spatterd

Most recent activity

• Experiences of Cycle Training

  in National Standard Cycle Training • 14 years, 3 months

  

  Had a lesson earlier today with Festus / Multi Grooves.

  Started out with how to check the bike for road worthiness, including pointing out my saddle was too low and raising it for me (it's much better now - thanks!)

  Moved on to some basic techniques such as emergency stop, swerving, holding a straight line while signalling and looking behind; all very useful for me as I've only recently restarted cycling. Then we discussed good road position (typical story, I thought I was quite far out but really still too close to the curb), signalling technique and dealing with junctions.

  A lot of emphasis on making eye-contact with drivers to make sure they understand your intentions. This is something I had in the back of my mind was important but I wasn't really doing it, now I've seen what a difference it makes I think it's going to make me a lot more confident (and safer) on the roads.

  After going through the various drills we rode the route I'll be taking on my commute with Festus observing and letting me know if I was doing anything wrong.

  Festus was a great teacher, he gave good instructions and explanations, and picked up on the areas I needed to work on. I'd definitely recommend the training to others, I'm a relative beginner but even for more advanced cyclists I think there is a lot to learn about anticipating situations, communicating with other road users etc.

  I think I'll ride in a much more switched-on, observent manner after the training, so cheers Festus!

• Feetbelts vs Powergrips vs Chicagowig vs JOL vs Holdfast

  in Bikes & Bits • 14 years, 4 months

  

  cheers, i just need to spend some time in a quiet street away from traffic and laughing children i guess

• Feetbelts vs Powergrips vs Chicagowig vs JOL vs Holdfast

  in Bikes & Bits • 14 years, 4 months

  

  ok this is a very basic question, but i'm sure there are many people out there who want to ask it but are too afraid to look stupid (or maybe it's just me).

  i've recently started riding fixed, and as consensus seemed to be it's a good idea to attach feet to pedals in some form i got some holdfast straps. straps rather than spd as i didn't fancy buying a new pair of shoes / possibly having to carry them around if i didn't like walking in them. i am now thinking this may not have been the best idea.

  my question is, how the fck do you get your second foot in... is there some easy trick i am missing or does it just take practice? i'm trying to flick the pedal upright with the front of my foot and slip my foot it in but it's really not happening.

  and yes i know, great first post.