Clik here to view.
#7Countries7Passes Day 5 - Damp Day to Villengen
Today, I really struggled to get going; but luckily I had the motivation of my sister's hospitality at the end of the day for motivation.It was wet and cold for the first five hours, but eventually the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
#7Countries7Passes Day 6 - Into The Mountains
I left Villingen in great spirits this morning, after a fantastic overnight stay with my big sister and her husband. Legs and mind refreshed (as much as possible), from a BBQ and friendly faces, I was...
View ArticleClik here to view.
#7Countries7Passes Day 7 - Flüela Pass and Pass del Fuorn
My legs felt like hollow frame tubes as I left my wild camp near the bottom of Flüela Pass this morning. One more big push required; to get to Merano (Italy), for my rest day revival. I had slept in my...
View ArticleClik here to view.
#7Countries7Passes Day 8 - Stelvio Pass
Sometimes things just all seem to go to plan; today was, unusually, one of those days.Yesterday was a superb rest day in Merano. I enjoyed a large leisurely breakfast, and spa at the Hotel Therm. The...
View ArticleClik here to view.
#7Countries7Passes Day 9 - From Lake Como to Turin
Yesterday, I was blessed with challenging climbs, incredible descents, and secluded traffic-free bike paths. Today, had many good highlights, but it also unfortunately featured many opposites of the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
#7Countries7Passes Day 10 - Col de Montgenevre
Turin by coffee time. Susa, at the foot of the Montgenevre pass, for a late lunch of olive bread, gelato and coffee. Then, the climbing began...Straight out of Susa, I was hit by a 10 percent gradient,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
#7Countries7Passes Day 11 - Alps to Provence - Col de l'Homme Mort
I left my little wild camp at the side of the river Durance this morning, as the sun rose over the Haute Alps, and cast that magical lighting. The decent down through the valley was chilly, but fast. I...
View ArticleClik here to view.
#7Countries7Passes Day 12 - Southern France Crossing
Today was largely uneventful for the first part; a quick look at Avignon, was followed by hour upon hour of Provence vineyards and impressively long straight roads.The highlight of the day in fact came...
View ArticleClik here to view.
#7Countries7Passes Day 13 - Into The Corbieres
This morning, I awoke from my final wild camp of the tour; a spot high on the hillside, overlooking the Corbieres. Just 75 kilometres to ride today, to take me to a warm shower, hot lunch, and the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
#7Countries7Passes Day 14 - The Final Climbs to The Finish Line
The final day of a challenge often seems to be either a jubilant parade, or a final fight of fortitude to reach the finish line. The final day of the #7Countries7Passes tour was very much the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Review - Smoove Chain Lube
What lube would you choose for a 3,000 kilometre bike tour? You're not sure what conditions you will encounter, and you definitely won't be able to wash and clean your bike regularly… I chose the South...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Review - Union Coffee Equinox and Yaya Forest Blends
There are few things that go better together than cycling and coffee. The dark rich drink provides a boost, refreshment, a break from the pedalling, and a warming comforter.Whether enjoyed pre-ride...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Review - Thule Vea Rucksack Duffel Bag
Thule bags have become my go-to packs. The Thule Crossover Duffel accompanies me on most foreign trips. The Thule Commuter Rucksack is my daily choice for the trip to the office. Then the Thule Legend...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Review - Vaude Exire Pro RC MTB Shoes
Vaude cycling kit is genuinely unique. As a company, the German brand has a heritage of producing top level outdoor apparel, with innovative fabrics and a focus on sustainable production. Their cycling...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Review - SJ Works Bicycle First Aid Kits
Many people seem to underestimate the importance of first aid. Coming from a family and friend network of doctors though, I have been made aware on many occasions of the importance of first response.SJ...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Review - CYGLO Cycling Backpack Indicator Display
When you are riding in traffic, your lower back is by far the most visible part of your rear-facing silhouette. The innovative and unique CYGLO Cycling Rucksack, with its integrated indicator display,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Review - LedLenser MH10 Headtorch
Earlier this year I tested the LedLenser MT10 Handheld Torch, and I was extremely impressed by the quality and design of the unit. More recently, I have been trying out another product from the Outdoor...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Review - ForthEdge Blood Profiling Technology
There is a lot you can tell about your body, from the outside. Dark sunken eyes suggest fatigue; cramps suggest dehydration; yellow skin suggests anaemia. Yet, there is a huge amount that cannot be...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Book Review - Skratch Labs Feed Zone Portables Cookbook
A year or so ago, I reviewed the Skratch Labs Exercise Hydration Mix here on Life In The Saddle. I was impressed by its subtle flavour, natural ingredients, and how effective it was at warding off...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Review - Wahoo ELMENT BOLT
Last year, I reviewed the Wahoo ELEMNT, and it quickly won me over. The unit became my go-to cycle computer for everything for daily commuting, to guiding me across Europe on the 'Coasts and Cols'...
View Article