Life In The Saddle

The dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket is one of the most technically advanced winter cycling jackets that I have tested and reviewed to date. Combining three of Polartec's leading fabric technologies, dhb have been able to create a jacket that is exceptional in all areas of protection, breathability, and thermal regulation. The Aeron Lab collection is dhb's range-leading line—a selection of products that push the boundaries of what can be done with fit and function of cycling apparel. It is an impressive range to see; especially for me, as I watched first-hand the brand grow from a budget beginner into an award-winning label. The dhb Aeron Lab All Winter Polartec Jacket is a softshell jacket designed to be both your mid-layer insulation and outer layer protection; worn with just a base layer underneath in temperatures down as low as zero degrees Celsius. Like all winter layers though, it must deliver flexibility and adaptability to a range of temperatures; it does ...

The range of sports nutrition products from Xendurance holds some impressive claims. Their XENDURANCE lactic buffer claims 26% reduction in fatigue, 6x reduced muscle damage, and 39% reduction in oxidative stress; while their Hydro-X product boasts impressive anti-cramp properties. I have been testing them out over the last few months… XENDURANCE Lactic Buffer Tablets In clinical studies, XENDURANCE helped participants reduced exercise induced lactic acid build-up, reduce muscle soreness, increase their aerobic threshold, and help them to a faster recovery. The product's science rests on three pillar ingredients: papain, catechins, and electrolytes. Papain is a protease enzyme derived from papaya, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory to help repair and rebuild muscle tissue. Catechins are one of the most powerful anti-oxidants; helping to fight oxidative stress during exercise. Electrolytes are there to improve hydration and assist in returning the body to its natural PH bala...

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...

I have been testing several products from Nite Ize over the last few months, and this handlebar phone mount is a fantastic little accessory to keep your smartphone secure and visible on your handlebars when you ride. As with other Nite Ize products that I have had on review , it also has an impressive quality level and some neat features. The design of the handlebar phone mount is simple: silicone straps wrap around the four corners of your smartphone; then the mount itself straps to a handlebar (or pushchair bar) using a universal wrist watch style adjustable strap. When strapped in place, the phone can be fully rotated to allow you to either use the unit in landscape or portrait mode, or to mount the holder to either a horizontal bar or one pointing directly ahead (such as a bike's stem). Once in the holder and mounted to the bars, the phone feels secure. I have used this on off-road bike rides, and the phone remains safely in the mount. It is also impressive how well the str...

It has been on my Bucket List for as long as I can remember... the birthplace of bikepacking, and the most iconic dirt road touring route in the world. I have decided that 2020 will be the year that I take on the Tour Divide — 2745 miles with 50,000 metres of climbing; from Canada to Mexico, off-road down the length of the Rockies. To date, my unsupported tours across the European continent have been beautiful eye-opening experiences; from the highest peaks of the Dolomites and Pyrenees, to the sub-zero fjords of Norway and rugged coastline of Scotland. These trips have taken me to amazing and unique places. #7Countries7Passes — #CelticCrossTrail — #XPDTN3Dolomites Yet, ever since I first strapped panniers to a £50 steel road bike and went touring through the mountains of the Pyrenees and French Alps more than a decade ago, I have dreamed of riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route — it is one of the most diverse and challenging cycling routes in the world. The dream o...