Again I raffled off a bike to raise funds for Movember. The 2023 raffle bike was a Cervelo Caledonia 5 in a size 58. Here’s the videos of painting it with Kustom Flow.
Completing Badlands for a third consecutive year!
I managed to complete Badlands for a third consecutive year. A feat that I think only a small handful of people have managed to do. Again we filmed my experience at the race. You can watch the complete playlist of films here:
The National Hill Climb Video Series
I have never been much of a hill climber but for 2023 I decided to race a full hill climb season ending up in taking part in the National Hill Climb on The Struggle in the Lake District.
The World Champs Project
Starting on the 28th July I will be beginning my World Champs Project. I plan to use this ride to celebrate the history of the cycling World Championships and cycle a route connecting together all of the previous world championships in the UK. We have been lucky to have it here 5 times:
Goodwood (1982)
Leicester (1970)
Liverpool (1922)
Harrogate (2019)
Glasgow (2023)
Please do come along and join me on this ride if you can at any point! The above tracker will show you where I am on the road. I’ll be cycling from the 28th July until the 4th August.
If you are able to, please consider donating to Movember or The Pace Centre, a school for kids with Cerebral Palsy. Charities are finding it tough this year more than ever so the support would be hugely appreciated.
Below is a link to the collection on Komoot which shows the routes
Get 20% off Pelotan sunscreen with discount code CHRISHALL20
I’ve been using Pelotan sunscreen for years! I love the smell of it and also the fact it’s a spray as well as a roll on option. Recently we teamed up to offer you 20% off their entire range with the discount code CHRISHALL20. So make sure you are protected this summer!
What it's like to do a 780km Ultra Race: Badlands 2022 (part 1 & 2)
The penultimate part of the Badlands video series showcases the first half of the race, getting through The Gorafe Desert, up to Calar Alto and through the brutal Tabernas Desert, where many spaghetti westerns were filmed. I hope you enjoy the first part of the race!
The FINAL part of the Badlands video series showcases the second half of the race, starting after another rough night's sleep just outside of the Tabernas Desert and heading to the finish. I hope you enjoy the final part of the race!
5 REALLY USEFUL BICYCLE MAINTENANCE TIPS WITH A PRO MECHANIC
This is Nico. He is an outstanding mechanic working at The Service Course in Wilmslow and has helped me out with maintaining my bikes since I moved to The Peak District. In this video he gives 5 really useful tips to maintain your bike.
20 REALLY USEFUL BIKEPACKING THINGS YOU NEED
I've done a LOT of bikepacking trips over the years. So, I thought it would be useful to go through the top 20 things you NEED for your next bikepacking trip.
1- Tailfin straps: https://www.tailfin.cc/product/cargo-cage-system/cargo-straps/cargo-straps/?v=79cba1185463
2- Emergency Bivy: https://amzn.to/3jj8W6u
3- Fold up Shoes: https://amzn.to/3Rqt435
4- Tracker: https://amzn.to/3wO2Myk
5- Water Filter: https://amzn.to/3WUdAoX
6- Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/3Dx97BL
7- Bicycle Computer: https://amzn.to/3HtqCo1
8- Attacus Bib Shorts: https://attacus.cc
9- Dynamo Lights: https://www.klite.com.au
10- Spork: https://amzn.to/3HPVuR1
11- Bag: https://www.apidura.com/shop/packable-musette/
12- Power Bank: https://amzn.to/3WUdSwm
13- Top Tube Bag: keep an eye out on @TailfinCycling
14- Spare Lights I Use: https://amzn.to/3l40yYL
15- Spare Tools: I use a mix of stuff from different brands as explained in the video
16- Sunglasses: https://www.sungod.co/en-gb/
17- Spares: as explained in the video from various brands
18- First Aid Kit: https://amzn.to/3XTvJVf
19- Cafe Lock: https://amzn.to/3HP4JAM
20- Multi Charging DooDa Box: https://amzn.to/3XWIsqb
KitBrix (Get 20% off with code CHRISHALL20)
Starting to get everything ready for Badlands, shoving my cycling kit, shoes and all the snacks into a KitBrix, it has a compartment for everything.
Still using my original bag, the prize for first place in the relay triathlon at the Bastion Hever Castle 2016. (I did the bike leg for those who want to know)
These bags stand the test of time.
They also have these pretty fantastic ponchos which I often take to races to get changed in or just as an extra layer when it’s biblical or cold.
If you’re in need of one of the bags or ponchos you can get 20% off your order with the code CHRISHALL20. Peace ✌️time to pack, unpack and pack again.
The Seven Everests Project
I will attempt to cycle 7 Everests in 7 days to raise awareness for mental health and funds for Movember
On the 16th May until the 22nd May, I will attempt to cycle 7 Everests, one every day of the week to raise awareness and funds for the incredible work Movember carry out in supporting mental health.
The concept of Everesting is fiendishly simple: Pick any hill, anywhere in the world and complete repeats of it in a single activity until you climb 8,848m – the equivalent height of Mt Everest. I will be tackling his challenge on the iconic Stwlan Dam.
As far as climbs go, the Llyn Stwlan Dam in Snowdonia may well be the best kept secret on British soil. It boasts the type of tight switchbacks that look more like the Stelvio Pass than anything you might expect in the back roads of Wales, as well as a savage gradient of 9.7%. Its second half hovers at a far more punishing 12%. As it is the service road for a dam, it is also blissfully free of motor traffic. And once you reach the dam itself, the view over Snowdonia is unique, and well worth a few minutes in the red.
I will need to complete 33 reps of the climb every day to climb the 8,848m required. It will total around 182km each day and is expected to take around 14 hours.
I’m inviting people to come and join me in my quest to complete this challenge.
Jumbo Visma Cervélo R5 Bike Build
Here's an absolutely stunning bike build for you, one of the super limited 2022 Cervélo R5s that Primož Roglič first teased to us in Fleche Wallone way back in April 2022. We later saw the Belgium steam train, Wout Van Aert win on this bike in Le Tour De France on the iconic Mont Ventoux stage! The new R5 is a semi-aero, super lightweight bike with tweaked frame shaping and fully internal cable routing.
I was incredibly lucky to get my hands on one and built up an absolute dream bike thanks to the guys at The Service Course in Wilmslow. The bike has been professionally built up using Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, and finished with a PRO Stealth saddle. The wheels are the highly rated Parcours Ronde wheels equipped with 28mm Schwalbe Pro One Tyres. I hope you enjoy watching this build.
WIN THIS BIKE
The custom painted Cervélo R3 (size 54) frame has been lovingly painted by Chris Hall, of Zero Lemon, with some friends and prepared and finished by Gun Control Custom Paint to provide a clean and professional finish to the bike.
The Cervélo R3 (size 54) has been built up with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset which Chris actually used for 107TDF in 2020 and comes equipped with a set of Parcours carbon rims with Schwalbe One Pro tyres.
How to Enter?
It's actually very simple. A £10 donation on one of the above donation page gives you ONE entry into the raffle. This £10 donation goes direct to Movember or The Pace Centre, you can choose where you would like your donation to go. You can enter as many times as you like. There is no limit to the amount of entries you can put in.
When you add your donation, please make sure you add your contact details so that I can contact you if you win!
Entries close 30th January and the winner will be selected at random and will be announced on 31st January! I will share a video of the draw through my social media accounts so make sure you’re following! If you are the winner, please reach out to me (@Chrishallrides or @ZeroLemon) or I will drop you a message via the contact details provided. You will have ONE WEEK to claim your prize.
We will then either arrange collection or postage of the bike.
The raffle is open worldwide and the bike will be shipped to whoever the winner is. If they would like to collect the bike in person, I will also meet them at Gun Control Custom Paint where the bike is currently on display.
A massive thank you to Cervélo for providing the bike and Parcours for providing the wheels. Also a massive thank you to Gun Control Custom Paint, who helped to prepare and finish the frame and funded a party for all of us and for all their advice and trusting in me to produce something pretty special. Movember and Pace do incredible work in helping transform and change people’s lives for the better and hopefully this bike will also help them to continue to do the incredible work they do but also help inspire someone to head out and take on their own challenges and adventures on it.
About The Pace Centre
The Pace Centre is a school dedicated to transforming the lives of children up to the age of 18 with motor disorders such as cerebral palsy. Completely self-funded, it's founded on the firm belief that every child has the ability to learn and make progress, whatever physical or sensory challenges they face.
About Movember
Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health on a global scale, focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer
The charity raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programmes that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Committed to disrupting the status quo, millions have joined the movement, helping fund over 1,250 projects around the world.
In addition to tackling key health issues faced by men, Movember is working to encourage men to stay healthy in all areas of their life, with a focus on men staying socially connected and becoming more open to discussing their health and significant moments in their lives. The charity’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health.
My Cervélo R5 Classics edition bike check
Here's a little walk through of my Cervélo R5 Classics edition, a bike which was first launched at Paris Roubaix in 2018. The bike is built up with Shimano Dura Ace Di2 and sitting on a set of Parcours Ronde wheels with Schwalbe Pro One tyres.
7 Ways To Enjoy Some New Adventures On Your Bike Over Winter
1- Dress for the weather you are about to ride in.
It sounds incredibly simple but making sure you have the right kit for the winter and the ride you have
planned will greatly help with giving yourself the right motivation to get out there when the temperatures get
into the single digits. Komoot has a great feature where you can check the weather forecast before you leave
which will give you accurate information on what the weather will be like whilst you are out. You can select
the time you are planning to leave and will be shown a breakdown of the temperature, precipitation, wind and
sunrise or sunset. Check out some of the lovely kit from Attacus
2- Ride with mates.
There is nothing better than sharing the road with a friend, so take the opportunity to crunch some miles with
a nice cafe stop where you can chat the whole way round. It’ll make the miles fly by and it’s the perfect
opportunity to set the world right. For me, I often plan a route to a cafe we haven’t been to before, which
keeps the motivation high to see some new roads. On a side note of this, I’d also say get some mudguards
on your bike. Your mate will thank you later.
3- Try riding to another town or city you have never visited by bike, and get the train home.
Even though the days are a bit shorter (remember those lights), you can definitely still get out and have your
own little adventures. I know so often we think about riding from our front door and then returning to it but
maybe plan a longer ride, to a town or city you have never ridden to before and then get the train back. It’s a
great opportunity to see somewhere new, sample the local cakes, a hot meal or other delicacies you may
fancy when you arrive and then wrap up with some additional warm layers for your train journey home.
Maybe planning a few of these little adventures will help keep winter exciting for you.
4- Explore some new roads or trails.
Are you getting bored of riding the same little loops or routes? I know I do often get a bit fed up of doing the
same so, the moment I do, I use this as an excuse to plan a new little adventure. I’ve used Komoot for route
planning for several years now, whether that’s from cycling across Australia or just trying to figure out a new
hour loop from my front door. Maybe this is the ideal time to try something a little different? That could be
some gravel riding or hitting some trails on a MTB. There is tonnes of fantastic bike parks across the UK
which all have great rental bike options and cleaning facilities.
5- Set off a bit later.
This one is my biggest tip, especially when the temperatures have really plummeted and we have started to
see some snow or ice. Setting off even an hour later when it’s a bit lighter and marginally warmer will allow
some of the dreaded black ice to thaw somewhat. No one likes crashing so have that extra coffee in the
morning instead.
6- Make sure you have lights and if you can, fit mudguards.
Your mates will thank you for the second part of this definitely. I know some people are not the biggest fan of
them but not only will mudguards keep your friends from eating half of the road spray from your rear wheel, it
will also help protect some of your drivetrain to help make it last longer. Winter is all about looking after your
bike in the best possible way you can. As the days get shorter make sure you have a good set of lights which
are charged just incase you get caught out.
7- Treat yourself!
It’s always worth pointing out that hard work deserves an extra treat at the cafe or when you get home. It’s the festive season after all!
The Nuts & Bolts Ride - A Classic Reinvented’
Part 1:
TESTICULAR CANCER. We all know about it and let’s be honest cycling has a bit of history with it thanks to a certain TDF rider.
April is testicular cancer awareness month and it’s important that we as men are aware of how important it is to regularly #KnowThyNuts.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men aged between 15 and 45 – approximately 2,400 guys are diagnosed with the disease each year in the UK.
In fact, globally, men aged 18-34 are most at risk of the disease, yet 83% of them don’t know it. And while it’s rare (it accounts for 1% of all male tumours), there are still 70,000 men across the world who
are diagnosed with the disease each year.
Awareness is key - which is where Movember comes in.
This April, The Nuts & Bolts ride starts. A variation of the famous coast to coast cycling challenge which involved cycling from the closest Western and Eastern points of the UK.
The Nuts & Bolts ride takes this challenge, and flips it on it’s head cycling from the most Western point of the UK, Land’s End, to the most Eastern point, Ness Point in Lowestoft. The route takes in around 690kms and over 6500 meters of elevation.
Through my suffering, riding non stop across the UK, the aim is to showcase, fundraise and highlight the incredible work carried out by Movember in changing the face of men’s health.
So if you are reading this, you know part 1 didn’t quite go to plan..
We all face challenges in life. It’s not always possible to see a solution or cope with your reaction. I had a major setback recently, during part 1, I was trying to achieve something positive, and because of the mindless actions of a small group of people, it came to a premature end.
One thing that has helped is to talk about it, and share how it affected me, and this is something we can all do, in any situation. Having people listen, nothing more, is a huge help.
It’s not always easy for men to reach out, and to feel vulnerable. It can also be tough to know what to say to someone you think is struggling. I’ve been supporting Movember for a long time now, and they have tools to help with reaching out.
ALEC. Ask. Listen. Encourage action. Check in.
This simple model is easy to remember and follow when you want to approach a guy (or anyone) who you think is having a tough time. You learn more here.
Movember Conversations helps you rehearse these tricky situations. Prepare yourself and get some tips on how to help a guy open up. Try it out at conversations.movember.com
Need professional help and resources? Movember have compiled a comprehensive list here for all kinds of mental health support.
On the 29th May, I’ll be heading back down to Land’s End to have another crack at the Nuts and Bolts ride. Cycling from England’s most Western point to the most Eastern point, Ness Point as quick as I can to raise money for the incredible work carried out by Movember. If you are able to support in some way, it’s hugely appreciated.
If I could ask you to do one thing, it’s to talk more. I hope by continuing these challenges, I can draw more attention to men’s mental health.
The second attempt was a great success, completing the ride with under 30 hours moving time. Below is the Komoot collection for the ride:
Emily Childs from Attacus and I recently recorded a podcast talking about many of the highs and lows of the challenge plus how it mentally affected me in post a positive and negative way. You can watch it here:
And listen to it here:
Episode 48- The All New Cervélo Áspero 5 A Breakdown of Cervélo’s all new gravel bike
So this episode is a little different to some of the previous episodes I have recorded but I wanted to offer you an insight into Cervélo's newest bike launched this morning (20/04/21)! In episode 48 of the podcast I chat with good friend Phil Spearman, Global Product Marketing Manager at Cervélo to give a deep dive breakdown of the Áspero 5. Phil and myself chat regularly as we record an internal podcast as well for Cervélo and thought why not do something similar for you all to listen to about this exciting new bike! Flat-out. That’s how Áspero debuted under the characters of the Wednesday Night Rough Club two years ago, and that’s how it’s stayed. And since, at Cervélo, they know that flat out doesn’t stay flat out for long without a little help from science, they've come back from the drawing board with a new Áspero. A faster Áspero, a lighter Áspero, and—dare we say it—an even better looking Áspero.
The Zero Lemon Podcast: Episode 45- Tim Allen: Soigneur Bike Fitting: Bike Fitting Tips: How To Get More From Cycling.
Tim Allen, founder of Soigneur Bike Fitting has helped me out for several years now with getting as comfortable as possible on the bike. Tim has an incredible knowledge when it comes to making you comfortable and efficient when cycling and also it can't be denied that he is an absolute weapon when he races too and a true fan of the sport. In this episode we discuss some little tips and things that can help you on your bike with your position but also talk about equality in cycling, women's racing and what's next for Soigneur.
Make sure you're following Tim here
For more information on how to get booked up with Tim, head over to his website: https://www.soigneur.co.uk/
You can watch the podcast here:
You can listen to the podcast here:
The Zero Lemon Podcast- Gareth Winter of Sky
It’s been awesome seeing how the podcast has grown more and more in popularity! I’ve now started recording these as videos as well as audio. The latest podcast features Gareth Winter who wrote a lovely article recently about a ride we shared in Belgium. You can read that here. Gareth also interview Johan Museeuw, The Lion of Flanders whilst we were there. You can watch that here:
Our podcast that we recorded together can be watched here:
TURBO
A video focused on what I seem to be spending a lot of time doing at the moment, riding my bike indoors on the turbo. It's a bit like meditation to me. (I shot this and used it as a bit of an opportunity to learn a bit more about video editing. So no real purpose. to it but I hope you enjoy.)
