Cycling

Cycling is something that we have enjoyed since we were little. By about the age of eight or nine years old we were accomplished and self sufficient when it came to fixing punctures, adjusting and generally maintaining our bicycle. As a child we used to live in an area where suburbia met open countryside. We would regularly cycle for miles on the local country lanes and farm tracks near where we lived. It was a good time.

As a young adult we used our bicycle in much the same way as someone might use a car or other vehicle for getting around but without the same impact on the environment. At one time we were easily averaging over one hundred miles per week, not bad considering the fact that we were never particularly fit. It was a means of transport, no more, no less.

We have not rode a bicycle for a year or two now. We still have two decent bicycles, a robust mountain bike and an old fashioned styled ladies 'Dutch' bike in a funky pinkish purple colour. Recently we have taken up riding one of our bicycles with a stand, using it indoors for exercise.

Currently (August 2024) we are rebuilding a classic Hercules Balmoral bicycle which dates from 1960. We have stripped it down and greased all the moving parts. Also serviced the three speed hub.

• Frame - Cleaned and greased bottom bracket bearings.
• Frame - Sprayed with clear Laquer.
• Mudguards - Sprayed with clear laquer.
• Chainguard - Sprayed with clear laquer.
• Rear wheel - 3 speed hub and spindle. Cleaned and greased.
• Front wheel - spindle bearings greased.
• Handlebars - cleaned, polished.
• Brake levers - cleaned polished.
• Gear selector - cleaned, polished, oiled.
• New brake blocks, front brake cable.
• New gear cable and indicator (Monkey) chain.

• August 2024