A few days out from hitting the big 40 marker (this one definitely crept up on me), but sadly it’s overshadowed by the theft of my beloved Trek Marlin 7 mountain bike - my daily companion over the last 8 months of exploring Estonia’s epic nature, and getting me ready for my first bikepacking race, the panepanepane Kōkōva 800 in just 4 week’s time.

Sadly, someone entered our garage, destroyed the lock, and had it away seemingly under the cover of darkness.

The bike has a number of unique and identifying features about it and so by making them public, I want to make it too difficult to handle. Part of me hopes to get it back, however as anyone who’s suffered theft of a bike will know that chances of recovery aren’t great. But I live in hope that this magnificent machine finds its way back home.

-       Trek Marlin 7 generation 2 size XL 29” wheels in Navy Blue with silver writing (frame number WTU089L440T)

Notable things about it:

-       2 x Topeak versacage gear mounts on the downtube

-       Topeak toploader frame bag (at seatpost end)

-       SKS top tube bag (at stem end)

-       Van Rysel Long-distance triathlon handlebar extensions (held together with a green fixplus strap to stop them sliding apart)

-       ISM PR 2.0 Saddle

-       Waterbottle holders strapped to both fork legs using fixplus straps

-       Alpkit half framebag

-       Alpkit equipment bag on handlebar

-       Decathlon Equipment bag on handlebar

-       Dual-sided SPD and flat platform pedals

Equipment in the frame bags:

-       Green Montane waterproof jacket (with oil stains on the sleeves and back)

-       Lezyne Zecto Drive rear bike light

-       Topeak pocket rocket micro pump

-       Black Icebreaker merino gillet

-       ISM PR 2.0 Saddle

-       2 x ELOPS Fl 920 front light units in the SKS top tube bag

-       Spare inner tube

-       Small Flying Tiger combination code cable lock underneath saddle

-       White Planet X waterbottle holder on fork leg

-       Topeak adjustable waterbottle holder on fork leg

-       Black Silk liner gloves

-       Blue Smith MIPS Helmet

-       Chain Reaction Cycles combination bike tool

-       Olive green Keela windproof jacket

-       Military style Sunglasses

-       Puncture repair kit in Alpkit frame bag

It saddens me to write this as it feels a bit like I’ve lost a close friend, so if anyone sees it (or any Trek Marlin 7), please notify the police.