Mud Blog

Cycling and the city (part 2)

2012-02-08T17:32:00.001Z

In the second part of our interview with Cycling mum Katriel Costello, she shares tips on cycling with kids, where to get advice if you're trying to get back in the saddle, and some great routes near her home town, Bristol.

Do you do any longer rides with the kids?
"Yes, the bike has plenty of gears, it goes fast, and we go on bike rides along the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, which has artworks, wildlife, beautiful canals, and, in the summer, the juiciest blackberries."

Trek Allant, the current alternative to the Navigator

Any tips for ladies thinking about cycling?
"If you haven’t ridden a bike for a while, Bikes Belles is worth a look. It's a campaign by Sustrans.

"Mud Dock run bike maintenance classes for women where you can learn how to change a puncture over a glass of wine: very civilised! Or you can go on a bike ride with Cycle Bristol CTC.

"I've found cycling is one of the best ways to keep in good shape, plus it’s kind on your purse and, of course, good for the environment as it means you're not driving. There’s no reason why you can’t ride a bike and still be glamorous.”

Can you recommend any cycling routes to inspire new riders?
"I've found lots of great routes around Bristol, but one of my favourites is to go over the Suspension Bridge, then down to Leigh Woods towards Pill. Come back down the path by the Gorge into town and stop for a cup of tea and cake somewhere.

“From Bath, there is a lovely ride along the canal path through to Bradford-on-Avon. And of course there is the Bath to Bristol cycle-path, a great route. It takes me about an hour and a half. And it’s flat all the way: perfect!”

The current alternative to the Navigator is the Trek Allant though some closeout stock is available of last year's Navigator - please call Mud Dock Cycleworks on 0117 929 2151 for availability and discounted RRPs.

Ready to roll?

2012-01-25T17:17:00.002Z

If you fancy a unique cycling challenge then Rollapaluza is right up your street. We are hosting and sponsoring the Bristol leg of the National Series on 15 Feb 2012. Come on down at 6PM and let's see what you're made of!

With Rollapaluza, two particpants battle it out on a pair of custom-built rollers connected to a huge dial, with split-second-digital timing over a simulated 500m distance at speeds in excess of 50mph!

Accompanied by music, MC and cheering crowds, it's your chance to test your mettle, have a few beers and win some folding stuff at the same time. What could be better?

Split second digital timing tracks you pedalling over a simulated 500m distance. Top riders reach speeds of over 50mph (80kph). There's a backdrop of music and cheering, and it's all kept rolling along by the MC.

Now entering it’s 3^rd year, we're providing prizes for the fast and furious Rollapaluza National Series at Mud Dock on 15^th Feb. Racing kicks off at 6pm withfinals from 9pm. No need to enter in advance, just turn up on the night. Entry is a fiver to race or spectate,

Anyone can enter, but there will only be one winner. Have you got what it takes?

Cycling and the city (part 1)

2012-01-17T09:48:00.001Z

How Katriel Costello fell in love with cycling all over again (with the help of a rather dashing bike)

Have you just started cycling?

"No, I've always had bikes, but when I stayed with friends in Amsterdam and I fell in love with cycling again. We spent days cycling round the city. It's a cycling-crazy place.

"I really was bitten by the biking bug. We'd rented those 'sit up and beg' bikes, and I found mine so comfortable, and it was so easy to look around and enjoy the ride, that I was determined to get something like that back in Britain."

Trek Navigator

So how did you go about choosing a bike?
"I asked around my network for some recommendations and several people said Mud Dock provided a good service. I've been going to the cafe at Mud Dock for years, but never the bike shop on the ground floor. So I went down to the store.

"As soon as I saw the Trek Navigator Ladies bike, I was smitten. I’ve been riding a boy’s bike for the past 10 years – in my defence, it was cheap – and women’s bikes didn’t seem that different, with their crossbars and seats that look as though they could slice you clean in two. But this one was different."

What did you like about the Navigator?
"I fell in love at first glance with everything, from the curve of its shiny black frame, to the brown leather seat and handlebar grips. It has voluminous seat pads that are very kind to the bottom, and a steep step-through – no more cocking your leg to get onto the bike.

"I bought the bike! My new love of cycling changed my life. I used to do the school run – literally – after my scootering, cycling boys. Now we all scooter and cycle together.

"Mums I’d never spoken to before came up to tell me how much they liked my bike. The pannier frame, with its elastic ties, means I can carry small trays of plants home from the garden centre. I even took the recycling to the supermarket on the bike the other day, too."

In part 2 of this interview,
Katriel provides some great tips on how to get back in the saddle,
riding with kids, and her favourite routes.

WH-7900 C24 CL Dura-Ace Clincher Wheelset

2012-01-03T16:53:00.000Z

James Gray gives the latest Dura-Ace Wheelset a big thumbs-up

The C24 wheelset sits amongst Shimano’s premium Dura Acerange. The latest incarnation, the 7900, was designed to bring the performanceand reliability for which Shimano is so well respected, to its wheelsets.

I’vebeen testing the C24 (24 mm rim version), the lightest of the three in therange, targeted at the high-level recreational rider and the climbingspecialist. Well, over the last three months of the 2011 racing season they didover 1,500 km of racing and 3000 km of training.

Being Shimano, these wheelsets boast some very clever technology, and theresulting performance is impressive. At 1,400 grams they may not be the absolutelightest, but because so little of the weight is at the rims they acceleratevery well, which I was very grateful for at the evening criterium races. Butalso, because of the carbon-aluminium laminate construction, you don’t miss outon sure-footed braking performance like full carbon rims do.

The real feather in their cap, though, is the comfort theyexhibit. Riding out on the smooth surfaces of the Alps last summer it wasdifficult to appreciate just how good they are. But on returning to the rough Bristolpavéthe effect of the aluminium-carbon laminate construction is superb; they feelakin to a full carbon wheel costing twice their £750 retail price.

In summary if you’re looking for a well-priced highperformance wheelset, for which their performance outshines their understatedappearance, I’d recommend taking a look at a set of these.

Contact the Cycleworks on 0117 929 2151 to discuss these and all other road wheelsets.

Tradition and innovation: cornerstones of a new menu

2011-12-21T13:38:00.000Z

In the final post about the creative team behind Mud Docks new Autumn/Winter menu, we reveal the secret of how to strike a balance between new taste developments and tried and trusted favourites.

Lemon tart with creme fraiche and raspery coulie

Please us us about the new menu!

Anna: "The a la carte menu and all the starters are new for this season.

"We have struck a balance. Some innovation and also tradition. We gradually take things forward, while remaining true to the Mud Dock style.

"People love the Stuffed Chicken, it has mozzarella and pesto and is wrapped in Parma ham. We present it with roasted seasonal vegetables. It is a good example of what Mother Nature gives us season by season. It is simple, good food, and I can't believe how popular it is."

Is there one dish that stands out?

Magda: "Hunter's Stew has been a revelation, it's very popular. It's a brilliant dish for the cold winter evenings.

"It is our own recipe, and people seem to love it. We have wine in there and cabbage, vegetables and, of course, the venison which is the cornerstone meat ingredient. But the 'secret ingredient' sauerkraut.

"This dish is actually a proper Polish recipe that we have made our own at Mud Dock. It comes with roasted potatoes. It is a dish for hungry people. Cyclists come here after a long ride and greedily eat that one up."

Anna: "The smoked mackerel bruschetta with roasted apple is also going incredibly well. I'm not surprised, I love that, too."

You can find the first instalment of this four-part interview right here.

Honest food made from the best ingredients

2011-12-12T11:04:00.001Z

In the third instalment of our interview with Head Chef, Magdalena Ochonska and Restaurant Manager, Anna Grejner-Ciszkiewicz, it's all about the à la carte options.

Warming, fresh, honest food for hungry people

Anna: "The à la carte menu and the starters are all new for this season.

"We have struck a balance. Some innovation and also tradition. We gradually take things forward, while remaining true to the Mud Dock style.

"People just love the stuffed chicken. It has mozzarella and pesto and is wrapped in Parma ham. We present it with roasted seasonal vegetables. It is a good example of what Mother Nature gives us, season by season. It is simple, good food, and I can't believe how popular it is.

Magda: "Hunter's Stew has been a revelation, it's very popular. It's a brilliant dish for the cold winter evenings. It is our own recipe, and people seem to love it. We have wine in there and cabbage, vegetables and, of course, the venison which is the cornerstone meat ingredient. But the 'secret ingredient' is sauerkraut. This dish is actually a proper Polish recipe that we have made our own at Mud Dock. It comes with roasted potatoes. It is a dish for hungry people. Cyclists come here after a long ride and greedily eat that one up.

Anna: "The smoked mackerel bruschetta with roasted apple is going incredibly well. I'm not surprised, I love that, too."

Next time round we learn about what inspires Magda's cooking.

What's new on the Autumn/Winter menu?

2011-11-27T10:11:00.000Z

Anna and Magda get specific on a warming new menu for the colder months of the year. There are lots of exciting new developments... but has the Chef chopped out all the old favourites?

Winter salad - starter and dessert

Are you changing everything on the menu?

Anna: "No, our customers would not allow it. People expect certain Mud Dock favourites. Let me give you an example. Last year, when we reviewed the menus, we took off the Halloumi sandwich — swapped it for something different. Wow! We didn't realise the reaction we'd get. Many, many people asked for the Halloumi to be back on the menu!

"So we listened. Customer feedback like that is invaluable, especially as we introduce other new dishes. We ask: "Does this main dish meet with customers' approval? What do people think of this or that combination?"

"People come especially for certain dishes. For instance we are very well known for Tapas and Mezze. There's no way we can withdraw those; people do come from far and wide to enjoy these Mediterranean specialties."

Magda: "You have to careful, because there is a surprising amount of loyalty to certain dishes, snacks and sandwiches. Salmon and scrambled eggs... if we took that off the brunch menu there would be a riot!

"We haven't made many chances to the brunch menu when we know it is a big favourite.

"Also, lots of people want and expect to see steak on the menu, so we update it a seasonal twist, a new flavour.

"You also have to consider all the customers. There must be a good range of veggie options. More and more people are interested in the vegetarian food, it's really noticeable how that has changed over the last couple of years.

"At the moment we are offering a veggie risotto and an interesting polenta dish, with mushroom, gorgonzola and almond. That is an amazing dish. Actually that one is gluten free too, and of course we put the dietary requirement information on the menu.

Anna: "When we move between the seasons the ingredients change. But we tend to work with the same suppliers, many of whom Mud Dock has worked with for 15 years. We know them well and trust them to bring us just the best, the freshest produce. For example, we think our butcher is the best in the world. Chris the butcher, always the same guy delivering, the same top quality meat. His shop is up in Clifton village."

Next time round we learn more about the A la carte options. Nom!

A comfy perch?

2011-11-18T10:30:00.000Z

Columbia Bikefood rider Jon Shergold puts groundbreaking Fizik Kurve saddle through its paces

Honestly, this is a toughy. What can you say about a saddle that you can get on and put in two consecutive 200 mile weeks without a moment of discomfort? Stunning? Mind-blowing? Pick one, I guess…

After talking to the Hamish, the Fizik rep who had popped in to Mud Dock for a cup of tea and a chat, I had to try one of Fizik’s new Kurve saddles.

Kurve exploded

I’m regularly found putting in silly mileages (I race 12 and 24 hours) both for training and exploring, so contact points are important to me. This is doubly so on a road bike where it is not uncommon to spend upwards of eight hours chasing the horizon. As you can imagine a good saddle is essential!

The new range of Kurve saddles (named for the company’s animal-based scheme for making sure you have the right fitting) is aimed at riders who spend a long time in the saddle (hello…). We demand a high level of comfort from our perch.

The key feature of the design is a flexible composite base, the idea being that the saddle moves as you pedal. Cushioning comes from a thin layer of foam where its needed.

The combination of the new hull, rail and padding is certainly comfy. The Mobius rail is another development in the pursuit of comfort. Instead of connecting to the rear of the saddle the rails are forged in a loop that suspends the hull, allowing the whole upper assembly to move with you while still supporting the right bits. You can further tune the flex by swapping the ‘Tuner’ at the nose.

I’m now coming up to 400 miles on a Kurve with no chafing, aches or pains. The feel of sitting in a saddle that moves isn’t obtrusive, but it is noticeable if you pay attention.

Final word? I think I’m going for stunning…

Delicious Autumn!

2011-11-11T13:44:00.001Z

Mud Dock Chef Magda is the prime mover behind our new Autumn/Winter menu. But co-owner Beverly Newman and Cafe Manager Anna also have influence and input into the process. In the first of four posts, Magda and Anna discuss the creative adventure a new menu presents.

Why have you changed the menu?

Anna: "Like many restaurants, our À la carte menu is completely changed twice a year. We have a Spring/Summer menu; followed by the Autumn/Winter menu. So really change is driven by the seasons.

"We have now got more food that will warm you up as the temperature drops and the rain starts to spread across Bristol!"

Roasted polenta with mushrooms, gorgonzola and almonds

What is the process you go through when updating a menu?

Magda: "We have to think about how each course works with the next. We start with simple building blocks, the base ingredients: vegetables, fish, cheese, meat. Then we work it up from that, keeping the season in mind. There has to be something for everyone.

"And there are bigger, more complex decisions to make, too. The new menu has to fit together like a symphony. The starters and main dishes and desserts need to go well together, in multiple combinations.

"So it is a bit like putting a big jigsaw together, except we are making up the pieces as we go, trying things out, discussing ideas, it is a fascinating process, and one we enjoy very much."

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would
fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

George Eliot

Anna: "The other factor we consider is the range of choice. You want enough choice, but not too much. It is well known that too many options makes decisions harder, and the dining experience less enjoyable. So we limit the a la carte menu to 5 or 6 options per course."

Magda: "Creating a new menu is a complex process. We refine things as we go along. We start to make connections between the dishes: taste, smell, presentation... we have loads of ideas! The challenge is bringing it down to a matched set of dishes.

"So there is a process of elimination with several people making an input, everyone in the kitchen will have a view."

Do the owners Jerry and Beverly have any influence on the menu?

"Magda: Absolutely. Beverly is heavily involved in the development of our menu, right from the outset. Once we have a finished menu, we present dishes to them. I like it that way, to present quite a finished menu. We take in a lot of opinions along the way, from our customers, to our staff, and we have got it mostly right when the owners come to taste it."

In the next post Anna and Magda get into detail about what's new — and what could never change — on Mud Dock's menu.

Timeless classic

2011-10-30T21:30:00.001Z

Founder Jerry Arron on why Mud Dock Cafe remains a favourite dining venue for Bristolians

Mud Dock is one of the most-loved establishments on Bristol's Harbourside. On a warm Autumn afternoon it's hard to think of a better place than the outdoor terrace to enjoy a cold beer and tasty tapas while watching a lazy parade of boats on the water.

What makes people return again and again to Mud Dock Cafe?

"We offer the lot: the food and drink, the ambience, the location. People come here for a reason, and it is to do with lifestyle.

"On top of that we employ good staff who are paid fairly. The food is all cooked to order, nothing is pre-packaged. Everything is made from fresh ingredients right here on the premises. I am proud and pleased about the food, the coffee and the beer, which are the three fundamental things and restaurant need to get right. On top of that we have a venue with amazing character and special place in the hearts of Bristolians."

You've been open since 1994. Do you still get a buzz from running this place?

"Yes, in lots of ways. I love meeting and talking with our customers. We get a lot of local workers coming in here, especially to take advantage of the £5 lunch deal we do Monday to Friday. I see a lot of familiar faces.

"On another level, we host a number of corporate events for big names including some of Bristol’s better known companies. Its a fabulous place to entertain corporate guests.

"It's a completely different crowd at weekends. Then, the Cafe is more of a 'destination visit', if that makes sense. What I mean is that people wandering around the Harbourside know we are here, and dropping by for them is all part of an enjoyable day out. This area around the docks has so much to offer and we are seen as a big part of that.

"Term time we get mums and dads bringing their kids in to enjoy the place. It brings the place alive in a different way, and we like that very much.

"But it's not just about people from the city. The Mud Dock name and reputation reaches far outside Bristol. There is a knowledge and awareness of Mud Dock that people get from their friends who live in Bristol, from visits they've made to the city, and from our wider association with cycling."

Mud Dock was something of a trailblazer for dockside redevelopment. A lot has changed over the years...

"The Harbourside is unrecognisable compared to the mid-90s. Many changes are for the better, others perhaps not.

"One reason the Harbourside is so attractive is that there are a lot of eating and drinking opportunities here. For diners there is huge choice. We are comfortable with that because we know we offer something a little bit different, trade is good and we get excellent feedback.

"First of all we have arguably the best venue on the Harbourside. Certainly we can accommodate more al fresco customers than most if not all other venues round the waterside.

"If the sun’s out you can come here and get an excellent lunch deal for £5, sit outside taking in a glorious view over the docks. You can see how it is today; but the views also evoke something of Bristol’s past. Your visit doesn’t break the bank and we are told people find the Mud Dock experience incredibly enjoyable.

"We make the environment slightly challenging. Sit here for 10 minutes and you won’t get bored: there is plenty to look at.

"We've already talked about the waterside views. But inside the Cafe we have gathered together an eclectic mix of cycling paraphernalia. On the walls the ceilings, even the floorboards tell a story in this place. We haven't even talked much about the cycle shop, but the passion for excellence is the same there too."

Mud Dock's wifi is free and makes the Cafe a popular place for freelancers and businesspeople to meet and work. With Arnolfini two minutes away and Cabot Circus a ten-minute walk, Mud Dock really is at the centre of things for anyone wanting to explore Bristol's cultural and commercial riches.

You just won £100 on Facebook!

2011-10-15T19:52:00.002+01:00

Sheldon Attwood (left) with Mal
of Mud Dock Cycleworks

Facebook winner Sheldon Attwood came down to Mud Dock on Friday to claim his winnings: a hamper of goodies worth over £100.

It was a surprisingly warm day for mid-October. While people enjoyed the sun and some excellent food on Bristol's undisputed champion balcony, we were delighted to present Sheldon with his booty.

Sheldon entered our September photo contest on our Facebook page, collected 46 votes for his cool cycling photo along the way, just one vote more than the runner up (phew, that WAS close!).

The hamper he took away comprised the following assortment of Mud Dock goodness:

1 X tin of Mud Dock All-Terrain Coffee
1 X tin of Mud Dock Time Trial Expresso
1 X tin of Mud Dock Nine-to-Five Tea
3 X refill packs (one for each above)
3 X packs of Mud Dock organic pasta
3 x packs of Mud Dock organic soaps
2 X bottles of Mud Dock Aussie Red
2 X bottles of Mud Dock Aussie White

Our good friends at Bath Ales have put forward some thirst-quenching prizes for our next Facebook contest. Watch this space or visit the page in the next weeks for your chance to win.

Speedplay pedals get thumbs up

2011-10-05T07:03:00.001+01:00

Jon Shergold takes the plunge and changes pedal brands

Well, what can I say, they hold your feet in place (just like every other clip-less pedal on the market); and they come in a myriad of shiny colours (again like most of the other clip-less pedal on the market). That is however where the similarities end…

Speedplay pedals

I have been a lifelong user of Time and Look KEOs on the road bike, having been on them for nearly 15 years. I have always had dodgy knees, something which was highlighted at the 12 champs over the summer.

I basically wanted a double-sided road pedal that while creating a solid base would allow my feet to move. After a quick chat with Mud Dock manager Charlie and the Rep I decided to take the plunge and move away from what I knew and try something a little bit different.

The amazing thing about the Speedplays is the 'float'. 15 degrees is a long way and surprised me.

Initially the sensation of 'ice skating' when pedalling was a bit strange, but after a few miles you don’t notice anything out of the ordinary.

Thinking about it, I never really got much movement from KEOs. Looking down whilst riding the Speedplays my feet are rotating as they please; something which can only be a good thing as far as my joints are concerned.

One thing to note: clipping in is different to a 'front-hooking' pedal like Shimano/Time. You need a bit of practice, but when you’re in, it is secure and stable.

Other than the double-sided engagement, the movement and adjustability really is the hit of these.

I’ve now put in nearly 500 miles, and, in combination to stretching and almost enough warming up, I haven’t had any issues at all. Praise indeed!

Next generation of elite cyclists boosted

2011-09-28T13:31:00.000+01:00

Mud Dock is delighted to be sponsoring the University of Bristol Cycling Club as it nurtures the next generation of elite cyclists.
Alongside Eversheds, the respected and renowned international law firm, Mud Dock is supporting the club by developing a new line-up of events, possible Spanish training camps, and a sparkling new kit.

Jack Rae, Club President, said of Mud Dock's involvement:

"This new sponsorship marks a significant step in bridging the gap between the university's populace of young, bright and keen cyclists with local business; specifically the superlative bike shop and restaurant, Mud Dock."

Some initiatives of the sponsorship have already been realised, with the design and sale of the 2011/2012 club kit. Our subsidy and design critique of this year's clothing means it is higher quality and better looking. As a result, the club has already seen record-breaking kit sales in the summer pre-orders.

Jerry Arron, Mud Dock co-founder, had this to say about the tie-up:

"We're delighted to be supporting such a great club. As well as our financial support we're talking with the club about setting up guided rides for new club members and also a winter training camp in Mallorca. And offering any student that signs up at Fresher's Fair a Mud Dock goody bag or a free bicycle lock."

More information:

The University of Bristol Freshers Fair runs from 11:00am Thursday, 6 October 2011 to 7:00pm Friday, 7 October 2011 in the Students' Union / Victoria Rooms.
Mud Dock leads regular Wednesday night MTB rides on the trails in Ashton Court. Meet outside the Cycleworks at 6.15 each Wednesday evening.

We like Fridays

2011-09-18T14:28:00.002+01:00

After a long week Fridays can sometimes drag, but last Friday we were given a huge lift by this wonderful review of Mud Dock Cafe by Bristol Foodie.

We got a further boost by reading that our friends in Bristol and beyond had been recommending the Cafe on Twitter and Facebook. This was particularly uplifting because we've been putting more energy and focus into nurturing our online communities.

Please stay in touch with us on Twitter and enter our exciting Facebook photo contest (£100+ prize to the winner).

Night riders!

2011-09-07T09:55:00.002+01:00

Jon Shergold, Columbia Bikefood mtb rider and mountain bike coach, is now leading regular Wednesday night rides in Bristol

New Mud Dock Cycleworks recruit Jon Shergold works his magic in the workshop by day and is also now leading group rides from our shop each Wednesday (6.15PM meet for a 6.30PM start).

Jon Shergold for Columbia Bikefood

A sponsored rider for Columbia Bikefood, Mud Dock is delighted to have Jon join the team. In this post, Jon talks about his background, work, and what to expect on the Wednesday rides.

"Being a sponsored rider is the same as any other job. You have certain obligations, in this case it's primarily about brand promotion. Yes, you have to be good and you have to place well, but giving the brands a positive face, just getting them out there and noticed is just as important; the team needs a return on its investment.

"I've done a lot of riding across all disciplines from down-hilling to Track and been racing since I was 14. I worked in the Alps last year and have been coaching both adults and kids over in Cardiff as part of a club over there, so I know what works. I'm also a British Road Cycling Commissaire which means I can oversee most British road racing which is quite cool."

Night riding (image courtesy Mountain Bike Online http://www.mountainbike.org.uk/)

Why Bristol?

"I moved from Cardiff for a change of scene. A friend said that Bristol was cool and he has been proved 100% correct — I love it here. I'm lucky because I've landed on my feet with this job at Mud Dock, a really good bunch of people, a smart set-up, brilliant atmosphere too. The riding here is good, though I am still exploring that. I'm out on my bike all the time."

What are the Weds rides all about?

"Anyone can be fit, but not everyone can ride a bike. That's what the Wednesday evening sessions are about: improving technique, knowing how to handle the trials, anticipation, and judgement.

"The trails at Ashton Court are quite technical. I was racing the Bikefest this year and noticed I was able to keep up with — and even overtake — without actually pedalling, just by maintaining speed through the corners and pumping the trail. That's the kind of basic skills that will help people, I think. At another level it's just to help people enjoy their rides more.

"None of us wants to get disillusioned by riding with people who are so much faster, so we are keeping it real and inclusive. It won't be a mad race, we are just going to enjoy the trails, and enjoy learning a few skills.

"Unless you are a racer, racing is not much fun. So we are not going to be screaming round at maximum pace."

What's the terrain like at Ashton Ct?

"There are lot of natural trails and obviously the man-made stuff at Ashton Court so there will be a variety of riding. Helmets are obviously mandatory; gloves are a very good idea. Beyond that, its whatever you feel comfortable in. Fully body armour if you like!

"There's no set time that we'll be out, it's dependent on who comes out and what they want to do but I'm imaging it will be two hours give or take. Can be more or less, it depends on who turns up, to be honest.

"Lights will be a requirement pretty much any day soon. I think we'll have some lights from the shop to lend out. Night riding is addictive, once you've done it once you will want to get out there again as soon as possible. Even better, Ashton Court is a lot quieter at night of course, which is excellent!

"The off-road riding lights are more expensive, you are looking at £100 and upwards for a reasonable one. They are as powerful as car headlights, and allow you to ride off-road at night at the same speed as you would in the day. Night trails makes for a very dramatic ride, one you won't forget."

Meet at Mud Dock 6PM for 6.15PM each Wednesday to ride with Jon.
Image via Mountain Bike Online

Women's Bike Workshop... any good?

2011-08-24T11:51:00.000+01:00

A guest post from Katriel Costello (owner of a Trek Navigator)

When you hear Mal, chief mechanic at the Mud Dock, talk about bikes you wonder if there’s anyone in Bristol who knows more about two-wheelers than him. And, if there is, just imagine the perfect cycling mean machine they’d be capable of building if they teamed up.


Navigator 2.0

We were here to learn all we could from Mal – at Mud Dock Cycleworks’ Bike-Fixing Babes Workshop. Upwards of 40 women came, their bikes congesting Mud Dock’s bike hoops and available railing space, and this on a rainy Friday night.

Every kind of cyclist was there, from commuters to road tourers to town cyclists, each with a different range of knowledge about their bike’s mechanics. Mud Dock workshops were pitched perfectly down the middle, allowing for all levels: from those who have never changed an inner tube to those who adjust their rear derailleurs just for fun.

There was a certain amount of trepidation about spending an evening with an expert, but when the workshop started off with the not-exactly-rocket-science but often overlooked fact that taking a brush and warm water to your bike regularly is key to good maintenance, we visibly relaxed.

A simple household brush and a bucket of water is key to keeping gears and brakes lasting longer. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Yet a straw poll revealed that almost none of us clean our bikes regularly.

Mal and his obliging assistant, James, showed us how to take off a back wheel, the easy way to take off a tyre, how to stop gears making that annoying rattle and how to get up close and personal with your transmission.

Handy tips and hints came thick and fast: pump up your tyres regularly, every day if you’re doing a long commute, and after you’ve oiled your chain (that’s assuming you do), wipe off the excess from the outside – else it acts as a magnet to those bits of grit and dirt from the road.

Mal’s love of bikes is obvious and he loves to share his knowledge – it came as no surprise to hear that he’s been dismantling bikes in his bedroom since he was 12 (though let’s hope he’s not still doing that now).

So when you see a woman on a shining, gleaming bicycle in Bristol you’ll know she’s been to see Mal at the Mud Dock…

Keep updated on the the next Women's Workshop.

A private function

2011-08-23T10:26:00.000+01:00

Anna on why Mud Dock wins with group bookers

“Mud Dock is popular for private functions and bookings. I organise those and I really enjoy it. Yesterday we had a large party in the cafe, a trade organisation, and I just got a fabulous email from the person there, saying how happy they were. That makes me happy, I told everyone in the kitchen, too. It’s nice to get these opinions.

“For the private events people book out the cafe as a whole, inside and out. Of course the balcony is a fantastic place to be with the views over the docks, the boats passing, always something happening, something to look at.

Weddings throughout the year
“Weddings are very popular and I’ve noticed they are happening throughout the year now, just the summer. I am taking bookings for next year already, so I can say the weddings side of this business is getting busier.

“Christmas, of course, we get a lot of corporate bookings, as well as private parties. The Christmas menu is now available, just give me a call on 0117 934 9734.

“In the kitchen the number of staff goes up and down depending on the day of the week. Weekends we have a stronger team simply because it is busier.

“Weekends are our busiest time, but it also depends a lot on the weather. It so unpredictable here, we never know. For instance, we can be full, even if it is Monday afternoon, if it is sunny.

The future is unwritten
“The weather is just one reason why it can be tricky to manage a team — I have to make sure we have the right number of people every day. How many people I need for a shift? It is tricky, it’s not just about making a rota, you have to be a fortune-teller! I judge the weather forecast, and factor in all sorts of other events. For instance the Harbourside Festival for instance. These have have a big impact too. This is not easy — but it is what makes the work interesting.

There's more from Anna on the magic ingredients at Mud Dock here.

Inside Mud Dock Cafe

2011-08-15T09:48:00.000+01:00

Anna Grejner-Ciszkiewicz on the secret ingredient in the Mud Dock Cafe recipe

“We have got one of the most dedicated teams I’ve ever known. Many people won’t realise it, but working in the kitchen is one of the toughest jobs. If you’ve never done it then you can’t really know. And remember, every dish is made from scratch. So everything takes more time. We put a lot of time and love into each dish.

“The food is all freshly made and cooked, ever day, even the burgers and chunky chips. The eggs are free-range, every portion is made separately, individually. We make it all here in the kitchen. That’s why it all tastes so good!

“The fish of the day is something we are very proud of. Everything is ordered from the suppliers day by day. Nothing is frozen, we have daily deliveries, every morning… very early! We work closely with the suppliers to know what is good, day to day. Whatever is in season, we get the best fish.

“Mud Dock is also famous for our weekend brunches: they are the best. People come from far and wide just for the breakfast, honestly, it’s amazing. They come back again and again. If they are not Bristolians, and they are visiting the city, they make a point of coming here as part of their day.

“Now I am talking about it I don’t think we make enough noise about that."

In future posts Anna reveals more about what makes the Cafe so special

Locks, brands, money and word of mouth

2011-08-02T17:14:00.000+01:00

Workshop manager Mal Armstrong with more insider knowledge

"People who own expensive bikes often don’t own locks. That might sound odd, but these guys would never let their bikes out of their sight. At Mud Dock the lock-up service we offer would make even these guys feel safe.

All in the detail

"Some people see a bike as just a means to an end — often this is to save them money. They buy the bike and expect it go on for ever. But it’s not like that, you have to look after it. That’s why we offer maintenance workshops.

"Many people come to us after a recommendation from a friend. Word of mouth like that is very common, and we get to know networks of people who have all suggested Mud Dock to their friends and family.

"And of course we also get some customers who come because they can only get a certain brand of bike here. All in all we really do have a cosmopolitan mix of people."

Our series on the view from within Mud Dock will continue with further posts

Variety is the spice of life

2011-07-20T11:24:00.001+01:00

Cycleworks Manager Charlie Oborne on a unique Bike Shed

"People use our Bike Shed (lockup) for all sorts of reasons. We get cyclists that commute in from all over: Clevedon, Portishead and beyond - many other places around Bristol. They ride no-nonsense, working bikes that get them from A to B; they aren’t precious about how they look.

"They value our Bike Shed, the fact that they can lock up, get a shower and go into work fresh for the day, it’s a good service we give them.

Light from the picture window floods into the Cafe
"Then there are other customers with expensive road bikes and who will regularly ride 120 miles in a sportive. These are the proper endurance guys, you could almost say they are semi-professional. They appreciate the knowledge, the facilities and the expert advice they find at Mud Dock. They'll use the Bike Shed after a long ride.

"So, there are people who use the BikeShed to lock up on a daily basis, and others who use it after a long ride around Bristol. They they need somewhere safe to keep the bike while they have a meal upstairs in the cafe."
Some of a select range of bikes in store

More from the staff on life at Mud Dock over the next weeks.
What would you like to know about Mud Dock?

Spotlight on the Cycleworks

2011-07-14T14:51:00.000+01:00

Workshop Manager Mal Armstrong on Mud Dock: the people, the customers, the ethos

"Mud Dock does occasionally feature super-elite bikes, and we do get to meet some top cyclists, but we are not elitist people here! Everyone that works at Mud Dock is extremely down to earth. That doesn’t mean we don’t offer a premium service: we certainly do.

"There are a lot of regular cyclists who use the cafe and also buy stuff from the shop. They like to make a day of it here, we are a kind of destination for them. These guys like the image of both parts of the business: the Cycleworks and the Cafe.

"Then there are those who come into the shop but who aren’t even aware that there’s a cafe upstairs, they are solely focussed on stuff for their bike. Sometimes people come in to get something fixed, and we’ll say ‘why not have a coffee upstairs while we sort this out?‘ They had no idea the cafe was there. The two parts of the business fit together very well."

More from the Cycleworks team over the next weeks...

Wordle!

2011-07-09T09:00:00.001+01:00

We've been more active on Twitter recently (@Mud_Dock) and here's a Wordle showing what we've been talking about...

Follow @Mud_Dock

Very cool sidehack

2011-07-07T12:29:00.000+01:00

Bristol's Biggest Bike Ride was cancelled — but here is a cool sidehack doing the route (we don't stock it, sorry. You can get it here.)

Glasto here we come!

2011-06-22T21:46:00.002+01:00

If it's June, and it's raining, then it must be Glastonbury! Seriously though folks we are delighted to be involved with the Pedal With PoWWow initiative that organised a guided bike ride from Bristol to Pilton where the festie is held.

Cyclists were able to dump their gear with us (driven by van to Glastonbury later that day) so they could enjoy the ride to the site without having the carry a tent and 24 cans of organic lager ;)

We nabbed a few of the brave bikers as they got ready to set off. Here's what they had to say...

Mud Dock Racing

2010-05-10T10:41:00.000+01:00

The race season has well and truly kicked off for the Staff here at Mud Dock. Most of us have something lined up for the season ahead, whether it's a season racing at National or Interntional level, the odd race here or there or an epic ride like the Etape Du Tour...

Scot has been busiest with the racing so far, taking the combined forces National XC title (Scot used to be a Marine!) and coming 4th in the forces road race. Scot has also been racing the National XC series in the Expert category as well as hitting up the odd South West XC race and Castle Coombe evening Crit series.

Shop Manager Martin kicked off his season on 8th/9th of May at the Avalanche Enduro at Ae Forest in Scotland. It was a tough field of International riders including 9 times DH World Champ Nico Vouilloz. Martin ended up 16th overall with a puncture on special stage 6, not bad! Martin will be heading off to Europe mid June to race the Enduro Des Nations and Maxi Avalanche in Somoens.

Mechanic Andy has also been busy, he headed up to Whinlatter for the Enduro there and finished 67th on his 34llb Santa Cruz Hecklar with flat pedals! He also visited the SS European champs in the Forest of Dean and the Dyfii Enduro.

So, it's a good start to hopefully a great season. Shop owners Jerry and Beverly are off to ride the Etape as well as an organised bike ride with Clifton College from Bristol to Paris in June and July and there are mutterings about Mud Dock entering a couple of teams for Bristol Bikefest. Watch this space.......

Sunn Radical + Boss

2010-03-05T11:29:00.000Z

Sunn Radical + Boss Frameset

We are always on the lookout for sexy new products here at Mud Dock. The new Sunn Radical with Boss fork and shock is the latest thing to reach the top of the wish list for a few of the staff members here. This is one seriously light downhill bike, full builds with sensible kit coming in at just 35llbs!! Add that to the dialled geometry and world renound suspension wizarardy of the guys at Boss and you can be sure this wil be one hell of a ride. Tempted? We are!!

Felt F4 Arrives at Mud Dock

2010-01-26T16:35:00.000Z

We have been awaiting the arrival of Felt road bikes for some time now. The first to arrive is the F4 demo bike in a 58cm. This bike is unreal, it has a beautifully crafted carbon frame and fork and a full Ultegra groupset (including wheels!) and it comes in at just £2000. We really don't know how they have managed that, but they have. Initial thoughts on the ride of the bike are that it is incredibly responsive and very stiff, all in it should be a very fast bike indeed. We are lucky enough to have this bike available to demo, so come on down and try it for yourself.

Dan's Secret Affair

2010-01-21T14:43:00.000Z

I have a confession, I can be a bit of a Luddite, I distinctly remember making muttered comments about who disc brakes on cross country bikes being over-kill during the late 1990's and it took me an age to get around to dropping a fully rigid bike. It took another implausibly lengthy period to get around to buying a full suspension bike and when I did went for a SCOTT GENIUS MC that rode more like an XC race bike.

So when I was asked to pick a demo bike for the Mud Dock fleet I decided it was time to break out of my mould and into something more...well..exciting! What did you get I hear you cry? Something exotic? Well in a way... something niche? Well not really... I almost can't believe it but I chose a Trek. As a brand they're not know for being out there left field somewhere (they leave left-field their Gary Fisher brand), rather, they have an understated confidence, and a sublime subtleness.

It's also quite shocking given the facts, that I chose the TREK EX9, complete with FOX DRCV custom shock with something called 'Boost valve' technology and a 15mm bolt through front hub. Although, admittedly I did get it in brown.

Unboxing it I was filled with nerves and butterflies....the bulbous extra chamber on the shock, and the crisp whiteness of the cast magnesium rear suspension link really struck me against the matt brown and Sram Tango decals and XO rear mech and matching anodised headset. The bolt though fork also looks like it means business and gives the bike a very balanced appearance.

A planned trip to Coed Y Brennin also provided the perfect opportunity to put the EX9 through it's paces, and when I got to the trail head after the inevitable preride faff, I was not disappointed. It's easy to make comments such as 'this bike corners like it's on rails' but in a very real sense this is a bike that does, and it inspires the same quiet confidence on the trail, that the Trek brand displays. It's not an unruly mate who's egging you on into situations that can only lead to disaster – it reassure you. The low stand-over height inspires confidence in a swift and safe dismount should you push yourself to far past your own limits , and the 'just right' over all feel of the EX frame-set and shock coupled with the awesome stiffness of the 15mm bolt thru front hub means that you can put your front wheel where you want and keep it there time after time. This is a bike that will flatter you, whether it's cross-rutted, weird lined or unexpectedly ploughed head-long into that compulsory fast corner exit rock, it's hard to make it feel really unsettled. It also climbs very well too!

If this bike was a girl – she'd be the girl next-door, affable, funny and curiously attractive and you could easily spend a load of time with her – but there is so so much more for you to uncover!

Cost: £2500
Available: Now (Demo avalible in store)

Cannondale back at Mud Dock

2009-12-07T12:07:00.001Z

After an absence of several years Cannondale bikes are now back in Mud Dock. Cannondale and Mud Dock have a long and successful history together so both parties are excited to be working together again. We will be stocking pretty much the whole range of Cannondale bikes here at Mud Dock, from the Street tough Bad Boy bikes right through to the ultra light and very sexy super six carbon road bikes. Stop by and check them out.

Sunn Bikes Arrive at Mud Dock

2009-11-20T11:51:00.004Z

We have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new range of Sunn bikes at Mud Dock for quite some time now. The French brand has been absent from these shores for some time now. Well, they have certainly been busy during their absence, the new bikes look stunning!

As in the past, Sunn bikes are all about performance, they are extremely light weight with super dialled geometry. Most of the full suspension range features their kinematically designed rocker driven suspension link. This is a modification of the design used by Nico Vouilloz and Anne Caro Chausson to win many a World Championship.

The hardtail range has something for everyone with prices starting at £500 and finishing at £5500 for the Titanium Prim Finest. Standout models are the steel Modular at £1200 with replacable dropouts so you can run singlespeed if that floats your boat, and the Prim S3 at £760. Pop in to Mud Dock and check out the bikes for yourself.

Rollapaluza: The Final!

2009-11-11T18:54:00.006Z

Rollapaluza National Series, South West Qualifiers on Saturday 7 November

2009-11-03T23:46:00.011Z

The South West Qualifiers of the Rollapaluza National Series – a nationwide quest to find Britain’s king of spin and queen of cadence – take place at Mud Dock on Saturday 7 November.

The National Series is a set of standalone regional events that will act as qualifiers for a ‘Grand Finale’ in London. The South west Regional Qualifiers is Round 1 of the National Series, and is being held at Mud Dock in conjunction with Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council.

The youth categories of start at 1pm in the car park, and the over 18s start at 7pm. The evening and finishes when we have found the fastest man and woman in the South West.

We're providing prizes for all categories and entry is free. The bar in the Mud Dock Café will be open all day, and together with suitably loud music you can expect the usual raucous and rowdy Rollapaluza atmosphere. If last year's event was anything to go by, it really will be something special.

See you there!

The Mud Dock Demo Centre

2009-10-22T00:25:00.004+01:00

Here at Mud Dock we love riding bikes. Our staff are all experts in their own field with years of riding experience at all levels. This puts us in a fantastic position to offer advice where it’s needed but, lets face it, choosing a bike is a very personal decision.

We want to be sure that you ride out the door feeling 100% happy that you've chosen the right bike for you. This is why we've launched the Mud Dock Demo Centre. Our demo bikes will be available for you to take away for the day, giving you chance to really get to grips with the handling, size and feel of the ride. If it feels made-to-measure, great. If not, try another bike from the fleet..

Our first lot of 2010 Scott demo bikes are already here (see below), our first from Trek has just arrived, and more from Trek and Sunn are on their way. Drop by and instead of kicking the tyres or staring at the shocks, give one of these demo bikes a few laps of the block!

SCOTT SPARK 20
Demo bike size: Medium

Scott say:

"The IMP built Spark sets the world standard for a lightweight, race ready, full suspension bike. Boasting 110 mm of rear travel, the Spark is ideally suited to cross country, marathons, multi-day stage races, and all day fun. The DT Nude shock allows the rider three separate travel settings that can be accessed via a handlebar mounted TWINLOC lever. The rider can choose from 110 mm of travel, 80 mm of travel in the Traction mode, or full lock out front and rear."

We say:

The Scott Spark was the stand out bike of 2009 for us here at Mud Dock. Although the Spark is one of the most capable XC bikes on the market, it was the trail abilities of the Spark that surprised us. This bike is so versatile, whether it be ripping round Ashton Court, Mountain Mayhem or venturing over to Cwmcarn or Afan, the Spark devours everything in its path and does so at lightning speed. The Spark is capable of far more than its 110mm of travel would suggest.

SCOTT GENIUS 30
Demo bike size: Medium

Scott say:

"The Genius is a full suspension bike designed to handle any trail, any time. It’s the ultimate trail bike suitable for super Ds, marathons and multi-day stage races. The Equalizer 2 shock allows the rider three separate travel settings that can be accessed via a handlebar mounted TWINLOC lever. The rider can choose from 150 mm of travel, 95 mm of travel in the Traction mode, or full lock out front and rear."

We say:

The Genius is the 'one bike that does it all' bike that we all want. Heading out to the Alps, stick in the 150mm travel mode and let her rip, quick thrash round the timberland trail 95mm mode will give you awesome pedaling efficiency and you won’t be bogged down with too much travel. The Genius in the Genius is that it truly is three distinctly different bikes all in one.

SCOTT CR1 TEAM

Scott say:

"The new CR1 offers a ride quality that is unmatched. Designed to absorb shock and vibration created by irregularities in the road, this new concept results in a very smooth and stable ride, reducing rider fatigue and making any ride more enjoyable. By a weight of just 860 grams (HMX carbon fibers) the frame’s lateral stiffness enables direct power transfer and ensures both confident cornering and descending. The geometry of the new CR1 is performance oriented, but the top tube and head tube lengths offer a more comfortable position than pure racing frames. The seatstays, chainstays and fork all feature SDS, our Shock Damping System. These areas have been specially constructed with regard to tube shape, dimension, and fiber layup to provide vertical compliance without sacrificing torsional stiffness."

FiveTen Freerider shoes

2009-10-21T23:45:00.005+01:00

Free your feet and your mind will follow! FiveTen Freeriders are the ultimate performance (and fashion) tool for today’s downhill mountain bike racers and flat pedal riders.

Details like reinforced stitching, protective toe boxs, action-leather uppers and Stealth rubber soles make these shoes the choice of UCI mountain bike World Champions.

When you don't want the restriction of clipless pedals, Freeriders keep your feet in place. Designed for riding everything from jump parks to calculus class, the Freeriders are stylish, comfortable, and oh so sticky. As one rider put it, "Stealth soles stick to pedals like duct tape."

Wear them to work, wear them to play. Just wear them! FiveTen Freeriders are in store now, so drop by, try a pair on and let your feet float away to freeriding Nirvana!

New from Santa Cruz and Commençal

2009-08-24T09:31:00.006+01:00

Over the last few weeks, it’s been like Christmas here at Mud Dock as we’ve received lots of exciting new stock. In particular, the new bikes from Santa Cruz and Commençal have made our mouths water with excitement and our hearts pound with desire!

We have just taken delivery of an array of Santa Cruz bikes ranging from the Chameleon hardtail (below) right through to the incredibly bling – and very rare – Blur XC Carbon (below). Be sure to to stop by and check this baby out: it's only 23.5llb and is one of the fastest XC bikes money can buy!

Also new in stock are a variety of Commencal bikes. This Andorran brand has seen enourmous growth in the last couple of years – and looking at the quality of their new bikes we aren't surprised. The Commencal hardtail range nicely complements to the Trek bikes that we already have in stock, and the value for money some of these bikes represent is just unreal. The Normal Disc (shown below) at £500 needs to be seen to be believed!

Be sure to stop by and check out these and all the other great bikes that we've hand picked. We reckon we've got the best range of bikes around – take a look and let us know what you think.

Ironhorse Rollapaluza night!

2008-11-06T10:13:00.010Z

Last night was the event of the century. Roller racing came to Bristol for the first time and it was at MUD DOCK. When we first planned this we thought it was going to be a gentle evening of fun and frolics with a few of our friends and general public. How wrong were we, it was packed out! Ii have never seen the upstairs so jammed with people. An awesome night where the competitive spirit of every one came out. I had more fun in the crowd than when I was competing.

Picture this, A massive crowd in front of you, 2 bikes on roller jigs, lights in your eyes, your heart pounding, then the infamous countdown, 3, 2, 1, GO! 20 odd seconds later and your legs are like jelly and your lungs burning. It's Rollapaluza. The 500m sprint on a fixed wheeled bike is gruelling. the first 250m was hard and then the next 250 was just painful. Its all about technique not power.

The fastest time of the night was 19.75 seconds which is a fraction of a second of CHRIS HOY's time of 19.44 This was achieved by our very own MUD DOCK mechanic and DMR rider DUNCAN FERRIS. He battled it out through all of the rounds smashing his opponents every time. He made it to the final where the 500m bench mark was moved to 1 kilometer. Now it was about tactics. Duncan was in the lead to begin with but with 250m to go he started to fade and Marcus Mumford started to gain the lead. It was neck and neck with 100m to go but Marcus Mumford managed to edge his was to victory as they past the finish. Duncan got second but still he did manage to get into the top ten fastest riders ever to race. Out of 7000 contestants who have taken part in this event over the past 18 months only 9 people have gone sub 20 seconds. Duncan slots into 7th place and makes that number 10.

The women's event was won by Sarah Barber who stormed the rest of the competition. The final was just as exciting as the men's, gurning was also present!

Well done to every one who took part. And I hope that Sarah Barber and Marcus Mumford enjoy their new IRONHORSE TRANSIT track bikes.

It was an excellent night and I believe enjoyed by all, so when is the next one going to be I hear you say! Well, keep an eye on the MUD DOCK website for details.

I'm going to be training for next one: 23.17 seconds was a bit poor.

G

No biking this week

2008-10-28T08:10:00.004Z

I miss my bike. I was watching ROAM last night and had that itch that only a good day on the trails can scratch. 8 whole days I have left my poor bikes festering in the garage. Alone and wondering what the hell has happened. That is the longest I have been off my bike for 2 years, normally averaging 15-20 hours a week!

Well it's all for a good cause. I'm training for the 6 day adventure race in Abu Dhabi. I returned yesterday from North Wales where I had launched the kayak into the River Dee and Irish Sea for a couple of days of kayaking with my 3 team mates from Team For Goodness Shakes (http://www.forgoodnessshakes.com/news.aspx). Highlights of the weekend were being frightened to death by a cocky seal which decided to pop its head up right by the boat. We also saw loads of herons, curlews etc and some amazing views of Snowdonia from the water.

The weekend was topped off with a spot of dune running to prepare our legs for the 110km foot section over the sand dunes of the Emirate. My feet ached after 30 mins so I've got some work to do!

But I miss my bike and tonight will be dusting off the singlespeed and ragging around some local trails with the Tuesday Night boys (but not before a 90 minute hill run and an hour of weights). I can't wait.

Fi
x

For Goodness Shakes

2008-10-21T19:31:00.005+01:00

So in addition to racing for Team Mud Dock I dabble in a bit of adventure racing for top UK adventure racing team For Goodness Shakes (http://www.forgoodnessshakes.com/). We're racing in Abu Dhabi in 7 weeks time and for a bit of practice we decided to enter a fast and furious Trailplus race in Petersfield. The format was no nav just run, mtb, run, kayak, run, bike, silly games. It was amazing fun.

Team Helly Hansen were the favourites and we knew we had to stick with them from the start to have half a chance. I've been out of AR for a while and didn't know how I'd fare against Team HH after 2 years away from running but 2 years of full on mountain biking.

I managed to stick with Nic McCloud from HH for the first run, which was a fast and furious 30 minutes. Team Captain Andy Wilson helped push me up a few hills and it was a struggle but the moment I got on the bike I felt good again. Heart rate settled and we shot off, overtaking the Hellies immediately.

But then puncture number 1 happened... then puncture number 2 and they caught us. We were then on the back foot and chasing. I ran so hard, being towed by the insanely strong Dave Barnaville and was just willing the bike section to start again.

Eventually it did and the boys had worked out we were 2mins 30 secs down on Helly. We shot off on the 45 minute bike loop feeling mega strong. I was leading and really enjoying the technical singletrack and swoopy descents. Within 12 minutes we had caught our rivals up on a fireroad climb. But another bleedin' puncture had us set back again. But nothing was stopping us now. We shot forwards and caught them almost immediately, spinning straight past and soon out of sight.

Coming into the finish and with just the scramble nets, ski-planks and slippery wall to contend with, we had over 5 minutes on them. We skipped across the line the victors and were 6th overall out of 300 teams. I felt really happy to have proven myself in such a high profile team and was proud to have won such a fast and furious race given the amount I've concentrated on longer stuff this year.

Also, my running felt good and I really enjoyed it, despite the effort. And the team are such an amazing group of guys, the whole weekend was superb fun!

Team Mud Dock is representing on the dark side of AR, so beware!

Fi
x

Cwmcarnage!

2008-10-20T10:59:00.005+01:00

I went to Cwmcarn forest park for some downhill action this weekend gone. As i explained in my last post I have been riding a local pump track and wanted to see if it improved my riding.

Well the verdict is out and I can say I have not been so fast with out pedalling. I have become a lot smother and more calculated in my riding style. On the bottom section of the track I was running out of gears! Hmm larger front chain ring I think might help me get a bit more speed.

If you go and visit Cwmcarn to experience the up lift service and downhill trails, go mid week. The amount of people made it impossible to get more than 6 runs in. also the amount of people that were doted across the track on the way down was silly. If you stop get OFF the track. The speed I’m coming down the track if someone was in the way I would kill them if I collided. Not joking. I was following my friend who had a cycling computer; we were reaching speeds of 29mph in some places!!

The day after, the amount of people had increased so we popped round the corner to ABERCARN. This has no uplift but it’s only a 30min push to the top. Its a tech track and very very steep. Lots of photo's taken so will post them when I can do so.

To book an uplift at cwmcarn go to there website at www.cwmdown.co.uk.

So the moral of the story is that if you want to go quicker, be smother and impress your mates, go and build a pump track and start pumping. Its not the bike you ride its the skills you have that make you a better around rider. The bike just helps!

G

Crossing over..........

2008-10-16T20:36:00.004+01:00

Having just put together a cyclo cross bike for the winter to train and commute on, enjoying the 'go pretty much anywhere' feeling of the new steed, the idea of actually using the bike for its intended purpose of riding cyclo cross entered my mind. After all, the sun was shining at the weekend and the event was local - Ashton Court. Something to do on a warm October Sunday morning.

Many of the local riders had turned up, having dug out their winter cyclo cross machines, and of course the dedicated cross racers were there, sporting their lightweight bikes, warming up around the track. There was a healthy field of 45 riders for the senior event (seniors/vets/female) chatting away as we lined up. Hush descended as the countdown began. The starting pace was somewhat quicker than I was used to! The start of a 12 hour solo race is a more sedate affair. Surely we can't keep this pace up for the full hour?! Apparently we do!! The field strung out at he first climb, avoiding bottlenecks at the first wooded section. I was up at the front until my chain jumped off after the running section, causing chain suck. I had to stop and deal with it, losing vital places and momentum in the first few minutes. Pushing hard in anger, I tried regaining as many places as possible, but I had twisted the chain causing the gears to jump every pedal revolution.

The course was short n sharp, 2km of short climbs, fast flat sections and wooded trails. It felt like I had been thrown back to my early days of riding trails, with rigid forks and cantilever brakes, which just do not work! And with the added instability of riding drops. It was like learning to ride again, having got used to fat tyres and suspension.

The last lap hurt the legs, alot, but I had managed to claw back some of the places, finishing in 5th position. I felt like I had had a good workout, and the awesome weather helped no end. Do this in the middle of winter when the rain is lashing down and the trails have reverted back to muddy bogs? Oh yes! Round 3 is this weekend I believe. It was great fun and after all, it is only an hour.

Go on, you know you want to give it a go.......Check out the BCF cyclo cross calender, there's bound to be an event near you.

Scott
Team Mud Dock

Radio Bristol v. the bicycle

2008-10-16T18:46:00.003+01:00

I did a live phone link to Dave Barrett's morning show on BBC Radio Bristol last week. I was sitting in a packed railway carriage on my way to Paddington Station. I was shouting into my mobile while the rest of the carriage was quiet, so I did feel a little, erm, self conscious.

For those not in the know, Dave Barrett is not recognized for being sympathetic to the cause of Bristol's cyclists. On the contrary, WE exist to flout the law by riding on pavements, up one way streets and ignoring red lights, etc. You get the picture. So I was invited to contribute to the discussion as an advocate of the bicycle, who also had a vested interest in getting people on bikes because I sell them.

The general theme of the show concerned the £23million Bristol City Council has to spend on provision for cyclists as a result of the successful Cycling Demonstration City bid. And how that was outrageous in light of the collapse of the education, health and welfare systems where the money would be so much better spent.

Well, I tried to make my point whilst standing on my metaphorical soapbox in Carriage D of the 08:00 to London that, a) ultimately we should all respect the individuals right to choose how to travel, on the condition that, b) we all have similar or equally fair provision for the way we do choose and, c) that those choosing to cycle are a lot more vulnerable as road users than other road users and that we therefore need a bit more...investment.

I'm not sure how it came across. Mr Barrett was very polite and I guess he's dealing with a lot of pretty polarised opinions. I'm no raving anti-car fascist (unlike some cyclists), in fact I like cars. In some respects I'm a bit of a petrolhead. But for getting about Bristol my annual bike mileage is 2 or 3 times my car mileage.

That was my point. Sure use a car. But also try and use a bike some of the time. Perhaps more of us will if the £23million makes it a little less hostile.

Jerry

Team Mud Dock!!!

2008-10-14T23:22:00.003+01:00

The 12 hr night enduro Dusk til Dawn marked the end of my race career for my last team and the start of my career as a member of Team Mud Dock! But what a race...

Dusk to Dawn crept up on me this year. After the excesses of Mayhem and the Trans Wales I was not mentally ready for another battle with the mud. So I took a ‘just pitch up and ride’ mentality. Looking at the phenomenal start list I figured this strategy would probably be fine because racing against some of the best endurance females in the country I knew my chances of getting a podium finish were minimal. So no pressure. Fabulous! I can safely say I was the least prepared out of any race I’ve done this year. Only 1 bike (never before ridden although much stared at), a completely inexperienced pit crew, packing the morning of the race... Shocking behaviour.

So we had the usual blustery hellos and excited conversation about tires when we arrived but as the rain set in and dusk arrived I was wrapped in a sleeping bag in the tent thinking ‘do I want to get out there and do this again?’ I’ve had my fill of riding round in circles in the mud and the dark this year. But it was one last race for my team so I jumped up and lined up with lots of familiar faces.

The first lap was jostly and then calm as we waiting for people to remember how to turn corners on their bikes and pedal up hills. After that I settled down very quickly into a rythmn and enjoyed the first few rideable laps. I felt very self contained, riding cleanly through the singletrack and daring to put a little power down on the fire road. Many months of riding with Bristol’s one and only Tuesday Night Club has honed my technical skills and I really noticed the added speed I had through the labyrinthine singletrack… thanks boys!

To my horror I found myself riding within a stone’s throw of both Mel and Jenn (Hopkins), the two ‘favourites’ other than Jenn O’C. I briefly thought ‘well this pace won’t be sustainable for long’ and then realized that actually I felt pretty comfortable. We plodded on. The trails became less and less fun. People went to bed and fewer and fewer people held us up. Then Jenn disappeared and Mel and I rode together for a long while, chatting a bit, until she stopped to check something on her bike and I pulled away.

I can’t remember ever enjoying a race so much. I think because I never felt like I was racing! I was vaguely aware of the need to not stop and gave my pit crew a hard time expecting things to appear instantaneously so I didn’t need to get off the bike. Round and round I went, half waiting for Mel to catch me up again. I never asked where she was and would not have minded had she caught me up because I knew, 8 or 9 hours in, that I was having the ride of my life. I felt smooth and fast and totally in control. It was such a contrast to Mayhem which was a mental as well as physical slog that seemed to have little to do with being a decent mountain biker.

I came in once more at ten minutes to the twelve hours. That lap had been the first where I really felt it and was looking forward to stopping, but even then I kept saying to myself, ‘even if it’s one more, that’s cool. I can do that’. It was daylight and the trails were nearly empty. The solo leaders in the men’s race lapped me on that penultimate lap and it was great hearing Josh and Ant hollering as they flew past. I had ripped my ipod off in a bit of a mad moment and was loving the sounds of the forest. So I wobbled in and the pit crew and I had a bit of a conflab and only then I learnt Mel was 20 minutes down. I probably didn’t need to go out again. But then Jenn Hopkins, knowing me well, pointed out I’d finish on the same lap as the leader if I carried on. Knowing I had already pretty much reached my limits I asked ‘what would you do?’. Jenn just looked at me.

So I downed 2 gels and set off. That last lap was painful and I was a sorry state creeping through the trees. Flat barely-there inclines were taking it out of me to get up. I had only had 3 gears (rather hard ones) for the whole race (great prep!) so there was no option to get in the granny ring and spin out. I walked a few climbs and stood up for nearly the whole lap. I saw flamingos and lamas at one point in the trees and eventually after what seemed like hours (nearly 2) I rolled over the line. Having not eaten anything for the last lap I crashed off the bike onto my hands and knees and demanded a bacon roll. Jenn provided and soon I was back to my old self.

Dusk to Dawn 08 will not be forgotten by me for a long time. It had a great atmosphere as ever and the vibe on the trail was fantastic (until everyone went to bed). For me it marked both the end of a fantastic season racing for IronHorse-Extreme and the start of the adventure racing season and start of my membership of Team Mud Dock with Scott, Matt and Mikey. And now I'm thinking warm thoughts for the future... I’m off to Abu Dhabi in a few weeks racing over deserts – a contrast to the mud and rain which is all I seem to have seen this year on my bike!

[I must say a particularly big thank you to my pit bitches Will and Mike and to Mud Dock for "mechanical provisions"].

Time is running out...

2008-10-13T14:55:00.009+01:00

I've always mainly been into the offroad aspect of cycling. Downhill being my favourite form of offroad.

However a couple of months back i was talked into competing in a local time trial, just for a bit of fun and to see how i got on. I turned up with a couple of colleagues from Mud Dock, expecting the race to be quite boring and not really catch my fancy. Straight away i stood out! The preference was for wearing a skinsuit and a proper Time trial helmet. I however, turned up in a Downhill jersey, baggy shorts and a piss-pot helmet. Lets just say it wasn't the most appropriate Time Trial kit!! My road bike at the time wasn't very good. Just a cheap aluminium frame made by Ribble. I talked my father into letting me borrow his titanium Litespeed Ultimate just for the race.
As soon as the race started and i was sent off, i was hooked! It was such a thrill. However as i had mainly just pushed myself over short distances, i had never really built up any slow-twitch muscles, meaning i couldn't keep up the amount of power and speed i wanted for a prolonged period of time. As i had never really raced over a longer distance, i wasn't quite sure how to pace myself. As soon as i got sight of the finish line, i immediately knew that i hadn't pushed anywere near hard enough.

My time was 26.22
A lot of people were very supportive and said that was a good attempt, seeing as it was my first ever Time trial. The event was held for 4 weeks. And slowly but surely i managed to get my time down to 24.08

I was still dissapointed with my time, but was hooked on the sport. I have since been focusing on road riding and training for Time trials. And a little while back i invested in a Trek TTX 9.9ssl Frame, which in effect left me with absolutely no money. My bike is now almost complete. It is kitted out with Shimano Ultegra, and a set of aero wheels (Zipp 900 disc on the rear and a Zipp 404 on the front) I am currently only waiting for a set of time trial bars before my little project will be complete.

Unfortunately Time trialling season is now over but my drive and ambition to be the most awesome time triallist has only just begun (he says tongue firmly placed in cheek)
I'll keep training over the winter and hopefully when next season kicks off i'll be ready and waiting to put in some good times

James

Pumpin hell!

2008-10-06T15:50:00.005+01:00

Recently I have had the privilege of riding a pump track local to me. For those of you who do not know what a pump track is i shall explain. A pump track is a series of rollers (small mounds) and small jumps with bermed corners in a figure of eight or rectangular shape. They have many different lines and directions and can also grow into other more unique shapes.
My first time there I could hardly make it round the basic figure of eight circuit. A fair few rides later I can now do a figure of eight and then go in reverse, I’m constantly spotting new lines and getting faster.
Enough of how good I’m becoming here is the reason I’m posting this, I think every type of off road rider should ride a pump track and do it regularly. I ride downhill bikes and thought I was good at pumping. I was wrong! I had become lazy because I relied on suspension to get me down the hill. After one session at the track and the next day I couldn't walk! Ask some of the other chaps in the shop, I was in serious agony. I had used mussels I thought I used all the time, but obviously didn't. So the first point is pump tracks give you a full body work out.
The second point is that pump tracks teach you to use the lay of the land to your advantage, turning dips into boost points without pedalling or using your suspension. Its about body movement, position and speed checking. You may feel you can do this correctly but once you get on a pump track you may think differently, I did. Too fast into a corner and you come out wrong, to slow and you can't make it to the next pump point. Its all about fluidity and control. Once you get all this you will be able to go faster on your local trails with more confidence.
I'm riding at cwmcarn in a few weeks so I’ll let you all know what effect it has given me on my riding. So go out there and pump!!!

G

Who stole the sun!

2008-09-23T15:10:00.002+01:00

As you have all probably noticed that winter never really left us this year for some weird reason, but now it's getting bitter and dark. Yesterday was the first time in ages where i had to don the gore-tex and long fingered gloves. What does make me laugh is that a bit of rain makes us in the UK get into our steamed up little tin box's and wait in traffic jams for hours, honking horns and swearing at each other instead of buying the right gear for the elements and riding or walking to work.

The clothing i use for winter riding costs less than running the average car in bristol for a week and means that i'm all snug as a bug in a rug, not getting fat and my commute takes the same time no matter what the traffics like. So i turn up for work on time, healthy and chilled as a good glass of champagne.

Next time your waiting in a traffic jam getting stressed, think of me stress free

Bristol wins "Cycling City"

2008-06-26T09:52:00.004+01:00

What great news! It was a competitive bid and Bristol came out top. So, ultimately, what will the main benefit be?

In short - a better quality of urban life for all, if the cash produces results and more people start using bicycles for short journeys. The money has to be used for making the roads safer places on which to ride, to educate the young and non-cyclists as to how to ride a bicycle in an inner city environment and to facilitate the use of bicycles with rental schemes, secure parking schemes and well sign-posted alternative routes.

Less private cars and more bikes on Bristol's narrow Georgian and Victorian streets will promote a 'happier' Bristol. Less congestion, less car parking issues, less road rage, less pollution, better health and quicker journey times.

If you are a non-cyclist and are skeptical about the whole issue, maybe a bit self-conscious about the whole lycra bit and don't fancy the hills get some good advice. Any of the better independent bike shops in Bristol will be happy to help. Give it a go.

Jerry

Reasons to be specific...

2008-02-25T09:41:00.007Z

I have very sore legs today, more than usual and yet my riding this weekend was, at first glance, nothing more than I am capable. If anything it could have been considered a small weekend for a guy who likes to race offroad for the best part of 24 hours at a time. In total we are talking 8 hours training on the road spread across 3 rides and 2 days and yet the damage caused to my muscles has required a full rest day and possibly 2!

So what's changed? Have I gone soft? Old perhaps? I'm glad to report a negative on both counts (OK, maybe I AM a bit older!) The reason lies in the specifics of the training. Until quite recently I have done all of my training with the use of a heart rate monitor. I've done this since the mid '90's when I got my Elite licence and started working with my first coach. Before that period I had become enveloped in the "more is better" philosophy and was utterly convinced that I had the capacity to train in the region of 20 to 25 hours per week.

Why would I think differently? I was doing the hours and seeing improvements so it had to correct didn't it? Working with a heart rate monitor taught me that my true capacity was much closer to 12 to 14 hours which was a real revelation that I have to be honest and say I was quite reluctant to accept. A few years soon proved the theory correct and my best race seasons have never averaged out at more than 13 hours of training per week.

However... there is now a new kid on the block when it comes to training = Power. Well, I say new but in truth the top pro riders in the world have been using Power meters and Ergo trainers for at least as long as I've been riding a bike, but what I should say is new to me, and perhaps new to the everyday riders serious about performance and with goals to do "this" or "that" event.

I've been training with a PowerTap rear hub and also at home with the Tacx Cosmos Ergo Trainer for the last 6 months and the change in my training is nothing short of amazing. The accuracy of training is such that I ALWAYS get the best bang for my buck when it comes to the time invested in terms of gains in fitness. I'm guessing that when training this accurately that I'll be able to achieve the same sorts of results but with an average training time somewhere below 10 hours per week.

Time, the only thing none of us can buy, and so much of it to be saved. Makes the Tacx and PowerTap the best value for money I've ever found...

Rob

Peterstone Court

2008-02-25T09:10:00.003Z

A great weekend's cycling in Wales was made even better by our stay at Peterstone Court in Llanhamlach. Many thanks to Sean, Jess and staff for a wonderful stay. The post ride massage was a truly religious experience.

Sean is an experienced cyclist who is more than happy to recommend both on and off-road routes from the door. As the owner and Head Chef his nutritional advice was invaluable - I went for the scallops and duck plus a bottle of Gavi di Gavi. Nice call.

Jerry

The Welsh

2008-02-25T08:55:00.003Z

Beverly and I spent the weekend cycling from Bristol to Brecon as part of our Étape ambitions (which is altogether another story). And despite the wind, rain, etc. we found Welsh drivers so much more courteous then their counterparts on this side of the bridge. They would pull over in narrow lanes as we approached, they patiently sat behind us to wait to pass and when they did, they did so with a friendly honk.

Same with passers by - despite the weather, everyone had a smile, a greeting or a wave as we cycled past. Whenever we stopped, likewise, everyone seemed happy to chat.

So what's going on in Wales to make them so cyclist-friendly? Could it be the Nicole Cooke effect or simply the pasting they gave the England rugby team a fortnight ago? Dunno. Anyway, thank you Wales for a great weekend!

Jerry

Getting ready to take on the world

2008-02-11T11:20:00.000Z

After a cold wet start to the year Mud Dock manager Matt Carr and Rob Lee are preparing to take the World 24 hour solo racing world by storm. This is the time of year to get as many miles in the legs as possible and get down to racing weight aswell as getting used to the new bikes and kit.

Last year ended in disaster for Matt , he was due to fly to the US to compete in the world solo championships in Santa Cruz and was favourite to win the single speed title but due to passport issues was not able to fly.His plan for this year is to finally get his hands on the world championship jersey and hopefully break his own world record at the same time. Matt will once again be riding for the Trek team and competing on the Trek 69er singlespeed.

Rob had a pretty good year, racing wise, with wins at the Bontrager Twentyfour12 and the Nightrider12 but ended his season early due to situations within his personal life. This season he is looking to get back on the winning trail and is slowly rebuilding himself after time off the bike. His move to Bristol in October marked a new chapter for Rob who is keen to intergrate himself into the biking community here whilst continuing his development as one of the UK's premier solo racers.

We are very pleased to have two of the best 24 hour racers working at Mud Dock and both are easily approachable and readily available for advice and any queries you may have regarding the world of bike racing. Why not drop in and have a chat?

Car drivers - more room please

2008-01-29T10:41:00.000Z

Despite a huge increase in road riding over the past two or three years I'm reluctant to take my kids anywhere near the open road. I want them to enjoy the thrill, freedom and independence riding a bicycle out into the country will give them. But I'm not prepared for them to take on the risks that I and every other recreational rider are exposed to each time we venture onto the road.

Last week one of the UK's top cyclists was killed whilst out training - hit by a van. Last Sunday I was passed on at least 4 occasions by vehicles within half a meter of me. The Highway Code instructs drivers to:

give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car

Funny how this is unfailingly given to horses and ponies but rarely to cyclists. In France drivers are obliged to give a statutory 1.5 meter gap, despite there being a much more positive attitude to cyclists generally.

We are a nation of pretty crap drivers, in most cases completely under qualified or experienced in road use. Often our spatial-temporal faculties are poor or in decline. Cars and vans are getting wider and inevitably there are no bike lanes in which we can seek refuge. Despite the fact that most cyclists are also car owners and therefore contribute to road taxes, the issue of 'safer cycling' is not a high government priority. It is left to independent organisations like Sustrans to create a safer cycling environment and how great it was that in winning the £50 million Big Lottery Fund so comfortably the people recognised the importance of their work.

The American 'Give 3 Feet' campaign is a good example of how a government funded initiative could bring the issue to a wider audience.

http://www.cbcef.org/give3feet/

Meanwhile, all we can do is implore drivers to give a little more consideration in passing cyclists and slowly we may all feel a little more comfortable sharing the open road.

Jerry

Five good reasons to drive to work

2008-01-28T17:38:00.000Z

1: Heated seats
On the six days a year when the temperature drops below 0º, this luxury gives you a peerless peeing-in-your-wetsuit pleasure.

2: Terry Wogan
The diminutive Irish raconteur is essential early- morning radio listening (especially if you like nodding off at the wheel or arriving at work unable to distinguish wake from sleep).

3: Obesity
Exercise schmexercise. Sit back, buckle up and drive your waistline to ever-wider extremes in order to enjoy greater buoyancy, larger tattoo fields, discount shopping at High & Mighty and free entrance into
sumo competitions.

4: Climate change
The jury’s still out on this one (at least, it is if you’re a member of the right-wing press rather than something ending in ‘ologist’), but why worry about climate change when you’ve got climate control? If a heatwave or big freeze strikes, just twiddle the relevant knob.

5: Camaraderie
Despite the fact that you can’t really talk to other drivers (aside from the odd hand-gesture oriented display of road rage) there’s the community spirit borne of being part of a mass movement of people crawling in the same direction. And you all recognise a common two-wheeled enemy.

How lovely.

Of course, while we were just about able to come up with five good reasons to drive to work, there are about 1,500 good reasons to cycle to work:

It's better for your health, your wealth, your happiness, your children, your community and your future – not to mention being pretty good news for the planet and for hedgehogs.

It also allows you to enjoy the beauty of Gore-Tex, the seasons, speed, a nicely toned arse, fresh air, arriving home early and, well, we could go on but you get the idea.

You get on your bike; we’ll get off our soapbox!

Biking banter plus food and drink discussions – it's the Mud Blog!

2008-01-23T09:17:00.000Z

Thoughts, ideas, news and other interesting stuff that folk who share our love of cycling and dining might like to read about and comment on. You'll find it all here in the Mud Blog.