Life In The Saddle

The #NorthWestRoad is a three day micro-bikepacking adventure. Starting in Lymington on the South Coast, it will take in the English regions of the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire hills, before heading into Wales through the Wye Valley and up to the Shropshire Hills; the micro-adventure ride will then finish in the city of Manchester. The route promises to be varied and challenging route, with daily mileages in the region of 180 kilometres—mostly on small country lanes and B-roads. This is the kit that I have personally selected for this micro-adventure bikepacking tour... Luggage and Camping Kit Arkel Orca 25 Small Waterproof Panniers Prototype Frame-bag BTR Waterproof Wedge Saddlebag BTR Deluxe Pannier Rack Top Bag Nordisk Telemark 1 LW Lightweight Tent Rab Neutrino 400 Down Sleeping Bag Vaude Performance Sleeping Pad Rab Incline Light Lightweight Casual Shorts Rab Infinity Microlight Down Jacket GripGrab Merino Tee Polygiene PackTowl Microfibre Towel OverBoard Waterproof Bags   ( rev

Forget shop bought energy bars. These flapjack energy bars are packed full of natural whole-food goodness. Energy comes from low-GI oats and organic Demerara sugar; dried fruit and seeds offer sweetness and nutrients; then ginger root provides multiple health benefits including antioxidant properties and digestive support.  Whether you are on an epic multi-day cycle ride or just snacking at home, this healthy flapjack granola bar recipe will make a jersey pocket sized snack that will keep you fuelled for all kinds of adventure. Ingredients 250g rolled jumbo porridge oats 75g salted butter 75g organic Demerara sugar 75g golden syrup 30g sultanas 30g chopped dates and/or glacé cherries 30g mixed pumpkin & sunflower seeds 30g crystallised ginger 1tsp cinnamon ½ tsp vanilla essence Method Set the oven to 170°C. Place the shelf in the middle In a large pan measure out the butter and sugar Gently heat the pan on the hob until the butter and sugar are melted, then add the golden syrup Rem

A handlebar bag is an undeniably useful addition to any adventure bike; allowing you to carry valuables and long ride essentials safe and close to hand. The new Chrome Industries Doubletrack Handlebar Sling Bag takes the concept of a handlebar bag and makes it even more useful and versatile; by allowing it to also be adapted into a sling shoulder bag or hip pack. The Doubletrack Handlebar Sling Bag has a vintage look and feel to it. The hard-wearing water-resistant canvas construction, with the leather logo patch and roll-top closure, instantly appeals for its retro heritage style. Chrome's signature styling is the start of the Doubletrack handlebar, but the real merit in this design lies in the practical details… Storage comes in the form of the main compartment with its roll-top closure and magnetic fid-lock clasp—though the brand does not claim this compartment to be waterproof, it has proven to be very weatherproof. There are then two mesh pockets on the side of the bag fo

Carbon fibre has become the go-to material for the vast majority of high-end bike components; its light weight and structural strength is un-matched for most applications. Thomson have defied that trend though, with their range of beautifully machined alloy seatposts. Alloy seatposts have a number of advantages that I will discuss in greater detail below; but put simply, the Thomson Masterpiece Alloy Seatpost offers almost all the advantages of a carbon fibre post, with greater reliability and durability. Thomson Alloy Seatposts have been spotted on world class off-road race bikes for a number of years; offering a build quality that delivers the ultimate reliability. For starters, the tube and head of a Thomson seatpost are machined from one piece of high strength 7000 series aluminium; because the head is not pressed or bonded in, it delivers superior strength. The clamp on a Thomson seat post is exceptionally low profile, so there is no risk that the clamp will rub or touch o