Category: advice
Encouraging Quotes 8
John Lennon Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time Dalai Lama This is my simple religion: There is no need for temples; no need for complicated …
Why is bicycle touring so good for exploring?
Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit with Bicycle Touring Exploring new horizons and pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone is at the heart of every …
Advice for Putting Bikes on Public Transport in Europe and Beyond
If you are planning on going on a long distance cycle tour, but for some sections you will put your bike on public transport (Trains, buses, coaches) …
Bug Out Bag, Survival Situation Kit bag
In a survival situation what do you need in a “grab-and-go” kitbag. Here are some essentials that you might need. Sleeping If you are …
Looking for some stocking fillers?
Looking for gifts for cyclists? Why not try these items (or similar): Winter Cycling Gloves: dhb Windslam Stretch Cycling Gloves Some warm gloves for …
20 Ways to Refresh Your Body and Mind (updated)
Go for a run Running increases oxygen to the brain. Write / sketch Help you get ideas out of your head and make new connections. Make noise Create a …
The Genesis of Outward Bound
Innovative Education Outward Bound is an innovative educational idea put forth by Kurt Hahn that has survived and flourished for more than sixty …
Steps for Road Cleat Adjustment
The following video is the best information I found on cleat set up. Be aware the diagrams are the wrong way round! Switch the 2 and 5 metatarsal …
From the Archive: Cycle Touring and Expedition Notes
Before going cycle touring I did some preparation right from the reasons behind why I was going, through to the equipment I would need. Why do I want …
Life Skills Brainstorming Session
UPDATE 2024: This post outlines various life skills and topics relevant to personal and professional development. It covers aspects such as critical …
Top 50 British Menswear Brands
I just came across this article and thought it linked nicely to my previous post about whether to buy cheap or expensive clothes (and where those …
One year of cycling to work
When I moved to London I mainly cycled to get around. Of course other modes of transport offer benefits, but cycling offers freedom, health benefits …
Bike hacks - Tips and Tricks to Enhance your Cycling Experience
NOTE: This post is a work in progress. Apologies if it is a bit rough around the edges. Weather protection Go for full length enclosed outer gear and …
Trail running 101 for newbies whose feet have never touched dirt!
This is a guest post. John Muir allegedly once famously said, “Of all the paths you take, make sure at least one is dirt.” Runners have the luxury of …
How to build the perfect expedition bicycle - Part 4
This is the last in the four part series. Please check out part 1,2,3 if you haven’t already. This one is about the luggage set up. I find that …
How to build the perfect expedition bike - Part 3
Wheel choice for expedition biking is a personal one. I used Sunn Rhynolyte rims because they lasted well and are still going strong. I’ve …
How to Choose a Saddle
A saddle can make or break riding a bike The convention view that a big gel saddle is the most comfortable is wrong. There are many different types of …
How to build the perfect expedition bike Part 2
In the first installation of the series I wrote the frame and suspension. In this one I will talk about the drivetrain: Bicycle drivetrain systems are …
How to build the perfect expedition bike part 1
So you want to go on an expedition by bike. You might be asking yourself “What kit do I need?” You’ll find plenty of information out …
Encouraging Quotes 7
From The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Be Present I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate …
How to Lace Up a Misshaped Brooks Champion Flyer Saddle
I use a Brooks Champion Flyer saddle for my cycle touring. It had the reputation of being the most comfortable saddle. After the initial break-in …
Useful links when preparing to go on a bicycle tour
Health tips Staying Healthy On A Bike Tour Tour Tips & tricks: Health 10 ways to stay healthy on a bike tour Boots Vaccination Advice NHS Scotland …
Bike sizing and how to fit your bike
Sizing is a really important aspect of choosing a bike that will provide a good cycling experience. A poorly sized bike can cause health problems and …
What Essential Bike Maintenance is Needed for Cycle Touring?
Maintenance you aim to do will depend on the kind of conditions you’re riding in. Daily Give the bike a once-over about once a day. Check the …
What Should you Carry in a First Aid Kit for Cycle Touring?
For an any outdoor trip you should take a basic first aid kit. Here are list of essentials with a focus on cycling. Antibiotic / hydrocortisone …
How do you Prepare to Live in a Foreign City?
Moving to a foreign city - whether for work, study, lifestyle change or just for fun can be a daunting experience. However, to ensure that it reaps …
Lee Firman's Lightweight Touring Kit List
Lee Firman was the manager of the online footwear retailer “Feetus”. He contributed this article detailing his kit list following a Camino …
Alternative Careers for Website Developers
When I attended secondary school the internet was relatively new, but amongst my friends we started learning about it and trying to make websites. I …
How do I find travel partners for a bicycle touring trip?
You might want to travel solo or with others. It can be difficult to find others who you know who are interested in doing the same kind of trip you …
Things to Do On a Weekend Trip in London
A Weekend Trip to London: Your Ultimate Guide Planning a weekend trip to London? You’re in for a treat! London is a city bursting with culture, …
Staying Safe While Mountain Biking
When out mountain biking, nothing is more important than ensuring your safety and the safety of others around you. The truth is, mountain biking is …
Digital tools for Productive Nomads
Whilst travelling I blogged from internet cafes and carried a hard drive around to back up photos from my Camera’s SD card. Technology moves on …
Utility cycling and long distance cycling
I recently cycled from Leicestershire to London as I’m moving there and have done a few trips down to sort out accommodation and visit friends. …
An interesting take on buying a new bike versus building your own bike from scratch
If you have been a cyclist for a while then you will have built up a certain amount of knowledge about bikes, bike repair and so forth. I always find …
Bear Grylls Survival Guide Part II
This is a part II of a summary of an article I found interesting in the Times newspaper (28/10/17) about the book, How to Stay Alive: The Ultimate …
Bear Grylls Survival Guide Part I
This is a part I of a summary of an article I found interesting in the Times newspaper (28/10/17) about the book, How to Stay Alive: The Ultimate …
Travel Philosophy: Tricks for the Road
On the road, you pick up a few tricks. You are more vulnerable by yourself, in an unfamiliar place and you need to be able to trust and cooperate with …
3 of the The Best Vlogs / Youtube Channels on Mountain Biking
Cedric Gracia Is a French mountain biking legend. 50to1 (Josh Bryceland etc) Is a world cup winning mountain biker from the north of the UK GMBN …
GPS and Mapping
Garmin GPS I have used the Garmin Etrex Vista HCX. Etrex Vista Review. I bought it for the Ride Earth trip. I put it on to record a track log of the …
Should You Try Crossfit? How I Got into Crossfit.
Back in February, some friends who were ‘Crossfitters’ offered to me to go and try and try a session with them. I was sceptical at first. …
Photography
My photographic practice began in 2007 when I bought my first proper camera- Nikon DLSR D40x to take photos on my cycling journey around the world. …
How to Write for Magazines
Excerpt from RGS Expedition Handbook 35 WRITING FOR MAGAZINES Miranda Haines 06 RGS Expedition Handbk 4/3/04 3:54 pm Page 401SELLING YOUR PIECE Mind …
Advice for Cycle Touring in Zanzibar, Africa from Seasoned Expert Pete Gostelow
What is the best time of the year to go? Anytime. Tanzania has a wet season from March-May and short rains October. It’s hottest in Jan/Feb. …
30 Things Mountain Biking has Taught Me About Life
Good writers have often used sport as a metaphor for life. Preparation wins races. Keep your gear clean. Gear isn’t everything. Don’t ride …
How to Get Sponsorship: Company Sponsorship Email Template
Back in 2006 when I had the idea to go on a cycle tour, it was my idea, and no one else’s. I thought, that I alone would take my bike, escape …
Weave of the Ride - A Book About Cycle Touring Across Europe
In my early twenties, one hot summer day seen through an office window, I felt as if I should be getting out on my bike more. A flippant message to a …
How to design an Indie book
Use your imagination beforehand and try to understand what is the most effective thing to do. Do research on other books in existence. Simple will be …
How does Cold Water Swimming Make You Feel?
You know that you have told yourself that you are going to do it. You have set up this self challenge that means that any time there is an opportunity …
How to market an ebook?
Very little joy from hours of spamming journalists Any media coverage I have got has proved so unproductive at selling books/makingmoney/opening …
The pros and cons of programming as a career
I’m self taught coder. It is the best way I have found to make money and it interests me. I like computers and I’ve always had a talent …
What is the Best Process for Photography - Workflow and Technology?
Since I started taking photos, I have amassed thousands. Especially since 2007, when I first got a decent camera and went travelling. Whilst …
Buy Cheap or Expensive Clothes?
Everyone has to buy clothes. With the prevalence of department stores like Primark that sell cheap clothes, the question is whether it is false …
How to Observe and Document Evidence of Climate Change
Back in 2001 I studied Environment, Economics and Ecology at York University. At the time the environment was a hot topic and it seemed like there …
Best Drones Review for Aerial Filmmaking
What is a drone? An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, unmanned aircraft system (UAS), or by several other names, is an …
Expedition Preparation Tips
To me an expedition means: exploring, new ideas and experimentation. It can offer a great deal of learning potential. An expedition usually requires …
Self-Help Summarised
There are so many self-help books out there. A recent study boiled them down to the following: You decide how you feel. Model the successful. People …
How to Analyse and Fix Bugs in Your Life
I originally wrote this in 2010. Updated 2017. Identifying habits that perhaps hold me back and creating solutions. Problem: Using technology through …
Travel Filmmaking Quick Tips
In it’s most simple form, filmmaking is story-telling. With a few simple techniques everyone can record and tell compelling stories. Camera Care It is …
The Performance Lab - Conditioning, Strength and Martial Arts Training Youtube Videos
I am lucky enough to have been able to train with Stewart Lovejoy for the last couple of years. He is a long term martial artist and fitness expert …
5 Uses for the Google Cardboard VR Headset
Google Cardboard is a virtual reality (VR) platform developed by Google for use with a head mount for a smartphone. Named for its fold-out cardboard …
The Georiders Story - How to Set Up an Adventure Tour Business
Update 2017. Georidersmtb is no longer operating. I will write a full report of what happened with my experience setting up a mountain bike tour …
Kitesurfing Lessons and How to Look After Your Kitesurf Gear
Many former windsurf enthusiasts have now moved to kitesurfing which has grown immensely in popularity in recent years. I was attracted to kitesurfing …
Updated: Ways to travel on the cheap
Travelling is often seen as something for the rich. However, over the years travel has got cheaper. The majority of my ‘real’ travel …
Which Jobs Combine Tech and an Adventurous Lifestyle?
As someone who has mostly made a living out of working in tech, but who loves the outdoors I have questioned the kind of existence that comes with …
How to Survive Living in a Big City Like London
I lived in London for 4 years between 2010 and 2014. London is a great place for walking and cycling. There is a huge amount to explore. Anyone who …
How to find a good restaurant in a new city to taste local authentic food
When travelling almost everyone wants to enjoy a local meal . It’s part of the travelling experience . If you’re not careful you may end …
Pros and Cons of Making a Creative Living in the Adventure Travel Niche
When I decided to go cycle touring back in 2007, it was because I wanted to have an adventure. I had no intention of making a career of it. When I …
Where should I live?
Moving to a new place is an important place and requires plenty of research. Affordability Living comfortably and within your means should be your …
How to Publish an Ebook
Publishing an ebook is a great way to get your writing out there. You can potentially make some money if you have a following or are willing to create …
Why bikepacking is becoming the latest cycling craze
Do you enjoy cycling and adventure? Do you not care about the terrain - paved or unpaved? Are you a fan of camping and just want to get out on a mini …
How to self-promote
How to self-promote These days social media is massive and it can help if you are promote yourself. Collaborate with other similar kinds of people - …
Ways to Make a Protest More Effective
Whilst studying at Goldsmiths in 2011 I did a project where I was looking at how protests usually work and thinking about how to make them more …
What defines a life well lived?
If you asked someone “Define a life well lived”, how would they respond? Possible responses may include: Having as much fun as possible Plenty of good …
How to Build a Decent Mountain Bike for £410.93
Update Summer 2017 Upgraded the bike with a Brand X Dropper post. Update October 2016 After riding weekly with local club Wakerley Wheelers, the bike …
A Writing Manifesto to Keep the Words Flowing
Get up early in the morning to write. 6 am and earlier. I tried writing late at night and got into a counter-productive routine of falling asleep at …
Self Shot Travel Filming Manifesto
This is a manifesto for how to shoot a movie, inspired by my own experiences filming whilst travelling, advice from String Films and a project I did …
How to Make an Adventure Film, So Far
The Initial Set Up In 2006 I began preparing for a journey to cycle round the world. Cue loads of preparation and research. It was going to be a huge …
Encouraging Quotes 6
Frank Lloyd Wright Early in life I had to choose between honest arrogance and hypocritical humility. I chose the former and have seen no reason to …
Working as a developer and keeping healthy
I spend some of my time working as a developer programming websites. The comedy show, The IT Crowd, portrays an image of a computer nerd - an average …
Fitness, movement, calisthenics research to maintain a high quality of life by moving your body
Basic guide to natural movement patterns. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXu6JIlhkAY Movnat encourages natural movement. …
List of Non-Corporate Politically Neutral News Sources
Like Reddit but for alternative news with increased consideration of privacy https://www.reddit.com/r/neutralpolitics Reddit is a site where users can …
RGS Explore 2015 - Event for Geography and Expeditions at the Royal Geographical Society
Explore is the Society’s annual fieldwork and expedition planning weekend on 13-15 November at the Society’s headquarters in London. With …
5 Great Resources for Finding Places to go Mountain Biking in the UK
More Dirt This website is basically a directory of mountain bike trails in the UK which can be searched for via a map. It also brings up a list of …
10 Essential Tips for Getting the Most out of Fitness App Strava
Strava is a very cool app. I’ve found it motivates me to explore and push myself. Here are some tips, from my experience of using it: Hardware …
Should I Work for Free?
Conventionally a person gets a job, fulfils a task and then receives some money. Money is collected and used to spend on things. Boiled down this is …
7 Meditation Videos for Better Intuitive Decision Making
There are many techniques for decision making that are based around list making and weighing up pros and cons, but this ‘left brain’ way of thinking …
How to find a memorable name for a new business, product or project to stand out from the rest
I’ve named a few of my creative outputs. Some of the names I’ve come up with have stuck around and some haven’t. I’m quite good at reeling off a load …
10 Motivational Videos to Uplift, Energise and Change Awareness
There are many videos on Youtube with inspirational content. Here is a selection I’ve put together for you. Video has a unique way of quickly …
Tips to Start Paddling in the UK to Explore a Huge Network of Waterways
You’ll need a license. Members of British Canoeing and Canoe Wales who get Canal and River trust membership included. BCU membership includes a …
How to buy a 125cc legal learner motorcycle
I recently decided to pass the CBT (Compulsory Bike Training). This is the test that everyone needs to take to progress to riding larger bikes. After …
Interval and Calisthenics Training Videos For a More Effective Workout
I do a lot of running and cycling but doing only these activities means that you might not gain an overall level of all-round fitness. Try Interval …
Most Common Questions Asked About Going Cycle Touring from Weave of The Ride
How much you spent in each country and how long you were there for? It depended on where I was travelling. I lived very much on a shoe string. In …
Encouraging Quotes 5
Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha Wisdom cannot be imparted. Wisdom that a wise man attempts to impart always sounds like foolishness to someone else …
10 Benefits of Cycle Touring In Europe to Inspire Your Trip
1. It will make you smarter Exercise is scientifically proven to stimulate your brain [1]. You will meet many more people, come across tonnes of …
Encouraging Quotes 4
Napolean Bonapart The only one who is wiser than anyone is everyone Mahatma Gandhi Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from …
How to Build the Perfect Expedition Bike for a Hassle-free Bike Tour
I wrote a series of popular articles about preparing for a short, medium or long term adventure cycling tour; about the equipment I needed, getting …
Why is Bicycle Touring the Best Way to Travel Through Europe?
Benefits Cheaper than public transport Getting fit whilst travelling Hugely diverse area, geographically and politically. The geography in Europe is …
Tips For Preparing a Cycle Tour to Ensure an Amazing Trip
PrepareI spent a considerable chunk of time preparing for our bike trip, Ride Earth. We read about previous expeditions on websites such as 'Crazy Guy …
Tips for Your Gap Year
Hello! You have probably got here searching for that exact question. That’s great, because I have some good information for you to help with …
Tips for Travelling With Your Bike By Bus in Europe Stress Free
I did the overland journey Georgia - England, there and back, two and a half times; about 15000km in total. Overland travel in Europe has it’s …
What Should I Do For My Gap Year?
Hello! You have probably got here searching for that exact question. That’s great, because I have some good information for you to help with …
What Is The Best Bike For City Riding?
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 …
10 Things Writing a Book Means to Me
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 …
Tips for Beginning the Writing Process to Avoid Writers Block
This post is from 2009 when I had just started writing Weave of the Ride. My writing is going well. It is a new challenge and I’m enjoying it. I …
How I Created A Writing Manifesto to Get My Writing Process in Shape
Get up early in the morning to write. I usually write between 6.30am to 8.30am. I tried writing late at night and got into a counter-productive …
Why Write a Book About a Defining Time in Life and Why You Should Too
I have, in my hands, a book that contains stories of a myriad people and places, woven together to animate and illuminate a section of life-lived. I …
10 Thing I Learnt From Writing A Book So You Can Write Your Own
I usually keep a daily diary anyway but when I travel it captures all the details of that day. I have then been able to read back through my diary and …
Encouraging Quotes 3
Buddha Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads you to wisdom. Jocko Willink Don’t count on …
Encouraging Quotes 2
Bruce Lee It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential. Arthur Ashe Start where you are. Use what you can. Do …
Encouraging Quotes
Bruce Parry The (King) of the Suri Tribe - We are one, we all have ten fingers, we have two eyes, we have two ears, we have one stomach, we are all …
21 Observations about Mongolia - tips for the Mongolia traveller
In 2010 I did a trip to Mongolia. After travelling there by the Trans-Siberian train, I cycled 1000km across the open steppe. Having been back in …
Mongolia Mountain Biking Adventure - Some thoughts in retrospect
Yesterday I cycled 140km from Dover to Central London where I now reside. I’ve had a lot of time to digest the brilliant travel experience …
Travel Filmmaking - What to Shoot and How to Shoot
To Zoom or not to Zoom? Keep zooming to a minimum if you want a closer shot, get closer to the subject rather than zooming. Tripod If possible ensure …
Travel Filmmaking Post Production Tips
Post Production Editing the style and professionalism of your edit will be dependent upon what film you are making and for which audience. …
Travel Filmmaking Pre-Production Tips
Message What is the message i want to communicate? This is important because it is the main objective of your film. Audience Who is the audience? Is …
Category: autobiographical
2017 Retrospective
Better late than never. My retrospective on 2017 which I’m aiming to do each year. Read last year’s post 2016. 2015 (fail). Read 2014. …
2016 in Review
This post is a bit late now as we are already into February 2017. To be honest, it wasn’t that easy to summarise the year as there were no great …
Year in Review 2014
2014 has been an interesting year. After leaving a very good full time job at MTV in Camden, London after 2 years, I left my overpriced warehouse …
Category: bajada
An Art Festival in Southern Spain: Encuentro Internacional de Arte y Ecología #2
Joya: arte + ecología presents the second Encuentro Internacional de Arte y Ecología #2, a transdisciplinary symposium for those involved or concerned …
Category: bikes
Bike Comparisons
This page displays a table of bikes that I have reviewed or included in the bike reviews section with links back to the articles. From this list you …
Category: book
Evernote Evolved: Maximise your Productivity with this Simple Method
Evernote Evolved offers a comprehensive guide to mastering Evernote, a powerful tool for organizing your life and maximizing your productivity. This …
Mountain Biking Routes in The Republic of Georgia
Mountain Biking Routes in The Republic of Georgia is your ultimate guide to exploring the diverse and challenging trails of Georgia. From lush forests …
10 Lessons Learnt from Cycling to Mongolia and Other Travels...
10 Lessons Learnt from Cycling to Mongolia and Other Travels… is a reflective and insightful account of the lessons learned during …
Bikepacking Scotland '06
Bikepacking Scotland ‘06 takes you on an unforgettable journey through the rugged landscapes of Scotland. This book chronicles an epic …
25 of the Most Effective Ways to Get Insight, Boost Productivity and Increase Creativity
25 of the Most Effective Ways to Get Insight, Boost Productivity and Increase Creativity is a practical guide packed with actionable strategies to …
Open Wilderness Guiding Book
Back in the 60s a revolutionary group of geographers called the Situationists came up with a way to explore city spaces called the Dérive. They went …
Prepare, Pack, Pedal - A Practical Guide to Cycle Touring
After I finished my cycle tours across Europe and Asia, I organised all my research and planning into a guidebook, including route choice, equipment, …
Between Worlds - Cycle Touring in Asia
Between Worlds chronicles a real journey of discovery from the harsh winter of Georgia to the wilds of Mongolia by bicycle. A lone ride which began in …
Category: books
Books
Whilst travelling I picked up new experiences and I kept journals each day. I decided to share them in the following books and guidebooks. Travelogue …
Category: creative
Coming up for a Name for Prepare, Pack, Pedal
These were some of my first attempts at names for my self-published book Prepare, Pack, Pedal which is a practical guide to going cycle touring. …
Urban Cross Country Trail Network - Trails in Cities
‘Desire paths’ are where people cut off the corners of paths because it is more convenient. If you look in fields near to housing estates …
Pros and Cons of Making a Creative Living in the Adventure Travel Niche
When I decided to go cycle touring back in 2007, it was because I wanted to have an adventure. I had no intention of making a career of it. When I …
Category: cycling
Bike Comparisons
This page displays a table of bikes that I have reviewed or included in the bike reviews section with links back to the articles. From this list you …
Category: event
Cycle Show, Latest Bikes And Components 2017 Part III - Blackburn, Altura, Kinesis, Shand
Blackburn Whyte gravel bike with Blackburn Outpost range of bikepacking bags. Altura Charge Plug with Altura waterproof Bikepacking luggage range. …
Cycle Show, Latest bikes and components 2017 Part I - Elite, Shimano, Genesis Titanium
Yesterday I went to the Cycle Show at the Birmingham NEC to check out all the new bikes and try out mountain bikes and e-bikes. It was a good trip and …
RGS Explore 2015 - Event for Geography and Expeditions at the Royal Geographical Society
Explore is the Society’s annual fieldwork and expedition planning weekend on 13-15 November at the Society’s headquarters in London. With …
An Art Festival in Southern Spain: Encuentro Internacional de Arte y Ecología #2
Joya: arte + ecología presents the second Encuentro Internacional de Arte y Ecología #2, a transdisciplinary symposium for those involved or concerned …
Explore 2014 at the Royal Geographical Society
Explore this year was as inspiring and awesome as usual. I spoke to tonnes of people, with some really interesting trips and backgrounds not least …
Explore Expedition Planning Weekend at the RGS 2014
The Explore seminar at the Royal Geographical Society is coming up in November. I contribute through conversations with people who attend conveying my …
Tales of Adventure - An evening of animating stories of exploration
‘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 …
Tales of Adventure Talk - 20th June - London
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 …
Adventure Travel Show 2011
Adventure Travel Show in London 2011. I was representing at this show, and enjoying some fine chat about adventures.
Janapar at Raindance Film Festival 2012
Raindance, which opens in London on September 25th sets its sights firmly on independent filmmaking, and has done so for the last twenty years, to the …
Category: gear
Bug Out Bag, Survival Situation Kit bag
In a survival situation what do you need in a “grab-and-go” kitbag. Here are some essentials that you might need. Sleeping If you are …
Lee Firman's Lightweight Touring Kit List
Lee Firman was the manager of the online footwear retailer “Feetus”. He contributed this article detailing his kit list following a Camino …
Digital tools for Productive Nomads
Whilst travelling I blogged from internet cafes and carried a hard drive around to back up photos from my Camera’s SD card. Technology moves on …
GPS and Mapping
Garmin GPS I have used the Garmin Etrex Vista HCX. Etrex Vista Review. I bought it for the Ride Earth trip. I put it on to record a track log of the …
Kitesurfing Lessons and How to Look After Your Kitesurf Gear
Many former windsurf enthusiasts have now moved to kitesurfing which has grown immensely in popularity in recent years. I was attracted to kitesurfing …
Eurobike 2016 Hot New Biking Products
EUROBIKE happens each year in Friedrichshafen, Germany to showcase premieres of new bike kit, the latest trends and ideas. From it’s early …
Using iPhone for Adventure
I recently got hold of an iPhone 3 because a friend’s phone smashed so I fixed it using parts from Ebay. The reason I am talking about the …
Category: guest
8 Safety Tips to Keep in Mind When Camping
Being one with nature and sleeping under the stars can sometimes be all that we think about when planning a camping trip. Making sure that everything …
Low Bicycle Theft Is an Advantage for a Cyclist Living in Singapore
Singapore is among the safest and best places to call home on earth, thanks to the low crime rate. The city-state is inhabited by various nationals …
Guest Post: Leon McCarron - From New York to Hong Kong collecting peoples stories - on travelling alone
I have always found bike touring to be an intensely personal and introspective endeavour. Journeys with companions have been a lot of fun, and I …
Category: interview
Interview with Charles Denby : Subversive Cartography
This is an interview I did recently with Charles Denby, Geography student from Kings College, London. What do you think maps do? I think that maps can …
Interview with Brian Dixon : Light Follows 2013
This is an interview I did with Brian Dixon in 2013 - a conversation whilst walking around Camden. Interview Questions (3.0) Age: 30 Gende R: Male …
Interview with Goat from Ridingthespine.com about Fatbiking the Length of the Americas
I contacted Goat from the ridingthespine.com because I was planning to do a similar trip. Goat and two friends rode the Great Divide Mountain bike …
The Pursuit Zone Podcast
I’ve just done a podcast with Paul Schmid who runs the Pursuit Zone Podcast. Given the opportunity to talk about my experiences and passions I …
Interview with Traveller, Horseman, Shepherd and One Time Architect Andreas Knorr
Last year, in June, in Tbilisi, I was walking in ‘The Hippodrome’, which is a recreational area from Soviet times for shows and events. I decided to …
Interview with Artist Andrew Ranville
Andrew Ranville is an artist who I met through the Royal Geographical Society Explore Weekend displaying his projects in the ‘Communicating your …
Interview with Next Challenge Tim Moss Will Inspire Your Adventures
I recently began following Tim Moss on his website The Next Challenge which aims to help people to be more adventurous in their everyday lives. I find …
Guest Post: Leon McCarron - From New York to Hong Kong collecting peoples stories - on travelling alone
I have always found bike touring to be an intensely personal and introspective endeavour. Journeys with companions have been a lot of fun, and I …
Category: list
Bug Out Bag, Survival Situation Kit bag
In a survival situation what do you need in a “grab-and-go” kitbag. Here are some essentials that you might need. Sleeping If you are …
Lee Firman's Lightweight Touring Kit List
Lee Firman was the manager of the online footwear retailer “Feetus”. He contributed this article detailing his kit list following a Camino …
Category: mountain bike tour
Preparation for Running a Mountain Bike Tour
I’ve been preparing to run a mountain bike tour in Georgia with Georiders again this year. We’ve got tours running in June, July, August …
Category: news
UK Leaves the EU
As the decade opened, the United Kingdom officially withdrew from the European Union, marking a historic moment with significant economic and …
Category: opinion
Advice From a Geographer: Put Away the Map
Our lives are saturated with maps. We see them in cars, subways, and airplanes. We access them with our phones, computers, and GPS devices. There are …
The Destruction of Tbilisi's architectural heritage
I went to a talk at the British Georgian Society in London about the architectural heritage of Tbilisi. Ecommos Georgia organisation is a French …
One year of cycling to work
When I moved to London I mainly cycled to get around. Of course other modes of transport offer benefits, but cycling offers freedom, health benefits …
Is there such a thing as a cyclist philosophy?
Cycle journeys, mountain biking, city cycling - cycling shapes my life, my mind and my body. Cycling is a varied experience including many different …
Walkable Streets Are More Economically Productive
When I lived in London I walked a lot. London is a good city for walking, partly perhaps because it is a historical city where the streets were …
Utility cycling and long distance cycling
I recently cycled from Leicestershire to London as I’m moving there and have done a few trips down to sort out accommodation and visit friends. …
An interesting take on buying a new bike versus building your own bike from scratch
If you have been a cyclist for a while then you will have built up a certain amount of knowledge about bikes, bike repair and so forth. I always find …
Urban Cross Country Trail Network - Trails in Cities
‘Desire paths’ are where people cut off the corners of paths because it is more convenient. If you look in fields near to housing estates …
Difficulties with providing a guiding services in Georgia
This is a positive post reflecting on some experiences of working in a team to provide tours to tourists in Georgia. Working together: Communicating …
Who was Sir Francis Younghusband?
David Klein, a mountain climber, from Hungary, who we stayed with on the original Ride Earth bike tour, bought up Francis Younghusband as a British …
Which is Better - Ebook vs Paper Book
An ebook is a useful format that is different from a paper book. An ebook can be updated comparatively quickly and easily. It has next to no …
Buy Cheap or Expensive Clothes?
Everyone has to buy clothes. With the prevalence of department stores like Primark that sell cheap clothes, the question is whether it is false …
Richard Holland - Skateboarder, Maker, Landrover
Richard Holland is a designer and artist who lives in Sweden. I spoke to him briefly over email about his most recent project, the Floda 31 art …
Where should I live?
Moving to a new place is an important place and requires plenty of research. Affordability Living comfortably and within your means should be your …
What are Extreme Sports and How Do They Differ from Traditional Sports?
The following list contains the main traits of an extreme sport: A high level of inherent danger Speed, height, a high level of physical exertion, and …
Why bikepacking is becoming the latest cycling craze
Do you enjoy cycling and adventure? Do you not care about the terrain - paved or unpaved? Are you a fan of camping and just want to get out on a mini …
Will Pokemon Go get you out on an Adventure to Explore Your City?
There is a hugely popular app game from Nintendo out called Pokemon Go. It topped the app store download chart on both iPhone’s App Store and …
The Paradoxical affect on Motivation of Hot Media
From Wikipedia: “a snake oil salesman is someone who knowingly sells fraudulent goods or who is themselves a fraud, quack, or charlatan.” …
Thinking about Alternatives to the Current Economic System
Any ambitious person wants to feel as though their life is progressing and any intelligence person who participates in society does it because it …
Should I Work for Free?
Conventionally a person gets a job, fulfils a task and then receives some money. Money is collected and used to spend on things. Boiled down this is …
Adventure Misunderstood: The Irony of the Adventure Industry
Recently there was a post on Tom Allen’s blog about how Adventure is now being used to sell products. Loads of people commented on it. I was …
Finding Real News These Days Is Not Easy But Its Important
This morning, I have been digging through the news about the conflict between Russia and Georgia. I am trying to find some articles, which are closer …
Media Coverage of War is As Confusing as War Itself
I’ve been following the news media frenzy on the conflict in Georgia. There are many news media channels available on google.co.uk/news and …
Earn Money and Stay Longer in One Place to Deepen Your Travel Experience
I’m working on a website for a real estate company here in Georgia because I have run out of money for the round the world bicycle trip. …
Category: page
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About
I started blogging in 2005 to document my bicycle travels. Over time it evolved as my travels concluded and studies and work in a technology career …
Category: philosophy
The Wander Scale
When you go travel from point A to point B you can either go via a direct or indirect route. Travelling over land, geography and route play a part. A …
Is there such a thing as a cyclist philosophy?
Cycle journeys, mountain biking, city cycling - cycling shapes my life, my mind and my body. Cycling is a varied experience including many different …
Rousseau: Meditations of a Solitary Walker
This post from the Culturium is on the topic of Rousseau’s “Meditations of a Solitary Walker”. Rousseau’s “Meditations …
Book Review & Takeaways: Outliers, The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
I was lent this book recently after striking up a conversation about The Tipping Point and my friend had read it and also recommended this book. …
A reflection on ‘The Bicycle Diaries’ by David Byrne
Originally posted on Slowquest in 2011. David Byrne’s primary mode of city transport during his career as a musician and artist is a bicycle. In …
The Paradoxical affect on Motivation of Hot Media
From Wikipedia: “a snake oil salesman is someone who knowingly sells fraudulent goods or who is themselves a fraud, quack, or charlatan.” …
Directionality
This post is from the archive. It was written in 2012 when I was lucky enough to have a lot of time to think deeply about many things due to studying …
Notes from Reading Simulation and Simulacrum by Jean Baudrillard
Simulation and Simulacrum is a philosophy book written in 1981 where Baudrillard aims to explore the relationship between reality, symbols and …
Category: posts
How to get more people on bikes in Central London and other cities
Cycling is better for inner city journeys and the government is responding to this. However, there is still a long way to go to catch up with the …
Maker Workshops at Harts Lane Studios
A couple of workshops at a space in New Cross. migrated from the WeQuest Research blog: I was preparing the Hart Lane studios space with Rebecca for …
Workshop at uscreates about Future of Bike Touring
I attended a great workshop tonight at uscreates near London Bridge, ran by Jonathon Pye-Finch (pye-finch.co.uk | @jonpyefinch) it was a great …
A Good Year for Protesting in London
This year (2011) I attended a few protests against austerity, public service funding cuts, critical mass bicycle rides and others. Huge demonstrations …
Category: product
Coming up for a Name for Prepare, Pack, Pedal
These were some of my first attempts at names for my self-published book Prepare, Pack, Pedal which is a practical guide to going cycle touring. …
Looking for some stocking fillers?
Looking for gifts for cyclists? Why not try these items (or similar): Winter Cycling Gloves: dhb Windslam Stretch Cycling Gloves Some warm gloves for …
Quechua (Decathlon) Ultralight Camping Roll Mat Review
I wanted the smallest, lightest possible roll mat, and this one fit the bill at the right price. A good product recommended. After much research this …
Portapow USB AA Battery Charger Review
I bought this charger to both charge batteries and back up my other charging capabilities. It worked well but I think I needed to do more to get the …
Gift for a cyclist who likes reading? Between Worlds - The Promise of the Road
Between Worlds chronicles a real journey of discovery from the harsh winter of Georgia to the wilds of Mongolia by bicycle. A lone ride which began in …
Pros and Cons of Making a Creative Living in the Adventure Travel Niche
When I decided to go cycle touring back in 2007, it was because I wanted to have an adventure. I had no intention of making a career of it. When I …
16 reasons you might enjoy reading about my Cycle Touring Adventure in Europe - Weave of the Ride
Weave of the Ride is a book I wrote about cycling from England to the Caucasus between 2007 and 2008. It is a tale of wanting to make a change and …
Latest News About the Weave of the Ride Book and Cycle Touring In Europe to Keep Updated
Weave of the Ride is a blog about a tour across Europe I did. This blog is here because I wanted to nicely re-edit and represent. According to Google …
Prepare, Pack, Pedal: A Practical Guide to Bicycle Touring
A year ago, I realised I had written so much to help people plan their bicycle tours on my blog but it was all on blog posts I thought it could be …
Between Worlds: The Promise of The Road - Cycling to India Book Released
My new book which covers my cycle journey onward from Georgia, through Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, and a separate trip to Mongolia, as well as a …
Weave of the Ride Officially Launched (so Now You Can Get Your Copy)
On Saturday 3rd of August 2013, ‘Weave of the Ride’ was officially launched on a sunny Hampstead Heath. People turned up from all …
Weave of the Ride: A tale told from two points of view
I was happy to have two blog posts written about Weave of the Ride. Tom Allen from tomsbiketrip.com and Alastair Humphreys (National Geographic …
Weave of the Ride - A Book About Cycling Across Europe with No Idea and No Budget
Having graduated from university, I was lucky to get a job, but I felt life had more to offer than the daily commute and hours on the computer. I …
Weave of the Ride Book Launch Speech
Weave of the Ride is close to me as it speaks about my personal encounters and conversations with different cultures on my journeys. My travels can be …
Why Write a Book About a Defining Time in Life and Why You Should Too
I have, in my hands, a book that contains stories of a myriad people and places, woven together to animate and illuminate a section of life-lived. I …
Category: project
Wandermap - City Walking
Wandermap is inspired by the Situationists movement of the Dérive and Psychogeography. You experiment with maps to create inventive and unusual ways …
Category: research
GPS and Mapping
Garmin GPS I have used the Garmin Etrex Vista HCX. Etrex Vista Review. I bought it for the Ride Earth trip. I put it on to record a track log of the …
The Best Places to Visit in the World: Adventure Research
UK Peak District The Roaches, Staffordshire Wales The Gower peninsula Pembrokeshire Pony-Nedd-Fechan Barafundle Bay Lake District Buttermere Europe …
Kitebiking - Wind-powered Biking Without Pedaling
Adventure cyclists always complain that the power of wind is the worst problem or best feeling on a bike. Either a headwind pushing you back or a …
Category: review
An interesting take on buying a new bike versus building your own bike from scratch
If you have been a cyclist for a while then you will have built up a certain amount of knowledge about bikes, bike repair and so forth. I always find …
Category: reviews
My Solar Charging Set Up
Charging setup laid out before going hiking in Spain see above. Gopro Hero Black Edition Portapow AA charger Portapow Solar Panel 11W iPhone 5 Life …
Review of Tern Folding Bikes for Cycle Touring
Folding bikes offer additional flexibility as they can be packed up and put on a kayak or inflatable boat for example. Storage is the main benefit, …
Bug Out Bag, Survival Situation Kit bag
In a survival situation what do you need in a “grab-and-go” kitbag. Here are some essentials that you might need. Sleeping If you are …
Cycling shoes for wide feet
Giro HV Giro HV are the wide versions of Giro Shoes. Check out the Privateer. Shimano wide-fit Shimano do wide fitting versions of their shoes/boots. …
Solar Storm Bike Light
Solar Storm 3 lamp bicycle light is the light I use on my commuter bike and for mountain biking. It is a metal-cased multi-LED light with a …
Osprey Aether 70 Hiking Back Pack Review
Tested on a multi-day hike in Spain carrying enough food and water for 3 days. The pack was my choice after doing of plenty of online and in-shop …
Portapow 11W Solar Panel Review
I bought this solar panel after doing considerable research on options that were out there. At the time (2013) there were a few options but most of …
Karrimor Carbon Fibre Walking Poles Review
I bought these from Sports Direct. They seemed to offer the same spec as much pricier alternatives. I used them for every day over 8 days on a hike. …
Gopro Hero 3 Black Edition Camera Review
I used the Gopro Hero 3 Black Edition on a walking trip in Spain. I was attracted to the wide angle lense because I was shooting footage along a …
The Best Trail Hardtails
I was looking for a new mountain bike. I went to the cycle show last year, searched online and checked out local bike shops regularly. At first I was …
Diadora X-Country MTB Shoes
The Diadora X-Country mountain biking shoes with SPD cleats are a budget to mid-range shoe that performs well under most conditions and are durable. …
The Best Bikepacking Luggage Straps
I was looking for some ways to strap stuff onto my bike. I started searching “bikepacking straps”. This is a thing, but the straps are …
Im Selling My Marin Pine Mountain 1 2016 XL 27.5 bike on eBay
ebay listing Very good condition. Frame has a few minor paint scuffs from use. Bought as new from previous owner. I’ve used it for a recent …
Options for 27.2 Dropper Seatpost
Sometimes steel frames and older frames use a 27.2 (inner diameter) seatpost size. Many newer frames don’t and therefore dropper seatposts for …
Notes from Watching Hypernormalisation by Adam Curtis
Syria Assad (old Assad) Gaddafi (wannabe revolutionary) Facebook echo chamber content reinforces content Blackrock Aladin servers, analyse past to …
Top 50 British Menswear Brands
I just came across this article and thought it linked nicely to my previous post about whether to buy cheap or expensive clothes (and where those …
Sharps Sea Fury Special Ale Cornish Beer (UK) Review
I’ve been a fan of Doom Bar for a while and saw this slightly stronger beer from the same brewer. “Sea Fury” and it’s …
Bikepacking Seat Post Bag Reviews
A seatpost bag seems like an excellent way to add luggage space where there is already a fair amount of weight (my backside). But in all seriousness, …
Cateye EL-300 light Review
This bike light was given to me by Emily Chappell. On receiving it, I thought it looked awesome because it was large and had multiple LEDS. Company …
Anker astro external battery 5600 mAh Review
Power banks are used for providing portable power to charge battery powered items like mobile phones and other similar items that have a USB …
Experiences of Building Up and Using an E-Bike (with a Bafang Motor)
I regularly follow a news thread called Hacker News and this was a post that I saw on there recently about the experience of building up an electric …
Rousseau: Meditations of a Solitary Walker
This post from the Culturium is on the topic of Rousseau’s “Meditations of a Solitary Walker”. Rousseau’s “Meditations …
Marin Pine Mountain Owner Long Term Review
Before you read the article, have you seen my books? Please check them out. Thanks! 10 Lessons Learnt from Cycling to Mongolia and Other Travels …
Fuji Touring vs Specialized Awol Touring (Classic vs Modern) Bike Review
Fuji Touring 2016 Touring Bike The Fuji Touring was one of the first mass produced touring bikes ever put on the market, and it’s one of the few …
Bear Grylls Survival Guide Part I
This is a part I of a summary of an article I found interesting in the Times newspaper (28/10/17) about the book, How to Stay Alive: The Ultimate …
Bafang Mid Mount E-bike motor
E-bikes are the future, undoubtedly. They are still quite expensive to buy but prices will come down. In the mean time there is also the DIY option. …
Brompton Electric Bike Review
I reviewed an electric tour bike earlier this year and was pleasantly surprised by its power and build quality. I decided to take this one step …
Winora Yakun Tour Electric Adventure Touring E-Bike Review
I tried this bike out along with a number of other e-bikes at the National Cycle Show at the NEC in Birmingham. The test involved riding a section of …
Cycle Show, Latest Bikes And Components 2017 Part III - Blackburn, Altura, Kinesis, Shand
Blackburn Whyte gravel bike with Blackburn Outpost range of bikepacking bags. Altura Charge Plug with Altura waterproof Bikepacking luggage range. …
The Cycle Show 2017 - Latest Bikes and Components Part II - Mondraker, Boardman, Cannondale Bikepacking, Apidura
Mondraker Podium Carbon Pro Tech Spec Highlights Frame: Podium 29er Stealth Air Carbon, redesigned internal structure , Integrated Stem Technology …
New Project Wants to Connect Mountain Bikers
What they say: Mountain biking can create great friendship stories like ours. Jonathan and I started riding when we were 13 years old and we quickly …
Cycle Show, Latest bikes and components 2017 Part I - Elite, Shimano, Genesis Titanium
Yesterday I went to the Cycle Show at the Birmingham NEC to check out all the new bikes and try out mountain bikes and e-bikes. It was a good trip and …
Surly Troll - Steel Frame 26 inch Touring Bike Review
A troll is a class of being in Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore. In Old Norse sources, beings described as trolls dwell in isolated rocks, …
What Trainers do I need Autumn 2017?
In the last couple of years I have used my Merrell Trail Glove 3 and Inov Trailroc 255 trainers and wrote long term reviews about them (linked above). …
Genesis Tour de Fer 30 2017 Touring Bicycle Review
Tech Spec Highlights Full dynamo light set up Burly Reynolds 725 frameset Full Tiagra 3x10 groupset Front and rear Tubus racks Tech Spec Frame: …
Oakham Ales Citra Golden English Beer IPA (Ale) Review
This is a beer I discovered quite recently and has become one of my favourites. Brewery: Oakham Ales Oakham Ales is an English brewery now based in …
Grayson Perry Book Review
Perry’s book focuses on the under-appreciate topic of what constitutes male identity in these times. Grayson Perry is an artist who is known for …
Book Review & Takeaways: Outliers, The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
I was lent this book recently after striking up a conversation about The Tipping Point and my friend had read it and also recommended this book. …
Brand X Ascend Dropper Seatpost Review
On first look you might think a dropper seatpost is another gimmick for bikers with too much spare cash. However, out riding recently with others with …
Mountain Bike Tyres
Mountain biking tyres A list of links from research I did about buying mountain bike tyres. These are quite old now, but I still recommend Maxxis …
GPS and Mapping
Garmin GPS I have used the Garmin Etrex Vista HCX. Etrex Vista Review. I bought it for the Ride Earth trip. I put it on to record a track log of the …
Prepare, Pack, Pedal - A Practical Guide to Cycle Touring
After I finished my cycle tours across Europe and Asia, I organised all my research and planning into a guidebook, including route choice, equipment, …
6 Shoes for City Exploring
This post started as research for comfortable shoes city exploring in London and Tbilisi. The criteria was lightweight, durable and able to wear in …
Review of Binatone Terrain 750 Walkie Talkies
Bought to use for mountain bike guiding. Pros Solid construction Work well Easy to charge with stand Cons Batteries wear out too quickly If batteries …
Review of Garmin Etrex Vista HCX Portable Handheld GPS
Bought to track route on cycle tour Pros Rugged design Accurate Reliable Feature packed Cons AA batteries run out too quick Not user friendly …
An Updated List of the Best Steel Bicycle Frames
Purely a list of steel bike frames - mtb and touring to be updated as and when. MTB Stanton Slackline Stanton on ebay Pipedream Pipedream on ebay …
5 adventure / survival themed computer games
Since I went to Scouts as a child I always had an interest in survival skills. Perhaps its the doomsday outlook about the future in the media or the …
The Best Cycle Cafes in London
Look Mum No Hands Cycle Cafe 49 Old Street, EC1V 9HX Combining a cafe, a bicycle workshop, a bar, and exhibition space. Coffee comes from local …
Top 10 Surfing Documentaries
Surfing is an idyllic activity - sun, sand, waves, culture and there are many superb documentaries out there. Here is a selection for you. Step into …
Best Drones Review for Aerial Filmmaking
What is a drone? An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone, unmanned aircraft system (UAS), or by several other names, is an …
The Best In Ear Headphones 2017
Soundmagic E50S High-purity copper windings and aluminium casings both help improve detail and reduce distortion. The 10mm drive units provide an …
Boulder Bicycle - Vintage Bike Shop in Boulder, Colorado
I was lucky enough to meet the Kone family because they contacted Georiders to create a bespoke mountain bike tour in the Republic of Georgia. Mike …
British Army 58 Pattern Poncho Review
This army poncho was purchase from eBay. Features Issued to British troops up until the late 90’s 58 pattern poncho design Draw cord on hood …
Shimano 8 Speed SL-M748 Mountain Bike Gear Shifters Review
8 speed is recommended for touring because the chain is wider and both the chain and cassette block should last longer. Which shifters are the best …
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Lens Review
A zoom lens offering a high zoom ratio with magnification of 11.1x Features Zoom lock switch Compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) Built-in Vibration …
Canyon Dude CF 9.0 Fatbike Mountain Bike
A quick blast on the Canyon mountain bikes website reveals this mad machine - the Canyon Dude - a kind of fatbike, hardtail mountain bike with …
How to Improve Mountain Biking Skills
Notes from when I did my mountain bike technical leader course Climbing Weight position Position your weight to keep the front wheel on the ground for …
5 Top Day Trip Backpacks Review
QUECHUA Forclaz 22 Air Day travel Backpack Quechua are the budget option but usually well made and good value for money. Designed for day hiking in …
2007 Shimano XTR Rear Gear Mech Review
Shimano XTR back in 2007 used to be highest end version of Shimano mountain bike drivetrain products. The question I had was should I used XT or XTR …
Ultimate Job? Job of the Week: Windsurf Tester.
Can you imagine spending every day testing out a new windsurf rig sailing off a sandy palm tree-lined beach? That is my job of the week. Read more …
Top 5 multi fuel camping stoves
MSR DragonFly Stove The MSR DragonFly Stove is a multi fuel stove which can burn any liquid fuel including diesel. Feature / benefits Dual-valve for …
Tubus Logo Rear Carrier Rack Review
The Ultimate choice for travellers when heel clearance is an issue. The lower mounting point of bags improves the centre of gravity and also …
Review of Lifedge iPhone 5 Rugged Waterproof Mobile Phone Case
Mobile phone cases are important as phones are expensive and can be susceptible to getting damaged in daily use. There are many options available to …
Shimano Deore XT Mountain Bike Hubs Review
Technical details Intended Use: Mountain 32 or 36 Hole 6-Bolt Disc Compatible J-Bend Spoke Type 135mm Rear Hub Spacing Claimed Weight-495g Non-Drive …
Review of Olympus WS-210S digital voice recorder for recording audio whilst travelling
A voice recorder is a good option if you want to make notes on the move. The Olympus WS-210S is a device I used. Features Professional-grade digital …
Review of Airbnb Travel Accommodation App
Since writing this article, Airbnb have been in the news because governments have been cracking down the rules about renting out private space (Update …
Best Hiking Shoe Brands Review
Hiking shoes. Whats the best brand? Meindl Meindl are based in Germany. Their shoes sit at the higher end of the market similar to Lowa. They partner …
YETI ODI Lock-on Mountain Bike Grips Review
Grips are an often overlooked but important part of a bike set up and one of the main contact points on a bike. Some of the body weight is distributed …
Inov-8 Trailroc 255 Trail Running Trainers Long Term Review
On my quest to find the ultimate all round shoe I felt that the answer might be a trail running shoe. My search however, took a twist, as I decided …
Sealskinz Military Issue Waterproof Socks
Sealskinz military socks are thick, sturdy and meant to be waterproof. Having previously owned a pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks I was interested …
Vibram Fivefingers Trek Ascent Expert Review
This is a guest post by Lee Firman - an adventurer and entrepreneur who runs a company called Feetus. The Trek Ascent was released by Vibram …
Eurobike 2016 Hot New Biking Products
EUROBIKE happens each year in Friedrichshafen, Germany to showcase premieres of new bike kit, the latest trends and ideas. From it’s early …
Surly Ogre - Steel frame 29er bikepacking trekking mountain bike review
The Surly Ogre’s name perhaps doesn’t give the bike the right image or the image that it needs. Ogres are usually ugly and trudge about …
Vibram New Arctic Shoe Tread Technology Grips on Ice
Vibram are a company that are known for making high quality rubber soles for all kinds of shoes, but can be found on many kinds of hiking shoes. They …
Alternative Shaped Bicycle Handlebar Review
Most handlebars for mountain bikes are either flat: or what is known as a riser bar where the bar rises at an angle from the centre point: Backsweep …
Camping Hammocks Research and Review
I like sleeping outside. If you are going to be able to find trees to strap a hammock between or staying at a camp with these conditions, a hammock is …
A reflection on ‘The Bicycle Diaries’ by David Byrne
Originally posted on Slowquest in 2011. David Byrne’s primary mode of city transport during his career as a musician and artist is a bicycle. In …
Surly Long Haul Trucker Adventure Touring Bike Review
I recently visited Oakham Cycles to test ride the Surly Long Haul Trucker. I wanted to check it out because it is a go-to bike, good value, used and …
Coast HL27 Headlamp Review for Night Running, Hiking, Mountain Biking with Adjustable Zoom / Dim
You might be more likely to find this headlamp in a hardware store than an outdoor shop. However, this lamp ticks many of the boxes in the search for …
List of adventure, expedition and bike packing bikes 2016
I recently came across an excellent resource on cyclingabout.com. It is amazing the level of research that has gone into the list. The number of …
Gear Review: Merrell Trail Glove 3 Zero Drop Barefoot Running Shoes
Having really liked the New Balance MT10 barefoot running shoes in the wide fit, I wanted to find a similar pair when they were discontinued. I was …
Crosso Dry 60 Adventure Bicycle Touring Pannier Review
The Crosso Dry 60 is a set of bicycle panniers designed for adventure touring. They have a sealed and welded closure to prevent against mud and water …
10 of the best adventure films
Adventure films inspire and motivate. They show amazing landscapes, places and countries around the world. We get close to the character who has to …
Review and Notes : PostCapitalism: A Guide to Our Future by Paul Mason
Lays out the foundation of the story of economics for the last couple of hundred years. Very topical to write something about ‘fixing the …
Top 5 Useful Items of Mountain Biking Equipment
These are some of my favourite pieces of equipment for mountain biking that I have owned and rigorously put to the test. 1. A good bag. The Osprey …
5 of the Most Thought Provoking Books about the Environment
The Weather Makers A series of essays about the consequences of global warming. It looks into the knock on effects of rising carbon dioxide levels …
Footwear for Travelling and Multiple Activities - Long Term Research
When it comes to footwear, wisdom wins over extreme preparation unless you are really doing something severe or will be doing the same activity for …
Running in Vibram Fivefinger Treksport - Long Term Review
My favourite piece of gear over the last couple of years has been my Fivefingers Treksport shoes from Vibram. I have been using them regularly mainly …
Bicycle Touring: Reliable fundamentals
If you’re considering going on a bicycle tour, then you can faced with a considerable range of options for bikes and equipment when preparing. …
On-One Inbred (26 inch wheel version) Frame Review - My Thoughts on this Classic Steel Frame
Before you read the article, have you seen my books? Please check them out. Thanks! 10 Lessons Learnt from Cycling to Mongolia and Other Travels …
Discover How the Oakley Radar Cycling Sunglasses Stood Up To A 3 Year Adventure Tour
A good pair of sunglasses are essential if you are cycling to protect your eyes from dirt, dust and the sun. This is my review of the Oakley Radar …
Craghoppers Classic Kiwi Trousers - Live in Trousers for Your Bicycle Travels
These hiking trousers from Craghoppers are lightweight, quick-drying, and comfortable. They consist of sun-protective fabric, stain proof and water …
Middleburn 32T Hardcoat Chainring Long Term Review
Upon kitting out my long distance touring bike I knew from past experience that I tended to wear out middle chainrings faster. A worn chainring had …
Are 1000 Mile Marfil Road Cycling Socks a Good Choice for Adventure Cycling?
This sock was sponsored by a company for Ride Earth. It contains a yarn called Marfil which apparently is very good at wicking away moisture so your …
Are Shimano MT91 Boots A Good Choice for Adventure Riding?
I managed to get a pair of these beauties sponsored from Chain Reaction Cycles. They are a hiking-style boot with a solid sole for riding efficiency. …
Get Your Layering Right - Helly Hansen Base Layer Review
A base layer is a really important item of clothing as it sits next to your skin. Having a long sleeve base layer is good in the winter, and can be …
Vaude Hogan Ultralight Argon Tent Long Term Review
Some people don’t like tents and prefer to sleep under a shelter or just in a protective breathable ‘bivvy’ bag. However, there are …
A Three Year Test of the Leatherman Blast Multi-tool for Adventure Cycling
A really useful item for travelling overland is a good multi-tool. Gerber and Leatherman are the main brands. The blast is a lightweight, …
What is a Buff and Why is it The Most Useful Piece of Travel Kit You Will Take?
Before I had any experience of travel I had no idea what a Buff was and when we were sponsored by Buff they sent us about 12 of them featuring …
What Kit Do You Need To Go Adventure Cycling?
This post is one of a series about Adventure Cycle Touring that formed part of the foundation for my ebook Prepare Pack Pedal. It is ideal if your …
Carradice Super C Bicycle Touring Panniers to Keep Your Kit Safe and Dry
The Carradice Super C panniers are well-regarded as being long lasting and reliable and are a common choice for the long distance cyclist. Features: …
Chris King Headset Long Term Adventure Cycling Kit Review
The Chris King Headset is well-regarded as one of the best on the market. I bought a Chris King Headset because of the rave reviews and general …
Extrawheel Single Wheel Trailer to Carry Your Gear Safely and Conveniently
The Extrawheel single wheel trailer (Voyager Model - in the shot below) is a bicycle trailer from polish manufacturer Extrawheel. It features a welded …
How are Magura Louise Disk Brakes (2007 model) For Stopping a Loaded Touring Bike?
The Magura Louse disc brakes were a high end disc brake that came out around 2007. Brakes are what the German company’s speciality with a good …
Is The Brooks Champion Flyer Leather Saddle Ideal for Adventure Cycling?
The Brooks Chamption Flyer Saddle is a leather, steel sprung saddle from Brooks. It is meant for touring and trekking use. Features Length: 275mm …
Kona Caldera Frame Review (2008 version) Can Aluminum Stand Up To Adventure Cycling
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 …
Kona Explosif Mountain Bike Frame (2007 version) for Adventure Cycling
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 …
Magura Odur Suspension Forks Adventure Cycling Long Term Review
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. …
Sun-Ringle Rhyno Lite Wheel Rims Long Term Adventure Cycling Review
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 …
Which Tyres? Schwalbe Marathon XR Tyres Review
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 …
Using iPhone for Adventure
I recently got hold of an iPhone 3 because a friend’s phone smashed so I fixed it using parts from Ebay. The reason I am talking about the …
Category: tech
Tech Innovations at CES 2020
I attended a call with a tech specialist on CES 2020. CES 2020 showcased a variety of groundbreaking technological innovations across different …
Workshop at uscreates about Future of Bike Touring
I attended a great workshop tonight at uscreates near London Bridge, ran by Jonathon Pye-Finch (pye-finch.co.uk | @jonpyefinch) it was a great …
Category: technology
Using Wordpress, Twitter, GPS to document a multi-day hike in Spain
In 2016, I did a hiking expedition, named Bajada, in Spain starting in the Sierra Los Velez national park, walking a dried up watercourse and …
Nomadic Dreams Mobile Living Solutions
When I was studying at Goldsmiths in London back in 2011, I had just returned from a few years of travelling and I played around with the idea of …
Alternative Careers for Website Developers
When I attended secondary school the internet was relatively new, but amongst my friends we started learning about it and trying to make websites. I …
Should I Buy Cryptocurrency?
What is it? Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency which is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses cryptography to secure its …
New Project Wants to Connect Mountain Bikers
What they say: Mountain biking can create great friendship stories like ours. Jonathan and I started riding when we were 13 years old and we quickly …
5 Electronic Music Documentaries
Music has the awesome ability to change a mood in a second. Technology has democratised access to music as well as, to some extent, the production of …
5 adventure / survival themed computer games
Since I went to Scouts as a child I always had an interest in survival skills. Perhaps its the doomsday outlook about the future in the media or the …
5 Uses for the Google Cardboard VR Headset
Google Cardboard is a virtual reality (VR) platform developed by Google for use with a head mount for a smartphone. Named for its fold-out cardboard …
Review of Airbnb Travel Accommodation App
Since writing this article, Airbnb have been in the news because governments have been cracking down the rules about renting out private space (Update …
Underwater Drone Kickstarter Campaign OpenROV
Lake Tahoe straddles the border between California and Nevada. Before a road was built in the 1930s a Steamship called ‘The Queen’ took …
A New Map of the Brain
Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have come up with a new map of the outer layer of the brain called the …
Will Pokemon Go get you out on an Adventure to Explore Your City?
There is a hugely popular app game from Nintendo out called Pokemon Go. It topped the app store download chart on both iPhone’s App Store and …
10 Awesome Raspberry Pi Mini Computer Video Tutorials for Getting Inspired
The Raspberry Pi (/paɪ/) is a series of small single-board computers developed in the United Kingdom by the Raspberry Pi Foundation to promote …
Videos to Discover Developments in Artificial Intelligence
Alex Garland’s film Ex Machina is a startling and engaging film about a CEO of a huge search engine company who lives as a recluse and builds …
5 Videos on the Latest Developments in Sustainable Mobility
Elon Musk Elon Musk is a well known tech engineer and entreprenuer. His company Tesla deals with solar energy, batteries and electric cars. Here is a …
Category: travel
Gift for a cyclist who likes reading? Between Worlds - The Promise of the Road
Between Worlds chronicles a real journey of discovery from the harsh winter of Georgia to the wilds of Mongolia by bicycle. A lone ride which began in …
Late Night Lightroom - Caucasus
Aurelian on the Guitar, knew how to sing and play some old French classics to the delight of anyone who happened to be around. Big old Soviet cars …
Hiking in the Brecon Beacon Mountains of Wales
Up at 5.30am I took the train from Peckham Rye over to Victoria. I took the bus from Victoria (booked in advance £6.50 a single). I felt …
Weekend Mountain Biking in Switzerland with an Engineer from Scott Bikes
I spent a fantastic weekend in Switzerland near to the city of Bern. Through a mutual friend, I visited an engineer at Scott bikes who has just …
Adventures with bikes and mountains photography part 2
Exploring the dry landscape in the Sierra Los Velez national park in Spain Starting my “Bajada” dry watercourse hike in Spain Steep sided …
Adventures with bikes and mountains photography part I
Inverness to Fort William off-road tour. Scotland waterfall. Mark on a tricky path in Scotland. Morning after staying in a bothy in the Highlands. …
From the Archive: Making a Stove and Camping on the Black Sea in Turkey
A cold dark beach somewhere on Black Sea coastline of Turkey. There was small driftwood everywhere in one area, a guy fiddling with netting. It was …
Producing Absinthe in Georgia
When I was staying in Georgia running mountain bike tours in 2015, in between work, a French friend, Vincent, who makes alcohol invited me to collect …
Bikepacking the Gower Peninsula in Wales
A couple of weeks ago I came across an article on bikepacking.com for a route round the Gower peninsula in Wales. I had been looking for a trip to do …
One year of cycling to work
When I moved to London I mainly cycled to get around. Of course other modes of transport offer benefits, but cycling offers freedom, health benefits …
The Wander Scale
When you go travel from point A to point B you can either go via a direct or indirect route. Travelling over land, geography and route play a part. A …
My Daily Croatia Mountain Bike Guide Itinerary
In 2005, for 6 months I worked as a mountain bike guide. Each day I would make the following speech to guests: Welcome, I’m Andy. I am the …
Audience Questions about Weave of the Ride - Cycling Across Europe
The following are common questions I was asked when I did talks about my cycle travels. how much you spent in each country and how long you were there …
Photo Essay Demonstrations in Tbilisi
I arrived back in Tbilisi in Georgia just in time to witness a demonstration in a similar mould to the one Tom and I witnessed when we arrived for the …
Cycle Touring in India - A Photo Essay
Unfortunately this original post got corrupted and I was left with only the captions! TODO: Photos coming soon…. Two guards talk at the …
Cycle Touring through Nepal - A Photo Essay
Unfortunately this post got corrupted so I still need to put the photos back with the captions. Coming soon… Pondering the map before setting …
Protestors in symbolic cells in Georgia
In 2009 I took photos of a demonstration in Tbilisi where people set up metal cubes in the main square and lived inside them for weeks. The photos I …
Vegetarian Georgian Food
Badrijani - aubergine dish Khachapuri - cheese pasty Lobiani - bean pasty Lobio - stewed beans Ajapsandali - vegetable stew mushroom / cheese …
Mongolia Photo Essay
Tom pedals through a stream at full speed. Gnarly route down to the river for a dip and a wash. Epic skies every evening. That particular evening I …
A photo essay of places that I have slept on my travels
In a forest in Georgia after a rave. On a riverbed in Mongolia after pushing the bike 25km along it. In a yurt in Mongolia. Next to Lake Khuvsgul in …
Reasons you need to put Georgia on your travel must-see list!
Georgia is an absolute stunner of a place, and one that people are rapidly starting to wake up to. Here are 10 reasons why: The amazing mountains …
Cycling Across Europe - Weave of the Ride Photo Essay
We started out as three and had to get used to life on the road. However, the freedom was palpable and things soon improved. Once we had crossed the …
Utility cycling and long distance cycling
I recently cycled from Leicestershire to London as I’m moving there and have done a few trips down to sort out accommodation and visit friends. …
What does cycling round India feel like?
Cycling in India was fantastic but there were many ups and downs. The experience was a bombardment of the senses that was, at times, both pleasant and …
New Project Wants to Connect Mountain Bikers
What they say: Mountain biking can create great friendship stories like ours. Jonathan and I started riding when we were 13 years old and we quickly …
Mountain Biking in Georgia Video Edits - GoPro / iPhone
Between 2009 - 2015 I spent time on a project to offer mountain bike tours in Georgia called Georiders. I didn’t get around to creating these …
Cornwall
Video made from phone footage, shot on Cornish coast. No zooming, short static clips and borrowed (attributed at the end of the video). Capturing a …
3 of the The Best Vlogs / Youtube Channels on Mountain Biking
Cedric Gracia Is a French mountain biking legend. 50to1 (Josh Bryceland etc) Is a world cup winning mountain biker from the north of the UK GMBN …
Matt Hunter - Lone Wolfe Mountain Biking Camping Trip and Grizzly Bears
Its a bit after this video was originally published but I’m glad I just came across it. Matt Hunter is a mountain biker I’ve seen in …
5 Mountain Bike Routes in Georgia on Strava
Routes recorded with Strava in the mountains in Georgia - The first 3 in Tusheti are on jeep tracks, the other two are singletrack / mixed. Diklo to …
Backstreet Atlas - A Skateboarding Documentary
I used to commute to work on a longboard and got into Skateboarding again recently. I starting watching some Youtube videos and came across this …
Prepare, Pack, Pedal - A Practical Guide to Cycle Touring
After I finished my cycle tours across Europe and Asia, I organised all my research and planning into a guidebook, including route choice, equipment, …
Krakow, Poland and Auschwitz - Birkenau
We went to Poland, Krakow. The food was amazing. A lot of hot stews. There was good beer too; draught lager or some dark beers. One pub had a …
Permaculture in The Republic of Georgia
I met Roland Chatwin, in Tbilisi in 2015 who at the time was setting up a cooperative & permaculture project in Kakheti, a region of Georgia. He …
Adventure Mountain biking on the Island of Korcula, Croatia
When I was bike guiding in Croatia, there were a couple of guests who came out called Rob and Rachel. On one big day ride we went out and headed east …
Loosing a Ski at the Top of a Mountain in Armenia
Having cycled to the Caucasus, I arrived in Armenia, spring 2008 and was staying with some Couchsurfers, Max and Irene. Max suggested we go skiing in …
Mountain Biking Trail Discovery Ride in Tbilisi
Originally written 2009, updated 2017. Living in Tbilisi, Georgia 2009, I converted my touring bike into a mountain bike and spent an afternoon …
The Best Places to Visit in the World: Adventure Research
UK Peak District The Roaches, Staffordshire Wales The Gower peninsula Pembrokeshire Pony-Nedd-Fechan Barafundle Bay Lake District Buttermere Europe …
The Nomadic Lifestyle: Pros and Cons of Living in Georgia
Having lived in Georgia and Armenia here are my pros and cons of living there. I think it’s easy to only think on a shallow level about places, …
Wisdom and Outtakes from a Cold Winter in the Caucasus
Take the opportunity to party I made many friends during my time in Tbilisi, Georgia. One such friend was Vincent. I met Vincent for the first time …
Have you Traveled to Armenia?
Originally written 2009, updated 2017. Armenia is a country is the Caucasus with Turkey to the west, Iran to the south and Azerbaijan to the east. It …
Every Ride Has a Story - Adventure Mountain Biking
Over the years I have seen a definite evolution of mountain biking. 15 years ago it was a niche activity and anything was acceptable but the marketing …
Kitebiking - Wind-powered Biking Without Pedaling
Adventure cyclists always complain that the power of wind is the worst problem or best feeling on a bike. Either a headwind pushing you back or a …
A list of Online Sources of Free Local services
Free and sharing services have emerged everywhere thanks to the internet allowing an extension of traditional swapping, borrowing and giving …
Teaching English in Georgia using the Subject of Climate Change
From the archive. Originally published 2008. Since then I have new ideas about the approach to Climate Change. I studied for 3 years on the subject at …
Why bikepacking is becoming the latest cycling craze
Do you enjoy cycling and adventure? Do you not care about the terrain - paved or unpaved? Are you a fan of camping and just want to get out on a mini …
Joey Schusler bikepacking filmmaker - The Trail to Kazbegi
Joey Schusler is an adventure athlete specializing in mountain biking & skiing. He couples his athletic skills with his creative drive as a …
Big Wave Surfing Mundaka, Spain Basque Country Surfing
Filmed from the harbour side. The town of Mundaka hosts one of the best surfing wave in the world when the conditions are right. The town is very …
Will Pokemon Go get you out on an Adventure to Explore Your City?
There is a hugely popular app game from Nintendo out called Pokemon Go. It topped the app store download chart on both iPhone’s App Store and …
Adventure Exploring on a Bike - The Travels of Photographer Nicolas Marino
Nicolás Marino is an adventure cyclist. His long-term adventures by bicycle have lasted for 10 years, 85 countries, across all kinds of terrain. A …
Transboundary Mountain Bike Trail in the Caucasus
I wrote this doc in 2014 and took it round to a bunch of NGOs in Tbilisi with the aim to getting some assistance to build it. Friend Tom Allen is …
How Can Travel Be Defined?
The nature of travel is more than simple movement. Unlike the ritual processes of movement that we undergo in our daily lives, the notion of travel …
City Thinking: Layers of the City.Doors, Keys, Dreams, Cities
This was written in 2012 when I was studying for a Masters at Goldsmiths University of London, in Design Critical Practice. I got a gig job working on …
10 Ways to Politicise Your Travel Experience
Take more people with you- an exodus is a political act. If you can convince more people to go with you then you will be able to share the experience …
An Unforgettable Mountain Biking Odyssey In Svaneti with Our Phillipino Friends from Dubai!
Back in September we went on a bike tour in Svaneti with a group of great guys from Dubai - Paul, Serge, Ken and Eugine. Our friends arrived early in …
Testing Times in Tbilisi
When I first arrived in Tbilisi I thought the cracks in the pavement with weeds going through and the wonderful eroded qualities of some of the …
Gudauri’s New Mountain Bike Trail Hit or Miss
The new mountain bike trail in Gudauri opened on the 9th August with over 50 riders turning out to take advantage of the free gondola up lift and …
Svaneti, Georgia, Georidersmtb Mountain Bike Tour with Guests from Boulder, Colarado
We went off to Svaneti on a bike tour. I’d been staying at James’ place for a few days after arriving in Georgia. Our new friend Vako driving in his …
Churchela, Georgian Sweets arrive in America
Much esteemed guests from Boulder Colorado who enjoyed our Svaneti tour last year have been dabbling in some Georgian cooking. The valiant project …
Mountain Bike Race - Mountain Range Tbilisi
A mountain bike race at Tbilisi Sea. Number cards were sticky backed sheets of plastic. The local Red Bull promo team were there - clever marketing. …
Tusheti, Georgia Mountain Bike Tour
We made a trip to Tusheti last week with some six guys from Israel. After a late flight in we hit the road with the 4x4 cars loaded with the trailers …
Running Mountain Biking Tours in Georgia and Keeping it Interesting in Tbilisi
I am in Tbilisi and I’ve been here since the beginning of June. The reason I returned is a continued strong feeling of connection to the place. …
Most Common Questions Asked About Going Cycle Touring from Weave of The Ride
How much you spent in each country and how long you were there for? It depended on where I was travelling. I lived very much on a shoe string. In …
Back to Tbilisi for Mountain Bike Tours and Fun
Ok so I’m off to Georgia again next week and its going to be very interesting. I will see old friends and reunite and stuff like that. I want to use …
What happened after Mongolia?
After Mongolia, I returned the UK. Moving to London was a different kind of adventure. London, I realised, was a good place for cycling and walking …
An Art Festival in Southern Spain: Encuentro Internacional de Arte y Ecología #2
Joya: arte + ecología presents the second Encuentro Internacional de Arte y Ecología #2, a transdisciplinary symposium for those involved or concerned …
Mountain biking at Afan
Back in April, I took the train to Bristol to pick up a bike I bought on Ebay, a Kona Hoss, and a Bob Trailer and went onward to Port Talbot in Wales. …
Latest News About the Weave of the Ride Book and Cycle Touring In Europe to Keep Updated
Weave of the Ride is a blog about a tour across Europe I did. This blog is here because I wanted to nicely re-edit and represent. According to Google …
Downhill Mountain Bike Race in Tbilisi
A mountain bike race was held at Mtatsminda park in Tbilisi. The location was ideal for the race because above it is a mountain with trails and then …
Sakartvelos: Living in the Amazing Republic of Georgia
I am in the wonderful city of Tbilisi, Georgia. The first week I took an Irish guy on a challenging but fantastic one day bike tour, then two …
Prepare, Pack, Pedal: A Practical Guide to Bicycle Touring
A year ago, I realised I had written so much to help people plan their bicycle tours on my blog but it was all on blog posts I thought it could be …
Weave of the Ride Officially Launched (so Now You Can Get Your Copy)
On Saturday 3rd of August 2013, ‘Weave of the Ride’ was officially launched on a sunny Hampstead Heath. People turned up from all …
Weave of the Ride: A tale told from two points of view
I was happy to have two blog posts written about Weave of the Ride. Tom Allen from tomsbiketrip.com and Alastair Humphreys (National Geographic …
Weave of the Ride - A Book About Cycling Across Europe with No Idea and No Budget
Having graduated from university, I was lucky to get a job, but I felt life had more to offer than the daily commute and hours on the computer. I …
Weave of the Ride Book Launch Speech
Weave of the Ride is close to me as it speaks about my personal encounters and conversations with different cultures on my journeys. My travels can be …
3 handpicked moments from the Weave of The Ride
From ‘Frozen Lands’ Chapter 60 We departed at sunrise the following day. The bitterly cold air became gradually less polluted as we cycled …
Up to the Lake District to Visit Tom and Tenny
Tom and Tenny moved to the Lake District so I got on the train to go and see them.
Sonar 2012 Music Hack Day
migrated from the WeQuest research blog August 3rd, 2012 5:41am: Another research opportunity presented itself when I attended the music festival …
The Port Elliot Festival
The Stromatolite crew took a long drive down to the Port Elliot festival in Cornwall. We camped in the grounds of a stately home. We roamed about the …
The Dunwich Dynamo
The Dunwich Dynamo is an annual semi-organised, through-the-night bicycle ride from London Fields park in Hackney, London, England to Dunwich on the …
Collaborative Filmmaking in Armenia
In April I went to Armenia to spend three weeks with a friend I met through the online service: Couchsurfing in order to learn about filmmaking and …
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
I flew with S to the Ring of Kerry. I took my Soviet Zenit camera with me. I shot footage for a “remaking” project I was doing at …
Working and Travelling in Dubai, UAE and why it blew me away
On the 5th October I flew to Dubai, UAE to work on exhibition stands at the Gitex technology trade-shows in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I returned to Dubai …
Cycling the South West Coast Path
Got the train down to bournemouth and cycled along the coast path. Full story to come… I’m in Christchurch. Me and Siobhan got the train …
A Good Year for Protesting in London
This year (2011) I attended a few protests against austerity, public service funding cuts, critical mass bicycle rides and others. Huge demonstrations …
Cycling to Ireland, Travels Round Northern Ireland
I’d never been to Ireland before and so Siobhan and I decided to cycle there. I’d convinced S to buy a bike for commuting in London and …
Geocache Round London
Tom and I met up for a spot of Geocaching in London. Geocaching is when someone hides something and puts the GPS location online then you go and find …
Walks around Peckham and Dulwich
My first flat in London was in Peckham, about half way along the Rye. I explored the area by bike, walking and running. I was doing a project about …
Lincoln's Inn Field Design Research
I had to design something for Lincoln’s Inn Field in Holborn. First we had to do a detailed multi-media observational study on the place. I went …
Stoke Albany to London Cycle Commute
Returning back from the Mongolia trip on public transport, I arrived back into the UK via Calais. I decided to cycle back home from there. Cycling …
Frozen Lakes, Mosquito infested bogs, and riding down rivers
Tom and I headed from Moron, where we had taken some days off to rest, to Hatgal which is a town on the Southern tip of lake Hovsgol. We had grown …
Bikepacking Mongolia - A couple of Morons go off the beaten track
Over the last week of riding Tom and I have ventured off the beaten track. After the town of Bulgan the asphalt ended. Soon we were back on the dirt …
Wind-Powered Pedalling and Diving into Walls of Dust Just for fun
The last week has been a lot of fun cycling off-road through stunning scenery with a generous helping of bizarre weather conditions. TODO: tom- …
Soviet Mattress Suspension and Ulaan Baatar
Tom and I are now in Ulaan Baatar. The bus journey here was arduous. We expected it to take around seven hours but it took the entire day. However, …
Taking the Trans Siberian Train to Go Mountain biking in Mongolia
I travelled by bus (Eurolines and Ecolines) from London to Moscow. Tom came from Yerevan on trains and buses and took the ferry from Trabzon (Turkey) …
Curry, Dolma and Wilderness Mountain Biking in Armenia
Tom emailed me last week to tell me he was going to follow an old man on a horse to a hot spring at 3000m. That sounded like my idea of fun so I …
A Caucausus Mountain Bike adventure in Khevsureti
Tom, David and I went for a bike ride into the Caucasus mountains of Georgia. I’d been planning it for a while and I wanted to get some proper …
Bicycle Critical Mass Tbilisi To Protest Dangerously High Levels of CO2
On 24th October cyclists, walkers and skaters gathered outside the Philharmonia theatre in Tbilisi to parade down Rustaveli as part of Climate Week …
Weddings, unlike lightning, strike in the same place twice...
I returned via Public transport back from France to Tbilisi. I met Tom in Venice and we spent a long and strange evening drinking wine with two German …
Tom's Wedding in Yerevan
Tom’s wedding happened on the 19th September. I went off to Yerevan on the 15th in the hair-raising Marshrutka (minibus). Continuing the theme …
Staying with a Stone Mason in Yazd and Seeing Zurkhaneh on the Way to the Pakistan Border
After Isfahan the landscape between the big cities was bare and remote but the roads were extremely good quality. I choose to take the highway because …
Crossing the border into Iran and sleeping on the roof in Tehran
At Agarak on the Armenian-Iranian border, I remember cycling next to the border fence. I felt scared continuing over the river bridge to the border …
Cycling On From Tehran Alone and Staying With a Family
The ride out of Tehran was a leap into the unknown for me. I had been killing myself worrying about the crossing from Iran to Pakistan and the …
Staying with fellow cyclist Couchsurfer Karim in Tehran
Couchsurfer Karim has been hosting me for the last 1.5 weeks whilst I waited for my Indian visa. He had previously cycled from Tehran to Scotland. His …
Through the Desert to Isfahan
The emptiness of the desert spaces was in it’s way very beautiful with nothing to distract and nothing man-made. With no input it felt very …
Two Months in Tbilisi, Georgia off the Bike
I spent April, May and June in Tbilisi but I’m now in UK to visit my family. I’ve been writing up my journal into a book each morning. I …
Bus to France with Georgian Dancers
I caught a bus full of Georgian Folklore dancers all the way back to Lyon in France via Turkey, Greece, Italy, Switzerland and France. We spent a day …
CENN presentation on Climate Change
I made a presentation on the 1st July at a CENN (Caucasus Environment NGO Network) in the New Art Cafe in Tbilisi. It was an informal event to raise …
Crazy Tbilisi Weather and the Roof Falling in
The weather in Tbilisi over the last 2 months has been bizarre to say the least. When Tom and I arrived in Georgia in Winter of 2008, it was the …
Getting involved with the Local Mountain Biking Communty in Tbilisi
I’ve been dedicating a lot of time to my passion for mountain biking. It became very clear to me, whilst meditating on my bike in India, that I …
How With Decision Made The Travel Process Can Continue
After leaving the Iran embassy having been rejected for the visa a second time, I cycled over to the travel agency, and booked a flight to Istanbul. …
Notes from BBC Northampton Radio Interview
What route have you travelled so far? The trip started in June 2007 and I cycled across Europe to the Caucasus. After getting an Iran Visa, I spent …
Everyday Life in Tbilisi and Helping an NGO Plant a Vegetable Garden
It looks like I’m going to be in Tbilisi for a while. Since arriving back from my cycle travels, I’ve had a lot to reflect on. For the …
How not to get an Iran visa twice But Why You Should Still Try
Turn up to the Iranian Embassy having just arrived in New Delhi and say you want to get a visa. Tell them your nationality (bad decision if British) …
Holi is India's Most Amazing Festival Experience
Last week it was the Holi festival. People throw colourful powder and drench each other with water. I took a cycle ride through the Mehrauli area near …
Staying with Couchsurfers whilst Waiting in Delhi for Border Bureaucracy
I am currently living with wonderful Couchsurfers, Navneet and Priya in Delhi and travelling each day back to the Iranian Embassy. I have a half-baked …
The Challenge of Border Bureacracy with a Self-Imposed No Fly Travel Policy
I’m in Delhi. I got a Pakistan visa about 2 weeks ago. I had applied for an Iran LOI (letter of invitation - required for the Iran visa, through …
Staying Positive in Delhi and the Frustration of Visa Bureaucracy
Having arrived in Delhi, I had been wishfully thinking that I would pick up Pakistan and Iran visas again and make my way by public transport back to …
Cycling Out of Kathmandu
I cycled out of Kathmandu contending with smoky diesel fumes from the relentless traffic. Gradually I made my way into the suburbs and up out of the …
Meeting 5 saddhus on a Pilgrimage to Parvati
From Daman on clear day, you could see 18 Himalayan peaks. Unfortunately visibility wasn’t good, but the peaks of Ganesh Himal, Annapurna and …
Staying with Laxman the Botanist in Nepal
Onward I went up through the mountains, through little villages, and clay shacks by the roadside. I decided to continue to cycle in the moonlight and …
Visiting a School in Nepal
I met a man who was playing a type of table top hockey. He asked me to go and visit his school. Inside, the children were attending their lessons. The …
Putting A Bike On A Bus to Kathmandu
I arrived in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, by bus last night. I decided to take the bus so I could see the capital without rushing and not have to …
Donating a bike on behalf of Wheels4Life to Help a Nun Get to Work
Last night, after a long day’s ride, I was taking some photos of an amazing sky and I met two ladies, enrobed in orange shawls. They spent a few …
Arriving to Varanasi on India Day in Thick Fog Eating Jelebi
I slept in a police station last night and they gave me a fantastic meal of Roti, Aloo Gobi, Chappati, fried cauliflower and potato. I’m on the …
Dealing with The Dilemma of Making Travel Destination Decisions
Making decisions about where to travel when on the road should be a spontaneous decision but when you throw visa regulations and bureaucracy into the …
A Route Through India and Why Not to Use A Guidebook
My route through India went from Amritsar, through Punjab to Bathinda, then Bikaner. Next was down to Nagour, Jodhpur, and Mt Abu. Following that was …
12 Months Lost Travel Photos Induced Nihilism
I was in an Internet cafe this morning, feeling crappy and depressed. I woke up with a head full of heavy thoughts about my future travel plans and I …
My Bicycle Has Become More Than Just a Machine
I was cycling through Bombay traffic about 15 minutes ago and suddenly snap, there goes my front derailleur cable frayed into a throng of …
Reflecting on my Indian Travel in Bombay
I intended to get up again at 5 am this morning like I did yesterday. However, unfortunately today there was no mosquito to bite me and make me feel a …
8 Days at an Ashram in India Changed My Life
I feel a bit like I haven’t been telling the full story through the blog. This is mainly because I’ve had to do everything from Internet …
Getting a Massage With A Vibrating Dolphin in an Indian Temple
That evening I had an impulsion to cycle until it got dark to see if I would still find somewhere to sleep without really planning or searching for it …
Deploying Lateral Thinking Techniques Whilst Cycle Touring in India
I’ve had a strange last week. The urge to use some of my newly rediscovered lateral thinking skills has been bubbling to the surface. When I was …
A First Hand Experience of Extreme Indian Food Served by The Police
Is Indian food addictive I ask myself as I find myself craving it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Perhaps it is the amount of spice and flavour. In …
Ups and Downs at the Mount Abu Hill Station
Experiences are so varied and often unique to anything I’ve experienced before. For example, being on a holy mountain, meeting an ascetic …
Gujarati Thali is a Metaphor for Indian Culture
I am in the Gujarat capital, Amdavad, spending a few days relaxing before continuing on to Mumbai. It’s a nice city to spend some time. …
Dealing with Air Pollution and Cultural Habits Whilst Travelling in Pakistan and India
I have noticed since entering Pakistan and India the significant drop in air quality in general. In Pakistan if I blew my nose I would get similar …
You Should Go To India Just for the Golden Temple
I’m in India and I feel tired to be honest. It’s a good job that I have the opportunity to rest for a few days. Yesterday, riding to the …
Is Pakistan a Step Too Far for A European Tourist?
I'm in Lahore after gradually making my way up here from Quetta. The mountains down from Quetta to Sibi were beautiful but in Sibi I ran into my …
Mesmerising Landscapes and Tragic History of Bam
I cycled from Kerman. I was scared. I’d heard nothing positive about the road after Kerman. Luckily as usual the negative hot air is hyped out …
Overwhelmed with Wonder in Armenia and Iran
Iran has at times been a challenge with regards to cycling alone. I have dealt with this mostly by recording myself talking on a voice recorder, …
Path, direction and large floating triangles of rock
Just a quick one this. I’ve pedalled down into the south of Iran. The weather has been pretty hot during the middle of the day so I’m on …
Going From A Stationary to a Nomadic Lifestyle
Hi, I’m back in that bumpy, unforgiving place of discovery they call the road. This time I’ve only got myself and the wildlife for company. I’m …
Writing from Tehran, Iran
Written whilst in Tehran looking ahead to cycling through Iran in 2008. Facing Fears I’m travelling in my head. When I stop my mindset changes. …
Will I Get My Bicycle Back From War-Torn Georgia?
Right now, I am sitting in the garden of my girlfriend’s house in France. I’ve just realised that one mosquito has bitten me on my neck, …
Finding Real News These Days Is Not Easy But Its Important
This morning, I have been digging through the news about the conflict between Russia and Georgia. I am trying to find some articles, which are closer …
Media Coverage of War is As Confusing as War Itself
I’ve been following the news media frenzy on the conflict in Georgia. There are many news media channels available on google.co.uk/news and …
When War Comes Too Close for Comfort
Today Georgia declared a state of war with Russia. Luckily, I’d left on the 26th of July to come home to England and surprise my family. I …
Earn Money and Stay Longer in One Place to Deepen Your Travel Experience
I’m working on a website for a real estate company here in Georgia because I have run out of money for the round the world bicycle trip. …
Travel Twists Space and Time And You Need To Experience It
I’m in Tbilisi and hopefully this blog will fill in what has been happening with me. As you may know I arrived in Yerevan for the first time, by …
The Marshrutka Experience Will Stay With Me For Life
The driver’s wearing a leather jacket, thick material. I think, “that’s too hot inside this cramped vehicle, it must be for the …
Discovering Armenia - A Gem in the Caucasus
I arrived in Yerevan last Wednesday. I have been staying with some wonderful new friends who work at the French Embassy. From the first village after …
My First Impressions of the Georgian Language
The women I work with at the Georgian school chirp away in the interesting-sounding language that is Georgian. The unusual bold combinations of sounds …
Why Was Tbilisi Such a Beautiful City in Deep Winter?
When Sylvester, the Polish cyclist we met on Christmas Day in Batumi was explaining that conditions were difficult for local people in Georgia, coping …
Cold Nights and Notes from Sinop
I smell pretty terrible but I’ve got a fishing boat to sleep on tonight and I have just bought a new blanket which I hope will keep me warm. The …
Cycling the Black Sea Coastline of Turkey in the Dark
The other day I was cycling towards Trabzon. We cycled in a number of dark, ominous looking tunnels. I’m cycling along, and then there it is, …
How I Ending Up Staying on the Turkish National Skin-Diving Instructors Fishing Boat
Although people are helpful and friendly, we often get looked at like we have three heads. I find it funny, and it’s completely harmless and …
Looking East and West in Istanbul
I am in Kadikoy on the Anatolian side of Istanbul. We have reached Asia by bike! Today commences our third week in Istanbul. It is a multi-layered and …
Getting Romania in View
We arrived in Romania a couple of days ago. We crossed the border and had a long night after realising we had crossed at the wrong place and had to …
What to do Whilst Waiting for Wheels to Arrive in Istanbul
Staying with a family on the way to Istanbul. We arrived in Istanbul after cycling along a dangerous highway, through 75km of suburban sprawl, which …
Roaming Around in Romania
The first few days in Romania were mentally tough. We donned full wet weather gear and ventured onwards. It was overcast, drizzly, cold and miserable. …
Getting Used to Cycling Every Day
It’s been six weeks now and I’m settling into the lifestyle. Each day is a mind-expanding experience. Creature comforts such as a shower and …
Turn on, Tune In and Pedal On - Getting Used to Life on the Bike
Another day on the road. I drink a large coffee, pack the trailer, panniers and start pedalling. Each new experience is challenging my preconceptions …
How I Almost Got Struck By Lightning in Vienna
Sitting on a park in Vienna after a huge thunderstorm, I find a moment of tranquillity and reflection. Earlier on I had walked down into the city to …
Stepantsminda and Gergeti Church
We took a trip beyond Gudauri near to the Russian border to the town of Stepantsminda surrounded by stunning mountains.
Category: tutorial
5 Uses for the Google Cardboard VR Headset
Google Cardboard is a virtual reality (VR) platform developed by Google for use with a head mount for a smartphone. Named for its fold-out cardboard …
Category: video
Bike Maintenance Resources & Videos
Bike maintenance is essential knowledge for the adventure cyclist. You don’t need to be Sheldon Brown but you need to know the basics. Truing …
Saturday Stoke: Fabio Wibmer - Fabiolous Escape 2
Some of these bike vids are getting absolutely insane.
A Slice of British Pie Mountain Bike Film
Combine Josh Bryceland, Phil Atwill, Brendan Fairclough and a bunch of other riders. Add in some wintery British slopes and you’ve got yourself a …
3 of the The Best Vlogs / Youtube Channels on Mountain Biking
Cedric Gracia Is a French mountain biking legend. 50to1 (Josh Bryceland etc) Is a world cup winning mountain biker from the north of the UK GMBN …
Backstreet Atlas - A Skateboarding Documentary
I used to commute to work on a longboard and got into Skateboarding again recently. I starting watching some Youtube videos and came across this …
Royal Jordanian - Motorcycling With a Helmet Cam Around London
I have spent many hours on a bike without an engine cruising around London. It is one of the best ways to get around the great city. I came across …
Fitness, movement, calisthenics research to maintain a high quality of life by moving your body
Basic guide to natural movement patterns. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXu6JIlhkAY Movnat encourages natural movement. …
7 Meditation Videos for Better Intuitive Decision Making
There are many techniques for decision making that are based around list making and weighing up pros and cons, but this ‘left brain’ way of thinking …
Tales of Adventure Talk - 20th June - London
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 …
Janapar at Raindance Film Festival 2012
Raindance, which opens in London on September 25th sets its sights firmly on independent filmmaking, and has done so for the last twenty years, to the …
Category: words
How Does Bicycle Touring Encourage You to Explore Your Mind as well as the World
For me, one of the most surprisingly aspect of bicycle touring was how it allowed me to explore my mind as well as the physical world. Exploring is …
What Questions Would you Ask an Explorer?
These are the questions I asked a German explorer I met in Tbilisi who was travelling by horse. Where are you from? What is your job? What trips have …
"Worlds" Poem
We are surrounded by: (but often impossible to see) ‘Appearances of worlds’ Shadow Bright light Mirrors Opaque walls Empty facades Stuffed full of …
Category: working
The pros and cons of programming as a career
I’m self taught coder. It is the best way I have found to make money and it interests me. I like computers and I’ve always had a talent …
Teaching English in Georgia using the Subject of Climate Change
From the archive. Originally published 2008. Since then I have new ideas about the approach to Climate Change. I studied for 3 years on the subject at …
Working as a developer and keeping healthy
I spend some of my time working as a developer programming websites. The comedy show, The IT Crowd, portrays an image of a computer nerd - an average …