Christmas, it’s that time of year when the days are short, the weather is questionable and free time is at a premium. As it often feels like riding takes a back seat come December, we’re bringing you a special cycling rewrite of the 18th-century Christmas carol, ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’. Our version provides you not with an accumulation of pointless and frankly bizarre gifts, but a dozen baubles of inspiring advice, pro rider insights and things to do to keep you motivated over Yuletide.
Yes, we’ve gone pun-crazy – or maybe outright crazy – for this one. In doing so, we prioritised usefulness over pun quality, so cut us some slack on the latter – it’s Christmas, after all!
We’re not demanding that you carry out these 12 suggestions in order – technically, the 12 days of Christmas run from Christmas Day until 5 January – but rather to schedule them as you see fit. Let’s do this. Cue Slade and let’s get rocking around CW’s 12 slays of Christmas!
ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS…
A part-ridge on a Pearson
Ride part of a mountain ridge on a Pearson bicycle – come on, it’s the best we could do! Let’s run with it… Founded in 1860, Pearson Cycles in Richmond, London, is officially recognised as the oldest bike shop in the world. Originally a blacksmith’s shop in Sutton, Surrey, it is now run by the fifth generation of the family. We asked Will Pearson for his guide to the perfect Christmastime ride.
“Season’s greetings, bike rider! Here’s my advice for
