One of our readers shares his tale of discovering that in lock down the trails are quiet – just a bit too quiet. Lock down, the meaning of: The confining of prisoners to their cells A state of isolation or restricted access instituted as a security measure If we are…

Amanda and Hannah think they know what makes a bad gate – and a good one. Here is their appraisal of local gateways.

If you have ever ridden the Mary Towneley Loop solo, you will perhaps understand the importance of gates to riders. This trail is punctuated by gates of many kinds. Some seem to be deliberately positioned so at to be out of sight of one another, luring you into getting back onto your bike only for you to dismount again after barely a pedal stroke. Not only that, but it seems like it’s a showcase for gate closures: every mechanism is slightly different to the last. For the tired rider dreaming of pies and cool ale, it’s mental torture.

As regular users of gates, we have become connoisseurs. We have favourites gates, and hated gates. Gates which make us happy, and gates which make us sad. There is a gate so terrible near Hannah’s house that she will plan walks just to avoid it. It is everything a gate shouldn’t be: horrible to the touch galvanised metal, stiff to open and close, and makes the most awful ear wrenching noise in the process. Terrible.

There are other gates which are beautiful tactile experiences, ones with great views, satisfying clunks, and reliable mechanisms. Ones with character, history, or pleasing signs.

Having recently invited our subscribers to the area in our Issue 131 Classic Ride, we feel it is our duty to brief you on the gate situation. Come with us for some serious gate geekery, as we rate our gates, focusing on these key aspects:

• Position
• Ease of use
• Likelihood of inducing injury
• Would visit again

Are you missing the race season a bit too much? Our George might not be much of a podium contender, but in lockdown he’s discovered that racing is about much more than just not winning. I’m missing it. The racing.  Not the racing per se; not the sitting in the…

There’s no easier way to suddenly age 25 years than by putting on a pair of these beauties! And in a timely coincidence, the venerable SPD Sandals are now celebrating their own 25 years of heritage. Yes, a quarter century of riding with grit under your toes and in constant…

Hannah’s partner, BK, lives in the USA, and lockdown has kept them apart. Each week in the Diversion Diary she brings us some lonesome ramblings, plus a selection of internet finds. This week, BK has been vintage bike shopping. In theory this should be the last Diversion Diary before BK…

The charity Caudwell LymeCo brings us important information about ticks and Lyme Disease for mountain bikers. Exercising outdoors is great for physical and mental health, but as we move into summer and further into peak tick season, this also increases our chances of coming across these eight-legged creatures.We know that…

Hannah’s partner, BK, lives in the USA, and lockdown has kept them apart. Each week, she brings us some lonesome ramblings, plus a selection of internet finds. This week she’s looking at the land beyond the trails. As much as I enjoy the adrenaline rush of a purpose built mountain…

Veganism is on the rise, and the availability of vegan snacks and ready meals is ever growing. It’s getting to the point where we’re actually spoiled for choice… but some trail snacks can be quite expensive and end up being disappointing. Too dry, too nutty, not nutty enough, a bit…