You own a meaty free-ride bike with 7" of travel but fairly low end forks
You also own an old XC rig - something that started it all...
OPTION 1
Splash out the cash on a bling bling set of Marzocchi 66s for the free-ride rig.
Keep the XC rig pure and use it for fitness.
OPTION 2
Buy a street/jump/4X frame, some bling bling Hope brakes and a few other bits and pieces and build up your dream street bike from scratch using the forks, wheels, cranks etc from the XC rig.
Keep the free-ride rig standard as you like the dual crown forks.
No prizes for guessing whose this quandry is though ;)
Friday, May 19, 2006
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Cli-machx this weekend
We're visiting the Cli-machx trail at Machnylleth this Sunday. Leaving Macclesfield at 8.30am so should be there for 11.30am. Email has gone out to the regulars about it.
Check out the website here
Episode 6.1 Premiere
Now arranged for this Sunday at 7pm. Meeting at my place. Please bring a fiver with you, and the DVDs will be ready before the end of the month.
Check out the website here
Episode 6.1 Premiere
Now arranged for this Sunday at 7pm. Meeting at my place. Please bring a fiver with you, and the DVDs will be ready before the end of the month.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
5th at Innerleithen for Fearingout Team Rider!!
Yeah congrats to Tom from the Fearingout Team on his recent 5th place at the NPS DH at Innerleithen.
Full report on the British Cycling website :>:here:
Next up is a round of the Dragon series down at Gethin (check out :Dragon Downhill: for more info) and then upto Fort Bill for the World Cup!
Full report on the British Cycling website :>:here:
Next up is a round of the Dragon series down at Gethin (check out :Dragon Downhill: for more info) and then upto Fort Bill for the World Cup!
Episode 6.1 Premiere!!
Yes you read right... instead of keeping all the footage to the end of the year and having just one mammothly long DVD the decision has been made to make several shorter videos throughout 2006.
First up is Episode 6.1 which includes extended footage of both the Wirral ride (back in February) and Glentress Weekender (last month).
The DVDs are available to pre-order now. If you want one let me know and drop me off £5. I'll then get them made and distribute them before the end of the month.
The premiere is planned for sometime before next wednesday... Watch this space (and you're inbox!)
First up is Episode 6.1 which includes extended footage of both the Wirral ride (back in February) and Glentress Weekender (last month).
The DVDs are available to pre-order now. If you want one let me know and drop me off £5. I'll then get them made and distribute them before the end of the month.
The premiere is planned for sometime before next wednesday... Watch this space (and you're inbox!)
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Taking advantage of the gourmet weather, myself, James C and Eunice visited Macclesfield Forest for a ride in the evening sun. With James setting the pace, we set about the long climb up to the top of Charity Lane without stopping at the Barn. The rocks on "The Lane" seem to have grown bigger and bumping along the track was quite hard going at times. Suffice to say I had YET ANOTHER puncture, and more or less in the exact same place as last week. When the air hissed out within about half a second I knew this one was severe. Examining the tube revealed 3 mammoth snake bites, each of them more of a gash than a hole. With replacement tube installed we moved on to tackle Chris's trail and the suspension loved the steps - bring them on! We then headed down to the dried up river bed and back round the side of Teggs nose, where Eunice left myself and James to climb back up to the cars. A relatively short ride, but great to get out on the bike when the clouds are hiding away and the ground is nice and dry.
Well it feels like the summer's started early here in sunny Macclesfield... I won't hold my breath though!
In other news after spending a few weeks scouring the internet and bike magazines Mr Warnock has settled on a Cove Sanchez for his new frame (for street, dirt and racing 4X). I've mocked up a sample below:
He plans on transferring components (pretty awesome cranks and forks - okish everything else) over to the new frame, and spraying the rims orange!
Mr Mumford will be joining us again this summer. He starts work at Macclesfield the first week in July so we'll no doubt be hearing more from him again this summer.
In other news after spending a few weeks scouring the internet and bike magazines Mr Warnock has settled on a Cove Sanchez for his new frame (for street, dirt and racing 4X). I've mocked up a sample below:
He plans on transferring components (pretty awesome cranks and forks - okish everything else) over to the new frame, and spraying the rims orange!
Mr Mumford will be joining us again this summer. He starts work at Macclesfield the first week in July so we'll no doubt be hearing more from him again this summer.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Good ride this evening. Just Leo and myself making it in the end but at least we had the weather - what a gorgious evening! Reminded me of the best days of last summer.
Just the usual route including most of the bridleway and Charity Lane. Took a few snaps but mostly just enjoying ourselves.
Roll on the summer!
Just the usual route including most of the bridleway and Charity Lane. Took a few snaps but mostly just enjoying ourselves.
Roll on the summer!
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Thanks for that insight Mr Pickford - looks like you had fun although I'm not sure it was all in the Fearingout spirit and with regards to 'Fearin Gout' - well all I can say is F*** O**!! ;) lol.
Following a week off to recover from Glentress we're riding this wednesday again. It'll be the first test of my new 200mm front rotor!
Following a week off to recover from Glentress we're riding this wednesday again. It'll be the first test of my new 200mm front rotor!
Monday, May 01, 2006
After a weekend as Epic as Glentress most riders would want a couple of weeks to recover. However I was straight back on it with a trip to Coed-y-Brenin in Snowdonia. Steve and myself drove down Friday evening and met up with Andy and Chris at the campsite. Quite a slow journey really due to caravans and other similarly slow vehicles intent on hindering our progress. But we eventually arrived and had a few beers at the barn that was to be our home for the next couple of days.
Saturday morning and we made an early start on the 22km MBR circuit. Steve was really racing up the hills and pushing ahead without stopping, in similar fashion to a certain Fearingout regular. I immediately decided that my new shin and knee pads were a bit cumbersome and so opted to wear the arm guards only. This was enough to enhance my confidence though and I took more of an aggressive stance on the downhill sections, shifting my weight around effectively on some nice fast singletrack. The trails were for the most part hard packed shale and slate with the dry weather ensuring maximum grip. Starting to really get the most out of my suspension I’ve now got into the routine of locking out the ETA for the uphills and unleashing the full 120mm for the downs. Most of the ups were on fire roads and fairly gentle, so we all had plenty of energy left for the downhill sections, including a twisty but flowing descent very similar to the dragons tail at Gwydyr. Finishing the loop with a few hours of sun left, myself, Andy and Steve decided to tackle the 11km Redbull circuit. Chris retired early to the campsite as he was suffering from some back pain following the MBR.
After what seemed like an eternity of climbing we blasted down Snap Crackle and Pop, followed by another gruelling climb. This was justly rewarded with the Rocky Horror Show, a blisteringly fast single-track descent through trees that makes you realise what it’s all about. As we rode the last section back to the carpark we thought about calling Chris to ask if he wouldn’t mind coming to pick us up. We didn’t need to call – he was one step ahead and already waiting with the Saab and roof rack at the ready! Back to the campsite then for hot showers, microwave food, beer and a game of poker. Job done!
Sunday morning Chris really wasn’t doing well with his back, so it was just three of us riding. We decided to tackle the mammoth 38km Karrimor route, although quite frankly I would have settled for doing the Redbull 3 times! Still, we set off on the ride, taking it fairly steady for the first bit of climbing. The expected series of mediocre descents ensued, with a café stop for tea and flapjacks tactically positioned just before possibly the most colossal climb I’ve ever experienced. To the relief of us all this was followed by a series of four brilliant singletrack descents- Uncle Fester, Cousin IT, Morticia and Gomez. This series is arguably much better than the Rocky Horror Show on the Redbull route and left us all feeling rather uplifted. Just a shame that getting to it involves such a gruelling uphill slog. A few minor slow speed crashes to report, but no injuries and the only bike problems amounted to another puncture for me! I think I’m compensating for my incredible run of punctureless riding.
As Chris was keen on getting back and the rest of us were quite knackered from the days riding we decided to cut the weekend short and headed back Sunday night. Great weekend though and certainly a different view of Coed-y-Brenin than you’d get on a day trip.
Photos can be found at by clicking here
Saturday morning and we made an early start on the 22km MBR circuit. Steve was really racing up the hills and pushing ahead without stopping, in similar fashion to a certain Fearingout regular. I immediately decided that my new shin and knee pads were a bit cumbersome and so opted to wear the arm guards only. This was enough to enhance my confidence though and I took more of an aggressive stance on the downhill sections, shifting my weight around effectively on some nice fast singletrack. The trails were for the most part hard packed shale and slate with the dry weather ensuring maximum grip. Starting to really get the most out of my suspension I’ve now got into the routine of locking out the ETA for the uphills and unleashing the full 120mm for the downs. Most of the ups were on fire roads and fairly gentle, so we all had plenty of energy left for the downhill sections, including a twisty but flowing descent very similar to the dragons tail at Gwydyr. Finishing the loop with a few hours of sun left, myself, Andy and Steve decided to tackle the 11km Redbull circuit. Chris retired early to the campsite as he was suffering from some back pain following the MBR.
After what seemed like an eternity of climbing we blasted down Snap Crackle and Pop, followed by another gruelling climb. This was justly rewarded with the Rocky Horror Show, a blisteringly fast single-track descent through trees that makes you realise what it’s all about. As we rode the last section back to the carpark we thought about calling Chris to ask if he wouldn’t mind coming to pick us up. We didn’t need to call – he was one step ahead and already waiting with the Saab and roof rack at the ready! Back to the campsite then for hot showers, microwave food, beer and a game of poker. Job done!
Sunday morning Chris really wasn’t doing well with his back, so it was just three of us riding. We decided to tackle the mammoth 38km Karrimor route, although quite frankly I would have settled for doing the Redbull 3 times! Still, we set off on the ride, taking it fairly steady for the first bit of climbing. The expected series of mediocre descents ensued, with a café stop for tea and flapjacks tactically positioned just before possibly the most colossal climb I’ve ever experienced. To the relief of us all this was followed by a series of four brilliant singletrack descents- Uncle Fester, Cousin IT, Morticia and Gomez. This series is arguably much better than the Rocky Horror Show on the Redbull route and left us all feeling rather uplifted. Just a shame that getting to it involves such a gruelling uphill slog. A few minor slow speed crashes to report, but no injuries and the only bike problems amounted to another puncture for me! I think I’m compensating for my incredible run of punctureless riding.
As Chris was keen on getting back and the rest of us were quite knackered from the days riding we decided to cut the weekend short and headed back Sunday night. Great weekend though and certainly a different view of Coed-y-Brenin than you’d get on a day trip.
Photos can be found at by clicking here
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Ok, now in more depth....though I'll no doubt write an article for soulmusic if requested....?!
Friday was a sweet drive up. Some laughs in the new mobiles and we hit red route at Glentress straight off. I was feeling the benefit of intense prep the week before, so the legs pushed all the way to the top of spooky woods, no probs, so was performing better than I did on the GT on previous Glentress trips.
Jimbo even managed the 1st fall, woop woop! First ride on spooky woods and bam, my rear brake fails. Going hard into a berm, I pull the lever, get jack, over compensate on the front brake and fly over the handlebars in true wrestling style to be slammed into the ground. After cursing for a while, we headed onward, still pushing the limits, but i sat at the back, learning how to use front brakes only! Good skills though. Got to the hub to be greeted with less than helpful staff (cursed them too). So I bought a bleed kit and the boys did me proud as we all mucked in and pulled a blinder. The impromtu bike stand was genius in particular!
Day 2 and Innerleithen beckoned. 3 of the boys ignored advice and chose the unrewarding pain of the Black XC route (black cos you end up at the last 2 sections of DH!). The rest of us had an awesome play onthe DH route. James H and me knew of the 2 last sections, but to our delight we were directed towards further push ups, revealing 5 sections in total, with the open section proving an absolute gem. After the immense climb up, we rode each section in full, to the bottom and had a breather. Time to take in the enormity of how awesome Innerleithen is. In the dry FS may not be required, but I was loving every penny I'd spent on the Stinky. Think I've upped my limits and the bike can give me even more! All the boys were loving life though. After a chill, we hauled poor Leo up with us for an attempt number 2. Every bit of pain in pushing up is worth it. We started some filming and pics, some awesome stuff. Once at the open section we kicked in FO style. Pulling jumps, speed, the lot, i got a little carried away. Massive air at about 25-30mph, i landed then the front tyre ruptured, snakebite to the tube and I went one way, the bike the other. Big up to my new lid, pads and all. A massive bruising to my left thigh and a few others. Bike took a ding to the shifter, but who needs the indicators anyway?!!! I fixed her up, cursed the 'slight' bending to fork, and got back to it!
Further sections were filmed and we left the hillside absolutley buzzing. Chris and Stew joined us after pushing back up, with Stew joining the fall action! All in all a top day, followed by curry mission.
Day 3 and red route awaited. Unfortunately Chris's weekend was prematurely ended, we all felt a bit sick, but the lad is made of sterner stuff, he'll be back with pads next time! With team rider Steve (http://www.thesingingfeet.co.uk/fearingout/team/fearingout_team.html) joining us, we rode the red route til it wouldn't ride no more! Lots of top shots and big air. Good effort from all. And a fall from Leo! After the rest of the sections, we chilled and had a blast on the new Freeride trails. I attempted above my level, Steve showed the way. I was Chuffed to throw myself off the north shore style drop offs, somewhat balls out style, but HELL YEAH i loved it! As the energy sapped, I just made the end box jump before caning my knee on my bars, so I retired til Monday!
Last day and the original 4 from friday returned to give Innerleithen one more "seeing to"! Absolutely awesome. We pushed it hard, but I'm sure we were all a bit wary of final ride injuries! Plus, I was physically fucked from a few injuries, but adrenalin pushed all the way.
If 4 days can feel any better on a bike, then surely Whistler is the only place that is better. Weather; awesome. Banter; top. Accomodation, spot on (cheers Jan at Winkston Framhouse!). Riding; incredible. The whole experience; to be repeated as soon as possible!
I've got my usual bent wheels, forks slightly fucked, but hey, I know I can mend/replace them. You simply can't replace the feeling of riding Innerleithen with that massive grin inside you.
Check out the pics, top stuff. Ok, enough ranting.
Friday was a sweet drive up. Some laughs in the new mobiles and we hit red route at Glentress straight off. I was feeling the benefit of intense prep the week before, so the legs pushed all the way to the top of spooky woods, no probs, so was performing better than I did on the GT on previous Glentress trips.
Jimbo even managed the 1st fall, woop woop! First ride on spooky woods and bam, my rear brake fails. Going hard into a berm, I pull the lever, get jack, over compensate on the front brake and fly over the handlebars in true wrestling style to be slammed into the ground. After cursing for a while, we headed onward, still pushing the limits, but i sat at the back, learning how to use front brakes only! Good skills though. Got to the hub to be greeted with less than helpful staff (cursed them too). So I bought a bleed kit and the boys did me proud as we all mucked in and pulled a blinder. The impromtu bike stand was genius in particular!
Day 2 and Innerleithen beckoned. 3 of the boys ignored advice and chose the unrewarding pain of the Black XC route (black cos you end up at the last 2 sections of DH!). The rest of us had an awesome play onthe DH route. James H and me knew of the 2 last sections, but to our delight we were directed towards further push ups, revealing 5 sections in total, with the open section proving an absolute gem. After the immense climb up, we rode each section in full, to the bottom and had a breather. Time to take in the enormity of how awesome Innerleithen is. In the dry FS may not be required, but I was loving every penny I'd spent on the Stinky. Think I've upped my limits and the bike can give me even more! All the boys were loving life though. After a chill, we hauled poor Leo up with us for an attempt number 2. Every bit of pain in pushing up is worth it. We started some filming and pics, some awesome stuff. Once at the open section we kicked in FO style. Pulling jumps, speed, the lot, i got a little carried away. Massive air at about 25-30mph, i landed then the front tyre ruptured, snakebite to the tube and I went one way, the bike the other. Big up to my new lid, pads and all. A massive bruising to my left thigh and a few others. Bike took a ding to the shifter, but who needs the indicators anyway?!!! I fixed her up, cursed the 'slight' bending to fork, and got back to it!
Further sections were filmed and we left the hillside absolutley buzzing. Chris and Stew joined us after pushing back up, with Stew joining the fall action! All in all a top day, followed by curry mission.
Day 3 and red route awaited. Unfortunately Chris's weekend was prematurely ended, we all felt a bit sick, but the lad is made of sterner stuff, he'll be back with pads next time! With team rider Steve (http://www.thesingingfeet.co.uk/fearingout/team/fearingout_team.html) joining us, we rode the red route til it wouldn't ride no more! Lots of top shots and big air. Good effort from all. And a fall from Leo! After the rest of the sections, we chilled and had a blast on the new Freeride trails. I attempted above my level, Steve showed the way. I was Chuffed to throw myself off the north shore style drop offs, somewhat balls out style, but HELL YEAH i loved it! As the energy sapped, I just made the end box jump before caning my knee on my bars, so I retired til Monday!
Last day and the original 4 from friday returned to give Innerleithen one more "seeing to"! Absolutely awesome. We pushed it hard, but I'm sure we were all a bit wary of final ride injuries! Plus, I was physically fucked from a few injuries, but adrenalin pushed all the way.
If 4 days can feel any better on a bike, then surely Whistler is the only place that is better. Weather; awesome. Banter; top. Accomodation, spot on (cheers Jan at Winkston Framhouse!). Riding; incredible. The whole experience; to be repeated as soon as possible!
I've got my usual bent wheels, forks slightly fucked, but hey, I know I can mend/replace them. You simply can't replace the feeling of riding Innerleithen with that massive grin inside you.
Check out the pics, top stuff. Ok, enough ranting.
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