I’m told it’s going to be the worst winter since 1947, which may or may not turn out to be true. One thing’s certain though, if winter does turn nasty, then I want to be out in it on my bike and these are going to help. The ‘these’ in question are Hotpogs pogies … […]
I’m not going to get into the why and wherefores of tarptents … you’ll know yourself whether they’re the thing for you. There’s advantages and disadvantages when compared to a simple tarp or a fully enclosed tent, your own priorities and circumstances will ultimately make your mind up for you. This is a Lunar Solo […]
There’s a lot of distrust when it comes to tarps and maybe a little apprehension … after all, if you get it wrong you might be in for a very miserable night. The tarp in the pictures measures 1.5m x 2m, it’s about as small as I’d comfortably go in winter or if I were […]
If you fancy dipping a toe in the warm waters of ultralite cooking but don’t really know where to begin … this could be the answer. It’s both simple in name and nature. Pour your meths in, light it, wait 30 seconds and place your pot on top … told you it was simple! Unlike […]
Wood-Gas? … when wood burns it gives off different gases and residues (it’s what makes your pot sooty). Some of these are combustible but are often wasted. A wood gas stove uses some of these gases and ignites them in the form of a secondary burn, meaning less fuel, more heat and less black goo […]
Every year around this time the lighting arms race swings into action and every year things get brighter. It’s a little strange to think that it wasn’t too long ago that many of us were riding round the hills equipped with 10W of super dooper halogen power! I’d been searching for some new lights for […]
Well, the 2012 Bear Bones 200 has been and gone. 42 riders lined up at the (rather damp and windy) start, some looking for the elusive sub 24 hour finish and others just hoping to finish … and a few still harbouring grudges from last year!In 2011 only two riders completed the course in under […]
This year it was Mach’ and hopefully back, in 2013 it’s Elan … that’s right you get to go to El-an back! Even the bear’s getting in on the act! El-an Back takes place over the weekend of Jan 12th/13th in wintry mid Wales. The format is the same as Mach’ n Back and similar […]
One potential downside to using meths stoves is inability to keep them burning for long periods … you put fuel in, light it and once it’s burnt that’s it. I said potential problem because if all you’re doing is boiling a certain amount of water, then (with a little practice) you’ll know how much fuel […]
When you’re packing your bike the big stuff’s easy. It’s the stuff you think about and allocate space to … sleeping bag, tarp, cooking stuff, etc. Once it’s all in place you suddenly remember all the little things you’ve forgotten. Sometimes you admit defeat and simply stick it all in a rucksack, other times you […]