Bye bye, Snow Eye!

The big freeze continues and there's no let-up predicted with latest reports anticipating the cold snap will last for at least another 10 days.
Those still braving it by bike in the icy conditions could do worse than consider a pair of snow goggles or clear-lensed glasses to protect eyes. I've been lent a pair of these dhb triple lensed sunglasses by a friend and despite my initial baulking at the price of them, I must confess I'm totally converted and have already requested a pair for my birthday. They are fantastic - the only slight problem is they can steam up a little at the beginning and end of your journey as your temperature changes. I've been using the clear lenses, but they also come with blue-tinted lenses for glare and standard sunglass lenses.

Look after your skin this chilly winter

It's officially freezing! In the grips of one of the coldest winters in living memory, and what experts are saying may be one of the coldest on record for many MANY years, what's a girl on two wheels to do? Well, wrap up warm and brave it - as long as you keep an eye out for that pesky ice. With a few extra layers and a scarf and gloves, it's not so bad out there and the crisp, winter air is actually very refreshing.
But there's one part of the body it's impossible to cover up completely - your face. In these freezing conditions it's important to take extra care of your skin.
Try a super-rich moisturiser like this fantastic anti-redness rich moisturising cream from Eah Thermale Avene. I'm hooked on this stuff - we can all suffer from ruddy cheeks in this cold weather and this clever cream evens out an overly red complexion whilst intensively moisturising even the most sensitive skin.
Don't forget your eyes either. Moisturising eye drops are invaluable in chilly conditions. I've been using Murine's Bright and Moist Eyes and they do exactly what they say on the tin.
A good lip balm is also essential. There's more types of balm out there than you can shake a stick at but I'm a fan of the traditional Vaseline Lip Therapy tins - my personal favourite is the green tin with Aloe Vera. Alternatively if you want more protection Blistex MedPlus for Lips is a good buy.
Finally even hands warmly wrapped up in gloves can get dry and flaky. This year mine have been particularly bad and as well as dry skin, I've developed a delightful prickly rash that flares up from time to time - usually after washing up! I'm using Eau Thermale Avene Tridera creme emolliente, which is a rich emollient cream, but I imagine good old E45 would also do the job just as well.

Next Pedal it Pink event - Essex

Want to cycle a marathon distance and raise money for a good cause? Look no further than Pedal it Pink, one of Breast Cancer Campaign's cycling fundraisers.
Participants are invited to register and cycle either a half marathon - a paltry 13.1 miles - or a full marathon - an exciting 26.2 miles.
There's also a 5K family lap for husbands/boyfriends/partners and children.
The next Pedal it Pink will be held on Sunday March 28 2010 at River Lee Country Park, Essex.
Get more info and register online here.

Happy New Year!

And Happy Cycling in 2010!