Independent field notes
Suspension of Disbelief is a practical and entertaining guide to recreational mountain biking. It covers riding techniques, bike setup, suspension, maintenance, safety, essential gear, trail etiquette, and the lessons learned from climbs, descents, and the occasional unplanned dismount.
Jake HollowayHey there I'm Jake. I'm a mountain biker who enjoys technical challenges, long climbs, fast descents, and the satisfaction of keeping a well-used bike running smoothly. I write practical guides about riding skills, suspension setup, maintenance, safety, gear, and the lessons learned from occasionally choosing the wrong line.
Poor sightlines turn a simple trail encounter into a timing problem: speed, position, sound, and escape space all matter together. I’ll explain how to yield predictably on busy multiuse trails while reducing the chance of a crash, damaged gear, or a costly interruption to your ride.
Read articleI’ll explain how to handle a narrow trail when neither rider has a good passing spot, from communicating early to choosing stable ground and protecting the trail edge. You’ll also learn how to avoid turning a courteous yield into a risky, awkward maneuver.
Read articleFrozen trails can offer firm, efficient riding, while thawing ground may turn one outing into lasting damage. I’ll help you read the conditions, adjust tires and clothing, and choose low-cost ways to protect both your bike and local trails.
Read articleI’ll help you read trail ratings as a starting point rather than a complete difficulty report, using elevation, terrain, exposure, weather, traffic, and local descriptions to avoid choosing a route that exceeds your current skills or energy.
Read articleSuspension can feel harsher, softer, slower, or less controlled after a long descent as heat, pressure, fatigue, and contamination interact. I explain how to separate normal ride changes from setup or maintenance problems so you can reduce risk and make sensible adjustments.
Read articleI’ll compare the pressure choices that matter on sandy trails, from lowering for flotation to staying higher for steering and rim protection. You’ll learn how to make a controlled adjustment without turning a tubeless tire into a burping, vague-handling problem.
Read articleA difficult mountain-bike ride becomes more useful when you record the few details that explain what went wrong, what worked, and what to change. I’ll show you a compact reflection method for turning fatigue, equipment problems, terrain, judgment, and confidence into better decisions next time.
Read articleWhen a trail suddenly turns steep, rocky, or exposed, deciding whether to ride on can feel harder with tired legs and a waiting group. I’ll help you weigh walking, scouting, rerouting, or continuing while protecting your energy, confidence, and safety.
Read articleWhen a trail suddenly turns exposed and thunder rolls across the valley, the safest choice is usually to stop riding rather than judge the storm by distance. I’ll help you decide when to turn back, how to regroup, and where to shelter until the risk has passed.
Read articleA low-speed crash can still affect your body, your bike, and your options far from a trailhead. I explain how to assess each one calmly, weigh continuing against calling for help, and make a safer plan for getting home.
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