Nick Marks

The Argus's very own bicycle expert

The Argus's very own bicycle expert

Latest articles from Nick Marks

Pastoral prospect

If you enjoy undulating country lanes passing through the most peaceful and idyllic countryside the Weald can offer, then this ride by Nick Marks is for you. Do it this weekend and you’ll catch the last of the daffodils; leave it a month and you’ll see the best of the bluebells.

Making a day of it

This month Nick Marks heads out on a leisurely lap of the Weald, starting out along the coast before heading inland via Steyning, then along the back of the Downs. The ride offers a fine introduction to the pleasures of touring, with a wonderful variety of scenery and plenty of places to stop and eat. This would make a great day trip, and you don’t have to be super fit to do it.

Bike battle

If you’re tired of the local trails and fancy seeing somewhere different, Friston Forest is the place for you. You’ll find plenty of space, trails for all levels of rider and experts on hand to offer advice and guidance to help you get the most out of your visit. Nick Marks finds out more...

Country comforts

Summer is over which means two things: firstly, it’s time to leave the muddy bridlepaths behind and hit the tarmac, and secondly, there’s no need to be beach gorgeous. What better time for some calorie-rich tours of the pubs and cafes of the Weald? This month Nick Marks heads out to Hurstpierpoint.

Coast is clear

This month’s ride with Nick Marks is a leisurely trip out along the coast, past some of Brighton’s most famous and historic landmarks. It is especially suitable for taking children along, either on bikes, in bike seats, or in a trailer.

Out of the woods

On this month’s ride with Nick Marks we take a trip over the Downs via Pyecombe and Clayton, taking in some fantastically varied riding and enjoying the Weald on the very cusp of summer. From now until the end of June is the best time of the year to savour the bucolic delights of Sussex: enjoy!

Family fun for everyone

This month’s bike ride with Nick Marks is a brief excursion into the beautiful wild area between Whitehawk and Woodingdean. It’s fairly short, the roads aren’t too busy, and you can use almost any kind of bike, so it’s ideal for a family bike day out.

Fit for a king

This month’s ride with Nick Marks follows Monarch’s Way, the route Charles II took in 1651 to escape to France after losing the Battle of Worcester to Oliver Cromwell. It’s not the most scenic of rides but it has its own unique kind of barren appeal, and the downhill sections are fun. If this isn’t enough you can always ride it in kingly fancy dress.

Infinity and beyond

A peek at a dairy farm, horsey Telscombe, a concrete road stretching to infinity and the power of mutual respect to transcend the need for law. Discover it all, and more, on this month’s ride with Nick Marks out to the Downs and back.

Downhill biking bliss

The first ride of 2010 with Nick Marks takes you to Lewes along the old Juggs Road donkey track and returns over the Downs, finishing with the finest stretch of cross-country riding in the area. If your new year’s resolution is to get fit, this is a great way to start.