Evening ride on some freshly laid asphalt. The previous surface wasn’t bad. So not sure why it was resurfaced. But this new surface sure is smooth!
Racing stipes!
100 miles, 4500ft elevation on the old single speed yesterday. Managed to get a few testing climbs in as well.
Weather was beautiful here in the UK, it made the hard work worth it.
Took my 2021 FUEL EX to Nockamixon trails. These are flowy MTB specifically designed trails mostly dominated by hardtails and short travel XC bikes often piloted by racers much more skilled than me. I managed to pull some great times on segments I wanted to attack, and my buddy made a good reference that for being a multi-tool of a bike 140/130 travel, these are pretty good.
Then my fun all came to a sudden end, and I forgot that I hadn’t stuffed my downtube storage box with tools. Soon as I got home I loaded it up with a tool, quick link, and some zip ties. If anyone has other suggestions for what to carry I’ve got much room left.
A bit of spare chain - I keep the links I removed when fitting the chain; two quick links; a couple of tyre levers; a Leatherman Squirt; knowledge.
The Kettering Sporting TT for me today somehow did a circa 58s PB (awaiting the results) despite riding conservatively and a shallow front wheel. Expecting 33mph gusts that actually weren’t that bad (they were only 31.6mph). Mind you I never had a disk wheel then and it was not long after I started structured training.
Not a bad idea on the spare chain, though you can’t reinstall solid links on the Eagle chains after you break them, so I’d need two quick links to replace a section of chain anyway to join it together. I don’t carry any flat gear on MTB, sure I could fit a tube and mess with a few co2 canisters trail but honestly by the time I do that I could walk back to the car, it’s just such a chore IMO.
Maybe I can stick a pump in there ![]()
Ah, I’m a Shimano guy
Actually I use KMC chains and their quick links are reusable, presumably on the same chain - I wouldn’t move a quick link between an old and a new chain.
Here’s my MTB toolkit. It’s aimed at multi-day, potentially remote (by UK standards) rides. The glove and everything to its right goes in the small tin at top right. The small tube is flexible super glue. Top left is a Sahmurai tyre plug system that goes in the ends of the bars. Pump is mounted next to the bottle cage. The white “thing” to its left is a piece of old toothpaste tube which is a tyre boot.
In addition to this I’ll have a Black Diamond expedition sewing kit - useful for all sorts of things including sewing up cuts in tyres. Also missing are a couple of small plastic fish from supermarket sushi packs that contain chain oil.
Back up to Osterøy, with adequate fueling this time. And many waterfalls on account of all the RAIN WE GET HERE. This one was half-way up a gravel climb, totally worth blowing the segment.
I thought I had a decent time for a recovery before meeting a mate for a coffee, so I switched of the mph and did a zone 2 ride. About 5 miles from home I got a text from the mate asking if we could pull it forward, Lol ![]()
Tour of Penyghent (one of the main three peaks in Yorkshire for those not in the UK). Just 24km and 450m of ascent, not a lot for around here. Lovely sunshine but a cool northerly breeze, autumn is definitely on its way.

Too much power!
I broke my GX chain when I money shifted like 4 gears under slow cadence load, bad idea. Then I broke the X01 chain at the quick link doing 3 gears. With AXS I turned off multi shift so worst case I bumped the controller and grabbed 2 gears. Dunno what it is but def not my power
Colorado high country ride today. The air was the cleanest it’s been for a while - no smoke from forest fires. Could see for miles.
Had a great road ride today, really just hammered for 50 miles to see what I could do. Very happy with the result, even if my halfway point selfie doesn’t say so
Really liking my new Pactimo Ascend Aero jersey. Originally ordered an XL based on measurements but it was way big (already wore it) so I ordered an L and very happy with the fit and material quality.
Maybe. Those Strava times are legit!
Damp weekend on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.
Day 1 was North to south, and we did 20.1 mph. Day 2 was spent riding easy South to North with my girlfriend and the rest of the group. Grabbed a big KOM too as a solo effort!
Fast ride for 11,000ft!































