A busy (National Bike) week

We started National Bike Week by riding, along with 28,000 other cyclists, the BHF's annual London to Brighton Bike Ride. We set off at 6am to avoid the crowds, especially on Ditchling Beacon and arrived just before 10am. Having met up with some friends we rode back to London (L2B2L). With several diversions in place due to closed roads etc, we made it back having notched up a total of 120 miles.

As you may have already read, we also saw the next issue of the magazine go to press. There's no substitute for seeing your work in print! We're looking forward to taking delivery on Monday 24. To top all this we've just seen samples of the latest edition(s) to our Grand Tour Range, which we are also launching next week. The summer will be good whatever the weather!

Orchestrated manoeurves in the dark

Some say the city comes alive at night. The area around Smithfield meat market certainly did on Saturday night. We love this event as it brings competition cycling of the highest order literally to the streets of London. Strangely it's never that warm for a June night but the atmosphere is electric.

One of the aspect we love about this series of races in the variety of events on offer. It's amazing to see Penny Farthings being raced over the old cobbles of the meat market as well witnessing the pros going hammer and tongs at it. Good to see such a strong turn out for the Women's Criterium event! Thanks to Mitch Payne for his, as ever, excellent images.

Balls Out Challenge ride 2013

We believe that cancer awareness, especially male awareness is really important. Our 'Hope' feature in the current issue about bowel cancer bears witness to this. When we received an invitation from Patrick Cox to ride on the Balls Out Challenge - part of Male Cancer Awareness Campaign on a similar route to last years Olympic Men's Road Race with Rob Hayles, we jumped at the opportunity. The 72 mile ride takes place this Saturday 25 April beginning near The Mall, taking in the legendary Box Hill and finishes at the Grind Coffee Bar, Putney.

We are honoured to be asked to ride and have Patrick Cox, the charities CEO amongst our readership. A full report will follow.

Bespoked Bristol 2013

This show had a vibe like no other we've been to so far! Set in Brunel's Old Station in Bristol, it felt strangely like a real ale festival not the UK Handmade Bicycle Show. Warm, friendly and inviting, it was a gathering of a like minded collective. Every stand was proud to be there and it showed. Great chatting with you all!

Good to see a range of alternative frame materials like hickory and bamboo being exhibited.

Magazine launch party

A milestone day/night for all at Simpson, from a hastily scribbled out note on a piece of paper to an actual printed product; the magazine had come of age. For all those that had inspired and encouraged us along the way this was there night as well as ours.

Great to share the launch celebrations with so many old and new friends alike.