In my element at last

24th August 2014

Today I pushed the enjoyment of my own company to a new level. Perhaps the happiest I've ever been on my own (even more so when food's involved).

Planned a route around a few local villages using footpaths & bridles through fields, it was a blast. 

Can see why 80% of cyclists (according to LBS) would rather stay on the road, having to carry the bike over many awkward stiles (farmers must really have it in for mtb'ers). Overgrown brambles and nettles, needing adequate suspension, fields plastered with sheep shit etc etc. but for me it's bliss. 

Obviously, It's an extension of walking but the main benefit is you can see more in a shorter space of time. Still going where no cars or road bikes can go so the chances of being alone in a tranquil setting are great. I so love walking and being amongst the countryside, this really hit the spot for me. 

All different sorts of terrain! First grazed fields, then mown fields past a private fisting lake, harvested wheat, 7ft sweetcorn, overgrown grass and even trails made by sheep over the years. Each trail different from the last, some with surprises and challenges (chased by 4 bulls close to the end) keeping you interested for more. 

Only things I would change so far is a handlebar mounted GPS (pain in the ass having to reach into your bag for the iPhone all the while. 

Handful of ice cubes in the Camelbak

And a better compact camera. There's so much to see and I love my landscape photography, the iPhone has quite a wide angled lens which compacts too much into the frame. 

Passion or obsession

21st August 2014

Do I think about riding all the time? Yes. 

Have I started to look at Ordinance Survey maps to find new trails and paths a lot? Yes. 

Do I continue searching the net for new clothing and parts I don't yet need? Always. 

Do I own more parts & spares than my LBS? Not yet. 

Where to draw the line at where a favourite hobby becomes a 'healthy' obsession? 

Well for a start I've never written a blog about anything before. Even though I started taking photos in 2010, I never felt the need to talk about it. You do it, you research how to get better at it, take some more and sometimes post them online with a description or witty caption. 

But I had the urge to capture something about cycling, a little bit more than just taking a photo of it. Maybe because my memory is terrible and want to remind myself of the highs and lows? Possibly but I'll come back to that. 

Ok I've thought about it..I wanted it to be my thing. Still search input from online users about the best way of going about certain things or opinions, but generally pursue Mountain Biking how I would enjoy it. I mean what's the point in doing it someone else's way or heading to places that don't interest you or adding unnecessary parts that don't suit your riding style? This is how Alex would do it. 

I haven't even read another blog before. As I write this I don't even have any followers so am not specifically writing for anyone other than myself. But anyway, back to the point...

Passion, obsession or whatever it is. This is my muddy, foresty trail of what I like about it, how it makes me feel and why I like it. 

Finding my feet

20th August 2014

You know an online supplier is good when they send you a bag of Haribo with every order. DPD turned up after lunch so set off round the local trails to try out my sparkly new gear! 

I'd bought a couple of jerseys depending on how far the temperature drops, but by the end of the ride I was streaming even with just a wind proof jacket on. Reassuring to know you're ready for whatever the winter has lined up for you! 

Was the first time I'd properly ridden the bike off-road and can honestly say I was smiling just as much as I'd dreamed. Found it certainly pays to have a lightweight bike to haul over the sties and gates when they're padlocked, the farmers must have seen me coming. One thing that did spring to mind was the views you get from riding away from the road, surrounded by fields of grass and crops, the different shades and consistencies of mud adds to a more pleasingly technical ride!

After arriving home I showered and dressed ready to visit the Local Bike Shop (LBS) to complete my collection of mtb clothing with clipless pedals and shoes. 

Obviously had to do my homework on why road and even off-road riders would dare wear these devices in such conditions. Surely you'd fall over far too easily if you couldn't unclip your feet in a hurry? But every online video and blog assured me that clipping in and out of SPD's would soon become second nature. 

However, after successful fitting shiny new pedals and cleats to my shoes it became apparent the cleat tension needed adjusting as I came tumbling to the ground after failing to clip in my second foot. But this was to be expected, I decreased the tension to help my shoes release from the pedals easier. 

Only time will tell how long before I can clip-out quick enough before an attempted wheelie goes horribly wrong! But as they say.. 

"If you haven't crashed, you haven't ridden"

The waiting game..

15th August 2014

Hopefully by mid next week I should be the proud owner of some much needed mtb essentials!

Padded Lycra shorts* to wear underneath some baggy ¾ length waterproof shorts, a selection of jerseys depending on the weather, hydration backpack and a peaked helmet. 

Not forgetting the all important maintenance stand, chain brushes, cleaners and lubricants, puncture repair etc. 

Certainly quite a list there. But having planned to ride through 4 seasons whatever the weather, being well prepared with the right clothing and well maintained steed should help to make nearly every ride a pleasure!

*I have to be honest here. Never in my life did I think I'd buy Lycra cycling clothing.

View from here

11th August 2014


Went out for a quick evening ride around the local lanes. Someone's tweet I read pretty much sums this up..

"Most people are watching telly now"..

A Fresh White Start

7th August 2014

Last week I fired up what was my favourite pastime several years ago. 

Constantly dreaming of sunset trails through meadows. Quiet, frosty mornings along bridles. Covered in fresh wet mud embracing real British weather and endless hours spent cleaning, adjusting and maintaining my passion. 

The plan was to invest some cash on the best frame and forks my budget could afford then later upgrade bits when necessary, but so far I can't fault the new friend. It flew effortlessly across the trails leaving me grinning all the way home wanting more.

All I need now is some riding gear and plenty of practice!