JULIA’S SPECIALIZED STUMPJUMPER EVO PRO £8,750
This month has been an eventful one for our deputy art editor
After a week of lift- assisted riding in the Alps, followed by another one stuffing myself with Italian delights and a final seven days’ chilling on the beach of my hometown in France, I came to the sad conclusion that there wasn’t a lot of fitness left in my 5ft 2in body. How hard it is to build strength and endurance, then how quickly it goes away, is frustrating, isn’t it? Even the lightweight Stumpy EVO can’t help much, and I’m now out of breath after the smallest climb.
Thankfully, my next day on the Spesh was once again uplifted – a women’s social ride at BikePark Wales. After three weeks off the bike, I was slightly nervous about a full day lapping demanding trails. But good company and a sweet atmosphere do wonders for my bike skills, and I drove home pleased with my riding – admittedly with a few dodgy saves.
I’m conscious that it makes my reports a bit repetitive, but I just can’t get enough of this bike! Cosmetically, it has been suffering, though. The paint job I love so much shows every mark, and my right leg rubs on
