Life In The Saddle

2017 has been a year of so many challenges, smiles, and adventures. It is hard to condense them all into one blog post. This is my attempt to summarise an incredibly memorable year... Early Beginnings TorTour Cyclocross Switzerland (February 2017) - The season began early, with the TorTour Cyclocross Stage Race in Switzerland. Mud, snow, sweat, and sub-zero temperatures. An awesome event, which was both impeccably organised and super challenging, as well as being great fun. 4th place, in an international field containing professional riders and national champions. Read the TorTour Cyclocross Ride Report here Tuscany Torrents Strade Bianche Grand Fondo (March 2017) - The next event on the calendar was the Strade Bianche Grand Fondo, on the white roads of Tuscany. The weather was not kind for this early season Spring Classic; rain turned the white Tuscan roads to sludge. Narrow tyres squirmed and skidded on the rutted roads. My Sportful Fiandre kit showed its true virtue...

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

In the depths of winter, and particularly for mountain biking and cyclocross, a pair of dedicated winter cycling boots really are a worthwhile investment. The Vaude Minaki Mid CPX Winter Cycling Boots are the best that I have tested to date. Overshoes will only take you so far, in terms of protection in the winter months. Thick neoprene helps to keep out the spray and wind, and the latest zip-less designs do seal around your ankles effectively. However, if you are dismounting and running through mud and snow, or if you are riding in extreme cold, then the fully integrated approach of a winter cycling boot is the ultimate solution. A winter cycling boot is a sealed unit: there are no gaps or vents for water to seep in, like it can on summer cycling shoes with overshoes. There are also no open lace systems, which turn into a nightmare when saturated in mud and water. Last winter, I rode in the Vaude Termatic RC II Winter Boots . They performed impeccably, both on the daily commute...

Lycra is not always appropriate. Lycra around the house... not advisable. Lycra in the office... just no. Lycra on a night out... hell no. Instead, look for some quality cycling inspired casual kit. It will be more comfortable, and more acceptable when you are not sprinting for signs or tearing up trails. These are some of my latest favourites, from this winter's collections... Swrve Skinny Cycling Jeans I am a great fan of the casual clothing range from American brand Swrve. I wear a pair of their Indigo Cycling Jeans or WWR Trousers almost every day. The new Skinny Fit Cycling Jeans are the latest addition to my wardrobe, and a great one at that. They have a flattering slender fit, reflective trims, and also cleverly incorporate just a little Lycra into the material mix, to give them a bit of stretch if you are riding around town. The black Cordura denim provides a look that is smart enough for most offices, but a fabric durable enough to stand up to...

Classic saddles like a Brooks England Swift , deserve a classic saddlebag to complement them. The leather saddlebag from Turkish brand Galen Leather, is hand-crafted and beautifully finished. I featured the exquisite Galen Leather Traveller's Notebook in my 'Stocking Fillers for Cyclists' post, earlier this month. The leather saddlebag is a similarly bespoke product, with a great quality presentation. Made from vegetable-tanned leather, and stitched by hand using waxed thread; it has a classic look and feel. The leather is proofed with a weatherproof coating of natural oils and beeswax. Belt straps secure the bag to the saddle loops, on any heritage saddle, like a Brooks. You could also use this as a top-tube bag on any narrow tubed road bike. A beautifully made and hand-finished product. Much like a leather saddle, it will grow in character and style with age. A timeless classic. View the Leather Bicycle Saddle Bag at Galenleather.com here