About | Bikes and Bacon

Adventure is better with a side of bacon

Your adventures aren't measured by distance, speed, or how many carbon fiber bits you've bolted to your frame. Whether you're on a top-of-the-line machine or a vintage find rescued from a scrapyard, the simple act of venturing out and embracing the unknown is what truly counts.

Bikes and Bacon is where I share the reality of life on two wheels: honest ride reports, practical guides, and reflections on the soul-restoring joy of the trail.

Why I started this...

I'm not clucking the same epic, trans-continental miles as the pros, and that's exactly the point. I'm here for the weekend overnighters, the local gravel loops, and the "micro-adventures" that fit into a busy life.

I know how it feels. You want to rediscover the thrill of riding or spend a night under the stars, but the digital noise—the endless YouTube rabbit holes and the obsession with "ultralight everything"—can be paralyzing.

I'm here to simplify your journey. My goal is to offer practical insights and a dose of inspiration to help you get that bike out of the garage and onto the dirt. In the world of adventure cycling, there are no failures—only experiences—as long as you're enjoying the ride.

So, dive in, explore the reviews, and I hope to cross paths with you on the trail.

Gear for the Real World

Let's talk shop. I love great gear, but I also have a mortgage. You won't find "disposable" budget kits here that fail on your first rainy night, but you also won't find gear that costs a month's salary. My philosophy is simple: Buy it once, buy it right, and pay a fair price. I hunt for the "sweet spot" equipment—durable, high-performance gear that respects your bank account while standing up to years of abuse.

Where do I ride

Living in Dorset, a county in the south of the United Kingdom, the trails of Isle of Purbeck are the closest to my heart.

Keeping it real

You’ve seen those sites—the ones where every product is "perfect" and every review feels like an ad. This isn't one of them. While you’ll see some ads and affiliate links around the site to help keep the lights on, my integrity isn’t for sale. I only recommend gear that I’ve actually dragged through the mud, slept in, or cooked on. If it’s brilliant, I’ll tell you. If it breaks on day two, I’ll tell you that, too.

Brands: I’m open to collaboration, but fair warning: I don't do "scripted." If you send me gear, you’re getting my unfiltered, honest opinion. No exceptions.

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