Life In The Saddle

Rab Equipment have years of knowledge and experience from creating the finest mountaineering, mountain running and skiing kit. This year, with the launch of the Rab Cinder collection they introduce versatile bikepacking apparel – designed to ' give riders freedom and confidence to take on whatever lies in their path .' I have been testing the Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Jacket and the Rab Men's Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Pants ; two pieces of outerwear that promise to keep you riding even when the heavens open and you are battling against the elements. To put the apparel to the test, I took them on my West Country Way Adventure – a four day journey of five hundred kilometres – over challenging terrain and in some of the worst early season weather that North Devon and Exmoor could throw our way. Review – Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Jacket Tim Fish, Design Director at Rab, said, " Off-road biking adventures require immense versatility in apparel; one moment you'...

There is no question that Koo make some of the best cycling sunglasses on the market today; the sister company to the well-known Italian helmet company Kask has been pioneering cycling eyewear design for the last ten years, and here I look at one of their latest models, the DEMOS... The Koo Demos are one of the leading models within the Koo line-up; they features a Zeiss Polycarbonate lens for optimum visual clarity, an innovative single-lens frame design for superb panoramic vision, four ventilation ports integrated into the lens to minimise the risk of fogging, and anti-slip MEGOL elastomer temple inserts for grip and comfort in all riding conditions. I have become a real fan of large lens design sunglasses for cycling – they offer greater protection from UV rays, dust and spray; as well as maximising your field of vision without impairment. The Koo Demos are one of the best designed big lens cycling sunglasses I have used. The Demos feel like a quality pair of glasses the moment you...

It pays to be organised, on epic adventures and in everyday life. Bellroy is an Australian brand that makes everyday organisation that much easier, more practical and stylish; I have used their Elements Phone Wallet for every bike ride I have been on in the last seven years. In this review post, I look at another new and updated product within their range: the Bellroy Travel Folio – your solution to being organised, safe and stylish when travelling for work or pleasure. The Bellroy Travel Folio received a significant redesign for 2023, but its predecessor was a long standing favourite with many of my travelling companions, and I have always been keen to put one into my own luggage when jetting or sailing off on long trips and adventures. The concept is simple: a compact leather wallet that can house your passport, cards, travel documents, foreign sim card and cash – in a slim and organised folio. Measuring 185 x 120 x 20 cm, the Bellroy Travel Folio will slip into a bag or pocket...

These yummy energy balls are packed full of natural energy, protein and nutrients. They are perfect for snacking on during the day or for taking on adventures (though be sure to store them in a crush proof container). With protein from tahini and peanut butter, sweetness from honey and cocoa, and texture from the avocado and bee pollen, these tick all the boxes. Enjoy!  Ingredients 100g tahini 110g runny honey 50g cocoa powder 25g crunchy peanut butter 25g coconut oil 1/2 ripe medium avocado 20g  bee pollen   1 tbsp sesame seeds Method Combine all the ingredients except the sesame seeds and bee pollen in a food processor and whizz until a smooth paste is formed Transfer to a medium sized bowl and add the sesame seeds – stirring the mixture Place the bowl in the fridge for at least an hour for the mixture to set a little Once set, take small amounts of the mixture from the bowl and roll it between your hands to make balls In a separate bowl, add the bee pollen and a little...