If you are interested in the Great Outdoors, Simply Hike has something for everyone, from family campers to lightweight expedition equipment.

Firstly, the 2008 Kula is great value because it is approximately £300 cheaper than the 2009 model. While next year’s bike may be better specced. I’m not sure if it is £300 better?

Secondly, the bike has a few ‘technical improvements’ that I could only dream of when I bought my bike. It has disc brakes which seem to have crossed over from the car world in my absence from mountain biking shops. It has more gears than my mountain bike (boy, do I need extra gears sometimes!) and it has front suspension as standard.

It all seems to be in a different league to my trusty old Specialized Rockhopper!

There are a wide range of cycling computers that you can get these days. From basic speed through to models with wireless technology and even models that will display your heart rate. I’ve not been brave enough to measure heart rate since I was cycling up through Macclesfield Forest with a monitor strapped to my chest. The rapidly increasing numbers were a bit worrying as I approached the top of the hill!

Apart from the heart rate measurement in some models, the other indicators like speed and distance are things that I need to know on every ride … even if they are not particularly high figures! If I have not ridden for a while, I use the average speed to tell me how (un)fit I am. Otherwise, I just like to see how far I have cycled.

Evans Cycles has a reasonable range of bike computers. Try the Cateye Enduro 8 (above) for a reasonably priced example.

After a short journey to my local Evans cycle store in Gatwick, I’m now the proud owner of this Altura Nevis jacket in blue. It seems to be a very good jacket for the price (£50) and I’m pleased with the purchase. It’s not the most expensive jacket in the world but I did not want to pay more than £100.

The jacket feels very comfortable, it’s breathable and it has reflective piping for those October  evenings. On my trip, I’m hoping to be in the bar by the time it gets dark (!) but you never know whether you might be delayed by punctures or map reading on cycling trips…. so reflective material might be useful. I’ll also be taking lights and other reflective gear as well.

All in all, I feel ready for anything that the Isle of Wight and October’s weather can throw at me….

I stayed in The Cliff at Bude which is a friendly hotel on, yes you guessed, the cliff top overlooking Crooklets Beach (one of two beaches in Bude). Walks along both beaches are a good way of blowing away the cobwebs of city life. We were lucky to have some sunny September weather during most of the visit which meant that beach walks were definitely a favourite pastime.

Overall

Bude is a nice place to stay. Typical small seaside town but not too over-developed. Great coastal scenery. Surfing is very popular.

» Try the Rough Guide to Devon and Cornwall for more information about this area.

I know most of the trail routes near here but I am always looking for new routes to explore. A new book called Cycling in Sussex: Off-Road Trails and Quiet Lanes seems to be just the book I need to find some new rides!

The book is very nicely designed and each route has a map with some excellent and easy-to-follow directions. The routes are graded from family/easy rides through to medium and hard rides and the distances for each route varies from 4 km to 28 km. There should be something for everybody whatever your cycling experience or fitness.

One other useful feature is that each route has several nearby pubs highlighted! I always find that a beer stop is an essential part of any ride….

Related: Horsham Pub Guide

Receive 40% off Swimwear from Monday 30th June to Monday 14th July.  This is only valid for one single use.  Use Voucher Code 1714 to take advantage of this offer. The offer is valid on women, men and children’s swimwear.

There is a great selection to choose from in a range of styles, colours and sizes, including bikinis, swimsuits, tankinis and separates, so you can mix and match.  Buy now before before your summer holiday!

Ideally, a road bike would be best for this particular ride because it is mainly an on-road trip. I don’t have a road bike so my MTB will have to do. Mine is a bit like this Rockhopper from Evans Cycles. Everyone else has MTBs and/or hybrid bicycles so I should not be too far behind!

I aim to return with that tired, but not too painful, feeling that you get after a longish walk/ride/run. Wish me luck!

Karrimor KSB 300 Leather Skye 3-Season boot

The classic Karrimor KSB 300 Leather Skye walking boot is back! Now with eVENT, a waterproof and breathable lining. This boot is a leather version of the outrageously popular and successful KSB 300 and it is ideal for walking and trekking.

A true classic, the design is comfortable and also waterproof and breathable – thanks to its eVENT lining – and also includes the excellent Vibram Bifida sole unit, which provides great traction in a wide range of conditions.

Karrimor KSB Latitude New Buck Leather

A nice soft leather boot for anyone looking for a bit more comfort than standard polished leather boot.

Karrimor revolutionised walking boots with their KSB design because it was more comfortable and lighter weight than pretty much anything else at the time. The KSB series of boots has gone from strength to strength ever since and now includes a wide range of footwear perfect for UK feet, conditions and far beyond.

The KSB Latitude is a nice-looking yet fully functional leather boot that is ideal for walking and trekking. The design is comfortable, supportive and fully waterproof – thanks to the excellent eVENT lining.

In addition, Aktive8.com have discounted 25% off the RRP on all Karrimor shoes and walking boots for the next four weeks.