Journal | Hunt Bike Wheels
ON THE DROPS WITH STIJN DE BOCK
For this week's insight into the Canyon DHB p/b Bloor Homes training camp & 2019 preparations, we stole some time from one of Tim's new signings, and one of two new Belgian riders bolstering the ranks this season. Whilst Stijn De Bock is pretty handy on a bike, he's actually more famous for being Stijn De Bock. As an Elite (without contract) Belgian National Road Race champion, and a palmares that has seen him put many a World Tour rider away in sprints, we're keen to see what this man will bring to the team for the year ahead...
CANYON DHB P/B BLOOR HOMES - CALPE TRAINING CAMP GALLERY
The boys in blue (minus 5 riders who have other commitments) are out in Calpe for their pre-season training camp this month. Team photographer, Hugh McManus, has been out capturing the whole thing, from candid off-bike moments of relaxation, right through to the most impressive of gurns following hard training efforts. Here's a few of our favourites...
ON THE DROPS WITH STEVE BATE MBE
This week, we've been catching up with a rider who needs no introduction (mostly because we've already featured loads of his ridiculously epic riding). Steve Bate was a prolific climber, with sights on a solo attempt at the ridiculously tough El Capitamn in Yosemite, until he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in late 2011. After losing his driving license and ability to independently do the thing he loved, he turned to cycling.
For a hobby taken up as a second choice, Steve happens to be quite handy on a bike. This guy covers ground like carpet, it's absolutely unreal. He recently rode 501km across Scotland in 22hrs and 20mins. Not bad for a guy who's rapidly losing what remaining vision he does have left. He's an inspirational rider and all-round decent bloke, who won't take no for an answer.
For a hobby taken up as a second choice, Steve happens to be quite handy on a bike. This guy covers ground like carpet, it's absolutely unreal. He recently rode 501km across Scotland in 22hrs and 20mins. Not bad for a guy who's rapidly losing what remaining vision he does have left. He's an inspirational rider and all-round decent bloke, who won't take no for an answer.
OFF THE DROP WITH BECCI SKELTON
Let us introduce you to Becci Skelton. Bec/Skeldog is riding in 2019 for the Rocky Mountain Enduro team, who we'll be supporting alongside the fine fellows of Peaty's Products. We'll also be supporting another awesome MTB team which we'll be announcing in March. Anyway, back to Bec. She's been involved with the Steve Peat Syndicate since 2016, and competed in Elite & World Cup level downhill racers We caught up with her for an Off The Drop interview, ahead of another year of madness...
GOSSE WINS NATIONAL TROPHY IN SHREWSBURY
We must admit, we were all too aware of our inexperience as 'UCI staff' when working in the pits for Gosse van der Meer yesterday. For a start, it was just Ollie there, as Stan & Dan were both out battling the course and the other riders. You'd think just having a dedicated pit crew, even if just one person, was a pretty special thing (it's certainly something we don't see at the London X League), however Ollie was surrounded by teams with up to 4 pit crew per rider! Paired with the fact that we couldn't get our pressure washer to start, and Ollie was sliding around the washing area in some Adidas Spezials asking to borrow other teams' water... we well and truly took on the role of 'plucky underdog' at the sixth and final round of the National Trophy in Shrewsbury this weekend.
ON THE DROPS WITH ALEX PATON
What a season this man has had! Following winning his debut race for the team at the 2018 PERFS down in Portsmouth, Rosie had his fair share of troubles and shunts through the mid-season. Everything came up trumps when he finished the year off with a memorable Sprints Jersey win at the Tour of Britain.
We caught up with the Aldershot-based rider to find out how he keeps ticking over during the off-season, what his targets are for 2019, and his views on Christmas binging...
We caught up with the Aldershot-based rider to find out how he keeps ticking over during the off-season, what his targets are for 2019, and his views on Christmas binging...
"Wild about Argyll" by Steve Bate
It was quite a challenge to convince Ibrahim to head to the south west coast instead of the north west, like we usually do for adventures in Scotland. We’ve shared many outings, climbing and biking in the north west, as it offers endless possibilities for people in search of remote adventures. But heading towards the big city of Glasgow instead of away from it, ran against the grain of our long time adventure history. I’d come across the Bike Packing Scotland website, when they had just released a short film called Wild about Argyll. Apart from getting married on the banks of Loch Lomond six years ago, almost to the day, I hadn’t spent any time in the south west and this little video sparked my interest.
GETTING TO THE HEART OF CYCLOCROSS...
We started working with Gosse almost exactly a year ago, to help us better understand cyclocross as being one of the most demanding disciplines out there on your equipment - especially your wheels! Every sponsorship avenue we explore, must revolve around the principles of innovation and development. Working closely with Gosse is no exception. The fact that he's a super nice guy & a pleasure to be around... well that's just a welcome bonus
ON THE DROPS INTERVIEW WITH TYDEMEN NEWMAN
There are two things you need to know before you meet Tydeman. First, he's probably faster than you. Second, you'll be stretched to find someone who gets so stoked on riding. The combination of these two factors makes for a dangerous mix. So we decided at the very last minute to see what makes Tydeman tick as we wrap up the Hill Climb season.
LESS THAN 1000KM TO GO IN ROUND-THE-WORLD RECORD
Round-the-world rider Jenny Graham is edging nearer to her final destination in Berlin. With less than 1000km to go, the Adventure Syndicate at the time of writing is crossing the Belgian/Dutch border. After putting in some huge miles, including a huge day which clocked in at over 300km with only 5 hours sleep, Jenny is determined to reach Berlin and smash the world record of 144 days.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SET OF WINTER WHEELS
When selecting a wheelset to get you through the darker, colder and wetter months, it is essential to look past whether you have rim or disc brakes. At Hunt, we relish in smashing through the winter miles. If this is a morning commute to work, an hour jaunt early on Saturday or an all-day winter epic on Sunday – getting a wheelset to match your needs will make those miles pass by more easily (and save trashing your good wheels come summer).
PEATY'S ARE KILLING IT: OFF THE DROP INTERVIEW WITH CO-FOUNDER TOM MAKIN
The Peaty’s guys have been killing it lately! From supporting top-level teams competing in the Enduro World Series and UCI Downhill to taking on the road tubeless revolution with British Continental team Canyon Eisberg. We even had the chance to meet up with Tom, Bryn and the man himself, Steve Peat, for a few beers and a ride at legendary Wharnecliffe Crags! These guys are super passionate about what they do and how they can make products which help riders have a better experience when out on the trails or roads.