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The Full English by Mike Carden

‘Engaging, Informative, Entertaining’, well they weren't wrong! When the opening pages started with Mike having a conversation with his bike called ‘Scott’ I realised that this wasn't going to be any ordinary cycle travelogue. Mike’s easy reading and descriptive style has you riding alongside him from the start. This witty account had me giggling out loud many a time, from ‘Terry the Druid’ to ‘Beryl’ at the bizarre guesthouse in Alnmouth and the case of the ‘missing sausages’!

Any cyclists will empathise with Mike as he copes with rain, missing signposts, aching legs, hill climbs, being ‘discombobulated’ and the ubiquitous rant at the worst of overtaking drivers.

As you journey from Portland to Berwick, Mike takes you through the delights of 12 counties and the English countryside, past some of the great castles, abbeys and ancient towns in England. As he does so, he nicely weaves in his passion for history, with historical asides that intrigue your enough to make you want to visit the places for yourself.

Engaging it certainly was and as Mike pedaled towards Berwick I kind of found myself secretly hoping he wouldn't stop and would carry on to John O’Groats. ‘The Full English’ is well worth a read and Mike, I can’t wait for ‘The Full Scottish’ the sequel.

Available from Rannerdale Maps & Guides.

Crap Cycle Lanes - Warrington Cycle Campaign

"Probably the worst cycle lanes in the world (Well, the UK, at any rate), exposed in full colour. Offences from all over England and Wales. Local authorities are named and shamed, with photographic evidence and sentencing recommendations."

If you have enjoyed cycling the excellent cycle lanes in Holland or Denmark, you will be amazed at just how wrong we can get it here in the UK. Following the success of the Warrington Cycle Campaigns 'Cycle Facility of the Month' page, they have now brought out the book.

If you want a good giggle at the expense of UK cycle lane planners, have good look at this gem. It has some cracking examples and some of the comments will crease you up.

Available from Eye Books with royalties going to the Cycling Defence Fund.