Issue 148 Is Out Today – How Will You Read Yours?

If you receive a printed copy of the magazine each issue, it’s now in the post – we can’t be sure exactly when it will land with you, but if you’re in the UK and you’ve still not got it by 24th April please email us. If you’re outside the UK, it might take up to a month to make its way to you, across the sea and overland, so hopefully it’ll be with you by 8th May.

If you want to read the magazine online, or you join us today, you have other options too:

• You can download a pdf of the magazine here. This is an exact copy of the printed magazine.
• You can download an ePub version of the magazine. This is a more basic version of the magazine, with fewer pictures, that you can read in a variety of electronic book programmes, such as iBooks, or on an iPad.
• You can download a Kindle version, for your Kindle. Like the ePub version, this is optimised for Kindles, so has all the words, but far fewer pictures.
• Read the articles online. (Behind the Paywall) We’ll be publishing them over the next week or so, so look out for them popping up on the homepage, or check back here to see what’s new each day.

If you were already a member by 25th March 2023, you can also download the interactive app version of the mag from Pocketmags, which has all the same content as the web page versions, but with all the swipe and tap interactivity you get with an iPad – which is what you need to read this version. We get charged for every download in this format, so you only get access to the versions created while you had an active membership – so if you want a back issue from before you joined us, try one of the other formats above.

Both the Pocketmags and online versions of our articles contain some extra features, like more images, plus some videos – but it doesn’t smell like our printed magazine, and it’s riskier to read it in the bath. If you want a printed copy of any of our magazines – maybe you usually get a digital version but a paper one would be good for a holiday – then head to our shop.

We’d really love to know what you think of the redesigned magazine. Is it easy to read? Is there anything you don’t like? Anything you loved? Head to the comments and let us know, or complete this survey.

What’s Inside?

• Cover photographer: James Vincent
• Camera: Sony A7iii, 70-200 lens
• Settings: 1/2000 sec, f8, ISO400, 113mm
• Rider: Chris Deverson
• Location: Les Grands Plans, Beaufort

We’re halfway through a dream week in the Alps with the Deviate Cycles crew, and it’s time for something a little different. Until now, things have been a little on the extreme side, with plenty of exposure and tech to get our teeth stuck into. Today is a rest day of sorts, and we find ourselves riding through a postcard of lush green meadows and impossibly blue lakes. Soft fluffy clouds drift between the mountain tops, and a soundtrack of ringing cowbells and chirping crickets fills the air. I’m half expecting Julie Andrews to come skipping and singing over the ridge, but instead Chris Deverson cruises along a prime slice of alpine ridgeline goodness, before descending all the way to the sleepy French commune of Beaufort.

James Vincent

Editorial / Every ride is a snowflake

Chipps ponders how every single mountain bike ride is as random as it is unique.

UK Adventure / The HT550 in winter

Steve Bate is no stranger to adversity and triumphing over it. However, will a loop of Scotland’s Highland Trail 550, in mid-winter, break this Paralympian down? Or build him up?

UK Adventure / The Longest High Street

Sanny and Mark revisit an epic Lake District ride that, last time saw some very dark moments. Hopefully, this time, an e-bike for Mark and a Nick Craig for company will see them right. 

Column / I♥️MY

Benji takes us through his no fuss gear, that lets him focus on testing and fiddling, one thing at a time.

Classic Ride – The Beast of the Peak

Barney Marsh returns to a true, British mountain bike classic, with a Dark Peak tour that includes Hope Cross, Ladybower and The Beast. Is it still a classic? Definitely.

Interview / Who is Dylan?

He came from seemingly nowhere to earn a spot at the 2022 Red Bull Rampage. His secret? Loving bikes and never giving up. 

Kit Essentials / Sleeping Out

A night outdoors doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on gear. Let us inspire you to choose wisely.

Bike Test / Brit Boxed Burly Bikes

Benji heads to the hills on three 160mm travel bikes from Bird, Privateer and Saracen.

Purposeful Adventure / Beyond The Blues

Trash Free Trails A-Teamer Pete Scullion takes us on a scalable adventure: be it blue trail or big hill, there’s always an opportunity to leave your mark – in a positive way. 

If you join us today you will be able to download this issue as a pdf, as well as getting the option to buy print editions at a discounted rate.