2024 reflection

[voodoo_simon]

Not too long to go before 2035 and I always start a thread like this. Sometimes it’s welcomed and sometimes it’s not

1) Favourite outing (not necessarily by bike)

2) Favourite piece of kit of 2024

3) Favourite media piece

4) Open category for chat!


I’ll have a think but hopefully someone will start it off

[Valerio]

I like it! Here are mine:

1) Favourite outing: 20K Ultratrail event. Tor Divide is a close second

2) Favourite piece of kit of 2024: i bought/changed very little in 2024. The major one was replacing my rigid fork with a SID Ultimate Sl. I still don't know how to make the most of it but it has served me well.

3) Favourite media piece: Joe Nation: Battle for the win (SRMR recap). How can someone win such a race and record themselves is incredible. It puts him right there with Sofiane, they have my admiration.
special mention from 2023: Stuart's piece on BB200 and inclusivity

4) Open category for chat!
My 2025 top wish is to see a return of quality content on social media.
It might be my own personal feed, but for every genuine photo/story from a weekend ride/overnighter/bikepacking trip I have to scroll through at least 50 sponsored posts and another 50 images of products/items from so called "influencers" with no real value/message other than "buy this".
Appreciate I can be part of the problem and I'll definitely be more mindful of what I share and how I share it in the future.

[Lazarus]

1)been a poor year for me riding wise yd divide was my biggest

2)Ratio technology is good so put a long cage new 12 speed x0 on the mullet drive 11 speed cross bike - cheery hyppy who mentioned them.

3)dont read any, BAM thread?

4) better year next year hopefully but a 27 mile return trip daily commute fair knackers up riding for fun.(.as has the ageing process)

[Johnallan]

1- Ace trip to Lithuania to meet a mate, then cycled from the Latvia/Lithuania/Belarus border, across Lithuania to the Baltic sea. Great mix of gravel roads, weather, accommodation, traditional food, beer and good company.

2- Most used kit will be my Audax bike, a Planet X. Several years old now and coming up to 20k miles. I don't buy much new kit unless it's replacing knackered old kit.

3- I don't really read or watch much bike media. Actually removed social media from my life this year due to the utter drivel

4- Very little MTB this year but enjoyed BB200, Yorkshire Divide (abbreviated) plus a few more.

Motivation has been lacking a bit but total distance ridden around 7500 miles Inc. 18x Audaxs (1@50km, 1@100km, 12@200km, 2@300km, 1@400km, 1@600km) - another Randonneur Round the Year and Super Randonneur.

Hopefully put a bit more effort in next year - I've entered Bright Midnight Race in Norway as a pair with aforementioned Lithuanian mate. It's unlikely we'll see eachother before then and I'd like to not be the weakest link!

[ton]

i like these type of threads. nice to see what people are up to.

1. 3 week trip across France with my wife. started in Lyon, then over the Ardeche to the source of the Loire, and the the length of the Loire to the sea near Nantes.

2. a pair of £13.99 each Schwalbe 29 x 2.35 G one tyres. just ace. tough, easy rolling and easy tubelessed.

3. anything with Justinas Leveika in. such a happy and nice bloke. and a ace cyclist too.

4. nothing special. to stay fit and active in my retirement. to ride my bike daily as i have this year. to tour more with my wife. and to ride more with my grandson because he loves riding over the big bumps at the bike park.

[pistonbroke]

This year I've finally come to the realisation at 65 that my cycling at the level I've become used to since moving to Spain 9 years ago has a finite limit. I found my 9 day 1,200km trip across to Bilbao quite tough and have reduced my racing considerably. However I'm still on track to ride 10,000km, climbing 120,000m in the year, the vast majority being off road. In an effort to prove myself wrong, I've entered a 500km, 8,000m climb race with a 50 hour time limit in March. It's quite local to here and I've managed to get hold of the route so will be able to ride it in my sleep by march, which is a distinct possibility.

[psling]

Not too long to go before 2035 and I always start a thread like this.

Not too long? I'd just be glad to make it

[whitestone]

Not too long to go before 2035

Eh? Have I been in a coma or summat?

1. Probably a ride around the North Pennines heading over Hartside to Alston on our 25th wedding anniversary.

2. Not sure. Haven't bought anything and everything else just does its thing.

3. A short film about Pete Whillance (Lakes based climber from the 1970s & 80s) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmobDLQ ... bGFuY2U%3D

4. A bit of a year to forget for me really. In a way it's gone from bad to worse (my best man died last week which was a bit of a shock, he was just 62), in others it's been much the same. Lost a lot of enthusiasm/motivation for riding and I think I've only done a couple of bivvies all year.

[faustus]

1) Did a lot of things this year, without venturing too far afield. Black mountains riding was excellent, as was camping with the kids in South Devon near Thurlestone. A decent level of riding by my recent standards/lack of free time, with big off-road focus. But I need to really get back into things next year and go further afield and do multi day rides.

2) Titus el Viajero frame. Found my sweet spot bike and it's been the go to bike for almost everything. Long may it continue.

3) Not something cycle related: probably the news article informing me 14 years of Tory rule was over. That was nice, if all too brief respite.

4) Mental health has probably been 4-5/10 as an average, so it's something I must attend to for everyone's sake...and probably my own too. Whilst trying to find positives from my cycling year, I realised a huge amount of time was spent at local bike parks/tracks, and all that time has paid off for both my kids riding. My 4 year old went from balance bike to unassisted pedalling just before his 4th b'day this year, and they're both now doing so, so well. Confident on and off road, on lots of obstacles, as well as coping well on road (which is always nerve-racking for the parent ). I feel proud seeing them whizz round the local dirt track, doing little jumps and living in the riding moment. I can also admit to myself that I did a lot to help them get to that point. It's only going to happen once and it's certainly worth missing out on a trip or two by myself.

[voodoo_simon]

Whoops, yeah 2035 is a little bit off

1) Not by bike this year but did a lovely little summit in Snowdonia/Capel Curig, Crimpiau. It’s stunning, bit of a motorway walk way in but means it’s suitable for most people. Little climb just before the reservoir and then you met with absolutely stunning views of Ogwen valley. Highly recommended for everyone

2) Win Wang by Ass saver, was dubious before I purchased one but itnkep my backside a lot drier than expected.

3) [when i media, I sort of meant anything with sound/words/pictures etc] So two books for me, Shackleton on audiobook was brilliant. Promised myself I would read it for years but never did, so audiobook filled that void.

Second book, Jenny Toughs Solo. Go and find a copy, it’s a great read

4) Ermmm, not feeling chatty really Probably my worst year for riding (especially this anutumn) everything just seems so wet. Did manage to link up quite a few bridleway sections this summer that I was researching and riding the previous year, so win win.

Filling the time of not riding with hill walking and going to the bouldering wall in the evening, so that’s helping with moods this winter

[yourguitarhero]

Oooh, good thread!

1) Favourite outing (not necessarily by bike)

2) Favourite piece of kit of 2024

3) Favourite media piece

4) Open category for chat!


1) My favourite outing has not been on bicycle. However I have spent a huge amount of the year exploring Europe in a mixture of campervan and dual sport motorcycle. I would say traversing the Pyrenees then returning was the highlight. Summer in the mountains - mwah!

2) I got a second hand SID 32mm fork locally for £100 and chucked it on my 29er hardtail which had a rigid carbon fork on it. I don't notice the extra weight (the bike is very light anyway), the lockout works well but it came in to its own absolutely flying done some rocky tracks around the Loch Ossian/Rannoch area and put a huge confidence grin on my face.

3) I don't do bike media.

4) I have, through a somewhat convoluted process, been able to retire at the age of 42. I'm not talking mega-yachts or anything, but I now have a comfortable income for the foreseeable that requires the barest amounts of my attention. Along with a (hopefully) upcoming Irish/EU passport I plan to spend a lot of time rambling around Europe. Be it on foot, by bicycle, van or motorcycle I feel I have the whole world in front of me. I'm physically and mentally healthy, have family and friends home and abroad and a massive sense of calm about it (whereas 9 months ago I was highly stressed and noone would use the word calm about me!)
I know it is something hardly anyone gets so I feel very lucky to be in this position and I look forward to seeing many new things and devouring hitherto unheard of cheeses!

[fatbikephil]

It's been a funny old year...
1. No long trips but a a couple of two nighters which were great as I got good weather on both. Plus BAM of course

2. Stormchaser problies although the new motorbike I bought back in April has been huge fun.

3. The BAM thread, especially Reg's posts!

4. Dunno really, I've learned the value of grabbing a bike ride when you can rather than my usual do it whenever approach. I missed not doing any events this year so looking forward to the Highland Trail next and hopefully something in Wales, we'll see.

[Charliecres]

1. Top trip was a week in May, riding with mates from Inverness to Ullapool then down through Fisherfield and Torridon. We had perfect weather and my friends were blown away by the scenery and riding. A real once in a lifetime experience.

2. The sleeper train to Scotland. I’ve been up to the Highlands three times this year thanks to the sleeper. You can get there and back for £110 if you can put up with a night of relative discomfort in a seat.

3. My media choice is very OT. While knocked out by Covid I saw a recommendation for “Tally Ho” on YouTube and binged seven years’ worth of videos by a young chap rebuilding of a 100-year-old sailing boat. Fascinating and inspiring in equal measure. Highly recommended.

4. Next year is my 60th and I’m hoping to rejoin the BAM crew, get a few more Scotland and Wales trips together and hopefully something abroad.

[jameso]

1) Favourite outing (not necessarily by bike) - This year it was the WRT. I've done the least miles and overnight rides this year in 15 years but the trips I did were great. MTB rides, expolring the Brecons with my mate Paul who's just getting into all this stuff - cue amusing evenings watching him experiment with tarps, that kind of thing. WRT was a cracker. The aim was a hike-a-bike up a big hill in the Berwynns to see what the bridlewauy off the top was like and have a pint by lake Bala. I've gotten too into solo road/gravel trips in recent years and it reminded me that MTB trips with friends are the best bikepacking trips.

2) Favourite piece of kit of 2024 - Hardly bought anything this year which is good. Madison Flux DWR pants for all my riding when it's a bit cold, perhaps. Not a fan of lycra and these are a great compromise. Great for winter road miles. Yet to do a big multi-day ride with them but can't see it being a problem. A higher waistband would make them perfect.

3) Favourite media piece - Lachlan Morton's Tour Divide film. The landscapes... oh my. I love the big sky country of the mid west. He made a very strong ride look relatively casual, weather and bike issues aside. Made me appreciate how strong he is and I admire his approach and what he's using his pro rider ability for.

4) Open category for chat! - F it, here goes. On topic for a bike forum and equally a personal vent. From the inside I can tell you, the bike industry is a mess. I don't care why anymore but it's not going back to the way it was. I've worked for 4 companies in a bit over 5 years and I'm changed-out (5 companies if change of ownership counts). I know too many good product people who feel the same way, some have got out already. The appetite for risk within companies is about zero (understandably if not nec. correctly). Without risk noting creative has a chance. Corporate aims and interests are consolidating at the big brand end and I miss the days when brands were run for what felt like more than just profits, when you balanced up doing good things with commercial realism and trusted in the compounded brand growth that came from it. That balance has shifted too far in too many places imho but no, there isn't a fast way to assured profits, it's not FMCG. We're quirky irrational folk who ride in the mud or round in circles and sleep on hillsides sometimes, why we do that is either something you get or you so obviously don't. Where this is going is - please, buy from the small brands, people who are genuine bike riders and who love their brands, if they do what you're into and you can. They may cost a bit more but great bikes are worth it. Think of it as a bit of investment in what you want to see on offer in the future. (sorry if that reads as a downer but it's meant to highlight a positive - small brands, personal interest businesses and quirky ventures are things that keeps the spark going for me. And edit to add, there's bigger brands who do good things too and need support, it's about what you do and why.)

[Rasta]

4) Open category for chat! - F it, here goes. On topic for a bike forum and equally a personal vent. From the inside I can tell you, the bike industry is a mess

It would be great if a new topic was started on this. I can't start it as I have nothing useful to offer. But I am really jaded by it all and would love to hear other opinions.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I both love (because I enjoying reading about what other people have done) and hate (because they can make you realise how crap you are) these posts

1) Favourite outing (not necessarily by bike)
I've become quite reclusive over the last couple of years meaning trips of any type are far fewer in number than they ever have been - especially bike trips but more of that in a minute. Given the limited number, then the answer is a weekend visiting Dragstalgia at Santa Pod. I was let down late in the day so went on my own and that was probably a good thing as it gave me free reign to do exactly as I pleased and indulge myself.

2) Favourite piece of kit of 2024
Absolutely nothing bike related at all but if we broaden that, then probably my Buell M2. It's uncomfortable, it vibrates, burns your leg, dislikes traffic, yet still makes me smile.

3) Favourite media piece
I'm not sure I've seen any cycle media this year that has wowed me, although this place can still surprise me at times (in a very good way). However, I do find Allen's films to be very human and 'real' which always appeals.

4) Open category for chat
Returning briefly to question one. It's no secret that my mojo hasn't only left me but possibly also the country. That means that it's been a year for thinking and aptly, reflection. Earlier on in the year I read a piece about 'imposter syndrome' and whilst it maybe shouldn't have, it did strike a chord. It provided plenty of opportunity for both mulling and musing as I considered what my 'role' was here and I suppose even whether I still had anything positive to contribute to 'bikepacking' generally. I'm not entirely convinced I yet have all the answers but I do know that I'm not planning on going anywhere .... apologies if that all sounds odd

[RIP]

as I considered what my 'role' was here

Good job we're not a corporate entity where everyone has to have one, less still "... and responsibility" . Just your inimitable presence is enough to inspire and encourage. Admittedly that doesn't help you more than it helps us . As the grandaddy of UK bikepacking, you could just do what the majority of grandads do - sit in the corner in your armchair with a brew, wryly watching the antics of the family going on around you, scratching your balls and farting occasionally.

I do know that I'm not planning on going anywhere .... apologies if that all sounds odd

Very pleased to hear it. In the meantime, maybe could do worse than look here (below)? It's a good a start as any? Failing that, stick a pin in a map, bike there, bung your tarp up, sit there with a brew on and contemplate and wait for something to happen; at least it's a change of scene if nowt else .

[Dave Barter]

Great as always to see the diversity and honesty reading down this thread, what a great place this is.

1) Favourite outing (not necessarily by bike)

I did a lot of stunning road riding in Scotland, trying and failing to complete a new book but the highlight was The Spanish Divide V2 with Duncan, and the best bit was seeing his little smiley face at the end when we'd completed it

2) Favourite piece of kit of 2024

Di2 it's life changing trust me

3) Favourite media piece

Nothing, everything out there seems to be "influencer-ware" and I'm sick of the lack of originality in all the writing I read (I'm just as guilty). Stop telling me how you overcame the odds, or were at awe with nature, or were fair chuffed or whatever. I just don't care unless you're telling me how you prevented skidmarks on a multi-day trip or something actually interesting.

4) Open category for chat!

I can count the number of boners I've met in person this year on one hand and that's really bad. I need to grovel to stu for a BB200 invite next year and actually get out on more rides. I luvs you lot

[Loki]

It has been a tough few years, 2024 was no exception, my cycling has been minimal, once a month as I deal with so many on going issues as I try and reassemble my health, but I think I shall bivvy once again next summer to start with.

1. Fave outing - Last weekend, popped down to Plymouth to see my family, we went out to watch some mountain biking, a race I entered a lot while younger and later helped out with as well, it really helped lift me from the funk I have been in.

2. Best bit of kit, my Surly Wednesday, it never fails to make me smile when I get on it

3. Media, I have really taken to the Rider Resilience film, having been affected by a life changing illness I was able to take a lot from it and add some energy back to my own fight, over the past 12/24 months the films from Allen and Summit toppler have kept my fire lit and maintained the urge to ride again.

4 Open, having been working in the bicycle trade for a few years now, I am worried about the future, or the lack of it in some cases, corporate cycling seems oblivious to the needs of the regular joe cyclist and are chasing a just for profit dream without the spirit and the soul that makes cycling vaguely exciting, also the lack of sustainability in components, Shimano are now producing fewer spares for their components meaning that more components are fit and scrap now. I also have to wonder where we are heading as a species, they say it is darkest before the storm.

[AndreR]

Been an interesting and tough year.

1) Best trip was to Nepal to "trek" the Manaslu Circuit. Absolutely brilliant experience and has really whetted the appetite for eat, travel, sleep, repeat. The simplicity of having nothing else to do but that over days is just brilliantly relaxing!

2) Sonder Broken Road - Been lusting after one for about 5 years now! Such a comfy bike and looking forward to many trips away on it

3) Allan, Barry and Jeff's video's, the real world in all its authentic beauty rather than the usual heavily edited and filtered, rose tinted view prevalent everywhere else.

4) Had "The Past" creep up on me early in the year and was surprised to find things I thought I'd come to terms with had not really been sorted and needed another go round. In the process seem to have re-kindled my love of travel and am finding planning proper trips away for 2025 very therapeutic, just got to make sure they happen now!

[redefined_cycles]

Interesting reads and thanks for sharing (and opening the thread )

1. Favourite outing: It's a tough one and close call. Between the Bearbones200 and this years Freedom for Dr Aafia Siddiqui Ride. Sorry if it's information overload in which case you might wanna skip my post.

First let me just cover the latter (Freedom for Aafia Ride) in a few words. It's basically a protest by bike at the humanitarian conditions the world has left her (Dr Aafia) in. He lawyer (the excellent Clive Stafford Smith) says that we all can do something, so I ride my bike, and I'll not stop until she's freed or I'm dead. The ride I usually choose one year at a time and it's something that I'd find daunting in normal 'hospitable' months.

This year I chose the West Yorkshire Cycle Route which I've always wanted to ride (in the summer obviously) and packed my kit accordingly. I was expecting it to be horrible on the tops (Nab Hill/Mount Tabor) and it didn't disappoint. The weather was so harsh and my face getting battered that I was asking God for help (for me on the ride, and for her to see her freedom/dignity and kids).

24 hours later I returned home but only after chucking in the towel. The famous words from so many on here of 'you never scratch at night' were ringing in my mind as I headed up to the highest point (1450ft Nab Hill) and then it plateued - the hill tops, not my ride.

To make matters worse, I had hardly any food as I didn't get paid till midnight, so only £12 to spend at the SPAR, 5 hours earlier. It was horrible but a perfect contender for the gravity of the ride! I scratched in the morning but only after The Secret Cafe owner mentioned how the wind would be getting worse.

TBC... Be back after converting 2 pics...


At this point I was still looking fresh and slowly getting closer to the summit. But it was rolling hills and I got a deep nap on this lovely bench. No scratching!!


After being battered all night and a lady down in the valleys telling me it was still horrendous up there (Mytholmroyd!). Still no scratch and I went chasing breakfast.


A double breakkie... yeah, yeah, let's get up and on home!!


If anyone wishes to sponsor me it's here https://tinyurl.com/bdhtdt26

Anyway, now to everyones stupid ride for stupids. The Bearbones200. Briefly I did think that I would make this year the last. 4 attempts and just 2 badges (of which I don't really care too much TBH). I think I'm mind made up that I hope I gets another invite next year and for the next 22 (if I last that long, by which time I'll be 70).

So yeah, my favourite rides being both the above and they really opened the eyes yet again.

[redefined_cycles]

Sorry, had to post up so I coukd see the original post. So regards:

2) Favourite piece of kit of 2024

3) Favourite media piece

4) Open category for chat!

Favourite kit, must gotta be the shoes Phil recycled over to me. Really got me through a few winter rides and the ones Tony gave me will be equally as good for 3 seasons. I suppose I'm going off kit as I get older but I do plan on adding some ultra light bits to the bike. Started with a carbon Giant handlebar (199g or less) and I'm stuck between a Pro Vibe Superlight stem (95g for 100mm) or an uglier but way lighter Extralite (coming in at sub 80g for a 90mm).

Favourite Media item: dunno, I did try and watch that Lucas Wienburg documentary of the single/fixed scene in and around London. Found it super exciting years ago with em weaving through traffic, but now I just felt them and me a bit idiotic!! Maybe I've gotten old, so I turned it off after 2 minutes or less

Open cat for a chat: always too much to talk about, but equally too much to get into trouble for opening ones big mouth. Cycling industry is interesting and thanks for the insight James. I did buy some Wolftooth chain lube and I can say it's utterly well made. Never thought about my chain once, despite having only wiped/scrubbed it with WD40 type spray (the Weldtite Teflon stuff in green bottle, you know!).

Erm, badgers are known as groundhogs (or something similar). I can finally see why!

[Verena]

1. Three days and three bivvies on King Alfred's Way, in perfect high summer weather

2. For 12 months of reliable, trustworthy functioning for practically no maintenance and just a bit of fuel adding via the old cake hole, my legs. I've pedalled, run, walked, and sometimes just dragged myself around on them, but they've got me outside on good days and bad ones, and helped me stay sane ish.

3. Rufus du Sol

4. Well its been quite a year for me with big changes, a separation, moving house, and losing my dad, so there were some really tough months. But now I can honestly say that not just me, but also our daughter and even my husband are happier for it, so it was definitely the right thing to do. Feeling very grateful for the support I've had from good friends to give me courage, and also so grateful that he's been really very grown up about it on the whole. Looking forward to the new year and spending time on my bike, now that things have settled down and life is good again.

[slarge]

1) Favourite outing (not necessarily by bike)
Been a funny year this year - and it seems like that for a few on here. Maybe it's the resettling of life post Covid lockdowns and the lumps and bumps since then. I had a great time in Switzerland with my local club in August. We stayed in Verbier and did a fair amount of road riding around there, ending with a fairly hard sportive - the Tour des Stations. The scenery blew me away, and the hills were long, hot and tough, but wow, what a ride.

2) Favourite piece of kit of 2024
I haven't bought anything this year except a new road bike at the start of the year (and end of last year). It replaces my 12 year old Ribble road bike that I thought was good, and I've had lots of fun on, but this new bike (a Colnago) is a beautiful piece of kit. It's fast, comfortable, stiff, compliant, light, stable and just lovely to ride. And I like the colour scheme. It has DI2 - which I never thought I'd need, but now I have it I am trying to justify why all my bikes need upgrading to DI2.

3) Favourite media piece
Don't really read much media stuff, although I did feel for Sir Bradley Wiggins and Sir Chris Hoy with their runs of bad luck

4) Open category for chat!
Watching parents succumb to dementia is horrible. Mum has no memory (we had a family party thing on Sunday - the next day she has no recollection at all), and Dad is confused and depressed (as he knows things don't make sense any more). I think I have decided that life must be spent wisely, so am planning a full year in 2025 and already have 2026 lined up. Lots more holidays and biking events, and I will get back into MTB racing as that's where I am happiest. Plus my Wales C2C2C is going to happen - it's been 3 years since I first wrote it on my "things to do this year" list, and it still isn't done. There are some parts of the route that I keep thinking about and can't wait to get back to. I really hope 2025 is the year when the other half decides that she's had enough of working, as the moment she stops I'll give up work and we'll do all the things we couldn't afford to do in our 20's/30's/40's.

[Hamish]

I don’t post here very often so ignoring my feeling of imposter syndrome…

Best trip… a ride from Inverness to Shetland via Ullapool, Lochinver, the Flow Country, Orkney and then ferry to Aberdeen and back over the Cairngorms to Rannoch Station. I enjoyed it so much…

Fav bit of Kit: The pump Shaf gave me after his excellent quiz. It is the best mini pump I have tried, let alone owned. Thanks Shaf.

Media: I have really enjoyed Itchy Boots on you tube. The positivity, kindness and warmth of the people she met in Africa and now Turkey and Kurdistan is heart warming. I don’t ride a motorbike but watching her… I get it.

Open: I gave up Twitter on 31/12/23 as it had gone toxic and I immediately felt better. I hope 2025 is a better year for everyone for whom this year has been awful - thinking of those in places and conditions we simply can’t imagine living in; the situation in Gaza is intolerable. Introspectively… I want to enjoy my bikepacking as much next year as I have this.