Independent field notes
Keep It Rolling is a practical and energetic guide to recreational road cycling. It covers riding technique, fitness, safety, bike setup, maintenance, essential gear, and the habits that make every ride smoother, stronger, and more enjoyable.
Maya ReynoldsI’m Maya Reynolds, a dedicated recreational road cyclist who believes a good ride is equal parts preparation, persistence, and the freedom of moving under your own power. I write practical guides about riding technique, fitness, safety, bike setup, maintenance, and the lessons that make every kilometre more enjoyable.
A sheltered route may feel safer, while a direct line can offer simpler navigation and a stronger finish. I’ll show you how to weigh exposure, wind direction, fatigue, group spacing, and turnaround options before you commit.
Read articleI’ll help you build a longer ride with realistic transit escape points, verified bike rules, and route choices that still work when weather, fatigue, or a mechanical problem changes the plan.
Read articleI’ll help you plan a ride that keeps a much faster friend challenged without leaving you overwhelmed, covering route length, pace expectations, regrouping points, communication, and realistic bailout options.
Read articleA fast rider and a newer cyclist can share a route without forcing either person to compromise. I’ll show you how to choose a manageable plan, build in dependable regrouping points, and keep the day enjoyable enough to repeat.
Read articleI’ll help you avoid the common mistake of treating a temporary closure as a minor detour. You’ll learn how to verify the restriction, choose a legal alternative, skip unsafe shoulder improvisation, and rebuild your route when conditions change.
Read articleA route with frequent services isn't necessarily a route with dependable water. I’ll show you how to check refill points, build backups, space stops sensibly, and carry enough water when a promising café or park may be closed.
Read articleI’ll help you build a flat endurance route that feels manageable rather than monotonous, using distance, wind, surfaces, traffic, and turnaround points to control the effort. You’ll also learn how to adjust the plan when fatigue, weather, or route conditions change.
Read articleA first ride in a new city is easier when you prioritize a safe, navigable route over maximum distance or sightseeing. I’ll show you how to compare surfaces, traffic, elevation, weather, hazards, and useful stops without spending more time or money than necessary.
Read articleI’ll compare loop, out-and-back, and point-to-point plans for a first 50-mile ride, then show you how to build dependable water, food, mechanical, and pickup options into the route without turning the day into a rescue operation.
Read articleI’ll clarify how to choose, time, and portion breakfast before a mid-morning road ride, including what to do when caffeine, nerves, or a missed meal disrupts your plan. You’ll also get simple backup options for recovering from an under-fueled start.
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