The MTB thread

[northwind]

Nothing much wrong with flats, tbh... I'm not allowed SPDs because of my knee (might have mentioned that before in this thread, not sure) but I used to use them, and though I miss them sometimes there's others when i'd sooner have my flats. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, depends a lot on what you're riding too and how you ride it of course but I wouldn't feel you have to rush to change if I was you. Spiky flats and sensible shoes (Vans skate shoes are perfect) work really well.

[yorkie_chris]

18.8 miles, 1700 ft worth of ascent. No wonder I'm f***ed!
Damn this beer gut...

Supposed to be doing 30 miles starting around Thirsk on Saturday and have been doing bugger all to prepare for it really, i did 25 miles 2 weeks ago and was completely shattered! Still, should be a good day as we get to try out a few demo bikes, couple of Specialized full sussers and a Cannondale I think...

In fact, here's an idea that just popped into my head - would anyone be up for a .Org pedal-powered rideout? Not thinking anything too fancy here, just maybe find a cheap bunkhouse somewhere near some decent trails (somewhere in Wales or the 7Stanes in Scotland spring to mind) , do some MTB riding and have a few beers & banter afterwards. Just like a normal .Org rideout but without the engines really...

Sounds good, all depends when and where for me...

The first areas that sprang to mind were either in Wales (I've heard about the Penmachno and Marin trails, both fairly close to each other so could do both in a weekend if that's what people fancied), or ditto with a couple of the 7Stanes trails in Scotland. Trail centres take the pressure off anyone to organise a route too, and people can ride whichever grade of trail they feel comfortable with, for example I don't really think I'm up to any black-graded runs just yet!

Plus there might be places to rent a bike near tail centres if anyone wants to come and give it a go and doesn't have an MTB at the moment, anyone would be welcome really.

Main thing for me would be to make it a weekend when I'm not working - few and far between sometimes. Needs to be cheap too, hence the bunkhouse idea!

[northwind]

Sounds good to me too! Depends on location, it's probably hard to beat Glentress and Innerleithen for group riding, everyone's covered between the 2 and they're within riding distance... Plus the hub has a nice demo fleet. I'd say "and I can show you around" but I'm pretty slow so probably not, I can chase you around I guess I'd sooner make it somewhere new but I'm happy to ride pretty much anywhere that has food at the bottom

Transport could be a bit tricky mind... Not enough trail centres have good public transport so it's down to cars, which racks up the cost and miles or finding local chaffeurs, not to mention it could be a pain to sort out. But then, if there's a few of us it'd be cheap enough to chip together and hire a van or something maybe. That way people can jump a train from pretty much anywhere and come and play- arrange a pickup from a big city centre.

I like this idea... If I knew where I'd left my Stamp of Approval, I'd totally stamp it, but I've not seen it for ages.

[BillyC]

Just seen this thread... cool!

I got my first mountain bike when I was about 14 years old, and have been quite serious about it, on and off, ever since. Most people I know here in London know I cycle to work and back every day - it's a mountain bike, but heavily tuned for road.

My main mountain bike is a 2002 Orange Evo 02 Ltd Edition, which does me really well still. It's a great bike for the trails near my parents' house in the country, and the frame fits me well. Towards the end of the year though, I've promised myself a Stumpy and go full-suss. The idea is to give my bum an easier time on the longer journeys.

I'm not a great fan of the man-made trails and centres that have cropped up around the place. It's not really in the spirit of true mountain biking - there's no sense of progress, adventure, and overcoming the terrain in front of you to get where you wanted to go.

I'd be up for this, had a quick look at accomodation and stuff and there's loads of stuff around glentress/ Innerleithen. would be easy to find cheap self catering/ bunkhouse accommodation.

Originally Posted by northwind

Transport could be a bit tricky mind... Not enough trail centres have good public transport so it's down to cars, which racks up the cost and miles or finding local chaffeurs, not to mention it could be a pain to sort out. But then, if there's a few of us it'd be cheap enough to chip together and hire a van or something maybe. That way people can jump a train from pretty much anywhere and come and play- arrange a pickup from a big city centre.

Yeah I guess transport would be a bit tricky - it's not easy to bungee an MTB to the back of an SV!

A van is a good idea for the bikes but still a bit limited for transporting the riders - usually only got 2 passenger seats. It'd be in my interest to figure out a solution too though seeing as I don't have a car (could maybe borrow Dad's but depends if it's available - he might even be getting rid soon.).

I'll have a think on this & see what I can find out, come up with a couple of possible locations & and idea of cost etc...

I had a quick look at my work rota and I think it'd have to be mid-September for me, how does that sound?

Originally Posted by malks

I'd be up for this, had a quick look at accomodation and stuff and there's loads of stuff around glentress/ Innerleithen. would be easy to find cheap self catering/ bunkhouse accommodation.

I might take my MTB to the Peaks weekend in September and do a ride of my own while everyone else is on their engined bikes. If anyone local wants to join me.