budget. One is online, where you can compare prices from different retailers. Another is at bike shops, which often have sales throughout the year. Finally, you can also check classified ads and online auction sites for used BMX bikes. Whatever route you take, be sure to research the bike before buying it to make sure you're getting a good deal. Also, don't forget to factor in the cost of accessories such as helmets and pads when calculating how much you're spending on your bike. Why do we travel? How many of us have asked ourselves this question before booking a plane ticket or preparing for a long solo trip, perhaps by bicycle or car? The truth is that most people take trips out of necessity, convenience, or even when they don't know exactly how to fill their time. Very few consider travel as a deeply intense and all-encompassing experience, as an interval of time that holds endless possibilities for one's spiritual advancement and material self-improvement.
When planning a trip, most people are naturally inclined to focus on the destination, on the activities to be accomplished when one reaches one's destination, so as to live this experience to the fullest without missing anything. People reason this way because they are used to planning their activities according to a purpose, a goal to be achieved, which is almost always located in the future. It happens not only in the planning stages of a journey, but also in everything we do throughout our day. Think about it for a moment: every action you take, from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed, has a purpose, a goal. You check your Apple iPhone just to fulfill your inner vanity, you eat breakfast to alleviate hunger pangs, you undress and shower to look presentable and impeccable in society, or in the workplace, and you go to work to support your family, or to ensure yourself maintaining a certain lifestyle, which you would not want to give up even for all the gold in the world. The destination and the journey The same principles, in virtually the same way, are also applied to travel, regardless of the means or mode used to reach one's destination. Anyone who sets out on a journey, more or less invariably, therefore always has a purpose, and in most cases this purpose almost always coincides with reaching the final destination and the activities to indulge in once they arrive at their destination. Very few people focus solely on the journey, on the experiences and emotions one experiences from the moment one leaves a point A until (but not 100% sure) one arrives at point B, i.e., the hypothetical final destination. For all of them, what matters is not so much the destination, but the journey itself. These people, perhaps more than anyone else, have understood the value of focusing on the present moment, on all that we are seeing and experiencing at this exact moment, and not on all that will happen in the future, i.e., at a time not yet well specified in time and space. It is for this reason that some of the most exciting travel experiences are had solo, when traveling with the sole company of one's bicycle or other means of transportation. For these reasons, all those who wish to make their travel experience even more exhilarating should definitely purchase volumes focused on certain Eastern philosophies, especially Zen, which focuses especially on the value of the present moment in every action of our lives. The convenience of the Internet With the incredible opportunities provided by technologies like Kindle, these books can be browsed conveniently online, or they can be listened to while you are traveling by bike or motorcycle. The contents of these books will not only make you much more aware, but will also help you appreciate every single moment of your journey, including the breaks and moments when you are not busy riding or driving. Every moment of pause will therefore turn into a valuable opportunity to experience other emotions, to find short forms of enjoyment with which to fill this reduced space of time. It will therefore not be passive and unproductive contemplation, perhaps in the most common social media, but active and engaging entertainment, maximally exciting. One of the most accessible forms of entertainment, even by those engaged in travel, is certainly that offered by gambling portals such as Vegasslotsonline.com, which offer large varieties of free slot machines and casino games with which to enrich one's free time, indulging in an electrifying and stimulating activity. The wide variety of games on the portal can meet the needs of any user, even those with little time on their hands. In fact, the vast assortment of play experiences on the site allows anyone to find the game best suited to their tastes, in a simple and extremely practical way. We were born to travel, to move around, to explore the world. If you begin to do this with awareness, you will have almost achieved perfect happiness. Are you thinking about cycling to work to help save yourself money or help reduce your impact on the planet? Perhaps you’re an employer who’d love to encourage your team to adopt a greener form of transport to boost your organisation’s sustainability practices?
If so, the UK government’s Cycle to Work Scheme could be the ideal solution. It enables employees to get the bike or safety equipment they need in a more affordable and manageable way whilst providing financial benefits to the employer too. So, what is the Cycle to Work Scheme and who can take part? What benefits can it offer to employees and employers alike? Let’s take a look. What is a Cycle to Work scheme? The Cycle to Work Scheme is a UK government initiative aimed to help reduce pollution, get people fitter and healthier and benefit the environment. Part of the Green Transport Plan, the scheme allows employees to hire or buy cycling and safety equipment completely tax-free, they don’t have to pay tax or National Insurance on these products. The employer pays upfront for the cycling equipment then you pay it back over the course of several months, directly from your salary. Not only do they get back the full sum, but they also get an extra 15.05%. To take part, employers need to sign up for the scheme first. Then you can calculate your budget, apply for your eCertificate and get shopping for your new bike and cycling safety equipment. Who can take advantage of the scheme? Any employer can take part in the Cycle to Work Scheme, whether they’re in the private or public sectors. They simply need to register with the online system to get started. If you’re an employee and want to get a new bike to cycle to work you’ll need to:
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has also widened the scheme to allow employees who are working remotely to take part. This is exciting because it gives employees the freedom to use co-working and alternative office spaces allowing them to collaborate with other team members and ease some of the pressures of working from home, whilst getting a mini workout in! Why take part in the Cycle to Work Scheme? Both employers and employees can benefit enormously by taking part in the scheme and commuting to work by bike. Here are some of the most compelling of these. #1: It benefits the environment With climate change and sustainability hot topics for businesses and individuals across the country, many are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the planet. Opting for a greener form of transport is one of the most powerful ways we can do this. According to The Energy Saving Trust, “Transport is the single biggest contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the UK, making up 24% of all emissions in 2020, mostly from road transport.” By cycling to work instead of taking the car, train or even public transport, we can slash these emissions, avoid using fossil fuels and provide a sustainable option that could help slow the rate of climate change. For the employer, it also demonstrates their sustainability efforts and can be an effective way to show corporate social responsibility and promote the business or organisation. #2: It helps save money With petrol prices hitting a record £1.99 per litre in June 2022 and a soaring cost of living, filling up a tank is becoming unaffordable for many, causing them to rethink their daily commute. Cycle Scheme states, “Cycling burns calories rather than cash. Switch to a bike for your journey to work and you could save over £3,000 every year.” Thanks to the huge financial savings offered by the Cycle to Work Scheme and the fact it spreads the cost of getting hold of cycling equipment, it’s more affordable than ever to make this money-saving change. Employers will benefit too as cycling requires less parking space so it’s easier to find a brilliant office in a location that suits the business, instead of worrying about parking. They can also save 13.8% on National Insurance Contributions, so it’s a financial win-win for all. #3: It’s faster to get to work Choosing to commute by bike can also reduce journey times, ease stress and frustration and help ensure that the employee doesn’t have to worry about being late. Instead of being stuck in congestion for hours or facing frustrations and delays during rush hour traffic, they can use shortcuts and bike lanes, choose a more scenic route and move through traffic much more easily, even if there are huge tailbacks, accidents or roadworks. This means that the employee is more likely to arrive at work relaxed and on time and productivity levels are maintained. #4: It’s great for employee health and fitness We all know that we need to get more active if we want to be as healthy as possible. If we can do so, we’ll boost our circulation, reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes and maintain a healthy weight. But with long hours spent at our desks and multiple responsibilities at home, it can be tricky to fit into the average workday. Cycling to work makes it easier to incorporate movement into the day and leave employees feeling healthier, more focused and motivated and less likely to come down with illnesses that can cause absences from work. #5: It’s great for mental health Cycling is a great way to boost mental health as it helps employees enjoy the uplifting benefits of fresh air, get the ‘brain space’ they need and ease stress and anxiety. Physical activity also helps get those feel-good endorphins flowing and boost their mood, making the employee happier and more productive. Again, it means they’re less likely to suffer from mental health problems, they’ll find it easier to interact with other staff, customers or clients in a positive and friendly way and they’re less likely to take sick days. Conclusion The Cycle to Work Scheme offers employers and employees a huge range of money-saving benefits whilst helping them get the exercise they need, keeping their mental health in check and getting to work faster whilst helping to ease climate change. Scotland. So many castles. If you can't visit them all, how do you choose which ones to visit? If Glamis Castle makes it to your list I can tell you that there's something really special about travelling down the long driveway. The castle gradually comes into view. It looks more and more magnificent the closer you get. It has one of the most beautiful castle shapes I've seen. A clock tower in the middle from where the rest of the building radiates outwards with towers and turrets. How to get thereGlamis Castle is 12 miles from Dundee. If you are cycling to the castle I recommend travelling from Arbroath where the roads are not as busy with traffic. My cycling route to Glamis Castle has all the details. The driveway to the castle is almost one mile long. Cycling down this is the best way to appreciate the unfolding view of the castle. It's just the right speed to get the full affect of the big reveal. I think doing it in a motor vehicle wouldn't be quite as impressive because you would get there too quickly. 125 roomsThe guided tour lets you see 10 of the 125 rooms in Glamis Castle. I think a 10 room house sounds extravagant, but 125 rooms is on a whole other level. I can't even begin to imagine what it feels like to live somewhere with that many rooms. The Billiards Room is one of my favourites at Glamis. It's got a fine collection of books, the oldest one dates from 1510. The billiards table has a label that says 'The perfect cushions. Hurston & Co. Ltd. Leicester Square.' The burn marks on the table were caused by soldiers putting out cigarettes when the castle was used as a war hospital in the Great War. Jesus wearing a hatDid you know that there are only 6 paintings in the world that depict Christ wearing a hat? And that one of those paintings is in the chapel of Glamis Castle? It's the little details like this painting that I enjoyed the most about the guided tour. Here's another one- there's a travelling chest in Glamis that's made of shark skin. The idea was that if the chest fell off a boat and into the water the shark skin made it waterproof and protected the contents. A pet bear called FredThere's a lot of taxidermy in the castle. The most intriguing is a bear who was a family pet called Fred. My guide told me that Fred used to be taken walks on a leash and on one occasion he came off the leash and had an unfortunate encounter with a Highland Cow. The cow was protective of its calf and killed Fred. Royal connectionGlamis was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. She was the daughter of the 14th Earl of Strathmore- the castle is the ancestral seat of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne. There are Royal Apartments where there is a phone with a direct dial to Buckingham Palace. Castle kitchenYou usually find a tea room in historic properties, but Glamis has something that is a bit more special. It's called the Castle Kitchen and is located inside the huge Victorian kitchens, so there are plenty of original features. The menu features fruit and vegetables from the Castle's walled garden and you can even have afternoon tea with a glass of presecco. On my visit I had the pea soup and it was thick, tasty and comforting. GardensIt's the outdoor space that's often my favourite thing when visiting a Scottish castle. In my opinion the gardens at Cawdor Castle are hard to beat, but Glamis has the gorgeous Italian Garden. It's got an interesting layout of hedges and trees, including the most amazing tree canopy I have ever seen. It's like a train station canopy, but made of trees. I was delighted by this structure and it was my favourite part of the gardens. It must have involved people with great talent, skill and a love for gardening. When I walked under it I looked up to marvel at the network of interwoven branches. In wet weather, I imagine, this is a good place to keep dry. Highland cattle and moreIf you love Scotland's iconic Highland coo then Glamis is a great place to see them. There's also pleasant walks by the Dean Water, including a chance to cross the beautiful Earl Michael Bridge. There's a pet cemetery that has headstones for the family pets, including a dog called Fizz Wizzie and a guinea pig called Happy. The Great Sundial of 1671 was used to set the castle's clocks. It's 7 metres high. Glamis villageOutside the castle grounds you will find this lovely village with attractive cottages and stone buildings. It was built, mainly, to rehouse estate workers when the castle was being redeveloped under the 9th Earl of Starthmore. More castlesYou might’ve heard of the UNESCO Trail hosted on VisitScotland’s site, but this year, VisitScotland have decided to reimagine the trail through the eyes of AI. AI imagery has taken the world by storm in recent years, but its popularity has increased extensively with platforms such as TikTok creating a text-to-image AI-generated filter. VisitScotland challenged this AI technology to see what it thought each of Scotland's 13 UNESCO designations looked like. Believe it or not, the AI generated the images by learning the specific aesthetics of each location by analysing over a thousand curated images, and then combining them to create new depictions in line with the real-life photos it had been exposed to! Whilst lots of the UNESCO trail is easily accessible for cyclists, we wanted to share our top bicycle-friendly designations to inspire your trip this year. There are a range of distances and gradients to navigate here. Also, with these rides, put Strava to the back of your mind. If you’re too busy focusing on clocking up those miles, you’ll surely miss out. The Scottish scenery is nothing short of stunning! EdinburghScotland’s beautiful capital is home to some of the most breathtaking cycling routes in the country. One unmissable trip is the route from Edinburgh to Pennicuick; this 38-mile return journey winds through low traffic marked paths and will guide you through serene rivers, historical railway architecture and lush county side views. This passage will lead you to Rosslyn Chapel, just 7 miles south of Edinburgh and famous for its feature in the best-selling book, The Da Vinci Code. This picturesque location offers a historically immersive experience like no other. The AI-generated imagery depicts the diverse landscapes of Edinburgh, and it is this variety of paths, trails and hidden treasures that makes Edinburgh so unique. Galloway and Southern AyrshireA hub of untouched coastline and woodland, this Biosphere offers endless opportunities for natural discovery. The AI-generated imagery above shows the vast range of wildlife and nature that resides in this stunning area. This site offers a perfect location for you to hop off the saddle and venture into Galloway Forest Park, renowned for its gold-standard dark skies. We suggest visiting after hours to find yourself underneath luminous stars and breathtaking constellations. Next, why not follow the cycle route to the majestic Drumlanrig Castle and take a guided tour? Located in the 120,000-acre Queensberry Estate, this 17th Century Castle encompasses all that is grand and luxurious. This site has a variety of cycling routes designed to suit everyone from beginners to experts. North West HighlandsThis Geopark stretches over 2,000 square kilometres and is a location defined, but it’s expansive sandy white beaches, atmospheric rock caves and rich biodiversity.
The AI image captures these features via its rocky coastlines that contrast with its soaring mountains. Why not embark on your own adventure, by exploring one of the six Pebble Routes that the Highlands offer? By exploring these routes by bike, you are offered the unique opportunity to observe lesser known paths, and can truly embrace nature at a slow and steady pace (the best way to do it). So, what are you waiting for? Get planning your next cycling adventure today, and discover Scotland’s most hidden locations and natural wonders! Our challenge to you is to compare VS’s AI-generated imagery with your own perceptions of these locations? How do they compare? There’s only one way to find out! Jeans. The iconic piece of urban fashion. Almost everyone wears them, but if you use a bicycle to get around you'll probably find jeans to be impractical over longer distances. They can be too tight and too restrictive for the movements you make when riding a bike, but a cycling jean promises to solve these problems. I tried out the Omnia cycling jean from Vulpine, to see how they stood up to the demands of urban cycling. Why cycling in normal jeans is not a great ideaOn my first ever cycle touring trip I wore jeans. That's before I knew anything about selecting the right clothing for cycling. It was a disaster. They were simply too tight for my legs to pedal properly. And when it rained heavily they got soaked through and weighed a ton- they become near on impossible to pedal in. I learned my lesson that jeans and cycling don't go together. Why a cycling jean is a great ideaAfter that experience I kept my jeans packed away in the panniers and only wore them off the bike. I switched to specialist cycling shorts when going on cycle tours. However, when I am riding in the city I don't want the faff of getting changed when I arrive at my destination, or feeling a bit self-conscious in cycling clothes. I want to be able to step off the bike in the clothes I am wearing and step into whatever work or social setting I am attending. Cycling jeans are ideal for this, so I was really excited to try out Vulpine's jeans. Off the bike performance of the Vulpine Jean
A cycling jean that you can also wear when not cycling can save you a bit of money. It means you don't need to invest in separate cycling and non-cycling clothes. You can just have 'clothes' that work well on and off your bike. The Vulpine Omnia jeans currently cost £100. This is good value when you consider that these jeans can be worn both on and off the bike. Plus they have some fantastic features that make them practical or riding a bike in. On bike performanceThe first thing I noticed about these jeans is the quality of the finish. They feel like they are made to last, that they will withstand a life on the bike. The stitching is flawless and the feel of the garment is luxurious. On normal jeans there is a seam down the middle of the backside. If you've ridden any great distance in normal jeans you will know that this seam is a major pain point. It hurts! Vulpine's design has a diamond gusset. This is a piece of cotton on the inside that protects you from the seams. This feature works brilliantly and I had no issues on my 5 mile commute. With these jeans your movements are not restricted like they are with normal jeans. Normal jeans can feel stiff and rub against your skin. Vulpine has clearly thought about the movements you make when riding a bike and incorporated this into the design. In particular, the area around the knees is great for ease of movement compared to a normal jean. There's a high waist band to stop the jeans slipping down as you ride. There are some reflective details for night time cycling. These are on the side of the back pockets and if you roll up the trouser leg, there's some there. I love that these cycling specific features are practical, but also subtle. You don't notice them and that means it can look and function like a normal pair of jeans when you are not riding your bike. I would have preferred slightly deeper side pockets. I was always slightly worried that my phone or cards would slip out, especially if there was a bump on the road. To be fair they never did fall out, so it's a minor criticism. Rain and longer distancesThe jeans are not waterproof, but I tried them out in a light rain shower. It was about a 5 mile ride and they were fine. They didn't get soaked through or stick to my skin or become too heavy, like normal jeans would. If the rain is heavier then I'd be reaching for waterproofs anyway, but for light rain I would just keep going, safe in the knowledge that they would dry off pretty quickly once I got to my destination. These jeans are really for urban cycling and I would choose something else for cycle touring. I didn't test them out on longer distances simply because I wouldn't ever choose or recommend cycling jeans for that purpose. SummaryThese cycling jeans are superb. They have all the practical features that you need for cycling and they also look great off the bike. For urban cycling these jeans make a great addition to your wardrobe. You'll find them on the Vulpine website. More Vulpine reviewsI've reviewed more of Vulpine's clothing, including:
For those of us who love to cycle, speed is crucial. Cycling fast burns more calories than leisurely bike rides, and it also allows you to feel the unique thrill of connecting with your bike and being at one with it.
Once you start cycling fast, it’s hard to stop, and many riders become addicted to the thrill and want to compete in races and contests to show off their prowess. While your physical fitness is key to your ability to ride fast, the performance of your bike is also an essential factor. High-performance bikes are made up of many components, and each of these needs to be at its peak proficiency to ensure that you reach the best possible speed. Here are some of the upgrades you can make to your bike to improve its speed and enjoy the riding experience you crave. New Brakes It might seem counter-intuitive to replace your brakes to improve your speed, as brakes help you to stop your bike. However, when you’re riding fast, you need to be able to control your bike, particularly when cycling at altitude or taking corners. Usually, you can replace the bike brake pads after between 500-1000 miles, but if you ride a lot and on uneven terrain, then you might want to consider doing this more frequently. The braking mechanism might need replacing if it becomes squeaky or doesn’t respond as fast as it used to. If you’re in doubt, take your bike to your local cycle shop to see what they recommend. They can test your brakes and check that they are working correctly and will give you the best possible performance. High-Performance Bottom Brackets Bottom brackets are easy to overlook, but they’re an essential part of your bike, as they connect the crankset to the frame. The spindle of the crank rotates within the bearings of the bottom bracket and allows the crankset to move, ensuring a smooth ride and comfort for the rider. Poorly designed bottom brackets can create unnecessary drag and can inhibit the speed of your bike; causing the rider to use unnecessary energy. They're effectively required to produce more watts to produce a certain speed. If you’re looking for high-quality replacement bottom brackets for your bike, then SN-VITAE offers a selection of quality options. This company specialises in precision cycling components, and their bottom brackets create a frictionless riding experience for greater speed and comfort when cycling in races and endurance contests. Wider Tyres Having wider tyres can help you to improve the stability and increase the speed of your bike. So, if you want to make your bike go faster and be better equipped to ride on a variety of surfaces, then you should consider upgrading your tyres. Putting new tyres on your bike will also give you a better performance initially, as the tread will be fresh and won’t be worn down. After you’ve added wider tyres to your bike, you should continue to check your tyres regularly and make sure that they have enough pressure and aren’t worn down. If you notice any damage to your bike tyres, you should be proactive, as poor-quality tyres could harm your bike and increase the likelihood of accidents, which can be incredibly dangerous when you’re cycling at high speeds. There are many ways to lose weight nowadays, but cycling is a standout favourite as it allows you to take part in physical exercise, get outdoors and explore fresh surroundings. It is also an amazing way to improve your mental well-being and give you an excuse to sneak out and have some alone time. Just how many Brits are taking to the road on their bicycles? 42 per cent of the population have access to or own a bicycle. In some parts of central London, cyclists are the kings of the road. According to The Times, cyclists account for 87 percent of traffic on a section of Lambeth Road and 81 percent on Royal Mint Street in the City, with four other locations recording between 55 per cent and 63 per cent. To complement your weight loss journey through cycling, it's essential to consider various factors affecting your overall health and fitness. While cycling provides numerous benefits, such as physical activity and mental well-being, optimizing your body's performance may involve exploring additional avenues like testosterone replacement therapy. If you're intrigued by this and think you may require it, consider exploring options like this TRT Summerville clinic to support your wellness goals alongside your cycling routine. If you’re looking to take up cycling for its health benefits, take a look at simple but sure-fire ways to help you lose weight the right way: Set realistic goalsThe most important first step to losing weight is to choose a healthy target to aim for. The most common basis is your Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a calculation of your size that takes into account your height and weight and tells you whether you fall below under- or over-weight, normal or obese. Since you are training your body to become fitter and use energy more efficiently, it is also worth keeping track of your cycling progress. You can opt to set distance, time or even calorie goals per session, then slowly build up the intensity as you go along. A smartwatch with an accompanying app can help keep track of these and keep you motivated. According to John Hopkins cardiologist Seth Martin, M.D., M.H.S., tracking likely helps a lot of people when combined with a clear goal to shoot for. In no time, you'll be hitting those BMI and cycling goals. Make smart nutritional choicesYour body is your vehicle, so watching what you put in your body is equally as important as watching the numbers go down. To get the most out of your cycling sessions, you should be maintaining your blood glucose concentration, and you do this by consuming an adequate amount of food and fluid. Instead of following a fad diet to complement your weight loss plans, WeightWatchers recommend using weight loss programmes that are completely personalised to your specific needs and preferences. No two people are the same so find a plan that makes it easier for you to make healthy food choices. Losing weight should feel celebratory – not like a punishment. Ride at a moderate pace oftenTo successfully burn calories, you must ride at a pace that raises your heart rate to approximately 68 and 79 percent of your maximum capacity. Monitoring your smartwatch or fitness tracker while cycling will allow you to keep track of whether or not you’re hitting this. If you want to keep your eyes on the road, aim for a cycling pace that leaves you out of breath while still being able to maintain a conversation. Take note of how this feels for you, as most of your sessions need to be at this level – often referred to as base training. Cycle to workOne of the amazing things about cycling is that it is also an efficient means of transportation. If you’re finding it challenging to find time to cycle regularly, making little lifestyle changes like including cycling to work gives you the chance to get a regular amount of exercise in the time that you would have spent on the tube. In fact, people who switched from driving or taking public transportation to cycling dropped an average of 7kg (1 stone) over the course of a year when biking 30 minutes each way. As a testament to this, the UK government even recently released word that GPs will start issuing social prescriptions, cycling being one of them, as part of a new trial to improve physical and mental health. This program will be tested in 11 local authority areas like Cornwall, Leeds and Nottingham.
Last and most importantly, enjoy cycling. Whether you prefer a leisure stroll along country roads, an exhilarating zip along mountain bike trails, long unplanned rides on your own or a social ride with friends, there's a lot to find fun in. You'll nearly forget you're exercising while you're doing it.
Glamis Castle is in Angus, not far from Dundee and you can get there by following my cycling route.
Route highlights
Start at Arbroath station
Glamis Castle is only 12 miles from Dundee, however, there are a lot of busy roads in and around Dundee. That's why I recommend taking your bike on the train to Arbroath. Although this means a longer, 20 mile cycle, you will be on quieter roads. I experienced long stretches with no motor vehicles on the road.
A train to Arbroath takes around:
You should leave the station via Keptie Street. This is where you will find the Keptie Bakery. They are know for their award winning pies and scones. Take the B9127
Once you have left Arbroath it's pretty standard Scottish B-road scenery. It's farming country. It's pleasant, but nothing to get too excited about.
The one thing that stood out was the interesting place names- Hayhillock, Kirkbuddo, Whigstreet. The highest hill in the area is called Carrot Hill. Milton Haugh Farm Shop
After 6.5 miles you come to a farm shop, located inside a converted barn. It's worth stopping here to pick up some fresh, Angus, produce. I bought some delicious raspberries that oozed with sweet, luscious juiciness.
There's also a cafe serving good coffee, home baking, soups, baked potatoes and other meals. It's got roof beams, a wagon wheel chandelier and a mural with a farming scene of tractor in the fields and a happy family.
Inverarity Parish Church
Surounded by farmlands is this small white church of a type you can see in many parts of Scotland. It's about 7 miles from Milton Haugh Farm Shop. The church is Georgian architecture and was built in 1754. A simple design, but I love churches like this.
Inverarity has a couple of unusual features. The bell is from Holland, cast around 1614. There's a stained glass window that has three geese.
There are some interesting headstones at Inverarity. Look out for the elaborately carved stone that was purchased by a watchmaker in Forfar for his sister.
Mountain time
The final 6.7 miles of the route were the best part. This is where Angus really starts to show off. There are tree-lined sections of road that are so pretty you'll want them to last forever. It's the countryside roads that are in your cycling dreams. It's like a scene from a painting because it is so perfect.
Then the Cairngorms mountain range comes into view. This happens all of a sudden, in dramatic fashion. After miles of farming land the mountains appear on the horizon. It feels like the whole ride has been building up to this finale.
There is a bit of a climb to get to this point, but it is followed by a fast descent that will have you crying out for joy, or at least grinning all the way. As you race to the bottom your eyes are drawn to the mountain panorama.
Visiting Glamis Castle
Find out what there is to see and do in my blog about Glamis Castle
|
|