The first test of the Manali to Leh bike trip was cycling up the Rohtang Pass, two days out of Manali. Between Jispa and Leh there are three major 5,000m+ passes: Baralacha La, Lachulung La and Tanglang La. Not to mention the fabled Gata Loops. But first I had to get from my front door to Chandigarh…
A Practical Guide to Brooks Saddle Care & Kit Taking care of your Brooks saddle is a non-negotiable when on a long-distance cycle tour. As a seasoned bicycle touring enthusiast, you understand the significance of a reliable saddle for long-distance journeys. Among the myriad options available, the iconic Brooks B17 saddle stands as a beacon … Read more
Ten years of riding the Cannock Chase Bike trails at Birches Valley After a decade of shredding single-track MTB routes across the country, here’s my review of the Cannock Chase bike trails at Birches Valley. In this article, I share an overview of each bike trail including Follow The Dog, Monkey Trail and Stile Cop … Read more
When it comes to camping out there are many tents to choose from. But which is the best tent for cycle touring? In this article, I explore the possibility that the Hilleberg Nallo 2 GT is the best tent in the world.
A canal-side cycling route around Staffordshire an off-road adventure This short two-day Staffordshire cycling route follows the NCN5 through the Potteries into the glorious canal-side countryside. A short bicycle tour across the county of Staffordshire to the cusp of the Peak District Starting in the principal town of Stafford I followed the NCN5 (National Cycle … Read more
In this article, I outline our 2-day Lake District cycling route. This epic 2-day itinerary includes some of the toughest road cycling in the UK over four of the most challenging passes.
While you may not have heard of Tajikistan, even less be able to place it on a map, there is plenty to recommend this once Soviet state to the adventurous at heart and strong of leg.
Bordering Afghanistan via the Panj River, this vertiginous Central Asian country is a firm favourite among adventure cyclists and hardy bikepackers.
In this article, I share two stunning cycling routes in the Peak District. Both bike touring itineraries cross the Peak District National Park end to end. The first is north to south and the second is south to north.
Plus, I recommend some easy flat cycling for families and a bit of off-road gravel cycling too.
I’ve always wanted to go wild camping on Dartmoor. Ever since I was a child, I felt the call of wild places. I knew there was magic on the moors. I had to go there to feel it for myself.
In 2012 I almost met Al Humphreys at the Royal Geographic Society Explore Gathering. I was there to convince my then-girlfriend that we should cycle around the world together.