Hannah’s Bike Barn

26/01/2025

My learn to ride lessons always drop off in the winter and for good reason. It’s often cold, wet or icy (or all three!). However, I’m always happy to reschedule lessons if the weather is not going to be fun for a child to ride in (or for me to teach in) but a lovely family traveled all the way from Crawley to Plaistow for a lesson last weekend and braved the weather all the same (fortunately the rain held off).

Teaching a child to two wheels from stabilisers usually takes a little longer than those who haven’t had stabilisers. This little girl turned up a little nervous initially but she was full of energy and had a massive smile on her face for the whole hour. It’s always encouraging when they are shouting over to their parents that “THIS IS SO MUCH FUN!”

Within 45 minutes this 5 year old was setting off herself and cycling on two wheels - She was over the moon about it too! (As were her parents).

I get so much joy from teaching a skill that will be with someone for life, even if it means I look like an idiot playing ponies and silly games in the process. I am looking forward to this trainee coming back for another lesson in a few weeks when we will work on cycling up and down little hills, on loose surfaces, braking, avoiding obstructions, looking around and cycling with others (my daughter likes to help with that bit!).

I’m available Wednesdays and Thursdays after School and at weekends if you want a few lessons to get your little (or big) one cycling and ready for a summer pedalling. I will also be offering a course in the Easter Holidays. I teach children from 3yrs to retired adults, from learning to ride or gaining confidence on the road or how to cycle safely as a family. Feel free to send me a message!

14/08/2024

I am pretty proud we even made it out the door to attempt to cycle to Paris with my 6 year old daughter! But we did that AND made it to Paris!

We have been fundraising for several causes, if you haven’t already and can spare a few £ please consider donating. The funds will be shared out ❤️

In the mean time I’m back in the workshop today and trying to get my head around the work I didn’t finish before we left 2 weeks ago!

To read more about our adventure and 307km ride to Paris (and some of the way back) you can visit/like/follow my blog here:

Seren's big bike ride

Donations gratefully received here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/Serensbigbikeride

Thank you to all those who’ve been supporting our journey, I feel this success has opened up lots of opportunities I never thought possible until now. I miss the simplicity of cycling and being on the road already but the fun of planning the next adventure can now begin!

A mum and her six-year-old daughter have cycled an incredible 190 miles from Sussex to the Paris Olympics and back.

15/04/2024

Orange moose comes highly recommended for all your design and print needs!

Thank you Hannah's bike barn for using me for your new logo.

07/04/2024

This weekend I took myself on a mini adventure with on one of their Intro to bikepacking weekends on the Southdown’s in Sussex.

With plans for a big adventure in the Summer I really needed to find something to inspire and give me some confidence. I went into this weekend having had a busy and stressful couple of weeks for a lot of reasons, and came away with a feeling of inner calm and ready to crack on with work, life and adventure planning.

The miles were hard. Who am I kidding I know full well it’s not flat. But I also thought it wasn’t going to be as hard as it was. The weight of the bike (and me!), the wind and hills were hard going. The pace of the group was generally faster than me unless it was an off road descent or really muddy. It was a bit tough at times being at the back and feeling on constant catch up, but it was also nice to be pushed to do my best. The support was fantastic from the staff and volunteers. They were all extremely kind and supportive.

As well as the great riding there was a great community and I’ve made some really lovely friends I hope to ride with again. The routes were scenic and varied, and the choice of snack/lunch/breakfast stop’s excellent.

Staying at Southdown’s for the first night and the second night were great choices. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.

Loads of tips and tricks, lots of fun, not much sleep!

I finally went on a bike ride for myself which felt amazing and gave me the headspace I didn’t realise how much I really needed.

Going to feel it in my legs tomorrow!

Would highly recommend giving one of these weekends ago!

*photo credit of the Rainbow was Helen one of the SitW volunteers

25/03/2024

I’m organising some Easter Cycle Courses and lessons at Plaistow Youth Club Sports Courts next week. If anyone is interested please send me a message or give me a call to discuss or book.

Learn to ride (4years+ and bigger kids welcome!) 3 x 50 minute group lesson from £40

Cycle skills development group course 2 x 50 minutes £40 each

On road cycle confidence sessions for 9 year olds to adult from £20 (1:2) (location can be flexible for road sessions, Kirdford and Wisborough Green are better for road infrastructure).

I also now have a trike/adapted bike for those not able to cycle on two wheels but want to enjoy and access the freedom of cycling.

Helmets and bikes can be provided if needed, lessons will also be available weekends during term time.

10/01/2024

With a little bit of help from my friend I’ve managed to get my hands on a couple of these limited edition tea/coffee flasks which Park Tool only made available in the US and I am very very happy with them! Another is a gift for a very special mentor John John Wright who has been at the end of the phone or WhatsApp since the beginning.

I am currently stuck at home recovering from Covid or similar virus which has wiped me out so this is a very timely delivery. Thank you so much Madeline 🙏❤️

30/11/2023

It’s 1 degree Celsius in my office today 🥶 trying to regain feeling to my fingers!

Note to self. Buy heater it’s going to get colder!

29/11/2023

Why we emotionally attach ourselves to material items I don’t understand. But I said a sad goodbye to this vintage Peugeot racer my grandad left behind. It has been sitting in the shed and I was never going to give it the love and attention it needed however when the ebay buyer said they were coming by train to collect (we don’t have public transport to where I am), and then said they were cycling it home (to Essex) I thought they must be slightly crazy and I admired their ambition especially as they weren’t meeting me in Horsham until after lunch.

So I decided to try and get it working. I had some tyres (the original tyres had turned to powder) and I cracked off the 40 year old grease so the chain went round and adjusted the brakes.

There’s a bit of me that’s a bit annoyed I didn’t do this before listing on ebay as spares and repairs and also just taking it out for a ride before it was rehomed.

Anyway, my grandad will be pleased it’s gone to a collector with the original book it came with (and I hope he made it home in one piece!). My dad will be happy with one less bike around.

23/11/2023

Excuse the mess! (The boxes from the sale at the weekend!) but this one will be ready for sale and be listed tomorrow if anyone is looking for a 20” purple bike for someone for Christmas. 😊

19/11/2023

The most space I’ve ever had ❤️🎄