I'm not necessarily in favour of adding tolls, but for those driving, especially to areas where incredibly high numbers of cars bring a lot of disruption, then yes....I'd add tolls. But there needs to be adequate provisions for parking and, crucially, adequate public transport for those keen to enjo...

wtf would this idiot go out on the bike in the snow. Bet you ride on the pavement and jump red lights too. Bloody cyclists. :lol: Thats not true. I never ride on the pavement (even when marked as cycling lane). I also send gravel riders down some techy trails and drag my bike through construction s...

Ahaha i didnt know they were going to post that on the BBC website. I had lot of grief on my own social media and the BBC Derbyshire social media for those clips. People watch a video of cars parked in the middle of the road, long queues, and their first thought is: wtf why would this idiot go out o...

Don't underestimate the smaller loop....it pack a good punch haha
(Also, it will be slightly longer than advertised )

Aiming to work on the manual this weekend, should send everything out early next week.

Off for a leisurely recce on my gravel bike....God give me strength

Who's in?!!!! :wink: We have a few (returning) Boners, and future bikepacking rockstar Zack who will be riding the 250km (yes you read that right) dragging his dad along. All of that to raise money for Kinder Mountain Rescue. Find out more here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/zacks-epic-ride?utm_me...

Holster (laser cut and stitched by myself: got a couple of spares Im selling! It converts to aerobag holster as well) and Revelate 14L dry bag

A bit of an update from me as I think this is something that could be useful for some people. After being disappointed by the waterproofness of the Restrap bag (which tbf has seen better days) and after the Specialized/Fjall dry bag seams failed after 1 ride (admittedly, 1000km long) I've now bought...

Thats good to hear!

Who was at Bespoked?? It was my first time at the show and it didn't disappoint. Some incredible builds, and a great chat to meet and chat with people. Here's a link with a few words and photos. https://www.gravelunion.cc/article/gravel-inspiration-bespoked-2025 Some very sexy bikes from Singular, I...

Following with interest.

Also keen to understand if it's doable on a drop bar with no dropper.

Sorry to hear about your dad. My only advice would be: don't overthink it. You'll be fine. You'll learn a lot. Fitness will come during the ride. Try to ride as much as you can now, to have a good setup (bike/saddle/fit) that you're comfortable with. If your bike has any odd/rare bits replace them w...

There were more full-suss bikes than gravel bikes in the top 20.

I was definitely over-tyred, but personally I think I'd have been slower on a gravel bike.

That was a bit....mehhhh Some great riding in beautiful places. Some incredibly boring and underwhelming stretches, in possibly the best conditions ever seen (which makes me wonder how the route would look like in early March after a wet spell). I'd definitely recommend the event as a challenge/race...

I've owned 3 full frame bags and that Apidura bag is the single worst piece of kit I've ever owned. It failed twice even after being repaired, it flooded every time I used it overnight. So glad I managed to sell it. You're not the first I've heard say that. It's odd how some brands become de rigueu...

Alpkit do a bespoke service. I've just got one and it is great. There was a discount too. Might still be on the website. It was cheaper than the kinda-fitting Apidura of-the-shelf frame bag I was considering initially. When I spoke with Alpkit about doing a frame bag a couple of years ago it seemed...

I've received my new frame bag (and sold the MissGrape one) and I'm very happy with how the new bag turned out. It might be a tad heavy but fits the frame perfectly, doesn't bulge out, feels bombproof, and Steve who made it really listened to what I had in mind and followed my sketches and drawings....

boxelder wrote: ↑Thu Apr 10, 2025 11:06 pm

Valerio wrote: ↑Thu Apr 10, 2025 7:46 pm 90% of the bikepackers i know were in the same pub that night

Plus at least one you don't know yet. Good effort.

Time i get onto the next Jennride (or WRT!) I think I've done enough racing for this year haha

90% of the bikepackers i know were in the same pub that night

Thanks All!!!
Glad you enjoyed the write-up.

I liked Morocco so much that I don't rule out going back

Happy birthday

Hahahah i have been told!!!

I'm glad I could provide some entertainment

It took a while to put my memories together in a readable and not (too) boring form...so here it is. https://www.gravelunion.cc/article/armchair-adventure-conquering-the-atlas-mountain-race If you enjoy it please let me know. Likewise, if you dont enjoy it definitely let me know as I'm enjoying writ...

Can your layers not fit over the hydration pack? So, wear the base layer, the pack then layers on top of that? I’ve done it running, my waterproof jacket can fit on the outside of the bag (also saves on wear and tear) It really depends on how full the pack is, but in theory yes. I've got a XXL gile...

Sounds like you might benefit from more easily adapted layers? .. he says, without knowing what you do use! : ) Things like white arm warmers can be great for warmth in the mornings as well as cooling in the sun, roll up or down as needed. Same with leg warmers. Gilets with insulation that can be o...

Thanks all! Some great tips there! I'll definitely add the moving time/Elapsed time screen to the Garmin. I think i lost focus after the first couple of days in Morocco (partially due to mechanicals and wrong routing) and that should help with it. I think AMR was a bit unique as temperatures ranged ...