Having joined the world of cycling just over a year ago, I decided it was time for me to try out bikepacking. I’ve always been drawn to adventures, but I didn’t do a ton of research beforehand besides watching a few GCN touring videos. With a few recommendations from Dirty Wknd I bought a hooped bivvy bag and a cheap blow-up mat, borrowed a standard 2 season sleeping bag from a fellow tourer and was ready to embark on my first adventure with the bike.

The trip planning started on a bit of an impulse. We decided on Rye as the place for our first trip as it was known to be a pretty coastal town, with a famous sandy beach. Simon - the camping expert amongst the group - helped us sort out the campsite and logistics for the 3 days away. 

With the site booked and my bivvy arriving, I decided to try and sleep out in the bivvy bag on my balcony as a test run. I would recommend doing this if you haven’t camped recently or in the kit you have just bought. These things are very personal to each camper. With the temperature dropping after midnight, I found out that my sleeping bag was not adequate for the job and my extremities were suffering. I decided to pack an extra down jacket and ski socks for my adventure. 

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I started cycling in January 2018, having entered L'Etape du Tour and realising that I should probably start cycling.. In the words of Tupac, "I didn't choose the lycra life...". I bought my housemate's old bike from her, found Dirty Wknd cycling club and started exploring the hills and greens of London and beyond. I always knew the bike didn't fit me perfectly; the handlebars were too wide, the stem too short, and my seat felt too far back and I felt very upright. But I never had any pain whilst riding and the price-tag of a bike fit was always a bit of a turn off. However, after a small windfall, I decided it was time to invest in a proper bike fit. Being a scientist, I'm all about improvements, and I wanted to know if getting the bike properly fit to my body would reap the rewards.  

Because I didn't really have any pain or niggles, for me the purpose of the bike fit was to get into a more aerodynamic riding position, whilst still feeling comfortable on long days in the saddle. After my first race last year, David kindly pointed out that "You could always see where [Jen] was because her head was poking above everyone else’s". Essentially... I needed some aero gains! I chose Super Domestique because Elliott came highly recommended, but also because of the Dirty Wknd club members 15% discount... an attractive proposition given my PhD student status!

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Dirty Wknd is incredibly pleased and proud to be partnering with London based wheel brand Parcours. We will be collaborating on regular wheel 'test day' rides where you will be able to try out a set of Parcours carbon wheels. Not only that but Dirty Wknd members will receive 10% discount on all Parcours wheels. Click on this link for details of the next test day - Click Here

Parcours are based in Clapham and are on a mission to make high performing aerodynamic wheels for everyone, not just those who can afford to spend multiple thousands of pounds! As triathletes and cyclists they grew sick of the enormous price tag that came with high performance wheels and sought a way to level the playing field by building their own wheels. Parcours wheels start at £749 for a set, and Dirty Wknd members get a further 10% off. Compare that to the 'big boys' in the wheel game and you'll see it's a significant saving for wheels in the same performance category.

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We have been hard at work developing a bespoke community forum for members to chat, suggest rides/events as well as buy and sell second hand kit and parts. There is also an in depth London cycling route database which is free for members to use, and you can even organise nights out and message other members directly. 

Members just need to click this link and create a profile. Please add a photo and use your full name, so it's clear who you are. Please use the same log in details as your membership to make everything simple. Once you've created a profile we'll confirm your account and you can start to chatting on the forum. Please read this whole document before you start using the forum so you understand the set up properly. 

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What do you do once you’ve completed LEJOG, the ultimate cycling challenge...

I hope my top tips for Ride Across Britain were useful for you if you are preparing for this year’s event. I was a complete novice cyclist when I started on my RAB challenge but I enjoyed the training and the event so much, I wasn’t prepared to hang up my cleats quite just yet...

In less than two weeks after completing Ride Across Britain, I had an ‘out of office’ on my laptop for six months (yes, six months!), a 15 litre backpack on my back and my trusty cycling helmet.  My employers had given me six months off work and I decided to spend one month of it cycling through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand and it was truly one of the best experiences of my life.  This is what happened when I cycled over 1,000km, through three countries, in one month...

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