Blog
Snoozing in a Cornish Bell Tent: a review of Higher Pendeen Camping
Only in the morning could I see the full extent of Higher Pendeen's wilding. The field is lined with unmown grasses and wildflowers and large central chucks of land are the same. It's basically accommodation managed by bees, butterflies and all the other creatures that see a blade of grass as quite a long journey. It's glorious.
St Mawgan's Japanese Garden: getting Zen in Cornwall
Deep in Cornwall’s steep valleys lie plenty of secrets but none perhaps so extraordinary as the Japanese Garden in St Mawgan. I came here on book research and felt like I wanted to stay forever.
I Did a Go Tri Triathlon and it was Excellent
On 25 July 2021, I did the Torbay Triathlon's Go Tri event. It was the perfect blend of Type 1 and Type 2 fun and I highly recommend it, even if you've never done a triathlon before (I hadn't either).
How to Get Involved with Women's Festival of Cycling: 17 July – 1 August
The Women's Festival of Cycling is back and better than ever. Running between 17 July and 1 August, there are tons of virtual events, sessions and workshops to get stuck into whether you haven't cycled since childhood or you're two-wheeling every moment you get.
Alcohol vs the Bike; or, and how does that make you feel?
Aching muscles, mysterious bruises and a dehydration headache are all familiar to me. Except now I've been sober for three years, they come not with regret and anxiety but alongside satisfaction, pride and a stronger mind.
Embracing the Joy of Trail Running: getting out of my head and into my body
Trail running brings me into the present moment in a way running on tarmac never did. Many of the trails I've been running on here are veritable obstacle courses. Tree roots weave across the earthen paths, raised perfectly to capture an unsuspecting foot. Mud stretches across the trails like a cat taking a sun bath. Beech trees reach their downy leaves to head height, silent sideline supporters going for the high five.
Review: The Eco-Friendly Youman Tee (on Kickstarter now)
I agreed to test out and review the Youman Tee for one simple reason: Youman is a company that has taken on the burden of creating a product where sustainability is put at the heart of the design, not just the heart of the marketing. As an added bonus, the t-shirt is fantastic. Check out my review on this innovative tee!
Review: The Knog Oi Bike Bell (of dreams)
I often cycle along shared paths where overtaking people is a constant necessity. When I got the Knog Oi bike bell for Christmas, I couldn't believe such a sleek bell existed. And it only got better. Check out the review and never again yell 'EXCUSE ME!'
Crashing into 2021 Like Skin Doesn't Matter
As I cycled past them, this dog was suddenly no longer up the bank but running across in front of its owner and straight out onto the cycle path. The only thing I had time to do as I watched my 23 mm tyre slam into the side of this exuberant creature was think, 'f*ck, I'm going to kill it.'
The Best Trail Mix Flapjack Recipe Ever
I've spent the last year refining my trail mix flapjack recipe because a) flapjack is an art form and b) what else was 2020 good for? This flapjack is packed with delicious extras, perfect for scoffing while out in the hills.
6 Tips for Planning an Enjoyable Bike Ride
I don't find it too difficult to plan a bike ride, but I do find it difficult to have faith in my planning skills. I'm terrible for underestimating the steepness and length of hills - last Sunday I spent 20 minutes of a 3 hour ride going up one, incredibly long, steep hill - and I'm equally awful at remembering to let my stomach have a say in the preparation.Every time I go out for a jaunt and forget something, I think, 'the moment I get home I will write a damn checklist!'