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.
Salt and winter slush can hide corrosion and carry grit into moving parts, so the first priorities are rinsing, drying, and checking brakes and bearings. I’ll show you a simple post-ride inspection that prevents small contamination from becoming expensive damage.
Read articleI’ll compare saddle bags, frame storage, tool rolls, hip packs, and hydration packs so you can choose where your mountain-bike tools belong based on access, weight distribution, weather exposure, and what happens when the trail gets rough—or you take an unplanned dismount.
Read articleI'll show you how to carry a mountain bike through steep, rocky, or muddy hike-a-bike sections without crushing cables, snagging controls, or turning a short push into avoidable damage.
Read articleI’ll compare short, repeatable balance drills with less structured trail practice, then show you how to build a routine around track stands, slow riding, weight shifts, and controlled wheel placement without letting your bike or motivation become the weak link.
Read articleShort, focused sessions can connect braking, cornering, balance, and line choice without requiring a full day on the trail. I’ll show you how to fit those skills into a realistic four-week mountain bike practice plan when weekends provide your main ride time.
Read articleA small first-aid kit is easy to overpack and surprisingly easy to leave behind when it becomes bulky. I’ll help you choose usable supplies for common trail injuries, then adjust the kit sensibly for remote rides and longer time away from help.
Read articleClimbing fitness grows from controlled effort, repeatable pacing, and enough recovery—not from treating every uphill as a race. I’ll explain how these pieces fit together so you can build strength while keeping rides sustainable and enjoyable.
Read articleI’ll help you choose the plugs, patches, inflation tools, spare parts, and backup options that deserve space in a tubeless bikepacking kit. The goal is dependable repairs on remote North American routes without carrying a miniature workshop.
Read articleA rocky roll, drop, or awkward root can make the next attempt feel harder than the first. I’ll help you find the real failure point, reduce avoidable risk, and build a repeatable progression instead of relying on courage alone.
Read articleI’ll show you how to use one familiar trail as a controlled practice ground, changing speed and focus instead of chasing harder terrain. You’ll learn to spot braking, line-choice, pacing, and confidence mistakes before they become habits—or unplanned dismounts.
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