Lou x x We are just over a month away from setting off on our trip and have made some steps forward with our preparations... and my some steps I mean just one!
Last weekend I went on a bicycle maintenance course to learn how to fix brakes (mostly fine), gears (all in working order) and the chain (definitely needs replacing!). Transport for Greater Manchester is taking some wonderful steps forward to make the city more bike friendly, it is in the process of building separate bike lanes all around the city and they are offering free learn to ride, maintenance and city cycling courses. All free!! It really is wonderful to see a city embrace it's cyclist and work together with local shops and communities to get everyone involved. You go Manchester! A year ago I went on the basic maintenance course with TfGM and Edinburgh Cycles and last weekend I did the intermediate maintenance course with Ceracycloan and both were absolutely fantastic. I learnt so much about bikes, met some wonderful ladies and the guys were really helpful and didn't mind our constant insistence for tea breaks (thanks Kate!). For me, the biggest thing I learnt was that I have been using my gears wrong my whole life! Who knew gear ratios were a thing?! In case anyone else is like me, it's supposed to go: Left Gears Right Gears 1 1 & 2 2 3, 4 & 5 3 5, 6 & 7 This way the resistance goes up smoothly with out you having to mess around to find the right gear when you change. And you aren't in danger of cross chaining so your chain will last longer, you can thank me later:) If you live in Manchester and have a bike definitely get yourself booked on a course, just click here to see the range they have on offer. Charlie x x
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CategoriesA Wheely Long Journey BlogCharlie and Lou are twins from Cheshire, UK on a mission to cycle back to their childhood home in Hong Kong. Archives
December 2016
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