This month’s BAM was a straight from the door job and my destination was Carron Valley Reservoir in Stirlingshire. I’d ridden the mountain bike trails there years ago and thought it’d be worth a return visit. From Edinburgh I followed the Union Canal west via Linlithgow and Falkirk and, finally, the...

Yesterday evening while making my away along an Edinburgh cycle path on my way home from September’s BAM (write-up to follow later), I had a very close encounter with a fox. Having overtaken a female jogger, I had picked up speed again when what I at first thought was a dog loped almost casually acr...

Excellent write-up Phil. Clearly a tough outing and all the more impressive for being on a singlespeed!

Very clever trip title and great write-up and pics

I’d postponed a couple of times earlier in the week due to lousy weather but finally ticked off August’s BAM on Saturday. I’d chosen my bivvy location by scanning the East Lothian area on Google Earth where my curiosity was aroused by Bara Loch. It’s set in woodland near the lovely village of Giffor...

Like Dave above, I followed your adventure on FB. Very impressive Bridget (and Joe, of course). Oh, and point taken re the midges!

Although not too often, I occasionally mount Blackburn Outpost cages (or basic bottle cages, as in the attached photo) on my MTB's or fat bike's suspension forks. I use the SKS Anywhere Mounts and find them pretty effective. They generally sit very tight against the forks but sometimes after riding ...

A replacement rear mech hanger for my Kinesis Ti Tripster. The original one is still going strong but I thought it was about time I finally (after 3 years!) invested in a spare in case of mishap in the middle of nowhere. Ordered it late yesterday morning from Upgrade Bikes and it arrived this aftern...

+1 for the Osprey version. More expensive than the Decathlon for sure but has served me well. https://www.wiggle.co.uk/osprey-ultralight-stuff-pack?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=5360714666&kpid=5360714666&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Shopping+-+All+Products&...

Whilst at this stage we have no proof, the many occasions in Britain where birds of prey have disappeared or ‘just dropped out of the sky for some mysterious reason’ above or near ‘sporting’ estates/grouse moors, makes me naturally suspicious. However, hopefully the appropriate investigations will e...

I have a 4 year-old Ti Kinesis Tripster and it's served me well on a good few bike packing trips, as well as general on/off-road riding. Why do I like it? Pretty much as others have said - weight, feel, doesn't rust or show scuffs from bike bags rubbing.

While I've used Taylor's Hot Lava Java bags and found them acceptable, I received my first delivery of the Sports Barista coffee bags today. Very impressed by the richness of the flavour (way superior to the Taylor's stuff tbh) and will definitely be ordering more when I've used up this first lot.

Bad enough Colin but I'm glad to hear it wasn't worse. Have a good one tonight!

I left home on Monday afternoon, heading for the Lammermuir Hills to the southeast of Edinburgh. The weather was dry and breezy with sunny spells and was forecast to remain the same the following day. On a mix of and roads and off-road trails, I reached the base of the hills and commenced climbing u...

Acepac kit from Bear Bones HQ: Bar harness and dry bag plus saddle harness and tapered dry bag. I’m impressed by the build quality and all items certainly seem good value for money. Looking forward to getting out there and putting them to the test in due course. Thanks for the prompt service Stu!

Thanks Reg. A great idea right enough... if only the bike wasn't three years old now

Out on my MTB yesterday and as I rode along a twisty woodland trail I suddenly saw something reddish brown briefly flash across the track about 15 metres in front of me. As I rode on I could make out a small roe deer loping off into the undergrowth. Later, on my way home along a shared pedestrian/cy...

After our recent dry spell, rain was forecast for today. It duly arrived this afternoon and I was glad, therefore, that I’d ticked off June’s BAM last night. Like last month, I stayed local (4.8 miles from home). After a Google Earth study of potential areas within 5 miles, I settled on the Silverkn...

A pair of cheap (16 quid) mini binoculars for watching wildlife, etc. on my off-road excursions. Obviously not as capable as my full-size binos but surprisingly good for the price. Any chance you’ve got a link, really fancy a pair when I’m out. Here you go. There are other brands available on the s...

A pair of cheap (16 quid) mini binoculars for watching wildlife, etc. on my off-road excursions. Obviously not as capable as my full-size binos but surprisingly good for the price.

[/quote] What’s the sizing like for the jacket? I’ve had my eye on this, but fall between a small and medium. Any insight much appreciated. [/quote] I’m 5’ 10” and 40” chest and the Large fit is exactly as I’d hoped i.e. I wasn’t looking for a race fit. It’s roomy enough for a base layer and a decen...

Aussie Grit's Flint waterproof jacket and gilet - at £35 (down from £99) and £12 (down from £44), respectively. Checked out their online sale and couldn't resist that sort of bargain. I haven't tried them out yet but am very impressed by the quality. Looking forward to my AG shorts arriving in a few...

Much appreciated Stu!

Another BAM undertaken north of the border last night. I left the house around 9 p.m and headed along the coast to Levenhall Links on the eastern edge of Edinburgh. It's an area I'm very familiar with, particularly as I’ve been using its network of dirt and gravel trails regularly over the last coup...

Me too