It’s been a hard couple of weeks back at work. A welcomed respite of the Christmas holidays came to an abrupt halt the day we returned to work with some hard graft. Digging, shovelling, concreting in a huge Methodist chapel, the oldest in West Cornwall in fact. The work began about a month or so before the holidays too, with the removal of forty church pews, staircases, flooring and floor joists, all attacked by dry rot, which is visibly similar to a combination of ‘War of the Worlds’ and a huge marshmallow. The result is wood that has less consistency that a chocolate flake, or cocoa powder, wood just turned to dust, eaten by an invasive weed like being. Dry rot is brutal. This has then been followed by plastering ceilings, and walls, moving from one room to another, endlessly applying a skim to board, I go to bed hearing my mate remind me to ‘keep an eye on my edges’. Just take a look now at where the wall meets the ceiling, yep that’s it, that straight clean, crisp edge, that’s because the plasterer who did that, knew how to ‘look after the edges’!

Anyway, the point of this long introductory ramble is to apologies for not posting a blog last week. It’s been a kind of ‘fall in from work and collapse couple of weeks’, not a huge amount of creativity happening, although I have got a post on the way about ‘loyalty’, and on that I’ll say no more.  I’ve not ridden my bike, but I’ve surfed a couple of times. I’ve written a poem, accompanied that by a collage, and I’ll post that when the times right, but for now, I’m sharing this. Another film by Beau Miles, by far my favourite and inspiring creator on the Toob.. This film is both an unknown  to me history lesson, and a travel adventure. Take a moment, put the kettle on and enjoy. For now, here’s Beau and thank you again. 

Well 2026 is here, the beginning of another year and for many the foundation of those unrealistic resolutions. The promises we make, the goals we set, the failing to achieve. January is the month of gym subscriptions, a financial commitment to enhance ones life, the month that words for many last a whole thirty days until the realisation of motivation, hard work and sacrifice wains, and by the beginning of February the drive disappears, the excuses reappear, the resistance becomes stronger and before long, and dreams of losing a pound or two have sunk like a torpedoed battleship. This was me, pretty much year on year, but no more.  This self proclaimed, self diagnosed procrastinator of the highest order, this work in progress, continually trying to better my self both mentally and physically is on a roll. 

As 2026 begins, I’ve already been on a drive to stay healthy, become fitter, and get a lot more creative.  The list of blog posts have steadily been ticked of the list in 2025, and the list is growing again moving into ‘26. Physically, I have lost around 24lb or 11 kilos over the past three months. It’s taken willpower and commitment, not a diet, but avoiding processed food, bad snacking habits and junk food. I made a commitment heading into Autumn, to stay fit through winter, and to be ready for spring. Above all, do not do what I usually do; hibernate, eat too much, and wait for the light to return. No, not this time, my attitude to winter has completely changed. My pre-work morning routine is now based upon waking my body up with movement exercises, and soon as the evenings went dark, the lights got charged and night riding began. The weekends are for riding further and surfing, and I now do circuits once a week. The reason for the change?  A simple plan I drew up last year. A plan that has really changed my lifestyle, and in terms of my health seems to be working. 

Being a simple being, I’m all about keeping things simple.  Having a basic process to follow that would help  to invest in my self every day, every month and every year moving forward. The model below is my own and I hope by reading this post, you’ll go away and maybe create your own. It’s certainly not mind bending, earth shattering, never been done before science, I just wrote down some words, their meaning might seem self explanatory but personally they go deeper, but the simplicity of it really does allow me to manage the procrastination. When you write your words, you’ll recognise what they mean to you.

The model is what I call ‘The ARC’. It’s an ‘Anti Resistance Model’ and I just made that bit up as well, but everyday, having this model helps. Being a person that undeniably falls victim to resistance, it  can be stressful, and a frustrating trait for me and my family. Having that nagging devil inside my head that will always find a reason not to do something, and don’t be fooled, resistance can come in many forms when you recognise it. This resistance creates the need to justify everything, and then simply give in before you’ve even started. My favourite, and what seems to be a common term these days, is that feeling of ‘imposter syndrome’. I started to write a book in Lockdown. I still believe it’s a great topic, but that’s on hold, because I began to see the topic on YouTube and hear it on podcasts, so automatically my mind began to insist that I was way out of my league. Then came the self doubt, and negative critiquing jumped in and eventually I decided to shelving the project in book form, for now. The struggle is real here let me tell you. 

So, this is how The Arc has helped. As a rule, my day starts with either Activity or Creativity. 

Activity or activation as I often call it,  comes in a few forms, but every day I have to get active in some way or another.  Each morning I’ll allow myself anywhere from five to ten minutes to wake my body with a combination of tai chi, yoga and body weight exercises. Let me be very clear,  when resistance says ‘give it a miss this morning’, I may listen, but I’ll manage the nagging voice, reason with the voice by simply asking ‘How would not doing a few stretches serve me?’ The answer is always in my favour and I’ll always do something. Secondly, I’m no fitness guru here, I’m a bloke who should have been doing this my whole life but now aim to be doing it for the rest of it.  I can barely tough my toes, I have the flexible capabilities of a granite wall, and thirty press-ups is pretty good for me. But here’s the thing, I’m getting better, I’m getting stronger, my core is engaged now and I’m feeling the benefits when I ride my bikes and surf. My pop ups when surfing are quick, and I feel stronger paddling. When I ride my mountain bike, I feel solid when I need to be and planted in my bike. When I’m climbing on my gravel bike, using strava to track my progress,  I’m smashing personal records.  I also go to circuits once a week and this routine has been so beneficial. Every day I activate myself in some way, and the chemicals released make me feel bloody fantastic. 

Just a little side note here, maybe a reminder to get started, and a dose of perspective for myself when needed. Two days before my father passed at 94, he was lying in bed, cancer was finally taking him, but his legs were moving up and down under the duvet. I asked what he was doing and his reply ‘my exercises’. Literally to the day he passed he was doing his daily exercises. The hardest part for my Dad through illness and injury was losing his physical ability to go for a walks or do some work in the garden. Daily activation was embedded in his soul. From his days on a training ship when others were at school, a routine around Physical fitness were embedded, then the RAF Air Sea Rescue during World War Two, where he swam most days, or played water polo when in port. During his 31 years in the Police, be was a ‘bobby on the beat’,  and finally as a Harbour Master at Brighton Marina. He walked his Jack Russells up a hill know as Anchor valley, every day. A hill most would not even bother with. My dear old dad did his exercises every morning for as long as I have a memory of him doing so.  Sit ups, press ups, a walk everyday, and hand on heart I never once in my life saw him run anywhere, never. 

By activating myself I like to include connection in here. This is important to me because I can be happy flying solo most of the time. Connecting with other people, whether its for circuits, riding my bike or believe or not on social media, is becoming really important to me too. Not making excuses to back out of meeting for a coffee, a ride, a surf or a pint in the pub. I can be terrible at this and that might be another trait that I seem to have. I’m not seeking any kind of label, I’m pretty sure I’ve been like it my whole life. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your own company, nothing wrong with a little solitude, but I also know it’s really essential to share the energy of a fun day out on the bikes, or chat in the ocean with other surfers. I’ve never organised to go surfing with anyone, I’m not sure why really, I just know what I like, what I fell comfortable surfing, and that’s my time. But once in the water I’m stoked to chat and mingle with friends and community. I might not be able to connect in person every day, but to communicate every day might be a better word here. Once a month I meet with three friends and we just talk utter nonsense, whether its be surfing, life, the good old days, whatever we talk about is not important, the value is in the connection. On New Years Eve I rode at Old Hill Bike Park with my old BMX racing buddy Andy Coryn. We were both heading to the bike park on the same day, we hooked up, rode the trails and caught up after what has been too long. This reconnection was such a great feeling and the next time we’re hoping to get more of our racing gang together, which is essentially the Dads and Old Boys who raced BMX that should know better. 

The Creation part is so valuable to me. Every morning I’ll write a few words or put some ideas in my journal, and I mean everyday. I could find myself at 6.45am, five minutes before I leave for work, with scissors and glue, cutting and sticking something into my journal, or jotting ideas for a blog, or images I’d like to capture. I write words to accompany the images, or write what might seem like meaningless words and call it poetry, but its my poetry and for my eyes only, this isn’t for anyone else unless I choose to put them out there.  

Here’s the point; Those words, that image, the pen to paper means I succeeded in an investment to myself. I have written words whilst I wait for my morning coffee to brew, I’ve written whilst sitting on the throne, or before I exit my car and walk into the workshop at work. If it pops into my mind I’ll write it down as I’m sure there’s a reason. But the words I write, the ideas spawned on any morning, I will ponder these all day, and within moments of getting home and walking through the door, I’m writing a blog post or completing that collage I started ten hours previous.  Creativity is essential for our minds to stay active. 

My journals are filled with ideas that might not happen, but also filled with ideas that have. My blog is what I choose to share, to make public, but they’re words I’m happy with, and a reminder to me that I’m completing tasks, not putting it off, not resisting, nor listening to the doubt, or feeling like an imposter, because I’m creating for myself, and like this post, if it helps anyone recognise the similarities, then that’s great. 

You’ve noticed by now that The Arc is in no order because they all link together.  Recovery is what we all need, both physically and mentally. Having a physical job is tiring but my brain still functions, so I recover and switch off by writing and creating, but I also surf and ride bikes, physical and mentally allowing myself to be in the present, to be mindful, and listen to my body. The act of riding a wave has a new meaning for me now as I’ve gotten older. I’m no longer competing or hustling for waves, Surfing is now about connection to the environment, to the people around me and to myself as a person. Riding my bikes whether on or off-road is about fun, and well-being. A two hour surf can wipe me out, a forty mile bike ride here in West Cornwall might as well be a stage of the Tour de France, its all climbing, it’s either up or down and very little rest on a flat road. I’m getting fitter, but sometimes I get home, knowing I’ve pushed a bit too hard, recovery means I need to stretch, relax and work on becoming more flexible.  I’m aware that I also need to build muscle because as we get older we’re told we waste away, and I don’t want to waste away. Eating well, and not snacking on processed food is a major change in my life. Drinking more water means my urine does not look radioactive anymore, meaning I’m not longer dehydrated all the time. 

The result of following The ARC means that where every element combines, it leads to Happiness. By following this simple model I’m managing the resistance, the procrastination, the awkwardness I often feel, and that brings the happiness, and that is very real. The feeling of success is not financial, or material, it’s in personal achievement, accountability and a sense of responsibility to be personally better. When I get up in the morning, my first cup of coffee is so enjoyable its part of my process. When I  create, stretch or swing my arms around activating my mind, my muscles and blood flow, I walk out the door happy and ready. 

Wading out into the cold water on New Years Day with best friends and about two hundred other people of all shapes, sizes, and age, all sharing the energy of a cold dip, was a really happy moment, and a great memory to put in the mental tool box. If I need a happy memory one day, a reminder that I didn’t resist, I didn’t make an excuse, I have that stored. When I felt the pain and emerged myself in that freezing water, it was because I know it’s so good for me, it’s there when I ever need a positive moment to reflect upon, a moment I beat resistance. 

I’ve shared this model because I hope you can create your own. Having a model on the wall in front of the computer is a daily reminder. I can only tell you that creating a simple model that suits you is fantastic exercise in achieving the realistic. Instead of saying I’m going to lose weight, ask yourself how, or what would be the most enjoyable way to be healthier? There doesn’t have to be a time limit, just enjoy the process and know that the reason for the model is for you and your needs. Do what you can realistically do and build upon every session. Add an extra mile to the ride, push yourself that little bit harder up the hills, run a little further, do a couple more press ups, eat a little less, cook some better food,  buy a journal and create a piece of art each day, do a scribble and add a word, take a photo, maybe start a blog. But the most important thing about having a simple model like this, is you’re investing in yourself. 

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope 2025 met all your expectations and what went well was great and what went bad was left behind. I wrote this sometime ago and it feels about the right time to post it here. It’s. New Year’s Day and we’ve just returned from our first swim of 2026. It was super cold but thanks to the Mexico Inn at Longrock near Penzance, they laid on hot soup and warm bread. ‘Bleddy Lovely’ as they say here in Cornwall,  a fantastic positive start to a New Year.

Anyway, one of the friends I was out with today has asked if I’d show him a few trails and give him a bit of guidance tackling the more enduro style riding, and I was stoked to be asked. He’s invested in a great bike, it’s electric (but I shall not hold that against him!) and he’s recognised that to develop his riding he needs to develop his skills and confidence, and that conversation then prompted me to post this. Maybe it’s something you’ve thought about in your chosen sport, but I’ve especially seen this on riding bikes. Have a read and let me know in the comments if you recognise yourself in this, or maybe  who have done something about it and I’d love to hear more.   

Have you ever heard of The Mental Multi Tool?  If you have, I’m sure you never leave home without it. If you haven’t read on. 

How many of us have left home for a long ride without a simple multi tool, tyre levers, maybe a spare tube and no patches, or even a pump? Ten minutes out and you remember you left an essential part of your kit on the kitchen table and then as easily as that the ride can change. This forgetful moment could result in an unwelcome negative mindset, and for some, that may be a feeling that’s difficult to shake off for the entirety of the ride. 

I’m sure we’ve all done it, and if so did you feel a little anxious? Maybe a little more vulnerable if you were on a solo ride, far from home, with no back-up tube or CO2 canisters. Did the ‘What if?’ scenarios begin running through your mind. If you’re riding with mates, they’ll bail you out by offering up a spare tube, a helping hand, or a loan of their multi tool. But if you’re riding solo the mobile phone is always at hand for a pick up, and lets face it, we’re hardly likely to forget that because how will we capture that ‘selfie’ Insta banger, or monitor the Strava records. 

A basic bicycle tool kit takes away the smallest of negative emotions linked to our bikes going wrong, and subsequent emotions that can potentially ruin our happy go lucky ride, or adventure into the wilderness far from home. That tool kit is such a mental security blanket that allows us to happily ride further, and possibly help us avoid those demons like fear, anxiety, stress, anger or frustration.

If we leave home without this multi tool, then we might feel a little annoyed with ourselves, but also not having a spare tube might make us ride a little more conservatively, and not ride to our full potential for fear of puncture. We may even change our route, cutting our ride short. If we leave home without a snack, which is easily done, especially when rushing out the door to meet mates, we know we will soon be hitting a hunger wall. Starving, with energy levels depleted, and a good ride cut short because we know the energy from a snack is both as much physical as it is mental. A handful of Haribo can make anyone smile.

So here’s the question. Why do so many riders leave home without a tool kit for their minds? 

Why do riders hit the bike parks or trails over and over again, knowing that confidence is lacking, and this will be the reason certain features will be given a wide berth? Why avoid entering competitions because of a limiting belief related to riding abilities? Why not conquer that fear of consequence, or banish that worry what others might be thinking, that crushing belief that somehow you might make a fool of yourself, when in reality, everyone is stoked you’re just trying.

Do we relish the crumbling of a normal human being into a bag of anxiety or nerves? Weighed down with an overwhelming pressure that we place upon ourselves, or let others place upon us. This same emotion encourages us to swerve right and take the chicken run to avoid the feature we so desperately wish to conquer. We avoid the line we know is sketchy but faster, or the gap jump we wanted to clear, or the drop we wanted to send; Defeating us again and again. We convince ourselves that next time will be different, we say to ourselves ‘today’s the day’, this is the run, this is it – NAH, NAH…NO....BRAKE... SWERVE….Chicken Run, Safety, Bugger. 

Then we let the frustration attack us. Disappointed in ourselves, telling ourselves we ‘failed’ again, and chances are we will repeat this action in the near future, unless we change something. We’re not failing, we’re just pushing the boundaries of our comfort zone and we can keep pushing if we prepare. 

We spend thousands on our bikes, our dream bikes. We endlessly upgrade according to reviews and influencer recommendations, and we’re suckers for colour matching, or the newest tech. Coil spring versus air shock, and even changing our entire bikes to find out if 29” is better than 27.5”, or was that just me. There’s carbon vs aluminium, and some prefer steel, some we try them all. Bars, brakes, pedals, grips, stems, the list goes on, the joy of riding bikes - We invest so much in our toys. 

We upgrade and head out without thinking. Our dream rides are built to improve our performance, trend after trend we take it all on board, buying into a very quick feel good factor until we realise that we still can’t corner properly, or clear the jump. We might have visions of being like the professionals, freeriding our local spot like Brendog, shredding a trail like Sam Hill, ‘Flat out Feet Out’, or whipping like Kade Edwards, but let's face it, 99.9% of people reading this are not even close, but we can dream, or we could visualise.

The influencers are there to inspire. Promotions are constantly being sent our way, whether YouTube, online magazines, social media and thankfully a few still in glorious print. The images and influences play on our minds, the brands have us over a barrel, but that’s OK, because it’s our passion. I have been the same sucker for a decent advert since I got my first pair of Vans shoes in 1981 and still buy them today.

So we arrive at this point, fully inspired, we have our dream bike, we’re kitted out in the finest apparel from your chosen brand, wearing our super light, new crash helmet, we are generally looking on point.  I’ll stop right there, as I think you get the picture. But, how many of us invest anywhere close to what we spend on our bikes and equipment,  upgrading our minds, and our own positive mental well-being? How many of us have invested a fraction of time or purchase costs on developing our confidence, or our self-belief, or ways to overcome peer pressure with a little more personal assertiveness? How many have taken the time, not money, to invest in building a positive set of tools for your Mind so you don’t take the ‘Chicken Run’.

Why spend thousands on a passion, but spend little or nothing on developing the one thing that is vital to getting the best from our bikes?

Our mental ability is the most priceless tool we possess, and if we learn to use it wisely, our minds are the most powerful tool on the trail. You can have all the gear that leading brands throw at us, be influenced as much as your brain and wallet can handle, but it’s your mind that will get you to the top of the hill and back down with a bigger smile on your face. We don’t need to upgrade our minds, we only have the one we were given, default settings and all. Like our bikes, our mind just needs a little tinkering, a dash of trailside maintenance, the odd tweak here and there, servicing once in a while,  some good advice from a decent coach, and if we can spend thirty minutes cleaning our bikes, we can spend ten refreshing our mind.

Positive mental well-being is the best feeling. The results we can achieve in life are outstanding if we choose to follow the paths that lead us to a simple adage, and the best tool to draw upon in any situation, Positive Thinking equals Positive Outcome. But does it really work? Well, the next time you have some spare cash, consider your own mental strength and how an investment in yourself might help. Consider taking part in a relaxation session, and be genuinely honest with yourself, did it make you feel different? Did it make you feel positive? I have delivered deep relaxation and visualisation techniques to BMX racers, surfers, gymnasts, motocross riders, parents, kids, and business people and each one has said, ‘Wow, what just happened?’ All I did was just talk to them quietly, and give them the chance to relax their mind and focus on letting go of any tensions. Throw in some visualisation on an area they’d like to succeed and it becomes the perfect way to tap into the awe inspiring mind of ours and it’s free. Our Mental Multi is a a free library of positive experience that can be drawn upon when needed. Self Belief, Self Esteem, Confidence, Attitude, Assertiveness, Creativity, Focus, Determination, Perseverance,  and Inner Strength are all tools we can utilises when required, and you can unbox a means to visualise what you’d like to achieve. 

The question to ask yourself here is: What is your idea of success? If you race, the answer might be to podium, or to top ten. If you just love riding your bike, the answer must be to simply enjoy yourself and have fun. Depending on our level of riding, we all want to try that new feature at the bike park or on the trails, and wouldn’t it be great to have the kind of positive mindset to help us achieve our progression. This is where our mental multi too comes into play, and I really hope that the ideas included here will help achieve this. 

If there is any advice that you might need, please drop me an email and I’ll get back to you, and I will say, the best £150 spend on my riding, was a coaching day with Jay Williamson here in Cornwall. Rather than join a gym, get out and ride a bike, have some coaching, and I guarantee the difference it makes will change the way you ride, physically and mentally. 

Well its, Christmas Eve, the presents are wrapped, tomorrows dinner is all but cooked, I’ve peeled the sprouts which I hate, until bubble and squeak, the Turkey and Spuds are prepped, the cabinet is full of drink and the friends are primed and ready for a day of feasting. But only after we’ve had our morning swim/surf, stood by a roaring fire with friends, drunk mulled cider, rum and eaten shortcake and got in the festive laughs. I love Christmas at home here in Cornwall. This sounds pretty cheesy when I write it, but this is what it is, if the weather plays ball. 
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I finished work yesterday, and as a builder, a much needed rest is overdue. I’ve spent the past month pulling the pews, stairs and pulpit out of a dry rot ridden Methodist Chapel in Mousehole, the idyllic little fishing village, famous for Christmas lights and Star Gazy pie (fish pie).  It’s been hard yacker, heavy work and a lot of lifting awkward shaped loads, digging out pointing and shoveling much away. Let’s just say that I’m glad I know have time off to recover, but also weirdly looking forward to putting things back in the traditional way. 
Hold that thought….

I have two weeks off to surfer, ride my bikes, walk the dog, and I hope this period to get in the woods, light the Kelly Kettle, whittle a few sticks and makes some fresh bread and bannock cake, drizzled in syrup and caked in butter,  something I’ve not done for ages, so keep an eye for this one over the holidays and I’ll put some photos up here. 

For now, I just wanted to thank the people who have checked in to read my ramblings, thanks for your kind words, as it’s given me a real boost to keep writing in the year ahead. I’ve got a lot planned from a Mountain Bike event in the summer that will focus on mental wellbeing, a decent surf trip and I’m most excited about finally getting out there and doing some bike packing adventures within my radius, and finally getting round to a few interviews.  

I was going to put a photo of a Christmas tree but instead, I thought this would be more enjoyable so I’m going to share it here as my Christmas present to you.

Beau Miles is by far my favourite YouTuber, He’s a classic Aussie, always smiling and funny as hell. He’s an inspiring adventurer, and one day I’d love to meet him. If you’ve not seen him just watch this one and then go back through his catalogue of films, but also make sure you watch the second video below which was the purpose of his entire trip. This isn’t a Christmas film, just a honest bloke, a bike and a place to get to. Enjoy, I guarantee you’ll watch him again and again. 

Have a great Christmas, enjoy with the family, don’t argue to much, and enjoy those festive activities.

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A week or so ago I was up in Sussex visiting my family and got a message from Mark Noble at DMR inviting me to join the staff to watch ‘Down for Life’, the film celebrating thirty years since DMR began. I’ve previously written about my tenuous link to their humble beginnings, but I’ll say briefly, they began in the back office of our little BMX shop in Sussex, where after a couple of years, we (being myself and best mate Dan Beamish) moved on, and well, they went global! However, after a 15 years hiatus, I really got back into my bikes again, starting with BMX Racing and then MTB back in 2016 and since then I’ve always ran DMR parts on my bikes, and watching this film with founder Damian Mason, (Matt was on holiday) I was so stoked to see how far  they have come,  and excited about where their heading, thanks to Matt Gray, their graphic designer and creative genius, who always loves to show me what’s in the bag for the coming months. ‘Down for Life’ is an epic journey of hard work, commitment and passion, that continues through their sponsored athletes, and is a must watch if you love bikes.  I for one love my bikes and I’m ‘Down for Life’. Thanks DMR. 

Proving that point, on that same day, the weather cleared, the super moon appeared, and with floodlights on our side; on a cold December evening, a session at the recently new Velosolutions Pumptrack in Brighton, well, ‘Hove Actually’, was well and truly on. When former Marketing Director at DMR/Upgrade, Rory Hitchens invites you to park at his house, as ‘it’s a stones throw’ from the track, you do that to avoid the endless parking meters and resident permit bays, because you never know what time the traffic wardens clock off, and more importantly, it actually is that close.  Even after a long day in London, Rory kindly graced us with his infectious stoke and warm winter man hugs telling us of the plans for events at the Pumptrack next year and I shall be heading up for sure.  I’d arranged to meet Tom Catton, full shredder and former digital creator at DMR, who rocked up on his Cargo Bike with jump bike in tow, with all manner of visually creative equipment in his panniers, and you can just tell by his mode of transport,  Tom is a full on, 100% bonafide bike lover.  Add to the mix a couple of teenage rippers, stoked on riding, and a twenty something  called Ben, who recently won the Brighton round of the UK Pumptrack series, and who can also lay down some of the sweetest berm to berm tables I’ve ever seen, this session was going to be pretty epic.  

Every now and then we get to experience the finest example of shared energy. When the ages range from 13 to 56, but the common bond is not age, but bikes. A machine, based on two triangles, two wheels, one gear, one brake and some components to suit, you have recipe for a simple thing that pleases simple minds, and this simplicity equals a huge amount of fun. 

Combine this with a perfect Pumptrack and you have the world’s finest gym and no need for a monthly membership. You’ll find a facility that will undeniably develop your bike handling skills, physical fitness and mental wellness. If you don’t believe me, do a lap and tell me if your heart rate isn’t maxed out. Ride two laps and tell me you don’t feel a little nauseous, legs like jelly and lungs extruding from the chest. Ride all evening and you’ll find yourself getting faster, leaning into turns, looking for your exits and your smile getting bigger while you’ll be thinking of nothing else but riding your bike. But look around you and there’s a community at this track, as there is at all pumptracks, that is so welcoming, and it’s obvious from this, and my previous visit to Brighton, that this track is also welcomed by the riders, they just seem really thankful, and pretty darn excited about things to come, and when a new rider turn up, they knew them and were stoked to watch them ride and share a few laps. 

My Thursday night session only ended when my legs, arms, and lungs would not work anymore, so half an hour before lights out, I called time before I hurt myself. Until that point, I’d ridden so many laps and got up to good speed for an ol’ bugger, but the highlight was watching a small group of locals ride. Taking multiple lines, seeking out transfers, the local crew are stoked on finding out what more this pumptrack has to offer. The endless possibilities of one line leading to another, gap after gap, and how much speed can they generate out of a turn and carry through rhythm sections. Pump tracks should be mandatory in every community as far as I’m concerned, and down here in Cornwall we are seriously left wanting. 

This trip, actually this one day was pretty epic. Bikes really do bring people together and the shared energy is infectious.  Thanks to everyone at DMR for inviting me to watch the film, and the locals the Brighton and Hove Pumptrack for making me feel so welcome. Thanks also to Tom Catton for filming and getting all these sick shots, and I’ll see you in the spring and look forward to the comp in 2026. 

Oh, and one thing is for sure if I forgot to mention it, I’m ‘Down for Life’.

This is not becoming a video sharing platform, but there are some really good films that I feel the need to share lately whilst I pen a few more written blogs. This is an absolutely beautiful film starring Sennen’s very own Izzy Henshall. I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of this a couple of months back so now it’s live I’m stoked to share this. We’re so lucky as we’ve watched Izzy surf from such a young age, (she even had a short stint on a mountain bike) and become a seriously fantastic talent to watch. Now living in Noosa, Australia she has such as a graceful surfer and inspiring to others. Izzy also has great surfing genes as her Mum Brioney, and Dad Jonty both surf, her cousin Lola and Dad Sam, are both Champions and Grandad Alan ‘Fuzz’ Bleakley one of the OG sixties surfers in the UK.  So, I ask you to make a cup of tea, sit back and enjoy how surfing a longboard is all about minimal movement and finding that perfect flow. 

I’m always so stoked to think that we were there right a the beginning. Matt and Damian set up DMR in the back room of our little BMX shop up in here in Sussex. If it wasn’t for those two, we wouldn’t have had the shop. They had the contacts and knew the industry. My self and best mate Dan Beamish were two blokes who grew up riding bikes, and in 1995 and we were both lucky enough to watch a global brand be  born. Sadly for me it was short lived, we closed the shop and I took the opportunity to go travelling and work abroad, trying to use my four years of college education. A after two years I came home and saw DMR in a huge industrial unit, (which happened to be the old barn that myself and Dan would built big wooden jumps inside when we were about 13/14.  I bought a DMR Trailstar frame and began riding again, jumping at the trails that had been build in my absence, by the young riders, like Tom Lang, Ian Harris and Scott Funnel,  who would come to our shop and ride, it was amazing to see what great riders they had become in two short years.

Today I went up to DMR Bikes and watched ‘Down for Life’. A 30 year history of a brand I absolutely love, and have huge respect for. Nowadays when I come back to Sussex to visit family, I always try to drop in, say hi to Matt and Damo, and get shown by Matt Gray what’s in the pipeline, chat with Brian in the warehouse, hopefully get Nathan to service my forks, and generally hangout for a bit, and it’s always so cool. 30 years on DMR is still so cool.  So please enjoy 50 minutes of history, then  go and ride your bike for a couple of hours. 

I watch too much YouTube and mostly have the mind of a teenager, obsessed with riding bikes or going surfing. When I have my riding head on, I’ll watch a ton of riding edits. 99% of the ones involving jumping are so far removed from what I can do on a bike, but I watch all the same because I absolutely love watching it, and it makes me want to go and my bike. Like the video below, I watched, then immediately ask my wife if she has anything planned on Sunday? Why? She asks. ‘Because the weather is looking perfect for a Bike Park session!

When I feel like riding more enduro, which I can relate to more, I’ll watch some racing, or trail riding. I might not be that fast, but it’s always fun to ride in the woods or on the hills. When I watch gravel riding, I Imagine myself riding a 100 miles on perfect Vermont gravel backroads, but in reality, I go out and do 20 miles on the cow much ridden back lanes here in the Wild West, with the odd bridleway thrown in and come back caked in filth.  

When I want to surf, when I really obsess about riding waves, and that happens more n the winter, because I get to surf less I don’t watch, big wave hero surfing,  tow surfing or massive barrel sessions on the Hawaiian North Shore; Nah, for one, I’d die immediately on first wipeout, and for two, I’ve not got the ‘cajones’ for that. No,  I’ll usually watch Devon Howard who’s nearer my age, or maybe some skinny young whippets, formerly ‘hipsters’, cruising around mellow but perfects waves, looking cool on their mid lengths or longboard surfboards, but mostly Devon, Tyler Hatzikian or Joel Tudor,  because I watch, knowing that I can actually do what they do to a vastly lesser  degree, but I know the feeling. 
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Then there’s motocross. I grew up watching it, had a brief ownership of a 125cc that frightened the life out of me, and became happy to just watch it. Ironically, I’ve never once dreamt I could do it, but always have and always will, hold it up there as the sport that I really love to watch. When the supercross season starts, I get up early every Sunday morning and watch before my wife gets up, It’s a noise thing, or should I say sound. The sound of a 450 annoys her,  and I know this, she has no interest but I make sure I give her a run down of who won the 450 and 250cc races, and who’s leading the championship. This then leads into the outdoor season and then the Motocross Des Nations. It’s a long season.  I’ll also put some two stoke Moto action on, and turn the volume up, just because it makes me smile and makes her cringe. It’s a sound I’ll cherish from childhood and right now,  my new favourite rider is Carson Brown.

The videos below are four of my favourites.

The first video ‘A portrait of Winter’, dropped just before I wrote this post.  The film work is epic, and beautifully shot against the backdrop of Vancouver Island.  The riding is stunning, smooth and inspiring to watch.  

‘Shredder Guy’  features an all out, flat out, trail riding session that just makes me want to go and ride the woods at Grogley, (here in Cornwall), every time I see it.  

Then there Is Devon Howard ‘Assorted Rides’. A masterclass in smooth surfing. If you want to surf smoothly, then just aim to surf like  Devon. Nice chap too.

Finally we have a three lap timed battle between Carson Brown vs Justin Barcia on 150cc Two Stroke Bikes. It’s epic, but to get maximum thrill, be sure to turn the volume up on this one, don’t be shy, I’ll guarantee it will make you smile.

Well I hope you enjoy this little selection of treats, and a welcome insert to your Facebook algorithm thing.  I’ll be putting some more videos up soon, just because it’s good to share the stoke.

Christmas is coming and these would fit perfectly in a knee length stocking!

Wow, these things look sick. Put them on your bike and they look even better. On my enduro bike, wrapped in my DMR Defy stem and Grips, Hope levers and ‘Lordy Lordy’ I was stoked. There is something about a little more rise on a pair of bars that makes the bike look that bit more moto, and I could be wrong but isn’t that what we’re all searching for, I know I am.  As a kid we were lucky enough to get our hands on the throw away bars of some Factory Suzuki MX riders. The boss, who happened to be my mates Dad would cut the cross bar out and throw them in the bin. We would retrieve the odd pair and put a bit of dowling in to replace the missing tube, and if we had a pad, that would go on immediately. We’d put these bars on our ‘trackers’, that were mullet set up forty five years before mullet was even a term. All we knew was that Motocross bikes had a smaller wheel on the back, and ours were made up of different wheel sizes, only because that’s all our mates brother could get from the skip. You were considered lucky if you had two wheels the same, unlucky if you had a reverse mullet and looked like a butchers bike. Anyway, my point being is that as soon as we put these bars on our pre-BMX dirt machines, they made us feel like we just had a cool bike. You see, although most of us could never afford to do it,  motocross was our life back then, we watched every race at our local track at Golding Barn Raceway. We’d go up and watch the pros practice there, and straight after any racing we’d head to our little track and get our legs out round the corners and have our own little motocross race.

Many decades later, I find myself taking a pair of handlebars out of the wrapping, bolting them onto my bike, setting up the cockpit, standing back and having a flashback to the good ol’ days. Although my bike, forty years on was a very different beast, I was so stoked. I hadn’t even ridden my bike yet and I was hooked on the look. I was going to make these bars work whatever. I’d like to just thank DMR, and Olly Wilkings (ODUB) here and now for making my bike scream ‘come ride me’ and some very happy memories. 

Going up in rise from 20mm to 50mm is a leap, so I decided to take a spacer out, making the front end feel little lower to begin with. I played with the rake until I found the comfortable riding position. My first ride out and I was in heaven, and after a few more tweaks like lever position, I decided to cut them down to 770mm, to avoid hitting the trees and my little pinky. 


I have nothing bad to write, at all. I have had these bars on now for over a year and can’t imagine ever taking them off. As far as a mid fifties bloke can and ability will allow, they’ve had a good thrashing. I have ridden bike park, XC, Enduro, and lapped my local hill until I got bored of 30 second trails. They feel so comfortable as my riding position seems to be a bit more upright, which is a personal preference, and when I pulled up to manual the first roller, there seemed to be an effortless transition, and the front wheel came up without fighting.  On the many enduro rides they have felt unreal. A certain winter session in Grogley woods had me smiling all day long. Whether it was the extra rise but again I seemed to be able to lift over the roots easily, and maintain a more flow coming out of tight turns and move around on the trail much more. We hit a huge puddle to get some shots, that required speed in and power out, and I could not get enough of this. 

For those in doubt, they’re not going to make you look like Dakota Norton, the 50mm rise is not that extreme, but apparently if you do ride a bit of motocross, then you’ll feel right at home with these. 

These bars have helped with my jumping too, maybe the high position gives me a better view of where I’m supposed to land, and I can’t really explain how, but I have a new confidence. I’ve never been that consistent at jumping bikes considering how long I’ve done it, but that seems to have changed over the past year. Since getting these bars I’ve found myself slowly expanding the boundaries of my comfort zone.  Since using these bars I’ve also changed to a slightly longer frame, and I’ve felt right at home with these ODUB 50mm up front, the whole bike feels so stable.  

To be honest I was sold on the aesthetics, I love looking at my bike now, more than ever, and when something looks and feels right it will put you in a positive state of mind. If your happy when you head out of the door, wearing your favourite riding kit,  and on your favourite a bike that just looks so cool, you’ll ride better. These bars make me ride better. 

Photos: Josef Fitzgerald-Patrick.  (Forever grateful for the shots)

​This post could be about surfing, hiking, tennis, golf, and so on, but it’s not, I’m writing this about bikes. I’m not sure who it’s aimed apart from others who ride bikes, but I just wanted to post something about cycling and positivity. This was originally written for the Trail Head Project that I’ve been working on for what seems like five years, and it actually is five years, but who’s counting. I also want to post it here as we might also need a nudge in this direction, or be reminded that we are ambassadors. 

We may not be sponsored, but every rider is a brand ambassador. Firstly we represent ourselves, the primary and most important brand is you. We are our best sponsor, we pay for everything, so how do we want to represent ourselves? Obviously in the best light possible.  Secondly, we represent the act of riding bikes. Whether on or off road, as a mode of transport, fun, sport, or competition, from beginner to elite, every rider is an ambassador of their chosen discipline. But I wonder how many of us think of ourselves like this, and why should we? 

The professionals have their sponsorship deals, contractually obliged to present their sponsors products and engage with fans to the point that we, the consumer, are inspired to go and buy a bike, a helmet, some clothing or a pair of goggles. Brand ambassadors are the face of the company, and they represent their values and ethics, acting in a professional and courteous manner at all times and whenever needed.  

Although we may not receive free bikes, or get flown off to far away destinations to film the next best edit, or advertising photo shoot, we should consider ourselves as ambassadors. Although we have no contract, we are one hundred percent invested in the lifestyle and represent disciplines like MTB, gravel, BMX or road cycling, to the best of our ability. 

The everyday rider doesn’t need to have their post ride branded baseball cap on, or their goggles round their neck for the media. For some it’s a dream to be a sponsored rider, and I have nothing but admiration for those rare few who make it, but for those of us who might never be, we must be happy knowing that we’re still riding bikes.

So what does it mean to be an ambassador? How we behave when riding on the road means that the haters might hates us a little less. The way we build trails, how we build trails and where, is vital to how landowners view us. Behave badly and our reputation suffers. Ride four abreast on the road if you like, but don’t then wonder why other road users hate us. But when we ride responsibly, remembering we’re not in a race, pull over and  let the cars pass when you can, and you might get a thank you and that gesture might change a mind or two. When you meet people on the trail, horse riders, walkers, slow down and say hello, and always smile. At the bike parks, be thankful to the staff, and write a positive review. At events always be kind and thank the volunteers, as I’m sure we all do, and remember that the cyclists that have acted like a fool, are the ones to blame if the entire community gets a bad name, and I’ll wager they don’t believe their ever in the wrong and don’t consider themselves as ambassadors. 

If you do get any kind of support, be thankful, be grateful and return the kindness when ever you can. I’m lucky enough to have friends at DMR and Upgrade Bikes. I’ve been asked to write the odd product review which is always great fun because it adds another aspect to focus on riding. I have a very long history with the company dating back to the beginning of the brand, where they began, in the back office of our BMX shop back 1995. But who’s watching me? Who cares about some fifty something old man riding a bike up a little hill in the furthest part of Cornwall? No one really, but there’s always an opportunity to chat if someone admires your bike, or notices the grips your running, the cranks, or the bars. You certainly won’t find me on any website or rider list, but if I post a picture or write something like this, I’ll tag DMR Bikes and I hope they see it, and then they know that I am doing my bit to say thank you.

Our primary role as ambassadors for bike riding is that we must be seen by our friends, our peers, younger or older riders, shop keepers, cafe owners, trail builders, bike park owners, or event organisers, as positive people, and our role in representing our lifestyle is to pass on this positivity, it’s what’s known as transference. Positivity can cheer people up, and make someone’s bad day, a great day, smiling is infectious. The more positive we are to those around us, to those we meet, or share our passion, then this positivity goes a long way, often further than you may realise.

Take a look at your favourite riders, and they don’t have to be professional, they can be friends or someone in your club that always makes you smile. Are you drawn to them because they’re miserable? I doubt it. Their positivity draws us into their lives, their stories and experiences, their manners and their characters are infectious. We all have that riding buddy that’s funny as hell, the young kids we meet at bike parks that are full of stoke, to show you the lines. These are the best ambassadors.

My personal favourites to watch right on the socials are Lachlan Morton, Dustin Klein, and Brandon Billinghurst. They long term relationships with their sponsors for a reason, and I get the feeling these guys are authentic, what you see is what you get. Their projects are engaging whether long distance endurance, joining a local event as a cycling superstar, or designing a new and exciting event. They provide reviews and design tips, and if you took away their sponsorship tomorrow, they’d still go and ride their bikes.  

Positivity is empowering and a testament to any ambassadors attributes. If you’ve never met them, and yet invest time to watch and listen then that’s testament to how they present themselves. They inspire us to get outside and ride, plan a bike park weekend with friends, go on a solo bike packing adventure, or enter your first event. Obviously in today’s world of social media, they are ‘influencers’, so we’re supposed to go straight out and buy what they recommend, or that’s the plan, and on occasion we do. But as people it’s their positivity, and how they are as people that attracts us to them  and companies willing to invest.  So why shouldn’t we always behave the same way.

As ambassadors for riding bikes, we must represent ourselves by also being authentic, being ourselves, and it helps if we surround ourselves with other positive ambassadors, then the shared positive energy is unstoppable. We can be great ambassadors at our local trails, by picking up a shovel and a brush, clearing the litter along the roads we ride most. We can help others who might be struggling with a section of trail and offer some advice. Be encouraging and offer words of motivation, and I guarantee your riding will progress too because you’ll be enjoying the experience so much more. Being an ambassador is about developing a positive mindset that helps your well-being but also others. We have no idea of the impact a few words might have, and If you go back to your inspiring characters, ask what would they say to you when you need a little boost? Ask yourself how you’d like to be remembered or what do you want your cycling legacy to be? I know what I’d like mine to be. 

Someone who loved riding bikes and always did his utmost to pass that on to others. 

Photos: My recent visit this month to Bike Park Wales in front of the people’s favourite. Trail A470, and previous trip on a hot Bank Holiday in May, with two of the best ambassadors I know for sure. My old BMX racing buddies Stuart Breeze and Rich Penney. Riding with these two is always so much fun and every trail is filled with laughter and smiles. These ambassadors will never grow up.