Life In The Saddle

Lycra is not always appropriate. Lycra around the house... not advisable. Lycra in the office... just no. Lycra on a night out... hell no. Instead, look for some quality cycling inspired casual kit. It will be more comfortable, and more acceptable when you are not sprinting for signs or tearing up trails. These are some of my latest favourites, from this winter's collections... Swrve Skinny Cycling Jeans I am a great fan of the casual clothing range from American brand Swrve. I wear a pair of their Indigo Cycling Jeans or WWR Trousers almost every day. The new Skinny Fit Cycling Jeans are the latest addition to my wardrobe, and a great one at that. They have a flattering slender fit, reflective trims, and also cleverly incorporate just a little Lycra into the material mix, to give them a bit of stretch if you are riding around town. The black Cordura denim provides a look that is smart enough for most offices, but a fabric durable enough to stand up to...

Dawn breaks on the vineyards of the Corbieres. The French commune Lagrasse lies silent beneath unusually dark and clouded skies. Shorts and a jersey are pulled on over weary legs and shoulders. Over the past fourteen days riding across the European continent, this is a ritual that has been performed everywhere from mountaintop wild camps, to the spare rooms of friends and kind strangers. Today is the finale of the #7Countries7Passes tour. The final climb to the finish line. Like the days that have preceded it though, it will be no easy ride; plentiful challenges lie on the road ahead. Coffee is drunk. Porridge is eaten. Bags are packed. Shoes pulled on, and ratchets tightened. Clip in for the final ride. Today, for this final day, there is the novel luxury of having a friendly face and great photographer following in his iconic Land Rover: capturing the climax of the journey. Within minutes of departing, the darkening skies give way. Rain pelts down onto du...