Life In The Saddle

Earlier this year, I wrote a post titled ' Why The Divide – Motivations for The Tour Divide 2020 '—it considered why I have such a deep passion to ride the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Canada to Mexico. This beautiful short film by Ben Weaver perfectly showcases that message of community, spirit, and adventure. I should say that my plans for Riding The Divide are on hold until June 2021—in light of the current Covid-19 situation. It does not seem responsible or safe to travel at this time. My expected departure from the UK is just one month away, and so I have had to make the call to postpone the adventure until next summer. It is a disappointing realisation, but undoubtedly the correct decision. This film only re-enforces my enthusiasm to ride the GDMBR next year, and keeps my passion alive.

I came across this film earlier this week, and images from it have been flashing through my mind ever since. It makes me long for the open road again—for the escape and adventure. This week I published a new blog: 'The Expedition Journals' — theexpeditionjournals.com . The sister  site to Life In The Saddle will be dedicated to long-form story telling from my biking, hiking, kayaking and running adventures. Putting the new site together, and watching this short film reinforced something in my mind—I have a deep-seated love of 'the journey'—a desire to escape and see new places; whether by bike, boat, or on foot. "Sometimes it breaks me. But mostly, it makes me..." I am still putting together plans for my 2019 'Big Tour'—I am undecided on the destination, bike type, or distance. When piecing together my ideas though, a particular quote from Hera's film comes to mind " you do not feel alone when you are out in the nature, but when y...

" Food always tastes better when you eat outside... and when you add a physical activity like cycling, then it tastes even better... " This is a superb video accompaniment to the great Velochef 'Outside is Free' book .

My previous reviews of Henrik Orre's 'Velochef' and 'Velochef in Europe' were super popular posts, and I continue to enjoy making the recipes on a regular basis. At the end of this month, Henrik launches an exciting new sequel - 'Outside Is Free'. Here is a great taster of the motivation and theme of the book. Look out for a review on lifeinthesaddle.cc coming soon.

In September 2016, Walter Beckers and Kendal Noctor travelled to mainland Europe to ride up mountains. Armed with routes and spiritual guidance from Phil Deeker, founder of Rapha's Cent Cols Challenge, they set off on a ten day journey to amass thousands of metres of elevation, testing their bodies and minds to breaking point. I have ridden with Kendal on several occasions on the Isle of Wight. He grew up in a nearby village, and has the same passion and love for challenging riding as I do. This short film captures that passion perfectly.

Self-shot and edited by Ben Page, whilst cycling around the world. This short film charts his winter journey into the Canadian Arctic. Compelled by Jack London’s assertion, that "any man who is a man can travel alone", Ben sought an adventure of perfect solitude. Yet, he came to realise the harsh truths of travelling in such a formidable environment were a long way from the romantic images of this land. 'The Frozen Road' is an honest reflection on Ben's solo trip. Of the wonder, terror, and frustration experienced when riding through the unforgiving emptiness of one of the world's 'last great wildernesses'.

The Highland Trail 550 has been on my 'bucket list' for some time. This great edit from Bombtrack Bikes showcases why...

A beautiful short film from local Isle of Wight videographer James Cripps. Shot last winter, it documents my  #9RoadstoNowhere ride, and other Festive 500 rides on the Isle of Wight .

An incredible story, with an inspirational message. Time to get on the road again soon...

This is why cyclocross is so very much boss...

I love this edit. Having seen the Kona Unit in the flesh earlier this week, it has inspired me to think about how I can get 'Far from Home' on a bike like this. View the Kona Unit at Wiggle (Link)

"A peloton of Wiggle riders headed out from Wiggle HQ yesterday, and joined Mark Beaumont as he rode into Portsmouth on the first leg of his 'Round Britain Training Ride'. Mark is preparing for this 'Round the World in 80 Days' record attempt later this year, and Wiggle are thrilled to be supporting him!"

Back in December, I led my '9 Roads to Nowhere' ride for a group of friends. It was filmed as part of British Cycling's Let's Ride #RideSocial campaign - showcasing the best kind of 'Social Ride' I could offer. The video was shortlisted as one of the best examples of a group ride - Hopefully it inspires you to get out and ride. If I win the contest, I'm proposing to run the route again in 2017, you can come and join! PLEASE VOTE BY CLICKING HERE

Makes me want to get bikepacking very soon...

If ever there was a film that perfectly describes why I love bike riding, this is it. Yes, I enjoy the competitiveness. Yes, I enjoy the kit testing and the new innovations. Of course, I enjoy the friendships formed. More than anything though, I relish 'The Escape'. The Freedom. The Wilderness... Head out into the wilderness.  #livelifeoutdoors

So, I think I've just gone and signed myself up to this...

This is one of the best 'short films' I've seen in a long time. The edit portrays perfectly the joys of Bikepacking  - the exploration, the unexpected, and the adventure. After my recent ' Coasts and Cols ' tour, this makes me want to get out exploring again, even more than I already did...

One to add to the bucket list !

As my ' Coasts and Cols ' tour comes ever closer, I found this an inspiring story.