Family Cycling Podcast with Cycle Sprog and Alex BB

Family Cycling Podcast with Cycle Sprog

The Family Cycling Podcast delves into the joys and challenges of cycling with children. Hosted by Alex BB (a car-free dad of two) and Karen Gee (founder of the Cycle Sprog website and cycling mum of two teenage boys) each episode covers a different aspect of cycling with children. With special guests who are expert in the topic under discussion, you'll be raring to get pedalling by the end of the episode.

Episodes

  1. 05/31/2022

    Cargo Bikes for Ukraine

    As the war in Ukraine continues to rage, bicycles are becoming more important for transporting people and goods, as roads get destroyed and fuel is no longer readily available. In this episode of the Family Cycling Podcast Alex BB hosts a conference call with another Alex, a bicycle mechanic in Kiev who has found himself operating a small fleet of cargo bikes delivering humanitarian aid.   He is joined by Måns Andersson from Anywhere Berlin, who make and distribute cargo bike for use in remote and road-free areas of the world, and Steve Roe, who has set up a Facebook Group called Cargo Bikes for Ukraine. It's a sobering insight into the practicalities of running a business in Ukraine, as well as offering some vital links to help Alex and his business partner Sergey continue their cargo bike building business at this impossible time. 08:12  How cargo bikes are being used in Kiev 09:00 Why they cant use cars  (eg petrol and blockades) 10:54 Who is Sergy and why he's had to move 12:11 How many bikes they have: 2 and want to get to 5  14:10 How people have started to use old bikes and are keeping Alex's bike maintenance business busy 19:25 Sergey's background 20:30 Anywhere Berlin  22:00 Aim high and start making bikes for us 27:00 What's happened since the conversation and how you can help This is the list of the equipment Alex needs: 1. Tool set 1/4" and 1/2" 2. Semi-automatic welding machine Tesla Weld 3. Set of bimetallic crowns Bosch Progressor for Wood and Metal 4. Drill 5. Swivel vice 6. Grinder tool 7. Machine vice 8. Drilling machine SB4116HM Holzmann 9. Stationary Belt-Disk Sander Einhell TC-US 400 If anyone can help please get in touch with the Cargo Bikes for Ukraine Facebook Group

  2. 03/11/2022

    Fight Putin - Ride a Bike

    It's been a really horrendous few weeks, and Alex and Karen discuss ways in which we can all possibly make small changes to the way we travel in order to try and reduce our oil consumption.  It's not all about Ukraine though - we also discuss whether it's quicker to cycle or drive to the Scout hut, being Spiderman, solar powering your cargo bike, how Alex is learning to swim, some new bikes for children with proportional dwarfism, how to impress teenagers, a new bike gear shifter,  plus lots lots more! Get your Fight Putin Ride a Bike poster to show your solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Donate to the DEC Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal This podcast is a different format to our usual interview format so do let us know what you think - shall we do more like this?  Links to products mentioned in this episode  (Some links are affiliate links meaning we may get a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us fund the Family Cycling Podcast - thank you!) Cycle Sprog's Bike to school guide - download your copy now Black Mountain - check out the new grip shifters on their KAPEL and HUTTO models Hornit Bikes - have just released their 20" and 24" wheel HERO kids bikes Islabikes - have designed bikes for children with proportional dwarfism Enterprise Car Club - if you do go car free this can be a good way to keep access to a car Getaround - rent other people's cars, or rent out your own Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel - 21st March - 1st April 2022 Solis Energy  and Pylontech home batteries  what Alex uses to power his cargo bike

  3. 02/23/2022

    Balance Bikes - feat Karen Wood, KidVelo

    Balance bikes are great for children who aren't yet pedalling.   Karen Wood, who has been a leading light in the UK's balance biking community, and who has recently launched the KidVelo brand of balance bikes, tells us how she got into the balance biking industry and what it's like to launch a new balance biking company.  Oh, and why balance bikes are so great!  02:37 - Stabilisers vs balance bikes 05:23 - Buying a balance bike 09:24 - Interview with Karen Wood from Kidvelo - setting up a balance biking business - twice! 20:25 - Balance Bike recommendations 22:09 - Brakes on balance bikes 23:10 - How to use a balance bike 27:46 - Secondhand balance bikes 31:14 - Balance bike accessories Below you can find links to all the products referenced in the podcast.  Some of these do contain affiliate links, which mean we may get a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us keep the podcast running. Balance Bikes Black Mountain - balance bikes that convert into pedal bikes Bike Club - lease a balance bike for a small monthly fee KidVelo - Karen Wood's company specialising in balance bikes Hornit AIRO - very lightweight balance bikes Second hand balance bikes - there's a really good market in second hand quality balance bikes - whether you're buying or selling Strider Bikes - the bikes Karen Wood started out with Vitus Nippy - great value, lightweight balance bike Balance biking accessories Carribob Strap - for carrying a balance bike when it's not in use Kids sized cycle helmets - good idea if your child starts to go further and faster and may come off Tigo Gloves - come in small sizes for little hands Tassles - for adding fun to your balance bike handlebars

About

The Family Cycling Podcast delves into the joys and challenges of cycling with children. Hosted by Alex BB (a car-free dad of two) and Karen Gee (founder of the Cycle Sprog website and cycling mum of two teenage boys) each episode covers a different aspect of cycling with children. With special guests who are expert in the topic under discussion, you'll be raring to get pedalling by the end of the episode.