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Award Winning Blogsby Nadezhda, Robert, Larisa & the TeamRelax... with Pedalnorth

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.

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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 Robert Thorpe

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

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

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

Paltinu Lake Ride Romania

This Turquoise colored lake is situated in Doftana Valley in which the river Doftana flows in until the Prahova river. It is a wonderful part of Romania, and very little known, almost secret and hidden to the Romanians.
July 21, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Red Chilli WR1 – Sitting Comfortably

Ok, now that I got your attention, we can continue with some technical aspects about my bike:

There are two really important parts to my RedChilli WR1 bike; firstly, the carbon pedals by Shimano, as they fasten to my feet and prove superb power transfer and stability when riding. Then, it’s obviously my saddle...
July 21, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Camelbak Hawg Pro Backpack & Womens Luxe

There are so many options for biking backpacks these days. However, Camelbak have revisited the classic Mule pack, and they've created something rather special. We took a close look at the new Camelbak Hawg Pro and Ladies Luxe pack over spring and early summer.
July 20, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Elite Ice Fly and Nano Fly Water Bottles

It’s the height of summer and it’s getting hotter, so hydration on and off the bike is critical. If you do become dehydrated, then it’s at least 24 hours to recover, which is why drinking off the bike is also important. And, you really do need that fluid to be refreshing, which is why Italian brand, Elite, have taken their award winning Fly bottle to new levels of technology with their latest range of bottles.
July 20, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

My Personal Transfaragarasan Challenge

It’s over a week now since I arrived back from Sibiu in Romania. It’s a place that I love dearly, for its amazing history, the beautiful mountains nearby, and for its people – some of whom are like family. Riding up the Transfaragarasan Highway was one of my life moments – something that I’ll remember forever.
July 15, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Presca Sportswear Custom Cycling Kit

Presca was a brand that caught our attention due to their strict adherence to ethical principles at all levels of their organisation and production. All of the clothing is made from recycled fabrics, and they’re constantly working with others to drive forward their commitment to the environment.
July 13, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Bike Box Alan Premium

When you look at most bike boxes, the design, even of the newest models, often seems to follow the classic design from our own favourite brand - Bike Box Alan. Now, we’re based in Yorkshire too, so let’s get this out of the way immediately; yes, we see BBA as a partner, now and into the future. Why - well, simply because they cannot be beaten in terms of looking after your precious bike.
July 13, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Transfargarasan Challenge and Sibiu Cycling Tour Stage

Described as probably the best road in the world, the Transfargarasan Highway is truly an epic climb. Thankfully you can now ride it as part of a unique closed road event once a year - so we went along 🙂
July 5, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Sibiu Cycling Tour 2022 Prologue

A sweltering 31 degrees heat and the international arts festival at Sibiu, saw the Pedalnorth Voom Nutrition team enjoying ice cream and international cycling racing, as the UCI Sibiu Cycling Tour began with a short evening prologue.
July 2, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Sibiu Cycling Tour & Transfargarasan Challenge

It's a special place, my beautiful city of Sibiu. It's where I grew up, went to university, and I know so many of the really good places, the best cycling routes, the best views in the city and the best views from the hills overlooking the city. Now, it has a world class cycling tour too, and you can ride the roads of the racers.
July 1, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Elite Cycling Fly Bottles – Ride Routine

Before every ride I do the same things. Albeit that I'm 56 years of age, I seem to be no different from what I was racing track and field years ago, lining up my shoes, with the socks placed across them and a lucky jacket nearby.
June 29, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

SIGR Ladies Summer Cycling Kit 2022

SIGR are a relatively unknown brand outside of the Scandinavian countries. However, we first tested them last year and were extremely impressed, with both the design and the performance. When Sigr told us that they had some new designs for 2022, it was time for Larisa to take a look.
June 24, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Rosti Alpina Ladies Jersey and Pro 1 Shorts

The latest ladies summer kit from Rosti is super stylish and unique. Larisa has been testing it out in Transylvania and yes, she really likes it 🙂
June 21, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Geared Up For Summer with Red Chilli Bikes

It’s 3 months now since I started riding my RedChilli and it’s a huge difference. Having been riding a double chainring and 10 speed setup for years, I’m now on a compact 11 speed. Best of all, I have a 30 at the back too, meaning that I can spin on the hills - and yes, we have lots of hills here in Transylvania and Romania.
June 19, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Pirelli Scorpion XC M 2.2 Mountain Bike Tyre

Yes, I know that many riders set things up with a 2.4 at the rear and 2.2 at the front – and we might try that next- but this test was all about the Scorpion XC M 2.2 and how lively and fun a ride it provides – and boy is this an exciting tyre.
June 18, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

SIGR RIKSVÄG 92 Bib Shorts

These bib shorts from Swedish brand SIGR are pro level, and yet come without the price tag. Super comfortable and with loads of compression, they're ideal for long days on the bike
June 18, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Sigr Fjällbäck Jersey

SIGR is a brand that’s quickly establishing itself as a quality brand with unique designs. Their latest short sleeved jersey, the Fjällbäck is typical of the brands messages within their designs, of being close to and adherence to principles that support the natural world.
June 16, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Elite Cycle Trainers for Performance in Spring

Yes, my best fitness days are behind me and things tend to break or creak more easily, requiring repair. And so, as a consequence of this, getting out for long winter rides isn’t always a great idea or possible, meaning that when spring comes along, on occasions I’m playing catch up on the hills, as I battle to get that early season fitness that we dream of.
June 9, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Rosti Superblack Woman summer knickers

This is my first ever pair of three quarter length cycling knickers and I really like them; they are perfect for spring and autumn and colder days in summer.
June 6, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Rosti Spring ladies long sleeved jersey

I really like the turquoise color of this jersey; it's a fav in either dark or light shade. This Rosti Spring jacket comes in turquoise color on the torso area, the sleeves are grey with reflective particles, and the back of the forearm is matte black with gradient sized dots. Multiple pieces of fabric are beautifully sewn to get a better fit - viola!
June 5, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Master T1 and T2 Transitions

Transitions 1 and 2 in triathlon are technically different, but they can be mastered in a similar manner. Most triathletes use the gaps between transitions to get warm again and soak up some energy for the next leg of the race. How you approach these transitions can make a big difference in your time and overall placing.
June 5, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

8 Habits of Successful Triathletes

Triathlon is an all-around endurance sport, which means that you need to be well-rounded to be successful. You need to be strong, have good endurance, and be able to swim, cycle and run well! In this article, we will be exploring 8 habits that successful triathletes have in common. These habits are the cornerstone of their success.
May 26, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

DS PRO Sweet Dreams Jersey

We want our kit to perform and to be made to the highest quality. We also want to show who we are - women. To be stylish and feminine. This DS PRO Sweet Dreams jersey is perfect for women who want to be athletes, but who want to also be proud of their style and yes, beauty.
May 26, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Camelbak Podium Water Bottle Range 2022

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 🙂
May 24, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

Red Chilli WR1 – Fine Tuning for Fine Riding

It's been a month since Larisa took to the roads on her Red Chilli WR1 road bike. Time to get to know the bike, make finaladjustments and start to really enjoy things 🙂
May 23, 2022/by Pedalnorth Website

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Romania Mountain Biking – Ride From Ciungetu and around Vf Paraginosu

Romania MTB – Rasinari to Paltinis Hills

Paltinis – Saua Batrana and hills MTB

Cisnadie & Magura Climbs MTB Route