I’m always up for a cycling challenge. I like pushing myself to try something new… but when a challenge comes along that unexpectedly makes you question your ability on a bike, that’s a whole new feeling indeed. And one that I’ve discovered I rather like… even if a few tantrums play a part in it. Doing Eroica Limburg last month was the nugget of that revelation, and I’m still laughing at two things I assumed I knew: 1) What to expect while riding the shorter course. 2) Assuming the Netherlands are very flat. Nope smart-arse Velo, they are not. The lovely folks over at Brooks England invited VCG to ride […]

VCG was back in Bakewell for the return of Eroica Britannia a couple of weeks ago. Now in its third year, the festival has become bigger and better than ever before, and it has been amazing to witness its growth since being brought to the UK in 2014. This year was a bit of a different affair for VCG… for the first time I was there as part of the actual Eroica Britannia team! On hosting duties for the Arts Tent, it was an honour to be on the other side of what happens in Bakewell, and work alongside the amazing organisers who put the festival together. In between hosting […]

I’ve taken on the luscious green hills of the Peak District twice and become a hero on home soil. After wondering what it would be like to do it in Tuscany, I got the chance to ride the climbs, descents and Strade Bianchi of Gaiole. It was a very wet and rain soaked Sunday – not the cycling scenario I’d usually be into. But this wasn’t hell. Surprisingly to myself, I loved every muddy & exhausting minute of it. Back in June at Eroica Britannia, me and The Boy were invited by Brooks England to experience L’Eroica in its birthplace. There I was, mentally preparing myself to ride the Peaks again, while […]

After 12 months of anticipation (I kid you not – I’ve been looking forward to it since last year’s adventure), the big weekend finally came round for Eroica Britannia 2015! Returning again as a guest of Lush Cosmetics, this year I had The Boy join me for a 3 day jolly in the beautiful Peak District… and to take on 30 miles of the rolling countryside with me! Arriving on the Friday afternoon with our luggage and his 1982 E.G Bates in tow, we settled into our home for the next few days at Darwin Forest Country Park – a gorgeous pine lodge with all the creature comforts of home, and a […]