First-hand knowledge from people who ride, run and explore.
Useful gists from the latest published contributor questionnaires.
Gear Review: Surly Moloko Handlebar
Surly Moloko handlebar
Shekhoo uses the Surly Moloko handlebar on his Trek Procaliber for bikepacking. He values the stable space it creates for a sleeping pack, bottles, food, lights and a Garmin, and says it remains comfortable when fully loaded.
Read moreYour Last Ride: Winter Spiti 2020
Winter Spiti 2020
Shekhoo returned to the Shimla-Kaza route in March 2020 after riding it in 2018, this time finding the snow he had missed before. The ride combined green valleys, dry cold Spiti, village stops, parathas at Nako, Tabo and a long evening excursion near Reckong Peo. His Rockrider handled the route without problems.
Read moreYour Last Ride: Zanskar Valley Ride
Zanskar Valley Ride
Shekhoo's 2021 Zanskar Valley Ride was a self-supported exploration by three riders from Keylong to Kargil, crossing Shinkula and Penzila passes and camping along a newly opened route. He remembers the valley's landscapes, hospitality, villages and monasteries, especially a festival and feast near Phuktal Gompa. The ride was also documented through a video series.
Read moreAdventure Anecdote: Silk Road Mountain Race 2022
Silk Road Mountain Race
Shekhoo's first Silk Road Mountain Race began before the start line, with a missed flight, a rushed bike box, help from Nelson and a last-minute arrival in Osh. He started with no acclimatisation and little experience of tents or Garmin navigation, then finished a race that still feels miraculous to him. The story also includes the satisfying moment when his Rockrider proved its doubters wrong.
Read moreGear Review: Sinewave Beacon 2
Sinewave Beacon 2
Shekhoo bought the Sinewave Beacon 2 for the Silk Road Mountain Race and has used it for a year. He likes its brightness, wide throw, metal body and built-in USB charging, while noting that the rear light depends on the front light having enough power. He combines it with a headlamp for hike-a-bike sections and would choose it again.
Read moreApproved images from the people and experiences in the archive.
Clubs, organisers, advocacy groups, brands and outdoor organisations.
Races, brevets, runs, tours, expeditions and named adventures.
Bikes, shoes, tyres, bags, lights and equipment discussed by contributors.
Cities, regions, passes, trails and destinations appearing in first-hand experiences.
Cyclists and bikepackers represented in the archive.
Runners and ultra-runners represented in the archive.
Published questionnaires and interviews in conventional date order.
Training, nutrition, weather, sleep, navigation, failures and advice.
