Summer is finally here, and as we all know that could mean anything from sunny 25°C to rainy and windy 10°C.
During the summertime most people try to spend their time outside with their families, to have BBQs, to have a pint in the beer garden or set out to explore the beautiful English landscape by bike or foot. But whatever you’re planning on doing, preparation is key. When it comes to the subject of clothing for cycling it is really not as trivial as it seems. This is particularly noticeable when the temperatures fluctuate significantly (so at any time of the year really). There are a few things to consider, which we will explain exactly in this article.
Personal comfort counts
First of all, of course, it is important that the clothing is tailored to you and your body. If you sweat heavily, it doesn’t do you any good to throw on an inexpensive rain jacket. Are you freezing easily? Then there is probably no way around thick cycling shorts and thermal shoes. Finding the right recipe is not that easy and experience has shown that you have to try a little bit to see what works best for you in which weather.
The head: pay attention to fit and ventilation
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Let’s start at the top: our head is naturally covered by a helmet when cycling. In summer you can make sure that the ventilation openings are as large as possible so that no heat builds up, especially when it is hot. If it gets colder, you should make sure to keep your head warm. A thin headband can be the right choice, but if the temperatures continue to drop, you should use an under-helmet cap. These have the advantage that they are flat and therefore take up little space under the helmet.
Also, make sure to always protect your eyes with glasses and your skin with sun protection.
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The upper body: the material makes it
For the upper body, the onion principle is required, which can fully develop its advantages especially in cold temperatures. An insulating long-sleeved undershirt, for example made of merino wool, provides warmth, while a wind and waterproof jacket prevents you from cooling down due to the wind, rain or snow. In rougher weather conditions it is also absolutely necessary to make yourself visible to others. Additionally to light sources on your bike, you should also consider wearing a high visibility vest to be seen by other in the fog or rain.
At the end of the arms there are two extremities that require special attention: the hands. We use them to steer the bike, but otherwise hardly move them. Especially when it’s cold, they cool down quickly and when it is hot, they might get sunburned. That can quickly become uncomfortable. To be on the safe side, take a wind- and waterproof variant with lining, with enough grip and padding.
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The feet: the right choice of shoes
The choice of shoes is not too difficult and depends primarily on the type of bike:
Road bike shoes for example are light and stiff to allow efficient power transmission, while mountain bike shoes have a more flexible sole. Socks can also make a not insignificant contribution to well-being on the bike, because if they don’t sit properly, blisters and pressure points can occur. Therefore, they should sit very close to the foot and, if possible, not slip.
Sport
A young lad is walking all the way from Manchester to Ibiza for a truly tear-jerking cause
Danny Jones
We recently came across the story of a young man who has set himself the task of walking all the way from Manchester to Ibiza in an effort to raise money for a truly tear-jerking charitable cause.
In case you haven’t heard of him already, the legend responsible behind this is Henry Oscar Moores, a 21-year-old from Macclesfield in Cheshire who is essentially completing a marathon every single day to complete his voyage from rainy 0161 to sunny Spain.
Nearly halfway into his epic trek already, the youngster has been battling plenty of obstacles, not least heavy rain – and that was just here in Greater Manchester…
Going live each day as thousands of followers tune in to support his latest steps, his real-world journey has sparked a wholesome new community online and we’ve got nothing but the utmost respect.
It’s set to take him around 60 days in total, all being well, but what exactly is Henry Moores doing all this for? Or rather who?
Well, the answer is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, as the ‘Henry Walk’ from Manchester to Ibiza is all in aid of the Tony Hudgell Foundation, a charity set up in honour of the now nine-year-old boy of the same name and the youngest ever Pride of Britain winner.
Hudgell was sadly the victim of horrific child abuse ever since he was a toddler, so much so that he had to have both of his legs amputated as a result of the treatment. In 2020, when he was still just five, Tony set out to raise £500 by walking 10k in his prosthetic legs. He ended up amassing £1.8m. Incredible.
With a non-profit officially registered in his name since 2021, the organisation aims to provide support to children affected by physical, emotional or psychological abuse. His story also helped usher in Tony’s Law. Now taking over the reins, Henry is pounding the pavement on his behalf – and smashing it.
He’s even been given an added incentive by Ibiza’s Ocean Beach owner, Wayne Lineker.
Promising to help Henry finish the walk if he makes it all the way to his final 30k leg in Ibiza Town to the famous club – he’s already polished off the 507km from Manchester to Portsmouth and is currently chipping away at the 1818km stint from Caen in France to Denia – Lineker and the likes of radio DJ Charlie Sloth have been backing the effort since day one.
Describing Tony as an inspirational young figure “who captures hearts with his bravery, optimism, and infectious smile”, even despite his daily struggle and constant treatment, we can’t overstate the admiration we have for both of them. He’s already smashed his initial £20k and just keeps going.
“We really appreciate any donations; we know times are tough. Don’t hesitate if you can’t donate; continue to share and support us in any other way. Thanks to everyone for the past couple of weeks; it’s been insane.” You can do your bit by donating HERE or to Tony Hudgell’s operation fund directly.
Featured Images — Henry Moores (via Instagram)/JustGiving
Sport
‘Get off the pitch and shut up’: Jamie Carragher slates Man United trio for behaviour after 4-0 defeat
Danny Jones
Jamie Carragher was left slating André Onana, Mason Mount and Antony dos Santos for their behaviour after the full-time whistle of Manchester United’s 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Crystal Palace, telling them to “just get off the pitch and shut up“.
The Liverpool legend and ex-England international was in the studio for Monday Night Football as per and didn’t hold back on his criticism of United all evening, labelling the game an “embarrassment” and even going so far as to call them “one of the most poorly coached teams in the Premier League”.
However, it was the behaviour of the aforementioned Man United trio that particularly riled him up from a former player and pundit’s perspective, who cameras caught deliberating over something in the game and covering their mouths with their hands to prevent any lip-reading as they walked towards the tunnel.
No nonsense and no holding back.
Interjecting as Sky Sports host noted Antony, Mount and Onana discussing something, Carragher couldn’t help but interject: “Just get off the pitch! Talking and whispering behind your hand? You’ve been awful!
“[Antony’s] probably talking about one of the players, or somebody else, or the set-up or the manager—just shut up and get in. Honestly, it’s embarrassing.”
These three weren’t even the ones to get the biggest stick either, with Carra clearly having it out for Casemiro following his admittedly poor performance, having once again been deployed as a makeshift centre-back due to the club’s ongoing injury crisis.
The 46-year-old added, “I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level”, going on to advise from one former pro to another ageing one, “Leave the football before the football leaves you”.
Now 32, despite having arrived as somewhat of a crucial saviour figure in the Man United midfielder last season who can still chip in with the occasional goal too – albeit one prone to reckless challenges and the odd injury – it’s fair to say his performances haven’t been great over recent months.
As for his side, they managed yet another unwanted feat under Erik ten Hag after recording 13 losses with Monday night’s result, the most they’ve ever recorded in a Premier League season; the four finishes also saw them reach a total of 81 goals conceded, the largest tally they’ve ever let in.
The result sees the Red Devils sat in 8th just five points ahead of West Ham, who’ve just sacked former United boss David Moyes for the second time, and minus three on goal difference.
Is it time up for the likes of Casemiro and, more importantly, how much of a chance does ten Hag have of keeping his job?