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…
I’m relatively new to world of cycling & ultra-distance, I’m learning all the time, however understanding the effect of bike position has been revolutionary for me. I wanted to write this post to share a couple of things I learned about bike position during 2022 & how you can get the perfect bike position for…
I’ve had a bit of an epiphany regarding ultra-distance riding & racing. So far in 2022 I’ve entered two races; the Dales Divide & All Points North – both resulting in DNFs. I should be disappointed, yet I only feel acceptance. This epiphany I’ve had is more a moment of acceptance, realising that I’m still…
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…
I really want to talk about dealing with setbacks; as with any endeavour in life, setbacks will happen – it’s inevitable & totally unavoidable – the only thing that matters is your response. Setbacks come in many forms; illness, injury, life events, work, bike malfunctions etc. Luckily I haven’t had any major setbacks as I…
2021 challenged me in a lot of ways; injuries & Covid cancellations mainly. However disappointment is only a disappointment if you allow it to be so – really its an opportunity to learn, develop & grow. Here’s 9 things I learnt from my debut year in ultra-distance cycling, which I wish I knew before I…
Intro All Points North 2021 is a self-supported, ultra-distance, endurance race. It’s a really unique race in that there isn’t a set route – there isn’t even a set direction! The only criteria is you must ride to each of the 10 checkpoints, which are dotted – not very evenly – around the north of…
“Now, this is a story all about how my life got flipped-turned upside down…” Hey everyone, It’s been a while since I posted here! I hope you’re all well, that you’ve managed to maintain some sort of sanity & wellbeing and here’s hoping for much more positive year! So… 2020, the year of roaming home….
Injuries, an inevitable art of living an active lifestyle. The subtle art of slowing down isn’t really an art, more an enforced mundanity that absolutely no-one enjoys. 2020 was a year that meant taking every opportunity to get outside, before Boris changed his mind about restrictions – again! I rely on exercise for physical wellbeing,…
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…
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…
‘The concept of Everesting is fiendishly simple: Pick any hill, anywhere in the world and ride repeats of it in a single activity until you climb 8,848m – the equivalent height of Mt Everest. Complete the challenge, and you’ll find your name in the Hall of Fame, alongside the best climbers in the world.’ –…
My traverse across the Eastern Dolomites brought me to the foothills of the Julian Alps, where I was to begin bikepacking the Soca Valley. I’d experienced remoteness and isolation for the first time on this journey of one thousand miles. I’d ridden in thick clouds, through apocalyptic rain, getting further and further from civilisation. Having…
Part 2 of my journey of one thousand miles, bikepacking across the Italian Dolomites, started in spectacular fashion. Camping at high altitude, not far from Livigno. That night was the night the weather was due to break across the alps. TDF stage 19 had already been abandoned and the bad weather was due to move…
Part 1 of my journey of one thousand miles, across the European alps started in Switzerland. My plan was to ride across Switzerland through the Bernese Oberland & Graubunden, aiming to cross the border into Italy near Livigno. As crazy as a journey of one thousand miles across the alps may sound, it was a…
With a full weekend of sunny weather, I loaded my bike and kit and headed north for a 3 day Lake District bikepacking epic. After the success of my recent midweek mountain bike micro adventures, followed by getting my first 100 mile day ride under my belt, I figured the next step on my big…
4 day bank holiday weekends coupled with sunshine are a thing to behold in the UK. Whilst the beers gardens nationwide were packed, I opted for seclusion and adventuring on the Isle of Arran. Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons, bringing the best of the summer months, but without the continued heat intensity. Spring…
I’ve finished my dissertation! Those long coffee-fuelled days and sleepless nights are at an end. The level of stress is none existent and I find myself with so many free hours in the day – the question is, what to do now I’ve finished my dissertation?! Pretty simple really, get back to living the life…
Over the last few weeks I’ve gotten myself back into cycling to work, this new found love of road cycling came about when on a chilled-out break down in Cornwall. Of the 5 days we spent living the simple beach lifestyle, we moved the van once – cycling everywhere; to the beach, to the town,…