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.
When a route crosses dry country with uncertain fountains or closed stores, hydration becomes a planning problem rather than a quick refill stop. I’ll explain how to match water, carrying capacity, distance, and emergency reserves to the ride you’re actually facing.
Read articleI’ll help you judge whether a mountain bike ride is sensible in high winds, from choosing a sheltered route to preparing for sudden gusts, falling branches, changing temperatures, and an early turnaround when conditions deteriorate.
Read articleI’ll compare quick indoor storage with a more protective damp-garage routine, helping you choose the right cleaning, covering, moisture-control, and inspection steps for your mountain bike.
Read articleA full air-spring setup and a quick pre-trip check solve different problems when altitude, cold temperatures, and transport are involved. I’ll show you how to prepare your fork and shock, then fine-tune them safely once the bike reaches the mountains.
Read articleKeeping a mountain bike upright through a tight, slow turn can feel harder than riding quickly. I’ll show you how to use figure eights to build balance, steering precision, braking control, and better visual habits without needing a trail or advanced equipment.
Read articleWhen every nearby riding area is flat grass or pavement, I’ll show you how to build useful braking, balance, cornering, track-stand, and body-position skills while keeping realistic limits on what park practice can prepare you for.
Read articleI’ll explain how to build emergency-braking skill in a flat, low-traffic area, from gentle drills to harder stops, while preventing locked wheels and loss of control.
Read articleI’ll show you how to practice mountain-bike braking without turning every drill into a speed test, so you can build front-rear balance, controlled release timing, and safer habits while avoiding the common mistake of chasing faster runs too soon.
Read articleI’ll help you use a sloped grass field to practice mountain-bike braking without building habits that fail on dirt. You’ll learn how to choose a suitable slope, balance the brakes, manage changing traction, and progress from controlled stops to trail-ready braking.
Read articleI’ll explain how to practice looking farther down fast, easy trail sections while keeping enough immediate awareness to handle roots, turns, and changing terrain. You’ll get simple drills, progression cues, and ways to prevent the common mistake of staring at the next obstacle.
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