Tag: baroudeur

  • Falling Leaves

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    As single-day races go, the Giro di Lombardia comes at a peculiar time of the year.  It hints to a finale of a very long season of cycling: what with 3 scorching summer classics back-to-back, followed by this year’s unprecedented Olympic’s, followed hot on its heels by the world championships, you could ask yourself, is…

  • It’s not all about cycling

    It’s not all about cycling

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    This morning reminded me that what we do is not all about cycling.  Yes, we get together and we ride.  And more often than not, we ride a lot and dare I say it, we have craaaaaaaaaaaaaaazy fun!  But it’s not always on a bike.  Some of my favourite moments are sitting on top of…

  • Amazonia Woman

    Amazonia Woman

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    We’re enjoying a cuppa after Poncherello and Big-Chase have led us on a crazy loop of Hertford, and out of the heath, like a Jaguar, comes a familiar runner who happens to be one of our friendly Baroudeurs… Ed: “Hey Liz, what are you up to?” Liz: “For my next adventure I am heading to the Amazon to run, wade and probably…

  • Britain’s not so secret race

    Britain’s not so secret race

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    Earlier this year our good friend and fellow rider, Debbie M. revealed that an extraordinary documentary is being considered for production.  Dubbed ‘Britain’s Secret Race’, it aims to chart the history of what was once popularly known as the ‘Milk Race’, and what we fondly recognise today as the ‘Tour of Britain’ (ToB). What makes this…

  • Kenyan Sporting Dreams

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    In the spirit of being part of what makes champions; be it academic success or gold medal superheroes, I’m making an appeal for a young man called Alex.  It’s his first time in London and I was honoured to be asked to help him around during the start of the Paralympics. As you can imagine…

  • Prelude to a Tour – 2012

    Prelude to a Tour – 2012

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    “Howdy!” comes the warm greeting from the cheery man in flip-flops.  Alex and Rob are beaming as we rendezvous on this fine Friday afternoon.  It’s the start of summer, which must mean a Tour for the Baroudeurs. Try as we may to avoid an exhausting road-trip like last year’s; wouldn’t you know it, we’re off to…

  • Gold

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    I’m on foot and it feels very alien.  My normal mode of transportation is nestling back at home and I’m on my way to pick up a new steed from the master craftsmen – Rob S.  I have great expectations. R.S. recently returned from his epic, and yes it is epic: sailing across the Atlantic,…

  • Toby ‘T-Bay’ Oliver

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    Do you have a cycling name? If so, who gave it to you and why? I don’t have cycling name but I’ve been called a few unsavoury ones on my commute. My philosophy of vehicular cycling isn’t appreciated by all! Never my fault of course! What do you do when you’re not riding a bike?…

  • Glen ‘CHRONOS’ Thomson

    Glen ‘CHRONOS’ Thomson

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    by

    Ben
    in

    What is your name? Glen What do you do when you’re not riding a bike? Look at bikes on the internet, advise others to look at and buy bikes from the internet; this does not pay very well so as a side-line I offer young people advice and guidance What bicycles do you own and,…

  • How to make your super bike even lighter

    How to make your super bike even lighter

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    Imagine being able to make your bike lighter and faster.  Simply separate your bike into three parts, or more, and see the kilos fade away!  Disclaimer: however riding a bike in this state, or its individual pieces, is not good for your health, nor is it recommended.  Faster?  In this case, a privilege to ride…

  • Strava Tackle

    Strava Tackle

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    It all began so well, Big Chase (BC) leading out with me on his wheel.  First lap done and we’re going strong.  The Friday sun on our backs and the winds all but gone.  Hello weekend. Second lap to come and we organise ourselves ready for the next jump.  Shooting up the straight, we exchange…

  • On Tour – Tourmalet, July 2011

    On Tour – Tourmalet, July 2011

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    by

    Ben
    in

  • On Tour – Croix de Fer, Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, July 2010

    On Tour – Croix de Fer, Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, July 2010

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    by

    Ben
    in

  • Alex ‘The Bear’ Hill

    Alex ‘The Bear’ Hill

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    by

    Robert Sargent
    in

    Name:       Alex – ‘The Bear’ Do you have a cycling name? If so, who gave it to you and why?  In the words of Captain Ben, ‘He’s big, he puts up a mighty chase, and the girls would let him catch them up a hill’. Age?  The youngest member of the team. Generally show the ageing members how to…

  • Ben ‘Captain’ Ackland

    Ben ‘Captain’ Ackland

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    by

    Ben
    in

    Name:  Ben Ackland Do you have a cycling name? If so, who gave it to you and why? Captain, on account of my nautical beard, I assume. You’ll have to ask Lowell… What do you do when you’re not riding a bike? I’m a father and a teacher. What bicycles do you own and, importantly,…

  • Moonstruck London

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    It’s a sunny afternoon and Smithfield’s market is packed, and not because it’s market day either.  The crowds are out in eager anticipation of a racing spectacular imbedded in the heart of the capital, The IG London Nocturne. …enthralling entertainment. Smart organising means that on a Saturday night even non-enthusiasts can’t help but take a…

  • Lowell ‘Disco’

    Lowell ‘Disco’

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    by

    Robert Sargent
    in

    Cycling name? Disco Why do you ride your bike?  I love the adventure and the people I meet along the way. Favourite place to ride?   France. Up or down mountains? Both, in equal measure. Favourite climb? Ventoux. What song/tune/music goes through your head while riding?  Climbs: “Ghosts” by Made in Heights | “Flynn Lives”…

  • Robert ‘Crazy Legs’ Sargent

    Robert ‘Crazy Legs’ Sargent

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    Robert Sargent
    in

    What’s your name? Robert Frank Sargent Do you have a cycling name? If so, who gave it to you and why? Crazy Legs. I think it was Lowell the first time he saw me ride up a hill. What do you do when you’re not riding a bike? Once a web developer, turned sailor, who is…

  • King Bees

    King Bees

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    Captain and DC battle it out for points to the summit, but the outcome is not always as sweet.  

  • Things we hate about cycling

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    by

    Ben
    in

      First, Stu: people with super expensive bikes- b*stards! not getting 2 lie-ins at the weekend pretending not to be tired on a Sunday afternoon wet feet when it rains getting dropped! punctures headwinds on the way home cycling cliques bonking walking in cleats Next, Ben: getting passed by someone wearing fluoro and trainers. unidentified squeaks,…

  • Condor Bivio-X

    Condor Bivio-X

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    by

    Lowell
    in

    Sparkler The Roubaix Challenge is less than a month a way and a lone Baroudeur has been invited to give it a go.  Surely the Captain will be packing the quintessential arm/knee warmers combo, a wooly hat and some beefy tyres for the cobbles, but what to ride?  Answer: The Condor Bivio-X. Get ‘ard as…