Bikepacking The South Downs Way

On By James HandlonIn MicroadventuresLeave a comment

How hard is cycling the South Downs Way? Well it is 160 km long or for those who prefer imperial 100 miles, it is steeply undulating with 3,810 metres of climbing along the route. A mountain bike is a must, with at least front suspension and preferably rear as well. It is mainly off-road and traces a route through the rolling hills of Hampshire and Sussex. Twelve years ago I bought a book about it ‘Mountain Biking on the South Downs‘ by Cicerone, so it was about bloody time I gave it a try.

On The SDW

The intervening years had not been good to either myself or my bike. I had what was now a 12 year old Giant Yukon MTB that was showing its age. Large framed and heavy as hell with splitting tyres and worn out disc pads for brakes. The description could also have been applied to myself without too much alteration.

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Foto Friday – Karnak Temple

On By James HandlonIn Foto FridayLeave a comment

In 2008 we were lucky enough to get a chance to sail up the river Nile in a restored 1920’s Royal Steamer the SS Misr from Luxor to Aswan. We stopped at the monumental city of Thebes where you will find the world famous Karnak Temple Complex which comprises a vast mix of ruined temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings, notably the Great Temple of Amun a massive structure begun by Pharaoh Ramses II (ca. 1391–1351 BC).

Find more photos from the trip here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshandlon/albums/72157627355513354

Foto Friday – Berber Desert Camp, Tinfou, Zagora

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15 years ago we were the only ones to make it by camel through a whirlwind sandstorm to our camp for the night set amongst the dunes at Tinfou. There were plenty of seats left around the burntout campfire to choose from that evening! At the time it felt like the greatest adventure we had ever been on. Morocco – 2007

Foto Friday – The Inca Trail

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Phuyupatamarca Camp – Night falls on the jungle and forests below us as we sit and watch from our elevated and precariously pitched tent right on the mountains edge. Phuyupatamarca provided one of the most dramatic campsites I have ever stayed at. The Inca Trail Peru – 2015.