-
Which Tyres? Schwalbe Marathon XR Tyres Review
October 25, 2013
The Schwalbe Marathon XR was the obvious choice for a long distance tour (at the time of choosing in 2007), used by most other adventure cyclists to universal critical appraisal. Schwalbe says: The Marathon XR is the true expedition tyre. It was conceived and built to withstand both extreme loads and uncompromising terrain. It provides unsurpassed puncture protection with TravelGuard technology. This progressive technology offers excellent puncture protection with extremely low weight.
Tags: MarathonSchwalbeBicycle touringMountain bikeBike designBikeBicycleTyres
-
Sun-Ringle Rhyno Lite Wheel Rims Long Term Adventure Cycling Review
October 26, 2013
The Sun-Ringle Rhyno Lite rim (my version built in 2007) is a heavy duty mountain bike rim. I researched these rims before leaving on my first bike tour in 2007. I had heard about them because they came recommended by some mountain biking friends in the York Uni bike club and from fellow guides when I worked as an mtb guide in Croatia. Pre 2007 they were on my radar as a rim that would survive practically anything you threw at it.
Tags: Heavy duty rimTouring rimTouring bikeRhynolyteSun rimsSun rimMountain bikingWheelsRims
-
Magura Odur Suspension Forks Adventure Cycling Long Term Review
October 26, 2013
Magura are not the longest players in the mountain bike fork market but in recent years, their models are at the forefront of the competition. I’ve used them throughout my travels and recent mountain bike excursions. The fork works how it should; call it reliable German engineering, call it what you like. I’ve done the minimum fiddling and servicing with these forks for the maximum use. The forks are strong and stiff with a smooth action.
-
Kona Explosif Mountain Bike Frame (2007 version) for Adventure Cycling
October 26, 2013
Are you looking for a mountain bike frame that you can use for adventure cycling? Do you like Kona bikes? Do you have a penchant for niche steel frames. If so read on. However, modern versions of this frame no longer exist in a 26” wheel version, only 27.5 so you will have to look for old ones on eBay and forums. I have a soft spot for this frame. It was given by Kona to me for the round the world trip.
Tags: TouringExpeditionFrameSteelKona ExplosifAdventure cyclingMountain bike frame
-
Kona Caldera Frame Review (2008 version) Can Aluminum Stand Up To Adventure Cycling
October 26, 2013
The Kona Caldera (2008) is a strong cross country frame with good handling. I hadn’t heard of the Kona Caldera before I picked this frame up. It was suggested as a replacement for my Kona Explosif frame which cracked after riding 10000kms. I wasn’t that happy about taking an aluminium frame on my trip to Mongolia but at the same time I had no reason to suspect that it wouldn’t be strong enough for a 1000kms… trip off road across the Steppe.
Tags: 2008 versionRedGreenMountain bike frameKona calderaBike
-
Is The Brooks Champion Flyer Leather Saddle Ideal for Adventure Cycling?
October 26, 2013
The Brooks Chamption Flyer Saddle is a leather, steel sprung saddle from Brooks. It is meant for touring and trekking use. Features Length: 275mm Width: 175mm Height:87mm Weight: 860g The Flyer and its ladies model Flyer S are classically sprung saddles for long distance trekking and touring. It is directly descending from the B66 Champion, first featured in the 1927 catalogue. Sharing the same leather tops of the B17 models, they combine the comfort of these popular models with the extra suspension granted by two rear springs.
-
What Is The Best Bike For City Riding?
October 19, 2013
When I am cycling round in London, I see many different types of bikes but which is the best for riding in the city? Single Speeder Many people go for a single speed option. Single speed bikes, like the name suggests, have no gears. Pros: Easy to maintain Simple and relaxed ride experience Strong and durable (thicker chain, no rear mechanism) Cons: Tough on the hills; spinning out on the flats or downhills Can be bad for your knees if you aren’t used to it Not so good for long distances and touring (e.
-
Weave of the Ride Officially Launched (so Now You Can Get Your Copy)
August 4, 2013
On Saturday 3rd of August 2013, ‘Weave of the Ride’ was officially launched on a sunny Hampstead Heath. People turned up from all directions. We shared a picnic, stories and desires for adventure, and there was a presentation and Q&A. Some questions that were asked included; How did I raise funds for my journey? The answer was that I worked before I left, raised about £3500 and that covered the journey to Georgia.
Tags: LaunchWeave of the rideEuropeTravelBookWritingAdventureCycling
-
Weave of the Ride: A tale told from two points of view
August 4, 2013
I was happy to have two blog posts written about Weave of the Ride. Tom Allen from tomsbiketrip.com and Alastair Humphreys (National Geographic Adventurer of the Year) wrote about the book and cite the value of a story that is shared from multiple perspectives. I quote from Alastair’s blog: This is all background to why I have really enjoyed reading two telling of the same tale. Tom Allen and Andy Welch set out together to try to cycle round the world.
Tags: Weave of the rideCycle touringTravelBookWritingAdventure
-
Tales of Adventure - An evening of animating stories of exploration
June 25, 2013
‘The George’ pub founded in 1723 as a coffee house and gets its name either from the proprieter whose name was George or from Georgia III who is depicted on the pub sign (known for his bouts of madness). It is an ideal venue for share stories of unusual journeys and explorations, set against the backdrop of beer-swilling lawyers and other suited workers. There is a special sense of irony in telling such tales of escape in the heart of one of London’s busiest and ‘steeped-in-tradition’ areas near Aldwych in Holborn.
Tags: Night outSpeakingTalkTales of adventureLeon maccarronTravelAdventure
-
Tales of Adventure Talk - 20th June - London
June 12, 2013
I will be giving a talk about Weave of the Ride and the importance of taking journeys at The George Pub, 213 The Strand, London on 20th June. The event opens at 7pm and I will be talking at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 on the door. There will be a raffle for the book, books available for sale and book signing. The events are usually sold out and are first come, first served.
-
10 Things Writing a Book Means to Me
May 13, 2013
Writing a book can be quite daunting but once you’ve finished it is a significant achievement. Here are some of the reasons why writing a book is important to me. I have done something interesting enough to write about and written about it. Achieved a significant goal and produced a finished product. It means a great deal to share a story to inspire others. I have learnt what it takes to construct a book and publish it independently.