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 clarify why narrow bridges and boardwalks feel harder than they are, then show you how to use vision, speed, and small steering inputs to stay relaxed and recover when the front wheel starts to wander.
Read articleFlat, fast trails reward control more than frantic pedaling, especially when corners and small mistakes arrive quickly. I’ll show you how to build speed through smooth inputs, efficient lines, and strong corner exits without turning every straight into a race.
Read articleLoose gravel on the outside of a flat corner can turn a routine turn into a sliding contest. I’ll explain how entry speed, tire loading, vision, and steering inputs work together so you can choose a controlled line without relying on luck.
Read articleBike-park trails can be manageable on a cross-country bike when terrain, equipment, and rider skill align. I’ll explain how to assess those factors, recognize when a trail exceeds your bike’s design, and choose protective gear and riding tactics that reduce unnecessary risk.
Read articleFreshly moved soil, temporary signs, and unfinished drainage can turn a familiar trail into a fragile work zone. I’ll explain how to choose a safe, low-impact line, follow reroutes, and recognize when riding through simply isn’t appropriate.
Read articleI’ll help you recognize active or recent trail work, understand why soft edges and tempting shortcuts cause lasting damage, and choose a current detour or alternate route without turning a maintenance day into a repair project.
Read articleActive trail work changes the risks and rules of a ride, even when the route looks familiar. I’ll explain what to prioritize around crews, equipment, and fresh construction so you can make a courteous decision about passing, waiting, or turning back.
Read articleI’ll explain how to build a solo mountain-bike check-in plan around your route, turnaround time, escalation steps, and communications backup, so a missed message gives your contact useful information rather than false reassurance.
Read articleI’ll help you isolate why the same trail line keeps going wrong, focusing on the few variables that matter most: where you look, when you brake, how fast you enter, and how your body responds to changing terrain.
Read articleI’ll compare the safest ways to rebuild timing, braking confidence, fitness, and trail judgment after a long break, with maintenance checks that help your bike support a reliable return to technical riding rather than add avoidable surprises.
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