Favourite Providers

Pedal Britain & Europe

I first came across Pedal Britain when I was looking for a company to help me realise a dream of completing the iconic cycling multi day event, Land’s End to John O’Groats. They fitted the bill in every way and lived up to their name because I just wanted to literally “Pedal Britain” and have someone look after everything else.

I really do mean EVERYTHING that you don’t have the time to do or want to have the hassle of doing : Taking your bike to the start and bringing it back from the finish – this alone is brilliant , oh the hassle of transporting my bike by train and the limits train companies put on number of bikes on each train. As long as you can get your bike to their base then they do this for FREE.

Then there’s booking all the accommodation, providing enough snacks and cake during the ride to eat your own body weight in food, taking your heavy bag each day from hotel to hotel – imagine carrying that lot on your bike ( MASSIVE kudos to you bike packers out there)

A guide rider to support and help the group along the way and the van ferrying all our belongings from point to point always appeared when you needed it most with their now famous “Brew table” overflowing with savoury snacks and a massive variety of sweet and sugary energy laden goodies and cakes to fuel a tired, hungry and determined rider to go along with the tea and coffee on tap.

I’ve used their services twice so far, my first was, as mentioned earlier, LEJOG and if this interests you then take a look at my set of 14 videos giving highlights of each day which hopefully also give a sense of the camaraderie created along the way . The second was earlier this year as part of my training for a hilly 14 days across France, The Tour de Yorkshire Dales, a fantastic 4 days, challenging enough but not too difficult so as to put off anyone of reasonable fitness to complete, so click on the yellow link and take a look at those too.

I have another in the pipeline, in fact imminently in September 2023 when we tackle France End to End over 14 days with them – and there’s another special thing about Pedal Britain, they limit Group sizes to around 16 so everyone can stay in the same hotels, eat together etc and just get to know each other properly, it’s a proper sociable cycling break. What’s that got to do with the France trip ? Well with LEJOG, such was the sociable nature of these trips, I can honestly say several complete strangers became lifelong friends after that experience and I have done rides and Sportives since then with some of them, AND 7 of us are joining forces with a group of other unknown “soon to be” friends to take on the France challenge which takes the enjoyability factor up a few notches.

Pedal Britain have become my “go to:” company if I want to challenge myself on a multi day trip and it will come as no surprise that I wholeheartedly recommend them to you.

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Velotours Spain

Dave and Tiffany the owners, have created an incredible base to explore the mountains, coastline, quiet roads and great climbs in the Calpe region of the Costa Blanca.

Based close to the famous Col de Rates, I experienced their amazing hospitality, food and great organisation on a 12 strong group holiday over 4 days. The bikes were top notch and the guides were not only knowledgable about the area but, as shown by our guide Al, he was friendly, helpful and always stopped for the best photo opportunities.

Did I mention the food? Well it’s worth a second mention because we had fantastic breakfasts, Cake, Savoury Snacks and Tea/Coffee awaiting us after each ride, and the evening meals were like something from Masterchef.

I’m in the process of editing some videos of our group’s time there and the first ones can be found by clicking the titles, Old gits Cycle Calpe and Old gits conquer a col. The beautiful villa and it’s grounds, the pool and the fantastic atmosphere created by both the hosts and the group I was with made for a perfect cycling break. I laughed most of the time and the cycling was just fantastic.

If you are looking for a group cycling break or walking break, for up to 16 down to a romantic break for a couple on self catering, Bed and Breakfast or Half Board, Velotours have the answer and it is in a stunning environment with amazing hosts along with brilliant staff , and of course their young son Albert with his new canine playmate Scooby Doo.

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Optilabs Prescription Sportswear

Why would I include Optilabs in this section? After all they are just a company anyone can purchase from on the web. My experience with Optilabs was more than that though, they are a very rare breed as far as online shopping is concerned. Why? Because they actually respond to queries and if you want to there is someone on the end of a phone, and they actually answer the phone.

They also do something very helpful in the buying process, they offer a “try before you buy” service which means they will send frames with clear plain lens for you to try then send back, thus assuring you are happy with style and fit before purchasing.

I also had a particular issue that they satisfied. I needed cycling glasses with a prescription lens which were Photochromic and bifocal. I could find plenty that were varifocal but none that fitted the bill until I asked the question in a forum and a few gave the same name and so, I arrived at the Optilabs website.

The upshot is, I wear my Optilabs glasses on every single ride whatever the weather. The photochromic lenses react fast so it’s never too dark and never too dazzling. Obviously I’m a fan and like I do with most stuff I buy that I’m really pleased with and use all the time, I have a video review for you to watch so just click on the yellow link – Optilabs Saved The Day

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Tyre Glider

I’m a relatively new cyclist and I really mean new ! I don’t recall ever messing around with bikes as a kid so starting cycling in my late 50’s, even taking a tyre on and off was a new experience, and an experience I hated. With no prior knowledge of “easy” ways to do it, my arthritic hands just couldn’t cope.

I’m struggling to recall how I came across Tyre Glider but I’m so glad I did because now I don’t dread having a puncture out on the road as I can get even notoriously difficult to remove tyres off and back on with ease.

They are a relatively small company and I will happily do my bit to promote their product and did so at the National Cycling Show at the NEC, Birmingham as they gave me 10 to give away in a “lucky dip” on my stand.

I’ve seen too many “old hand” traditionalists who have changed tyres for decades who are, dare I say “getting on a bit” and still dig their heels in struggling more and more with taking tyres off “the proper way”.

As far as I’m concerned, using the Tyre Glider IS the proper way.

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I have cycled around the Costa del Sol on a few occasions, discovered Fast Monkey bike rental in Benalmadena the first time and have stuck with this impressive company every time since.

They specialise in the established Spanish brand Orbea and the bikes are of great standard. Although I’m a “Roadie” they have a great selection of Road, Gravel, Mountain and Enduro All Mountain bikes . Plus they also have City Bikes, Junior Bikes and E Bikes, so something for everyone.

They obviously have a depth of knowledge about the surrounding area and help the newcomer with pre planned routes with downloadable GPX files for favourite and popular rides in the area and will even organise a Guided ride if you are there in a group.

The biggest thing for me is service and they are a polite and friendly bunch. I have dealt mostly with Alberto and cannot fault his knowledge and commitment to providing a great customer experience