It's never a dull week at BikeRadar — with a dozen staff spread across the globe, we're almost always guaranteed to be up to something interesting. This week we've reported on 'cross racing in Belgium, tested new kit, pulled some great poses and even petted a cat. What more could you ask for from the world leading bike tech and news site?
Well, believe it or not we have even more exciting stuff to tell you about — read on to see what BikeRadar have done on two wheels this week.
Josh Evans, social media manager
"I enjoyed a weekend of spectating the circus of cyclocross in Belgium. Saturday saw the Scheldecross Antwerpen, a relatively flat and sandy course alongside the beach of the Scheldt river. The beer and schnapps were flowing alongside the soundtrack of horrific Euro-technopop, which has left a particularly awful song on loop in my head. Sunday saw the Namur World Cup event occurring further south, in the Wallonia region of Belgium.
"Circumnavigating the Citadel of Namur, the course had plenty of climbing, crashes and off camber descents that saw the current World Champion, Wout Van Aert, outridden on the final lap by last year's champion, Mathieu Van Der Poel. I would throughly recommend taking the short trip over to Belgium for a weekend when you get a chance, although be sure to bring your wellingtons, a woolly hat and be prepared to party!"
Jack Luke, staff writer
"After managing to squeeze in a few satisfying pre-work rides this week, my quest for social media domination continued this Saturday with a trip to BikePark Wales with Joe, Reuben and Seb.
"Having somewhat overhydrated on amber nectar the night before, photos of myself half-shredding the Mondraker Dune I was borrowing — and thoroughly enjoyed shredding — for the day would never have been impressive. Thus, I present to you the best group snap of the day."
Oli Woodman, section editor
"I was left bike-less after my trusty Pinnacle Dolomite Six was called in for a safety recall relating to an issue with the rear derailleur hanger. Sadly I'd not received any notice of the recall from Evans Cycles and, following an unpleasant wheel slip issue which involved a lengthy impromptu skid and much swearing, I'd strongly suggest that anyone with a disc brake-equipped 2015/16 Pinnacle bike should read this recall notice!"
Aoife Glass, women's editor
"'Tis the season for festive bike rides, and I've been on my second and third this week. On Tuesday the BikeRadar team took to the muddy local trails and country roads to test kit, shoot some video, and feel festive.
Saturday brought a Ladies Christmas Ride at FlyUp 417 bike park and pump track, and a sudden desire to buy a dirt jump bike or BMX...what a workout! But I must remember to dig out the tinsel or reindeer onesie for the next festive outing."
Jamie Beach, deputy editor (UK)
"Myself, Jack, Josh and Matthew escaped the office for a little ride down to the Mendips, south of Bristol, and back this Tuesday, testing some of the freshest road kit to land in the BikeRadar office this past week. We were treated to intermittent rain, sunshine and a hearty lunch afterwards."
Russell Eich, technical writer (US)
"Since the temperature didn't get above -10C, I spent my weekend cleaning my bikes and organising my garage, merely dreaming of getting rowdy on bikes."
Reuben Bakker-Dyos, videographer
"As the resident #midpackhero, cyclocross try-hard of BikeRadar, I was out racing round 13 of the Western Cyclocross League this terribly muddy Sunday, continuing my testing of MCFK’s boutique carbon wheels.
"The course in Hengrove, Bristol featured off-camber chicanes, a bog and some very fast stretches of singletrack which pushed the limits of the Challenge Baby Limus tyres that I also have on test."
Josh Patterson, technical editor (US)
"Last Wednesday, my better half and I braved the cold to participate in Fort Collins’ 10th annual Winter Bike to Work Day. Volunteers set up 31 breakfast stations around the city to encourage more people to commute by bike.
"Despite the frigid temps, the bike paths were abuzz with cyclists fuelling up with hot chocolate and breakfast burritos. One of our bike-friendly breweries even served chicken waffles with beermosas."
