If cycling is the new golf, then I reckon bikepacking is the new cycling. Judging by the amount of publicity and hype surrounding it, you’d imagine that all the trails across our glorious island would be overrun with people heading for bikepack nirvana … but strangely, they’re not. The sight of a loaded bike might […]
Some things in life hit you head-on, smack, straight in the face. No warning, their full force coming to bear in an instant. Other things in life are sneakier. They creep up on you slowly, gradually and by the time you’re aware of their presence, it’s too late, they’ve taken hold and the damage is […]
I’ve been fortunate enough to have met many bikepackers and general two wheeled vagrants over the years. Some I’ve ridden with, others I’ve simply chatted to while plying them with tea. In that time, I’ve begun to notice that aside from the obvious personal hygiene issues, there’s two things that 70% have in common … […]
For some, riding a bike in the dark is simply a necessity that they could happily live without and for others, it’s an accepted part of year-round cycling in UK. Love or loath the dark nights it matters not, because one thing you’ll need to both endure or enjoy the hours of darkness, is a […]
Regular visitors to this little piece of bikepacking paradise, will probably be well aware of my liking for the Pinnacle Ramin 3+ … those of you not up to speed with our heady relationship, can catch the omnibus by clicking here – don’t worry, we’ll just talk amongst ourselves and wait until you get back.As […]
It could go like this. “Ooh, good morning, can I just …”. “Where’s yer bloody bell, you should have a bell on that thing” and at other times, it’ll be more like this. Ding, ding. “Yeah alright, I’m not bloody deaf ya know, there’s no need to go ringing that thing”.Bicycle bells are a pointed […]
It might seem rather strange that there’s a product that caters equally for the lazy, the forgetful and the racer. Generally, racers aren’t lazy and forgetful people don’t race … as they usually forget to enter. So, what could this all encompassing product be? I hear you mumble … Chain lube that’s what but seemingly, […]
Modern cycle helmets are very good but perhaps on occasion, they’re too good. In the height of summer when the sun’s beating down, it’s nice to have something sat on your head that lets the heat out and the breeze in … but what about winter? Those very same, specially designed vents are now letting […]
This time of year can be difficult for the bikepacker. Short, cold days and long dark nights aren’t particularly inviting and the prospect of yet another eight hours huddled under a tarp listening to the rain, really doesn’t make you want to grab your bike and get out there, does it? The sun will come […]
If I could give one single piece of advice to the would-be bikepacker, it would simply be – don’t bother. Life’s too short, the pain too real and the sacrifices just too great. Contrary to what the glossy adverts and articles would have you believe, becoming a bikepacker will negatively impact every facet of your […]