Today I’m celebrating my birthday!
I’m currently a fair distance away from London in the Middle East exploring Jordan for a week. I wrote this post before I left and I imagine as you read this I’m probably starving to death as it is Ramadan so it won’t be easy to find food!
I was wondering if you could give me a small gift for my Birthday. All I want you to do is share one specific thing that London Cyclist has helped you to do.
I’m really excited about returning to London or getting some time while I’m travelling to read through what you say.
Perhaps its a cool bike cafe you’ve fallen in love with, or a cycling event you felt inspired to take part in or a tip you use every day in your cycling.
Just use the comment form at the bottom of this post. Share a story, a lesson or something you enjoy about the blog.
Can’t wait to read what you have to say and thank you so much for taking the time to comment!
Andreas
happy birthday Andreas! For me London Cyclist has given me the opportunity to take part with other cyclists in the London Cycle Challenge, as I do nearly all of my commuting and training on my own, it was good to be part of a group, even if it was for just a month.
Happy Birthday Andreas! Hope you get to find some food soon to celebrate your day.
The site has been very informative and it’s been great following other Boris Bikers successes, trials and traumas! It also helped me select a replacement padlock for my own bike as well as discovering two of my musical theatre friends are also London Cyclist visitors and bloggers!
Thank you!
Happy Birthday Andreas 🙂
London cyclist is the site which is helping me gain confidence in cycling more. I took part in the tfl cyclechallenge with you guys (and though I was nowhere near the biggest contributor it helped me cycled that bit more every week). Also, it encourages me by showing me there are so many others out there, I can do it too!
So one thing: encouragement to a not-so-confident cyclist to become a much more confident one!
Happy Birthday Andreas.
I don’t even live in London, but find London Cyclist to be one of the most interesting and accessible cycling blogs I’ve come across.
You’ve rejuvenated my love of cycling (if only you could rejuvenate these old legs!) and got me back out in the lanes of Cornwall.
Cheers!
Generally very informative blog. Likes others here I don’t live in London either but find it a useful resource. One thing in particular? How to clean my chain!
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday Andreas!
I’m very new to cycling (three weeks today!). Your blog has helped me to feel part of a community. I also come here first for advice and recommendations and I even downloaded your book.
It has become a much-trusted source of info very quickly, so thanks!
Lea xx
Best wishes for your birthday 🙂
I’m a newbie cyclist so there are so many things.. the archives are a great source of information. Off the top of my head, thanks for introducing me to <a href="Look Mum No Hands".
Reading this blog has given a lot more information about riding safely in London and where to find decent cycling gear. As a novice it’s always good to get advice from people in the know and this site definitely provides that.
Happy Birthday Andreas! I just started cycling, and it has helped me to enjoy even the simple act of going to work, seeing London in a completely different way
Happy Birthday, Andreas and many many more.
Hi Andreas, Happy Birthday!
I really enjoy reading your blog every week and you’ve always got something interesting or useful to pick up from your posts but one thing that really stuck with me was a post you put up a while ago, I think it was called something along the lines of “10 things we all do wrong when cycling” or something to that effect… Anyway, I picked up some really good tips that I use every day now such as keeping eye contact with the the cars behind by glancing over my shoulder every 10 seconds or so and not riding too far over the left to ensure you’re not always cut up by other road users, keeping my hands on the brakes all the time in case of an emergency stop… etc, there’s more but I won’t go on!
Keep up the good work!
I bought myself a Brompton through the cycle to work scheme this year, at first I thought I’d cycle to the tube from home, as I don’t live near a tube station, then carry it on the tube to work. I have progressed to cycling the whole ten miles into work and tube it home. I have arthritis and osteopenia (low bone density), so cycling safely was a major concern for me, I can’t afford to break bones! Cycling does help a lot though in keeping my legs strong and I find it helps keep my spirits high. I came across this blog when I was looking for more in depth advice about commuting to work and safety issues. It gave me a good grounding in how to be a better cyclist and topical information about cycling in London. From there I have completed my free cycle training lesson and bought some books, read up on cycle maintenance. I love getting the newsletter with the latest London cycling news. I’ve always cycled but now I’d say I’m a cycling enthusiast, and I plan to go on my first cycling holiday next year…Oh and a new road bike!
Happy Birthday!
I’m also a 3 week old london cyclist and your blog has been useful guidance in getting started – especially the reviews/suggestions of different accessories – with special mention going to the insurance guide.
Hope Jordan is awesome.
Happy birthday, Andreas, greetings from Hungary!
My birthday is coming soon (53, OMG), so I can understand your feeling; it is good to get something…
So I learnt a lot from your activity, thanks for this. I work with young folks and they really want to use your knowledge in our practice in Hungarian cities. Gyor is a city on the west border close to Austria having some 150 thousands inhabitant and is doing probably the most for cyclists in Hungary – I work with and for them.
Could we invite you to meet our cyclist fellows here one day?
Cheers
Hey Andreas,
Happy Birthday 🙂 Jealous of where you are right now…
Your blog has energised me to bring my bike into London a lot more. As a sometime commuter from the south coast I always have an internal battle weighing up the pros and cons of taking my bike on a given trip. Your blog always tips the balance in favour of taking it, and I’m never disappointed when I do…
Cheers, Pete.
Happy Birthday.
A good source of info and a sense of ‘wheely’ good fun & community!
Keep it going.
Mark
I enjoy the blog as it has given me regular interesting facts and info. I have found the information about locking your bike, the best way to do it etc. and crime useful, as well as the most preferred and tested bike lock. I will endeavour to find the cool cafes in London, I would not have known about these had it not been for Andreas and his blog! I have found cycling more enjoyable with regular upddates and info mainly due to noticing what a community of cyclists there is in London. I also have enjoyed the list of best cycle routes for pleasure and plan to do at least one of these in the future. Lastly, I think this site encourages people to get on their bikes and not feel so reliant on public transport – both from a health perspective and also appreciating the good things about London as a vibrant city with many interesting places to go and things to do – all accessible by bike! Lastly, being able to put my bike chain back on – using the bike repair slot – without taking it to a bike shop is definately useful and moneysaving. Keep it up Andreas. Happy Birthday!!
you have given me the gift of tolerance (well a bit more anyway) which i am finding is the best thing you can have as a cyclist in london
BIG happy birthday chief 😀
also the chance to win loads of goodies init?
Happy Birthday Andreas!
I hope you’re having a great time in Jordan. It may be difficult to find food at this time of year there, but when you do, make sure you try the delicious Ramadan Pide – yummy!
As for the favour you ask, I can count many benefits of having encountered your blog.
If I must choose just the one however, it is easy: Your blog gave me the confidence to make the jump and go ahead and buy a bike after 25 years of not cycling. I thought I could never do a full commute to work and back home. With your help, I am now doing that, and I am very happy about it!
I found all the encouragement I needed, and the feeling of community you’ve created is great too.
Keep up the good work, and thank you so much!
Happy birthday, Andreas! I would say that your blog has helped me in two ways: 1) I ordered your e-book when it came out and I’ve enjoyed a number of the routes. This has definitely opened up London as a cycling city to me! 2) I enjoy your product reviews and have definitely bought some bike equipment on your recommendation.
Happy Birthday Andreas…!
it’s such a nice pick-me-up to get the newsletter each week…. full of interesting articles and pertinant news…!… it’s always the first email I read that morning….!
Nick.
Nick
I have to agree with you on that! I love reading it!
Hey, Happy Birthday!
I’m not sure I can even remember the many things I’ve enjoyed about londoncyclist – the most recent thing I used straight away was a recommendation of a bottle cage, just when I happened to be looking for one :0)
Always love reading your blog,
Samantha
Happy Birthday mate! This website has given me a real sense of community, it has made cycling, especially in London, heaps more fun and certainly safer! I am never happier than on my two wheels and to know that there are other addicts out there is a cool thing.
You are always a constant source of inspiration and this website and how it has grown so quickly is a great testament to you Andreas, so thank you very much.
And get some food for God’s sake!!
Hi Andreas,
Happy Birthday!!
I’m based here in Somerset, and I’m often in London and since reading your excellent blog I now ride my Brompton whenever I’m in the Capital. I no longer use the tube. The speed I can get around is amazing. Can’t think why I haven’t done so before. Been busy reading your routes around London. A great work.
Keep it up Andreas, it’s a good read.
Happy birthday buddy!
Happy Birthday. Keep up the good work.
London Cyclist has helped me make my bike more secure when i lock it up x
Happy Birthday! I’ve learnt lots of tips from your site – on a practical note I’ve learnt exactly how to lock up my bike, and from a useful note – you wrote a round up last Oct and included Swrve shorts on it – and I’ve fallen in love with the brand! Keep up the amazing work – here’s to many more happy returns!
Happy Birthday! I’m fairly new to your blog, but already it has taught me loads about cycling in London, looking after my bike, and new schemes for cyclists. Generally a very helpful, informative blog, keep it up!
Happy Birthday Andreas!
After my partner had his bike stolen, we lost confidence in leaving our bikes places. I was delighted to read your tips on how to lock your bike – we’ve now invested in some giant D locks to go with the ones that we thought were tough but theives managed to snip through in seconds, and we follow the tips for being the safest we can be.
All the best for your birthday Andreas! You should be able to find some birthday cake after sunset, I keep my fingers crossed 🙂
Your blog is great, it helps to stay connected with all issues in regards to cycling! It especially helped me to cycle more confident as someone else said before me, i.e. overtaking cars on the right hand side as opposed to hugging the curb and hoping for the best.
All the best and keep on blogging!
Hi Andreas, happy birthday. Londoncyclist is one of our favourite sites at http://www.jorgandolif.com. Jorg & Olif is the cult bike brand (Chloe Sevigny and Nicole Kidman ride Jorg & Olifs), and our website embraces all cool cyclists and cycling bloggers. We also champion the Slow LIfe, of which cycling plays an important part. Thanks for your great ideas and tips about cycling in London. Inspiring!
Happy Birthday Andreas! Hope you’re not too hungry and manage to find some cake over there to celebrate. The London Cyclist has been a great help to http://www.cyclodelic.co.uk. Great to see so many responses on here from women. Very inspiring that you are building up such a strong community in London town. Keep up the good work x
Have a good one.
The hints and tips about how to be a more competent cyclist in London have been very useful.
Happy Birthday.
I have been cycling for many years and am very set in my ways when it comes to cycling in London and its environs. But the londoncyclist helps to remind me that when you add together the little part we each play in making the roads of London a better place it makes a big difference.
Happy Birthday Andreas – I hope you are enjoying Jordan.
I’ve always enjoyed exploring my local area and further afield by bike. However, your 25 London Rides e-book has given me quite a few new rides to try (and I was secretly chuffed to know that I’d found about 5 for myself which were very similar to those you recommend :).
I did most of the 35 mile Olypics/south bank ride the other day and really enjoyed it. The Greenway was very impressive and I’d never made use of the Thames Path before as I so rarely travel South of the River – but I will in future!!
Have a fabulous birthday, Andreas! It’s almost impossible to share just one thing London Cyclist has done for me; there’s been so much! I guess it would have to be recommending the cycling course which gave me confidence to cycle in London traffic. The Elephant and Castle roundabout (my home territory) always daunted me, but now I cycle around it like I own it. Many thanks and many happy returns!
Just making me feel a bit more clued up about cycling in London!
Really great blog style as well.
Happy birthday Andreas, I’m sure you’ll have a fab time in Jordan as everyone I’ve taked to loves it there!
Only subscribed to your blog a couple of weeks ago as I just bought a bike, have found your site to be full of useful tips and information particularly about riding safely in London.
Cheers,
Tim
Happy Birthday Andreas, your blog has given me excellent tips on both cycling and accessories – for instance I bought the Abus 1000 lock after reading a post about it.
Thank you!
Andrew
Happy birthday mate. Seriously considering taking on all the routes in your book. they look brill.
Hello Andreas and a happy birthday to you. Your column has inspired me to try cycling in London. I live outside London but this year I have been coming into London on the train with my bike to sample some of your routes. I have also discovered cycling from Central London back out on Routes 1 & 4 to Windsor and Waltham. Have also cycled right across London using the towpath from Wembley to Limehouse. Would never have even thought of this until I read your column. So thanks for that.
Happy Birthday Andreas
I throughly enjoy all aspects of “London Cyclist” though I live across the Atlantic on a small island (Presidential Vacation Spot) off the East coast of the United States.
Perhaps a Jordanian birthday cake is in order, after the sun sets that is.
David
Have a great time but don’t drink and peddle !!
Webby
Happy Birthday Andreas! Your blog has helped me – IS helping me – to plan a city cycling trip. I live an hour & a half from London on the train. There’s a problem though. I’m really struggling to find a B & B where I can lock my bike up overnight. Best offer so far is ‘you can lock your bike to the railings outide the hotel’. Don’t think I’d get much sleep! Any suggestions? Oh, and your site is great with suggestions about good gear too. I hope you don’t mind non-Londoners. Think of us as country cousins!
Phil
Hope you have a great day!
Your site has been a great place just to read sensible comments from yourself and other members on everyday cycling tips, We all have our own Ideas on times and sometimes we are right and its nice to hear from other guys that they use the same techniques and sometimes you get pointed out the error of your ways no matter how long we have been getting away with it!
Also on Twitter it has been very informative just looking at some of the sites you follow for some good and interesting reading.
John.
Happy Birthday, Andreas! I’ve only just started reading and using your site, but I’m very grateful for your clearly-written, informative, and fun-to-read posts and ebooks. I’m traveling to London soon and can’t wait to put your London-specific advice to use.
Have a beautiful day!
Happy Birthday Andreas.
I do not live in London, nor did I even ever have been there. I just love London, because London means to me “psychedelic”, “pop”, “the sixties” and everything related.
You and your blog made me buy a bicycle and jump up again to cycle a little bit. The last time I did cycle before is some 30 years ago.
So I thank you so much for the hard work you do to bring all the informative stuff to me and that I do appreciate so much. It is always so interesting to learn about repairing, securing, riding a bicycle. All the guides and tipps and routes are just so precious.
With kind regards,
Philippe
Happy Birthday Andreas!
Keeps me up-to-date and connects me to all things cycling – events, reviews, routes and news. This has fuelled my love of cycling, made me feel part of the cycle community, and encouraged me to cycle to work regularly.
Many thanks… and keep up the fantastic work!
Happy Birthday! Your guide has helped me prepare for our trip to London. We Brompton bike owners will enjoy the World Championship at Blenheim Palace and then explore London for a few days with the help of your guide.
Thanks!