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The Tuscany Trail is the world’s largest bike packing event held every year in Tuscany. Hundreds of cyclists from more than 30 countries around the world join every edition and it was touch and go as to whether it would happen this year – thankfully it did - up yours Corona Virus !  Covering 310miles or 505km of hard gravel riding, here’s my blog post. Shivering uncomfortably, I managed to get the car key out my bag and climb into the driver’s seat. My phone is out of battery and I need it to find the apartment I have booked...

The 2019 Tuscany Trail was an unforgettable experience I would recommend it to anyone looking for an off-road adventure. 340miles of breathtaking views and punishing climbs punctuated by trails to die for.

From Beer boys to Iron men…

It began the year before over a few beers as a bit of a joke. ‘How fast do you think the 3 of us could do the relay at Ironman DaNang I said…

As the fastest time trialist among us, Gary already had the bike leg sewn up. Mark was a county swimmer in his youth, so that left me with the short straw. The only running I had done in recent years was on my work travels whenever it seemed easier than taking a bike.

It all starts with an innocuous visit to the Bespoked cycle show in Bristol UK. On arrival at the venue the familiar layout greets me, small stands, lots of unique bikes and some friendly faces in the crowds of people. I head to the Look Mum No Hands travelling cafe bar and acquire myself a pint, a few sips of beer to help settle me into a meandering mood. I have made a list of builders I want to see. Rob English is one of them, I love Rob's frames and I have a message to deliver him from a...

The Japanese Odyssey (TJO) is an annual unsupported endurance cycling event around Japan that is held on a different route each year. Just like the Trans-Continental Race riders have to plan a route around a number of mandatory control points with the aim of reaching the finish line as quickly as possible. When I rode the TJO, almost all the controls were at the top of mountains, many of them volcanoes, and there would be a terrifying amount of climbing. An important part of any bike packing event is equipment selection. When I was drawing up my list, a distributor...