"Whether it’s hike-a-biking or deep in the flow of a steep descent, being immersed on two wheels for me is the oneness with nature, and the blurring of the human and physical nature as tyre, terrain, body and mind connect as I move through the landscape."
Tell us about yourself, and where you are from?
I’m originally from the Chiltern Hills in Oxfordshire, England but now I live in south Wales in the Wye Valley with my wife, dog and soon to be first child. In the last 10 years we’ve gradually taken home west and since moving to Wales I’ve loved getting to know the varied landscapes, terrain and history that has shaped the Welsh borderlands.
What's your back story, and how did you get into the outdoors and your particular discipline?
Having been lucky enough to grow up amongst boundaryless woodland to explore, I’m always curious to uncover places, seeking out the hidden corners, particularly those I’ve made home. The bike has always been my choice for the most efficient and fun way of going deeper and further to explore more, wherever possible away from paved surfaces.
From the joy of flowing with singletrack trail to understanding and learning about the land on which trails take me, there's so much to being on a bike that gets me excited to ride.
A great ride blends mind, body, and nature to enjoy the connections of fresh air, flow and challenge, finding natural beauty and where possible learning a bit about the landscape and communities I roll through.
Which trips, expeditions, or achievements are you most proud of?
In the last year I’ve bikepacked around Slovenia, which lived up to expectations and offered amazing terrain, scenery and local culture. Closer to home the focus has been on route mapping to explore themes from the trails, heading out on overnighters to follow and tell stories, such as the land-use history of the welsh valleys with its ancient temperate rainforest alongside new renewable energies. Last summer ended with a trip camped at the most remote spot in Wales to explore if plastic pollution had reached this location, in support my the work with Trash Free Trails.
Tell us a little bit about your life outside of mountain running?
My newest venture is beekeeping. I'm hoping for a good share of honey this coming summer. I work for Forestry England and freelance with Trash Free Trails as a digital creative, with video and photography a the key part of my craft.
Notable Achievements
-
50km PB of 3 hours 29 minutes
-
Competed in the Elite category at the 2021 Golden Trail Series
-
Bennachie Ultra 3rd place