The Chase

Me, Father Jeff and Ian have just got back from the chase. Had a wicked ride, was so quick. Singletrack rode very well. The trailbuilders have put a new jump in near the start (visitor centre) of FTD. There is a tree down across the trail, so they have built a kicker up against it. Some sections really do need rebuilding though. Whats the point in mentioning phase two when they cant look after the original trail??!?!!? We went a different way back. Ended up going past the german cemetary and riding trail that we have ridden up before but not down. Keeps it interesting instead of doing the same route all the time. Did jusy shy of 20miles in total but went round quite quick. Conditions helped loads

We also saw a young lad on a Norco hardtail with 888's on it.................
I bet he loves it

Mr C's Birthday Ride

Great Ride on Friday at Coed Y Brenin (or something like) MBR was a baptism of Fire, 10 meters of flat single track under the worlds biggest folks, then hold on for dear life over the rocks. Really pleased I got around in one piece, also thanks for the warnings on the drops.

Wasn't as keen on the Old Red bull course, apart from the two sections of single track downhill, didn't think it compared favorably to the MBR trail.

Glad there was no injuries but two punctures and two broken spokes on your full susp. Well pleased the Rockhopper does everything it says on the tin.

Great food as well.

Will need to sort out Scotland soon, I will however be buying some body protection from the show next month just in case I meet a camel on a rocky section.

Disc brake pads choice!!???!**?`

I did a bit of research on this last night as I was getting a bit confused.

Metal = Sintered = high heat generation / long life
Semi-metallic = Organic = short(ish) life, but low heat generation

Metal are not recommended for DH, which is why JD might have been struggling yesterday with pump up, but I didnt really equate yesterday's riding to heavy braking / DH type conditions...... Hmmmm maybe JD has the ghost of Kev in his system again?!

This is a useful summary:

http://www.fibrax.com/moreinfo.php?cat=12

I, however, have metal/sintered on mine and they seem to be OK (they do say that can make a difference whose pads you use - I have just ordered one set of fibrax sintered to try from CRC). We will see - got to be better than the 1mm of pad I have left at the moment!!!!

Any other make a supposed to be better than shimano (and cheaper) so I will see. After ordering it looks like EBC might have been the best, but I will see how I get on.....

Llandegla and the weekends riding

Met Mr Croxton at Llandegla today and had a great ride. Conditions were perfect which ment we could really ride hard and rail the turns. Even though I was struggling a bit because I had five hours sleep and had been out, I was still able to pedal hard and just go for it. I think that one will be a memorable day.

Also did marin on saturday which again was perfect because it was so dry. Have been taking Raj (one of Ians hall mates) riding recently. He is a quick learner and I think will be a good rider. Me and Ian were riding quick but also looking for new lines. Found a good selection of wallrides.

On sunday me and Ian did a ride from Llanberis known as telegraph valley. Conditions were not good. It stayed dry but it was very windy. Gusts were very strong, allthough for the final descent the wind was behind us which was ideal. Cracking singletrack descent on the mid-lower slopes of Snowdon. That is what we brought 6" plus travel bikes for. Big mountain riding

My first ride on a road bike

Its ok, I havent lost the plot. I thought that I would give it a go while the sun was shining and I've loved it. I didnt get bored as I thought I would, because it is so fast. So different to mtb-the lowest ring at the front is a DH ring (42 tooth!). Climbing therefore is done out of the saddle and quickly. Got to keep it spinning, flat sections though are so quick. Sections that are mundane on a mtb are done and dusted before you realise you are on them. I did 28km in roughly an 1hr 15mins. Which I didnt think was that bad for my first go.

It took me a few miles to get use to the best place to position my hands and I found it hard on my hands as so much more weight is on them compared to mtb. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get fitter. I was breathing hard all the way round, so I would say it is more cardiovascular than mtb. Give it a go, you maybe surprised

SW Scotland - Better than Glentress / Innerleithen?

It has been suggested by Andrew and his buddies to do a trip to Ae, Mabie, Kirroughtree (basically SW Scots). They (Andrew's buddies) claim that it is better than Glentress and Innerleithen. However, I know that I prefer a different type of ride to them (they are mostly XC orientated - get those saddles down on the DH boys!).

What is the feeling. If I go for a trip (long weekend probably) to Scotland in spring, I want it to be the best it can be. I loved Glentress and would love to go again for the excellent riding AND the play area which was mint. I would also like to go with the AM riders!!!!!!

Who thinks what?

Two Jims Two Patriots

The top of Lyn Colwyd. This is where the route actually became slightly more rideable!

Yes that is the trail! On our way up to the first reservoir - Lyn Colwyd.

Beach!

Jim riding at Newborough Warren.