Posts - WillCycle

But you might die…

03/05/202506/09/2022 by Will

Don’t go cycle touring as you might die Ever heard anyone say something along those lines? Ever put off going on an adventure because of such worries? I have news for you: you are going going to die. This may sound morbid, but every single one of us will die. The choice you need to make ... Read more

Stealth camping in the UK

06/01/202401/09/2022 by Will

Why stealth camping? Stealth camping is wild camping done in such a way that nobody knows that you’re there. There are various reasons why you may want to do some stealth camping, but usually it’s because you may not have explicit permission to camp in a particular spot. What does the law say? With the ... Read more

Kit review: Adventuridge 2-person tent

02/10/202330/08/2022 by Will

Another tent? For the past 10+ years, I’ve been using a little 2-person tent I bought from Tesco for £12. It’s just big enough for me and my kit, provided I sleep diagonally in it – and I’m not very tall! I’ve slept in that tent during very strong winds, on Dartmoor, and I used ... Read more

The Wild Atlantic Way calls

04/04/202325/08/2022 by Will

Cliffs of Moher, on the Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way? The Wild Atlantic Way is a long-distance, incredibly scenic route along the west coast of Ireland. At 2 500 km (1 600 miles) in length, it’s the world’s longest defined coastal route. Officially, it runs from Kinsale, in County Cork, up to Derry, on the Inishowen Peninsula. Obviously, the name is ... Read more

Planning that cycle touring route

10/02/202623/08/2022 by Will

How much cycle touring route detail is enough? Some people love to have total freedom when cycle touring, including the route. I know of at least one person – who does very long tours – that regularly decides the day’s route just before setting off that morning. On the other hand, some people want every ... Read more

Digital navigation revisited

28/12/202319/08/2022 by Will

Digital navigation while cycle touring Quite some time ago I made a conscious decision regarding digital navigation and how I use it. Yes, I’m aware some people prefer paper maps, but much as I love paper maps, the world has moved on, and I moved with it. Digital navigation simply offers far more benefits to ... Read more

There’s more to cycling than just club rides

16/08/2022 by Will

Club rides are good I get it – there’s a certain thrill to be had from being head-down, riding as fast as you can go in a tight pack. Road bikes are sleek speed machines, and for a short while, you become an inextricable component of something bigger, while you focus on keeping the gap ... Read more

Eurovelo touring

11/08/2022 by Will

Eurovelo routes Eurovelo routes are a series of often amazing, long-distance cycle touring routes, criss-crossing the continent of Europe. Some of these you may already know (or at least have heard of) like the Danube Route, or the Rhine Route. Those two follow two big rivers in Europe. The Eurovelo network is brought to you ... Read more

Beginner’s Guide To Planning A Cycling Tour

09/08/2022 by Will

So Will, how do I plan my first bicycle tour? Unless you are one of the idle rich, retired, or have absolutely nobody who depends on you in any way, chances are that you will have limited free time. Many people believe that money is the biggest limiter. That’s not the case – it’s time. ... Read more

Brighton Bimble – a Travelling Ouballies ride

05/08/2022 by Will

Will, from WillCycle, cycle touring along the Brighton Bimble GoCycle route

Brighton Bimble The Brighton Bimble is the latest in my growing series of GoCycle route guides, and will soon be published. This is the story of when I went to cycle it the first time. Gentle Adventure I’m a huge fan of what I call Gentle Adventures. These are multi-day rides, though usually only around 100 ... Read more

Policing climate change

31/01/202304/08/2022 by Will

Climate change is terrifying During the summer of 2022, the UK (and much of Europe) saw high temperature records smashed in a great many places. In the UK, we saw temperatures of an unheard of 42 degrees Celsius. The latest IPCC report on climate change makes for terrifying reading. Remember, if you thought the summer ... Read more

Brighton Bimble – the start

03/08/202231/07/2022 by Will

Brighton Bimble? A have a slowly-expanding list of highly-detailed cycle touring route guides, called GoCycle guides. GoCycle bike touring route guides don’t simply show you the way. No, my bicycle touring guides act like a tour leader, and tells you about the landscape through which you’re cycling. A GoCycle guide will keep you on track, ... Read more

Back to basics – how to wild camp in the UK

17/05/202526/07/2022 by Will

Where are you legally allowed to wild camp in the UK? In most of Scotland, you’re allowed to wild camp, but there are limitations. In England and Wales, with the exception of almost half of Dartmoor National Park, wild camping anywhere is against the law. Immediately, that sounds dreadful, like you’ll be led away in ... Read more

The Rhine – a logistical nightmare

22/07/2022 by Will

Cycling the Rhine The Rhine is one of Europe’s biggest rivers, and is steeped in history and folklore. From spectacular Alpine views, around the source of the river in Switzerland, to battle-scarred WW2 (and earlier wars) fortifications, to fairy-tale castles, beautiful valleys adorned with vineyards, plus much more, it has something for everyone. No wonder ... Read more

Old is the new new

19/07/2022 by Will

Old is good Some five weeks ago I had a serious crash, breaking my collarbone in two places. I also broke four ribs. I don’t know exactly what happened, as I was knocked unconscious and I have a gap in my memory. From the damage to my bike’s front wheel, it seems something got caught ... Read more