If you asked a local mountain biker for a good placec to ride, they’d more than likely say “Rivington”. Rivington itself us a tiny hamlet but is often used to refer to the West Pennine Moors where Winter Hill at 1,498 feet is the high point. On the western flanks of the hill lies RivingtonContinue reading “Rivington Pike.”
Flower of the Week, 24th November.
Summer may be a faded memory but that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to see in the garden. Above are the glorious shades of an Acer palmatum.
Making the most of the autumn.
After discovering that my fitness had fallen compared to previous years, I’m now determined to train harder during the autumn and forthcoming winter. I rode 5 fast laps of a hilly circuit this week and 2 days after wanted another challenging activity. Great Hill rises to 1,253 feet and gives me a 16 mile, almostContinue reading “Making the most of the autumn.”
Keeping pace.
To complete a mountain bike ride as quickly as possible you basically just need to maintain the same amount of effort throughout the exercise, getting gradually more tired. With luck you’ll reach exhaustion as you cross the finish line. This may be possible in a velodrome or maybe a flat road with no wind butContinue reading “Keeping pace.”
A very muddy ride.
I fitted a new 11-46 tooth 10 speed cassette to the Trek Fuel EX8 so I’m now ready for a winter of mountain biking, whatever the weather throws at me. The only part which I still need to renew is the bottom bracket, which is an easy job. It was good to have a newContinue reading “A very muddy ride.”
Is mountain bike technology going the wrong way?
I’ve been riding mountain bikes for an awful long time and have seen some massive changes. I’m very much in favour of bigger wheels and intend to ride a 29″ wheeled bike this winter. This bike, a Trek Fuel EX8, was conceived at a time of change and if it had been built a fewContinue reading “Is mountain bike technology going the wrong way?”
The last sail of the year?
I chose to use my pedal powered dinghy again today for several reasons. Firstly I haven’t done anything more energetic than dog walking in the last 5 days. I had a Covid booster vaccination a couple of days ago and my only adverse reaction this time was tiredness so I haven’t felt like putting aContinue reading “The last sail of the year?”
Flower of the Week, 24th October.
Autumn continues apace with its spectacular colours.
The last sail of the year?
Today started bright, sunny and still. After walking our dog I thought it was a good day to sail my pedal powered dinghy, perhaps for the last time this year. I towed the boat to the Leeds/Liverpool canal and set off northwards. I wanted to complete the longer than normal trip which I’d abandoned onContinue reading “The last sail of the year?”
Problems with my winter bike.
This winter I want to use my Trek Fuel EX8 mountain bike to save wear on my slightly newer bike. It has 29″ wheels and a 1 X 10 transmission. With only one chain ring at the front there’s less to go wrong in muddy, winter condition which add an extra burden of wear toContinue reading “Problems with my winter bike.”
Mountainbiker 