Stratford Bike Hire

No blogs since when?????

2011-03-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

September!!!! Where have the months gone???? Winter contract work in Kent thats whewre. Apologies anyone who has tried to hire a bike during the Winter months when we havent been open. Easter is coming, better late than never. We are currently open weekends and will open dureing the week from Easter Happy cycling

Stratford AC Club Championships

2010-09-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

It was the Stratford AC Club champs today. I managed to gwet down there for a while to watch my children competing. Alas I was supposed to be working but had sneaked away for a while so couldnt really stay around to do anything myself.

Waht a great event. The kids have a fantastic time and it is great to seee some of the seniors racing as well. If you have kids who enjoy their sport have a think about getting them to join the Athletics club junior session.

Bike Tours

2010-07-20T00:47:00.000-07:00

Ive been introduced to a fantastic way of getting around London and seeing the sites. The company is called BrakeAway Bike Tours who will take you on a tour of our great capital city.

They do a secret London tour and a Grand London Tour. The tours are daily and cost £18 for 3 1/2 hrs which I think is great value.

Anyone think this could be a goer in Stratford (upon Avon that is rather than round the new Olympic site!!!)?? I must talk to John and Helen Hogg who give walking tours of Stratford (Stratford Town Walk). If you are in Stratford going on their tour of Stratford is a must if you want to know about the town. Iwas amazed just how much I learned from it.

I could run (bike) the Stratford Bike Tour around the Shakespeare Birthplace properties. We already have a route and a map which goes round them if anyone is intetrested give me a call.

Happy Cycling

Stratford in the Sun

2010-07-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

1st of July and the weather has been great for weeks. If you are coming to Stratford undoubtably the best way to get around is by bike. If you havent got your own come and hire one.

The new leaflet for the Shakespeare Cycle trail looks great. Loads of people are taking it up and touring around the Shakespeare Properties by bike. The route is great and the swans on the canal have got Cygnets which is a lovely sight.

London Marathon

2010-04-26T04:55:00.000-07:00

Oh how sore I am today.

This year I am raising money for the Childrens Liver Disease Foundation. The first part of the fundraising was to complete an ironman distance as part of London Marathon. So 7am on Saturday morning I entered the pool to complete a 2.4mile swim before getting on my bike and heading from Stratford upon Avon down to London. After a good nights sleep in London it was off to Blackheath to start the Marathon.

Well done to everyone who took part and completed the marathon, every time I do it the level of support for the event and the commitment of everyone taking part almost reduces me to tears.

The next part looms ahead when in August I will compete in Ironman UK in Bolton. So now the real training begins.

Best Wishes for 2010

2010-01-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR...hope this year is a good one.

Its been a cold and snowy start, not the best for cycling. The roads have been so icy it has been lethal. Hopefully its warming up now and time to get the bikes out.

I cant believe my last post was in July. Was a great 1st year for the new cycle hire centre. If you havent got down there pop down in the Spring and say hello.

Give me a call if you want to or click the link for cycle hire in Stratford Upon Avon

Vic

Weekend in Frankfurt

2009-07-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks Rod for looking after the cycle hire last weekend!!! much appreciated.

I took my wife away for a romantic weekend in Frankfurt. The weekend happened to coincide with the European Ironman championships so she got to see lots of a big lake, various roads and a running route around the Main.

Just to prove I finished, the picture is of me in front of the Frankfurt Town Hall with my finishers t-shirt and medal (I dont look as tired as I feel!)

I managed to finish in 10hrs30mins which considering the blistering heat I am really pleased with.

Anyhow things are back to normal for a while, if you want to hire a bike just visit my website or give me a call on 07711776340

Shakespeare Properties Tour

2009-06-26T01:06:00.000-07:00

A new feature for this year is a combined cycle hire and Shakespeare Properties Entry package.

I have been working with the Shakespeare Birthplace trust to create a cycle route around the 5 Shakespeare Houses. The route starts at the Cycle Hire Centre at Seven Meadows Road then passes the Holy Trinity Church - Halls Croft - New Place - Shakespeares Birthplace - Mary Ardens House then Anne Hathaways cottage.

If you want to hire an bike and tour around the properties give me a call on 07711 776340!

New Cycle Hire Centre

2009-04-14T02:13:00.000-07:00

At last the carriages are in place and up and running on the Greenway. There are two carriages, one for the cycle hire and the other a cafe. If you are down there pop in and say hi.

The carriages are at the carpark at seven meadows road overlooking the Stratford Racecourse

11 weeks to IM Germany....if not at the carriage I am in the pool, on my bike or pounding the roads!!!

The Address is:

The Stratford Greenway

Seven Meadows Road

Stratford upon Avon

Warwickshire

CV37 6GR

Vic

Cycling Weekends

2009-01-30T14:11:00.000-08:00

Quite a few people who hire bikes from me stay for the weekend in a local B&B or hotel and use it as a central base for their cycling. It sure beats lugging your luggage with you all weekend.

There are loads of routes from Stratford heading out in two or three different directions. Distances range from 10miles up to some rather challenging 50mile plus distances. The other advantage is that returning to Stratford each day there are loads of things to do and great places to eat.

I have a list of accommodation in Stratford on my website however there are a couple of places I would recommend. The Alveston Manor is great as they will store your bike for you (as well as being a lovely hotel) and for B&Bs try Ian at Ashgrove House or Tim at Virginia Lodge. Both are close to town and really well run!

If you are interested give me a call!

Happy New Year

2009-01-24T10:09:00.001-08:00

Bit belated I know but it has been hectic since Xmas.

I cant believe I have kept this blog going for a year!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-21T08:38:00.001-08:00

If anyone is reading this .....Have a great Christmas and good running/cycling or whatever in 2009!!!!

Sunday Cycling a civilised society

2008-11-16T06:11:00.000-08:00

The Athletic Club have started doing a series of Sunday group rides aimed at some of us who are not comfortable group cycling and also want to improve their cycling endurance. I went on my first one this morning and have discovered a wonderful new world. I usually only ride in small groups but found the miles just soared by as we chatted away (once various bike problems and punctures were sorted out). I have always been a bit wary of joining a cycle club but after this I'm sorely tempted.

One important thing I learned today - good kit is a lifesaver. I just bought a Winter bib and jacket from SPUIK and I cant believe how much more comfortable (and dry) I am!!

Vic

Mud, Mayhem & Winter Nights

2008-11-12T03:19:00.000-08:00

The 1st Wedgnock Winter Series Race last weekend was fantastic. I managed 8th place so was really pleased (as well as being wet and muddy!). Next one is 27th December, I dread to think how cold and muddy that will be!

Winter night are now truly upon us. The Simply Run group are doing well and its great motivation to get me out on a Tuesday evening, as I would never drag myself out otherwise.

As well as Winter nights, cold dark mornings are also not pleasant. Other than a few weeks of reprieve since the clocks went back its grim getting on the bike early in the morning. Still its all for the best!

Roll on the spring

November!!!

2008-10-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

How on earth could Winter be upon us.?

I managed the Vitruvian in 5hrs 02mins so really pleased. That was back at the beginning of Sept so now all focus is on Frankfurt for next year. Hours of dark, damp, cold cycling ahead.

Cross Country season has already started with a bang. Stratford AC has held the Welcombe Wobbler and Birmingham XC leauge is already underway. Congrats to all the Stratford AC mob who turned out at Sennelys Park last weekend - we had 22 runners in the mens race best ever!

One thing to look out for over the Winter is the Adventure Sports / Run Stratford winter race series at Wedgnock (nr Warwick). The summer series was great and I imagine the Winter XC course will be fantastic.

Click on link below for more detail of the Winter Race Series

August Bank Holiday

2008-08-27T06:10:00.001-07:00

Busy Busy....at long last a couple of days of decent (welll almost!) weather. I have never seen the Stratford Greenway so busy. Great weekend to get out running or cycling, but as it was so busy I managed neither.

Only a week and a half to the Vitruvian triathlon. Need to get a decent open water swim in this weekend.

Vic
also you can click on the link to find decent accommodation in Stratford upon Avon.

Simply Run Running Programme

2008-08-13T04:51:00.000-07:00

Only 3 weeks to Vitruvian 1/2 distance triathlon. I have been increasing my training to make sure I'm ready for it. I have been open water swimming over at Worcester. The lake is at TopBarnFarm near Omberdsley and website is http://www.runaroundsports.co.uk/

I run with Stratford Athletic Club and also take part in running sessions with Simply Run which is a running store in Stratford as well as one of the foremost online running stores. The shop runs running training sessions which are great for people who want to start running and want to build up a bit of confidence or people who want to improve their running but need a bit of a push. I rteally enjoy the sessions on a Tuesday night.

The cycling is going pretty well and I am managing to get out into the Cotswolds a lot to puch the hills. Click the link for more details to Hire a bike in the Midlands. If you are coming to stratford I have a useful link for Accommodation in Stratford

Vic

Summer at Last

2008-07-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

How time flies by. I cant believe we are a week into the summer hols already. Kids already driving us mad. At least weather is good so they spend their time outside.

If you are in Birmingham or any of the surrounding towns, why not come into Stratford and spend the day cycling. You can cycle around the town or the Shakespeare houses or head out along the Greenway. The kids will love it, its green and it will help keep them fit. What more can you ask for!!

If you haven't got a bike or ant way of transporting your own click on the link below for details of how to get one from me.
Cycle Hire Birmingham

Cycling in the Cotswolds

2008-06-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

There is a fantastic route out from Stratford that heads out to Broadway then across to Chipping Campden before heading around Mickleton and back to Stratford. Its one of my favourite training rides as it manages to take in a few nice hills.

I have started delivering a few bikes out to people staying in farms and cottages over past Mickleton and keep thinking to myself it must be a fantastic place to spend a week. Loads of cycling and perfectly placed to take in Stratford as well as the Cotwolds. If you are thinking of heading that way I would thoroughly recommend one place called Lowerfield Farm to anyone!

Dont forget to call and hire bikes before you set off though!!!!

Keep cycling

Vic
Click for Cycle hire in the Cotswolds

May Bank Holiday

2008-05-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

Looks like it is going to be a busy weekend. I have a load of new Trek Hybrid bikes which are great if you want to cycle a little bit further afield. I am getting quite a few people book them for a few days and touring on them and the feedback is that they are great.

For Bike Hire in the midlands just give us a call and we can deliver to you!

April Showers

2008-04-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

Talk about changeable weather. Saturday was fantastic and everyone who went out cycling had a great time in almost summertime weather! Forecast was due for rain on Sunday so as I expected no one to hire bikes in the rain I ran the Shakespeare 1/2 marathon. Rather than raining it was roasting, good job I didnt run the whole marathon - well done everyone who did!!!

Just as my last customers had cycled off towards the Greenway the heavens opened! Everyone came back soaked!! Hope you all had a good ride anyway!

It would be good to get a good run of nice sunny days in May.

Vic

One thing to mention if you live in the area and need cycle hire in Coventry, Solihull, Redditch give us a call and we can deliver to you.

London Marathon over for another year!

2008-04-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

Great day. I am absolutely shattered and my legs are killing me.

Good news is that my poor preparation and injuries along with a final week preparation consisting of getting completely blotto at the Runners World awards on Thursday night meant I was able to manage a PB today.

Unfortunately I missed my goal of sub 3hrs again by 2'1/2 minutes but a pb is a pb. Looks like I will have to find another event in a few months to get the sub 3.

Congratulations to all at Stratford AC who ran today!! Also congratulations to the Marathon lads (Mick n Phil) who won the Jane Tomlinson award at the Runners world dinner!!

Now to look forward to more swimming and cycling

Vic
Click for Cycle Hire in Stratford upon Avon

London is Looming and its snowing!

2008-04-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Only one week to go until the London Marathon. A whole group from Stratford AC goes down every year for 26miles of torture. After flogging myself in the Midlands Road Relays yesterday and my last run of any length before next week I am looking forward t it.

I have bought a nice new bike from the Cycle Studio which has got me cycling again. The guys in there are great and have set me up on a nice carbon number! I am just desperately trying to make sure my wife doesnt find out how much it cost!! SO after London the triathlon season looms.

I have been really impressed with just how many people have been brave enough to get out and hire bikes over the last couple of days. JUst get out there and do it.

Vic
Stratford bike hire

Shakespokes cycle rides

2008-03-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

Shakespokes is a cycle group in Stratford. The group have guided rides every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. With a range of distances joining the group is a great way to get out and cycle with other people.

The rides will start from the Stratford Greenway Car Park at Seven Meadows Road at 9.30. For more details go the website http://www.shakespokes.org.uk/

Why not give a ride a try

Vic
Click Here for Cycle Hire in Stratford upon Avon

End of Feb already!!!

2008-02-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

How on earth does time pass by so quickly?

I still havent managed to swim or cycle very much but as the weather gets better I am starting to feel the urge.

A weeks skiing in Chamonix has meant a break in the running. I ran in the Xcountry national champs today which showed my lack of fitness!!! Long run in the morning then as London starts to loom. The Rioja I am drinking whilst writing this wont help.

Bookings are streaming in for the months ahead - weather has to be better in 2008!

Vic
www.stratfordbikehire.com

Another Sunday Evening

2008-01-27T12:47:00.000-08:00

Sunday comes around too quickly! I still havent done my long run this week and still no sign of getting on the bike.

Stratford leisure centre has rebranded to Everyone Active. They plan to promote all forms of activity including cycling and walking. I plan to join up with them to run guided cycle fitness sessions this year. What better way to get fit and maybe shed a few pounds!

Hopefully next Sun I will at least have been on the bike!!

www.stratfordbikehire.com

Blogging - A whole new world

2008-01-20T12:49:00.001-08:00

Hi

Having just read a blog from a similar mid 30 something blogger who has decided to get his work life balance right I have convinced my self that I can do it as well (blog that is). Having read blogs of the likes of Chris Evans and (please forgive me for my sins) the Togmeister its not something I ever thought I would do but here goes!!! ....and yes I know Radio2 is for old gits!

Having been a Programme Manger in the car industry for the last 15 years I decided to last year to change my direction a bit and started a cycle hire company. Being a keen cyclist and being lucky enough to live in Stratford upon Avon which is a fantastic place to live and with lots of tourists for some reason I thought there might just be a market. I am about to start my second year and thought I would try to keep a blog of stuff that goes on with the business. You can check me out at www.stratfordbikehire.com.

I am also a keenish triathlete and need a bit of a kick to get some effort put back in my training and hopefully I can remind myself when I am doing well or more likely when I'm not.

Well done to everyone who ran Not the Roman IX today. I was marshalling and had a great time as usual watching everyone race. Even if it meant a 6am start to mark out the course.

Vic