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.
I’ll help you pace an unfamiliar long mountain bike climb by balancing effort, breathing, gearing, food, and visible landmarks, so you can preserve energy without crawling from the first switchback or guessing when the hardest section is still ahead.
Read articleBrake-lever position changes how comfortably and confidently you control a steep descent. I’ll explain what to adjust first, how to recognize a poor setup, and why small changes are safer than copying another rider’s cockpit.
Read articleI’ll clarify how breathability, packability, and durability actually trade off in a mountain-bike rain jacket, so you can choose sensibly for wet climbs, brushy trails, changing forecasts, and emergency use.
Read articleWet roots and mud make pedal control, release, and foot traction more important than simple pedal weight. I’ll compare flat and clipless options so you can prioritize confidence and risk reduction for your local trails.
Read articleI’ll compare the safest ways to approach, pass, and recover from encounters with dogs on shared mountain-bike trails, including when to slow, stop, dismount, or communicate with the walker. You’ll get practical choices that reduce surprises without treating every dog as a problem.
Read articleWhen your hydration pack changes from nearly empty to fully loaded, your rear shock can settle differently and alter the bike’s handling. I’ll show you how to measure the added riding weight, set sag consistently, and avoid spending money to solve a setup problem.
Read articleI’ll compare the braking habits, pacing choices, and cooling stops that matter on long Alpine descents, helping you prevent common mistakes, recognize fading control, and prepare your bike for sustained heat without turning every run into a brake test.
Read articleI’ll compare the immediate responses, riding adjustments, and setup changes that can help when hand cramps arrive on a long descent, including when continuing is reasonable and when stopping is the safer choice.
Read articleI’ll compare the pacing, acclimatization, hydration, and turnaround choices that matter above tree line, then explain how to respond when altitude, weather, or fatigue starts changing the ride. The goal is a safer decision before a manageable problem becomes an emergency.
Read articleA quiet weekday and a familiar trail don’t necessarily mean low risk during hunting season. I’ll show you how to check access notices, improve your visibility, communicate clearly, and build a ride plan that respects local rules and other trail users.
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