Keep the Intense!

I had a Trek Remedy that was as you say good at everything. Eventually the new bike itch got the best of me, mainly because of geometry curiosity. So I went from my Remedy with ‘dated’ 480mm reach to a 520mm Bird (both XL).

Slowly I came to terms with the fact that the long bike was simply not as fun to ride in most situations, and although it was rapid in a straight line and super stable, I just couldnt ride tight corners and jumps the way I wanted. Luckily I kept the Remedy and it’s now my main bike again, and I’m enjoying riding it way more!

If you’re happy with your bike then save your money for riding trips 🙂

Side B towards the body. Rubbish design though, the seals won’t stay in place for long. I fitted brass bushes to mine and even those have developed play now.

Struggled with ‘Patella Tendinopathy’ in both knees for almost 2 years, wore loads of different braces, straps and supports. Was diagnosed by a doctor and prescribed countless hours doing physio, stretching, strengthening etc never got anywhere with it, I could barely ride.

In desperation found a book called The Mindbody Prescription by Dr. Sarno about the brains effect on chronic pain symptoms, particularly through suppressed stress and anxiety.

Sounds crazy but a few chapters into the book I was already feeling better. Over a month or so I drastically adjusted my way of thinking, I stopped all the stretching etc and just started doing what I wanted to do (biking, hiking, running down stairs at work etc etc) at the same time I also did an online course based on a modernised version of Dr Sarno’s theories.

3 months after opening the book I was back riding mtb at 100% with no pain at all.

Theres loads of online reading related to mindbody theory and I recommend it to absolutely anyone I meet who complains of chronic pain…

Just air freighted two bikes to NZ using transglobal/TNT. Cost £600 and was a complete nightmare. I made sure all the (complex) paperwork was sorted beforehand only for the courier to mess it up completely. Ended up with bikes arriving a week late in badly damaged boxes. By some miracle the bikes were ok though.

If it’s a bike focused holiday then take your bike as luggage. If not then just hire, although there is amazing riding here, it’s sparse compared to UK/Europe…