Cross training is one of those things we all know we should probably do, but ultimately never actually do! A lack of motivation for bikes right now is my main motivator for writing this, but ultimately, the importance of cross training for ultra-distance cycling cannot be understated. Those of you who follow my social media…
Following on from the last blog where I talked about high cadence pedalling, I wanted to share how I’ve adapted & made a change my training philosophy for ultra-distance cycling, following a traumatic brain injury. Back in December 2022, I went for a bike ride in Fort Worth, TX. I woke up 5 days later…
‘Fancy a beer? – that age old question that brings with it social pressure to fit in, or the FOMO from not going out. Yet how many times do you wake up the next day & regret it; sore head from too much booze, regretting the dodgy kebab, ill from dehydration or just tired from…
The reality is that this year has been a massive setback; I feel like I’ve gained nothing – yet come away with everything. I write this post without any specific objective other than to share the importance of creating a positive mindset & how it can help other people going through tough times. Growth &…
After explaining the nature of my accident, I thought I’d share some insights into my recovery from a brain haemorrhage. The arrival of Spring & British Summer Time day light saving has coincided perfectly with me feeling fit & able enough to start riding outside again! During this period of down time, I’ve spent a…
For the last few years my happiness levels have been directly proportional to the amount of time I spend outside, riding my bike. In the last few months I’ve been unable to exercise or socialise too much, so I’ve had to look for alternate ways of keeping my dopamine levels up. Allow me to explain…
I write this blog post in frustration, to vent my thoughts before starting my racing season with the Dales Divide next weekend. I’ve lost a lot of time to little niggly setbacks over the last few weeks. I wanted to talk about the importance of rest with respect to all the other tasks that need…
As daft as it sounds, riding long distances is not how I’m training for ultra-distance endurance cycling. You probably read my first diaries of an aspiring ultra-cyclist post & were left wondering ‘how on earth is a moderately fit recreational cyclist going to turn himself into an ultra-distance endurance cyclist? Surely he must be spending…
I can’t say I’m one for routine, nor I am the biggest fan of winter. The wind, rain & unpleasant forecasts often get the better of me. So how does someone who likes neither of those things find the motivation for outdoor winter training? Quite simply, I like to have something to look forward to…
Over the last two years, cycling has had a hugely positive effect on my life. It’s become influential in the way I live each day of my life – almost to the point of obsession. Given cycling will be dominating the latter part of my 2020 plans, I thought I’d write this post to explain…
Ups and downs, life is full of them. It’s cyclic. To enjoy the ups, you have to experience the downs. But key to ensuring that sinusoidal curve remains in balance is recognising bad habits. Bad habits start innocently, but can quickly tip you off balance and send you spiralling down a hole. Now that the…
So I’ve just returned back to normality after a week away, seeking both answers and adventure in the Scottish Highlands. It’s been a hectic summer – but for all the right reasons, this summer has been one to remember. From my journey of 1000 miles across the alps, to successfully adding my name to Everesting…
Ask people where they would picture mountain bike heaven, it’ll look something like beautiful British Colombia. More specifically, Whistler. A few friends told me at work, if I ever I got chance, I should absolutely do a day at Whistler Bike Park – no matter the cost. I’m lucky enough to be able to travel…