As you may have noticed, Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda will be published on May 1st. It's always a slightly worrying moment as your baby is let loose into the at-times-unforgiving world of literary criticism. I can only hope there are more reviews similar to the one that has just been published on Brian Palmer's Washing Machine Post website. Brian's full review can be read by following link below. Here is an extract ..read more

Europe is, perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the most popular destinations to visit amongst American tourists. There’s little arguing with this fact, given the rich culture and wide variety of activities to indulge in on the continent across the pond. The more adventurous amongst us might be looking for a hands-on way to enjoy Europe, though – and if you’re the biking type, you needn’t look much further. The following are some of the best places to visit in Europe by bike ..read more

It is only now a matter of days until three become four and the new book - Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda - is published. The date is May 1st although you can already pre-order the eBook from Amazon if you want to start reading at midnight on the 1st! The paperback isn't available to pre-order but rest assured that will also be available from May 1st. Initially you'll have to go via Amazon to get hold of the book but Apple Books will also have the book available on iTunes, hopefully from May 1st. And if you'd like a signed copy, keep reading as these should be dispatched this very weeken ..read more

In this episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast, guest presenter Andrew Edwards chats to Andrew P. Sykes about his 2022 cycle around Europe and his new book – Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda – that is published on May 1st 2024. “Secondary school teacher and inveterate would-be adventurer Andrew P. Sykes is back in the saddle. This time, however, it doesn’t belong to his long-term sidekick Reggie. There’s a fresh-faced kid on the block and she’s a bike called Wanda. (Nothing fishy about that!) The new double act set off on a grand tour of Europe to explore some of the continent’s most iconic ..read more

In this episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast, guest presenter Andrew Edwards chats to Andrew P. Sykes about his 2022 cycle around Europe and his new book - Le Grand Tour on a Bike Called Wanda - that is published on May 1st 2024 ..read more

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey through the best bicycle routes that Poland has to offer. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for an adventure, Poland has something for everyone. Get ready to explore scenic routes, pedal along historic trails, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of this beautiful country ..read more

Are you preparing to take part in your first Tough Mudder event? Firstly, congratulations on your bravery! Secondly, you’ve got a lot of work ahead of you. Known as one of the most extreme obstacle event series in the world, Tough Mudder tests your strength, endurance, and mental grit. It also forces you to get down and dirty in the mud! Already feeling nervous about the big day? Don’t worry, there is still time for you to get physically and mentally prepared for the challenge ahead of you. Find out how to handle your first Tough Mudder like a pro right here ..read more

Generating and storing electricity while cycling is a perennial issue for anyone who had embarked upon a long cycle. On my current touring bike Wanda, the Koga WorldTraveller, I have a front wheel Son hub which dribbles a current into my phone when cycling via a USB socket clipped to the handlebars. I use the word 'dribble' purposefully. I've never been convinced that it is very effective at topping up the battery on my phone. That said, the hub dynamo does do an excellent job of powering the lights on the bicycle so it is definitely worth having. I have previously toyed with solar power but h ..read more

A while ago - back in November 2023 - I published an episode of The Cycling Europe Podcast (number 076) that consisted of an interview with a friend of mine, Tim Sanders. I know him through the Cycle Touring Festival and the podcast was actually recorded at last year's event. (This year's event is at the start of May by the way - see the recent post here on CyclingEurope.org.) Tim talked about cycling from Venice to Munich via Innsbruck in Austria on a route called, err... münchen venezia. It needs a better name than that but there you go. When I received an email a few days ago from 'freewhee ..read more

Secondary school teacher and inveterate would-be adventurer Andrew P. Sykes is back in the saddle. This time, however, it’s not the one belonging to his long-term sidekick Reggie. There’s a fresh-faced kid on the block and she’s a bike called Wanda. (Nothing fishy about that!) The new double act set off on a grand tour of Europe to explore some of the continent’s most iconic cycling routes and locations: the Vélomaritime, the Avenue Verte to Paris, the Véloscénie to Mont-Saint-Michel, the Vélodyssée, the Canal de la Garonne, the Canal du Midi, the ViaRhôna, the Furka Pass and the Rhine are all ..read more