Delicious leftovers from John Hellowell's epic Falkland biking odyssey on the far side of the world in Singletrack Magazine Issue 161. International Adventure: Mountain Biking at the Bottom of the World John Hellowell takes us to the Falkland Islands. Think the scenery of the Scottish isles, but the size of Wales. With penguins. Here's a gallery of great pics that didn't make into the magazine feature. Enjoy! Buy issue 161 in the Singletrack Shop to read the full feature. Like this sort of stuff? There's a magazine full of it - subscribe now from £7.99 and get Issue 161 for…
I really enjoyed the article, I spent 4 months there back in 1986 so it brought some memories back. The photography is stunning. Pre phone days and I only had a rubbish camera, but here are a few of of mine. There was a little more battlefield tourism than wildlife and scenery, my priorities would be very different now if I were lucky enough to return. A very interesting place.
Glad you enjoyed it @blokeuptheroad - It's always interesting from an editor's point of view to think 'Well, less than 1% of the readers will ever get to ride here, but I think it's still worth covering' - and John and I have been talking about it for over a year. So glad to see it in print now.
I was lucky enough to go there for couple of week early last year as a guest of Dan, delivering some search and rescue training to his uniformed colleagues (like most islanders, Dan has several jobs!). It is a truly epic place, made all the more special by the distance to get there. There is an amazing sense of community and a slight Wild West style edginess to it which I really loved (they don't have any H&S laws..) Although I didn't get to ride, I did think the gravel riding there could be amongst the best (and windiest) in the world!
Luckily for us, the flights back were delayed so we had an extra day and Dan took us out sea kayaking with elephant seals and dolphins. We spent the day under clear blue skies, in still water, kayaking with epic wildlife in the South Atlantic. A proper pinch yourself day.
I don't know when, how or why, but I am pretty sure I will end up back there one day. It just has this draw to it which is difficult to explain.
Really enjoyed the article, suspect I won’t be booking my annual bike trip there on the back of it though😀
'Well, less than 1% of the readers will ever get to ride here, but I think it's still worth covering'
I think this is exactly what made it so interesting! How so few of us will ever get there, I really enjoyed the feature and the photos, thanks for posting more.
Cheers 👍
Keith
@franksinatra, was that Dan from the FIDF. He seems to be into everything, don't know where he finds the time.
Love these sorts of travel articles, they're the first thing I read in the mag. This one was especially fascinating, the extra pictures are excellent
Yep, our trip was was Dan. Hence the reason I smiled when I saw the quote in the article "Dan, I quickly learned, is quite laid back about things"!@franksinatra, was that Dan from the FIDF. He seems to be into everything, don't know where he finds the time.
I also really enjoyed the article and seeing the photos above. Might have to take out another subscription
I enjoyed the article too - I'd meant to say so in the "What's STW for" thread.
I'll likely never visit the Falklands - which is why it was great that someone else had and could write about it in STW. But, it also had echoes of what would be more achievable; planning some riding around remote Scottish trails.
I’ve been lucky enough to have been a few times from the early 90s to last year, it’s changed a lot, minefields have been cleared.
I could be there now but I’ve just had a hip replacement. I went sea kayaking with Dan last year, it was fantastic.
What bike for the Falklands? I took a Roberts.
everytime I go I think this is the last time.
i’ll have to buy issue 161.
An Elephant Seal in a natural jacuzzi! How could that not have a place in the magazine 🙂
