Back in 2002, when I first rode the OG bikepacking race, the Iditarod Trail Invitational 350 (ITI), I said I would be back to ride the 1000 (if I had the time off work back in 2002, I would have just continued). The thought of riding in the long race has remained in my head,…
Moonlander II Early Thoughts
I have been riding a new Surly Moonlander II on snow for a few weeks now (plus another month on dirt) and I have some thoughts. Obviously, Surly pulled some of the design for this bike straight out of my brain, but that doesn’t necessarily make the best bike in the world. (more…)
Crazy Suffering
I hear it whenever I post about a ride I’ve done. “you’re crazy, you tolerate a lot of suffering, that must be so painful”, along with the inevitable, “I could never do that!” First, I’m not some sort of masochist who enjoys suffering. If I was suffering, I wouldn’t make it my biggest form of…
Video From Silk Road Mountain Race
I have this on the big video site as well, but here it is, commercial free:
Video From The Silk Road Mountain Race
Until I figure out how to host this here, I have my video of the SRMR on YouTube, enjoy.
This Week on My Back 40 Podcast #155
I am this week’s guest on My Back 40. Thanks for having me on the show Steve! Take this opportunity to subscribe to My Back 40 if you don’t already. Steve spends a lot less time talking about bikes than I do, he and his guests instead get to explore the things that help or…
Silk Road Mountain Race. Part 2 Lessons Learned
The writer reflects on their mistakes in a recent cycling race, identifying issues with route familiarity, electronic device handling, inadequate device charging, food management and other logistical aspects as factors contributing to their performance. They also express regret over not playing to their strengths like sleeping outdoors in colder conditions. In conclusion, the writer realizes…
Silk Road Mountain Race, Part 3, What Went Right
This was first and foremost an adventure, and as an adventure, it was a complete success. I challenged myself, physically, and mentally.I pushed my limits, and I stressed my chosen gear. I learned things about myself, about another culture. I saw scenery that left me in awe. I saw people, wildlife and livestock unfamiliar to…
Silk Road Mountain Race part 1
Spoiler: I scratched at kilometre 1106 and did not complete the Silk Road Mountain Race. I was under no illusions. I thought it was going to be hard I did think I could complete it though, so when the race started on Saturday, August 12, 2023, I started riding. I immediately settled in at the…
Losing my Mom
I’ll be back to blogging shortly, I have 3 new posts about Kyrgyzstan in the wings, as well there will be some new winter riding articles. First though, I have some grieving to do with my family. https://mhfh.com/tribute/details/44008/Noreen-Dunlop/obituary.html#content-start
