This truly is a Happy Monday. Isn’t it light outside? Tra-la-la. Might even be shorts weather this week. Get those pins out before the nettles grow. Here’s a happy round of good things to help inspire you into action, or just amuse. If you’ve spotted something else that made your day better, head to the comments and share the smile.
Rough With The Smooth
Matthew Fairbrother (who features in April’s magazine article on Hike A Bike), had a go at riding the GR10 hiking trail in Corsica. His mates left him to it, and what they end up riding makes us want to head to Corsica.
Italy Does Greggs
Behold, bought at a sort of Italian version of Greggs. Yes, that is a giant pile of baked goods snacks, and Aperol Spritz. €7.90 per person. Beats the pants off a steak bake meal deal. May affect how easily you can get into your pants too. But that’s what elastic waistbands are for. Or bike rides. Answers on a postcard for anything more joy inducing that costs €7.90 or less please.
Trail Building Know-How
If you’re wondering how to go about building trails, or why it takes so long, or costs so much – you might find the answer in one of these short videos from IMBA.
Chris Akrigg: Trails – not trials
Chris Akrigg goes on a normal trail ride, sort of. You probably wouldn’t want to be following his lines.
Celebrate Spring arriving by coming along for a trail ride, Chris Akrigg style! The clocks have changed, British Summer Time has officially begun and yes, you read right: here’s a Chris Akrigg video but with no trials battles. No uber tech and not a rocky riverbed or waterfall in sight. Just dry trails, blue skies and Chris having fun – both on and off his Lightweight E-Bike Of The Year award-winning ELyte 150 Works bike
New Stuff From Fazua
- Starting in 2025, FAZUA introduces two new battery options: the FAZUA ENERGY 480, available in both fixed and removable versions, for extended range and more riding fun
- The new FAZUA MODE CONTROL enables the boost function to be activated via a button
- FAZUA Firmware Bundle 010 upgrades the FAZUA RING CONTROL, making the boost activation even more user-friendly
FAZUA riders can now upgrade their game with three innovations for the FAZUA RIDE 60 system. From June 2025, two new battery options will be available, allowing users to extend their rides. The Ottobrunn-based drive manufacturer is also launching the FAZUA MODE CONTROL, specifically designed for sporty riding. Additionally, the latest firmware update makes it even easier for FAZUA RING CONTROL users to activate the boost function.
Unlimited riding fun with two battery options
Designing a battery is like a game of Tetris — combining the right number of lithium cells for maximum range with a smart battery management system in the most compact housing possible. Starting in June, FAZUA is upgrading its battery capacity from 430 Wh to 480 Wh, offering two versions: FAZUA ENERGY 480 fixed and FAZUA ENERGY 480 removable. Thanks to innovative cell technology, these batteries provide even more range while maintaining the same sleek design users expect.
Weighing 2.4 kg, both versions offer 50 Wh more capacity, increasing riding performance by more than 10%. The fixed version is permanently installed in the down tube and charges directly via the bike’s charging socket, while the removable version can be charged externally. Riders with existing FAZUA RIDE 60 bikes can have the new batteries retrofitted at a dealer.
New FAZUA MODE CONTROL for full focus on the trail
FAZUA now offers the MODE CONTROL as an alternative to the tried-and-tested FAZUA RING CONTROL. This user-friendly remote combines a variety of functions, making it easy to operate and seamlessly integrate with other components on the handlebars. Riders can easily switch between different riding modes with a thumb-operated rocker lever. The boost function, which can be activated in all riding modes by a simple button press, provides instant power for challenging sections and keeps the focus where it belongs: on the trail.
The FAZUA MODE CONTROL is specifically designed for sporty mountain biking and boasts a durable construction that protects the internal components from water, mud, and dust. This innovative control unit takes the riding experience to new heights. Riders can check system compatibility with their dealer or via the FAZUA Toolbox 2.23.1. A special introductory offer will be available from FAZUA dealers starting in June. Interested riders can subscribe to the FAZUA newsletter at FAZUA.com and will be informed as soon as sales start.
Firmware Update enhances the performance of FAZUA RING CONTROL
FAZUA has also improved the functionality of the tried-and-tested RING CONTROL. With the latest version of the FAZUA Toolbox, the ‘Urban’ or ‘Mountainbike’ setting can be selected under the ‘Configuration’ menu item. In the ‘Mountainbike’ setting, a short right-click now activates the boost function from all riding modes. This setting, which is particularly useful for mountain bikers, can also be made by a FAZUA specialist dealer.
E-Legs For Your Bike
Legs feeling a little tired? Spooked by ebike conversion kits? Want something more versatile than an ebike? Have some elegs. Enjoy the marketing copy…
No words on this one, you’ll be glad to know. Just proof of concept.
Coming soon: extra baggy trousers for covering your elegs?
Enduro Open Race Entries now live
If you want to race on World level Enduro tracks, the Enduro Open races let you do just that. With no entry requirements beyond paying for your ticket, it’s open to anyone (though you’ll need to be at least 17/18 years old, depending on what year you were born). Here’s your options:
- What: Enduro and E-Enduro Race
- Where: Pietra Ligure (on some of the UCI Enduro World Cup stages!)
- When: Race Day Saturday 10 May 2025
- How Much: 110euros
- Includes: race entry, training day, access to feed stations, timing equipment, and access to technical support
- What Else: Make a weekend of it – watch the UCI Enduro World Cup opening round on Sunday 11 May
- What: Enduro and E-Enduro Race
- Where: Enduro Trails – Bielsko-Biala (on the UCI Enduro World Cup stages!)
- When: Race Day Friday 16 May 2025
- How Much: 130euros
- Includes: race entry, training day, access to feed stations, uplift/shuttles, timing equipment, and access to technical support
- What Else: Make a weekend of it – watch the UCI Enduro World Cup on Saturday 17 May and the UCI Downhill World Cup opening round on Sunday 18 May.
- What: Enduro and E-Enduro Race
- Where: Loudenvielle, France (on UCI Enduro World Cup stages!)
- When: Race Day Friday 30th May 2025
- How Much: 130euros
- Includes: race entry, training day, access to feed stations, uplift/shuttles, timing equipment, and access to technical support
- What Else: Make a weekend of it – watch the UCI Enduro World Cup on Saturday 31 May and the UCI Downhill World Cup opening round on Sunday 1 June.
- What:Enduro and E-Enduro Race
- Where:Val di Fassa – Trentino (on UCI Enduro World Cup stages!)
- When: Race Day Saturday 28 June 2025
- How Much: 130euros
- Includes: race entry, training day, access to feed stations, uplift/shuttles, timing equipment, and access to technical support
- What Else: Make a weekend of it – watch day two of the UCI Enduro World Cup on Sunday 29th June.
- What: Enduro and E-Enduro Race
- Where: Morillon, Haute-Savoie (on UCI Enduro World Cup stages!)
- When: Race Day Saturday 23 August 2025
- How Much: 130euros
- Includes: race entry, training day, access to feed stations, uplift/shuttles, timing equipment, and access to technical support
- What Else: Make a weekend of it – watch day two of the UCI Enduro World Cup on Sunday 24 August.
Just in case you’re feeling grumpy, have a jump around…
