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.
Steep roll-ins become more predictable when your eyes, body position, braking, and speed control work together. I’ll break down that sequence so you can stay relaxed, lower your center of gravity, and avoid the rigid stance that makes the bike feel unstable.
Read articleI’ll explain how to choose speed, place your braking, manage your vision, and recognize a safe bailout when a loose, steep descent leaves little room to stop. The focus is controlled decision-making for dry mountain and desert terrain, not simply riding faster.
Read articleI’ll explain how to separate useful speed control from panic braking, then build a repeatable descent routine around vision, body position, trail choice, and deliberate practice so you can regain confidence without simply forcing yourself to ride faster.
Read articleI’ll clarify how to tell whether a rain-soaked or snowmelt-softened trail can handle bikes without lasting damage. You’ll learn how soil, drainage, tire marks, local rules, and your own riding choices fit into a responsible decision.
Read articleA shallow puddle can hide soft ground, trail damage, or contamination, and the safest choice isn’t always the shortest line. I’ll help you weigh depth, surface, consequences, and practical alternatives before you commit to the crossing.
Read articleI’ll help you avoid the costly mistake of treating a head impact as minor just because you feel fine at first. You’ll learn when to stop riding, how to monitor symptoms, arrange sensible help, and return only after appropriate evaluation.
Read articleTire inserts can protect rims and support lower pressures, but their weight and repair demands matter. I’ll help you weigh rider size, rocky terrain, rim strikes, tire pressure, and maintenance before choosing a setup.
Read articleA trail that looks rideable can still be vulnerable, while a shallow puddle may be harmless on durable ground. I’ll show you how to read soil, water, tracks, drainage, and freeze-thaw conditions so your first useful decision protects both your ride and the trail.
Read articleLocal trails can justify a full-face helmet—or make one feel unnecessarily hot and restrictive. I’ll help you weigh terrain, speed, shuttle days, riding goals, fit, ventilation, and the protection a helmet can and can’t provide.
Read articleI’ll explain how to cross small trail gaps and erosion channels without the common mistake of yanking the handlebars, with clear timing cues, neutral-body technique, and sensible ways to practice before the feature becomes intimidating.
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