2010 is the year I really discovered mountains. Since we started bagging Munroes on the bike regardless of the terrain, along with a range of English and Welsh mountains, a whole new world of cycling has opened up to me. Challenging several-hour climbs combined with long, technical descents has opened up my eyes to the use of 6″ bikes in the UK outside the DH course. There are still some mountains though, like Helvellyn, that just don’t warrant bounce and the hardtail still rules.

I think this snow has put the nail in the coffin of the year’s mountains, but here’s to more in 2011.

Snowdon

The only mountain in Wales we tackled. A break in the weather for the climb gave some much needed respite before tackling the cold, technical descent. Not too challenging as a ride but a lot of fun. The ride ended in the dark in pouring rain- just enough adventure for now. This is the mountain that kicked it all off for us really. (not my photos these, they’re much better than the ones I took)

Peak District

My home trails revisited with new people. Not strictly mountains, but a big adventurous ride with a healthy cover of snow and exciting trails.

Ben Lomond

The first Scottish hill of the year. Atrocious weather and even some snow up top. A fast and furious middle section breaks up two technical sections. A challenging climb, though unusually it’s about 60% rideable.

Glen Coe

Again, the Devil’s Staircase is not strictly a mountain, and while the Ciaran Path is a disappointment, this big ride is a real adventure and the Staircase is a superb trail- technical and fast in equal measure and suitable for a wide range of abilities.

Ben Nevis

Probably the most challenging trail. There are some tourist friendly motorway sections that are just a blast but the lower section is one of the hardest bits of trail I’ve ridden- I had a headache at the bottom from focussing so hard and it’s the only trail I’ve ridden where I’d genuinely recommend a 6″ bike as being the only way to get the most out of it. Needs a quiet day (or a late start time) to get a clear enough run. And a bell!

The Alps

A bit of a break followed Ben Nevis as we explored the lower level trails north of Inverness, but in June we headed to the Alps for the Mega Avalanche and to explore the Portes du Soleil. Obviously climbing was limited but some of the built trails here are as exciting as the natural ones.

Ben Lomond take 2

A distance between friends over the summer meant a break from team attacks on mountains, though Huw did batter Helvellyn but as a birthday treat we redid Ben Lomond. A late climb led to beautiful late evening sunshine accompanying us down the northern descent- a different way down we did on a whim. It’s different to the southerly trail, in no way better but in no way worse. Just different. Probably my favourite ascent, backed up by a wonderful road trip, an exciting night’s camping and a 3rd place at 10 More at Moray.

Glen Clova

I wasn’t there for this ride but felt this photo had to be shown to someone.

Carn Liath

A sneaky little Munro just behind Blair Atholl. We tackled this twice- once was in 70mph winds and we turned back before summiting.

Braig Coire

Again, a sneaky one behind Blair Atholl. A stunning temperature inversion saw us on one of the few peaks above the clouds. Rutting deer present all over, roaring through the clouds unseen. There must have been around 50 deer loitering on the ridge opposite and in the valley floor.

Carn Bhan Mor

Not a Munro, despite being above the right height, as it’s linked to another peak beyond. This is probably my favourite descent in the country- fast, furious, technical then open. Berms, twists then a bit of singletrack in the woods to finish. We’ve tackled this 3 times this year, and to my lasting regret never on a photogenic day.

Nan Bheild

We tackled this both ways, despite the recommendations of STW and found the “unrecommended” descent to be the more technical and more exciting of the two. A real challenge, making you feel like you’ve really achieved something on the bike, making you shake with fear. The return descent is fast, open singletrack with stunning views.

Geal Charn

The last big one of the year. An epic 30 mile ride with 6 miles of snowy hike a bike with snow past our knees. A quiet, adventurous explore of the Cairngorms with an exciting snowy descent. Without the snow it would have been a dull, untechnical forgetable ride but as it was it was an experience that’ll stick with me for a while.

There are more, but sometimes the camera had to stay away. Huw did one ride encompassing 7 munroes (and a trip in an RAF seaking) in one go, along with a few others I missed. But it’s been an adventure.

Next year it’s all about munroes- it’s unlikely we’ll bag all of them on a bike but given a few years there may be a “munro bike chart” available from us!

I feel I ought to thank a few people for this year’s riding, firstly-

Spokes Cycles, The Bike Shop (Hexham) and The Bike Chain for keeping Huw, me and the others in decent bike bits.

Second, my main Big Mountain Buddies-

Huw, who was there for them all and more, and coined “Munro Biking”, Graham, Craig and Chris. There are more.