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 explain how to keep your tires gripping on a loose, slanted trail without relying on expensive upgrades. You’ll learn where to place your weight, how to manage speed and braking, and when a small line change is safer than forcing the traverse.
Read articleI’ll compare the safest ways to cross a creek on a mountain bike, from riding a shallow, stable line to walking with your bike. You’ll learn how to judge current, depth, entry and exit surfaces, and reduce the consequences of a mistake.
Read articleWhen a ride leaves you with several problems and no clear lesson, I’ll show you how to review it without turning the process into a long diary. You’ll finish with one specific riding, equipment, or planning adjustment worth testing next time.
Read articleI’ll compare the main bailout choices for an ambitious mountain-bike ride—from shortening the loop to arranging transport—so you can match each exit to your fitness, weather, water supply, and tolerance for a long walk out.
Read articleI’ll explain how braking intervals, relaxed hand position, body movement, and sensible pacing work together on sustained descents. You’ll learn to prevent the common habits that turn manageable downhill riding into painful forearms, overheated brakes, and less control.
Read articleCold temperatures can alter air pressure, damping feel, and seal behavior in air-sprung suspension, so setup should prioritize repeatable checks over trail-side guesswork. I’ll explain what changes, how to account for it, and which adjustments protect long-term reliability on winter rides.
Read articleI’ll explain how to approach a wet root traverse without turning every pedal stroke into wheelspin, from line choice and body position to smoother power and the point where walking is the safer, faster decision.
Read articleI’ll explain how seated position, gear choice, pedal timing, traction control, and line selection work together on loose climbs, so you can decide when to stay smooth, when to change tactics, and how to avoid wasting energy in wheelspin.
Read articleA quick blast of water is convenient, but a controlled wash protects bearings and saves replacement costs. I’ll show you how to remove wet-region mud with simple tools, then dry, relubricate, and inspect the bike properly.
Read articleI’ll explain how to recover a winter-worn mountain bike chain, compare cleaning methods, and choose lubrication for wet, salty, gritty rides. You’ll also learn how to avoid the excess oil and abrasive buildup that can turn routine maintenance into accelerated drivetrain wear.
Read article