King of Southsea 2010 – Video

This is a great little video by Mike King showing some of the highlights from the weekend’s King of Southsea BMX competition at Southsea Skatepark. The riding looks to have been ridiculously good, the flatland as always is something special too, hard to even begin to comprehend the balance involved.

Tags: King of Southsea, Southsea Skatepark

I still feel like going for a bike ride!

So it turns out there are quite a few people out on their bikes this coming month and what with Southsea Fest coming up on the 18th September I’m definitely in the mood for a little light refreshment at The Bridge Tavern and a casual cycle along the seafront and back to help me shake off the hangover on the 19th. I might even end up at Spice Island for a cheeky tipple after. I reckon I’ll get to the Bridge Tavern for a bout 12pm and set off around 2pm after some lunch. Give me a shout if you’re in the area. Nudge nudge. Wink wink.

Tags: Bike Ride

Family Ride to Portchester Castle

This Sunday the 29th, Portsmouth Cycle Forum will be running a Guided Ride from Victoria Park to Portchester Castle. Anyone wanting to come along should meet in Victoria Park at 10am. The ride will last 2-3 hours, and is perfect for a family day out. Everyone is of course more than welcome. For more info, please contact: cycleforum@southern.plus.com

Edit: more info from Pompey Bug “The 12 mile route (6 miles each way) is flat and will be mostly on cycle paths with just a little on-road riding. Starting at 10am in Victoria Park, we’ll take the cycle path out towards Mountbatten Centre, then along the foreshore to Hilsea, past IBM and Tesco Northarbour to Portchester. We’ll keep to the pace of those at the back, with a leader and tail guide.

In Portchester you can visit the remains of the castle built by William the Conqueror on the site of a Roman fort (English Heritage charges for entry). Or just look around the castle grounds and take in the great view of the harbour towards Portsmouth and Gosport – for free. We’ll spend about 30 minutes there but if you want to stay longer you can make your own way back. We plan to return to Victoria Park by about 1pm.”

Photo : Tristan Savage at Portchester

Tags: Family Ride to Portchester Castle

King of Southsea

The old King of Concrete competition was a highlight in the Southsea events calendar for years and drew BMXers from all over the country, Europe and further afield all to Southsea Skatepark (and Southsea pubs and Chaos too…). After a break the big summer BMX contest is now back with King of Southsea on 28th and 29th August.

The weekend will be packed with different events and no doubt Southsea’s strong BMX scene will be heavily representing with the ridiculously talented local riders.

To find out more check the blog and see the poster below.

Tags: BMX, King of Southsea, Skatepark, Southsea Skatepark

Ye Olde Bike Shoppe – Tour de Trett

Yesterday was a delightfully sunny day for a bike ride and that’s exactly what a few of us did.  Stuart who has just set up Ye Olde Bike Shoppe has now moved to a new workshop in Southsea after very quickly out growing his last one.

To mark his move he organised one of his ‘Tour de Trett’ cycle rides, this time involving the 14.2 mile round trip of Portsea Island.  This is not to be a one-off either with Stuart planning to host a ride once a month in conjunction with Ye Olde Bike Shoppe, taking up a different route each time.  Keep posted on Stuarts Facebook page for details on future rides.

If you are interested in anything bicycle related be it repairs, restoration or just want to get advice or exchange tips, Stuart can be contacted on 07887 973014 to arrange a meeting.

Tags: Bike Ride, Tour de Trett, Ye Olde Bike Shoppe

I feel like going for a bike ride!

What with Southsea Fest coming up on the 18th September I’m definitely in the mood for a little light refreshment at The Bridge Tavern and a casual cycle along the seafront and back to help me shake off the hangover on the 19th. I might even end up at Spice Island for a cheeky tipple after. I reckon I’ll get to the Bridge Tavern for a bout 12pm and set off around 2pm after some lunch. Give me a shout if you’re in the area. Nudge nudge. Wink wink.

Photo: Andy Hall

Tags: Bike Ride

Portsmouth Pedicabs

I don’t really have much information on this other than I see them riding around all the time and I think they are based on Palmerston Road. Give them a go and let us know how it goes.

Tags: Portsmouth Pedicabs

Last of the Fight Club Tees

The boys over at SFGFC have a small selection of their first run tees left and are offering them at the bargain price of £10 which includes free UK shipping. Ten for a tee in anyones book is tip top. Jump on them now before that kid down the road get’s one before you. Grab yours HERE.

Tags: Southsea Fixed Gear Fight Club

Another Stolen Bike

Jodie just got in contact regarding her lovely red Raleigh and it’s recent theft. If anyone can help or see’s it around please get in contact with Jodie directly at jo@design-image.co.uk

“The following bike was stolen from outside my office on the Kings Road yesterday between 12:30pm and 5:30pm. It is a Classic Raleigh Folding bike in a slightly metallic red colour. The bike is in good condition and had lights fixed to the front handlebar and the rear saddle bar. The light at the rear was knocked by whoever stole it and the red plastic outer was left on the floor. I have reported it to the police but appreciate it’s unlikely I will get it back. Thanks for your help”

Fingers crossed Jodie

Bike Breaking Session – Sat 17th

Jayne Rodgers from Portsmouth City Council is organising a massive bike breaking session on Sat 17th July at Partnership Park, Rodney Road from 10am.

“Come and help, pick up bits. Everyone welcome. Lots of bikes to break up”.

Map Link

Tags: Bicycles, Breaking Bikes, pcc, Portsmouth

Amped footage

I don’t know much about this kind of riding, but I do know it’s pretty mental and takes mad skill. Most of the following footage of Chris Doney from Amped is filmed in and around Hampshire with the final section being filmed in Southsea. Check it out.

Tags: Amped

Ye Olde Bicycle Shoppe

Stuart Trett or ‘Beast’ as he is more affectionately known to friends has just started his own bicycle servicing and restoration business.  Currently based in a garage in Southsea he has plans to open a shop in Southsea early next year.

On the sales side of things he is specialising in vintage, retro, classic old skool wheels, although he has in stock a complete range from kids bikes to mountain bikes, and can source almost anything you want. He offers a complete service, tune up, fixing of any problems and a professional clean and polish for £30 and a full restoration of any old classic for £50. Basically he would like you to fall back in love with your old bike rather than spending hundreds of pounds on a new one. You can call him to arrange an appointment on 07887 973014.

You can drop your bike off and collect the following day or he is offering the service to collect and deliver for free within PO5. Stuart is in his workshop all day every day from Monday to Friday, and usually in Southsea over the weekend. Spread the word and he is also open to barter if you can help him in any way to build his business.

Tags: Bicycles, Cycling, Recycling, Restoration

Big Bike Ride Portsmouth 2010 on June 27th

The Royal British Legion has teamed up with Portsmouth City Council again to put the ride back on. It is happening this Sunday 27th June and will start and finish at Castle Field where there are three different routes, starting and finishing at Castle Field, catering for everyone from experienced cyclists to those who may still have their stabilisers on. It follows the success of the Round the Harbour Bike Ride, which the charity ran as part of last year’s D-Day 65 celebrations.

It’s free to sign up to but they do ask that you raise some sponsorship for the incredibly important work of The Royal British Legion and you will be sent everything you need to help you with this – fundraising tips, sponsorship forms as well the route map and details of how to get to the start.

The ride officially starts at 10.00am although you can turn up anytime between 10.00 and 12.00 to start. Everyone who signs up and raises at least £20 will receive a free t-shirt on the day. After the event there will be a super prize for the person who raises the most amount of money for the Legion. The cycling festival will continue through the day until 3.00pm.

There will also be other cycling related fun happening throughout the day with try out areas, skills testers, stunt demonstrations as well as free bike tune ups.

Get more information and register over at www.britishlegion.org.uk

Tags: Big Bike Ride

Josie Young Cycle Caps – Velo Couture

Josie has a fresh new drop of hand made custom cycle caps over at her web shop baroquemyworld. Each cap is loving hand crafted personally by Josie and available at very reasonable prices. Get in quick before they all go. Josie is in the process of making me a custom cap once she gets some orders out of the way. I’ll keep you posted on it’s arrival.

Tags: baroquemyworld, Josie Young, Velo Couture

Breakin’ & Contemporary Dance live in Guildhall Square

Hot off the press another live event at Guildhall Square. Ballet and Breakdancing with BMX Bikes!

Extreme Sport, Physical Theatre, Breakin’ & Contemporary Dance live in Guildhall Square.
In association with the New Theatre Royal, Creative Campus Initiative and the Big Screen

“Kompany Malakhi continue to create their unique brand of cutting edge work with this gritty yet graceful exploration of cause and effect. It comes to Guildhall Square, Portsmouth on Friday 25 June at 12pm and 1.15pm and it is FREE for everyone!

Fusing BMX flatland, Breakin’ and contemporary dance, Kompany Malakhi premiere their latest work, Rotations, in Portsmouth ahead of a national tour.

Hailed as “powerful and enlightening” by critics, Rotations began as Project 360° in 2008 and was a great success, the new show is anticipated to be one of the most exhilarating outdoor performances witnessed this year.”

The event will also feature a short experimental film about the Portsmouth Olympian Cyclist, Clarence Kingsbury. All created with the BBC, the Big Screen and Creative Campus Initiative from the University of Portsmouth as part of the developing Portsmouth History Project.

Each performance lasts 20 minutes (12pm – 12.20pm and 1.15pm – 1.35pm) so make sure you are in Guildhall Square on Friday 25 June to catch this stunning display!

For more information please contact the box office on 023 9264 9000 or visit www.newtheatreroyal.com

Tags: Ballet, BMX, Dance, New Theatre Royal, University of Portsmouth

Portsmouth Green Fair 2010

Portsmouth Green Fair 2010 is on Sat 17th July from  11- 4 in Portsmouth Guildhall Square and Victoria Park. The event is part of the Green Week Campaign and organised by Portsmouth Climate Action Network.

The current action packed line-up includes:

• 2 stages with 15 live bands powered by Electric Pedals bicycle generators organised by the Portsmouth coalition.
• DJ Danny Turbo.
• A bicycle powered cinema showing some of the latest eco activist films.
• Steam Boat Willy pedal powered hovercraft, where YOU can fly by pedaling.
• The Interdimensional Wizard who will show you some amazing sun powered energy machines.
• Clowns and Street entertainers doing workshops on juggling etc.
• Lodge Arts giving spray painting workshops and showcasing entries for the Big Green idea for Portsmouth
• Green motor show including vehicles which run on waste gas (Organic Power) waste oil (Veggiepower) and electric vehicles
• Healing Area including massage, reflexology,reiki etc
• Talks on permaculture, environmental gardening tips ,money saving guerrilla gardening etc.
• Portsmouth Beekeepers association where you can find out how to keep your own bees and buy some local honey.
• Art Displays and competitions from local schools
• Children’s games and activities inc building a monster using recycled materials, bouncy castles and Face painting. Also roundabouts and children’s rides. And story-tellers
• Bicycle maintenance demos + Trick bike display and skateboarders.
• Live broadcasts by Express FM and filming by Portsmouth Live
• Demos of green technology plus information and campaigning stalls
• Green Crafts inc Cob ovens and woodworking
• Pedal powered smoothie maker.
• Farmers Market for local Organic fruit and vegetables etc.
• 4 cafes selling local Organic fair-trade food and drinks including a cafe in a yurt.
• + almost 100  Stalls selling local produce, inc. clothes, eco-gifts, arts and crafts

They are currently looking for cyclists to power the generators – contact chriskennett01@hotmail.com to find out more. There are also other opportunities to get involved.

Tags: Climate Change, green, Green Fair 2010, Local Events, pcan, pedal, Pedal Power, Portsmouth

Halfords Tour Photographs Part II

Following on from the Halfords Tour photographs from Andrew Yardley, Tommy Peters just sent me over a few more using what looks like the Hipstamatic iPhone app. Worked really well.

Tags: Halfords Tour Photographs

East Meon Bike Jumble

As if I don’t put myself up for enough punishment as it is, this weekend I agreed to go on a mission with Borneo to a small village 6 miles outside of Petersfield. Now normally this is no big thing, but with less than 3 hours sleep under my belt after attending the Art & Design Open Evening and then The Belle Isle Opening Party I was in a pretty bad way to say the least.

But, not being one to let someone down I dragged my self out of bed and met Chris at 7.30am. Bacon and coffee was the first port of call. Borneo explains it all much better than me over at his blog chrisborneorestos.wordpress.com. A really good way to spend an early morning on a Saturday despite having the worst hangover since I was a teenager. Thanks for waking me up Chris.

You can check the rest of the photos over on my Flickr

Tags: Chris Borneo

Halfords Tour Photographs

I was unable to make the Halfords Tour last Tuesday, but Andrew Yardley made it along and captured the riders in action. Not the best conditions, but it all made for a more exciting event. It’s a shame the public activities were so early in the day and more so that it wasn’t advertised better to be honest. The majority of the cycle community that I know had not heard of it happening and I definitely didn’t see any posters around town.

Tags: Halfords Tour

Girls Group at Southsea Skatepark

Southsea Skatepark is now running a weekly session every Monday afternoon for girls (and ladies of course) interested in trying out or developing their skills in skateboarding, BMX and inline skating. The session is between 4 and 5pm every Monday and is £1.50. For more information contact the Skatepark or call 07866 109096.