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Full Suspension Bikes and SRMR Finish Rates

Conventional wisdom says that the added complexity of full suspension (or some say any suspension) will reduce their reliability to the point of making them a poor choice for ultra-endurance racing. There are several components to this, and, like so much conventional wisdom, data may contradict the accepted story. (more…)

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Why Choose Electronic Shifting for Ultra-Endurance Racing

No matter what I decide about which bike to bring to Silk Road Mountain Race (SRMR) 2026, a few things are pretty firm in my mind   One is electronic shifting.  (more…)

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Another Winter Overnighter With Guy

I like to get away for overnight bikepacking trips. I have a few friends who are excellent company, and don’t get too wound up about my slow riding. (more…)

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Fatbikepacking Adventure With Teens

The teen years mean father and son trips are a lot lamer than they were when my son was young. Not that I’m slower, or less adventurous, but I’m just not as cool as his friends are. [as usual, click photos to enlarge.] The solution to this, is of course, to bring friends.           (more…)

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Fish Lakes Adventure – Amorous Porcupines, Kickboxing with Grouse, Hail, Snow, Mosquitoes, and More.

The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude.Bob Bitchin Fish Lakes and Pipestone Pass are two of the most beautiful places in the Canadian Rockies. We’ve been before, and we’ll be back, but this time we brought our friends to show them one of our favourite hikes, and so our Fish Lakes Adventure…

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Redemption

Back in June my friends and I went for a bikepacking weekend up the Cascade valley, it was fun, except for the mud, rain, and the broken arm. This weekend, Jeremy and I set out with our daughters for a night at Lake Minnewanka’s LM11 campsite. Our prime goals were “no whining” and “no broken…

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