I love that there are more and more sustainable cycling products available and this is the first time I have come across a recycled cycling jersey. It's from Craft Cadence, a London company that specialises in gear for cycling commuters. They asked if I could review one, so I tried it out over the summer and pretty much love everything about it. I always use a cycling jersey in warmer weather. Although the main market for this type of clothing is road cyclists I have always used jerseys when cycle touring and for commuting. I Find them to be the best clothing to keep me cool because of their wicking action. The close fit is ideal for cycling and the quality makes them pretty indestructible, they tend to last forever. The rear storage pockets often mean I don't need to carry a bag. Would a recycled jersey provide all these features? Initially I was a bit concerned that a jersey made from recycled material would not match the performance capabilities of a standard cycling jersey. I had no need to worry. From the moment I put this garment on I found it to be as good as any other jersey I have used. Comfort, fit and style I loved the feel of the material. It felt nice against my skin. I tried comparing the feel of it to one of my standard cycling jerseys and could not notice enough of a difference. The fit was great. Just the right balance. It was close fitting, but not body hugging. I like the teal colour with the black dots. I think it looks awesome. It also comes in orange and a couple of designs in black. Testing the jersey on a warm day I wore the jersey on some really warm days. Twenty-five degrees might not sound much, but this is Scotland and I start to feel too hot in anything over 17 degrees! Not once did I feel sweaty as the jersey did its job brilliantly of wicking away the moisture. At the end of one of those warm days a smell test showed that the jersey didn't need to go in the wash. I could get a good few rides out of it before it needed a wash. When I did wash it the jersey came out looking as good as new, and its probably had over 15 washes since I got it. Pockets and other features The three rear pockets are well made and reinforced. Anything that you keep in there will not be falling out if you happen to bounce over something during your ride. One of the pockets has a small zipped section, for a bit of extra security for belongings. There is some reflective material under the pockets, but it doesn't seem like very much for it to be that effective. However, with bike lights and reflectors it will be an addition to your arsenal of night time safety measures.  The rear of the cycling jersey has a recycled logo Made from recycled plastic bottles
Cycling is sustainable transport, so all of the gear that comes with it should also be sustainable. That's why I was thrilled to come across a cycling jersey that is made from recycled bottles. My review has shown that the recycled material is up to the job and I could detect no difference when compared to the material of a standard jersey. Cost £64.99 (November 2021). Cycling jerseys are performance clothing and built to last, so they will pay back the cost by lasting for years and helping to make your rides comfortable. Summary This is a quality cycling jersey that looks great and feels great to wear. It is robust and does a superb job of keeping you cool in hot weather. The fact that it is made from recycled material makes me love it even more.
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It is only 4 miles from Cullen to Findochty, but it's one of the best coastal bike rides in Scotland. This short stretch of National Cycle Route One packs in beaches, rock formations and seaside villages.
Cullen Cullen has a grand backdrop of railway viaducts, a sweeping bay and a good selection of antique shops. It is also where Cullen Skink, Scotland's famous fish soup, was created. The cycle route leaves Cullen on the railway viaducts, the perfect spot to look down upon the sparkling blue sea and inviting sands of Cullen Bay. Find out more on my reasons to visit Cullen blog 
Cullen
Bow Fiddle Rock
15 minutes of cycling will take you to the Bow Fiddle Rock, one of the most spectacular coastal formations in Scotland. Find out more on my blog about the Bow Fiddle Rock 
Bow Fiddle Rock
Three creeks shore
It is not just the Bow Fiddle Rock that is impressive around here. An area called three creeks shore has a shingle beach, caves and rock formations that were formed 650 million years ago. It thrives with bird life, including Common Eider Ducks, Rock Doves and Shags. 
Three creeks shore
Portknockie
This village is close to the Bow Fiddle Rock. One of the most striking things about it is the position of the houses, atop the high cliffs. 
Houses of Portknockie sit atop the high cliffs
The harbour is sheltered by a huge rock formation and has an outdoor swimming pool.
Portknockie Harbour, with swimming pool on the left of the picture
Boats in Portknockie Harbour
Findochty
It takes less than 15 minutes to cycle along the gravel track to the next village, Findochty. This is my favourite part of the whole route. It is worth parking your bike and walking to the edge where the coastal scenery reveals itself in all its glory. Sea birds put on a show by swooping elegantly to land on precarious cliff edges.
The approach to Findochty is glorious. The downhill gravel track means you can ease off the pedals and sit back and enjoy that first sight of the white church sitting above the village and the sweep of a sandy bay. That church is what gives the place its distinctive look and makes the arrival into the village so special and memorable.
View towards Findochty
Findochty, despite its obvious beauty, is not a touristy place. Gift shops, seafood restaurants and ice cream parlours are lacking. It surprises me that this location has not been exploited for tourism, but that's also what gives it such appeal. You don't feel like you have ended up somewhere that everyone else has ended up in just because it has 'stuff' for visitors to do. Instead you get to enjoy the place for what it is and it feels all the more special for that.
Findochty bay
A wander around the streets reveals pretty cottages that were built for fishing families.
Rows of cottages, Findochty
And it is worth a wander up to Findochty Church, the building on the elevated position that makes the village look so impressive and distinctive. It dates from 1863 and for the next 24 years, until a bell was installed, a fog horn was used.
Findochty Church
How to get here
The path between Cullen and Fincochty is part of National Cycle Network Route One, but if you are not doing that route the best way to reach the path is from Keith. There's a train station here and it is a 14 mile ride using quiet B-roads to get to Cullen. There is a full description of this route in my blog about the Willows Tearoom. |
