Hello from Redditch

[doogle84]

Hello to what seems a delightfully friendly lot!

Thought I'd sign up after stumbling across here and reading through some good advice.

About me if you're interested:

26 year old sedantry office bod named Doug. I'm a commuter of 11 mile round trip the last 3-4 years, which has recently taken a whole new dimension (literally) having relocated from The Fens to The Alps north Redditch. Same distance commute, a bit more challenging, a lot more fun!

I have an ancient Cannondale Bad Boy Ultra which is a bit too small but nice nonetheless, but now on the lookout for a steel audax machine which might suit the new commute better and open up the possibility for some longer rides...

That's it, cheers!

 

[upsidedown]

Hi doogle and welcome. I commute to redditch every day so know the area well, but i'm a much older sedantary office bod.

 

[BrumJim]

I'm also a sedentary office bod, but also much older, on a 13 mile round trip commute.

Get yourself a decent road or Audax bike, and join us on our social rides. Good things about the hills in your area are:

1. Great views from the top.
2. Going "weee" as you go down the other side.

 

[Young Un]

Hello from another Redditch dweller!

Shameless plug as I work there - But if you're in the market for a new bike do check out Echelon Cycles down in pershore - www.echelon-cycles.co.uk

We specialise in just road bike / auduax / TT so our shop would be perfect for you.

 

[Alembicbassman]

That Park Way bus lane there must be the longest in the World.

I used to live in Henley in Arden and travel into Redditch.

It's road system is the most confusing of anywhere I have ever been. Even the Google Street View car gets lost there.

 

[doogle84]

BrumJim yes the view is pretty special, at least compared to what I used to get. The "weee" bit happens much more on the way home than the way to work, a shame it doesn't happen both ways.

Thanks YoungUn, I have been on the lookout for a local shop, I don't think there actually is one in Redditch itself.

I went halfway to Henley, to Ullenhall, on a whim recently. Then I found the only pub was being refurbished

 

[AlanW]

Another one from Redditch here to, but I would never admit it in public......

Depending on your fitness, but we have a Saturday ride that goes from the Bramley Cottage at 9 o'clock sharp.

Its the same route every week (roughly 40 miles) but direction can alter depending on the wind direction and can be brisk depending who is on the front.

We also have a Sunday run starting at the same time of 9 o'clock, but we meet in the car park opposite Crabbs Cross chippy. Its a different route every Sunday, and usually the distance ranges from 50 miles to 70 miles with the speed varies from sedate to stupid!

Maybe see you on one or both of them at some point?

And while we are dishing out shameless plugs, can I also whole recommend the Beacon RCC, as a thoroughly brilliant cycling club.

More details can be found Here

 

[Lix82]

Hi Doug and all fellow Redditch dwellers.

I am new to the site and was about to post my first post, when i saw Doug's discussing Redditch.

I am waiting for my cycle scheme voucher to come through and will then be commuting Redditch to Birmingham.

Alan - May join up with you all at some point as i want to begin cycling at weekends also.

I'm going for a cross bike as i like the thought of getting off road a bit at weekends, and have read these are good all round bikes. Depending how much i get into cycling (normally a golfer and footballer) then i guess i could own more than one bike.

Hello to all.

Alex

 

[AlanW]

Hi Doug and all fellow Redditch dwellers.

I am new to the site and was about to post my first post, when i saw Doug's discussing Redditch.

I am waiting for my cycle scheme voucher to come through and will then be commuting Redditch to Birmingham.

Alan - May join up with you all at some point as i want to begin cycling at weekends also.

I'm going for a cross bike as i like the thought of getting off road a bit at weekends, and have read these are good all round bikes. Depending how much i get into cycling (normally a golfer and footballer) then i guess i could own more than one bike.

Hello to all.

Alex

Hi Alex

Welcome to the site.

Not wishing to put you off going for a cross bike, but you might just want to think more carefully before you buy one thinking that it will do several things, as it doesn't always work like that. Unless you are spending £'s then they are heavy and on a long road ride will become tiresome.

Of course it all depends on what you intend to do the most of? But unless you intend to do cyclo cross racing, then for riding off road, I would go for a proper MTB instead.

 

[Lix82]

Alan,

Thank you for your guidance. Whenever i've gone into shops to discuss what i'm after the attandants seem to say cross bike.

My commute will be approx 15 mile, Redditch to Jewellery Quarter. I may use the tow paths in areas? But not entirely sure what the best option is yet. I guess I won't make it every day for a while, that would be clocking up some mileage and unsure i'm fit enough.

I did want to do some off roading at weekends, and looking into Cyclocross I feel this sport appeals to me. Although i'm unsure yet how serious I want to take it. I think i'd prefer adreniline fuelled weekends, than road cycling. I have changed my mind between road and cyclo cross many times during looking. But never really looked at an MTB mainly due to the distance of my commute.

I have a week or two to mull over it until my voucher arrives, so i guess i'll change my mind again a few times by then.

(Sorry for hijacking your post Doug)

 

[doogle84]

No problem Alex, more posts will just make me look more popular and I don't mind because I'm also an occasional golfer, and my commute takes me in the direction of Brum (but not far past the M42).

I'm no expert but if you want one bike to do two things, you might be best served having two sets of wheels, one with road tyres and one with knobblies for the weekend. I have a set of mountain bike wheels for the Bad Boy, but have never really used them.

Thanks for the plug AlanW, once I get the audax bike I'll be thinking about some longer rides.

 

[Lix82]

Thanks Doogle, sorry if it's not Doug, I was a little tired that night??

I think I'm going to stick with the cross for now as that's what suit's my needs most for now, and get a set of road wheels as suggested if i fancy some road cycling. If I get into cycling a bit more I can always consider a second bike. Maybe see you out on the roads soon.

Alex