Cycle Southern England

Cycle Southern EnglandI know I’ve done a lot of talking about cycling abroad recently and when you read about the fantastic time I had in Catalunya, you can see why. And whilst I definitely want to do more cycling and exploring in Europe, sometimes it’s easy to forget the beautiful cycling we have right here in England. Cycle Southern England launched this week with a brand new website offering a one-stop shop for those keen to cycle on some of the UK’s quietest, and easily accessible, roads and tracks. (more…)

Six Things I Tell Myself Whilst Cycling

Six Things I Regularly Tell Myself Whilst Cycling in Autumn...The seasons have changed and it’s getting nippy out there! If you’re anything like me, cycling suddenly feels far, far less inviting and much harder than it did when the weather was warm.

Having just returned from a sunny cycling holiday in Catalunya where the temperatures hit a rather perfect 28 degrees, getting out and cycling in temperatures nearer to eight degrees is taking a little more effort (OK, a lot more effort). Some days I need a good talking to (read that as most days). So, here are the six things I tell myself whilst cycling in Autumn. I say in Autumn; what I actually mean is here is my inner monologue all year around! (more…)

Catalunya: City Sight-Seeing & Cycling Around Girona

Cycling around Girona
Dusk over the magical city of Girona

A not so secret love affair

I’m in love. My heart has well and truly been struck by Cupid!

If you’ve been following me on Twitter and Instagram (if not, why not!?), it will come as no surprise that the new love in my life is Girona. It stole my heart from the moment my recent Catalunya Experience with the Catalan Tourist Board began and we stepped foot inside the city walls.

Until this trip, the only place I’d visited in Catalunya was Salou in 1990 something-or-other on a girls’ holiday, the adventures of which, are best left undisclosed (it was a rather messy affair unsurprisingly).  I’d heard about Girona – it’s fairly synonymous with cycling – but I’d never visited until now and, well, it has captured my heart. (more…)

Great Value Winter Cycling Kit from Aldi

Aldi cycling kitGood quality kit is hard to find at low prices, but Aldi seem to hit the nail on the head every time. Their latest Specialbuys value range hits the stores today, so make sure you pop along to your nearest Aldi store to grab some great value winter cycling kit while their stocks last.

I’ve been lucky enough to have a sneak peak at what’s on offer thanks to Aldi sending some items through and I can assure you, there’s some great stuff! (more…)

Six Tips for Travelling Solo

travelling solo 1Travelling solo can feel like a scary prospect. Having just returned from travelling solo on my Catalunya cycling holiday,  I can vouch for that. I’m not used to travelling alone; I usually have at least my husband with me, if not the children and I’m not good when it comes to meeting new groups of people. What do you do when you’re faced with a group of a people you’ve never met before? (more…)

Two Sleeps Until My First Cycling Holiday #CataluynaExperience

Cycling holiday
Image: CC Brennan Ehrhardt

In two sleeps I’ll be heading off on my first ever cycling holiday to Catalunya. Excited? Yes, you could say that! The smalls have taken the news that mum will be away for a few days very well and I have to say I’m really looking forward to sunshine, beautiful scenery and of course, some two-wheeled fun!

Having never cycled abroad before, I’ve been thinking about the types of things I’m hoping Catalunya will offer and the things other people might look for when cycling abroad and choosing their ideal cycling holiday. (more…)

Ordinary Cycling Girl listed as one of top 10 UK cycling sites

Worry+Peace name Ordinary Cycling Girl in top 10 UK Cycling SitesCycle insurance company Worry+Peace recently listed their top 10 UK cycling sites and who should be mentioned but Ordinary Cycling Girl! How lovely! Thank you kindly Worry+Peace, It’s always so nice when someone recognises this blog, gets the reasons behind why I write it and why I love writing it, but to be mentioned alongside some truly brilliant cycling sites is really, really flattering. (more…)

Review: Be Seen this Autumn in this Trespass Hybrid Hi-Vis Cycling Jacket

Trespass HYBRID HI-VIS CYCLING JACKETThe school summer holidays have absolutely flown and at OCG HQ we’re preparing for the Little Man to start school later this week. It’s all go! With the children heading back to school and 2 September marking the second day of Autumn (yep, that’s officially Summer done for another year), it has got me thinking about the nights drawing in and, I hate to say it, the approach of winter weather when, inevitably, the roads are less safe for cyclists with unpredictable conditions and poor visibility.

I’ve always been an advocate of keeping yourself safe on the roads and I ALWAYS wear a helmet, even when I’m going at a snail’s pace when out with the Little Man who’s four. I think it’s important to practice what you preach…and I do preach to the kids about the importance of wearing a helmet and being seen. But a hi-vis cycling jacket is something I haven’t owned until now. I know – shock, horror and shame on me! (more…)

Travelling Through Europe? Take your Bike and Enjoy a Cycling Holiday!

cycling holiday
Image: Abigail Keenan

August has seen a little blogging break on OCG…summer holidays, sunshine, family cycling and a couple of family trips away. It’s been a really lovely few weeks but with the children heading back to school very soon and temperatures in Europe staying warm for a little bit longer, it’s the perfect opportunity for those who are still hoping to squeeze in a cycling holiday.

A cycling holiday in Europe

For anyone who has the wanderlust bug, travelling across Europe offers so many opportunities. Spanning nearly 4 million square miles, the continent promises adventure and enriching cultural experiences. With amazing European rail links, it’s never been easier to access every corner of this incredible continent. But rather than simply train hopping, why not take your beloved bike with you? (more…)

Getting in Shape Without the Gym

Getting in Shape without the Gym
Leave your gym bag in the cupboard and do these few effective exercises from home instead. photo credit: Gym Bag via photopin (license)

Though a gym membership can help you reach your fitness goals, you can get results that are just as good without spending all that time and money. With just a few simple exercises you can get a full body workout to help you achieve your fitness and weight loss goals, whether you’re in the comfort of your own living room or in a hotel room away on a business trip or holiday. You could even get an online nutrition plan from a company like Superbody to make sure your eating is on the same track as your exercising.

So leave your gym bag in the cupboard and try these few excellent exercises. Getting in shape without the gym is possible! (more…)