Victoria Bowskill

Earlier in the year we brought you rider interviews with some brilliant female cyclists who were in training for the Club Peloton pedElle 2016 cycling challenge. The event was a great success, which raised a brilliant £25,000 for Club Peloton’s principal beneficiary, children’s charity Coram.

The cycling challenge, which was open to women working in the property industry, was a resounding success for the cyclists as well as the charity. The three-day pedElle 2016 event was one of extremes: extremes in the weather, extremes in cycling terrain, and extremes in emotions.

25 women from the UK property industry, including Sam, Sarah and Yvonne (who you may remember from our rider interviews earlier this year) set off from the picturesque city of Salzburg on 24th May. The riders faced the prospect of a challenging 425km ride over three days. (At nearly 90 miles a day, that’s some serious exertion).

The first day was one of the most challenging rides that most of the cyclists had ever ridden: a 26km long mountain climb over Austria’s highest pass, the 2,500m high Grossglockner pass. Things weren’t helped by the weather; it may have been warm and sunny in the valley bottom, but it grew progressively colder and wetter as the elevation increased. A snow storm at the top finally put paid to the rest of the day when the mountain pass was closed by the local patrol.

The second day, from Lienz to Udine, featured two tough climbs – but the weather was, at least, more cyclist-friendly. The satisfaction of riding to the top of another pass and crossing the Italian border was rewarded with cheering, hugs and tears of joy – followed by a sweeping descent in the sunshine.

 

The third day, from Udine to Venice, was a marked contrast: a completely flat run into Mestre, buffeted by crosswinds and headwinds. Buoyed by the tantalising promise of Venice and the Architecture Biennale, the pedElle group arrived tired but jubilant.

This year’s pedElle saw the riders face personal demons and incredible challenges but not only did the pre-event training pay off for everyone, but the support and camaraderie that everyone provided for each other throughout meant that everyone completed the ride.

Yvonne summed up her experience, “If you want to experience new depths of confidence brought about my pushing yourself to the limit whilst being supported by a peloton of outstanding women in scenery that will take your breath way – you have to join us next year!”

There are so many reasons to cycle. We’ve made a list of what we think are 10 great things about being a female cyclist. What have we missed? Add your suggestions in the comments or Tweet us @vampercc with the hashtag #whybikegirlsrule.

ONE. Surprising people with your badass-ness and enjoying the look of amazement on people’s faces when they find out how many miles you cover under your own steam…

TWO. Collecting QOMs on Strava with the same fervour that you collected Troll Dolls and Polly Pocket back in the day…

 

THREE. Glancing behind to see the guy you just overtook straining to get back on your wheel and failing miserably.

FOUR. Smiling to yourself when your boyfriend/husband asks you to dial it down a bit, you’re not in a race…

FIVE. Realising that all that horse riding when you were 13 didn’t go to waste and that your core control is as sharp as it ever was.

SIX. The self-confidence of knowing that you could bury any snotty shop assistant in a TT, track lap or gran fondo… It feels very Pretty Woman.

SEVEN. Knowing that nobody looks better in a mini skirt or shorts than you do after a summer of cycling. Your quads ROCK. Your calves? Second to none. (We’ll just ignore the tan lines which have left your ankles lily white…)

EIGHT. Feeling safe in the knowledge that when the inevitable Zombie apocalypse happens and all the petrol is gone, there is no Zombie freak going to catch your bad ass

NINE. In the event of a prolonged blackout you could probably power a microwave enough to heat a ready meal with those power stats – #agirlsgottaeat

TEN. Scoffing at those exercise-averse calorie counters. There’s no need to starve yourself when you’ve burned that many calories climbing and sprinting all weekend…

 

We’re delighted to announce that our first cycling kit, the Season One #ParadiseKit, is now available to pre-order for a limited time only from the Vamper store. 

Developed alongside cyclewear manufacturer KALAS, the Season One #ParadiseKit is the first technical racewear offering from Vamper.cc. The kit is available in both men’s and women’s sizes. We will be accepting orders for the limited edition #ParadiseKit until 31 July 2016.

Please note the lead/delivery time is 5 weeks from the order closing date. We will be placing the limited-edition order following the 31st July so please only order if you are willing to wait the full 5 weeks to receive your kit. 

A completed and paid for order will be taken as understanding of the lead and construction time.

 

The #ParadiseKit Jersey – £80

Available in men’s and women’s specific cuts, the #ParadiseKit jersey is crafted from a perfect combination of two highly functional materials. The elastic fabric on the front chest panel provides excellent aerodynamics while the Carbon X material on the back ensures high breathability.

Features of the #ParadiseKit Jersey:

• Rear and side panels made from the material with a mixture of carbon fibre
• Silicone elastic waistband to prevent your top from riding up
• Elastic inserts under the sleeves for a great anatomic fit
• Three compartment back pockets with a small opening for an earpiece cable
• Reflective elements for increased safety

 

The #ParadiseKit Bib Shorts – £100

The #ParadiseKit bib-shorts are constructed from high quality and compressive Lycra Power fabric which has excellent elasticity and breathability. Mesh braces and comfortable leg grippers provide a perfect fit when cycling, and the gender-specific chamois pads will keep you comfortable on even lengthy rides.

Features of the #ParadiseKit Bib Shorts 

• New anatomical cut
• Flat seams ensure maximum comfort
• Mesh braces provide better ventilation
• Anti-slip grippers around the legs to prevent riding up
• ZOOM X pad

 

What inspired the design?

It’s not a kit for shrinking violets, we grant you.

Anyone who reads Vamper.cc or follows us on Instagram will know that we have a penchant for bold kit design. We firmly believe that personal style shouldn’t be hampered by the addition of Lycra – after all, who wants to look bland on their bike? We knew that it had to be floral and we were seduced by the idea of a Hawaiian-style print for summer days.

We hope you like it as much as we do!

Happy cycling… #teamvamper

 

 

On Sunday 17th July, we’ll be leading a ride out for the Rapha #Womens100 cycling event. Meeting at Staines railway station at 9.30am for a 10am start, we’ll be heading out through Windsor, up to Marlow and Hurley before making our way back towards London via Virginia Water and Chertsey. The ride finishes in Richmond Park.

The route follows mostly B roads and features only gentle elevation – this is going to be a fun, social ride where nobody gets dropped. At 100km / 62.5 miles, it should help you limber up for the Prudential RideLondon event in a few weeks…

We’ll aim for an average speed of 14-16mph and we have planned two breaks.

The first leg of the ride is about 22 miles / 35km, and will take us to the village of Hurley where there is a good pub called The Olde Bell. We’ll stop off there for coffee and sandwiches if we’re feeling hungry by that point.

We’ll be stopping again after about another 20 miles / 32km in Windsor Park for coffee and snacks, before the final leg which will take us through Virginia Water, Chertsey and Walton-on-Thames as we head to Richmond Park.

Please note that while it may be the Rapha #Womens100, Matt and I will be leading the group together and we’re perfectly happy for a mix on the ride. If you want to bring your boyfriend/partner/husband along, by all means, do.

 

What you need to know about the Vamper.cc Rapha #Womens100:

• We will be meeting in the station carpark at Staines Railway Station from 9.30am, for a 10am start. The station postcode is TW18 4LY.
• Please bring cash for coffees, as the kiosk at Windsor Great Park doesn’t accept card payments!
• It’s always a good idea to have a couple of snacks in your back pocket in case you run out of energy. Bring a spare inner tube, too.
• The total length of the ride is 100km, or 62.5 miles.
• We’ll aim for an average speed of 14-16mph.
• If you are not accustomed to riding in a group, please take a few minutes to read through this article which contains some useful information. The section on hand signals is particularly helpful.
• You can view the route and download the file to your Garmin here.

You can sign up to the ride at CycleWE. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at victoria@vamper.cc.

Please join us for what should be a great social ride! #womens100

Over the past few weeks I’ve been testing some of the latest Rivelo women’s cycling kit: the new summer range includes the Holmbury jersey, Tideswell bib shorts and Haresfield gilet. At the start of the year we reviewed the brand’s winter offering which we loved, finding the quality and performance top notch and the styling chic. We’ve been excited to get our hands on the summer kit after the bar was set so high in the winter.

Rivelo cycle wear isn’t the flash kid on the block; it isn’t showy or garish. It’s understated and sophisticated, and this kit feels really fresh for summer.

 

 

Rivelo Women’s Holmbury Cycling Jersey

 

 

The female-specific Holmbury cycling jersey is made from breathable, wicking, quick-drying performance fabric to keep you feeling comfortable on summer rides. It features four roomy rear pockets, including a water resistant zip pocket to keep valuables safe. I was grateful for that water resistant pocket on my first outing when it inadvertently protected my hip from further damage in a nasty tumble. The pocket is now rather scuffed, but my hip was just bruised rather than grazed thanks to the reinforced pocket!

 

 

I like the styling of the Holmbury cycling jersey. I’m a sucker for nautical stripes – they always feel sharp and summery – and the colour combination of teal and coral with clean white accents works very nicely. It feels really fresh and modern.

 

 

Size-wise, the sizing of the summer range feels a little bit smaller than the winter collection: I’m wearing size 12 again but it’s a more snug fit than expected (and I’m a few pounds lighter than I was in the winter). It might be worth sizing up if you want a bit of room. However, in terms of length it’s really generous and there’s no danger of it riding up, with a dropped hem at the rear featuring a Rivelo silicone gripper to keep everything in place. It’s a fitted, feminine shape, accommodating my – erm – womanly curves nicely. The striped design is unisex but the cut keeps it feeling like a women’s jersey, not a sized down men’s jersey.

The jersey is available for £39.99 at SportPursuit.

 

Rivelo Women’s Tideswell Bib Shorts

 

 

I’ve raved about Rivelo’s Monsal winter tights (here) which are supremely comfortable, so the Tideswell bib shorts had a lot to live up to.

These female-specific bib shorts are anatomically cut and feature a quality high-density Cytech chamois pad with a bacteriostatic, quick drying and cooling fabric covering. The legs of the bib shorts are constructed from a robust 70 denier circular knit Lycra which feels really supportive on the legs (and gives a flattering silhouette). The fabric also incorporates UPF 50+ sun protection, a useful feature when you’re as fair-skinned and prone to burning as I am.

 

 

The breathability of the bib shorts is good and the wicking is effective. I like the zip pocket feature on the back, too. I’ve worn the Tideswell bib shorts on rides of varying lengths up to 45 miles and they’ve been so comfortable that I plan to wear them for the upcoming Prudential RideLondon 100 mile event; the chamois is really supportive. In fact, I would go so far as to say it’s one of the best chamois pads I’ve worn (and I have tested a lot…)

The bib shorts are priced at £120.00 from Rivelo.cc.

 

Rivelo Women’s Haresfield Gilet

 

 

A lightweight gilet is such a useful piece of kit in any cyclist’s wardrobe, particularly if you’re cycling in the UK with our ludicrously changeable weather conditions. Jumpers in June, anyone? Having a windproof vest to slip on during coffee stops that can then be folded and stuffed in a pocket and bidon really is handy.

The Haresfield gilet coordinates nicely with the Holmbury cycling jersey and is windproof, water resistant and breathable. What’s more, its reflective design features make it a useful item to slip on as dusk falls. It has a central back vent for extra breathability which also allows easy access to the jersey pockets underneath which is a handy feature. The dropped rear hem protects your bum from road spray when the weather turns damp and the collar is lined with soft microfibre which is a comfortable touch.

 

 

The gilet is well thought out in terms of design features but for my hourglass body shape the fit isn’t ideal – I need something which is more generous on the bust and hips and more fitted at the waist. If you’re less top heavy, the straight cut won’t be a problem but I’d like a bit more tailoring around the middle for a cleaner silhouette.

The Haresfield gilet is available for £29.99 at SportPursuit.

 

Summer 2016 Rivelo women’s cycling kit – the verdict

I’m impressed by the latest offering from Rivelo. The summer designs look sharp and fresh and the good looks are backed up by great technical details. The sizing does seem a little bit smaller than the winter collection and for fellow big-boobed cyclists, the gilet could be problematic. However, the quality is as good as expected and the design features are really well thought out. The jersey looks gorgeous, and the bib shorts are top notch. Rivelo really know how to do chamois pads.

For a fresh summer cycling kit to put down miles in comfort, the latest Rivelo women’s cycling kit is a great place to start – it’s excellent value from Sport Pursuit and has better technical credentials than most brands at this price point.

 

The Polaris Vision Women’s Cycling Jersey and Shorts retail at £64.99 each. They are available from Polaris Bikewear.

Yorkshire lasses Kate Horsfall of Wetherby and Judith Worrall of Thirsk are inviting women who cycle to the first Yorkshire Lass Cycling Club charity sportive on 14 August. 140 entrants have already signed up and just 160 places remain.

Supported by All Terrain Cycles and the ladies of the Yorkshire Lass Cycling Club, the sportive is being held in aid of Women v Cancer which comprises Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Action.  Starting from Carlton Lodge Activity Centre in Thirsk, the event is organised through British Cycling and offers three levels of difficulty: a 30-mile ‘Cuppa tea an a piece a cake’ ride; a 60-mile ‘Reet Gud Ride’; and a 103-mile ‘By Eck Tha War Ard Ride’ route. All riders will be awarded a medal and a piece of cake when they finish!

The Wetherby-based cycling club was launched in March 2015 with support from All Terrain Cycles, which has stores in Wetherby and Saltaire.  One of the few women’s cycling clubs in the region, the Yorkshire Lass Cycling Club has proved hugely popular as growing numbers of women have taken up the sport.  As part of its commitment to promoting cycling in Yorkshire, All Terrain is supporting the sportive by helping out with equipment and mobile mechanical support as well as supplying energy gels to help keep the cyclists’ wheels and legs turning.

“We’ve had a phenomenal response to our first charity sportive – originally, we were hoping for about 50 entrants, but take-up was much stronger than we expected, especially on the longer routes. Our fun and friendly members are getting really excited to be riding and encouraging ladies on the day, as well as manning feed stations and marshalling the routes. Word seems to have spread and we’re optimistic that by August all 300 places will be filled,” says Kate.  “We think the event is proving particularly popular because it’s one of the few ladies-only sportives in Yorkshire and we’re offering rides for all abilities – and, of course, there is the promise of cake at the finish line!”

Jude adds: “We are really grateful to All Terrain Cycles for their ongoing support, from providing our fantastic club kit and sponsorship to giving us a friendly welcome as we set out on our rides on a Sunday morning, we couldn’t have done it without them.  Thanks to their support, we’re looking forward to a successful event and hoping to raise lots of funds for three wonderful women’s charities.”

Tony Booth, managing director of All Terrain Cycles, says: “It’s great news that with over two months to go, almost half of the places on the YLCC sportive have already been taken.  It’s such a friendly, welcoming club that it’s no surprise that the event is attracting so many cyclists – any ladies planning to take part should enter soon or they may have to wait until next year.”

The lunch stop will be at the famous Mousey Thompson shop and café for the participants doing the 60 mile and 100 mile routes.  The ride will be well signposted with marshalls at points along the route, mechanical assistance will be provided by All Terrain Cycles and there will be well stocked feed stations.

The event is being supported by a number of local businesses including Carlton Lodge, where Judith works.  David Sharpe, chief executive of the activity centre agreed to stage the sportive which has also attracted sponsors including Yorkshire Tea Room, Yorkshire Tea, Office Solutions, Heck Sausages, Paynes Dairies, Masham Sausages and Chia Bars which are donating cakes, tea, sausages, energy bars, milk and office supplies.

Yorkshire Lass Cycling Club meets at 10am most Sunday’s at All Terrain Cycles on Audby Lane, Wetherby.  Anyone interested in joining the club, taking part in the sportive or who would like to be a sponsor should visit: www.yorkshirelass.cc or to enter the charity sportive, visit British Cycling. For any questions about the sportive or accommodation for the sportive, please contact yorkshirelasscc@hotmail.com.

It’s an exciting time to be involved in women’s cycling. We visited Spin London over the weekend and it was brilliant to see so many women’s cycling brands – and plenty of other brands keen to launch a women’s cycling range soon. It’s really encouraging to see so many women’s rides being organised, and to hear such a buzz about an emerging women’s cycling community.

Exciting times indeed.

So why do I feel like there’s something missing? Why does this new and vibrant women’s cycling community feel a little bit empty?

In fact – why do I feel like quite a lot of female cyclists aren’t on board with the idea of community at all?

I cycle a lot. Usually with Matt, though not always. I rode in a Macmillan women’s sportive, on my own. I thought I might be able to buddy up with someone, or find a nice group to pedal with for a few miles. But nobody seemed to be playing ball. Solo cyclists kept their heads down while groups and pairs seemed curiously closed. Don’t worry, I wasn’t planning to sit on your wheel and coast along. I was just going to pass the time of day, and maybe take the wind for a while.

Can you only ride with other women if you join a cycling club? If you’re not on a club ride, are you obliged to ride alone?

Has the sudden growth of cycling fractured friendship and community?

Beyond that – does cycling actually need to be segregated? Am I alone in wanting cycling to feel like an inclusive community, rather than disparate gendered groups? It feels increasingly like there are two camps of women’s cycling: one is fiercely Alpha and competitive while the other seems entrenched in cake and not breaking too much of a sweat. Where do I fit in? I’m happy to break a sweat. I want to ride with women, but also with men. I want to reap the rewards of a tough ride – sometimes I might want a piece of cake, but sometimes I might want a refreshing pint and a bowl of chips. I don’t want to feel like I’ve let Women’s Cycling down if I get dropped, or if I feel like I’m dying and decide to get off and push. But nor do I want to feel like my place has to be a 12mph café ride with cake stops. A true community should be supportive of everyone’s differences, shouldn’t it? A community should be understanding and encouraging – not looking down its nose if you chose not to ride when it was bitterly cold and wet. Nor should it be unapproachable for members who want to learn more and take on new challenges.

What community is that? The cliques of riders sticking firmly in their groups, determinedly not making eye contact with cyclists they don’t know?

Matt is always keen to ride around Richmond Park. I asked him why he liked it so much, and he replied that he liked being part of the community.

What community is that? The cliques of riders sticking firmly in their groups, determinedly not making eye contact with cyclists they don’t know?

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve ridden around Richmond Park and stopped for coffee at Roehampton Gate. But I haven’t lost count of the number of times a fellow cyclist has spoken to me there.

Once.

In all the times I’ve parked my bike up and bought a coffee, just one cyclist has spoken to me.

Am I naïve to think we should all be making more of an effort to get along with each other because we have a mutual interest?

I suppose all of this leads to a bigger question than one about women’s cycling; it’s really about the existence of a true cycling community. Has the rapid explosion of cycling in recent years damaged the notion of a cycling community? Has the popularity of cycling grown too quickly for its own good? How can we nurture cycling, and cyclists, and a cycling community? How can we all become better custodians of cycling, encouraging others and setting a good example rather than developing cliques and critiquing newcomers?

Am I naïve to think we should all be making more of an effort to get along with each other because we have a mutual interest?

Is it wrong to think that it’s perhaps not very surprising that motorists and pedestrians aren’t madly keen on us when, frankly, it feels like we’re not madly keen on each other?

So, I’m issuing a call to arms. I’m issuing a call to all cyclists, male and female, cake-eating, beer-drinking, fast, slow and everything in between: let’s show some solidarity. Let’s smile at each other. Let’s call a friendly greeting, or nod or wave. Let’s pass the time of day with all the other people who love the same thing we do.

The next time you pass a fellow cyclist, let them know you’re part of the community – and that they are, too.

Chapeau.

Women’s cycling is going from strength to strength and it’s heartening to see more apparel designers launching expanded collections for female cyclists. I’m sure I’m not alone, though, in feeling that women’s cycling clothing is all too often still a bit of an afterthought. If you’re struggling to find kit as cool as you are, read on, because I’ve made it my mission to share all the cool women’s cycling kits I can find. You’ll find more good stuff here and here.

And don’t forget that the coolest kit of 2016, the Vamper.cc kit, is available in both men’s and women’s sizes. Register your interest here!

 

Hors catégorie socks – This is Cambridge

These glorious socks from This is Cambridge are just fah-bu-lous. I ordered a pair to coordinate with my pink Bont shoes… The socks feature Meryl Skinlife® which is a high performance yarn containing antibacterial properties which maintain the natural balance of the skin, reducing odours. What’s more, they look incredibly cool with a 15cm cuff, making them ideal for cyclists seeking a performance sock with top notch style. They’re £13.50.

 

Vision Cycling Jersey – Polaris Bikewear

We’ll be publishing a review of this soon, but in the meantime, I can tell you that it’s great. The Vision Jersey is a women’s specific performance jersey made from a fast wicking fabric to keep you dry. Polaris has a co-ordinating pair of waist shorts (as regular readers know, not usually my preferred choice – but so far, I’m liking them…) so the half zip on the jersey is no problem. There is plenty of storage, too, with three rear pockets including a zipped security pocket. If this aqua blue shade ain’t your bag, it also comes in fuchsia pink and regal purple. I really, really like this jersey. It’s available for £64.99.

 

Women’s Wind Cheater/Core Gilet in WaterCOLOUR – The Pedla

Ok, ok. Y’all know I’m a sucker for a bold floral print. What can I say – I must be the Mary Berry of the cycling world… But this women’s specific wind cheater gilet from The Pedla is gorgeous and utilises an advanced Italian WINDTEX windproof membrane for performance. It is designed with front shield-style paneling to insulate and protect you from wind and light rain while the rear panelling uses quick-drying microfibre material which is soft, breathable and moisture wicking. It’s a beautiful way to add a dash of summertime to your cycling wardrobe. It’s priced at AUD $196.

 

Women’s Bodyline SS Slipstream Jersey – Stolen Goat

It doesn’t always have to be floral for me to like it. This Slipstream jersey from Stolen Goat makes it into my list of cool women’s cycling kits because it’s super chic and the colours rock. I like it a lot. You can order it for £60.

 

Aloha Jersey – Babici

We’re back to florals! But this time, tropical ones. The Aloha jersey features a beautifully designed Hawaiian tropical pattern. Illustrated with amazing detail and constructed from high performance textiles, Babici expects this to be its most popular jersey of 2016. I’m sorely tempted. It’s priced at AUD $190.

 

Body Geometry Gel Women’s Glove – Specialized

I know what you’re thinking. Why is this in the list of cool women’s cycling kits? It isn’t a very exciting piece of kit. Where’s the bold design? What’s so cool about it? Fine, I admit it: they’re not going to set your world on fire. But take it from a women’s cycling glove afficionado: these are excellent summer cycling mitts. The padding is second to none and the fuchsia detailing is bolder than it looks in pictures. I bought a pair in Sigma Sport a couple of weeks ago, and I’m really pleased with them. Very good gloves indeed. You can buy them for £25.00.

 

Polka Dot Blue Women’s Cycling Gloves – Stolen Goat

You need a bolder glove? You want more than performance – you want pizzazz? Well, these mitts from Stolen Goat have got it. Super duper polka dots (bang on trend, if you care) and aero styling so that nothing can hold you back from that Queen of the Mountain. CUTE. And yours for £29.50.

 

Women Summer Jersey Checked Yellow – La Passione

“Every peloton has a leader, but not every peloton has a stylish leader.” Too true, La Passione! I was torn over which colourway to show you from the new La Passione range. I finally decided that yellow jerseys for women are few and far between, and this shade is so deliciously sunny and summery that it deserves a place in the list. I also like this description from the brand: the jersey “is not only perfectly suited for any female Tour de France winner, but equally for anyone with style and a winning attitude in cycling.” Sold, to the lady in Lycra. £53.00.

 

Boels Dolmans SL Pro Women’s Short Sleeve Jersey – Specialized 

I saw a cyclist wearing this kit in Richmond Park last weekend and it looked cool AF. The colours are amazing and I love how unapologetically bold it is. Super modern and super cool. The VaporRize knit fabric construction is ultra-soft and breathable and, combined with Coldblack fabric, it’s a great jersey for hot days out on the road. Yours for £90 from Sigma Sport.

 

Empire Women’s Road Shoe – Giro (at Sigma Sport)

Finally – we all know how important the right shoes are, and no list of cool women’s cycling kits would be complete without some good footwear. These are not cheap. But they are pretty. Glossy black with that petrol-hued logo and vibrant turquoise laces, the carbon-soled Empire Women’s Road Shoe by Giro is hot to trot. Love them. They are priced at £229.95

 

A survey of more than 600 cyclists across the UK has revealed that the cycling is so addictive, just one in 25 would prefer to spend Sunday morning with their partner to pedalling across the countryside.

If the figures are to be believed, could the survey – carried out by retailer AllTerrainCycles.co.uk – suggest that the UK cycling boom could spell the end of the road for the romantic weekend lie-in? A massive 68% of respondents said they would choose a bike ride over an extra hour in bed with their partners.

“All cycling enthusiasts know how addictive it is as a sport, but even we didn’t expect that so many people would prefer it to a lie in with their other half,” said Tony Booth of All Terrain Cycles.

We at Vamper.cc are concerned by the 17% of respondents who would rather do something other than cycling, spending time with the kids, their partner or friends……

It’s not all bad news for relationships, though: while cyclists do seem to be shunning romance in favour of Sunday cycling excursions, one in five said their partner would be their ideal cycling companion. (The second most popular choice, Sir Bradley Wiggins, trailed by a country mile at just 8% of the vote. Partners over Olympic champions, it seems!)

Lizzie Armitstead and Victoria Pendleton both made the top ten list of dream cycling companions. Bizarrely, disgraced rider Lance Armstrong was the cycling companion of choice for 3% of those polled…

“There were hundreds of individuals named as people’s favourite riding partners, from Ann Widdecombe and Boy George to Bear Grylls and Barak Obama. The top ten choices were mainly from the world of cycling; after spouses and partners, only motorcycle racer Guy Martin from outside the sport,” said Mr Booth.

“We wanted to learn more about what our customers like about the sport, their cycling habits and their views on new technology, as well as the lighter side of the survey there have been some interesting insights into customers’ behaviours and trends,” he added.

Last month we brought you the first of a three-part series of exclusive interviews with three riders participating in the Club Peloton pedElle 2016 women’s cycling charity event. PedElle 2016 is a three-day, 425km ride for female professionals from the property industry.  

We have partnered with Aspire PR to bring you this series and we’re thrilled to be catching up with riders Sam McClary, Sarah Jenkinson and Yvonne Smith ahead of the event which begins in Salzburg on Monday 23^rd May. Read on for their training strategies, fueling tips, secrets to comfort in the saddle and more…

 

pedElle 2016 Rider Profile: Sam McClary

 

Sam, with less than a month to go before pedElle 2016 begins in Salzburg, how do you feel?

Desperately looking forward to getting out of the office and having only to worry about turning my legs and pedalling. If I’m honest, I probably haven’t cycled enough but hoping there’s some good muscle memory left in my legs from earlier in the year and last year’s adventures.

 

What kit will you be taking? What brands/favourite items do you rely on for comfort and performance in the saddle?

I have some AMAZING kit from Betty Designs which I love. And always get comments on. And people asking if the Kick Butt on, well, my butt, is an instruction. It’s great kit though. Not only does it look cool, the fit is great and the chamois is just right – not too much, not too little.

 

What do you use in the way of training aids – for example, power meters, rollers, turbo trainers? Do you have any tips for keeping up training in poor weather?

I don’t use any kind of training aid, which is weird because I love gadgets. Because I’m not racing anymore and just exercising for adventure and challenge I tend to just use how I feel as a training aid. If you can be honest with yourself about how hard you are (or aren’t) training then I think that is a great life skill. Tips for training in poor weather? Man up! Skin is waterproof.

 

Apart from chorizo (!), how do you plan to fuel yourself on the pedElle 2016 ride? What are your top tips for maintaining energy levels – and is there anything you avoid?

Is there anything else apart from chorizo? For the sake of friendships and potentially garlicky burps, I will also use other fuels. I’m really quite anti gels and the like, however, so for me it will be dried fruits – dates and prunes are my favourites – seeds (I can’t do nuts) and some dark chocolate for those dark moments. I’ll also have a greens drink in the morning and pop a vitamin c tablet in my first bottle on my bike. Recovery – apart from wine and Aperol Spritz (a traditional PedElle tipple) – will be a protein shake or chocolate milk. Not just to rebuild muscle, but also because it is a tasty treat after a long, hard ride cycle.

 

One of the biggest challenges on long multi-day rides is saddle discomfort. As an experienced pedElle participant, what is your advice to first timers for avoiding saddle pain?

Investing in a good saddle that works for you and finding the ideal pair of shorts is the key when dealing with saddle pain. Making sure you have been fitted on your bike and using correct form will also help alleviate any discomfort. And getting out of the saddle for a little wiggle never hurts. And of course, sometimes you’ve just got to break everything (EVERYTHING) in a bit.

 

pedElle 2016 Rider Profile: Sarah Jenkinson

 

Sarah, with less than a month to go before pedElle 2016 begins in Salzburg, how do you feel?

I’m feeling excited! We had a great training ride a couple of weeks ago in Surrey where 12 PedEllers turned up. There was a fun and supportive atmosphere in the group and lots of giggles. My knees have been feeling a little sore, especially as I’ve been doing more running recently too. So I’ve (slightly grudgingly) started some strength and conditioning sessions to strengthen everything up before the ride. This is particularly important now that we’ve been informed that the first day has 4000m of climbing over 180km with a few 20% gradients…!

 

What kit will you be taking? What brands/favourite items do you rely on for comfort and performance in the saddle?

Hopefully the sun will be shining so it will just be a case of shorts, jersey, sunglasses and a cap! I’ll probably take my Velotoze shoe covers in case it rains ­ I just love these. They’re like a swimming cap for feet and come in lots of bright colours. Lightweight and look good!

 

What do you use in the way of training aids – for example, power meters, rollers, turbo trainers? Do you have any tips for keeping up training in poor weather?

I’m pretty old school; a map and a bike. I don’t really like gyms or spin classes, so tend to just get on with it good weather or bad.

 

How do you plan to fuel yourself on the ride? What are your top tips for maintaining energy levels – and is there anything you avoid?

I try to eat natural foods where possible and just keep eating and drinking every hour. I avoid gels after a bad experience in a triathlon. A few of the ladies have been exchanging flapjack recipes in the run up to the ride and I think home made energy foods are always a great shout! In terms of recovery drinks, personally, I find the best is a cold beer!

 

One of the biggest challenges on long multi-­day rides is saddle discomfort. As an experienced pedElle cyclist, what is your advice to first timers for avoiding saddle pain?

Invest in a good saddle! I have a female specific saddle -­ a Selle Italia Diva and have used it on many long distance trips including a cycle across America. This combined with a decent pair of padded shorts (I use various brands including dhb, Liv and Rapha) should be fine. Of course, sitting in any position for 8+ hours will always lead to some discomfort but I have never really had any big issues.

[This just goes to show how the only way to find the right saddle for you is to go for a saddle mapping session – the Selle Italia Diva was hellish for Vamper’s Victoria but clearly the right saddle for other cyclists. Read more here.]

 

pedElle 2016 Rider Profile: Yvonne Smith

Yvonne, with less than a month to go before pedElle 2016 begins in Salzburg, how do you feel?

I am taking the training very seriously as I want to be able to complete the event and not pick up any injuries. PedElle provided me with the programme and it is achievable if you are single-minded with a great husband (shout out to Julian!). Once a week, I go to a spin class and another day will cycle to work and back (50 miles round trip).

Over recent weekends, I have done different rides both days to get some variety. Sometimes endurance and sometimes hills and last Sunday was both! I got up Ditchling Beacon without stopping for the first time and I was thrilled. The family is still planning, accompanying me and encouraging me. Mentally very positive – need to keep pedalling!

 

What kit will you be taking? What brands/favourite items do you rely on for comfort and performance in the saddle?

I haven’t found shorts with sufficient padding yet! I have received the kit list so will go through that and borrow off my daughter Hannah or wander down to the many cycle shops in the West End. To reward my efforts I have bought a Queen of the Mountains T-shirt and one with “Girls on bikes – keep up” for relaxing in the evening. I have promised to ditch the rucksack with all the extra layers, tools, torch, whistle, food, book (in case I get a puncture and have to wait around) etc. as I become more confident.

 

What do you use in the way of training aids – for example, power meters, rollers, turbo trainers? Do you have any tips for keeping up training in poor weather?

What’s the saying – “There is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing and equipment”. I have only given up once and that was in Storm Kate. I love being outside and as I have a dog, you get used to carrying on regardless.

 

How do you plan to fuel yourself along the pedElle 2016 route? What are your top tips for maintaining energy levels – and is there anything you avoid?

I have actually started snacking on chorizo [like Sam!] when cycling and I prefer it to sweets. I don’t really have a sweet tooth. I have also bought Nuun rehydration tablets to add to my water bottle and these are not too sweet either. The usual – wine gums and Jelly Babies give you a lift and help you face the hills. I am ravenous a lot these days!

Multiple long days in the saddle can be quite uncomfortable. What is your strategy for staying comfortable on your bike over long distances?

I mentioned this earlier. I have bought chamois cream but when you are tender it stings like heck! Still looking for a solution and it’s one of my favourite topics of conversation with female cyclists at the moment. During the ride I move back onto the saddle going downhill and forward going up and this helps the balance and also gives a little relief to the under area!

 

 

In addition to paying an entry fee, the riders commit to raising a minimum amount for a number of children’s charities including Coram. To date, Coram has received £500,000 from Club Peloton events, making it Coram’s largest corporate partner. The funds raised by pedElle 2016 will go towards Coram’s adoption services, helping vulnerable children find stable, loving families.

Last week we picked out ten of the coolest men’s and women’s cycling jerseys of 2016. It’s always a bit more difficult for women who cycle, because there still isn’t the same breadth of choice for us – so, to save you some legwork, I’ve found another five awesome women’s cycling jerseys to keep you looking fresh this summer. Read on!

 

Queen of the Mountain

Luminary women’s cycling jersey, AUD $159

This gloriously summery kit is currently sold out, but you can sign up for an alert from Australian women’s cycling brand Queen of the Mountain to let you know when it’s back in stock. I love the super vibrant palette – this ain’t a kit for shrinking violets! It’s the very essence of joie de vivre from our friends Down Under. More here.

 

Forward

WaterColor women’s cycling jersey, US $130.00

These dreamy hues of pastel pink and baby blue are toughened up with rough black edges like a scrawl of charcoal over a watercolour painting. Gorgeous. More here.

 

Void Cycling 

WS Ride women’s cycling jersey, €110

The sleek race cut and cool spot print from this Scandinavian cycle wear brand is sharp and quirky enough to make sure you stand out from the peloton. More here.

 

Machines For Freedom

Horizons Print women’s cycling jersey, US $175

Subtle tones reminiscent of the skies you see on those insanely early morning rides, the Horizons jersey from US women’s cycling brand Machines For Freedom has me drooling. More here.

 

This is Cambridge

Hors Categorie jersey in blue, £ coming soon

It isn’t currently available, but I’ll be ready to pounce when it’s back in stock on This is Cambridge. The colours are bold, bright and perfect for summer – and I can’t resist a polka dot/stripe pairing. I love it. More here.

 

Have you seen any awesome women’s cycling jerseys? Feel free to share them in the comments, we’re always on the hunt for exciting new brands!

I have never been tempted to cycle in a team kit before. But then, I’d never seen one as beautiful as the Rapha Canyon//SRAM team kit, which is one of the best looking women’s cycle kits I’ve ever seen. Since the first images were released months ago, I’ve been on tenterhooks waiting for it to be released.

Finally, on Wednesday, it happened: the email arrived from Rapha and faster than you can shout ‘Strava!’ I was parting with an obscene amount of money. I’m aware that £300 for a cycling kit is pretty steep. But boy oh boy, I wanted it so badly.

But what you all want to know, I suppose, is how it performs. Well, the kit arrived on Saturday and the following day I wore it on an 85km ride to put it through its paces.

The Rapha Canyon//SRAM team kit is seriously good looking. Black, emblazoned with jewel tones and the subtlest of branding, it looks so slick. The aero cut of the team-issue jersey is divine: it’s far and away the most flattering cycling jersey I have worn. It’s close fitting in a way that skims rather than clings; the mesh sleeves are just the right length and fit; and, as I hate having anything fastened up to my neck, I’m happy to say it looks great unzipped a few inches. Sunday was an ideal day to ride out in the kit; the Coldblack technology used in the jersey to reflect the sun’s rays and wick away moisture was perfect in 28-degree heat.

The Rapha Canyon//SRAM team kit jersey is long: I can pull it right down over my bum. This is a very good thing: at 5’8” I’m fairly tall and, being somewhat top heavy, I’m delighted to have a jersey which doesn’t ride up. I didn’t have to tug it down at the front once. If you’re petite, there is a risk that it might be a little too long. I find Rapha sizing tends to be a little on the small side, so I ordered my usual size medium bib shorts and size large jersey to accommodate my broad shoulders and bust. It’s spot on for my frame.

The race fit Rapha Canyon//SRAM bib shorts look similarly great: they are really nicely cut and the styling is spot on. The bib straps are well positioned and soft – they didn’t cut in to my shoulders at all.

The leg length is generous, the leg grippers keep everything in place and the breathable fabric feels good. I did expect a slightly more robust pad; it doesn’t feel quite as supportive as the chamois in my Rapha winter padded tights.

Being a particularly sweaty cyclist, I’m obsessive about washing kit as soon as I’ve worn it. It’s already been through the washing machine and drip dried as per instructions, and all’s well.

 

The Rapha Canyon//SRAM team kit is far and away the best looking kit I’ve worn. Expensive, yes; but it’s one of the best looking women’s cycling kits of 2016, and I felt a million dollars wearing it. Well done Rapha and the Canyon//SRAM team for putting together such an iconic kit – I feel like this is a big step in moving the standard of women’s cycling kit forward. The designers have set the bar very high indeed.

The jersey is priced at £130 and the bib shorts at £170. You can view the whole range here.

 

Two teenagers from the UK are about to embark on a 10,000km cycling challenge completed by fewer people than have climbed Mount Everest.The Silk Road route, which stretches from Beijing to Tehran, is considered to be the longest, hardest, hottest and coldest in the world.

We caught up with Charles Stevens and Will Hsu before they boarded their flight to China to find out how they have prepared for the expedition and how they’re feeling about the epic journey.

The pair are cycling to raise funds for A Child Unheard. Donations are being collected via the pair’s official JustGiving page and 100% of funds raised will go directly to the charity. So far, they have raised more than £12,000 towards their goal of £25,000.

What prompted you to choose the Silk Road route out of all the courses you could have taken?

There are so many places I want to travel but Silk Road is definitely one of the most fascinating. Not only is it steeped in history and culture but it has become so foreign and unknown to all of us in Europe. We rarely hear about Central Asia and visit these countries even less. So it will be a chance to visit, places, cultures and peoples which are so detached from our own.

We also both share interests in history and economics, and this route will be fascinating with regards to the history of the Silk Road, previously the centre of civilisation up until the 16th Century, as well as its recent economic development through China’s New Silk Road Policy where they are investing in connecting Central Asia with Europe and China. The cultural atavism of the region will not survive forever and we want to see it before it disappears.

How have you been training for the expedition? When did you start training?

We started serious training at the beginning of the year and it has gradually increased in intensity. Training has consisted of a mixture of indoors gym-based work – spin sessions, core and strength training – along with plenty of hours in the saddle on long cycles and interval training rides. But also nutrition has been important, making sure we’re eating lower fat and higher carb diets to get us in good shape for the challenge. We have also been taking amino acid based energy drinks and zinc, magnesium and potassium supplements to help with muscle fatigue.

What bikes will you be riding along the Silk Road? Tell us about them.

Charles has chosen a Condor Disc Heritage, a real classic for British tourers, whereas Will has chosen the Surly Disc Trucker from America, an equally respected brand amongst cycle tourists, and there has been much debate between the two of us on who has made the better choice, the jury is still out on this one.

We both had our bike’s custom built for the ride and we’ve tried to use the same parts as each other where possible so we can share parts. For example, we’ve both gone for 27C rims, and a set of 28″ tyres for roads and 35″ for off road sections. We also both chose disc brakes as we think they’re more durable than rim brakes and also perform better.

What support will you have along the Silk Road route, if any? Have you been brushing up your bike maintenance knowledge?

We do have basic support, where we are met every evening and have the luxury of a hot meal provided and things like that. It’s quite similar to the way the Marathon Des Sables works, where you’re self-reliant during the day with regards to navigation and any minor problems, but you have the safety net of knowing you won’t be left stranded in the Gobi Desert if you end up passing out (but hopefully nothing worse). So we do have to have some bike maintenance knowledge, which I was severely lacking in before this trip. But we’ve been brushing up, so we know how to change tyres, fix punctures, clean and change chains and brake pads.

What kit will you be taking on the Silk Road challenge? What brands/favourite items do you rely on for comfort and performance in the saddle?

Space is at premium on a trip like this, so the kit list is quite minimalist. My favourite kit that I’ve used are my Assos bib and leg warmers. Although Assos kit is pricey, I’ve been glad to have really good cycle shorts (lots of padding). The best shorts I’ve used at a more sensible price are from First Ascent, which is actually a South African brand I would also recommend.

The saddle is so important when your sitting on it for the amount of time we will be and I can’t speak highly enough of my Brooks leather saddle for comfort. However, when I have had any chafing Lucas’ Papaw ointment has saved me more than once!

One of the biggest challenges on long multi-day rides is saddle discomfort. What is your strategy for staying comfortable on your bike over the course of the Silk Road?

People always say prevention is better than cure. So investing in a good pair of cycling shorts and using chamois cream will hopefully do the trick. But having a good saddle really helps reduce my concerns about discomfort.

What speed are you aiming for? Will you be taking it easy, or do you have a schedule you plan to stick to?

We do have a schedule but we’re not trying to kill ourselves by racing from Beijing to Tehran; we really want to be able to enjoy the experience and have time to interact with our surroundings. So our average daily distance is between 100-130km but we do have longer days, as well as rest days. Our longest day is over 200km. Our speed will be really dependent on roads and climb for the day. For instance, when we’re climbing the Pamir Mountains up to 4,600m it will be slow going but as long as we finish the day’s riding before dark we’ll be happy.

With only a week to go before embarking on the Silk Road adventure, how do you feel?

It’s really a mixture of nerves and excitement. I can’t wait to set off and start exploring but I don’t think it has completely sunk in: the idea of being on a bike for the next 4 months. It’s still quite surreal to find something that we’ve been planning and dreaming about for so long finally becoming reality. But we definitely feel ready and we’ve had the time to deal with any minor setbacks and injuries. Our concern now is staying motivated and focused during the trip as we know it isn’t going to be easy to adapt to our newly chosen lifestyle of cycling, wild camping, and living more basically.

You can learn more about Charles and Will’s challenge at www.beijingtotehran.com. You can also follow their progress on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.