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š§° What I Packed in My Travel Tool Kit for the Wild Bear MTB Stage Race (Serbia)
When travelling half way across the world for a bike race with limited luggage weights and no access to bike shops, what your tool kits has can make or break the outcome.

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
6 minutes ago3 min read
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Wild Bear Post Race wrap up
š» Wild Bear MTB Stage Race ā PostāRace WrapāUp
Four days of racing in Serbia delivered everything we hoped for: challenge, adventure, new friendships, and a serious dose of international stageārace reality. Hereās the full equipment, nutrition, terrain and logistics breakdown from the trip ā the kind of detail I wish Iād had before lining up.
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š“āāļø Equipment & Bike Setup
Brakes & Drivetrain
I went through a set of rear brake pads and was glad I packed spares. On Day

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Sep 94 min read
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Kids Mountain Biking Tips: A Starter's Guide
Starting kids on mountain biking can be a rewarding experience. It builds confidence, fitness, and a love for the outdoors. Iāve seen how the right approach makes all the difference. This guide shares practical advice to help young riders get started safely and enjoyably. Choosing the Right Bike and Gear The first step is picking the right bike. Kids need a bike that fits their size and skill level. A bike thatās too big or too small can make riding difficult and unsafe. Bike

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Jul 103 min read
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Mountain Biking in Brisbane: Your Mountain Biking Partner
Mountain biking is more than just a sport - itās a way to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and enjoy the thrill of the ride. Living in Brisbane, Iāve discovered how the city and its surroundings offer some of the best trails and opportunities for riders of all levels. Whether you are just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, having the right support can make all the difference. Thatās where a dedicated partner like mbcb brisbane comes in. Exploring Mountain

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Jun 283 min read
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Ways to get faster on a bike!
There are multiple components to getting faster on a bike, but the two bigest impacts are had for getting fitter and improving your skills. Getting fitter obviously allows you to ride harder for longer. Fitness is a very broad term and being fit for one thing does not make you fit for another, so training for fitness for the specifics of your event is important also. Same too, being fit for one disipline within cycling (eg cross country marathon racing, doesn't automatically

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Jun 202 min read
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Why Dry Lube (and Hot Wax) Beats Wet Lube for Mountain Biking
Most riders still treat chain lube like a āset and forgetā job. They grab a wet lube, drown the chain, and wonder why their drivetrain sounds like a coffee grinder after two rides. The truth is simple: wet and dry lubes behave completely differently, and if youāre riding MTB ā dust, grit, creek crossings, the lot ā the wrong choice absolutely destroys your drivetrain. Wet Lube ⢠Stays sticky ⢠Attracts dust, sand, and trail grit ⢠Turns into grinding paste ⢠Accelerates chain

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Apr 192 min read
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Why Kids Should Eat Before a Morning Ride (and Why Sugar Isnāt Enough)
When kids wake up for a morning mountain bike ride, their bodies have already used a lot of energy overnight. A 2āhour ride needs real fuel, not just excitement and fresh air. Thatās why a small breakfast matters. š“āāļø Why breakfast helps ⢠Overnight, the body uses up stored energy ⢠Muscles need quick-access carbs to climb and corner ⢠The brain needs fuel for balance, braking, and reacting on the trails ⢠Eating early keeps kids happy, steady, and confident š What to eat

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Mar 192 min read
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Why MTB Coaching Is More Important Than Ever in South East Queensland
Coach Mark walking the talk. Two wheels, endless adventures. Mountain biking (MTB) is experiencing an incredible surge in popularity across Australia, and nowhere is this more evident than in South East Queensland (SEQ) . With the government investing millions of dollars into new trail networks and facilities , the region has become a mecca for riders of all levels. This investment reflects the recognised health benefits of mountain biking , from improving cardiovascular fitn

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Dec 29, 20253 min read
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What's in Your Backpack? Must-Have Gear for Tackling Brisbane's Mountain Bike Trails
If you're planning an exhilarating mountain biking trip in Brisbane, you might feel uncertain about which gear to bring along. The...

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Nov 27, 20243 min read
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Where to ride your mountain bike in Brisbane and surrounds
Brisbane is a great city for mountain biking, with many trails and parks to choose from. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you can...

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Sep 6, 20245 min read
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E-bikes, friend or foe?
So I was recently provided an e-bike to try by the good people of Giant Brisbane and have put a few different rides in over the term...

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Aug 30, 20245 min read
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The latest Giant Anthem29 was an update model. Are manufacturers making better bikes?
Iāve been an anthem fan for several years now. Over the years Iāve had 26" and 27.5" variants and since 2018 when the full 29er version...

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Aug 23, 20244 min read
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What can a coach do for you?
What can a coach do for you? If you love mountain biking and want to take your skills and fitness to the next level, you might be...

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Aug 23, 20244 min read
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Nutrition for longer rides have many options. Here is one that has worked for me.
I havenāt always used a powder in water for my race nutrition, but since several years ago when I switched, I havenāt looked back. As I...

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Jun 30, 20243 min read
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10 tips to maintain or regain your cycling mojo.
1. Join a ride group. There is no more a sustaining motivating factor than riding with others (and socialising is good for your mental...

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Dec 31, 20212 min read
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Trance 29 Pro 0 review.
I recently picked up a Trance 29 to experiment with a bigger travel bike in the lead up to a planned trip to Derby. Well, Covid may have...

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Oct 21, 20202 min read
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Sram AXS XO review.
Ive been riding with the new Sram AXS (said axis) wireless rear mech and dropper post the last few weeks. It came standard on my new...

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Oct 15, 20203 min read
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The down low on dropper posts.
The often misunderstood dropper post is finding its way onto more and more new bikes these days, yet so many people donāt use them....

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Sep 29, 20202 min read
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How good are bike wraps?
It all started with new bike day. A 2021 TCR Pro0 with a popping factory chameleon blue paint job. Within two weeks I had managed to chip...

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Aug 26, 20203 min read
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Shimano Sphyre Sunnies review.
Shimano Sphyre Cycling Sunglasses review.

Mark Routledge. Australian National Team CX Coach
Aug 15, 20202 min read
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