Blogs

Be Inspiredby Nadezhda,
Larisa &
the team

Our team write blogs and informative articles about all manner of subjects. Here’s the full collection for you to browse through and read. If you have any suggestions for subjects, then simply click here and let us know.

Designing Cycle Shoes for Women

In case you haven’t noticed it, women are built differently from men – it’s a fact. All too often, historically, brands have simply produced downsized products for women, and have failed either deliberately or otherwise, to recognise the physiological differences. Yes, the cycling world simply used a ‘Pink it & Shrink it’ mentally, failing to understand the specific needs of women as athletes.
September 19, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Alé Cycling PRE Play Jersey and Magic Colour Bib Shorts

Ale Cycling has always been one of my favourites brands since I started cycling. I remember seeing a professional cycling team wearing Ale kit and sponsored by them; and since then, I’ve really liked their kit – so very much.

Let's take a look at their latest kit forus stylish ladies then 😉
September 14, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

DS Pro Summer Winds Cycling Jersey

There’s nothing more feminine than pink, and there’s nothing more flattering than well-designed, form fitting clothing. Add high performance fabrics into the mix, and you’ve got the perfect ladies cycling clothing – from DS Pro of course!
August 9, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Hill and Ellis Saddle Bag

Stylishly modern vintage

There's a whole new movement of cyclists, all over Europe, who love vintage bikes of all genres, especially fxed wheels. Add to this, the cyclists on Brompton's and other more modern city bike for cool commuters, then this high-quality leather saddle bag from Hill & Ellis is the perfect gift.
August 8, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Manuela Muresan Interview – Romania Cycling Champion

Earlier this summer, we visited Transylvania in Romania, where Nadia happened to ride and win her category in 2 races - and bump into multi-disciplined Romanian National Champion Ela Muresan, who'd won the pro categories. This amazing woman has won several national titles in a wide variety of cycling genres, including road and mountain bike. She's an inspiration to women across Romania, who are still fighting for better representation and support in cycling.
July 31, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Andorra – A Cycling Paradise

Nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees Mountains, the small principality of Andorra is a hidden gem for cyclists. With its breathtaking landscapes, challenging mountain passes, and a rich cultural heritage, Andorra offers a cycling experience unlike any other. Let's explore the enchanting cycling routes, delve into Andorra's history, discover the unique town of Ordino, and take a closer look at the renowned Hotel Coma, the perfect base for your cycling adventure.
July 25, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Road Code Fantasy – Conquer the Cycling World

Are you passionate about road cycling? Do you dream of leading a team to victory in the world's most prestigious races? Now, you can fulfill your cycling aspirations with Road Code Fantasy! This fantasy game allows you to step into the shoes of a team manager, build your dream team, choose your races, and compete against fellow enthusiasts for glory and rewards.
July 16, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Roadcode – Revolutionizing the Road Cycling Experience

Roadcode.com has emerged as a game-changer in the world of road cycle racing, offering fans an unprecedented level of engagement and insight into their favorite riders' performances. Developed in collaboration with Velon, the renowned company owned by top cycling teams, this innovative platform is transforming how fans experience and interact with road cycle racing.
July 15, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Barcelona – Mura and Parc Natural de Sant Llorenç

Another superb discovery road cycling route from Nadezhda, exploring the magnificent landscapes inland from Barcelona
June 13, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Open the Mountains Italy – Epic Ride to Galibier and Telegraphe with Stefano

Stefano and the Assault to Freedom team in Italy, always set out to create epic routes. This one is a classic ride, taking on both the Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier in one swoop. It will test you, both physically and mentally, and can be best tackled by a brief overnight stay, making sure that you really enjoy the trip.
June 4, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Pink it and shrink it – a male perspective on sexism in cycling

Working in the cycling industry as a man, I was shocked when I first heard the phrase ‘we simply used to pink it and shrink it’, in relation to ladies cycling clothing. Seriously! Yes, women who wanted cycling clothing etc, were expected to buy and wear smaller versions of a men’s design - just in pink.
June 1, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Women on Wheels – A Celebration of Ladies Cycling

It's about strength, independence, and confidence. Let’s celebrate the joys and challenges of cycling as women, and showcase the latest gear, trends, and tips to make every ride a success. From road biking to mountain biking, from casual cruises to competitive races, let’s inspire each other to push our limits and reach new heights.
June 1, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Barcelona to Montserrat cycling route

Are you looking for a challenging yet rewarding road cycling experience in Catalonia? Then ride from Barcelona to Montserrat. This route takes cyclists through stunning landscapes and past historic landmarks, making it the perfect day trip for any cycling enthusiast.
May 31, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Countdown to Adventure – Transfăgărășan Challenge 2023

If you still don’t know where the Transfăgărășan Highway is, and that it’s described by many as ‘the best road in the world’, then give your head a shake please!
This epic ribbon of tarmac, winds its way chaotically across the mountains, close to the historic city of Sibiu, in Transylvania, Romania – itself a World Heritage Site.
May 25, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Barcelona to Calella Cycle Route

The ride from Barcelona to Calella is a popular route among road bikers. The distance between the two cities is approximately 50 kilometers. This route is also used for one of the most popular Ironman races in Europe - Ironman Barcelona.
May 22, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Road Cycling Barcelona – Barcelona – Collserola – Molins de Rei – Barcelona

The views along this ride will take your breath away! It's a truly spectacular ride near the city of Barcelona  🙂

Starting in the city's center of Barcelona, this route ascends into the hills above the area before reaching its summit at the Tibidabo, located at 500 meters above sea level. It gives you the best views of Barcelona from the top!
May 2, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

The Benefits of a Custom Built Bike

Approximately one year ago, I got the RedChilli WR1 Bike! What a delightful memory! I have to say that I am very content and extremely grateful for the bike. What I noticed in this period of using the RedChilli, is the importance of the correct bike fitting in long term period which assures comfort and safety.
April 23, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Collserola Cycling Loop Barcelona

There are few more beautiful cities than this Catalonian paradise, with it's history, it's culture, it's vibrant  community and the spectacular scenery on the edge of the city limits. Excellent roads twist and turn and climb, providing perfect cycling and great views all day long.
April 16, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Ben Ralston – One Last Ride

Ben Ralston, a close friend of editor, Robert, has terminal cancer. Being an adventure seeker, we arranged for Orbea U.K. & Chevin Cycles to give Ben and his son 'One Last Ride' - get the tissues ready for this inspiring man
April 7, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Camelbak Podium Water Bottle Range

It's hotting up outside and it's definitely time to start looking at water bottles. Larisa and Robert take a look at the latest bottles from world leaders in hydration, Camelbak 🙂
April 1, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Lake CX 177 Road Cycling Shoes and Larisa Chinces

Living in the mountainous region of Transylvania, in Romania, Larisa has easy access to steep and challenging roads. Let’s find out what Larisa thinks of the new Lake Cycling CX 177 road cycling shoes in this tough terrain
March 31, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Welcome Spring – Ride to the Sun with Larisa

The seaons have changed again. Time for spring spins! Last article I talked about how I prepare my RedChilli bike for riding after a long cold winter. Today I want to talk about my first rides in spring.
March 25, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Ladies Cold Weather Cycle Clothing by Alé

When Alé Cycling launched their Fall-Winter 2022/23 collection, it was designed just for these time periods. However, they made it so well, that’s it’s also perfect for early spring, which is why I’m still wearing it in Transylvania.
March 23, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

ALE Ladies Cold Weather Accessories 2023

Once the sun is under the clouds, it’s much colder, and so, we have to dress smart. The base layer and accesories like gloves, necktube, shoe cover, socks are equally important as the main kit when choosing how to dress-up for the ride.
March 21, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Cycle Shoe Cleat Maintenance and Replacement

Have you got pain in the knees or feet when cycling? If so, why not visit one of the skilled Lake shoe fitting experts at their retail partners, and getting them to take a close look at your feet and cycling position - give yourself some well-earned foot love! We really believe in getting your cycling shoes properly fitted, and that means Lake Cycling - the best cycling shoes in the world.
March 18, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

ALÉ Cold Weather Cycle Clothing – Wrapped in Warmth & Style

Italian cycle clothing brand, ALÉ, are annoying good at producing cycling performance wear. ‘Why annoying’ you may ask - well, it’s quite simple; they’re so good at what they do, that each year, the kit simply gets better, and I am forced to change my thoughts on my own favourite jacket for days on the bike.
March 16, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

ALÈ Klimatik Guscio Thunderstorm, Waterproof Jacket

Having used some quite excellent jackets before, and some quite terrible waterproof jackets too, this stylishly modern jacket ticks all the right boxes and is most certainly, at the top of the list.
March 14, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Romania MTB – Rasinari to Paltinis Hills

The mountains around the Paltinis resort are covered in magnificent forests, with isolated meadows and mountain tops. There's a wealth of trails to explore, and this one is just a short distance from historic Sibiu, a World Heritage Site, and its endless accommodation options
March 9, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Pioneering women in cycling history

More than 100 years ago, bicycles were designed and made for men; but, despite the obstacles faced by women, some choose to persevere and take the reins. At this time, bicycles symbolized women’s change and freedom. This changed how they lived, their mode of dressing, and how they contemplated themselves
March 6, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Bicycles and How They Advocate for Gender Equality

Who doesn't love cycling? It's convenient, enjoyable, and gives you a good cardio workout. Cycling, however, has more to give human civilization than that. As it turns out, cycling has become an important tool for gender equality.
March 5, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Lake Cycling 242 Cycling Shoe

Is the new Lake Cycling 242 shoe, the most comfortable cycling shoe in the world? Our editor, Robert, thinks that it just might be. Read why in this blog
February 25, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Bike Box Alan EasyFit on Team Training Camp

It can be difficult to transport the bike abroad. It’s precious and important, our bike, and we don’t want it damaged . It’s often very difficult and inconvenient to disassemble the entire bike into pieces, and then to put it in a cardboard bike box. It’s not very well protected, and complicated to transport and takes up a lot of unnecessary space. - welcome to the Easy Fit, from Bike Box Alan
February 23, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Spring into Action with Red Chilli

Late winter is a great time to carry out a full check of your bike, as you prepare for riding outsside once more. Larisa is enjoying the first signs of spring heading her way, and has some great tips for you.
February 22, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Verve Info Crank 2

The Metaverse already exists - especially for cyclists. How many of you guys love Zwift racing, where you meet up online, in avatar format and race against each other… often daily.
January 29, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Transfagarasan Challenge and the Growth of Cycling in Romania

I love Transylvania simply because it’s the polar opposite of the usual U.K. cycling arrogance. Everything is so well planned, well organised, relaxed, friendly and open. It doesn’t matter either if you turn up on a Bianchi or on a Decathlon bike - so long as it’s got 2 wheels and you’ve got the spirit of adventure.
January 27, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Red Chilli Interactive

Christmas holidays have passed, and me and my family had a wonderful time. We all gorged ourselves with delicious food and drinks, pretty much of the time, spending time at the table with relatives and friends. New Year came with a fresh start (and 1-2kgs extra) and new resolutions plans for most of us.
January 24, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Masca Valley Tenerife

Situated in the western area of the island, the Masca Valley has usch a natural and beautiful landscape,  that it's protected by UNESCO. Cycling here brings you some breathtaking views, and a few climbs along the way.
January 15, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Healthy Living with Nadezhda Pavlova

Can a person's worldview affect his or her longevity? Find out in this short but intriguing blog by Nadezhda - and let's all reach 100 😉
January 7, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Embalse de La Pedrera -San Miguel – Rebate cycling loop

Nadezhda takes you riding in southern Spain, on this epic route for climbers, just inland from Costa Brava. It's a technical road cycling route, requiring high fitness, but giving back superb views
January 7, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

The famous 20/40 Interval Cycling Workout

This is a popular cycling workout that many riders utilize competing in criteriums, circuit races, or road races. It is popular among those preparing for events where the level of effort required shifts regularly- repeated surges, attacks, change in speed of the bunch, sprinting out of the corner. 
January 2, 2023/by Pedalnorth Website

Tenerife Cycling Overview

"Wow!" - That's how I can describe Tenerife Island in one word. I did not expect the Island to be this beautiful and I think it was one of the best cycling trips of the year!
December 27, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Orbea Remote Rides – Nidderdale Loop

Coming from a climbing background, I’ll often wrap up in winter and head into the hills; and so, when Lee decided to head up to Yorkshire in late November, then I had just the right ride waiting for him. Remote, wild and truly epic 🙂
December 27, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Prendas Ciclismo Cold Weather Clothing

Prendas Ciclismo are a small but high quality and high performance clothing brand, with an adherence to excellence. We’ve been testing their cold weather clothing in the Yorkshire Dales, and it’s absolutely spot on.
December 14, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Pirelli PZero TLR 26

It’s been cold and damp here in North Yorkshire recently. The leaves are lying on the ground and adding to the autumnal road dangers. Good tyres are critical are this time of the year, as they can compensate just a little for a lack of handling ability, which I’m modest enough to admit to having. Pirelli are a brand that are used to creating tyres for bad weather.
November 30, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Larisa Chinces – The Last Throes of Autumn

We are in the final stages of the fall season, in November, the weather is kind now and we can still enjoy some sun now and then. The nature starts to change its coat. Warm colours begin to appear, with tones of red, yellow, orange etc. I am grateful for each season and what they each have to offer.
November 20, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

The Best Bike Shops – Paceline

Opened in 2016 by cycling enthusiast Mark Hanson, in a short timeframe Paceline cycles has become one of the ‘go to’ locations for Yorkshire based riders, looking for exceptional service and some of the very best custom bike builds available in the U.K. retail scene.
November 15, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Shutt Velo Rapide Winter Cycling Kit

Shutt Velo are a brand with a growing reputation, and it’s easy to see why. Their latest cold weather clothing is superbly made from top quality fabrics, and looks and feels great on the road. Best of all, it’s reasonably priced too.
November 14, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

My Elite Red Chilli Bike

The greens of summer turn to reds and browns and a million shades, that literally light up the autumn countryside, as everything gets ready for winter and long periods of darkness.

My Red Chilli WR1 is also a object of transition and fits perfectly with the context of autumnal change, with its chameleon colours.
October 19, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Forever In Electric Dreams

Why have I so far avoided an E-Bike - I can’t answer that, because there’s no good reason, save for the simple fact that as I head into my late 50s, I want to keep as physically fit as possible. I kind of just thought that, maybe if I had an EBike I’d pedal less! How wrong I was...
October 15, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Developing Cycling Efficiency and Power

You might think that riding more often will make you a better rider. Yes, it's partially true, but if a rider spends many hours in the saddle riding inefficiently, then he spends a lot of time teaching his body to ride the wrong way.
October 14, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Retail Therapy for Cycle Shops

There’s a wide spectrum of styles within cycling retailers. From the legendary old school shop that we’ve known since childhood, where they put the coffee on and we simply chat, to the ultra modern and unfortunately sometimes pretentious retailer, where they keep their main showroom locked and only open it for invited customers - no, believe me, these people exist.
October 11, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Pirelli PZero Race TLR SL 26

These Pirelli PZero TLR SL tubeless ready tyres have proved themselves to be impeccable at handling, as well as being a superb rolling tyre, meaning that I really have had some sublime rides on this particular example of 26mm rubber. So much so that it’s going to be difficult for me to replace them, as I move further into the Pirelli range on our tests.
October 6, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

9 Ways of Effective Post-Race Recovery

Your main goal for any event could either be reaching the finish line, breaking your previous distance record, or qualifying for a major event. While achieving those goals is admirable and shows the fruits of months’ worth of labor, as soon as the race stops, you also need to consider how you can help your body come back stronger. For peaking at your next competition it needs to be more done just simply crashing on the sofa.
October 1, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Red Chilli and Hot Pirelli Tyres

It’s autumn and soon it will be winter. We have some sunny days, during which we can still enjoy riding in shorts, but soon it will get really cold - chilli  😉

When the temperatures do drop lower and the wet and rainy weather will be most likely, it won’t be possible to cycle outside for a while. The snow will come and for safety and for the cold, we’ll have time retreat and to cycle indoors or ski 🙂 - not so bad I guess 😉 .
September 28, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Goal Setting in Triathlon Training

Athletes who set goals are more likely to achieve their desired results than triathletes who do not set goals. To become a successful triathlete, you need to create your training plan or follow a plan from a coach.

By setting manageable goals, you will have something to strive for and are more likely to stay motivated throughout your training. Additionally, goal setting can help you track your progress and identify areas that need improvement.
September 22, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Camelbak Lobo Pack

I’ve always loved mtb rides in the mountains of Transylvania, but I also like to explore other parts of my country too. For example, Baiu Mountains with altitudes of 1700-1900 m, located in Prahova county. Transbai is an off-road trail and it is 38 kilometers long and will connect the cities of Azuga and Busteni to Valea Doftanei. In these kind of adventures, it is important to have an adequate physical condition and proper nutrition.
September 21, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Larisa at Black Sea with Red Chilli Bikes

The Romanian Black Sea resorts stretch for about 275 kilometers of coastline, along the Black Sea coast, from the Danube Delta at the northern end, down to the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast in the south. I have missed the sea so much!! I love the feeling when I walk barefoot on the sand and swim in the wavy, salty water. It’s so very relaxing and refreshing for me - body and soul.
August 31, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Triathlon Mindfulness and Self Discipline

Since childhood, I had a passion for running. During my school and university days, I participated in a lot of such events. Ten years ago, however, my life changed dramatically after I was diagnosed with an explosive fracture of two vertebrae.
August 27, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Foot Love

Watching SIDAS and Lake setting up at the Boardman Centre, it was clear that this was going to be an interesting day. True to this, a skeletal foot came out ... interesting.
August 4, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Positive Effects of Cycling and Triathlon on the Brain

We all know that cycling does wonders for your body-improves muscle tone, helps you to lose weight, create a stronger cardiovascular system - but that’s not all the benefits of cycling. It can also improve your brain performance and make you smarter - cycling can do all of these things!!
July 24, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

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