“Air pollution and problems with urban commuting are of great concern to people today. European surveys have shown that over six people in ten say that automobile traffic in the city is unbearable. Nine out of ten people believe that increasing public transport is a priority in combating air pollution and seven out of ten say they support a ban on car traffic in the centre of cities on certain days. However, at the same time, the number of cars and urban traffic is constantly increasing, eroding the quality of life of urban dwellers with the increase in noise, air pollution, stress, etc.

“Car Free Day on 22 September every year is part of an approach aimed at reclaiming cities and represents an important chance for dialogue. It focuses on raising the awareness of urban dwellers with respect to nuisances caused by the use of private cars in the city (air pollution, noise, etc.). It also stresses the rights of pedestrians and cyclists, the need for more and better public transport, and helps people rediscover their local architectural heritage. As a motoring organisation, the ETA does not want to put cars on trial or to totally condemn the users’ desire for mobility. The idea is to reconsider urban transport with the prospect of sharing streets more efficiently. ” – ETA

Northern Parkour had a hand in one of the events in Manchester City Centre that Saturday. The day began with a large (25+) gathering of traceurs in the Triangle, jumping around to the interest and amusement of large crowds of onlookers. There were many excellent stands and activities which no-body seemed to be aware of. We, however, participated fully in all the free stuff we could manage. :O)

We got to try our hand at Zorbing – where, like a hamster, they stick you in a huge ball and roll you down a slope. Great fun, but the inside smelled suspiciously of sick….

Today’s ride was brought to you by the number Pain and the letter Ow. The route is courtesy of Google Maps.

Well that was, erm, refreshing. Yea. That’s it. Fourteen miles uphill – Escher would be proud.

I’ve seen places with great parkour potential and some spots where I’ll definately be returning with my bike soon. I had an encounter with a bunch of dickheads near the canal who thought they’d try to force me into the water – but managed to weave and speed off before they could make good of their threats. I’ll just be a little more careful travelling through the trashier areas on a new bike. Maybe carrying a big stick would help, too.

I was also testing out a my new full-face helmet today (a Specialized “Deviant” – how apt!) Having taken some nasty falls from my bikes in the past, I think you’ve got to be fucking stupid not to wear a helmet when you ride.

In 2004, I witnessed a hit-and-run in Manchester where a cyclist got knocked of his bike. It wouldn’t have been so serious had the guy not fallen and cracked his head open on a cast iron grid in the road. And I mean open – like a melon. It was messy and I was the only one who could help till the men in green came. Much use they were.

It’s a bit on the toasty side but still well ventilated, and it keeps the mud and crap from flying into your open mouth as you gasp for breath going down the trail. It’s a damned sight cooler than other full-face ones I’ve tried but probably not one I’ll use for general road-riding – you get too hot to quickly. Though I’m not looking forward to coming off my bike, I’m sure I’d be much better protected than with the usual brain-buckets.

I got some decent pedals fitted to my Hardrock Comp bike so that I can use my mountain-bike shoes with their SPD clips. As with most things in life, there are pros and cons.

• Pro: With these shoes, your firmly attached to the pedals and so can power your bike on both your upstroke and downstroke. Great for getting up really steep stuff and for jumping over obstacles (cos the bike jumps into the air with you).
• Con: You really have to remember you have the clips on. Unless, when you come to a complete stop, you really like crashing to the floor like a fallen tree. You only do it once, then you stop forgetting.

Roll on the Autumn. I’m planning on going back to my old haunts in North Wales with some friends – for MTBers Coed-y-Brenin is a name synonymous with excitment and adrenaline.

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This biking is as good as I remembered.

Are there any other people around this way (Manchester) with bikes who enjoy using them in anger? I am having fun on my tod but could do with some encouragement/corruption/pointing-and-laughing from others…