Your letters and photos, including following in the tyre tracks of Steve Peat, biking away the home-working blues and more of your best riding snaps
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I, like many others, decided to get back into biking in 2020. I dug out my trusty (rusty) 26er from the shed, gave it some TLC and set off around the local area to pass some time during furlough, maintain some level of fitness and keep on top of my mental health. It wasn’t long before I dropped some cash on a Nukeproof Scout.
Next, I started boring my mates about biking, and before long they caved in. My best friend bought a bike, then his brother, then some other friends. I started teaching my three-year-old son to ride, too. It gave us quality time together, was hugely rewarding and, most importantly, he loved it.
Riding became an obsession. Having lived in Sheffield all our lives, we were amazed at all the hidden gems we’d been oblivious to – Lady Cannings Plantation and Parkwood, then we plucked up the courage to progress to Grenoside Woods and Wharncliffe. Everything became about riding, and when and where we were going next. We kept going through the cold, grim winter, not even letting the odd frozen dropper post stop us. I even started taking the bike around the country with me when working away, visiting spots such as Ae in Scotland – places I’d never have visited were it not for MTBing.
I now ride about three times a week, including with my son. Following him gives me as much of a buzz as riding the Peaty’s Steel City trail with my mates. As much as the last year-and-a-half sucked, it would have sucked a lot more were it not for biking, and I’m very grateful for that!
Jon Bates, via email
Mountain biking’s recent surge in popularity may have caused a few issues – from littering (p23) and unauthorised trail building (MBUK 398) to shortages of bikes and kit – but ultimately, it’s great that so many people are (re) discovering the sport. Not only for their physical and mental health, but also – as you’ve discovered – for the fun factor. You’re very lucky to live in an area that’s so rich with awesome trails. Enjoy, Jon!
Smiles for miles
I biked regularly in the ’90s and my beloved 1993 Kona Hahanna still holds fond memories. Sadly, its life ended when my brother was hit by a car on it in 1996. Bikeless since that fateful day, in 2017 I bought an entry-level Cube and revisited my old trails. My love of MTBs was rekindled, and I flirted with buying a Ragley. But then the pandemic struck, I stopped riding and workingfrom-home depression set in.
A few weeks ago, having checked stock levels for months, I finally got a Ragley Marley and started riding again. I just hit up my old trails with my brother Paul and our mate Matt. We’re all middle-aged, rubbish bikers but we had the best three hours of sketchy descents, grinding climbs, swearing and crashing, all capped off with a pint in the pub. I’ve been smiling all day, looking back on the photos of our adventure and forgetting all about ‘real life’.
Mountain biking is a brilliant natural stress reliever and can have an important impact on mental health. My mates and I all agree that riding makes us feel so much better. Riding with them that day and having a bit of banter is probably the most enjoyable social experience I’ve had for 18 months. Pete Cullen, Hayling Island
Pete, thanks for reminding us that riding isn’t just about the steepest lines or the biggest air. It’s about the thrills and spills, the adventures in good company and the memories made along the way – all of which are even more important at times like this.