If I’m going to be serious about my mountain biking this year I need to improve my fitness. To help me I now have 3 challenges which will help to focus my training. 2 of the challenges are longer distances with lots of climbing whilst the third is a 15 minute affair, which will needContinue reading “A Road Ride of Value.”
Bikes and Boats (and Illness).
I never seem to be ill but this week I found that I had a stomach problem. From last Sunday afternoon, after my last mountain bike ride, I simply wasn’t digesting my food. I had an uncomfortable feeling and was cold. I improved slowly during the week and for the last couple of days haveContinue reading “Bikes and Boats (and Illness).”
A good training ride.
Last time out I had intended to ride 5 laps of the trails on our local hill, Healey Nab, but I suffered from a breakage on the bike which I’ve ridden for most of the winter. I ‘d only managed a single lap of the trail so decided to make amends and ride 5 lapsContinue reading “A good training ride.”
Flower of the Week, 19th March.
Daffodils are now in bloom in North West England. Although it’s now meteorological spring there isn’t much else in the way of colour so far. Patience is important at this time of year.
Mechanical Mayhem.
I was hoping to call this post something like “Serious Training” but the Trek Fuel EX8 mountain bike had other ideas. Each year I set myself a few riding challenges to make sure that I maintain my fitness, though now in my 60s(!) I’m maybe more keen to not let my abilities fade too quickly.Continue reading “Mechanical Mayhem.”
Getting out after the snow.
I haven’t been able to ride my mountain bike for a whole week because of the snow. Yes, I could have ridden but I’ve never found that riding on snow is as entertaining as you might imagine. My only exercise has therefore been walking our dog, Freddie, including a very tough walk the day beforeContinue reading “Getting out after the snow.”
Building my new boat.
I’d love to be out on my mountain bike today but it’s snowing so I probably won’t get out. At least I have something else to do in terms of building my new boat. I built my first boat 2 years ago and naturally, as a cyclist, wanted it to be pedal powered. The dinghyContinue reading “Building my new boat.”
Staying local.
I read a comment on Strava by someone who’s progress I follow. It pointed out that the trails in Brinscall Woods are running near perfect and, being my favourite local riding, I was tempted. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the top of the woods for your first downhill so I chose instead toContinue reading “Staying local.”
Short but sweet.
I’ve been continuing to work hard on some non mountain biking projects which has left my leg muscles feeling somewhat jaded. I’ve sold the pedal powered dinghy which I built in 2021 and have engaged on the build of an exciting new boat. The building process is very physical but I’m enjoying the process, whichContinue reading “Short but sweet.”
What a treat!
The weather in Northern England can change rapidly. It’s often like 4 seasons in one day! Our town of Chorley in Lancashire is actually said to be the second cloudiest place in Britain, probably due to our local hill, Healey Nab, trapping the cloud over the town as it spills in from the coast. ThisContinue reading “What a treat!”
Mountainbiker 