Fixed up an old bike and makes me feel Thankful to be alive..Wiltshire Man

[@donlefrigo4027]

Sandy, you are such an unassuming man, and yet you do all these amazing things - Lands End to John O Groats, paragliding, motor bike touring and so on. You truly are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Don. Life is for living:)

[@joohop]

Good Old Reynolds 531 , I've Still Got My Racer And Like Yours It's In Lovely Condition ! Great Little Video Sandy Bless Up Fella

[@paddymallory4080]

Sandy, thanks for posting. Cycling got me through a very dark period some 10 years ago. I now cycle 110 miles a week to commute to work and back. Life is peachy and I now own a fine collection of summer bikes (road) and mountain bikes (winter). Cycling is good for the mind and good for the body. Keep up your good work, I’ve watched you vids for a number of years and always enjoyed them.

[@WiltshireMan]

Paddy you are spot on, cycling has done wonders for me too. There is a reason why I have returned to cycling and I#ll talk about it in my next video. Thanks for your comment Sandy

[@andyb7339]

I love vintage cycles, nice to see that people are restoring and still riding them. Nice video 👍

[@johnhorner769]

Well done for keeping those cranks turning Sandy up that climb. 132bpm is damn good for that climb.

[@patrickj8984]

thankyou for sharing that beautifull place with us, and good health to you

[@ianmedium]

For me 531 is still the best material for a bike frame. The double butted nature combined with the metal variant gives a beautiful ride to a bike with a perfect combination of stiffness and comfort. Barring accidents it’s a frame for numerous lifetimes. You can’t say that of carbon fiber or Aluminium. I loathe CF especially for a bike frame, it’s hard and sounds like it’s going to fall to bits on every bump. You can tell it’s a quality build looking at the brazed seat bolt clamp and scooped ends to the seat stays. As for your local bike shop, they have no idea outside of modern. All parts for this age of bike are available, perhaps not locally but they are all made still. I would not go to that place ever again. They just want you to buy a new bike then your locked in to the cost of newer parts. It’s more rich mans lifestyle stuff now in those places Sandy! Oh and Sandy, that Bike can easily handle green lane stuff, remember when we were kids, did we ever have cracked frames after years of riding our bikes off road! As for padded shorts, so overrated and really unnecessary. You have a Brooks saddle, which is more than comfortable enough. I hate the Tour de France look and it’s just not comfortable for every day biking.

[@villageofbastards.]

Reynolds 531 for life!!!

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Ian, your comment is spot on exactly my thoughts

[@markgibbs904]

Enjoyable video Sandy. I’ve had a slow heart rate all of my life. My resting rate is often in the 40s. Got a Fitbit 3 years ago and found that I was dropping to 38 at night some. If your heart rate has always been slow it’s probably not a problem. I’m on the back half of 68 and stay active but knees and back won’t tolerate riding a bicycle. Great refurbish on the old bike. Wishing you all the best as you cross the 60 year line. Peace

[@WiltshireMan]

Good to know Mark. Maybe us slow beaters will be long lifer's then:)

[@markgibbs904]

@@WiltshireMan it is said that mammals have one trillion heartbeats in a lifetime, yes it can be a good thing. My dad’s is slow and he’s almost 92.

[@Mantis858585]

Oddly enough my knees and back can't tolerate not cycling. If I don't cycle for two day in a row I can feel my back freezing up.

[@vincekerrigan8300]

@@markgibbs904 Interesting to hear - I will be 91 in December and am still averaging 100km a week on my road bike, and, in spite of the denigrators, happily still wearing my Lycra. A confession though - with my rides, specifically the hills, having become more difficult over the last two or three years, I recently treated myself to an e-bike pedal assist kit. It is friction drive kit which has left the roadie appearance virtually unchanged, and being very light, the all up weight is only 13.5kg. which compares very favourably with those beautiful, but very expensive e-road bikes, so my rides are a lot easier now, and I hope can go on further into the future.

[@martinmatthews8177]

Nice video Sandy. I do love the retro road bikes. Respect to anybody who has rode Lands End to John o groats. Always found Mitchell Cycles at Shrivenham Road very helpful. Take care. Martin WB

[@bushlore21]

Good morning Sandy!! Great video!! Thank you for taking us along, enjoyed this!!🤠Looking good and mighty fit there!! Way to go 🏁🚴‍♂️🏁 Love the bike, glad you were able to restore it to its original glory…Keep on!! Oh yes, I’m very thankful for what I have!! Haha,,,like the ending! 🚴‍♂️

[@brianr1443]

Hello Sandy Enjoyed the video and all your other videos I like vintage cycles 🚲 I have a 25 year old Dawes Galaxy I have cycled many miles on and a lot of those miles for charity events. Your bike looks good what make is it ? Regards Brian.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Brian, my old bike is a Revell Romany

[@frankyhoward9197]

My 1st race bike was a push alpine in white dad bought me I was just 11

[@ChrisyC567]

Sandy, Excellent Video, so inspiring fella.. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MadDogsandEnglishman]

@17:45 you went past the house called Trip the Daisy, which was a racing Greyhound.

[@WiltshireMan]

I didn't know that Bro. Learned something new

[@mikeainsworth5840]

I'm a Wiltshire (originally Yorkshire) motorcyclist who has just taken up cycling (again) with a Brompton and a gravel bike. So glad I found you.

[@bodcamping6447]

camping ..flying//motorbikes ,, photography ..push bikes ??? you go frew more phases that i go frew shoes and mone like my shoes last .......not haveing a go as i love your vids just saying

[@Mieke3133]

I enjoy all your videos and we seem to have similar cycling history. I've been a lifelong cyclist and motorcyclist. I purchased a Dawes Super Galaxy in 1988 and it is very similar to yours, although you don't mention the make or model. I also did the End to End trip in 1992 aged 43, but the wrong way - (JOG to Land's End) as I was working in Aberdeen. The Super Galaxy is a superb touring bike c/w 531 frame, B17 saddle and tandem rated 700C wheels. Very comfortable for long days in the saddle. It's still in my garage but I tend to use my Raleigh Roadster for shorter local trips nowadays. Also riding a BMW R850R motorcycle. Good to watch the adventures of a kindred spirit. 👍

[@michaelfraser5723]

yOU'RE invincible. That hill probably took it up to 70 BPM.

[@glenncoltman2726]

Surely the moral of the story is don't trust YOUR local bike shop. There are many fine bike shops up and down the UK.

[@maskedavenger2578]

The old bikes were built better ,proper lugged frames & fitted with cotter pin cranks . You also got nice touches you don’t see now like a flip up oil filler on the bottom bracket next to the crank ,& oiling points on wheel hubs covered by spring caps . Proper Sturmey Archer hub gears or Hurret ,Benelux or if posh compagnolio derailleur gears ,non of the plasticy tin Shimano rubbish . Full metal or light plastic mud guards . Genuine Brooke’s saddle & GB brakes . 27 inch wheels on British tourers & racers . Even the most expensive modern push bikes are cheap tat ,when compared to average mass produced British bikes from the 1950 & 1960 ‘s , & the hand built local famous name frames from back in the day even better .. Your old bike looks the part Sandy ,nice frame . Wish i could still ride a push bike ,but had to give up & just stick to motorcycles due to knackered lungs . Enjoy 👍

[@jessicapayne8622]

Yay!!! Another amazing vid. I planned to go for a bike ride this weekend. Then I was told I was working. Oh well. It’s extra pennies x

[@colinwellman9480]

I really like the potted history you mention, not the sort of stuff that historians would bother putting in books. Thumbs up for SJS Cycles, they carry a lot of stock and I've found them very helpful when seeking advice. Thanks for the video.👍

[@vr_gamers8116]

Well done , I know exactly why you don't want to wear those padded shorts Lol , I've never worn them or spandex either, Nice bike BTW, keep on cycling, I cycle every day, we're indeed fortunate to have good health and to recognise that is a blessing too, God bless our Mums.... Live Long and Prosper.

[@stevetaylor8446]

Cor....I haven't ridden a racer since my old one got damaged in the early 80's. I'm waiting for batteries and speed to improve on the restricted bikes....that would be my limit today. Those beautiful old cottages and the pond look amazing...what a lovely place to live

[@Nicktgrief]

youre not going to be sticking a steak down your shorts like they rumoured to have done on races like the tour de France ... apparently the sweat tenderises it 🙄🙄🤢🤢 I'm just coming up to 65 Sandy and I'm bloody sure I couldn't cycle up dragons hill!!

[@sleepyrider]

Reminds me of my old Dawes Galaxy, ridden many miles in Derbyshire then stolen 3 days after I moved to Edinburgh in 1980. They don't make them like that any more!

[@techguy9023]

America and England-two countries separated by a common language. I had never heard a bicycle called a push bike before.

[@pestilentruth2164]

Keep it up, Sandy! Makes me want to get out my 70's Motobecane and clean off the cobwebs.

[@alanoliver11]

Another very enjoyable video. Cycling, camping and motorcycling, your videos cover all of my interests. They are a real treasure trove. All the best to you.

[@petewebb6952]

Looks like a Holdsworth, or Claude Butler, frame. Great you kept your old Imperial Measures bike. Sorry I let mine go. Now in my seventies I’ve settled for a lightweight electric assist to help with the very steep hills where I live. Looks like good cycling country where you live. The roads are a bit busy hereabouts. Pity the roads are so busy these days.

[@borderlands6606]

When bike shops say they can't get the parts anymore, they really mean their suppliers don't carry them. It's also fair to say that a steel bike that needs everything replacing - chainrings, hubs, bottom bracket, etc, costs more in labour than buying an equivalent new bike. However if it's a matter of re-greasing bearings, replacing cables, tyres and chain, and you have any mechanical sympathy, you could do the work in an evening for very little expense. A new lugged steel bike of that quality would cost several thousand pounds, so they are worth looking after.

[@geoffwilson7572]

British Eagle Touristique is it Sandy ? Looks identical to mine.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Geoff, No it's a Revell Romany, lost the stickers from the frame long ago

[@darylbuck487]

@@WiltshireMan I was wondering too. Nice bike! I’m local to there in Stanford in the Vale and am 5 years behind you. Awesome effort ascending the hill - no way I’d be able to carry on chatting when I go up!

[@spencerspratley7625]

Always thankful for what I've got

[@bigyin.7710]

I related to this video in more ways than one, I like cycling and walking, but I'm also waiting for a cardiologist appointment for my low heart rate. Always enjoy watching your videos.

[@eisvogel8099]

Years ago I met an older gentleman on a camping in Holland. He wanted to know if he still "got it". He was 57 and had come over from Sweden on exactly the same kind of old bike as you showed us. I believe it was a Raleigh. These old bikes just seem to go on and on.

[@marcdewilde518]

A sad sign of the times Sandy. Consume, throw away and buy again but at a much lower quality so it only lasts a few years. Very inspirational video. Thanks.

[@deanie557]

As someone who got squished, please consider wearing an reflective vest or T-Shirt on top so you're easily seen. Obviously up to you.

[@NELSON3947]

Great vid again,,,,I'm also in the 40's bpm club and 60 in Jan...Shine on :)

[@eng9040]

Lycra🤐 I imagine my paper boy customers being confused seeing someone wearing a pair of tights all over. Great content on vids.

[@johnfiler6448]

Great video Sandy, looks a good old bike.Thank you very much. Stay Safe.

[@worldofameiso5491]

The LBS was talking rubbish. There are loads of spares on eBay, so never despair you can always find spares.

[@markrobertson5305]

Thoroughly enjoyable video. I think I'll be getting my old bike out again.

[@pauljones5066]

beautiful elegant bike ! Road cycling is how to feel 17 again, every timr

[@joeschenk8400]

Very enjoyable video, wonderful looking country and villages. It is startling to me to see you on the opposite side of the road! I think your slow heart rate IS because you are so fit. In my mid 20s my resting heart rate was in the mid 30s late at night and this upset my doctor at the time, that was 40 years age. I look forward to more of your adventures. Thanks for the post.

[@robedmunds7163]

Got an old Dawes similar to your bike. Used to be you could walk into any cycle shop and get all the parts for it as they were pretty much universal. Unfortunately those days are gone and bike components seem to change and become obsolete almost every year now.

[@4seasonbackpacking]

Looks like a good bike you got. Great bike ride up the the white horse. Shame the bike shop was not wanting to get the spare parts for your bike. I got a watch with a heart reading i use to keep eye on it but tend never to take note of mine now.

[@mischef18]

Great video bro, seeing this bike made me remember I have one very similar in the back shed, it's about the same age too. I used to ride it to the next town where I worked 6kms away. My other bike is more a mountain bike that is rusting away, it's about 35 years old. Safe travels.

[@johnhodgetts3792]

In terms of underwear you can now get cycling undershorts that you can wear under and form of trouser. As they are synthetic they wash and dry a lot easier than the old chamois ones did. I wish I could still ride my Dawes Galaxy bike!

[@cbjgdicad1]

Gore Bike Wear make excellent shorts the synthetic padded liner in the plaster ultra is removable and it dries in seconds as do the shorts, which are bomb proof, they haven't worn out in years

[@KeithHeinrich]

You won't get parts for it any more? Maybe THEY can't get the parts but then you sorted it out and that's awesome.

[@barrywebber100]

Good job on the old bicycle. Thanks for posting.

[@davidj.9587]

Another enjoyable video Sandy. Thank you.

[@barryconway]

You are fit for an old bugger, W.M. Keep it up, mate. Seeing your resurrected tourer, I'm saddened (not for the first time) at the thought of the box of rusty bits that was binned during yet another house move (and garage clearance). That box of bits once was my 1970's Dawes Super Galaxy, and I'd now quite like to resurrect that, but that's not going to happen now - boo. Don't do it kids, don't bin all that rusty junk. You'll be sorry one day!

[@SimonBrowneNZ]

I purchased my Dawes Galaxy from bike shop near Sloan Square 1981 - the year of the punk Sloan Rangers. I used it to commute from Willesden Green and Golders Green to Haymarket for a few months before heading home to New Zealand. After riding it for several more years, it was side lined in favour of series of ebikes - before they became a thing. Next minute my son is the same age as me when I bought the bike, he straps several watertight bags to it - it had a post office heavy duty carrier on the front then - and rode 600km Auckland to Wellington. He heads to Melbourne following a girl - as you do - and I thought the bike was worth a bit of attention. New cassette - now 6 instead of 5 gears, a couple of newer wheels - I became obsessed with the old bearings not holding out - and away we go. It needs a repaint and seeing your beauty, I'm going to get that sorted shortly. When I'm out and about I think of you Barry and Sandy. Next birthday is 70 - which can't be happening, surely. I recently converted a belt drive bike to electric - front wheel with battery under the seat - but that's another story. Cheers you old buggers out there - pedal to your heart's content.

[@Lennymcgra]

I was at the white horse a couple of days back Sandy after a coffee at Wantage. Take care Sandy and keep up the great vids.

[@willalm830]

What is it? A Raleigh Randonneur I have one, done 1000ands of miles on it

[@vincekerrigan8300]

Good for you - interesting video and a great old bike. Best of luck for the future.

[@karenringer5995]

How lovely to see the old bikes being loved again . Nothing more special

[@WellBoared]

Would that be the bike shop closest to where you live? Would love to be able to get out on my bikes regularly but not sure where the time goes these days.

[@bcolinranken]

Be nice to have a beer with you sometime… lovely video as usual Sandy

[@Musical_Man_Guitar]

That is a lovely old bike. I feel like it is my old friend now too.

[@stevegray3529]

Ha ha, I like the backwards cycling at the end!😀

[@M.Vardy82]

From your hikes down the ridgeway to the king Alfred's way training and everything inbetween, you really have a great way of presenting your hobbies and passions. A True Legend.. I'm so excited to see your adventures on the king Alfred's way and wish you all the best of luck from a fellow Swindonian, M. Vardy.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks M. Are you any relation to Steve and Tina?

[@M.Vardy82]

@@WiltshireMan yes, Steve is my Dad, and Tina my Aunt.

[@permaculturee]

When I took my 35 year old road touring bike (very similar to yours) to a couple of LBSs, they both were able to get the parts needed to fix it up. So do try some other shops. They're usually very helpful and competent in my experience.

[@no_excuses]

Top effort Sandy, not bad for almost 60👏💯

[@01cthompson]

I knew you could repair that bike.

[@rhysjones6069]

Excellent, much appreciated....

[@billcotton1551]

Resting 40 beats per minute would be like an elite athelete.

[@jgbsweeper7325]

Thanks for the video. It is so nice to see England as someone who lives there sees it.

[@peter236uk1]

Another excellent video Sandy

[@martinlendon1806]

Love your blogs pal your bike looks great 👍

[@DesmondsDonders]

Just back from a trip. Exhausted watching this LOL

[@WiltshireMan]

Hahaa Dave, yes sometimes the thought of exercise can be worse than the exercise!!

[@GadgetMart]

I’m sure I’ve seen jack lore on a very similar bike 🤔

[@johnpawson7400]

Thanks for sharing this Sandy I can well understand you riding this for your health. I have done the same, hiking with my wife.

[@WiltshireMan]

I think it's important to maintain some physical activity John, it will keep us motorcycling for longer too:)

[@deanie557]

Sorry to hear about your ticker, hope you'll be ok!! 🤞

[@rare-in]

Beautiful machine Mr J, but what is it? There being an original Raleigh Equipe in the family (circa 1980-82), it's understood that these bikes will literally last a lifetime (and more) if/when looked after. Nice job: Atb.

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes the old bike I'm sure will last for several lifetimes. It was built by Revell cycles back in 1980 and the model name was Romany

[@neilt7191]

Wonderful video Sandy as ever . You have inspired me to finally get around to fitting my bike with the required new crank and front derailleur , and to get back out in the lanes .

[@alastairchestnutt6416]

Dawes super galaxy I think. Have a 1982 galaxy myself. Still a great bike. B17 seat is good. Good that you were able to restore.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Alastair, The bike was sold as a Revell Romany, but the stickers wore off years ago. Very similar to the Dawes

[@sdefiel3719]

I think something is wrong with your sound Sandy. I couldn't hear any engine noise. When I was very young in Kentucky, every high-quality 10-speed I knew was called an "English Racer". Mine was a Raleigh. I could barely reach the pedals, but I went everywhere in it. It was stolen so I bought a Ross about thirty-five years ago and I still have it. Original everything except I'm sure I changed the tubes at one time or another. Unfortunately, I keep it outside now because my MOTORcycles kicked it out. Nasty old noisy things aren't they? Thank you so much for the ride, the scenery and the history of your lovely corner of the world. S

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes, Motorbikes are horrible noisy things, but I must admit I still love mine. Just brought a new chain for Chug the Himalayan, the old one lasted 14K miles! I hope to be doing some motocamping soon too

[@Petey_Ouspensky]

Thanks for this one, Sandy! Here on Vancouver Island I ride my push bike everywhere. We have some brilliant local cycling paths that were built on the railbeds of what was originally a narrow-gauge railway that serviced the town. They see a terrific amount of use in the summer, and it's really neat to see people of all ages and in all conditions , getting out and about. Thanks again! PS: I'm not into all the Lycra jazz, either: to me they all look like super-heroes who have forgotten their capes.

[@WiltshireMan]

It's good that you have the old railways to cycle along, the same is over here in the UK. Quite a network of them

[@jerrymerritt5698]

Stayed in Ashbury the Rose and Crown back in 2013. Hi from the U. S.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Jerry, I've had a few pints there over the years:)

[@willisradreisen5894]

I've just found you channel and I must say it is wonderful to see guys like you who are quiet similar with. I bought a few years ago a Hercules Grand Tour LX out of the 1980th with three broken Spokes at the rear wheel for just 23€. Believe it. I repaired that cycle and made some tours with it. Its great riding a bicycle only with your musles. Thanks a lot and greetings from germany

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Willis Yes I agree, using muscle power 100% is a good and satisfying thing:)

[@soggz4246]

Hi. Great vid. I’m down the road in Somerset. Used to cycle a lot,races,sportives etc. Life got in the way of cycling for me. Need to start it again as the health benefits are phenomenal. Your vid may be the thing to start me. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes, the benefits are numerous and for that alone it's worth maintaining some cycling proficiency, its low impact on the joints too

[@OldBlindDougArtist]

Sandy a great video my friend. I just turned 72 last week unfortunately a few years back I had to stop riding a regular bicycle. I can't get my leg over the bar. So I switched to a step through. I still love to ride, probably just miss my motorcycle. Lol

[@WiltshireMan]

Belated happy birthday Doug

[@spick1923]

Fair play mate! Referbing in most cases is always the way to go. Don't trust anyone in the bike industry, they're all out mostly to sell as much as they possibly can, regardless of if you actually need it, and that's going to get worse as more people take up cycling who are concerned about the environment. Ironically them buying new stuff by a dishonest industry is just pushing up GDP at a time when supply chains are stuffed, go figure? Trends over research lead to poor, costly decisions that could be saved for spending more time touring. I love being told my 26" tourer is no longer worth repairing hahaha, the people who try to tell me that always end up regretting it as i give them a long rant about how their advice is not only wrong but morally reprehensible when there are more old 26" and 700c frames around than anything else, I don't need a 650 whatever thanks all the same. I've got nothing at all against people wanting a nice new shiny bike, (it's their money) but this story being told that makers are no longer making parts for the most abundant frame sets on the planet is a load of rubbish and a flat out dishonest lie. In exeter where I live one of the most successful bike shops in the city, only sells refurbished bikes, not only that, they provide the facilities and tools for people to learn how to do it and fix their own bikes them selves very cheaply at £10/£15 per hour session. It's a community backed project...Should be one in every city, for a world that claims it cares about waste and climate change. This is the way forward. Ride on!

[@WiltshireMan]

Thats fantastic to hear about the shop in Exeter, thats got to be a good thing. I'm afraid the shops in my town are geared up to try and sell new bikes all the time which is a shame. I think it's fuelled by greed!

[@bobgray1555]

We are similar ages and your bike looks like my old touring bike which I bought new from F.W.Evans in London. I still have it but it needs some tlc. You may have inspired me to resurrect it - thanks and Kia Kaha (stay strong) , as they say in NZ

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Bob Kia Kaha

[@michaelcase8574]

Curious, has anything come from the I believe the Paleolithic circle you found with your drone a few videos ago? What is the brand of your old bike? Great video...as usual.

[@WiltshireMan]

The circle I found in the drone video was indeed already known about, it is on the Wiltshire Archeolgical archive, but the other anomalies were not. As for the bike it is an old Revell Romany. No longer being built

[@Mike-oo5ys]

Hello from Lincolnshire nice video

[@christopheradams7158]

Thanks for that video mate I really enjoyed it & I've decided to subscribe as with most of the cycling KZbin videos I find them quite informative & inspiring it's such a great hobby

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Christopher, I think you will find the next few videos I upload of interest as they will have some cycling content:)

[@lukewardle3515]

It's a shame you had a poor experience with your local bike shop. 6 and 7 speed freewheels are still readily available, (5 speed are tricky to find) although now they are generally only specced on low end bikes, so the quality isn't great. I hope you can find a better bike shop near you. We're not all bad!🙂.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Luke, Not sure I could fit a freewheel on my bike with more gears, but it would be nice to have more choice, anyway the bike is good for more miles now

[@hendrikarqitekt6286]

i think Sandy, that you’re really fit. I have too and old race bike, more than 45 years old. Dit great trips with it. You bringing me up ideas. As a matter of fact, you build yourself a nice gravel bike. Just change the tires.

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes I believe all a Gravel bike is, is a road racer with fatter tyres:)

[@TheSkskitey]

Nice ride sandy but you didn't show us going down hill which is the best part after a climb . I get all my old bike parts off the internet , free wheel gears etc , bike shops don't carry older parts much now and look at you funny as if to say "why are you riding an old bike for" and they rip you off anyway . I'm 69 and keep fitter riding than being a couch potato .Okay i confess i converted my old mountain bike to an E-bike but you still have to pedal to make it go . Keep up the bike riding to keep your heart rate up and ready for your cycling trip :-)

[@WiltshireMan]

Nothing wrong with an Ebike convertion, its makes the hills a little flatter:)

[@joules531]

I have connections to the bike trade, and it is an absolute nonsense when bike shops say that parts for 40 year old bikes aren't available. Almost every part on your bike is of universal fitting, and relatively easy to source on-line, whereas modern bikes can vary enormously, often with many proprietary components, making parts availability often extremely difficult, even for a two year old bike.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Joules, I just think the local shops are just wanting to sell new bikes and can't be bothered to work on older bikes. It's a shame. I was able to find parts easily

[@the-kk4ww]

Great video as always. It's been said before, but I will say it again, you are an inspiration. Your recent video about the ridgeway has made us change our plans for our autumn break, instead of heading to Dorset we will instead attempt to walk the ridgeway in the 8 days available to us. I too had a brain tumour, mine was removed in 2008, they told us I would become totally depressed and would no longer be able to run my business. Well we are both here proving them very much wrong thankfully, and long may it continue.

[@WiltshireMan]

Fantastic news. You will really enjoy the Ridgeway if you have 8 days to spare. When I first walked it I did it in 4 days, I wish I had more free time to travel at a slower pace. 8 days is perfect. I hope you have a great trip

[@victormonster4658]

Nice enjoyable video Mr W👍

[@adjbeynon7835]

What make of bike is that, Sandy?

[@scaff3450]

Think your fitter than you think Sandy fair play getting up that hill proper steep 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

It's a good pull Scaff, It was even back when I was in my 20's:) Glad I can still climb it:)

[@scaff3450]

@@WiltshireMan keep going Sandy your doing amazing for your age I know lads half your age couldn’t do half what you do 👍

[@jayneteale9782]

Great bike that will do the job 👍🚴🏻

[@Trekon2]

Great to see you riding your old bike Sandy, I guessed it was a 531 frame but would it be a Dawes bike ? Looking forward to seeing your tour, now one thing I know you said you don't want to wear padded shorts and I take it you are referring to the Lycra material which is very tight fitting which can put people off from wearing them, but you can get cotton or canvas type ones with the padding. Now the padding is important because it's going to protect your undercarriage if you get my meaning and some blokes have had serious problems for not having their selves protected properly I hope you don't mind me saying, anyway take care Sandy 🚵‍♀️👌👋

[@ianmedium]

I wondered if it might be a Dawes. Mine is a Dawes Imperial that I bought new in 1983, almost forty years later it still performs beautifully.

[@frankyhoward9197]

Nice words

[@karenringer5995]

I can say I manage quite well without padded shorts . . I find I can manage a good few miles . Keep up the good work sir

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Karen sofar I can cycle 40 miles now without a break so am getting used to the saddle a bit