Right here’s a spherical up of my high bikes, biking equipment, tasks, rides and low stops of this yr!
First up we have now…
Century Gravel Journey
Probably the most ‘epic’ time out on a motorcycle of 2023 was my first 100 mile Gravel Bike trip. I’d been doing numerous lengthy distance operating occasions within the Spring and fancied an extended trip to place my bike legs to the check.
I fuelled up with loads of carbs and electrolytes for breakfast, with loads 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 situations have been superb.
As soon as we reached Wigan we made our approach 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 chunk to eat round noon. Then it was again on to canal tracks until we reached Eccleston and into Preston to Avenham park through the quiet nation lanes and tracks.
The trip was a terrific time out and I’m positive I’ll be attempting a number of extra lengthy distance gravel rides in 2024!
Visiting Ridley Bikes
An unbelievable 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 fairly 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 beautiful 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 among my finest purchases this yr has been these top quality, open ear headphones.
Shokz headphones have allowed me to trip to my favorite music while nonetheless being conscious of my environment. They’re useful to simply throw on earlier than a trip and the easy button controls imply I can pause my tracks with out having to cease and attain for my cellphone. I’ve additionally tried these headphones within the fitness center and pool they usually have been good. 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 unbelievable 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 very fact it holds up so properly on all terrains, permitting me to hop on and off the highway at my need. I feel an alloy gravel bike resembling this one makes an excellent winter bike and saves put on and tear in your ‘finest bike’.
Espresso Stops
No lengthy weekend trip is full with out a espresso cease…
Making time for a espresso cease pre, mid or publish trip is an effective way to meet up with a pal or chill out by yourself. I’ve discovered espresso stops an effective way to interrupt up a trip and guarantee I’ve sufficient gasoline in my system to get me dwelling. It’s additionally been a pleasant approach of chatting to new individuals you meet out on a trip. For those who don’t already you may wish to think about including a espresso cease the odd longer trip. And naturally, when you don’t like espresso there’s all the time tea! My favorite cease this yr was alongside the Trans Pennine Path at Dunham Apples and The Apple Barn!
From their tasty flapjacks to power packed gels, Torq has been with me on each journey of 2023!
I’ve discovered Torq‘s vitamin merchandise to all the time give the enhance I would like. I’ve positively tried and examined them this yr… For each operating 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 gasoline alternative for any endurance occasion I’ve on my calendar.
Canal Towpaths
I appear to have spent quite a lot of time driving on canals this yr…
Maybe one of many good locations for enjoyable trip. Supplied you time the situations and enterprise proper… I’ve had loads of nice rides alongside the canal this yr. Simply make sure the route is dry sufficient and never a slip and slide! Driving alongside the water may be very enjoyable, particularly throughout a sundown!
Snug, non fogging, smooth and classy!?
I’ve been utilizing a pair of Oakleys all through 2023 they usually have ticked all of the containers in terms of a good pair of biking sun shades. They’ve remained tremendous cozy 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 are going to see me by way of a few years of biking as they’re constructed to final!
What a beast!
This yr I did all my spring and summer time 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 trip. I’d advocate an Orro to anybody, they’ve the trusty 105 spec all the way in which as much as Dura Ace Di2!
The bike was good 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 disillusioned! One among my favorite rides on the Venturi was an early summer time morning ‘pre-work’ one round Eccleston and Tarleton’s nation lanes with a pal of mine (ending with a espresso and massive breakfast after all).
Giving the nice outdated 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 trip’ with a mate. I’d advocate anybody to provide their outdated 26er a brand new lease of life fairly than it sitting gathering mud. For more information on this undertaking 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, tasks or equipment has been this yr within the feedback!
