Race Report: Milland Hill Surrey League RR

I was told that Milland Hill was a tough circuit, nothing quite prepared me for the 25 percent gradient though, nor for the fact that we had to go up it eight times. The 65 mile race was composed of eight and a half laps of the 7.5 mile circuit; a circuit of false flats, finished with a gradient that even by Isle of Wight standards was a vicious encounter.

The race started out fast, with a break of two riders getting off early. It was clear from the outset that despite there being a few large teams in the race, there were not many riders that were willing to work. As a result I seemed to find myself on the front a fair bit for the first two laps; working with a select group of others to help reel back the breakaway. Our hard work paid off, as the two escapees were brought back into the main bunch towards the end of lap two.

For most of lap three I sat back in and tried to regain a bit of strength, following the wheels of Jimbo and Si, who made up our three man Isle of Wight team. Unfortunately, whilst we played our conservative strategy, a break of five got off the front and started working well together. I don't think I could have followed them at that point; the first three ascents of Milland Hill and the chase of the first break had taken their toll and I was struggling a fair bit.

Each subsequent ascent of the hill shed more riders out of the main peloton, and still the number of individuals willing to work was limited. The result was that that the gap to the breakaway opened up... 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 1 minute. Despite our best attempts the half dozen riders that were willing to work on the front of the main pack could not pull the escapees back, and the time gap stayed fairly constant at 60 seconds.

Going into the final two laps the pace began to build, and our select team of  workers in the main group managed to start working a bit better together. The gap was closing, and as we approached the final climb of Milland Hill and the finish line at the summit we had the five escapees in our sights.

Staying towards the front of the bunch as we hit the gradient I managed to find something in my legs. I attacked, churning the 39-23 gear to get over the crest at the front of the pursuing bunch. It was then a balls-out, pretty ragged sprint for two hundred meters or so to the finish line; I just managed to hold off the chasing main field.

I was pretty happy with the sixth place finish. It gives me another 12 points and secures my second category licence. It was a shame that a few more couldn't have worked in the main peloton to help catch the breakaway; if they had I'm fairly sure we could have brought it back together. But hey, that's the Game Theory of Cycling.

Milland Hill lived up to its reputation; it is a tough circuit that's for sure. Definitely one to come back to next year, hopefully in the break next time.

Review: Road Rags Smithfield Merino Jersey

I've developed a love affair with merino wool; it's incredibly breathable, it stays warm even when it gets damp, and it doesn't smell! What more could you want from a material; certainly I haven't found a synthetic fibre that comes close to it.

Road Rags is a London based brand that produces a small but beautifully designed and thought-out range of merino products for male and female cyclists. The products are made to be versatile cycling tops, that will provide incredible comfort both in the saddle and sat at the café at the end of a long ride.

Winter may be coming to an end, but there is still a definite nip in the air, and the beauty of merino wool is its versatility in so many climates; it will keep you warm in the cold air, but when it starts to heat up the breathability will come into its own. The Smithfield is Road Rag's perfect springtime cycling top; over the last few weeks I've been enjoying its quality and comfort on my spring rides, and thought I would share my thoughts on it.

First of all, I have to mention the packaging that the Smithfield arrived in. If you are thinking of sending one of the Road Rags products as a gift, don't worry about wrapping! The beautiful black box was laced in a glittering ribbon and the top itself was shrouded in a deep purple tissue paper. Without a doubt this is the nicest product packaging that I have seen, and it goes a long way to setting a great impression.


Right, onto the top itself...    Delicately picking up the Smithfield from its wrapping and slipping it on, you feel that the merino wool that has been used by Road Rags for this top is something a bit different from the norm; it is softer, warmer and feels lighter. Indeed it is a bit special; a finer grade than you find in many merino products, this wool has more fibres per inch, and is resultantly a significantly higher quality. Not only does this mean that you will be kept warmer, by a softer feeling garment, but it has the added advantage of coping admirably with the rigours of the 30'C machine wash and with constant hours of use.

The styling of the Smithfield is perhaps best described as retro-classic. Its raglan sleeves, turtle neck collar and slim close-fitting cut definitely have a unique look, and a great one at that. Those features are there for a reason though; that high collar whilst increasingly fashionable, is also an incredibly effective neck warmer come buff. The raglan sleeves can be rolled down and tucked inside a pair of gloves, with thumb loops to stop them slipping up; this is a sure-fire way of keeping the warm blood flowing to your extremities. Then the close fitting cut will mean that warmth you are generating from your hard work is kept close to your skin.

The Smithfield is an incredibly versatile top; I've worn it as a base layer and on its own. As a base layer it is beautifully warm, and even on the coldest mornings it has kept my core temperature toasty. As a jersey it is great option as spring time warms up; keeping you cool and comfortable, features like the perforated under-arms mean that temperature regulation is successfully managed. It should be noted that there are no rear pockets on the Smithfield, so if you are wearing it as a jersey you'll need a saddle bag or cut-down bottle to store your kit in, but that is a minor quibble.

The Smithfield really is a pleasure to wear; providing hours and hours of comfort and warmth. You'll find it is a top that you never want to take off, which is handy as merino has that great property of not smelling like synthetics, and when you do come to put it in the machine it comes out almost dry. I'm looking forward to many many more miles of beautiful temperature regulation and feel.

At £115 many may turn their nose up at the price, but as with most things you get what you pay for; the quality and durability of the Smithfield means it will be around for a long time, and won't wrinkle up and die like cheaper merino products. The bottom line is that if you can afford to splash out on it, it's a no-brainer.

Overall, the Smithfield is a fantastic Autumn/Winter/Spring top; in fact I dare say that I could be wearing this on chilly summer mornings on touring trips. It's incredibly versatile, and provides unparalleled comfort and warmth levels. Go merino and you'll never go back.

The Road Rags Smithfield, along with the rest of the high quality Road Rags merino range is available at roadrags.cc

Review: Mucky Nutz Fender Set

Mountain Bike mudguards come in many shapes and sizes, and there are varying opinions on their necessity  looks and effectiveness. "They don't look cool, dude". "You're going to have to walk through mud at the gates anyway". "You're still going to have to wash your bike off". These are all excuses that I've heard for not fitting fenders to a mountain bike, but in truth they really are a useful bit of kit; keeping you drier, keeping mud out of your eyes, and protecting components on your bike.

Mucky Nutz is a UK based company that has come up with an ingenious set of guards that are more discrete, better looking and more aerodynamic than your standard off-road fenders; yet they still do a sterling job of keeping you dry. Since I've been back on the Isle of Wight I've fitted them on the On One Whippet and have been putting them to the test. Here are my thoughts on their three incredible value guards that I reckon will change the way mountain bike mudguards are seen in the future.

The Bender Fender

The majority of mud that hits your face when you are riding comes from your front wheel; it flies up through the fork stanchions and then flies back into your face because of the induced wind that you are creating. I've previously used neo-guards to overcome this problem, but they are both rather un-aerodynamic and they don't last very well, not to mention most of them are pretty overpriced.

The Bender Fender provides the solution. A single sheet of thermoplastic, the fender attaches to the fork stanchions and bridge using supplied velcro straps or cable ties. It stays securely in place, it is aerodynamic and it works! I've had a noticeable reduction in the amount of crud hitting my face, compared to both a situation without a fork guard and compared to a neo guard. There isn't much more to say really; this thing works, and at less than a tenner a pop they present great value!


The Gut Fender

Having water hitting your chest is a sure-fire way of cooling your core temperature down rapidly, so the Gut Fender really comes into its own in the wet conditions.

Again, it is made of a single sheet of contoured thermoplastic, which is attached using two strong velcro straps, and stays in place thanks to two little rubber grippers that contact the frame.

The fender does a fantastic job; keeping the muck off you, your water bottle, and saving your frame from paint chips as well. With another £8.99 price tag it is money well spent in the British weather.



The Butt Fender
That mud slick up the back of your shorts isn't a good look, some of those descents were bad, but they weren't that scary!

Avoid the soiled pants look with a Butt Fender, the last in the Mucky Nutz Trilogy. This little number fits securely onto the saddle rails through simple punched holes. It bends down tactically as well so that it protects the seat post clamp as well which is handy.

You don't notice it's there at all, unlike many rear fenders that flap around and make a racket. The Butt Fender does a great job of keeping you back side dry, and helps to keep you warm in doing so, it has the added benefit of keeping grit out of your chamois as well; that is never pleasant.

Taken as a complete package, the Mucky Nutz Trilogy is a great package; they are lightweight, discrete, look good and are a great price. Well worth investing in for UK mountain biking.

Review: Vélolove Tee and Sweatshirt

Vélolove, that's something that I certainly have a fair bit of... perhaps too much at times, VéloObsession may be a better phrase for me. Who cares? If you are obsessed with your bike, you certainly shouldn't be afraid to hide it. Vélolove is a UK brand that is all about sharing the love; creating a bike culture and producing stunning quality casual kit and cycling prints that subtly show your deep-seated passion for the sport.

I've had two Vélolove products on test for a week or so; one of their 'Allez Allez Allez' Cycling Culture Sweatshirts, and their Paris Roubaix Monument Tee. Here's what I thought...


The Vélolove Paris Roubaix Monument Tee
There is something about a good t-shirt; they feel more comfortable, look better and last longer than others. The Monument tees from Vélolove certainly fit securely into the "great" category; they are well fitted and beautifully made. The organic cotton is clearly a high quality mix, and the tees really are a pleasure to wear.

You can choose from a range of 'monument' races to wear close to your chest. Personally, Paris-Roubaix is my favourite classic (pretty excited for next weekend); my passion for the race probably dates back to my mountain biking past, I love the idea of pushing bike and body to the limit. Pick your race from the list and proudly wear it close to your heart.

The Vélolove Allez Allez Allez Super-soft Sweatshirt
Sweatshirts are back! I've developed a great liking for sweatshirts in the last few years; with a cupboard full of hoodies from school and university clubs, I have grown very fond of the classic sweatshirt; it's smarter, warm and just has a touch of class.

The Vélolove Super-soft sweatshirt is quite honestly the nicest sweatshirt I have owned to date. Aside from the incredibly soft material that ensures it lives up to its name, it is the little details that make the Vélolove sweater special. The collar, cuffs and hem are deeply ribbed and luxurious. The v-styling on the collar and the hanging loop on the back are subtle classy additions, and the stretchy ribbed side panels are unique compared to other sweaters I have tried and make it feel fitted and snug.

The Super-soft Sweatshirt comes in grey with many different classic styles of scripting on the front. I opted for the "Allez Allez Allez" as a bit of an Allez Wiggo allusion, for those that feel like they are at the front of the pack though there is the "Tête de la Course" version, or if you like to give it all you've got there is "à Bloc". Take your pick, at £60 the quality of these sweats makes them real value in my opinion. Choose your position in the peloton and Allez Allez Allez! 

The Vélolove range is available through select distributors and direct from vélolove.cc

Vélolove available at Wiggle Bike Shop (Link)

Nutrition: Race Nutrition Strategy

You've put a lot of work in preparing for your race; long hours on the bike in the winter weather, tough turbo sessions and a good attempt to iron out your weaknesses in the build up to your first race of the season. There is one ingredient that should never be forgotten though... nutrition.

In this post I look at nutrition strategy for the few days leading up to a race and for the race day itself; there is a lot to be gained by getting your nutrition right, and an even greater amount to be lost by not getting it right.


The Lead-up to the Event

In the week leading up to the race you have likely started to pare back your training a bit as you taper down to the event, and ensure that your body is in its best possible condition; fresh and ready for race day.

You should also pay particular attention to your diet in this period; try to avoid foods that might upset your system, and focus on a good balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit to keep your immune system going strong.

The night before the event have a large carbohydrate rich meal; I usually aim for 180 grams of dried pasta for example, with chicken or tuna. Try to avoid spicy food that might upset your stomach or degrade your sleep, and try to avoid too many dairy products for the same reason. If you want to have a pudding with your meal the night before, then avoid the stodgy puddings; instead think about one of the puddings suggested in my blog: Cycling Puddings.

Hydration is also very important, and should start the day before the event; keep drinking plenty of water, steer clear of alcohol and observe your urine colour to check it is clear. You should be getting up at least once during the night to visit the bathroom if you are properly hydrated.

The Morning of the Big Day

On the morning of the race have a big breakfast, ideally three hours before your race start. I am a huge fan of porridge; but if you're not, try to stick to an oat based cereal, with reduced fat milk, certainly no cooked breakfasts - you will probably only see it later if you do! 

I always have a big coffee with breakfast, and there is no reason that race day should be any different; get your caffeine kick in early and wake yourself up. Then keep sipping on water throughout the morning.

The Final Countdown

As you make your way to the event keep eating gradual amounts to keep your blood sugar levels high; I munch down a banana or Maxifuel energy bars every hour. Now is not the time to be trying out new energy bars; test some in training to see what you like and what agrees with your stomach. The MaxiFuel bars are easy to digest and tasty, a good option if you are new to the energy bar market and looking for something to try. My favourite flavour is the 'Cereal and Dark Chocolate' variety, as it's not too sweet; there will be plenty of sugars going through your system later...

An hour before the event have one last energy bar, and then convert to sugary foods such as Jelly Babies and start sipping energy drink. Some other instant energy hit foods can be found on the blog post Alternative Energy Foods. These will help to get your blood sugar up, and will avoid heavy foods sitting in your stomach just before the race.

Fifteen minutes before the race have an energy gel. Again, try these in training long before the race to make sure your body accepts them. 

Go! THE RACE

During the race aim to keep having gels at least every 30 minutes if you can. 

Some races will be short enough that you can make do with energy drink; but anything longer than 45 minutes, and you need to be thinking about eating something as well.

Some people will have difficulty in finding the time to have a gel every 30 minutes. I certainly did, and have overcome it by using larger gels; The ViperActive and ViperBoost gels from Maxifuel are big at 70 grams per gel; slightly larger than the SIS gels (60ml) and substantially larger than High 5's offering (38 grams). Their size means you can get away with having one every 45 minutes in my experience. Admittedly when you do have that gel it is a fair 'gulp' to get it down, but I found doing that once every 45 minutes is a lot easier than trying to find a suitable time to have three gels an hour. The blackcurrant flavour is pretty tasty, and not too sweet.   

Longer races require more nutritional preparation; think about eating an energy bar every 20km, up to the last 40km; and then switch to the routine of gels every 30/45 minutes. Race nutrition is very personal though, some will find it very hard to eat, others easy. Find what works for you.

If you want an extra hit towards the end of a long race, take a caffeine gel at the 20km mark, this should give you an extra boost for that final sprint. 

Staying hydrated is also fundamental. Aim for one 500ml bottle of isotonic energy drink every 45 minutes throughout the race, and increase this to 750ml if it is very hot. I use ViperActive and ViperBoost energy drinks, and dilute them down according to the temperature; if it is really hot, then trying to drink a sugary drink at full concentration will feel like trying to drink syrup. Water down your drinks and add electrolyte tabs to keep the salt intake up.

After the Finish-line
After you've finished, make sure that you recover well; have a protein shake or milkshake waiting for you at the end, and then follow a good recovery routine. Further tips on recovery can be found here. 

Commuting: Be Safe. Be Seen. Hi-Vis Commuting Gear

Many of you will have heard about the hit-and-run accident that I had at the end of January: riding down Leamington Spa High Street, a car parked on my side of the road (but facing towards me) pulled out into my line of traffic and hit me head on.  The total impact speed must have been around 30 mph, and resulted in me laying on the road, front wheel buckled, bike in tatters, and the driver of the car nowhere in sight.

The accident got me thinking:
Perhaps wearing bright yellow team kit is not enough to be seen these days...
Perhaps Fluoro is coming back into fashion for a reason...
Perhaps my commuting gear isn't bright enough...

The more I considered these questions, the more I started observing cyclists on my daily commute into uni; poor lights, black coats, black rucksacks, black bikes... the list goes on, but what it boils down to is that some cyclists don't help themselves.

Well, my Wightlink-LCM team kit is pretty darn bright, but I decided that even I could do more to increase my visibility. So in this blog I take a look at three products that I have started using that will make your commute safer, and provide no chance of a SMIDSY excuse from drivers.

Proviz Nightrider Rucksack and TriViz Light Board
Most of the time when I am commuting I use a trusty set of Ortlieb classic panniers, however on a short commute, or when you are just nipping across town to the shops these can be a bit of a hassle. Enter the role of the rucksack... but there is no point in wearing hi-vis clothing if you're then going to put a black rucksack on over the top of it; that's where the Proviz Nightrider comes in.

Fully water resistant, the NightRider is made of Cordura and water repellent nylon; it uses waterproof zips and overlapped stitching to ensure that even in the worst downpour its contents stay dry. Trust me, I've taken this through a few big showers, and on a bike without mudguards/ and my kit has stayed as dry as it does in the Ortliebs (which is saying something).

Inside, the Nightrider has got plenty of pockets to stash your kit; a few small ones for pens, a phone and tools etc. and then a good padded back pocket for a laptop. On the sides there are mesh pockets that are handy to put gloves, lights and other necessities in when you arrive at your destination,  then on the front there is a big deep outside pocket that is perfect to stuff your damp coat in as you walk around the supermarket.

The bag has got big comfortable straps and back padding, whilst using lightweight materials elsewhere, to keep the overall weight to a minimum. I have found it comfortable when not too loaded on a 8-10 mile commute. I think that if you are going to be piling in heavy equipment then panniers are clearly a better option, but if you just have a pair of shoes, and a change of clothes this pack is perfect.

There are some clever little details to the design; such as the reflective strips on the shoulder straps to increase front visibility, the waterproof pocket on top that is big enough to fit a mobile and wallet in, and the chest strap for added stability. Overall it seems like a good, lightweight pack, that is comfortable for commuting.

The Nightrider really comes into its own when you purchase the TriViz light as well though. Take off the existing reflective triangle and put on the TriViz and the electric blue flashing really will show up well in the dark. The neat little waterproof battery pack charges via a USB in about 4 hours and will keep its charge for around 12 hours. This really is the shining star of this bag; making it far more visible that other HiViz packs I have seen. I'm thinking that I might try and find some heavy duty velcro so that I can use the TriViz on my panniers as well... it's that good.

If you need a good hi-vis pack the Nightrider is a good option then; don't turn to it if you are planning on carrying a weekly shop, but for the daily commute you'll have a real job to find better at this price.      

The Nightrider rucksack is available from Proviz.co.uk
(10% off site wide for October - PV10OCT )



Georgia in Dublin D1 Reflective Vest - White
Wearing fluorescent clothing may not be the height of fashion, but it is a sure-fire way of making yourself more visible to drivers. A cheap way of doing that is to wear a builders' hi-vis vest over the clothes that you are cycling in; but these are definitely not the coolest looking things, or the longest lasting.

Recently I've been using the D1 Reflective Vest from Georgia in Dublin for my commute; it's a modern take on the hi-vis vest, with water resistant, wind-cheating properties. It is closer fitting than a builders' viz-vest as well, although I have a medium and think that I probably could have taken a small, as the sizing is still quite generous. It is also a fair bit funkier looking, with reflective panels and strips in an almost artistic pattern.

The vest comes in two colour schemes; a dark green and florescent yellow combo, and the white and orange option that I have. I think that for increasing your visibility the white is a clearly more effective choice; but for those looking for something a little more discrete the camo green may be a good option.

On the bike, the vest shows up very well; the reflective and coloured panels are tactically positioned to catch the eyes of drivers, and even if you have a rucksack on, the lower panels on the back are still visible and help to alert your presence to following drivers.

The D1 Reflective Vest is a great turn to product; for when you need to jump on the bike and nip to the shops or into work, but you don't want to get dressed up in fluoro kit. It is waterproof and wind-proof, so it provides a fair bit of warmth as well; although I suspect it may get a little sweaty on summer commutes due to the nylon material.

Overall, a great product for those that want to increase their visibility quickly, whilst looking arty in doing so. The D1 vest is not overly cheap at 40 euros, but it is a small price to pay for increased safety. This gilet is recommended for anyone that is riding in a fair bit of traffic or in low-light conditions.


Georgia in Dublin Fluoro Leggits
The Leggits are certainly a unique bit of kit; effectively calf-length overshoes/gaiters made of waterproof nylon, they are designed to keep your lower legs and shoes dry, clean and warm. In those three objectives they do admirably well; whilst taking a little while to get on, I have been very glad of their protection from the elements when the heavens have decided to open.

The Leggits were originally brought out for the female market, and I'll be completely honest and say that they do look slightly feminine; the elasticated tops make them look a little frilly, and they do look a bit like you are wearing leg warmers. That is not a problem at all for the ladies, but it may deter a few of the macho cycling men out there.

Having said that, I've been very grateful of the Leggits when I've used them, and they certainly do a stellar job of increasing your visibility in the bright yellow fluoro colour (they also come in black, grey and red). They look like two fluorescent batons spinning round at 90 rpm when you catch sight of them in a shop window as you cycle past. They are also very effective at keeping the bottom of your trousers clean and free of the chain, which is a big asset if you are jumping on the bike to nip across town.

On the whole, I can't help but feel that the Leggits will still be a bigger hit with the female cyclists out there; but for everyone, they provide welcomed protection from road spray, and significantly increase the warmth in your lower body. They work well as a visibility device, and they are standing up to a good bit of abuse; well worth considering to keep your feet dry and your presence noted out on the road.

Race Report: Fifth Place Finish in Mountbatten E.1.2. Race

Follow every move and one of them had better work. That was the motto I adopted in today's race over at the Portsmouth Mountbatten track: it was a tactic that hurt like hell for a lot of the one hour race.

I was kicking myself a bit after I let a break of five riders get away last week in my first Elite, 1st and 2nd Category race over at Portsmouth. So this week I was determined to make sure I made the split. As a result, from the start I tried to stick near the front of the main peloton, and with assaults going left, right and centre I was working hard (probably too hard) to make sure I either pulled a fair few of them back, or made sure I was in them.

Eventually a group of nine riders were sat on the front of the peloton and the pace began to lift, James Ebdon my team-mate, was sat the tenth rider back and knowing the field well he recognised that we might be a good mix of riders to do something in a break. As a result, when the pace lifted James eased a little and let the nine of us get a gap...

The gap got bigger... and before long we had a quarter of a lap, it was then time to start working like dogs to make the break work. Time after time we each pulled our turn on the front, heart rates high and muscles burning as we pushed into the strong headwind to try and gain a lap...

My team mates Sam and James did a great job of controlling the pace as best they could in the main pack to allow us to get a gap, and gradually the advantage lengthened. After a good ten minutes of working hard the nine of us got the lap up that we wanted and latched back on the main peloton...

The rest of the race was spent trying to control the main field; James, Sam and I, along with the teams of the other break-away artists chased down attempts and kept the race together for the final sprint. At some point two riders went off the front and managed to get a second lap up. I'm not sure when that happened, it was all a bit of a blur, but either way that was the top two places secured. It was down to the bunch sprint to decide the rest of the points...

Choosing the wheels I managed to get into a decent position for the final sprint and took third in the bunch, securing me 5th place overall and a good few points.

It was a hard race, though not the fastest Portsmouth Track event, the win and the work in the break could certainly be felt in my legs. I'm looking forward to my first race on the road for this year, next weekend in the Surrey League Milland Hill Road Race; I'm hoping my legs can bring a good result on the hilly circuit.

Review: Commuting: Lifeventure Thermal Mug

The morning before a race, or just a standard morning in the office can be a big rush, especially when you are run down from training and struggle to rise from a deep exercise induced coma. One thing that many cyclists rely on is their coffee caffeine kick to get them up and going in the morning. To read about just how embedded the drink is in the cycling culture have a read of my blog:
Coffee - The Life Blood of Cyclists.

Coffee isn't the same if it's cold though, or if you have to gulp it down as you rush out of the house. A thermal mug is a great idea then; letting you take your kick-starter with you as you head to your destination. This thermal vacuum mug from Lifeventure is a great example, particularly suited to cyclists as it fits neatly into a bike bottle cage.

The mug has a tough metal casing and a pressure release screw top cap. It takes 300 ml of fluid, which is a perfect quantity for a good sized cup of coffee. It does a great job of keeping it warm as well; I've taken the mug with me on the bike in cold conditions and the contents has still been warm over three hours later!

To add an extra element to the thermal mug you can couple it with the neat and very well made mug-jacket. This has the dual benefit of protecting the mug from drops and bumps, whilst also giving it extra insulation. Because the mug is a screw fix cap, it is completely water tight, and I have used the jacket and mug combo to take a hot drink to an event, and have been very impressed by how long the coffee has stayed hot for when sat in my kit bag as we travel around the country.

It's not just commuting and race events where the mug is great though. Its robust design makes it ideal for touring trips, and it is something that I wish I had on the France and Spain trip that I did in 2011. Make a mug of coffee before you leave the camp site in the morning and have it a few hours later sat in the sun half way up a mountain... can't ask for a much better combo than that! It will certainly be coming with me on my Le Havre to Florence tour this September.

Overall, a very well made and effective mug, with the added benefit of extra insulation and protection from its insulated jacket. Make sure you are always able to enjoy your coffee at your leisure.

Lifeventure Thermal Mug available at Wiggle Bike Shop (Link)

Review: Monkii Mono and Cage

Going Touring this year? Need a bigger saddle bag? Got a fixie or old steel frame that doesn't have bottle cage bosses? Want to carry a Thermos flask or extra water bottle on your bike? Monkii has the answer!

Monkii is an an innovative range from Cycle Miles; a small Hampshire based firm that is specialising in producing products particularly suited to adventure cyclists. I recently received three of their products to review; the Monkii Mono waterproof pack and the Monkii Mono cage, which can both be fitted to any tube with the Monkii Clip. Over the past month I've been trying them out and using them in different ways and I have to say they're pretty clever...

The Monkii Mono
Those that have read my Comprehensive Lite-Touring Kit List blog will know that when you are touring you need quite a large saddle bag to fit in all the tools and spares that I have suggested. Cram it all into a saddle bag with straps and the straps will likely break, even on a good quality Topeak pack. Put it in your panniers and you can be sure that when you get a puncture at 8pm in the pouring rain, your spare tube has slipped down to the depths of your bag and is completely inaccessible.

The Monkii Mono provides a solution; a large waterproof case that can be mounted in multiple positions on the frame using the Monkii Clip system.

The Monkii Clip is a clamp system that allows any of the Monkii products to be mounted onto a tube or seat-post anywhere on the bike (as long as the tube is small enough and round). I chose to mount the Monkii Mono on the seat-post; this works well and although you can occasionally feel it on the inside of your leg if you are bouncing around a lot, it is largely unnoticeable, and certainly less obtrusive that many saddlebags.

The Monkii Mono will happily hold two or three road tubes, a large mutli-tool, two puncture repair kits, tyre levers, Brooks saddle cover and a few other small items. The Mono mounts to either bottle cage bosses or to the Monkii Clip through a slide-and-click system; this seems to be incredibly secure and is certainly a major improvement over straps on a saddle bag when you are carrying this much weight in a pack.

The Monkii Clip means that you could mount the Mono virtually anywhere on the bike; the logical place would be if you didn't have a second bottle cage to put it on the seat-tube; if you have bottle cage bosses this could be with the provided clip-on bolts, or if you have an old frame then you can use the Monkii Clip. The adaptability makes the product very versatile, and I have even considered using it on the top-tube or downtube, as a easy to grab bag that could replace a handlebar bag for lighter tours.

Overall the Monkii Mono combined with the Monkii Clip is a very useful piece of kit for those looking to increase their carrying capacity. You don't have to be a tourer to understand the virtues of having less stuff in your jersey pockets, and the Monkii Mono will mean that you can transfer the load safely and securely almost anywhere on the bike without noticing it.

The Monkii Cage
Bike commuters out there will know the aggravation when that Thermos of hot coffee doesn't fit in your bottle cage. Those tourers out there will know how important it is to carry an extra bottle of water with you for when you are running low.Those with old steel frames will know the problem of not having a second bottle cage mount. Combining the Monkii Cage and the Monkii Clip could solve all of these problems.

I've been using the Monkii Cage for commuting; strapping in your Thermos you can securely take your coffee into work without fearing a spillage in your rucksack or pannier. The Monkii Cage may not be a perfect substitute for a standard water bottle cage if you are using standard water bottles, as when you pull the bottle "out" you take the whole cage with you using the of the slide and click system, meaning you have quite a handful. However, if you are using it to carry an odd shaped bottle, a flask or a large water bottle, it is perfect! It securely holds the bottle with rubber pads and a strong velcro strap. I didn't notice the flask rattling at all, which is a serious result, as this is what normally happens if you try to put a flask in a normal cage.

I can see that the cage will be very useful for touring as well; combine it with the Monkii Clip and you can mount a third water bottle anywhere on the bike; seat post, top tube or under the down tube, the options are endless.

I'm considering building up a fixie/single-speed in the summer to use for commuting and the Monkii Clip will save a lot of hassle drilling a bottle cage boss onto an old steel frame. For those looking for a simple, innovative and secure way of carrying extra fluid, the Monkii Cage provides and well designed and versatile solution.

Review: Phew CC Early Winter Gloves

Phew CC is a new UK-based brand, breaking into the market with some good quality well priced kit; including gloves, arm warmers and tees. I've had the Phew CC Early Winter Gloves on test for a week or so now and they seem like a good, versatile piece of kit.

Spring is on its way, we hope, and the Early Winter Gloves are just as suited to Late Winter as well; making an ideal glove for the chilly and potentially wet spring mornings.

The recommended temperature range for the Phew gloves is 3-12 degrees, I reckon that is pretty accurate, they've kept my hands warm and dry on quite a few rides recently when the temperature has fallen to within a few degrees of zero. That makes them an ideal cross-over glove between your thick winter gloves, and your short finger summer mitts.

The top of the gloves is made of the wind and semi-waterproof Windster fabric; it is very effective at keeping the chill off your hands, whilst also being incredibly breathable and stopping you getting sweaty palms. The sizing is close-fitting and true to the size chart, yet the Windster fabric is stretchy enough that you can fit a pair of merino liner gloves on underneath to add some extra warmth when required.

The material is light and far less bulky that out-and-out winter gloves; the result is that you get a lot more 'feel' through your fingers and the rubberised finger tips hold your control indexes firmly in place even on wet and slippery gear levers. The silicone grippers cover the gel padding on the hands as well; giving you a secure feeling, with adequate padding to provide comfort on even the roughest terrain.

One feature that I particularly like about the Phew CC gloves is the long cuffs; they slide right up inside your long-sleeved spring jersey and prevent the chill getting in, whilst also helping keep your wrists warm. This is a vital component of keeping your hands warm, and one over-looked by many glove manufacturers; by keeping your wrists warm you protect the many exposed blood vessels in this area that channel blood to your hands. The micro-fleece thumb wipe is a nice feature as well; soft and smooth to wipe away those ice crystals building up on your glasses and nose.

At £24.99 for a pair, the Phew CC gloves present incredible value, and certainly seem to be lasting well; they have been through a couple of wash cycles and are still looking strong.

Overall, a great pair of gloves for your money for the autumn and spring weather. Comfortable to wear for hours on end, and versatile when coupled with a pair of liner gloves. They are wind-proof, semi-waterproof and warm because of the long cuffs and fleece lining. I've worn them in some challenging training and racing conditions (Link), and they have kept my hands warm even when the rest of my body has been frozen.

A well thought-out and very competitively priced product from an up and coming new brand.

The gloves can be bought direct from Phew CC at www.phew.cc.

Review: Repack Berino Long Sleeve Jersey

Repack is a new UK based brand, currently putting all its efforts into making their unique Berino jersey a success. It really is something quite special.

Most regular readers will know how much I advocate merino wool over synthetic fabrics; its warm, soft and highly breathable, not to mention it doesn't retain odours like polyester. The Berino jersey contains not just merino but also bamboo (Berino – see what they did there!). One of our team sponsors Rapanui produces bamboo tees, so I was aware of the softness and comfort that the material provides; it was no surprise then that the Berino felt like a great product when I pulled it on a few weeks ago to start testing.

Aimed at the mountain bike market, the Berino is a close fitting cut with a full length zip and a high collar. It has one small central rear pocket, and two larger zippered pockets that are big enough to stash a good bit of kit in, whilst being tactfully out of the way of a hydration pack sat in the middle of your back.

The deep blue colour with its darker elbow patches and bright orange zipper are a touch of class, but also practical for not showing up the mud spray. Those darker elbow patches are a wise addition as well; helping to protect the soft material from stray brambles and occasional falls, and ensuring that the jersey will stay looking good for a long time.

The Berino retails at £70, which for some may seem quite steep; but for the quality of the materials and the feel and performance of the product it is a price worth paying in my opinion. In addition, the Berino is lasting incredibly well; put through multiple wash cycles and hours of mud spray and rain, it still looks great. Unlike cheaper merino products it has not bobbled or thinned with age; it is clearly a good quality mix of fibres.

Designed for spring and autumn riding, the Berino whilst long sleeve, is not overly thick and the bamboo and merino mix make it highly breathable. To increase its versatility, I have worn it under a short sleeve jersey and/or a gilet, its softness makes it great for this base-layer role as well as for being worn as a principal jersey; it is very comfortable and warm worn close to the skin.

Overall, this really is a great top for mountain bikers (or road cyclists for that matter); it will keep you in comfort for long hours in the saddle in spring, autumn and on summer evenings. It would make an ideal top for an endurance rider: putting up with the rigours of heavy use, whilst also keeping you warm in challenging conditions. Invest in some natural fibres and you will feel the benefits for many seasons to come.

The jerseys can be bought from select retailers, or direct from Repack at: www.repackclothing.com

Review: Udderly Smooth Chamois Cream and Hand Cream

Chamois cream is something that seems to be increasingly necessary for me when I ride the bike; it certainly makes those hours in saddle a lot more comfortable, and is a sure-fire way to get rid of saddle sores. For the  last few weeks I've been using the Udderly Smooth Chamois cream on my nether-regions when I go out for a ride, and have also been very impressed by their hand cream to stop cracked hands in the cold weather.

Udderly Smooth are a US brand, which is available in the UK through select distributors; it produces body lotions, foot creams and most importantly for cyclists, moisturisers and chammy cream. I've been pleased by both the hand cream and chamois cream I've had on trial.

Udderly Smooth Chamois Cream
Providing some moisturising chamois cream to your under-carriage is often all it takes to overcome saddle sore.
(For more tips on how to cure saddle sore see my blog:
Hints and Tips: Saddle Sore Prevention and Cure).

This lightly scented moisturising cream from Udderly Smooth is a great example of effective chamois cream. It is thick, though not the thickest cream I have tried; but thick enough to stay put where you want it for a good few hours in the saddle. It is also light enough and pleasantly scented (with Shea butter), to make it useful for applying to any other areas that you might get chaffing in, such as your armpits.

Coming in a big 227 gram pot, the Udderly Smooth Chamois cream presents great value. The thickness of the cream also means you don't need to use a huge quantity, which makes the pot go further and presents it as even better value. Forget those small tubes or pots of chamois cream that you find in some stores, or as complementary additions with shorts, this bulk buy is the way to go.

The cream doesn't have any anti-bacterial properties like some other chamois creams, so it may not be so suitable for touring for example. However, if you are able to ensure that you keep that area clean and use fresh shorts each day, then this should be less of a necessity anyway.

A great chamois cream that is very good value and effective for long hours in the saddle, yet light enough that you could use it as a general moisturiser and anti-chafing cream.
Available from Wiggle Bike Shop (Link)

Udderly Smooth Hand Cream
The winter is hard on your hands as a cyclist; cold weather dries them out, and hours of maintenance and washing dirty bikes can leave them chapped and sore. Don't think that moisturiser is just for girls, this one from Udderly Smooth is lightly scented and very much suitable for even the most masculine cyclist.

The cream is a smooth, non-greasy moisturiser; healing broken skin and sealing up cracked hands that can let in all kinds of nasty infections and chemicals. A small squirt from the tube will leave your hands feeling much better and enhance the natural barrier to bacteria that your skin provides.

It comes in a 4 oz tube or a huge 340 gram pot for those looking for added value. It really is a pleasure to use, and could be used as an all body or face moisturiser as well. A great product to keep to hand to ensure that your skin is soft, smooth and most importantly providing a safety barrier to infection.
Available from Wiggle Bike Shop (Link)

Review: Union34 Clothing

Finding clothes that can be used both on and off the bike can be a hard task; if you are just nipping into town or work you don't want to be changing outfit when you arrive; but most clothing is rather impractical for the bike.

We all know the feeling of damp jumpers that ride up your back, or trousers that get caught in the chain and sodden wet when you splash through that apparently invisible puddle. Surely there must be some clothes that can work better than wet jeans and soggy tops for your ride to the supermarket or into work; clothes that won't make you look like you've just tumbled out of the washing machine for the rest of your day? Union34 produces just the kit... urban cycle wear that is discrete, yet distinctly functional and fashionable to ensure that your bike journey doesn't have to mean a rather rough-stuff appearance.

I've recently been testing out three of Union34's products; their Elements Soft Shell Hooded Jacket, Echo Packable Rain Jacket and their Elements Water Resistant Trousers. I've been very impressed by the thought-out features and practicality of the three items of innovative clothing.

The Elements Water Resistant Soft Shell Hooded Jacket
It's raining. I've run out of milk, and the local corner shop is ten minutes cycle away - sometimes living on the Isle of Wight has its disadvantages. I needn't worry though; pulling on the Elements Soft Shell Jacket the rain is definitely less of a problem. I put up the hood, with it's innovative little padded peak and shove some change into the zippered rear back pockets before jumping on the single speed.

In twenty minutes I'm back in the house; still warm, still dry, with a fresh pint of milk and a box of eggs (they were a bit sketchy to carry back in retrospect). THIS is the kind of weather where the Elements Hoodie comes into its own.

The Elements Hoodie is made of Soft Shell material; wind-proof, water-proof and highly breathable, it is found in many out-and-out winter cycling jackets. The material is fleece lined, so provides a good amount of warmth in the spring air; whilst the lightweight hood with its little peak is very effective at keeping the weather out and the heat in. Union34 have clearly put a good bit of thought into this product, it is both comfortable to wear all day and practical on the bike.

The fit is snug, with elasticated wrists containing thumb loops, and an elasticated hem; it all helps to keep the warmth in. There are little features that really stand out to assure you this is a quality product as well; the metal togs on the drawstrings and strong zip for example, you can be sure that this top will put up with a fair bit of abuse. It comes in three colours as well; a smart black, funky green and trendy grey, there should be something to suit all tastes.

The Elements Hooded Jacket really is made to stand up to the elements then; with the British weather you'll never want to leave the house without it!

The Echo Waterproof Packable Jacket
Everyone needs a good packable waterproof jacket; whether you're a mountain biker and it's to stuff in your riding pack, or a tourer who needs something lightweight but waterproof for those unexpected showers, or a roadie heading out on an long spring training ride when clouds are looming in the distance. A coat that you can stuff in your pocket is a great bit of kit to add to your wardrobe, and it doesn't have to be a pvc plastic bag like so many packable capes are; certainly the Echo from Union34 falls a long way clear of that description.

Pulling the jacket out of its wrapping the material feels crisp, and the seams look strong; both signs that bode well for keeping the water out and the warmth in when you don this jacket in a downpour. The fit of the small size jacket that I have (I'm a 38 inch chest) is ideal; long arms and a good drop back, without too much excess material to flap around in the breeze. There are some neat features as well; small underarm zips that help to ventilate you, and a mesh back liner with full width vent strip to help avoid moisture build up. The wrists are elasticated and comfortably tight, and the hood, which rolls away into its collar is a nice feature to add a bit of extra protection.

Out on the road those features really prove their worth. The pit vents and mesh back vent are no gimmick, but are suprisingly effective at wicking away moisture build up, far better than any other packable jacket that I have tried to date. The material inevitably flaps a little in the breeze, but you soon overlook that when you realise how waterproof this jacket is; just take a look at the water beading up in the picture!

The roll-away hood and collar design is a great feature as well; take the jacket on a touring trip or a trip to the shops for example, and you can lock the bike up, take your helmet off and stay dry as you walk around town or set up your tent at a campsite.

The jacket comes in black or light green; black is a good choice if you are mountain biking and likely to be getting the jacket covered in dirt, as it will stay looking better for longer. However, if you are out on the road the green is probably a more sensible choice to keep your visibility up in the traffic.

This is without doubt one of the best packable jackets that I have used; it is light, very waterproof, breathable, fits well, and packs up small. There are some neat features, but the jacket has not been over-engineered to the extent that it doesn't fit into the "packable" category any more. If you are looking for protection from precipitation that is handy and effective, then the Echo should resonate well with you.

The Elements Water Resistant Trousers
"Who needs cycling trousers?" I hear someone jeer as we discuss the new cycling kit that we have down at the pub; I must admit I was wondering the same thing... until I got a pair.

The Element Water Resistant Trousers are one of the new breed of cycling trousers that has taken cycling apparel to a new dimension; no longer do you need to be lycra clad to get to work across town, or alternatively arrive in sopping jeans with a oil mark down your inside leg and a slightly uncomfortable crotch from the abrasive stitching! Cycling trousers are there for the short distance commuter who doesn't want to get unnecessarily kitted up to ride just a few miles, but wants to arrive in style and comfort at their destination.

The more I use the Elements trousers the more I realise the virtues that they hold, they are not cheap at £99.99 a pair, but the engineering that has been put into the detailed design is impressive.

They are made of a smart cotton twill fabric, which will look very at home in the office; yet the fabric has been mixed with 3 percent spandex to give a comfortable amount of stretch for riding in. The water resistant element comes from a Swiss technology called 'nano-tech' which seems very effective at keeping the water out, without making the trousers feel at all synthetic. Your legs won't stay that warm if you are cycling in the wet for a long time, but the water soon runs off the fabric and they dry super fast; so sit yourself next to the radiator in the office whilst you slurp your coffee and by the time you've finished you'll have a dry set of slacks.

As with the other Union34 products, the thing that I really like about the Elements trousers is the little features; it is these that add the value. On the ankles for example, there is a concealed popper that brings the hem of the trousers together and successfully keeps them clear of the chain. For stashing your valuables there are three zipped rear pockets, including one large one that is plenty big enough for a mobile or wallet and is positioned so that you don't sit on it when you are on the saddle.

The trousers come in the very smart navy that I have and also a more casual grey. The fit is fairly straight cut, and I expect that a slim fit leg would be welcomed by some individuals; but Union34 still has plenty of time to come up with that as they expand their range, and certainly the navy straight cut is very worthy of the office and smart-casual environment.

Do you need a pair of cycling trousers? In my book it is increasingly looking like it. It is a very practical product; something that is durable and comfortable enough to wear on the bike, but smart enough to be seen around town in. In a nation where we are trying to get as many people cycling as possible, especially in our cities, it is these kind of products that will overcome the minor hurdles that currently stop people riding their bike short distances. A clever innovation that is one more step towards a cycling nation.

A Brief Note on Sizing
I usually take a Medium (38 inch chest) in most products, but opted for the Small in the Elements Hoodie as the size chart indicates that this should cater for 37-39 inch chests. The hoodie is a little tight under the arms and across the back, but seems to have stretched out quite nicely with use. The Echo Jacket in size Small fits perfectly.
For the Elements trousers; I am normally 32R in trousers, so opted for the 32 Long, as the regular is displayed as only having a 31" leg; the leg length as a result is a little on the long side, but perfectly manageable, the waist is rather too generous for a 32 in my opinion. If in doubt, I recommend trying the Union34 kit on in one of their retailers, which can be found all over the country, it is worth getting the most of these great products.

Race Report: Frozen First Race of 2013

My first race of 2013 was at the Portsmouth Mountbatten track; Elite, 1st and 2nd Cat. racing in torrential rain, strong winds and freezing temperatures.... Ideal!

Getting the legs moving took a bit of doing; a few warm up laps before the race was not enough to prepare me for the onslaught that was about to happen. Nor was my choice of skin-suit, arm warmers and leg warmers a wise choice; I should have been wearing an Arctic jacket.

The race started much as I expected it to; straight in with the attacks, and they didn't stop coming. Break after break went off the front, I latched onto quite a few, and chased down quite a few; probably too many to be honest, I have yet to know who are the workers and will make a break work, so I found myself chasing down a few that probably in retrospect were doomed to fail.

After seeing my heart rate rocket a few times I sat in for a while, not wanting to finish myself off and not be able to finish the 1hr +5 laps race. Unfortunately I sat in at just the wrong time, and missed the break that did get away; a group of five went clear, no-one chased, I didn't chase, I thought it would get pulled back. It didn't. It got quarter of a lap up, half a lap up, and then a whole lap up, and safely latched back onto the main peloton. That was the first five places lost/decided then.

The rest of the race was quite frankly spent surviving; the spray and rain were torrential and the northerly Arctic wind was horrendously cold. The adrenaline kept me going; the race averaged 27mph, which in those conditions was pretty hard going.

When the five lap board went up the pace lulled for a moment; two riders went off the front; I followed, and for a while it looked like we might be able to hold off the pack. Fat chance! With a lap and a half to go the pack engulfed us. With a lap to go, I managed to struggle up into a reasonable position, and in the final sprint I held on to take tenth. A pretty solid result and gets me a few points for the first race of the season, so pretty satisfying.

To get an idea of the conditions, of the 30+ starters about 30% retired; pretty unusual for a E.1.2. race. When I finished and the adrenaline subsided I went into an uncontrollable state of shivering. I just about managed to crawl to the ferry, dressed in every bit of clothing I had taken and Jack's fleece. I subsequently called Dad to ask for a lift back home on the other side, my legs were like blocks of lead. I think I finally warmed up in a hot bath a good two and a half hours after the race had finished. At least it didn't snow like the Milan-San Remo.

Weekend Watch: Rapha Continental Sapa Vietnam

The Rapha Continental: Sapa from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Another one from Rapha again this week. This really makes me want to go back to Vietnam and Cambodia - stunning countries, very friendly people. I saw a lot of these mountain roads from the saddle of a moto when I was there four years ago, perhaps I'll see them from the saddle of a push bike sometime in the future as well.

My blog from my time in Vietnam and Cambodia can be found here: Adventurous Travels

The Game Theory of The Breakaway

If you've seen the film 'A Beautiful Mind' or you've done a bit of industrial economics or even gambling, then you might have heard of game theory. It's a science that tries to make sense of the decision choices made by individuals when they are faced with one-shot simultaneous move situations.

The application of game theory has found its way into topics from penalty shoot-out decisions, to how easy it is for two firms to collude to raise prices in an industrial market; in this blog I try to show how game theory can be applied to breakaway situations in a road race.

The classic example of game theory is the Prisoner's Dilemma; consider two gang members stuck in two separate cells at a police station, both prisoners were arrested at the scene of a crime and had no chance to discuss their alibi with the other.

Simultaneously both prisoners are taken from their cells to separate interview rooms and told:

• If you confess and your partner does too, you will get 10 years in prison each
• If you confess and your partner denies his involvement you will walk away, your partner will get 20 years in prison
• If you stay quiet and your partner stays quiet then we have nothing to charge you on, you walk away with just 2 years in prison
• If you stay quiet, but your partner grasses on you, then he walks away and you get 20 years

Clearly the best outcome for the pair as a group is to co-operate and stay quiet, but because they don't know what the other one is going to do they must work out the optimal strategy: If your partner stays quiet it is optimal for you to confess, if your partner confesses it is optimal for you to confess. Therefore you always confess! This is the Nash equilibrium demonstrated by John Nash (Russell Crowe in 'A Beautiful Mind').

How is this like a break away?

Well... you get in a break with another rider, you've got two options; "Work your socks off and make the break successful" or "Sit-in and free-ride to the finish line".

The outcomes are predictable:

• You both work like crazy to make the break a success and as a result you've got either a chance of getting 1st or 2nd place, so a minimum of 20 points for second at the finish line
• You work your socks off and keep the break away for long enough to launch your "buddy", but then because you are the only one working, you blow up... get swallowed up by the bunch and watch your "mate" solo away to victory and get 30 points
• Or alternatively if they are doing the work, reverse this and you could get 30 points!
• Finally, you could both just sit in, wait for the bunch sprint and hopefully get 5 points at most

What's the outcome? Clearly the best option for the two as a whole is to work well together and get at least 20 points each, but this rarely happens, especially in 3.4 cat. races... The optimal strategy if your partner is working their socks off is to sit in and claim 30. The optimal strategy if your partner is sitting in and refusing to work is to do the same. Therefore, the Nash equilibrium is to both sit in and not work... no breakaway, and at best 5 points in the bunch sprint.


So there you have it, my understanding of why so many breaks don't work in road racing, especially it seems in 3.4 cat. races. Get a bit higher up and people learn the tactics and game theory and realise that if they are not a sprinter either, then you do far better to work together tirelessly and try and get a good set of results.
I'm hoping that this season I find a few break-away partners that will adopt that approach.