Counting down the days to another road trip. France again with @van_rysel testing some new bikes near Marseille and then fingers crossed ride back home with a few detours along the way.
My heads lighter, feel like I’ve got through the other side of the shit storm that’s been 2026.
#cycling #mentalhealth #escapism #cyclist
“The cliché mental health quotes can get in the bin.”
Feeling older, slower, lazier and somewhat vulnerable.
Riding was always the answer or at least a plaster. My reset button. But right now I can’t find the motivation, and I think of more reasons not to do it than to do it. The tool I’ve always reached for feels like it’s been taken away and I haven’t found anything to replace it yet.
I’m not feeling anywhere near as bad as I used to, I know the difference. I’ve just not felt like this before. Slower, softer, more aware, less certain.
I’ve spent most of my life moving fast so that I didn’t have to sit with any of this and dwell. Maybe stopping long enough to actually feel things is the first step. So far being the wrong side of 50 hasn’t been much fun.
Full post on the site — link in bio.
Stoked for the new @kxngs.cc x @met_helmets collab. With a 4 day weekend and winter firmly behind us it’s time to find my mojo and ride some bikes.
#cycling #motivation #ride #mates
Factory test pilot 🤔 @calloutpotholes showing off the new @ascnd.cc@q36.5 summer jersey on the French Riviera and finally finding out what all the fuss is about.
@andydonohoephoto 📸
#cycling #ride #cyclist #newkitday
In 2014 I stood at the bottom of the Stelvio about to ride in what felt like summer kit. Zero degrees at the top, snowbanks lining the road. Luigi Bergamo the founder of Q36.5 handed me the Hybrid Que jacket the day before and told me to trust it.
I descended at 80kph. Not once did I feel cold.
That was my introduction to what genuine fabric innovation actually feels like. No marketing hype. No gimmicks. Just a jacket that did exactly what it was designed to do keep your body at 36.5°C regardless of what the mountain throws at you.
Twelve years on and a couple of revisions later that Hybrid Que is still a regular go to for Autumn, Winter and Spring.
🔗 Full story and kit breakdown on the journal — link in bio and stories.
#Q365 #Stelvio #CyclingKit #ItalianCycling #PinarelloQ365
Two weeks, two bikes and a van. Solitude, escapism and memories. Am I fixed? No, have some of the clouds lifted, maybe.
Thanks for the support and friendship @maxleykind@lafermedesbelugues@larola.it@kxngs.cc@ricardopichetta
#escape #travel #mates #cycling #holiday
This is very ASCND V1.
The latest journal piece is up.
I’ve been struggling and also struggling as to whether I should post stuff or not. But year has been fucked and that’s why I started ASCND.
Cancer. Loss. Setbacks. Moments that have tested in ways you don’t feel ready for. Links in stories to the full post.
I’ve slipped, gone back to old habits.
Respair = the return of hope. I’m not feeling that right now.
Fuck this year.
#resilience #mentalhealth #grief #parenting #cyclinglife
After the last few months this is exactly what the Dr ordered. It might be freezing cold, windy as hell but the blue skies, empty roads and of course the generosity and kindness of Karen and Spencer is really helping get me back on track.
Respair: The return of hope after a period of despair 💙.
Hope to get back on podcast duties very soon.
#cycling #cyclinglife #escape #journal #mates
Riding is the answer. Double gorge route with @paul__wrt and @maxleykind , borderline terrifying in high winds. Gorge de la Nesque never fails even if my legs do.
Thanks for the company gents 👊.
#vanrysel #cycling #cyclist #cyclinglife #mates
Hard reset thanks to @lafermedesbelugues , bikes and blue sky.
Couple of road rides lined up with mates before Ventoux gravel. Fingers crossed the forecast is wrong 🥶.
#cycling #cyclist #cyclinglife #vanrysel
