Right here’s a spherical up of my high bikes, biking equipment, initiatives, rides and low stops of this yr!
First up we’ve got…
Century Gravel Trip
Essentially the most ‘epic’ day trip on a motorbike of 2023 was my first 100 mile Gravel Bike journey. I’d been doing numerous lengthy distance working occasions within the Spring and fancied an extended journey to place my bike legs to the take a look at.
I fuelled up with loads of carbs and electrolytes for breakfast, with a lot extra on the prepared in my two 750ml Torq bottles. I then met Andy on the entrance to the Leeds to Liverpool Canal round 6.45am and we headed off on our gravel enterprise. Again in June, the climate and path circumstances had been perfect.
As soon as we reached Wigan we made our method off the canal and thru loads of gravel tracks until we arrived at Carr Mill Dam then pedalled on to Speke in Liverpool alongside the Trans Pennine Path. We stopped for a a lot wanted espresso and chew to eat round noon. Then it was again on to canal tracks until we reached Eccleston and into Preston to Avenham park by way of the quiet nation lanes and tracks.
The journey was a terrific day trip and I’m certain I’ll be attempting a number of extra lengthy distance gravel rides in 2024!
Visiting Ridley Bikes
An unimaginable manufacturing unit with pleasant faces and lovely gravel tracks…
My go to to Ridley Bikes in October was a unbelievable journey. We got a heat welcome upon arrival and loved a scrumptious cup of espresso of their ‘handlebar’. Then it was into the manufacturing unit to see how their knowledgeable craftsmanship processes happen from begin to end. The eye to element was clear to see and I’ve to confess I do somewhat fancy buying a Ridley someday sooner or later…
We additionally loved the gravel tracks and trails close by. I had the pleasure of testing out the gorgeous Kanzo Journey Gravel Bike. The expertise of biking in Belgium was very nice and I used to be amazed simply what number of cycle paths and lanes there have been!
What a recreation changer! One in all my finest purchases this yr has been these top quality, open ear headphones.
Shokz headphones have allowed me to journey to my favorite music while nonetheless being conscious of my environment. They’re helpful to simply throw on earlier than a journey and the easy button controls imply I can pause my tracks with out having to cease and attain for my telephone. I’ve additionally tried these headphones within the health club and pool they usually have been excellent. Simply notice, solely the OpenSwim ones are absolutely waterproof for swimming…
My Merlin Malt G2X Gravel Bike
A unbelievable all rounder bike for gravel, commutes and winter driving…
The Merlin Malt G2X has been an unimaginable winter bike for 2023. It’s remained dependable for all my rides and my go-to bike for this time of yr. I like the actual fact it holds up so nicely on all terrains, permitting me to hop on and off the highway at my want. I believe an alloy gravel bike similar to this one makes a really perfect winter bike and saves put on and tear in your ‘finest bike’.
Espresso Stops
No lengthy weekend journey is full with no espresso cease…
Making time for a espresso cease pre, mid or publish journey is a good way to meet up with a buddy or calm down by yourself. I’ve discovered espresso stops a good way to interrupt up a journey and guarantee I’ve sufficient gas in my system to get me residence. It’s additionally been a pleasant method of chatting to new individuals you meet out on a journey. When you don’t already you may need to take into account including a espresso cease the odd longer journey. And naturally, in the event you don’t like espresso there’s at all times tea! My favorite cease this yr was alongside the Trans Pennine Path at Dunham Apples and The Apple Barn!
From their tasty flapjacks to vitality packed gels, Torq has been with me on each journey of 2023!
I’ve discovered Torq‘s diet merchandise to at all times give the increase I would like. I’ve undoubtedly tried and examined them this yr… For each working 100 miles at Chester 100 Extremely Race and Biking 100 on the gravel bike, they haven’t let me down! They’ll proceed to be my go-to gas alternative for any endurance occasion I’ve on my calendar.
Canal Towpaths
I appear to have spent plenty of time driving on canals this yr…
Maybe one of many excellent locations for stress-free journey. Supplied you time the circumstances and enterprise proper… I’ve had loads of nice rides alongside the canal this yr. Simply make certain the route is dry sufficient and never a slip and slide! Using alongside the water could be very stress-free, particularly throughout a sundown!
Snug, non fogging, modern and trendy!?
I’ve been utilizing a pair of Oakleys all through 2023 they usually have ticked all of the packing containers relating to an honest pair of biking sun shades. They’ve remained tremendous comfortable for all-day rides and in contrast to another manufacturers they don’t fog up in any respect once you make a fast cease. I’ve little doubt they may see me by means of a few years of biking as they’re constructed to final!
What a beast!
This yr I did all my spring and summer season highway rides on the Orro Venturi. Having beforehand been on a gravel or mountain bike for many of my rides, the Venturi was a terrific swap. I put many miles in on this lovely bike and it was only a pleasure to journey. I’d advocate an Orro to anybody, they’ve the trusty 105 spec all the best way as much as Dura Ace Di2!
The bike was excellent straight out of the field, with no changes or upgrades wanted for me. Even a few my mates determined to select up one they usually weren’t upset! One in all my favorite rides on the Venturi was an early summer season morning ‘pre-work’ one round Eccleston and Tarleton’s nation lanes with a buddy of mine (ending with a espresso and large breakfast after all).
Giving the great previous 26er some upgrades…
I had a blast upgrading this Merlin Malt 2 26″ Hardtail bike!
This ‘weekend cruiser/commuter’ bike was sat in my storage needing some love and TLC. First up I made a decision to get it serviced after which give it a ‘Spring Refresh’. With new bars, grips, 1X Chainring, Billy Bonkers Tyres and a bling high cap it was able to roll! It’s change into my weekend cruiser bike in the mean time and is ideal for a pleasant ‘chill journey’ with a mate. I’d advocate anybody to provide their previous 26er a brand new lease of life somewhat than it sitting gathering mud. For more information on this challenge click on right here.
In order that rounds up my favorite Biking bits of 2023! Tell us what a few of your favorite bikes, rides, initiatives or equipment has been this yr within the feedback!
