I am a lifelong mountain biker who rarely lacks motivation. I had always ridden bikes off road like most kids but in 1976 I bought a “scrambler” for 70 pence. This was a bike which was dedicated to off road use. In 1977 I added a homemade suspension fork. I used the front suspension unitsContinue reading “Why I’m writing this….”
Taking corners as quickly as possible!
It’s nearly 3 years since I developed a heart problem but I now feel like I’m returning to fitness. Slowly. In the same period that I had a heart valve repair we also moved house some 370 miles north to Aberdeenshire, Scotland. I’ve had less time than I would have liked to work on myContinue reading “Taking corners as quickly as possible!”
Fitbit.
Since I had my mitral heart valve repaired I’ve been rather cautious when exercising. My fear is that if my heart rate rises too high I may suffer from atrial fibrilation, which is when the heart Chambers get out of sync with each other. This is a serious condition and was the first indication thatContinue reading “Fitbit.”
A real off road ride.
I’ve struggled, since moving to Scotland, to find good off road riding. I know there are some good trails to be found if I load the bike into a car and drive for over 10 miles, but there is virtually nothing within an easy riding distance. On this ride I again chose my E bikeContinue reading “A real off road ride.”
The Bridge of Alvah.
Since moving to the North of Scotland last year I have been planning a mountain bike ride to the Bridge of Alvah. It was built to cross the River Deveron as part of the estate of Duff House in the eighteenth century. The structure of the bridge has a small room built into one face.Continue reading “The Bridge of Alvah.”
Wind.
Since moving from Northern England to Nortern Scotland we now definitely live in a windy area. The prevailing winds still blow from the south west but they are stronger. The relative lack of tree cover also leaves me more exposed to the breeze. I don’t have an accurate wind speeds for my ride yesterday butContinue reading “Wind.”
Exploring by E bike.
E bikes are ideal for the exploration of a little known area. If you find a long or steep climb you simply don’t need to put in the same amount of effort you would on a conventional bike. Since I’m currently trying to find a route around a large area of woodland I chose theContinue reading “Exploring by E bike.”
E is for Effort.
E is for Effort. I haven’t written a mountain biking post for a long time. Over 6 months, I imagine. The reasons are complex. Until June of 2023 I rode enthusiastically with big physical efforts. I suddenly found that I had no energy and an out of control heart rate. This made me decide toContinue reading “E is for Effort.”
A short but worthwhile ride.
With so much work going on to restore our cottage it remains difficult to get out on the bike. I had hoped to ride over the weekend for longer, exploring the promising terrain of Montcoffer Woods. Unfortunately it took me until yesterday (Wednesday) to get out and then only for a shorter trip. The windContinue reading “A short but worthwhile ride.”
Frustration.
Isn’t it frustrating when you can’t get out for a ride? I hadn’t ridden in 17 days but today I managed a short spin. Working on the cottage and a short return trip to England have been all consuming. When I stopped to take a picture I managed to stop the app. Strava, so IContinue reading “Frustration.”
More exploration of Montcoffer Woods.
I did my longest ride since my heart surgery, today. I wanted to go to Montcoffer Woods again but this time to use my Boardman FS Pro, without electrical assistance. The woodland caps a hill, rising to around 300 feet. The lowest point on the ride is along the coast from Whitehills, where I live,Continue reading “More exploration of Montcoffer Woods.”
Mountainbiker 