Life In The Saddle

Twelve photos to reflect on twelve months of a quite different and challenging year. There have been no races, events, multi-week tours or distant destinations in 2020; yet here are twelve images that showcase a year that has still been fun and enjoyable in many ways... January January – The Kona Sutra Ltd arrives, in anticipation of the 2020 Tour Divide. This bike was built for 3200 miles of off-road exploration. I have enjoyed riding it around the Isle of Wight and the Dolomites this year, but it is still definitely destined for greater adventures... February  February – The XPDTN3 Algarviana . This was my last escape from the UK for a while. An amazing gravel adventure across the width of Portugal, just before the world went into lockdown. March March – Back in the UK, I took to tearing up the trails and tracks of the Isle of Wight; riding a different kind of bike everyday and making sure no route was ever the same was a way to add diversity and interest within the confines of ...

This year has been a constant and unrelenting state of 'flow' — jumping between work projects and personal adventures; meeting amazing new people and exploring spectacular places. I started 2019 with very few aims or objectives on the bike; but finished it with more memorable moments than I can count. This blog post is a look back at the last twelve months — 12 photos to commemorate another momentous year in the saddle. Year End Statistics Numbers are not everything, but they tell a story. Below are my figures for 2019, as well as the split of bike types ridden.  My personal record broken this year was for elevation gained – 452,269 metres. The equivalent of climbing to the top of Mount Everest from sea level 51 times. Dedication to my  #insearchofup motto. Distance 25,540 kilometres (15,870 miles) Time 1095 hours 40 minutes Elevation Gain 452,269 metres (1,483,822 feet) 2019 Bike Distances 18,441 km – Gravel/CX Bikes (3T Exploro / Kona P. J...

Another year comes to a close — months of memories and miles found. I began the year with very few objectives, ideas or motivations; but finished with a ride log that surpasses any of my expectations. Here is a look back at the last twelve months — 12 photos to commemorate another great year in the saddle. Year End Statistics Numbers are certainly not everything, but they can tell a story. Below are my figures for 2018, as well as a break-down of the bike types ridden.  My personal record broken this year was for elevation gained – 400,000 metres is the equivalent of climbing to the top of Mount Everest from sea level, more than 45 times — dedication to the #insearchofup motto. Distance 25,185 kilometres (15,649 miles) Time 1039 hours 55 minutes Elevation Gain 403,693 metres (1,324,452 feet) 2018 Bike Distances 9448 km – Gravel/CX Bikes (3T Exploro / Kona P. Jake) 9070 km – Road Bikes (Neil Pryde Bura SL & others) 3870 km – Touring Bikes (Kona ...

To complete an 'Everesting' you must ascend the height of Everest (8,848 metres); in one ride; on one climb. The challenge takes the concept of #insearchofup to new heights. On June 24th 2017, I took on an 'Everesting' of St. Boniface Down, Ventnor (Isle of Wight). From the seafront, to the radar station at the top of the climb. 38 repetitions would be required, to meet the magic number. It was one hell of a hill climbing session... Preparation The preparation for the big ride starts weeks before the pedals make their first rotation. Gearing is chosen. Bikes are fettled. Nutrition is prepared. Bags are packed. It begins... dawn depart Up before the sun, even this close to the summer solstice. Porridge and coffee, at 4am. Empty roads and dark skies at the start-line. Mountain in the mist Fog, wind, and rain. My own mountain, shrouded in cloud. Brothers in Arms The first few hours are a solo affair. T...