Scotland rocks

Where do I begin?! I'll keep it as brief as I can. 4 days, awesome.

Day 1
Drive to Ae, we were loving the sun, Leo didn't believe it ever rained in Scotland! Ae had the 1st section closed due to logging, nevermind. The trails were a mixture, but generally flowing singletrack which could flow better (any slight uphill and my legs died!). The first section was awesome, massive berms, good jumps, open terrain, loving it. First puncture for James too! Then we climbed for the 2nd descent and James had a big fall on a filmed section. Shame, as we were all buzzing. He soldiered on, but was hampered with steering and holding on, not good! Leo had a fall too, but into a puddle, comedy factor high! By the time we got to the awesome last section of DH (red or black as a choice), I was buzzing. This is what I came for; new stuff, new levels, new skills. Bring it on. Big drops, massive jumps, the Ae final descent could be sessioned all day, it was trez good.

Day 2
The plans changed slightly. With James in art director/filming mode, myself and Leo went for the Glentress freeride park all day. A "rest day" we called it, but I was in heaven. I started off on the Sanchez, but without the bashgaurd working right (homemade part arriving soon!), the chain kept slipping, so after a puncture, the jump bike (which was feeling ace) was ditched for the big bad stinky. After a few runs she warmed up nicely. After lunch things really took off! Leo was gaining more confidence too, and poor James was just frustrated being unable to partake in the chortles! I really pushed it and was clearing the tabletops with ease, and moved on to nail the black route logs and drops. Moving down the hill, I was doing the high drop for fun and then the "Fun Box" too. With ease. I was even tweaking it big style on almost everything. Then the ultimate.....the wall ride. Inspired by my photo of Ste last May, I watched one local and then worked out what I should be doing. After 2 or 3 attempts, it all fell into place. The 1st wall was too acute an angle to ride at height (still did it) but the 2nd I was nailing near the top, again absolutely buzzing. Getting preps from the locals/kids for my bike and my riding just added the cherry on top of the day!

Day 3
James decides he can't just watch anymore! With overnight rain I stupidly tried the wall ride again for the filming, but crashed with a scratched elbow for my efforts. Nevermind, we hit the red trail and even slow-climbing-Scott found it steady. At the top of spooky woods, we were soaked, but ready! Off we went and as usual, no disapointments all round. James found some speed, and other than rutted corners had few complaints. Leo was just loving the new steed. Yes, the old bike was crap mate, enjoy the ride now! We made it round the red route pretty quick, so come the end, I decided more freeride park action was in order. Nailed the bottom section of tabletops and tweaked it fantastic. And the fun box. I LOVE the freeride park, let the freeride revolution begin!

Day 4
Saw us awake in the south and heading for Mabie. Arriving in the sun, it was a gentle climb, again the first section closed to forestry work. We did the "Kona dark side" first (well, most of it). Heading down I was just on the adrenalin, not knowing what was next. Somehow making the thin log rides with ease, I then saw wet wood and got a flashback! So we checked out the wooded area and decided not to use the raised northshore routes! I vaulted the random jumps in true DH style, getting big air into nasty landings, but buzzing still. Onto the open section and we had rock drops, gap transitions (are they called that?!). More filming and I nailed it all. Loving it. Even managed a forward flip over the bars after the second double, but a soft landing made sure I was ok! The red route after this was pretty low key. Mild at best, but whilst trying to liven it up by constantly pedalling to get more speed, I caught an inside line too tight and "twatted" my left pedal on a tall rock and bent my left crank arm. Not good, so I nursed her back to the car park, with the guys trying the rest of the red route. The latter sections sounded ok, but given the earlier buzz from the weekend, struggled to compare.

Overall, awesome. Awesome riding, quality chat and debate over beers, great times. On a personal note, I want to go back, my riding has come on so well, I don't want to stop! Next up....who knows?

Ok, sorry it wasn't so brief!