a to b | journals - journeys in the saddle

JOURNEYS IN THE SADDLE

By Sam Blackmore

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‘ YOU TRAVE L AT THE SPEED YOU ARE TH INK ING ’

‘ S IMPLY R IDE HARD AND EN JOY L I F E ’

‘ H EY MATE , HAVE YOU GOT A CHA IN TOOL? ’

THANK YOU

CONTENTS

AtoB|Journals is a study into the reason why people ride their bikes. I asked the general public to come for a ride with me in the hope of interviewing them and understanding more about their bikes and cycling preferences. I told them that route was up to them, and it could have been an off-road trek into the hills, a commute to work or even a trip using the National Cycle Network. I wanted to get a feel of how they ride, on a route chosen by them. The aim was to find out why they choose to ride their bikes, how often and where. I wanted to interview them while cycling, opposed to sitting down in a coffee shop or bar; I felt that they would give more authentic answers, doing what we love and they’d be more open and honest.

I started a twitter page in the hope of promoting my investigation. I also made a series of posters and leaflets in the aim of gaining support for my study, and hopefully urge volunteers to get in contact. I also emailed some cycling interested companies in the hope that they would circulate around the offices.

This publication is designed to demonstrate three of the rides I went on. They were with three lovely people with three very different cycling backgrounds. Within these pages is a journey through journeys, an account of where we went and what we got up to; backed up with photography and the answers to my interview questions. All in all his study has opened my eyes, and given me an incite other reasons for riding your bike. I was shown new routes, styles of riding and got to know these people much better.

INTRODUCTION

‘ YOU TRAVE L AT THE SPEED YOU ARE TH INK ING ’

An Interview with Hannah Taylor - Sustrans

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I first got in touch with Hannah after she replied to an email I had sent. The email was circulating Bristol offices of the cycle charity Sustrans at the time. I was asking for participants to come on a bike ride for me, with the idea to interview cyclists in a less conventional way, while we rode. Sustrans are the charity that has put in the National Cycle Network, cycle paths and routes specifically designed for bicycle use.

Hannah works for the charity and emailed me back keen on taking part. She and I arranged a time and place to meet and I asked her to take me on a ride of her choice, with the aim of getting another persons riding perspective and to find out her own personal reason for riding. She decided to take me on a journey she would normally do most days, one that she loves for practicality and beauty. This was perfect for me as I was able to find out her riding style, how far she would travel and at what speed.

After a small chat about the ride, where we would be going, and a quick adjustment to Hannah’s saddle; we set off on our ride, taking a left at the bottom of the hill onto Park Street and headed upwards at a steady pace. We reached the top in no time and cycled around the triangle of shops and restaurants on our way to Whiteladies road. I had already worked out that Hannah’s riding style was quite a bit different to mine, when she told me she had had an accident on her bike recently. Knocking her confidence, she booked herself onto a cycling course. I could tell she was putting what she learnt into practice, witnessing her spatial awareness and signalling as often as possible. I couldn’t help thinking to myself however; for someone that has recently had an accident on her bike, and has been on a course to better her cycling technique; why on earth would she not wear a cycle helmet.

Hannah and I were on our way to a grocery shop half way up Whiteladies road, to pick up her vegetable box. The start of the ride was determined by the things she had to do before she could relax after work and take me on one of her favourite rides through the city. After popping to her house, we got back on the bikes and made our way through the back streets off the main road. Our second destination was a friends flat.

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Can you sum up Sustrans in a few sentences?

‘It is a charity that enables more people to make sustainable transport decisions and active travel possible. We put in the practical and the info structure. The National Cycle Network is something we are famous for and we also do work with groups on behaviour change, provide the means to getting from A to B and to get people to use what we have provided; community groups, work places and lots of schools. If we can show at a young age that cycling is a valid alternative to car use then they will think of it at an adult age.’

What is your role in the company?

‘Most of the people who work in Bristol are like the head office. I work in a regional team, which means we directly deliver Sustrans info structure and services from Gloucestershire, Cheltenham to Swindon and all the way down to Cornwall. I get to know about both sides of things – info structure and behaviour change. I am like the voice box to make sure everyone knows what it going on and I do a lot of work with the regional director who says what happens. We move fast and have had a lot of new funding come in, so our team has gone caboom! In the last six months there was twenty-four people and now there’s forty-three of us in our team.’

IF WE CAN SHOW AT A YOUNG AGE THAT CYCLING IS A VALID ALTERNATIVE TO CAR USE THEN THEY WILL THINK OF IT AT AN ADULT AGE

Sustrans makes smarter travel choices possible, desirable and inevitable. We’re a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. We work with families, communities, policy-makers and partner organisations so that people are able to choose healthier, cleaner and cheaper journeys, with better places and spaces to move through and live in.Sustrans provides creative, innovative and practical solutions to the transport challenges affecting us all. By working with communities, local authorities and many other organisations, we create change by putting people at the heart of activities, enabling many more people to travel in ways that benefit their health and the environment.

http://www.sustrans.org.uk

‘YOU TRAVEL AT THE SPEED YOU ARE THINKING’ / 13

In 2012 Sustrans started working with more schools, more families and more workplaces than ever before. Together, they were able to get millions of people to walk, cycle and use public transport more often, for the benefit of their health and the environment. They continue to work hard, promoting a healthier way of living with the added bonus of protecting our environment. I have cycled many of their routes around Cheltenham, Gloucester and Bristol, and I can say that it is always a pleasure. Having your own space on the pavement or road makes cycling a more confident experience. It’s also pleasant reminder to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians that you are meant to be there, you should be able to share these routes and continue with your journey confidently and safely. On top of the joyful experience of simply riding without getting lost, their routes often go past some beautiful scenery, impressive architecture and sculpture; making your journeys that much more special.

The National Cycle Network now reaches to every nook and cranny of the United Kingdom and will extend further with the creation of new bridges, crossings and local networks of walking and cycling routes. I personally love that I can go anywhere in the UK and know that there will be a cycle route I can make my way on. There is nothing better than cycling for miles in the open countryside, discovering new places knowing that wherever you go, you will be able to make it back.

SUSTRANS’ AIM IS TO BRING EVERYDAY WALKING AND CYCLING OPPORTUNITIES TO WITHIN REACH OF EVERYONE IN THE UK. YOU CAN HELP MAKE IT HAPPEN BY SUPPORTING OUR WORK. YOU MIGHT CHOOSE TO MAKE A DONATION, GET INVOLVED IN OUR CAMPIAGNS, OR BECOME A VOLUNTEER.


Due to the nature of the ride at the start, we covered routes more than once while we were toing and froing delivering letters and picking up Hannah’s vegetables. When all of the afternoon chores were done, we made our way past her house for the second time. This would mark the start of the ride she wanted to show me, one that she enjoys and makes sure that she does it often. We were heading deeper into Clifton, an area I had yet to explore thoroughly.

Riding at an average speed of 8.4 miles per hour, the ride was a lot slower than I was used to. It gave me time to really take in the beautiful scenery. Also without being shown the back way through the houses I can be reluctant to explore certain roads, so it was really nice to be shown a new route that linked up to some of the roads I know very well; including the road I take up to the Downs on my way to Ashton Court.

Leading the way, Hannah was taking me to Clifton Suspension Bridge. Always a favourite place to ride for me; we decided to stop on the bridge and take in some of the scenery. It was a beautiful clear day making the views incredible. You could see for miles across the city and into the distant hills. I rarely stop and take in the views as much as I should. I always seem to ride in a hurry. More often than not, I take my riding as a fitness regime. Pushing myself towards fitness goals and trying to beat my times on well-known routes in the hills surrounding Bristol. As much as I love the scenery and views I get to witness mirrored with sense of achievement I get when I get to see them I often don’t spend enough time just taking them in. My ride with Hannah gave me a incite into a different purpose for riding. For her, it’s all about the views. It’s not a push for fitness, its about taking in the beauty of her surrounding areas; getting from A to B in a speed that suits her, leisurely making her way across the city to meet friends and family. I asked her a couple of questions about her riding past, and whether she thinks riding in Bristol could be improved.


When did you start riding bikes, do you drive?

I learnt when I was seven and remember thinking it was really late learning; picking gravel out of my knee in my Granddad’s driveway and watching some boy from school cycle past and crying ‘I’ll never learn’. Now you get the kids on the balance bikes. I moved to London and didn’t really cycle unless Dad took us to the park. When I was about 19 or 20 I had a work placement on the other side of town; I didn’t have a car, so I got a very cheap pretend mountain bike – it ha chunky tires. When I came to Bristol is when I properly started. I remember being 20 going out on the bike and it feeling exhilarating. I felt very close to life. I do have a driving license but I haven’t driven in nearly eight years.

If you could change one thing about riding in Bristol, what would it be?

I’d like to get rid of car parking; get rid of them from the side of the road, giving space for cyclists. It would also discourage people from just nipping into town and parking. It would be great to claim back that space taken up by stationary vehicles.

CYCLING CONNECTS ME TO MY CITY AND THE PEOPLE AND PLACES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO ME

After leaving the suspension bridge, we carried along our way taking a left turn down the hill. One of my favourites in Bristol, this decent takes you quickly down the hill on a winding road reaching great speed. At the bottom we to a sharp left onto the cycle paths that run under the ring roads near Ashton Gate Football Stadium.

We were on our way to Hannah’s friend Alice’s house just off North Street. She took me up Sustran’s newest piece of route, which smoothly takes you up to the main road from the old railway bridge. We crossed the road and went down another back street, which took us onto North Street. Taking a left just after the Tobacco Factory, there was only a short distance left to ride. Unfortunately for Hannah, her friend wasn’t in, so we decided to make our way to Greville Smyth Park, where we found a bench, sat in the sunshine and I asked her some more questions. This was also the end of our ride together. We had ridden 7.2 Miles in the evening sunshine. It was a lovely ride and I witnessed a different style of riding I wasn’t used to. I may consider this while riding in the future, taking time to really appreciate the surrounding beauty.

BIRDS WERE SINGING AND THE SUN WAS SHINING

When and why do you ride; is it simply a mode of transport for commuting, a leisure activity or another reason?

Cycling is very integrated into my life. It’s how I get from A to B and it’s also for leisure. It transforms how I get around. I enjoy it and I’m not stuck on a bus.

Where has been the best place you have ridden?

I went to Amsterdam, and I thought it was going to be amazing; I was terrified the whole time because of the tramlines and I was on a friend’s bike. Which was a rickety old thing with no gears, no brakes; it was a back pedal-thing. The frame was too big, I had to have one foot on the pedal and paddle the floor with the other one until I got going – so not Amsterdam. I really like the route I took from Guilford to Farnham – I think it was something like North or South Downs way. That was beautiful. You had to up the Hog’s Back – the views were amazing. You had right of way so that go through with no cars. Part of it was a Golf Course and private lanes. Birds were singing and the sun was shining; I think it was the first time I had gone online and found a route self navigating.

A midnight ride with Harry Slinger-Thompson

‘ S IMPLY R IDE HARD AND EN JOY L I F E ’

‘SIMPLY RIDE HARD AND ENJOY LIFE’ / 29

Riding at nighttime, for me, has always been a pleasure. Making my way home from working late night bars through almost deserted streets is an experience I’ve always loved. There is something about riding through a town or city’s streets that in the day are busy full of people shopping, commuting and making their way through in their cars; that makes riding in the night special. These people aren’t there; the streets and pedestrian areas are almost completely free from anybody. It’s a similar feeling I get when I am at the top of a big hill in the countryside. The sense that I am completely alone gives me a chance to get away from the stresses of everyday life. I am able to go wherever I please at a pace that suits me. The same feeling is experienced when I cycle at night.

It is a broad sense of freedom. Not having to worry too much about traffic and pedestrians lets me ride more comfortably. I am able to take in all the scenery around me, exploring new routes and seeing things I would normally miss while concentrating harder in the day. It’s quiet too; something that can be quite rare while living in a city. It’s almost a novelty that makes each night ride that even more special.

Somebody who shares my love for riding in the night is Harry Slinger-Thompson, a third year animation student based at Bower Ashton. Similar to me, he takes his bike for a spin under that shadow of darkness to relieve stresses from work and to give his brain a break from animation. I met up with Harry for a ride at midnight on Monday the 4th of March. The plan was to do a route he and his friend James likes to do, but as we both love night riding so much, we extended the ride another hour, exploring the Clifton and Ashton Court.

T H E S T R E E T S A N D P E D E S T R I A N A R E A S A R E A L M O S T C O M P L E T E LY F R E E F R O M A N Y B O D Y

I have always bonded with Harry over cycling. We both have a passion for the sport and have ridden many different disciplines between us. We have known each other since our first year studying at Bower Ashton; now in our third year, I am surprised it has taken this long to saddle up go out for a ride together. Having slightly different social groups and living in other areas of the city may have played part in this, but we will always share a love for cycling.

Harry is an animation student at the campus and focuses on two-dimensional design. His work is clever, humorous and well designed. During the time I have studied, I have had a go at a few forms of animation; each of which has proven very time consuming and required a lot of patience. I can’t even comprehend how hard it is to produce some of the pieces Harry has done. I can also completely understand why he needs to take time out too recharge, refresh his brain and get away from the stresses associated with animating the simplest of things.

When the stresses of designing gets too much for me, I have always found it helpful to get out away from it, experience new surroundings and give my mind a little rest. Cycling offers me everything I need to do this. Taking your mind off work, exercising and exploring are all brilliant ways to lay off some steam and while on my bike, I can do all of these things at once.

Harry does the same. He and his friend James go out for rides under the cover of darkness when the stresses of work get too much for them. He told me that they have this odd unwritten code for when they go out for rides. They both live together in a shared student house and seem to know when each other need to go out for a ride. Nobody says a word; they just grab their bikes, leave the house and ride.

J U S T H O P O N A N D G O T O W H E R E E V E R M Y L E G S T A K E M E

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Our meeting place was Millennium Square in the centre of Bristol, an area built as part of the @Bristol development. It is full of interesting sculpture and lighting. A lovely meeting place to start our ride. Harry had brought his current favourite bike with him, his Genesis Madison Fixed Track bike; a lightweight, single speed with only one break at the front; a very diff erent type of bike to my mountain bike.

Where as I had the luxury of diff erent gears and suspension, his bike was much lighter and built for speed on track and road surfaces. As the ride we were about to go on was road based, I did wonder if I would be able to keep up. Th e start of the ride was a route Harry and his friend go on regularly, a simple loop along the route of the River Avon towards Cumberland Basin. Very fl at and smooth roads meant he could quickly get up to speed and leave me in his wake. His speed would be determined by the tempo of the music he was listening to. At one point, the music must have dramatically changed speed; Harry was gone into the distance in a fl ash. It was at this point that I thought I might have bitten off more than I can chew, riding with someone used to a greater average speed than me. However, this doubt was quickly ignored when we got to Spike Island, and he had slowed down. I can only assumed that the burst of speed is something he always does along that route; as for the rest of the ride we both rode together at a steady ten miles per hour.

Cumberland Basin marked the halfway point of the loop. We made our way to Hotwells Road for the return journey. Another smooth straight road to gain good speed; I can see how this helps Harry and James lay off a lot of steam. Harry told me that they often do the route a few times before heading back home. We would have made out way back to Millennium Square to fi nish the route, but Harry decided to take me up Jacob’s Well Road towards the triangle in Clifton. Quite a steep hill, I thought Harry may struggle on a fi xed gear bicycle, but he scaled it with ease. It was great to ride with someone with a similar amount of energy and stamina to me.

W E O F T E N D O F O U R O R F I V E L O O P S



We took a quick left and headed further upwards into a spot in Clifton I had yet to explore during my time in Bristol. It was great being able to make a route up with someone as keen as me to explore. It was also nice to look around while riding, and if we saw a road or path we would like to cycle down, we just did it. An example of this is the photo that features on the previous page. It was almost too good not to take the opportunity to cycle through this small park. It was situated in the middle of a square full of beautiful regency buildings. Th e view we had on the way up to this route was so intriguing. A deep dark park full of trees and shrubbery with a dim lit pathway stretching it’s way through like an old railway route. We couldn’t see the end, and wanted to know what there was when we got there, so we took the route. It didn’t save us much time on the ride; we rode it because we wanted to.

Th is is something I love to do when out on my bike exploring, and fi nding someone with a similar drive to do such things was great. Th e path took us diagonally across the square and we ended up at a small cobble stoned alley. Riding straight through again, we ended up coming out at a small street of sole trader shops some of which had some striking bespoke typography outside.

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Th e lack of traffi c meant we had time and space on the road. We were able, on the most part, to cycle alongside each other chatting about our day and how our projects were going. Obviously, two cycling nuts riding together meant that conversation quickly went onto bikes.

Harry was riding his red fi xed gear track bike. Track bikes these have been adopted by young urban cyclists and bike messengers. Due to their minimal design, ‘fi xie’ bikes have become popular as they take very little maintenance compared to standard multi-geared bicycles. Th ey couldn’t be more mechanically simple and in turn are also very lightweight. Without the added parts for a fully geared drive train and often only using one break, these pedal-powered machines can reach high speeds but are easily slung over the shoulder when climbing steep accents.

Th e chain is also subject to less sideways force, and will not wear out as quickly as on a derailleur system. Riding fi xed is considered by some to encourage a more eff ective pedalling style too, which is claimed translates into greater effi ciency and power when used on a bicycle fi tted with a freewheel; therefore they are used by road cycling teams as an off -season training exercise.

Because there are very few parts to these bikes, and they are easily maintained; a customisation trend has been born. It has become fashionable to own a completely unique bike, put together using diff erent parts in a range of colours. Fixed geared bicycles are perfect for cross-city dashes. Designed for speed on the track, it made sense to adopt these bikes for cities with few hills, like New York and London. Bike messengers use them to quickly make their way across town, delivering important packages or information. Th e less they have to maintain on the bike the better and any issue with the bike is easily fi xed with minimal tools.

S O M U C H P O W E R , Y O U F E E L R E A L L Y I N T U N E W I T H T H E B I K E

Photo sourced from - commons.wikimedia.org

Harry loves his bike and was keen to tell me why. He told me that he feels more powerful riding fixed opposed to a fully geared bicycle. He, like many other fixed gear bike riders feel really in tune with the bike, and said that he has much more control over speed and cornering. I have yet to have a go on one of these bikes, but Harry ensured me that it is much more fun being connected to the back wheel and went on to say that it has made cycling exciting again for him. I asked Harry a few questions regarding these bikes with the hope that I’d get a better, more personal understanding why he rides fixed in a city like Bristol.

N O T E V E R Y O N E W H O R I D E S F I X E D I S A D I C K


How many fi xed gear bikes have you owned?

Two and I helped make another for a friend (they are super easy to make)

What made you decide to get one in the fi rst place, making the transition away from a fully geared bike?

I watched a lot of velodrome track racing and I loved the power and speed, and after having a go on a few tracks I fell in love with it. After I started seeing work colleagues and customers come in with a mad array of fi xed gear bikes. I couldn’t help myself. I constantly imagined getting one. For me it seemed to make cycling fun again and simple.

Are there any disadvantages you have noticed?

Yes, I’ve found if I haven’t ridden for a while it hurts my knees. Th at’s down to just putting too much eff ort in when climbing. And you also get put into this fi xed gear social group, which I don’t like. I hate as much as the next person someone speeding through traffi c like a tool. Not everyone who rides fi xed is a dick.

What tips could you give to getting the most out of a fi xie bike? For example, do you have any hill climbing techniques, or speed enhancing styles?

Th e only two things I would say is ride with brakes, don’t be an idiot. Sprint before you hit a hill too, I fl oored it before Park Street once and I just fl ew up.

It was a beautifully clear and crisp night to ride. We made our way through a part of Clifton I have only glanced at before. Cycling to the Ashton Court mountain bike trails, I often take a route past the Downs and over the suspension bridge. I like to think I have explored most of Bristol on my bike, but there is so many places I have been. There is a road of shops on my route that look very high-class and posh. I have often wondered what that area looks like, but have never made my way down there; always promising myself I would at some point.

Unbeknown to me, the route Harry was taking me was through these streets. I was right; the streets were very posh looking. It reminded me of the more up-market part of my hometown, Cheltenham; regency buildings with an array of coffee shops and bars. It was only when we reached the road heading towards the bridge that I realised where I was, another part of Bristol explored.

We took a left, making our way to the suspension bridge. It looked magnificent up close at night. I had only seen it from a distance at night before, but seeing it this close was something else. The lights were adding to its appearance, illuminating its breathtaking architecture and guiding our way across like landing lights at an airport. What a brilliant way to relieve stresses. Your mind can’t help to wander away from worries when you are riding beautiful routes.

We proceeded to ride across the famous bridge, and made our way towards Ashton Court. Riding these quiet roads gave me opportunity to chat to Harry more, learn a bit more about his cycling past and how he got so involved with the sport.

G U I D I N G O U R W A Y A C R O S S L I K E L A N D I N G L I G H T S A T A N A R I P O R T

‘ I ’ D L O V E T O C Y C L E T H R O U G H C A N A D A I ’ V E H E A R D A M A Z I N G T H I N G S A B O U T T H E P R A I R I E S B E T W E E N T H E S E T W O M O U N T A I N R A N G E S ’

Photo sourced from - sherwoodparkphotographer.com

How many bikes have you owned in the past, and how many do you have now; what are they?

In total I have owned only seven. I have three in my possession at the moment but one is meant to have been bought by James Hatley but I have yet to see the money.

When and why do you ride; is it a mode of transport for commuting, a leisure activity or for some other reason?

Originally I rode because I need to become independent and not rely on my mum for lifts everywhere. I loved the fact I never needed to stop for fuel or anything like that just hop on and go to where ever my legs would take me. (A bit like Forest Gump)

Where is the best place you have ridden your bike?

So far two places touring in central France was amazing particularly in the area surrounding Rouen just such a great trip. I think riding with the two people I was with really made it but I was so proud of my bike. Secondly Down hilling in California’s Mammoth Valley. It was only a day ride but I came down a mountain with my three siblings. The views were stunning and even though there were crashes, crying and a storm with torrential rain. It was an amazing feet of sibling friendship, fast and fun riding.

Is there any particular ride you have done that you really enjoyed, or felt a big sense of achievement completing?

I rode to a place called Beachyhead with some mates. It was the fi rst tour I’d ever done and it was brilliant for how much independence it made me feel I had. Plus there were some incredible S bend turns down this long hill we must have been clocking 40 /45 all the way down (well that’s what my speedo said)

If you could cycle anywhere in the world, where would you love to do so?

I’d love to cycle through Canada I’ve heard amazing things about the prairies between these two mountain ranges. And I love Canada.

When did you start riding bikes and do you also drive? (What do you use the most)

Never driven I started riding quite late actually round 6 or 7 it was a Raleigh BMX, which I never really got off of for about four years. Even after taking many tumbles.


R I D I N G I N T O T H E V O I D G I V E S Y O U N O R E A S O N T O L O O K B A C K

Riding through Ashton Court at night was something I had never done before. The first difficulty was getting in as the main gates were locked. We had to climb the wall, but when we got in, it was like a different world. Pitch black, with only our bike lights to help us see, it was such a contrast being in an area so dark, away from the bright city lights we are used to. It was an interesting experience being completely reliant on our bike lights in able to see.

Riding this way was difficult. Due to the lights lack of range, we had to view things a lot closer than we were used to. This meant that things appeared to come at you much quicker, giving you less time to react. At one point, two rabbits ran across my path while I was hurtling down a steep hill. I would have had no chance to dodge them, so thankfully they were also moving at pace.

Fortunately for me, I knew where I was going as I have ridden these routes many times before. I knew which direction the road would go, so I was able to predict the way and make it down at a reasonable speed. Harry, on the other hand, didn’t. When I had made it down to the bottom of the hill, Harry was nowhere to be seen. It turned out that my backlight was so bright; he had to stop for a bit so he could see where he was going.

I W O N D E R E D T O M Y S E L F W H Y I H A D N E V E R D O N E I T B E F O R E


After reaching the bottom, we made our way out of Ashton Court. We proceeded to head past our Campus on our way home. On route, Harry showed me the pump track near the underpass. I had come across it before, but never ridden it. He insisted that I give it ago and also wanted to have a go on my mountain bike. He showed me how it was done, and then it was time for me to have a go.

It was great fun, and I wondered to myself why I had never done it before. It was much easier than I had previously thought, and I have since had other goes when passing. Our route back took us along the river towards Temple Meads Station with a loop around Totterdam. We travelled back through the centre of Bristol sprinting through the underpass by Old Market and carried on round until we reached our old halls of residence, Nelson House.

This marked the end of our ride. Riding with Harry was a pleasure, and one I hope to experience again soon. Riding with people who love cycling as much as me hasn’t been a regular occurrence in my life. I tend to ride on my own a lot of the time. This ride has opened my eyes to the benefits of riding with other people and I feel that I will make more of a point of doing it in the future.

‘ H EY MATE , HAVE YOU GOT A CHA IN TOOL? ’

A ride from Bristol to Bath Spa with Nathan T.Crosby

‘HEY MATE, HAVE YOU GOT A CHAIN TOOL?’ / 53

Nathan T.Crosby is a graphic designer based in Bristol. I have known him for about a year and in that time we have always got on. We both have a passion for our subject and share similar interests. On the 9th of February 2013 we decided to hop on our bikes from my house in Bristol, and make our way along the Sustrans cycle path to Bath Spa. It was a journey I had done before, but I had only previously done it on my own. It was great to have some company this time, especially as we have got to know each other well.

I was riding my Specialized mountain bike and Nathan brought his brand new, vintage road bike; a bike he had been bought for Christmas by his girlfriend. It seemed so nicely maintained and almost looked new. I was looking forward to seeing how it performed on our route to Bath.

The cycle route officially starts at the back of Bristol Temple Meads Station on the other side of town to me; so that was the first part of the journey. We had gone only a few hundred meters before Nathan had to stop. Something had come loose on his new ride. He had yet to have a proper ride on the thing, so he wanted to make sure everything was in working order. After a quick stop for maintenance, we were off again.

We made it to the station in no time. I was impressed at the speed Nathan rides, and was looking forward to see how fit he’d be along the nineteen or so miles to our destination. He used to ride a lot, so I had no worry that he wouldn’t make it. We had a quick stop at the start of the route, and mentally prepared for the ride ahead.

ITS A MODE OF TRANSPORT THAT DOESN’T DESTROY MY BANK BALANCE

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‘HEY

MAT

E, H

AVE

YOU

GOT

A CH

AIN

TOOL

?’

For a Saturday at the start of February, it was actually quite a nice day for a ride. Perfect conditions for me, as it was cool, a little damp but no real chance of rain. Th e fi rst part of the ride can be a little diffi cult to navigate, but we made it to the main railway path with no real trouble as I new the direction to go after struggling last time.

Once on it, there is no real worry about getting lost along the way. Th is is exactly the kind of ride I love. I like to ride without having to stop regularly to work out where I am and fi nd my bearings on a map. With cycle paths like this, it is really easy to navigate and I rarely have to stop.

Making our way along the path, I realised that Nathan was quite a competent rider. He was keeping a good average speed up and I was wondering if he would ever slow down. Th ere were many other cyclists riding that day, and they almost became our competition. If we saw one up ahead, without saying anything to each other, we would gain momentum with the aim of overtaking them. Th is is something I do on a regular basis when riding, and it was great to see that Nathan had a similar competitive side.

One of my favourite parts of the ride for me is Staple Hill Tunnel. A short distance from the old station, the cycle path goes straight through it on one side. Deceptively long, you seem to be in it for much longer than it looks. It’s cool, damp and drips from the roof giving the illusion that it’s raining outside even if it’s a hot summers day.

I HAD NEVER RIDDEN THAT ROUTE BEFORE, AND I DEFINITELY PLAN TO DO IT AGAIN.

Once on it, there is no real worry about getting lost along the way. Th is is exactly the kind of ride I love. I like to ride without having to stop regularly to work out where I am and fi nd my bearings on a map. With cycle paths like this, it is really easy to navigate and I rarely have to stop.

Making our way along the path, I realised that Nathan was quite a competent rider. He was keeping a good average speed up and I was wondering if he would ever slow down. Th ere were many other cyclists riding that day, and they almost became our competition. If we saw one up ahead, without saying anything to each other, we would gain momentum with the aim of overtaking them. Th is is something I do on a regular basis when riding, and it was great to see that Nathan had a similar competitive side.


The Bristol to Bath route is constructed on the track bed of the former Midland Railway, which closed for passenger traffic in the 1960’s. Along the route, we came across all of the old stations, which are now over grown and full of wildlife. Pictured on these pages is Mangots Station. It used to be very important, marking the central point to a triangular junction carrying traffic in three directions. The canopy of the station used to be supported by pillars across the platform. These have been remembered by Sustrans volunteers with the planting of trees in their space.

This makes this station almost look magical to me. It has been reclaimed by nature, and only the base structures remain. I remember it well from the first time I rode the route. I also told Nathan about it before we even considered our ride. It’s a beautiful place where many cyclists stop to take in the view. Nathan I did the same.

After having a good walk around, we set off again. We were still feeling fresh and were looking forward to the rest of the ride. However, we didn’t get very far though. In fact, we didn’t even make it past the station’s platform.

60 /

‘HEY

MAT

E, H

AVE

YOU

GOT

A CH

AIN

TOOL

?’

Nathan shouted to me from behind, as I was getting up to speed, his chain had come off. Cycling back towards him, Nathan realised that not only had the thing come off, it had got itself twisted. It’s something I have experienced myself quite often, but I can never for the life of me remember how to fix it.

We tried to twist it back, getting our hand oily. We seemed to only be able to make another loop in it though, making it worse than how it was before. After giving different techniques a go for around ten minutes, I thought about asking people if they had a chain tool.

I have had chain tools in the past, but they tend to break quite easily, so I wasn’t carrying one with me. It was the only way I could think of fixing the problem though, so we needed to get hold of one. Chain tools make it possible to take links out of your bike chain; if we were able to do this, we could take Nathan’s apart, untwist it and put it back together. That was the theory anyway.

If we couldn’t get hold of one of these tools, it would have been a very long walk back home, so I started to ask people cycling past. Fortunately, it didn’t take long to find someone willing to help. He had an unusual multi tool with a chain device attached to it. I used to use tools like this a lot when I was younger, but proved that day that I had completely forgotten how to use one, fumbling with the chain, trying to get it apart. The chap helped us sort the chain for what seemed like an age. We managed to untwist it and put it back together, much to the relief of both of us. After riding up and down for a while, and realising that it wouldn’t break again, we set off in the direction of Bath for the third time.

WEVE GOT TO STOP, MY CHAIN HAS COME OFF

The route was as beautiful as I remembered. There is always something along the way to grab your attention, and due to the lack of vehicles, you are able to take in the sights without worrying about traffic. The route has been a source of inspiration to many artists and craftspeople that have created sculpture and public art to be placed along it along it. It’s really nice to see an area loved by so many people and is maintained and looked after. It provides a sense of friendliness throughout.

We had got about halfway to Bath, a place called Warmley, when I heard another shout from Nathan. His chain, again, had broken. This time however, is had snapped completely off. Without sufficient tools, and few people around, we weren’t feeling to lucky about finding help. It was looking like a very long ramble back to Bristol at this point.

I had seen some people working on the old station in Warmley about a hundred meters up the path. I decided to ask them if they new of any cycle shops close to our position. To our complete astonishment, they directed us to a cycle shop just around the corner from where we were. We couldn’t believe it.

Taking us less than three minutes to get to the shop, we made our way inside. The shop was small, but welcoming. Nathan spoke to the shop owner who said he could fix the chain in no time. While he was working on the bike I had a look around the shop and saw that he had chain tools in stock. With everything that had happened earlier in the ride, I decided to purchase one, just in case Nathan’s broke again. I didn’t think our good luck would continue.

64 /

‘HEY

MAT

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AVE

YOU

GOT

A CH

AIN

TOOL

?’

I started chatting with the shop owner. I was interested in the bikes he had in the showroom. A company I had never heard of before, Webbs made them. It turns out that they make them themselves. I found out that Webbs of Warmley is one of Bristol’s oldest established cycle shops. They design and fabricate road, mountain and leisure bikes.

Their bikes were beautifully designed and their logos were pleasing to the eye. I was really impressed by the company, and found it interesting to know that places like this do exist, the little man doing well in a climate full of giants. I am far to used to using established chains like Evans or Leisure Lakes selling all the branded bikes. It was refreshing to see smaller companies doing well.

In about ten minutes the man in the workshop had completely fixed Nathan’s chain, and charged him a reasonable price. We were ready to complete our ride to Bath. Fortunately this time, we didn’t have to stop again for maintenance. Finally, I could get on and ask Nathan some questions about his bike and his riding experiences.


What bike do you ride most often?

The 70’s Raleigh Grand prix my girlfriend bought me from christmas.

How many bikes have you owned in the past, and how many do you have now; what are they?

I only have one now, but when I was younger I built a jump bike. It was a “Nerve” frame with other various performance parts.

When and why do you ride; is it a mode of transport for commuting, a leisure activity or for some other reason?

Its a mode of transport that doesn’t destroy my bank balance like my car does when im in town. Other than that I ride for leisure, exercise and because its fun!

Where would you say is the best place you have ridden?

Ummm, I’m not sure, whatever ride takes me some place new I guess.


Is there any particular ride you have done that you really enjoyed, or felt a big sense of achievement completing?

Not really, I don’t set goals for rides, I just ride.

If you could cycle anywhere in the world, where would you love to do so?

I would like to cycle through europe or something like that.

When did you start riding bikes and do you also drive?

I used to drive everywhere, but then I spent more time in bristol, so a bike was a more economical choice.

Can you explain your cycling past; have you taken part in cycling events, have you spectated any rides?

I used to ride dirt jump bikes with a group of friends a fair few years ago.

I USED TO RIDE DIRT BIKES WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS


We made our way back to the area where Nathan’s chain had snapped, from there we continued on with our original journey. We still had a fair way to go. Still determined though, we travelled a high average speed. Due to the nature of the route, it being an old railway track, the majority of the journey is rather fl at. Once we got up to speed, it was easy enough to keep up the momentum. I was still impressed by Nathan’s level of fi tness, I had previously thought he may struggle in the latter stages of the ride, but he was keeping up with me just fi ne. I’d defi nitely be up for riding with him again, as I rarely fi nd someone with a similar commitment to a ride I do. I got the feeling that getting to Bath would mark the end of a challenge. Something I was feeling myself. If we got there, we would feel a big sense of achievement.

I THINK BRISTOL IS AN INCREDIBLY CYCLIST UN-FRIENDLY CITY, WITH A HUGE CYCLE CULTURE

72 /

‘HEY

MAT

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AVE

YOU

GOT

A CH

AIN

TOOL

?’

Do you have a dream bike that you’d love to own one day?

Nope, my bike is perfect for me.

Is there a quote you could give that would sum up the ride we did together?

“chain”

If you could change one thing about riding in Bristol, what would it be?

I think bristol is a incredibly cyclist un-friendly city, with a huge cycle culture.

What was the best part of the ride we did together, would you do it again?

I had never ridden that route before, and I definitely plan to do it again.


It didn’t take us much longer to get to Bath from Warmley. With no more maintenance issues to deal with, we just got our heads down and got on with the ride. There was a point where no words were spoken. We were both feeling the strain and it felt like Nathan just wanted to get there. We pushed through the low and kept up a reasonable speed.

As I had done the journey before, I knew where I was along the route most of the time. This meant I knew how to pace myself a little better than my riding partner. At no point along the ride did he know where he was; it was all new to him. I was trying to keep him posted as much as I could. Encouraging words shared to keeps us going. Even I struggled at times.

We felt a small sense of relief, but a bigger sense of achievement when we had finally made it to our destination. The end of the cycle route was marked with an impressive display of grand regency buildings. We stopped briefly to take in the view, but one of our first thoughts when we got there was to find a place to sit down and refuel. The first thing we needed to do was find a place to eat, close enough to an area we could lock our bikes up. I am personally a bit paranoid about locking my bike up as I have frequently fell victim to bike thieves. I like to lock it in a place where I can see it at all times.

WE ARE HERE, WELL DONE MATE


Bath is beautiful, I have only been a few times, but I have been taken back by the architecture every time. It took a while to find a place to stop, but we ended up in a pub I had been to before with friends. Unfortunately it was a rugby weekend, with the Six Nations in full swing. We were unable to find a decent seat, but we did get a chance to rest.

Without really discussing it, we both had come to the agreement that we weren’t going to cycle back the way we came. In fact, we decided not to cycle back at all. I also had work later that evening, making the decision to get the train back a little easier.

It was a really good day shared by both of us. I enjoyed Nathan’s company, and I’ll look forward to our next challenge. He is someone that cycles for the sake of cycling. He enjoys it, and it was a pleasure to cycle with someone with similar interests to me. On the journey home, I asked him one final question.

Is there any advice you can give to someone wanting to do a similar ride to the one we did together?

PACK FOOD, TOOLS AND ENJOY YOURSELF!

THANK YOU / 79

THANK YOUI would like to thank Hannah Taylor for responding to an email I had circulated around the Sustrans office. It was a pleasure meeting her and I very much enjoyed the ride we went on. She offered and incite into a different, safer way of riding and I enjoyed the route we took around the back streets of Bristol. I would never have known how to navigate them without her.

Harry Slinger-Thompson is a good friend of mine; I really appreciate the time he offered me on the midnight ride. It was great to ride with someone who shares a similar passion for the sport of cycling. He also showed me some routes through Bristol that I would have never have taken without him. I have since used them a lot, so thank you.

My ride with Nathan T.Crosby was a great experience. I want to thank him for sharing it with me. It can get very lonely in the saddle while riding on your own, so it was lovely having someone with me to share the ride to Bath; especially someone with a similar amount of commitment and dedication as I often feel trying to get to a destination. I’ll look forward to our next challenge.

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