Been a bit busy recently so no progress with the DVDs. I will edit the interviews I have by the end of next week, then start DVD design and production the 2nd week in December... so you should all have your copies by Christmas!

Gwydwr is still on for 11th December. See lots of you there hopefully for a big send off to 2005!

Yeah I missed what looks to have been a pretty awesome ride weather and view wise! We're still to tackle the MBUK route though so that is one for 2006 I'm sure. Thanks to Leo for the ride report.

Following the shooting of 3 more of the interviews last week we had a preview of Episode 5. This is now moving into production and I should have the copies ready for the beginning of December. A trailor will appear on the site shortly so keep checking back.

Soulmusic Issue 17 will be out during December and yet again will feature an article written by our very own Mr Scott Warnock. Once released I'll post a not on here and I should be able to put up a download of just the article shortly after.

Christmas lists are being put together and there is talk in the Fearingout camp about early presents - taking the form of decent lights. Watch this space but chances are we'll be out in the dark before the end of the year!

Industry news, following Steve Peats move from Orange to SantaCruz (reported here last week) its now been confirmed that his clothing company 'Royal Racing' have been bought by protective equipment company '661'. Sounds like good news all round - so watch out for some new lines in 2006.

Think thats all for now - keep your eyes peeled for some minor changes to the site layout over the coming weeks as tweeks are made to usability, and as ever keep comments coming!

Possibly the most picturesque blue sky I've ever seen in November saw myself and James C in the Zetec-S and Phil in the Golf motoring up towards Castleton in the Peak District. All the walkers were out in their fleeces and scarfs, cos quite frankly it was bloomin cold in the shade. Anyway, we parked up by the side of the road and started on the long slog of a climb which is the broken road. Would have been good to ride down, but we elected to continue climbing and made our way on up and round to Mam Tor. The views from the top were breathtaking, with Edale nestling in the valley on one side and Hope Valley on the other. From the top we stopped for a while to watch the paragliders before carrying on riding. Crossing the ridge gave the new forks a good baptism of fire, taking some really chunky rocks at speed, and boy were they good! Next we descended into the valley via a rather technical and steep path, dodging rocks and walkers as we went. The final section was a blast across farmland back into Castleton for a welcome portion of chips! Not the longest ride in the World, but a good bit of fresh air on a Sunday afternoon and undisputably good weather for the time of year if I might say so.

Well I'm definitely back into the biking again. After taking a 'sabatical' to get some rowing practice in, I decided that Coed-y-Brenin and the fabled Red Bull trail was tempting enough to get me back onto my two wheeled machine. The long drive deep into Wales was rewarded with some excellent riding in surprisingly pleasant conditions. With the fitness level riding high, the uphills were fairly easy to cope with and the downhills provided a good variety of speed and technical challenge. Got some good filming in for the DVD, including some rather arty shots on the dual course. On the downside I endured a double whammy of bad luck. I had my first puncture in 8 years (is that some sort of record?) and to cap it all off I managed to lose my front wheel (thankfully at low speed), terminally damaging my Rockshox on a nearby rock.

The silver lining in this cloud is that I've just 'forked' out on some new 2006 Marzochi MX Comp ETA's with 105mm of travel (+an extra 25mm when locked out). Looking forward to fitting them, although the complexities of the brake 'post' mounting means that I now need a 205mm brake disc. Shouldn't have any problem stopping now then!

STEVE PEAT SIGNS FOR SANTACRUZ
Hmm big news this folks - following a number of highly successful years with Orange (following the demise of the GT team) Steve Peat, Britains number one DHer will be riding for American bike company Santa Cruz, as part of their syndicate team. He will retain Royal sponsorship however.

Will riding the dominant VPP equiped V-10 bring worldwide domination for the Yorkshire man in 2006 - I don't know but it'll be kick ass finding out!

Well last night saw not only the filming of 3 more of the 6 interviews (4 down - 2 to go) but also a preview screening of Bloodanddustandmud to the assembled members of Fearingout.

To say that the response was overwhelmingly positive would be a massive understatement and it was good to hear that I'd done something pretty special with the editing. Thanks for the props guys.

Still got a few finishing touches to make before the DVDs will be ready - December still on target... Those of you remote from things here can email me and I'll post you a copy (you know my address).

This weekend sees the return to the Peak District with a ride based around Castleton. More of an old school ride then the recent trips to Wales and Scotland but hoping for some good weather, spectacular views and awesome fun down torn up singletrack, bridleways and green lanes.

Hope to see as many of you there as possible.
Over and out.